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The BloodVaine EpicChapter 25: Evil Schemes
“BloodVaine,” Aezazel said after the teleport was finished. “I must speak to you.”
“Yes?” said BloodVaine.
“Why didn’t you kill those three pests?”
“Believe me my friend, their fate now is far worse then death. They will spend eternity in a consciousness close to dreaming. Nothing short of a prism spell will release them.”
“I see, and what of those fools at the Drullen Bell Keep? I am dying to take revenge.”
“But you appear to be fully healed.”
“I am. But the pain still lingers. I need to kill them.”
“The keep may be dangerous. Archers have always been effective against dragons, I may have another plan.”
It was a sad day for the Dragon Masters. Caimlin was in the dungeon attending to the wounded men. More were being brought in by the slaves every minute. It was good to see that not all of the knights outside were dead, but then, most of them were pretty banged up.
Meanwhile, Dacker was up in Lord Void’s magic chamber, planning his next move.
“Where’s Bargon?” Dacker asked as he searched through several vials on a self. “That idiot was supposed to bring me the dragon weeks ago.”
“Bargon is dead.”
“What!”
“Targon captured him and brought him back.”
“And the dragon?”
“Somewhere in the Neverwood. I don’t know where though. Bargon was killed before I had a chance to speak with him.”
“And you let them kill him?” Dacker was angered now.
“Caimlin poisoned him while I was away.”
Dacker cursed under his breath. More work.
“Where does Lord Void keep his healing potions?” he asked furiously, “Wait, I think I found one.” Dacker took the vial and administered some of it to Coal Blood’s eye.
“Blasted archer!” he murmured under his breath.
“Why did you need the dragon again?”
Dacker rolled his eyes. “That dragon was the same one who attacked me thirty five years ago. He gave me a poison that nearly killed me. BloodVaine saved me, but apparently he didn’t get all the poison out of my system. That dragon’s blood is the only antidote. If I don't get it I will die!”
Dacker sighed. “Forgive, me but dying makes me very tense. I should thank you really. Today’s battle may have gone badly if you hadn’t locked the knights out of the fortress. That reminds me...by the authority of the highest lord BloodVaine, I bestow on you the title of king. This land shall be yours and your descendants, under the rule of BloodVaine, forever. Now, Del Grakken, your kingdom awaits.”
The traitorous Del Grakken walked out to the balcony and addressed the slaves below him.
“Men,” he said in a commanding voice. “You who were once slaves. I have redeemed you from your suffering and have given you your freedom!”
To this arose loud shouts of joy.
“However, I warn you that to return to your homes would be fruitless. Already the Crusader faction has been destroyed. You are all that is left.” It was a lie but it might soon become truth. “I offer you now, a new home…”
Del Grakken’s words faded as a whirling sensation called Dacker into a teleharm conference.
“How goes the battle?” BloodVaine asked.
“The fortress is won my lord. Del Grakken is addressing his subjects as we speak. How does the battle fair on your end sir?”
“All is as planned. The rain has delayed me but the sun is out now and it will not rain today.”
“What is your plan sir?”
BloodVaine chuckled. "The Elk Lord thinks himself clever, making ready for war. He does not realize that his greatest danger is all about him. The northern forest stretches from Forestmen land to Wolfpack territory and into the Dark Forest. Today, when the sun is in the heavens, at the very hour of its greatest heat, Eroth Gamus shall rise from the sea and breath death on the northern woods. The Crusaders will be safe, as they have little trees in their land. The Black Falcons will be safe as well, but the Royal knights will have trouble. I will guaranty that. Oh, and speaking of trouble, our little runaway has finally given away his location. Just this morning I felt his presence near by. He preformed a large spell, one that may have drained him. Not that it matters. I control the Mana field now, and by my power he will die today! I will be taking Aezazel and Bahamut. This will likely be the last you hear from me so I wish you luck on your journey home.”
“You know I don’t believe in luck BloodVaine.”
“Neither to I, Dacker. Neither do I.”
The teleharm ended and Dacker returned to the waking world. Del Grakken was waiting for him.
“Was that the master?”
“Yes, how are the slaves?”
“They are working. Burying the dead and seeing to the wounded. I’ve also sent messengers to the four cities. Each will deliver a copy of this letter.”
Del Grakken handed Dacker a parchment. It read:
Here ye. Here ye. By the rights of succession, conquest and appointment to office, I Del Grakken, former commander and aid to Lord Void, do hereby claim this city and all Dragon Master land in the name of BloodVaine the inexorable. The Dragon Master army has fallen, as well as the fire breathing fortress. Some 300 soldiers are being held as hostages. Any attempt to retake the fortress will result in their deaths. However, if you cooperate, you may yet see your loved ones again...
Dacker finished the page and then remarked. “Very good. I foresee the written surrenders arriving within days.”
“That is well.” Del Grakken said, “I don’t wish to fight my own people.”
“Not to worry my friend. Our prisoners wouldn't obey you now, but in a year...when Lord Void is dead and BloodVaine has conquered the whole of Dametreos...they will change their allegiance. Dragon Masters are like that. Their will to survive stands above their loyalties. You will have your army back soon.”
“But what do I do in the mean time? If you leave I will lose control of the dragons.”
“That too has been taken into account. Let me explain something to you. The dragons will listen to Coal Blood. He is their superior. Their god, if you will. If he told them to listen to another dragon...say one that belonged to you...then they would follow that dragon. Of course it won’t last that long. The structured military ranking that Coal Blood has established will eventually give way to their beastly nature. But it will last for a while. By the end of which, things may have changed. What of the slaves? Do you really intend to grant them their freedom?”
“No. Their job will be to keep the prisoners secure while I am about the masters work. Once others can be found to fill that position they will return to slavery.”
“Good. Then I will leave you to your work. What is the name of the one eared dragon?”
“Kirfang?”
“Yes, he will be given the rank of commander in Coal Blood’s absence.”
Dacker returned to his dragon. the healing potion had done its work. Coal Blood’s eye was as good as new.
“Excellent!” Dacker said, pocketing the vial. He smiled to himself. Only one more task and he would be done here. He was that much closer to returning to his kingdom.
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