Ashklon's Arc

Chapter 2 of 4

Ashklon stood over the dead dragon and did the math in his head. A kill like this was worth a fortune. But no merchant would pay him without proof. The beast was too big to carry out. He needed a token, a piece he could show the world. He stood over the dragon and a bright burst of power erupted from his hands and preserved the beast and then stored it away in a multi dimensional containment field so he could show the proof of his kill. This would be his coin. This would begin his legend. Boots clicked on the metal floor behind him. The Queen crossed the throne hall, small and calm in her purple and black leather. Her guards spread out along the sleek walls. She stopped and looked at the dragon. "You mean to sell it," she said. It was not a question. "A man has to build his reputation.” Ashklon said. "And I killed this dragon." "That thing was never mine." She stepped closer. Her blue eyes moved to the dragon's chest, where scales met a jagged glow. Inside the ribcage sat a stone the size of a skull. It pulsed with orange light. Cracks of fire ran across its dark surface. "You want proof of your deed.” The dragon would earn him gold. Names. Contracts. Fear. The Queen did not stop him. She watched him take it. "You think that solves your problem." "It's proof no merchant can doubt," Ashklon said. "And it's worth more than gold." "It is worth your death." She folded her arms. "The dragon guardians will want it back. They will send worse than a dragon. And now they will know your face." Ashklon weighed the situation. He had wanted his name in every mouth on the planet. Now it would be, but not entirely in the way he had dreamed. "Let them come," he said. The Queen almost smiled. She turned to a guard and spoke low. Then she looked back at Ashklon. "You saved my life, so I will pay you once. Take the gold and go. Do not bring its protectors to my gate." Ashklon put the gold into his pouch and the war hammer at his side. He had his proof. He had walked out of one fight and into a larger one.