(This chapter wouldn't be possible without the help of anonmike217, follow him)
It's been some time since the Kroq-gar down moment. Along with the training of the elf slaves who were taking the activity in stride. Kind of following Alfred who looked at him for guidance along with Olivia. Both being pseudo guardians of the three as they were a bit more uneasy with the other humans. Which is fair because trauma would serve to lessen that through some activities with the more mortal of the help. Thinking of checking up on them and seeing where they come from and how the slavery of trade is being enacted so annihilate the place. Well the practitioners not the others depending on judgment. But most importantly Kroq-gar was in a different kind of mood today, feeling the Saurus code in his Dna compelling him.
Kroq-gar: Which city should I siege today?
Hearing a knock on the door Kroq-gar moved out of his giant golden bed as he was finished staring at the ceiling for today. Taking a walk to find some of the furniture was just a dresser and a pathway for a giant hot tub, shower, and bathroom in one. Walking to the door he opened the door finding Alfred who was waiting for him.
Kroq-gar: Hey Alfred
Alfred smiled, making way for Kroq-gar to enter the hallway of his golden palace.
Alfred: I see you're in a better mood than last time
Kroq-gar nodded.
Kroq-gar: Yeah, the wonders of miniature painting can calm the mind huh
Alfred nodded seeing the hallway having glass cases of figurines painted to the smallest detail line up across the walls.
Alfred: Indeed, Kroq-gar, despite this hobby of yours costing quite a lot
Kroq-gar laughed nervously as he was walking down the hall with Alfred close behind him.
Kroq-gar: Well at least it's better than the dragon emperor making those terracotta sentinel models
Both know that the dragon emperor has a hobby that costs half of the revenue of the kingdom to have these giant golems of wall to protect the border and inner holdings against all threats. Why didn't he train the peasants to become soldiers? He got addicted to making them. Along with his wife creating the cats and birds versions of the golems. Who also cost the other half of the revenue of the kingdom. Alfred chuckled.
Alfred: That's because they are giant size and serve a function
Both finding one of the dragon pups was grabbing one of the figures and chewing it. With one of the skinks escorting this child taking the figurine out his mouth and was scolded for trying to eat one of the figurines. Kroq-gar cringed inside that his models kept being chewed on by the dragon pups and Kroxigors. Alfred chuckled.
Alfred: Well besides toys that is
Kroq-gar looked at Alfred genuinely offended that he would call his labor of love toys.
Kroq-gar: They are not toys Alfred, they are figurines
Alfred laughed at that and managed to arrive at the playpen for the little dragon pups who were using the figurine as toys and coloring the pictures with an assortment of paints and pencils. Some of them were nipping at their tails and the big ones were rolling around on the ground. Finding the Elf slaves now turned maids having quite a handful of taking care of these groups of pups. Finding one of the blue ones being ridden on by the blue haired version of the pups. The red hair one was getting her hand bitten by the red hair ones as they crawled away on their belly and finally the golden hair one was losing games of cards against the golden hair pups taking her money.
Alfred: Not in the eyes of the pups it seems
Kroq-gar sighed and watched as Olivia arrived with the other dragon maid being of the chamber version. Having white hair, dressed in black with highlights of light green and blue. Both clapped their hands and all of the pups moved in an instant allowing the elf maids to have some breathing room and getting some patchups here and there as the pups teeth were a little sharp. Olivia looked up seeing the two were checking up on the elf maids and talked to the chambermaid to escort the pups back to their hatcheries. Now walking up the stairs to address the two.
Olivia: Kroq-gar, Alfred
Kroq-gar nodded with Alfred joining in. Both looking at the elves who were tidying up the place pulling out some bandages for the red hair hand. Along with poking fun of the golden hair, who lost all of her allowance against four year olds. All being watched on by the three who were watching them.
Olivia: They seem to be taking the job well
Kroq-gar nodded.
Kroq-gar: Yeah. I kind of expected them to be overwhelmed by the dragon responsibilities.
Olivia nodded and all walked down to the playpen.
Olivia: I thought so too at first, but it seems like an elf and dragon have a connection with each other
Kroq-gar nodded thinking of the twins before shaking it off. He has some questions to speak with the elves who were cleaning the last of it up. Olivia stood up tall and spoke of their new names.
Oliva: Hera, Kali, Shae Kroq-gar wants to talk to you
The three elves perked up hearing their new names being called and all walked forward and bowed their heads.
Elf Maids: Greetings, Lord Kroq-gar
They all said in unison. Kroq-gar tapped his chin trying to see who to address first as they seemed to share one mind at the moment but at the same time they do have their own moments of personality. Kroq-gar decided to speak of the first name that Olivia said then go from there.
Kroq-gar: Hera, how are you and the others doing?
The red-haired elf looked at the two who nodded. Kroq-gar figuring out the context clue was that the elf addressing him is Hera. She spoke.
Hera: We are doing great, even more than what we expected.
The other two nodded agreeing with the statement. Satisfied with the answer. He thought of the next name Kali to ask.
Kroq-gar: About that man Erya
The maids' happy expressions immediately went to disgust. Kroq-gar, knowing what that means, continued as his question might already have been answered.
Kroq-gar: He bought you from somewhere, do you want to come back to your homeland?
The Elf maids: No
Noticing they didn't even hesitate in saying no. Kroq-gar nodded and pressed.
Kroq-gar: Why?
The elfs expression changes slightly from worry and bad memories from the place. Kali explained it to him.
Kali: Well we were in a small elf village, we got captured by soldiers calling themselves the Slann Theocracy
The three nodded, making the Slann Theocracy a murder on sight/ tricking them into giving all their money for later. Kali continued.
Kali: After that it was mostly a blur till now, we would rather stay here than return to our war torn homes
Alfred furrowed about that and asked his question.
Alfred: Why is your home under war? Was it human relations? Expansion?
Kali furrowed not knowing the final details but the golden-haired elf named Shae spoke up to help Kali explain.
Shae: I don't really know, but from me overhearing the troops they said it was something involving the elf ruler...having a...struggle with...
Kroq-gar raised his hand on what Shae was trying to say. She nodded and retreated into herself as the three absorbed the words being implied that the elf ruler kidnapped one of the Slane theocracy nobles or warriors and produced an unwanted child. Kroq-gar furrowed for a bit and asked his question.
Kroq-gar: What's the personality of the ruler? Does anyone say anything good about him?
Shae tapped her fingers together trying to put it as nicely as possible.
Shae: We don't really know much about him besides having heterochromia eyes and a giant rock golem at his command
Kroq-gar nodded thinking of the twins being linked to royalty in this world. Might need to visit the oak of ages for a bit to reconnect with old friends on figuring out more of this king. But from context clues it doesn't seem good.
Shae: Other than that he is looking for powerful children to command...which is why he...sends us to the front lines
Olivia's expression immediately went narrow eyed on the implication that those that failed to bear him a child were sent as cannon fodder to die in a pointless war. Alfred as well being angry on the behalf of the elven citizens being subjected to the war effort by a king's own vanity. Seeing the elves being spooked by their saviors shift in tone. Kroq-gar raised his hands for the two to stand down. Both took a breath and thought about a situation to deal with later. Kroq-gar nodded and looked at the three.
Kroq-gar: Anything else to say? Like where you were bartered and sold from
Shae and Hera shook their heads. Kali was trying to recollect her memories of being sold at a slave auction but it was out in the open. Until she managed to get the city name.
Kali: El-Kalabad
The three tilted their heads. Along with the elf slaves. Kali, seeing she has all eyes on her, tried to rack her brain around it to the best of her abilities.
Kali: I think I was sold in the city called El-Kalabad, it might be close or far from here I can't say
Kroq-gar nodded along with Alfred and Oliva. Even though the information was small. At least they know what it's called. Being more than enough to cross reference the city states they have along with sending their skinks to scout ahead.
Kroq-gar: It's alright kali, that's enough for us to burn the city
The elf maids nodded happily that they were able to answer Kroq-gar questions. Until Kalie noticed something.
Kali: Wait, you're gonna what?
Olivia ushered the maids off for it's time for the adults to do the talking.
Olivia: Nothing you should worry about my darlings, it's time for your other duties
Kali was about to say something but Hera ushered her along.
Hera: It's alright Kali, they can handle it
Hera picked up the context and wanted to focus her mind on other things. Shae sighed as she was feeling her pockets only having silver and brown coins left.
Shae: Yeah and besides we need to get our allowance back
Hera and Kali both looked at Shae as they were walking off into the hallway.
Hera: You did not lose our entire allowance to a group of four year olds
Shae stammered.
Shae: Uh-I mean, there was a six year old
Hera and Shae were both arguing they lost their entire allowance on gambling with babies. Dragon babies granted but still babies. Kali laughed a little nervously as they walked down the hallway to do some chores and general maintenance of the city or their designated sections. Leaving the three rulers of the city to discuss the most important thing on the agenda to do today. Kroq-gar faced his two most trusted advisors and friends on all things thinking it's time to enjoy the sights for a bit.
Kroq-gar: Olivia, Alfred, time to go for a walk
It has been some time sending the skinks out to scout the area and find the city of El-Kalabad. Actually it took like half an hour to find the city as it was somewhat next door. Finding it one of the major trade hubs and supply points of the Slann Theocracy and Re-Estize kingdoms. Alfred, Olivia, and Kroq-gar were going over the siege plans to take over the city due to its relatively close proximity to the capital of New Hexotal. At first they were planning on burning it down but Alfred shook his head on that despite having a lot of reasons to. Plus it would serve as a launching point due to it being at the border of Nazerick and the Slann Theocracy in a couple of cities or so. All being looked over and checked at one of the war table rooms. Having figurines that Kroq-gar painted and weapons on the walls being separated by red pillars. They were waiting for the more war orientated people to come by. But basically Kroq-gar friends as they got the general overview together.
Kroq-gar looks at the map with Alfred and Olivia remarking on how the figurines look just like them. The footsteps were heard and all looked to find Kroq-gar friends and companions arrived. With Oxyotl already taking his seat at the war table. Nakai yawned for a bit, getting woken up from his sleep as this was early in the morning.
Nakai: Lord Kroq-gar? Why have you summoned us here, and so early in the morning?
Gor-rok chuckled for a bit.
Gor-rok: It's only eight o-clock big can sunbathe another time.
Nakai yawned again and took his seat along with Gor-rok. Both being large chairs to accompany their weight and power as the last time Nakai sat on a chair it broke. Oxyotl glanced at Alfred who had his red beret where his handkerchief was supposed to be and chuckled.
Oxyotl: Yes, why have you summoned us? Besides a hunt of course
Kroq-gar laid down the map showing the major city province El-kalabad being a major supply city along with villages littered across the forest. Olivia took one of the long sticks used to move the pieces to move from one village to another. Showing Kroq-gar riding his Gymloq moving through the villages and arriving at the city of El-Kabad.
Kroq-gar: From the eyes of our skinks, we are going on a campaign to the city of El-Kalabad taking the smaller villages, counting about three along the way to own the entire province, Drupus
Tapping at the map of the province of Drupus. All seeing it highlight being one of the major provinces as it extends to about three nations borders. Given a couple of cities or so. Mazdamundi nodded seeing there was no natural border and proposed his offer.
Mazdamundi: An interesting province outline, should I use the riverway of our city to create a natural barrier?
Kroq-gar looked at Alfred and Olivia who nodded.
Kroq-gar: Permission granted, we could use the rivers to transport goods and supplies along the way
Mazdamundi nodded and gestured his hand to show the potential riverway crossing, giving the villages much needed soil and nutritions to grow their crops. The crop placement looked like it could sustain the village but the convoy of traveling to the city was leading the villages to ruin.
Mazdamundi: Done, now what is the fate of the city? I could drop a comet if you want?
Kroq-gar shook his head.
Kroq-gar: No from the supply point and the general location, it's better to keep the building
Looking at Mazdamundi who only narrowed.
Kroq-gar: And people, intact until they are processed by our laws
Mazdamundi sighed, not happy that his great plan was not received well. Kroq-gar shook his head. Seeing he was still the same. Oxyotl finishing his preparation of getting his blowpipes ammunition decided to move this conversation along.
Oxyotl: So what's the plan Kroq-gar? Besides me and Alfred teaching the warmbloods fear
Kroq-gar nodded and grabbed one of the croquet sticks that were on the table. Placing the figurines of Alfred and Oxyotl to the city.
Kroq-gar: Pave the way for us, the villages won't be a threat as first contact shows they are more than willing to be on our side, but to be safe I'm sending you two to check on the villagers to do some side quests in earning the trust of them
The two nodded and listened as Kroq-gar was moving some more figurines to the city. Being Nakai and Olivia.
Kroq-gar: The side quests shouldn't take too long as the baggage train we are carrying is going to the villages to be a supply run, meanwhile Nakai and Olivia would be taking the Kroxigors and the cold one riders to surround the city, until Gor-Rok and I come with our dinosaurs to either batter down the gates
Using the croquet for him and Gor-rok getting the dinosaurs used to batter the gates. Mainly Saurus and skinks riding along the bastiladons and stegodons. While Kroq-gar pushed through the main city gate with Grymloq and Gor-rok providing troop support in case any of the local residents came in.
Kroq-gar: Or Alfred and Oxyotl open the gates, there will be archers so we need to hit them hard and fast
Alfred and Oxyotl chuckled.
Alfred: Do not worry Kroq-gar, we can handle the archers on the walls
Kroq-gar nodded, trusting the swiftness of Oxyotl and Alfred. Moving Mazdamundi with the main body of the troops to provide a shield with his chair and the skink priests to heal the wounded or dying.
Kroq-gar: Mazdamundi you are going to ride with Zlagg and the main troops to provide a shield, along with the skink priests riding on the bastiladon and stegodons, where we are going we don't need to hide behind the hill
Mazdamundi nodded, noticing the city that was supposed to be a major trade point had low defenses. Opting to use mercenary forces that belong to certain organizations in the city. If they can hit hard and fast the defenders would scramble to protect their holdings rather than repelling the attackers. Gor-rok looked at the plan and it seemed simple enough but he wandered about something.
Gor-rok: What if we get bogged down, or those that surrendered
Kroq-gar pondered for a moment thinking that the moment they burst through the walls the city would erupt in panic and people throwing their weapons down in surrender as they never saw giant dinosaurs and lizardmen before. But there is an equal chance that said troops will be bogged down by the amount of people they have to defeat. Kroq-gar nodded.
Kroq-gar: For the surrendering people, have the skinks take them to the town square
Then moved the piece that Naki and Olivia troop chose that will accompany them. Being skinks of the feathered kind and long red lizards known as the salamanders. Gor-rok chuckled remembering those types of lizards spewing fire which would be more than enough to take care of any potential hold outs. Along with the chameleon stalkers using their blow pipes to shoot explosive darts and club them to death.
Kroq-gar: Being bogged down, well...Let's say the defenders won't see what's coming
In the city of El-Kalabad, where traders of all walks of life. But more importantly, the Slann Theocracy and Capital of Restize were here to trade the coming goods and supplies from the southern empire's most recent conquest. Most notable elf, dwarf, human, even Orks have come to be traded and barter with. The Orks are sent to the pit fighters to earn glory. The others were split and sent to other corners of the city to be barter and sold by a company in far southern empires. Rumored to either be tomb kings or the land known as Araby. But all know that some slave trading companies have been making a tidy profit by introducing these exotic people that were not seen anywhere else. One such sale has gathered a crowd of people grouping around the stage. There were about six people on that stage in total. Two of them being guards making sure none of the slaves escaped.
A leading one looking to be a very old man in his late 40s having tan skin and a gaping tooth. He is a slave trader who was sent by the leading slave company to sell these slaves in this part of the city. Said company made a reputation of making exotic people that were sold at a nice price. Even capturing some dark elves once during a skirmish. But those were only in name as they looked quite pale and was considered a loss as the ones with the crazy eyes were sold and came back to butcher those that captured her. Making the dark elves or Druchii a no go. But they made an exception just this once as they found a much more exotic elf that proved to be even rarer than what they already have.
Slave Trader: Come one, come all! Come and see the finest slaves from the new world!
Came the Slavetrader who was gathering the ignorant masses of E-Rantel. Even noticing some nobles who wear many types of jewelry around their fingers and clothing. Thinking he might have hit a jackpot.
Slavetrader: As a fellow proud citizen of E-rental, I provide you with the finest of exotic beauties! Ideal for all your sexual needs and emergencies!
Lying through his teeth as he was born in Arby and managed to make his way here under the employ of the caravan group known as Jackals claws. Who got this place hooked line and sinker as this place gave them much more money then what Arby could give them. Now getting one of the more standard of slaves being a prisoner that could not keep her fingers off of mens coin purses. Dressed in a purple high-neck, sleeveless bodysuit, with purple gloves, knee high socks and purple hair to boot, with eyes as sharp as a cat.
Slavetrader: This lovely woman was a famous thief, but now she needs a man to teach her a lesson
The slave trader then presented the second slave. Being a more dark skinned woman, twin dark ponytails, and being dressed as a maid like all the others before her. But after being accused of sleeping with the noble boy who also slept with many many more of the maids. She was used as a scapegoat for the scandal and now she wound up here. Humiliated, traded, and now being brought to a human nation that barely anyone heard about.
Slavetrader: The second one, however, already knows a profession, as she was a maid for her mistress
Then the slave trader presented the last slave as being the most exotic of all. Having some tattoos across her cheek being in resemblance to two claws. Long blonde and braided hair. Wearing very little clothing revealing her boob window and white dress.
Slavetrader: But if you crave something more exotic, then this splendid girl here has both elven and dwarven blood running through her veins! As you can see, our stock is both diverse and beautiful, but that's not all...
The slave trader went behind the half-dwarf and elf. Or dwelf, name pending for a later date. Touching her top and pulling it down, revealing her two large breasts as they bounced out of her clothes, made her blush a little as the slave trader presented them. Getting the Onlookers to Ah's and oh's at them. Being the largest they have ever seen. Even rivaling the human women which caused some of the noble women to look in envy and compare their sizes and being disappointed they were not them.
Slavetrader: They have some of the finest breasts you will ever gaze upon! Just look at these mounds!
The slave trader then cups one of her breasts. Showing the audience who ogled at it with some of the more artistic of them. Drawing them out and presenting it to their for...later use.
Slavetrader: Why are they both perfectly soft yet firm? Just waiting for a real man to come forward and claim them!
Slave trader moved to the black woman then cupped her cheeks who was not expecting that.
Slavetrader: And some already know how to serve!
The slave trader pulled the black woman's chain around her neck, which disgusted her.
Slavetrader: This dark-skinned beauty is already adept at serving you with all of your daily needs. All of them! Why, she is just waiting for someone to come forward and show her, Her place!
And with that, the citizens started to place bets on the slaves. All yelling their prices that they are willing to part. Getting the commotion louder and louder masking the noise of two certain individuals taking down any unwanted attention. In fact the guards on the wall were in the inner city as this was an exotic event and all needed to be in the inner city to make sure these exotic specimens do not escape from their cages. Allowing some party crashers to get in a more up and close entrance.
Randomcitizen: 100!
Came a random citizen as he remained ignorant of creatures scaling the walls.
Random Noble: 700 gold for the exotic hybrid!
Came a noble pointing his cane to the hybrid. Getting in the crosshair of a certain ex-freedom fighter before being moved on at a bigger gathering up ahead. Now going on the move to get into the inner city along with some he calls his red beret.
Randomcitizen: 200 gold for the maid!
Came a random local citizen who has a much dirtier house and desperately needed someone to clean it. Said house was being tagged by some more covered folks that when people take a look at them were just harem members and moved on with their day. Never knowing that said harem members were escorting the slaves out and leaving a goodbye gift.
Randomcitizen: 250!
Another random citizen came who was also the neighbor of the other local random citizens who were butting heads with each other as they wanted the maid. Who's building was also tagged as the harem members were moving along swiftly getting to the local town square with the others being escorted by other robed members.
Randomcitizen: 500!
He yelled out hoping that was enough to get at least one. Being overhead as creatures were lining up against the wall to ram in all directions.
Randomcitizen: 400 for the thief!
Holding his hand out as four fingers thinking he can get specifics. Some specifics of the guard house variety were being slumped on the floor for having too much wine to drink. Spilling it on the wall, the gear, and the floor. Quite a messy business as some were cleaning their instruments to properly clean the house.
Random Noble: 900 gold for both the thief and the maid!
Pulling out a hail merry as he bet his entire saving and some harvests from his peasants to get a two for one deal. Getting some other hail merry was being put in place as some of the more exotic creatures looking to be unlike anything they ever seen were being rolled up at the town square. All sitting down, hands on their knees with the leading one being quite larger than the rest of them. Getting the crowd to wander if he would be the arena champion due to all of the scars he has.
Randomcitizen: 450!
Was another random desperate citizen trying to go home with a wife. The dwelf looked up at the sky, noticing some commotion in the air and finding some magic at the tip of her head. She wondered why someone would use magic at a time like this. Well other than making them more presentable. The perverts, said pervert, were yelling out hoping to get a free showing rather than paying an admission fee for a strip club.
Random Citizen: Make those slaves strip! We deserve to see more!
Suddenly a loud crash was punched through the wall. Revealing the crowd a giant monster hitting through the wall. As the dust settled all eyes were on the giant monster and a lizard man holding a giant spear and golden arm sitting on top of his saddle throne. The beast roared giving the signal and all hell broke loose. Most of the city walls were being punched through having more of the beasts, some having large crests like helmets while others being a more hardshell version.
Carrying all assortments of lizardmen and smaller creatures running through the crowds heading in deeper into the city to disembark. One of the slave girls screams as giant monsters are invading the city and the entire crowd disperses as more come flooded in. In the inner town square the crowd was looking at the general direction of the roar. Nakai chuckled and ripped open the decorative chain along with five other of his buddies. The five slammed their fists down on the platform they were sitting on and grabbed their long handed axes out. Nakai put the Axe over his back and spotted the leading guard in this force who was eating a piece of bread.
Nakai slit his throat with his thumb and the guard quickly stuffed the bread and ran along with the other guards who were not paid enough for this. He roared out, getting his five to go on a frenzy, causing the five to dive bomb against the guards who were paid for this flatten almost immediately and rolled over from the sheer mass of the Kroxigors. The guards were in a frenzy trying to get as many men they could have muster. All rallying to a guard named general Korhal as he was waving his sword in the air near some buildings.
All the troops were running in formation finally managing to get some place to form before they watched the general get vaporized and all were sent down into the ground as the buildings exploded in fire sending debris everywhere. The surviving troops were groaning from the explosive charge and looked up seeing some of the harem women were standing in a circle. Before they could question the hooded figures, they threw off their capes and revealed to be an old and very tall woman with the other girls being a head shorter but looking quite frenzy with dark and red hair. The woman pointed her arms out.
Olivia: Light them up girls!
She laughed maniacally as she burned the survivors into crisps as the other girls followed their superiors orders of burning the survivors. At the palace the noble in charge of leading this city. Or a puppet that was leading the city as the actual noble was away on vacation was running around trying to gather as many valuables as he could tell the city was lost.
Taking a look outside with two guards as they noticed the city was exploding with lizardmen flooding the streets. He quickly ran to where the rest of his nobles and servants were gathering at the meeting place. Managing to make it and he smiled as he was holding his breath and could finally relax as he was safe.
Now pushing the large doors open his face was crestfallen seeing an old man with a red hat on his head with brown and green clothing looking more heavily armored than he has ever seen before. Said weapon was aimed at his stomach being unlike any gunpowder weapon he had seen before but in his heart knew it was a gun. Finding him smiling as his two guards fell to the floor unconscious.
Alfred: Hello there
The city invasion ended as quickly as it began with the citizens being rounded up as the defenders were all running around with their heads cut off in both metaphorical as the leading caravan companies buildings that were to make the defense were bombed with girls of black and red torching them to the ground and literal as an albino lizard hit a guard across the head tearing it off of his body.
With the other kind bashing the heads off of the other guards leaving only frightened civilians and caravan guards to protect their investment. Said caravan guard yelled with all of their might as they charged against the coming horde of lizardmen and failed miserably as they got shot down by skinks and blow darts exploding the guards sending them to the ground. Getting the Saurus to do their knife work as one lifted his sword.
Caravan Guard: No no! Wait-Gurk!
While all this was going on and seeing the lizardmen were gathering all those who surrendered and unconscious people to the town squares as the smaller ones decorated in feathers check. Ember, the half-dwarf and elf or dwelf, was hiding to avoid being captured. Losing her fellow slaves in the chaos as she was hiding behind a shopping stalls. Seeing an opening as the Saurus was leaving the area. She tried to make a daring escape hoping to use the holes on the wall to make her escape. Running with her sandals and chained together she saw that she was almost home free but unfortunately she would never escape because one of the girls in black and red spotted her running along.
Tilting her head like a skink she smelt she was nothing like she smelt before and had to take her back to her master. Hoping her bola classes proved fruit she quickly made one out of magic and cut off some of her hair. She spun it around her head and threw catching her legs together and she fell to the ground. Quickly skittering on the ground she circled around the Elf or dwarf being confused on which is which.
The Elf looked up seeing a normal looking girl but her ears were like her ears and having a tooth out of the side of her mouth and tilted her head. Only to notice someone and move back. Ember looked forward and saw a giant woman of black and red standing tall over her. Olivia patted the head of the girl who came next to her on the head and leaned down.
Olivia: An interesting specimen
Was the last thing Ember heard before a hand encompassed her face and her world went dark. Olivia picked her up, the girl slumbering after being casted a sleep spell. Along with one of her girls skittering to the side still in the process of leaving the spawning pool habits.
She cleaned up her head and claws as she followed finding the others were gathering at the town square on a mission accomplished. Olivia looked down at her girl who lifted her head up and was scratching underneath her chin as a reward before giving her some food later.
Olivia: Come, the others are waiting for us, I think he'll be interested in this one
Time skip (A Week later)
Ember/Victoria/Myria: 'Just my luck'
Ember, the half-dwarf and elf; Victoria, the thief; Myria, the dark-skinned maid; and the rest of the captured prisoners all thought about how their city just had to be the one besieged. Finding the people of El-Kalabad was now reduced to nothing more than captured prisoners. All being processed as the lizardmen were taking them group by group to check for intent and purpose.
Some of the slaves thought there was a saving grace of being prisoners rather than being sold into a perverted man or woman's care. As of now they were in some sort of city or temple prison cells with iron bars that were covered and sealed the entrance of the others. None said a word as they awaited for judgment or most were unconscious on the trip here.
Going through these weird portal things and being replaced by more of them occupying the city to remake the city in their image. None of them spoke as there wasn't really anything to say for the prisoners were being processed rather quickly. Speaking of which, a group of lizardmen and a skink priest opened their cell. The priest waved his hand, casting some magic that made them lethargic and slow for a moment.
Getting the Saurus to lift the prisoners and escort them out of the prison complex and into a large room. The walking managed to get the group to stop being lethargic and some quickly panicked a bit as they realized the large door was the judgment room. Before they were to say anything they were quickly intimidated into silence by one look of the lizardmen holding a spear and shield. The leading priest opened the door and all heard the commotion being yelled out.
?: PLEASE SPARE ME! I DO WHATEVER YOU WANT! DO YOU WANT MONEY? I HAVE MONEY! DO YOU WANT THAT? JUST PLEASE SPARE ME!
Came one of the prisoners who was yelling and pleading for his life as the others were being escorted in. Also a Saurus was grabbing a short man and chucked him at the floor as a last minute prisoner judgment call. Somehow missing him but that doesn't matter as all heard the judgment of the leading Lizardmen refusing the man's pleas for mercy.
?: You bargain with money for your life, money that was exchanged for lives you took, by the law of this land and for those that were stolen from their homes, I sentence you to death, guards take this parasite away
With Judgment passed. The prisoners were all seated down on the floor and could then hear large and lumbering footsteps coming towards the door. The doors were slammed open by two giant Kroxigors that marched to the man and dragged him away to be executed as he was struggling to escape. When the prisoners got a good look at the struggling person, they were shocked to learn that it was the slave trader and somehow survived.
Slavetrader: PLEASE, I DON'T WANT TO DIE!
The ones who weren't shocked were Ember, Victoria, and Myria, who were glad that this bastard got what he deserved. These feelings wouldn't last as the guards hit their hilts on the floor for the prisoners to quickly understand that this is their turn for judgment. The prisoners looked left and right, noticing that only two of the lizardmen guard were at the door and it was somewhat dark.
Finding the only sources of light were on the side of the chamber having braziers at the side but those were dimming somewhat. They looked to the throne as it glowed bright like the sun was setting on top of it. The prisoners eyes were readjusting to the sudden bright light and saw a lizard man sitting on his golden throne having a golden arm on top of a stairlike pyramid with a tall woman having a large red tail dressed like a maid standing next to him.
And finally a giant dinosaur resting at the seat of the lizardmen throne of power. The slave girl's eyes immediately went wide as this was the lizardmen who burst through the wall. Ember looked at the women who were captured who narrowed her eyes a bit as the women looked down on them but something about her stare was analyzing her for some reason. The Lizardmen waved his golden hand to disarm the nervousness of the prisoners.
?: Greetings, my friends! My name is Kroq-gar
The prisoners sat up nervous to speak as he did a 180 on his personality from before. Except the slaves who were thinking he could be lenient on them. Some were trying to find their strength to speak but then a little boy with messy clothes stood up and ran through the group and approached Kroq-gar. Surprising the prisoners but not the lizardmen who expected an incident like this to happen. The child had tears in his eyes as he pointed at Kroq-gar.
Child: Where my parents, you monster!
One of the temple guards walked over to the child and picked him up by the collar. Disabling him and anything he might do. The child thrashed for a bit but one look of the lizardmen was all that was needed to be still. Kroq-gar looked at this child ripped apart by war, nodded and shared sympathies. But not enough to escape judgment.
Kroq-gar: Do not worry, child. Your family is fine, I've taken great care to discipline my troops to not harm the civilian population, you will meet them again but only if you pass judgment
The prisoners were relieved that their families were fine and okay as they weren't targeted. But soon realized they were at this lizardman king's mercy and stifled their joy hoping this child wasn't sentenced to death for calling him a monster. Other kings would execute people for lesser crimes. Kroq-gar learned by looking into the eyes of this child.
Kroq-gar: So, what is your name, little one?
The child shrinked for a bit as he could tell Kroq-gar was seeing into his soul. He gulped the fear down as he was left dangling in the air by a lizardman.
Michael: My name is Michael
Kroq-gar nodded. Accepting that answer as the truth for this room was the zone of truth room. No lies or schemes will be spoken in these sacred halls. However a half truth and assumption will leak into the cracks. Just need to ask the right question for the right answer.
Kroq-gar: Well Michael I would like to ask you something, what did your family do for a living?
The boy didn't say anything, wracking his brain around trying to make his family as innocent as possible. Hoping farmers that were called to the annual war or draft are innocent. He spoke.
Michael: Well...Sir *gulp* me and my family were farmers, we went to El-Kalabad so that we could sell our crops until we were captured by you
Kroq-gar nodded his head accepting the answer. Just at the wrong place and wrong time.
Kroq-gar: Hmmm, I see
Thinking of where this family is in his prison cells. Thinking of either sending him to the villages he conquered or to Re-Estize territory. Only to quickly disregard the thought as he was going to conquer the Re-Estize territory as he was in an unofficial war right now. He nodded his head.
Kroq-gar: Well, Michael, after much thought, I believe I deem you innocent, guard, escort the boy and his family to my outer villages, see them have a plot of land assigned to them to start fresh
The little child started to cry. Grateful in being alive and his family being given a plot of land to raise their crops. He doesn't know if it was a better deal or not but it might be an improvement then having his land shared by three other families trying to make the nobles tax rent.
Michael: Thank you! Thank you!
The boy shook his head up and down and was held in the arms of the guard in a more dignified manner. Surprising the boy on how warm he felt. Only to shake it off as he needs to see his family to tell them the good news. Kroq-gar nodded and continued to pass judgment. Being some simple and standard procedure. One being a blacksmith sent back to the city to work with skink artisans on his craft, and the other was a trader given some gold for the goods at a discount of course of say 50%. Others were just buying items and were let go to the outer villages to restart their lives or at the city. After the judgment, only three people were left, more specifically slaves as their chains and bracelets were still on their neck and arms. Being named Ember, Victoria, and Myria.
Kroq-gar: Then there were three; tell me what your family did
The mention of the word' family' started to make Ember cry. Ember used to live in a small village of elves, but since her mother, an elf, married her father, who was a dwarf, the people shunned her mother for marrying a dwarf. Even broken both families apart and be stricken from the family tree and forced out of their homes in shame. But this didn't matter for as long as they had each other and their uncle to help. With another more mysterious uncle sending funds under an anonymous name. Which was fair as he wanted to stay in the family and was peer pressured into it.
Only her uncle made it out but had to leave his family behind. Still with difficulties they persisted and managed to find some peace after their lives were torn away. However peace never lasts for their village was attacked by Orks of all different shapes and sizes. While the orks burned their village to the ground,Ember tried to escape with her mother and father, but her mother and father got killed escorting the last of the remaining villagers and all scattered into the woods, never to return.
After the death of her parents, assuming her uncle had perished in the fighting. And her extended family would treat her as a freak of nature. She spent most of her life on the road, going from one village to another trying to find where to belong but the villages of the elf sneered at her for working on hard labor and crafting tools that require elbow grease.
The Dwarves made casual racist remarks at her ears and disrespect towards dwarf tradition and finally humans who were the most annoying as they were after her body. But she managed to grab as much gold from leading them on and running off to the next village. Eventually her luck ran out as bounty hunters captured her and were sold into slavery for her transgression. Ember wiped her tears under the gaze of Kroq-gar, while Olivia whispered in his ear that she was a unique case of being an elf and dwarf, whose eyes widened and nodded.
Ember: I don't have a family or anywhere else to go
Kroq-gar sighed knowing how that feels and gestured to the others to tell them their stories.
Kroq-gar: I see, what about the rest of you?
Victoria whistled a tune and drummed on her knees as she was a thief. From birth and now. Using her subterfuge, tools, bounty boards, even her body to get as much gold so she could live a comfortable life. But at times she just couldn't help herself from catching shiny objects and making a little nest of shinies for her to play with. Being called a magpie sometimes which she took the name in stride. Thinking she had a long thriving career ahead of her. She was captured the next day as they laid gold and an iron cage for her to trap her in.
Victoria: I'm pretty sure I'm wanted everywhere
Victoria smiled hoping she wasn't executed or had her hands cut off. Kroq-gar nodded and looked to Myria who sighed as there really isn't much to say about her. She was a hard worker and did everything her parents taught her to. Work the farm with her many siblings, clean the clothes, count the grain, even settle disputes between farmers coming to share the land to grow. Eventually she managed to get a job at a noble house and thought she was set for life. Waving her family away as she was wrist away by a noble who looked drop dead gorgeous...for a time.
Until his eyes began to wander to the maid staff. Starting to have sex with each and everyone besides her. Only she said no at his advances for she stayed true to her personal code and honor, even stopped one of the maids from being shared with his friends. Unfortunately no good deed goes unpunished and was subsequently accused and sold into slavery but she had the last laugh as her maid friend leaked the documents to the noble houses and was reprimanded for sleeping out of wedlocked. She sighed and looked up at Kroq-gar.
Myria: I can't return, my folks are long gone and I'll probably be marked as a runaway slave again
Kroq-gar nodded.
Kroq-gar: I see
Kroq-gar placed his hands on his chin thinking for a moment about how to best accommodate the three. The hybrid is an instant must to be researched by skink priests so as to make the relations between the two races better or see what benefits and disadvantages would entail. The thief will be tricky as she might have a condition called kleptomania and would serve to be disciplined out of it.
Or have her sent to the looter division and have her desire run wild but no better to be disciplined. The last well she can be a maid as she has nowhere to go now. Might need to create a labor assignment division for the humans to reassign them to places where they serve the best. He snapped his fingers on the best jobs that would be fitting for them.
Kroq-gar: Well, how about this? You served me as maids, you'll have rooms to live in, and you'll be treated the same as everyone else
The three girls looked at each other and nodded thinking that would be best given the current circumstances. Kroq-gar hmpth and clapped his hands.
Kroq-gar: Wonderful, Olivia, escort them to the quarters
Olivia nodded and hovered to the ground using her wings as supports and landed at the three.
Olivia: It shall be done, Lord Kroq-gar, now you three
Ember looked cautiously at her as she was kidnapped from her. Olivia nodded, noticing there needed to be some trust and broke their chains and bracelets binding them. Rubbing at where the places were being broken, Olivia offered a hand to Ember who looked at it.
Olivia: Follow me please.
Ember sighed thinking it's better to get along then having grudges like her father would do. Taking the hand and getting herself up, Victoria quickly got up and stretched her back, and Myria who dusted herself off. All went and followed Olivia to their assigned maid quarters. Watching the three leave Kroq-gar couldn't help but check them out and damn those were some nice asses. Quickly looking left and right hoping he didn't say that outloud. He chuckled thinking he was in the clear. Along with a friend that came in through the door greeting Olivia for a moment and walking through dressed in his butler outfit. Kroq-gar called him out.
Kroq-gar: Alfred. How was the walk?
Alfred chuckled and headed up the stairs.
Alfred: A good one sir, also the scientist, SkekTek likes to see you, he claims he made a breakthrough and needs you right now
Kroq-gar nodded and headed down the steps to see this breakthrough.
Kroq-gar: I see, Well, then I'll see this breakthrough if he requests me to come right now
Alfred hmpth and took Kroq-gar seat to take over the prisoner exchange.
Alfred: I'll look over the rest of the prisoners sir, don't keep them waiting like last time
Kroq-gar chuckled as he was at the door with the guard opening it for him waiting to find the next set of prisoners coming in. Remembering that the last time he kept them waiting the lab exploded because they wanted to experiment to pass the time. Said experiment involving an explosive compound.
Kroq-gar: Alright, see to the prisoners
Alfred nodded as he watched the prisoners taking their seats and finding a figure that was not there before. Even appearing slightly before the others as they walked in. Being a quite easy mistake as he seemed to blend into the ground. Alfred learned by looking at this man.
Alfred: Raise your head and tell me who you are, Mr. Dwarf
The figure being a dwarf lifted his head still covered in his dark green coat dirty by soot and grime after a very long time of traveling. Now seeing the eyes of this dwarf and nodding as this was a veteran thrown into the wayside after his service was done. The dwarf spoke tired after going through so much.
Dwarf: My name doesn't matter anymore, I'm just a beggar down on his luck
Kroq-gar managed to make it back to SkekTek lab and, making sure that there were no random explosions by the time he made it. He noticed the door was wide open and walked in seeing SkekTek was in a frenzy of moving papers and bottles from the side. Even picking up clothing off the floor, taking a sniff and nodding. Writing down notes and putting it somewhere to check experiments for later. Kroq-gar cleared his throat and SkekTek quickly spun around. He raised his arms in the air and cheered.
SkekTek: Ahhh! My emperor, I see that Alfred has informed you about my breakthrough
Chucking the clothing to the side as the clothing was not really important but the person who wore them. Kroq-gar stepped around said clothing as it seemed to litter the room.
Kroq-gar: Yes, Alfred did inform me about this breakthrough you speak of. So uh. Get to it.
SkekTek hit his head on forgetting he was asking him for an urgent meeting. Moving back and forth trying to clear the floor. He raised his finger.
SkekTek: Yes, yes, just wait a moment
He left the room making a way for some things to wheel in. Along with chucking the clothing at the side of some workshop to be unmade and clean since cloth is cloth. After a few minutes of waiting for SkekTek to get ready he moved from the back pushing a cart. Having only one single bottle on a cart. Kroq-gar tilted his head on why a single bottle needed this importance. But nodded as the bottle was glowing in a pure white with some organic wood covered around the glass. Finding it a lot more different then any of the regular warhammer red potions that he has stockpiled on hand.
As Kroq-gar was pondering this new potion. SkekTek was analyzing the potion with his mechanical eye. Using the new lenses to see the winds of magic down to the base components. Making note on if he can somewhat mimic the composition to get any variants or substitutions of the need arises. Moving the lens modification out to the side he picked up the potion and presented it to Kroq-gar.
Skektek: My emperor, I present to you my breakthrough; I call it essence.
Making his hands do a little flair for presentation sake. Kroq-gar hmm at that and wanted to know more as from context clues it might be from another person. Or life blood.
Kroq-gar: Essences, you say? And how did you make this essence?
SkekTek chuckled reminiscing on how his...version of Kroq-gar judgment if one would say.
Skektek: Well...
Flashback
SkekTek: Silence Animals!
Grabbing the prisoner sent to be executed by the throat as he dangled in the air. With the other prisoner being strapped on the other chairs as they struggled and kicked hoping to get out of their bindings but a growl from a Kroxigor and a hit on their chairs shut them up for only a moment. As SkekTek made his way throwing this quite nosey prisoner as he kept screaming as he strapped him in the chair by their arms, legs, and neck.
SlaveTrader: PLEASE, WAIT WE CAN TALK ABOUT THIS!
He yelled out getting one of the other prisoners being a more chubby man but SkekTek knew that this was the second ruler of the city they sieged. Only somewhat disappointed in not getting the true owner of that city of crime. Yelling out as well.
Second Noble: Wait! I told you about who really rules El-Kalabad! Even the treasures that lie at the city catacombs! Shouldn't I get a pardon?
SkekTek looked at this sad excuse of a man. Thinking this was just some nobody of importance serving his only function of being a glorified doorstop.
SkekTek: Hah!
Was all he had to say to him as he struggled anew. Noticing the Kroxigors was bringing in another prisoner. He looked at him, noticing this one was the leader of the slave caravan. Jackal claws are what they are called. Noticing the face of him was scratched by a jackal and took the scars with pride. He held his hand together welcoming his new experiment.
SkekTek: Ah! Come in, come in, welcome slaver leader from Jackal claw, take a seat
The Leader was placed in pindings by the skinks that followed along with the Kroxiogors as they were sent to make notes on this new breakthrough and wished to be documented. The leader groaned awake as he was knocked out by a rock being hit on his head. Only to notice he was in a room somewhere surrounded and strapped by an assortment of lizardmen and a creepy bird. He quickly looked to himself noticing he was wearing his armor and hat but his weapons were long gone. SkekTek smiled as he walked behind the three.
SkekTek: Sublime, Sublime
The Leader quickly tried to shake himself free but it was all in vain as the other two tried to shake themselves free as well.
Jackal: What?! What's happening?!
SkekTek shook the Jackal in his palace to stop him from struggling and spoke closely to his head.
SkekTek: You're wasting your time, I have strapped creatures far more than you can imagine, and they could not break through my chains
SkekTek laughed as the three screamed and begged to be released again. Hoping they have anything they could barter or begged out to be spared. Now looking at the Skink beside him. He nodded, giving the Skink the signal to start turning the lever causing the doors to open and pulling up a large purple crystal.
Slavetrader: PLEASE, HAVE MERCY! PLEASE! I-
He was about to beg more but his chair was shaken again. Causing him to lurch violently back and forth finding the face of his tormentor giving him a stare so intense it felt he could be staring into his soul. After a few tense seconds of the doors opening in earnest he simply said what mercy he has to the likes of him.
Skektek: The only mercy I have left to offer...Is death
He laughed a bit at the slave trader's face watching the colors drain from his body hearing the others trying to escape in vain. Looking at the skink he pulled another lever zapping the crystal with lightning from the gears that were beginning in earnest. Now stepping forth to the skink at the control panel and pulling the final lever needed to begin. Listening them all cry in uncertainty on what this crystal was doing and why it was glowing brighter and brighter. Only to feel their eyes were being absorbed into this crystal hearing it crack and convulse. The Slave Trader yelled out.
SlaveTrader: I feel! It's pulling!
Feeling pain like never before as their heads were moving closer and closer to the crystal. Trying to pull their entire bodies into it but was only held down by straps and chains. SkekTek chuckled as he was making some final touches and a personal touch for good measure.
SkekTek: Yes, don't fight, give, give the crystal your love, your secrets
He egged on as the others eyes and mouths started to glow and bright blue and purple magic was pulling them in closer and closer. Finding that the very winds were pulling the energy, their soul, their very light into the crystal itself feasting on the three.
SkekTek: Give the crystal your very ESSENCE! AH!
Holding the two syringes with tubes attached in his hand and putting in his personal touch of stabbing the slave trader in the back. Along with the other two who were stabbed through a set of machinery impaling them as they were being pulled in two directions. Some of the Skinks gasped with the Kroxigors covering their eyes of the display.
Only the Saurus on guard duty laughed at the warmblood execution thinking Sotek would approve of finding an alternative to feed the serpent besides feeding the serpent an endless supply of ratmen. Watching as glowing liquid came out of the prisoners bodies through the tubes, being processed by a large leather bag that shrunken down and into a bowl. SkekTek laughed his deranged laugh as he turned to his assistance and witnesses.
SkekTek: Here is the answer to save our Emperor, here is life everlasting! AHAHAHA!
He laughed and all watched as the three were lifted from their chairs going through the straps and bonds on their chairs. Their forms no longer in the material realm now passed into the immaterial flying high with their arms out and being pulled down by two forces from both forward and back. Cracking and breaking with brightlight coming out of their forms until at last they imploded in on themselves and exploded outwards. Sending a shockwave that caused those gathering to be pushed back the skinks a little with the Kroxigors covering their eyes and Saurus holding their ground. All watching the syringes falling into the ground with their clothes following suit. Getting the Skinks in a commotion as the machine SkekTek built was smoking and the electricity conductors aimed at the crystal were breaking apart.
SkekTek: MY MACHINE!
The Skinks and him quickly went to work trying to put down any fires to spread. Already the wires at the electricity conductor were hit with a feedback from the crystal causing it to explode. Quickly relying on the drills that he was forced to practice at an emergency like this he grabbed the skinks fire retardant system being sand and threw buckets at the oncoming fire to smother it out as another quickly pressed the lever activating the sprinklers on the roof reused from the Alchemist irrigation system to grow the necessary plants. Getting all wet as they moved back and forth in the area to save what's left of SkekTek Machine and gathering the remaining parts. As the others were quickly trying to salvage what they could. A single drop from a tube dropped onto a bowl of clear liquid. Filled to the brim with essence.
Present time
SkekTek: After I extracted the life force from what you deemed unworthy of life, and repaired my machine
He quickly muttered underneath his breath about the repairs as he managed to avoid an even more dangerous explosion like last time. He cleared his throat.
SkekTek: I managed to create a potion that could potentially heal all wounds
Kroq-gar stared at SkekTek, smiling for a bit.
Kroq-gar: I see
Kroq-gar: 'Holy shit that was graphic!'
He thought to himself. A bit spooked at how he managed to execute those three in such a manner. Even more concerning, the Saurus seemed to crave the death of warmbloods. Then again their war god is sotek, a giant snake that consumes rats in the thousands so what SkekTek did was ritualistic killing. Still it's better for them to be a little numb if this potion does what SkekTek tells him about. But he needs more details.
Kroq-gar: Besides healing, soes it do anything else?
SkekTek chuckled and stretched his back. Being reminded of how insanely tall he was not hunched over and moved back down hunched. But something about his posture looked like the clothing he was wearing looked to be much lighter and less heavy. Even finding his winkles completely gone and the color of his body being a much lighter shade of blue.
SkekTek: Well, just take a drink, my emperor
Kroq-gar hmm at the confidence that SkekTek was having. Opening the bottle and taking a sniff. Having no scent in it. He then took a sip of the bottle as a taste test. Then taking a bigger sip, then drinking, then drinking even more to a gulp, and at last chugging the drink until the very last drop of the bottle was gone.
He felt it coming through his blood, his veins, his mind, even his very soul being rejuvenated and remade into his prime feeling like he was mentally twenty again. But for the Saurus. Their biology makes them functionally immortal and grow powerful with age. But with this drink it heals any old wounds that might interfere in the biology in the Saurus that were focused on healing the internal and outer wounds.
Even assisting and enhancing the body to give out more of an output to enhance the growth and power of their body in comparison to waiting for them to grow more powerful in a thousand or so years. Cutting down the time to reach the same power as a mighty oldblood of every drink by ten years or so. Yet none can deny the power boost immediately improving their internals and disappearing any of the minor scars on their body. SkekTek smiled seeing the same feeling going through Kroq-gar eyes as he was gasping for breath as he dropped the potion to the ground.
SkekTek: Well, my emperor, how do you feel?
Kroq-gar was breathing in and out as he felt like he was in his prime right now in both mind and body.
Kroq-gar: I feel...I feel
Kroq-gar grabbing SkekTek in an instant and spinning him around overjoyed at his lost strength returning to him.
Kroq-gar: Strong!
Both laughing and cheering on the breakthrough that SkekTek did being held by his arms. Only For SkekTek noticed he was slipping from Kroq-gar grasp and was accidentally thrown across the room across the room hitting some of SkekTek tools and gear on the shelf which clattered on the floor. Kroq-gar quickly went over to SkekTek and helped him up. With him laughing while Kroq-gar chuckled nervously as he rubbed the back of his head.
Kroq-gar: Sorry about that SkekTek, I didn't mean to throw you
SkekTek sighed, putting away the tools and trinkets with Kroq-gar helping, making them very organized.
SkekTek: Don't worry my emperor, I had the same reaction when I first drank the essence
Both chuckled and walked to the cart and SkekTek placed two of the essence potions he had in his robes for safekeeping of course. Kroq-gar was overjoyed with this breakthrough seeing they had spares on hand.
Kroq-gar: This truly is a breakthrough of the ages, SkekTek! Imagine what we could do to my soldiers, The mortal of us, even Alfred could go back to his prime.
SkekTek nodded as this was the catalyst of cheating death himself. Thankful that death here is not here to shut down their experiment. Hopefully Kroq-gar will be able to talk him down as this might be cheating the game of life against him. However he may allow it if they were to live their lives to the fullest. Justifying that it was medical research to extend life for an extended period of time.
SkekTek: Yes, The potential is great, but the cost may be heavy, along with...him
Kroq-gar quickly frowned as he and death had a rocky relationship with good reason as he was considering taking the lives of gelfling but after Kroq-gar interrupted that experiment, SkekTek was punished by getting his eye eaten by the dreaded peeper beetle. Only Kroq-gar came back to him after the fact to apologize and was taught that taking the lives of innocents was a terrible act of evil. But the lives of the wicked was free game all things considered. Which led to the emperor's use of the darkening and that's another story they don't have time right now.
Kroq-gar: I'll...talk to death to see if we can use the ratmen and the wicked for the potions, other than that, we should appreciate this breakthrough as a new health potion and extension of our lives to do more than what our natural lifespans would entail
Patting SkekTek on the shoulder as he looks at the two potions thinking that the ruler before him might have drank it all in his stupor. Even being reminded of using the crystal mother Aughra entrusted them to safeguard her crystal. They abused her trust in using it for themselves as the crystal waned in potency over the many rituals. He lowered his head a bit, feeling like events are repeating themselves.
SkekTek: I'll see if...Mother Aughra would approve of this, I mean she should since this isn't-
Aughra: YOU overgrown Bird! You willy Nilly! You pompous chicken!
SkekTek and Kroq-gar instantly groaned as the woman herself was coming to scold them again. They turned, seeing the old women wearing huge red robes, white long hair and Ram horns on the side of her head, holding her stick at them. Kroq-gar put his hands together.
Kroq-gar: Mother Aughra how- *thrak*
Kroq-gar was hit in the head by Aughra's walking stick to quiet him down.
Aughra: Don't mother me you overgrown frog! You are older than me, by another four thousand trine give or take
Kroq-gar rubbed his head where Aughra hit it with SkekTek trying to calm her down but was hit in the head as well.
Aughra: And You! Doing your experiments again I see. Has the first one taught you nothing?!
Hitting her walking stick on the ground as the two rubbed their heads and made way for Aughra to hit the lever to open the door revealing the purple crystal in front of them.
Aughra: See this
Tapping her cane to the crystal to emphasize her point.
Aughra: A replica this is, but still has the same power as mine, which means the same problem, and same mistakes
Now groaning a bit as she firmly planted herself in front of the dark crystal as a show of force to ban any use of this crystal. SkekTek held his face together while Kroq-gar nodded remembering the emperor.
Aughra: So, you cannot use this crystal till you give back what you take, hmpth
Aughra crossed her arms with SkekTek breathing out a sigh as she had a point in this with Kroq-gar scratching his chin.
Kroq-gar: Hmm, so what do you suggest? We have been using those that are deemed evil and wicked to be essenced
Aughra nodded about evil creatures needed to die for the continued survival of all. She proposed her offer.
Aughra: Yes, evil things need to be remade to help all, so how about this
Pointing to the crystals that UrTih was wheeling on the cart who was rubbing his head also as he was grabbing some crystals and headed over to SkekTek.
Aughra: You figure out how to make this replica like Kroq-gar kind did, and heal this replica to be pure white like what he did as well
Pointing to Kroq-gar who shrugged with SkekTek rolling his one good eye that Kroq-gar did do that with UrTih managing to follow along.
Aughra: Then you can do your silly little experiment, you got all the time in the world if your boast proves true,. Hmpth
SkekTek looked at Kroq-gar and UrTih who both shrugged their shoulders. SkekTek took a long breath in and groaned loudly before accepting the compromise.
SkekTek: Alright Mother Aughra, I accept the deal
Aughra chuckled.
Aughra: Good, now carry me Lizard, my old bones are not what they used to be and you are practically immortal again
Kroq-gar nodded and went to Aughra and picked her up and took her to the observatory to look at the stars again. Kroq-gar was rattled at his ear that she and Kroak had an interesting conversation about the world and life on other planets as they made the trip there. Leaving the two birds holding the crystals that the lizardmen gave them and a giant purple replica of the original crystal. Both having no idea where to even begin. SkekTek sighed with UrTih patting him on the shoulder.
SkekTek: Wish I had a drink right now, this is going to be a long night
Meanwhile
In the maid quarters of the New Hexoatl city. Ember, Victoria, and Myria were still following Olivia to their rooms feeling like they'd been walking for hours. But thinks they are on the right track as they found more maids even some elf maids moving around them. Until finally they were stopped at a large brown door. Olivia turned and gave a quick bow.
Olivia: Here are your quarters; your uniforms are on the bed; you'll work from 8 to 5, 12 is lunch, and you should be in bed by 8
Ember, Victoria, and Myria all nodded, With Myria being all the more experienced as those were regular times of a maid. Seeing that the three had no questions Olivia bowed and left. Now entering the room what they saw was unlike what they have ever seen before. Even Myria was stunned as the room they entered was richer and more colorful than what they all thought.
Having three red sheets bed with golden frame beds and pillows. Having a table with two chairs in front of the pot for dinner. Of walls decorated in red and gold symbols of the lizardmen. Up above the roof was golden tiles and a chandelier made of gold holding candles lighting the room bright. Finding a separator that was rumored to be from the other side of the world being of cathay designs having some golden dragons over fields of red. A couch at the side with the three stepping over the red carpet. Moving around the divider they found their bathtub only fit for one person, with buckets at the side and a single massive drawer.
Ember smiled, running forward and jumped onto her new bed feeling the texture and immediate softness of the cushions. She giggled as she never met a bed as soft as this before. Thinking that this was a dream come true compared to her living condition as a slave. Being forced to sleep on the cold floor, but now she can finally have some good sleep. While Ember was setting in, Myria felt uneasy about this place and thought this was way too good for it to be true. A lizard king offered them the best conditions that they could have.
Why this could only be a book tale come true but for now she needs to play along to see if he was genuine and keep her head down unless her fellow maids and butlers were under attack. Victoria on the other hand was opening everything her gloved hands could desire, finding the valuables being their furniture was too big to be moved out of the city but she has time to make her grand escape plan out of here. Along with looting everything that isn't nailed down of course. Getting a look by Myria who frowned. She sighed and hit the bed along with Myria as they all stared up at the ceiling thinking what a wild day this has been. With the day's events settling in they closed their eyes and began to sleep for tomorrow they have a big day ahead of them.
In the capital, adventures guild
In the adventure guild, all eyes are at the front desk. The receptionist was nervous, her palms were sweaty, knees weak, and her arms like spaghetti. Trying to fight against the overwhelming dread and fear emulating from this adventurer. The adventurer being a large hooded man that towered over everyone but still somewhat a head smaller than the adventuring hero Mormon. Still she would have preferred to not see his face for in that black abyss came two red eyes that glowed staring down at her with a wolf nose, Thinking that this was a helmet of sorts she shakily spoke to him about finishing his enlistment papers.
Receptionist: W-w-we almost d-d-done I-I just n-need your n-name s-s-sir, w-what is i-it?
With this, The hooded adventurer smiled, disillusioned her that it was a wolf helmet nor mask but a real genuine demihuman here. Finding his sharp fangs stretching as her eye could see, Making her shiver to the core.
?: Oh, my name?
The hooded figure spoke with the gentleness of the wind yet sharper than any blade. taking off his hood, revealing all to see his gray coat of fur with a white underside. He smiled as he whispered his name for the receptionist to hear.
Muerte: My name is Silbón la Muerte
Word count:12654
So how did I do?