Begron sat up with two ragged Blesseds beside him. They hunched over him, sweat beads dripping through their headbands. Begron glanced up to see Kal'Nar's princess standing above him. Ghostly porcelain white skin, with pristine shiny silver hair that flowed to her breasts. Each strand perfectly stroked and kempt. She glared down at him with piercing emerald eyes, on her symmetrical and narrow face. She wore a flowing emerald silk dress, that clung to her figure with long flowing sleeves. Begron groaned, sitting up rubbing his forehead. "You attacked the philosopher." She said sarcastically. "You expect me to believe a 'philosopher' can do this to me?" "You're lucky, he only gave you a concussion." She scolded offering her hand out. Begron stood up and the two Blesseds collapsed instantly. They walked out, without turning back.
She sucked on her teeth, and snapped her fingers at the maids standing at attention. "Go take care of those two." She frowned. "You'll get wrinkles like that." She slapped Begron's arm. "Shush." He snickered at her composing herself. "He should have flicked you harder." She pouted. Begron rubbed his still sore head. "He could have really killed me." "Wisdom is power." "No, power is power. And that comes from age and experience. So that Beg-rons the question-" She groaned rolling her eyes. "That doesn't even work." The two of them turned into an empty corridor. "It does." She shook her head, snickering at him. "It Beg-rons the question, just how old is he Aurelia?" "That's princess Exousia to you." Begron threw his hands into the air. "My apologies future Queen Aurelia."
She nudged his ribs. "If you should know, he's much older than I." Begron stopped, cocking an eyebrow at her. "Much older? You're pushing five centuries." "Decades!" She snapped, pouting at him. The two of them strolled through the corridor, locking arms and leaning on each other. "Luci, has been practicing with her fists again." Begron tried to pull away, tugging in her grip. "Would that be your doing?" He shied away, avoiding her glare. "No..." "Begron..." "There's nothing wrong in learning how to fight with ones fists." "There is everything wrong, with a woman learning how to fight." "She should know how to protect herself." "From what? You're here. There is no harm that can come to us." "Except for a pissed off philosopher." He muttered, rubbing his forehead. "Well, some harm." She said smirking at him.
The two of them entered into the courtyard. A masterpiece of landscaping and architecture. Pillars of granite shaped into Wyrms coil lined the walkways. High verdant shrubs shaped into Wyrms encircled the area. The sun shined warmly down upon them, with clear blue skies. Luci stood with Mykel, a smaller leaner copy of Begron, except with shaved sides and short spiked top. He wore pristine leather training wear, each part glistened under the sun. Luci still in her dress attacked him with her wooden sword. He didn't reach as she wailed on his side. "Hey! You're not playing fair!" She pouted. "You're meant to fall like daddy!" He snickered at her. "You need a heavier or sharper weapon. Or be stronger." She tossed her wooden sword apart frowning. She let out a battle cry planting her feet. "Begron..." "She's just getting excited." "HIYAH!" She threw a punch into Mykel's shin. "OW!" The both of them reeled in pain. He jumped clutching his leg, with her crying holding her fist.
Aurelia glared at Begron. "I mean she hurt him. That has to count for something right?" He said with an awkward smile. She shook her head at him, walking off. She held Luci's hand as she teared up. "Are you okay, sweetie?" She shook her head. "Mykel's leg is too hard." "You idiot, why would you punch my shin?" "Don't call your little sister an idiot." She snapped. Begron stood between them, placing his hand over Mykel's shin. "Looks like you need to go to a Blessed. That bone needs healing." Luci perked up with joy. "I-" Begron gave Mykel a stern fatherly look. A look to play along. Mykel rolled his eyes. "Ow, ow, ow, it hurts so-" Begron dug his thumb into his shin. "ARGH!" "Maids, get Prince Mykel a Blessed." Mykel growled at Begron, who smiled at him. Luci shot up to her feet, completely ignoring the pain, flexing her arms. "I AM THE STRONGEST!" Aurelia let out a low growl towards Begron. He smiled at her, picking Luci up onto his shoulder. "THE STRONGEST! THE STRONGEST!" The both of them shouted, sauntering through the courtyard. She buried her face into her palm, shaking her head. "How did we ever get together?"
Begron carried Luci over his shoulders. She used his hair as reins. "Daddy, how come mummy doesn't like me fighting?" She sulked. "She doesn't want you to get hurt." "But, if I am strong like you. I don't get hurt." "I get hurt all the time Luci." She leaned over his head, staring into his eyes. "Hmmm...Auntie Asheal says." "Queen Asheal." She tugged on his hair, making him wince. "Auntie Asheal, said you are the strongest, in all the land." He stopped at a balcony that overlooked the vast kingdom of Kal'Nar. "Yes, this land maybe. But Jux is large, and filled with powerful people. There are people I cannot beat." "Hmmm...What if those people come here then?" Begron hesitated. The thought of Encara flying in crossed his mind. Then the thought of Yamada crossed his mind. A visage of the Forsaken Knight stood before him, Harbinger in hand. "Daddy?" He shook his head, before smiling at her. "I'll have you beat them." He said, offering out his pinky. She smiled back locking her pinky around his. "I'll keep you safe, daddy." "You better."
A maid approached them bowing at his presence. "Master Argul. The Grand King and Queen Asheal have requested your presence." Begron felt Luci slump on his head. "Don't worry, I'll make sure it's quick." "You said that last time." She said glumly. "You didn't come back till night time. I know because I tried really hard to stay awake." Begron gave her a smile, setting her down. "I promise, I'll be back. We'll play as soon as I'm done. Okay?" She nodded, shying away from him. He gave her pat on the head, and quickly walked marched off. He felt a pit of anger in his stomach. The Queen and King, seemed to be requesting his presence more and more. Hadn't he done enough to warrant a break? Was he not regaled with tales of being a hero? And yet, he was hounded.
He entered into the throne room. The King and Queen stood in front of a large 3D model of the Citadel, formed from Enk magic, courtesy of Sokra standing beside them. The two of them wore matching emerald outfits. Hers made from the finest silk and cloth. His made from the softest pelts, yet decorated with the scales of a Draken. He was short and stout, bloated as a rotting corpse. Covered in a thin film of sweat. She was lanky and frail, her chest lop sided and mismatched in size. Both cursed to this hideous state, by a singular Mage. Begron nodded at them. "You're late." The King scoffed, his swollen tongue no longer fit in his mouth. "My apologies King Asheal." "You should be apologizing to our guest here." Queen Asheal scolded, her voice nasally and high pitched. He eyed Sokra, giving him a coy smile. "My apologies...Philosopher Pendragon." "Please, call me Sokra, my death monger." Begron gave him a look, before approaching.
"May I ask, why I have been summoned?" "Sokra, has made a proposition. We would like your opinion on it." King Asheal asked. "Yes, a military and warrior's mindset." Begron readied himself. "What is it?" "That when we conquer the Citadel. We spare the Grand Knights and Mages. And turn them into breeders." Queen Asheal said, with shrill excitement. "Their lineage would give us soldiers more powerful than ever. Far exceeding our own." "And save your balls the effort." King Asheal snorted. "Could it be done?" Sokra asked. "No." Begron said coldly. Their faces sank except for Sokra, who still wore a smile. "The grand knights each rival a small army by themselves. It has been nearly two decades, since I last fought Gwyneth. I do not know how much more powerful she has gotten. I haven't even touched on the Grand Mages yet."
"Surely, you the great Begron Argul, could capture them. Instead of killing them?" Begron furrowed his brow at Sokra. "I am to remain here and protect the King and Queen." "They are surrounded by your strongest children, and countless servants. Your greatest enemies trapped in their own walls, beseeched on all sides, with no allies to help." Begron watched as the King and Queen lit up with joy. "That still isn't en-" "Do your soldiers not get reused, being forced to transform into Drakens?" Begron froze. "Oh, your King and Queen have graciously shared that information with me." He clenched his fists at Sokra, pacing around the model. "A horn that can force the mentally feeble, and dead to rise once more as Drakens. That would multiple every army's power exponentially would it not?" Begron didn't respond, stifling his snarl. He could predict where Sokra's thoughts were going.
"They tell me, that they used your very own Draken fangs, to recreate the transformation horns. I must ask, if Vasha's fang, could have possibly created that Eight headed Draken. What can your fangs create?" Begron clenched his jaw. He refused to answer. "Dragon and Ryū." The King snapped. "Have you ever created another Were-dragon such as yourself?" "No." "Fascinating!" He snapped his fingers. "You take the shape of Vasha herself, and the call from your fangs, can create Dragons and Ryūs. You may have finally proven were the Were-dragon resides in the hierarchy." "None of this matters. Capturing them is out of the question. It would be a wasted endeavour. Once we kill them, there are no other kingdoms, that could remotely oppose our forces. We would have control over the North and South, with nothing to fear from the East."
"And yet, a warrior you have never once beaten, and the Forsaken knight, both come from the Islands." "Two powerful people, does not mean that Yamata is a threat." Begron growled. "But they clearly have the potential to create some. Would it not be best for you to aid the war? Your presence alone would raise your troops morale. Have them fight on with zealous fervour." "That is a wonderful idea!" "No it isn't. I've done my duty in this war. Breed bastards, slaughtered the helpless Islanders, destroyed Shizukana as you asked, and stole that fucking fang. That nearly killed me. I. Am. Done. I'm staying here with Luci and Aurelia." King and Queen Asheal stood there dumbfounded. Sokra sighed and slumped his shoulders, before shrugging. "Oh well. He doesn't want to leave his family. I can respect that. However I should let you know one thing, Begron." "And what's that?" He growled.
"The Silver City has sent reinforcements to the Citadel. Gwayn Lockhart, the Winged Viper and his knights, now help fight for the Citadel." "That's not possible." The king and queen snapped. "Oh, I do apologise. I should have led with the fact, that Symtic and Surce Cagim are dead." Begron's eyes bulged. "The Silver City is no longer your ally. Their arrival at the Citadel, will spell the end for Tuskdran's aid." "Begron, you must leave at once." "I am not leaving-" "Take them with you." Sokra offered. "Asariel, Ophaniel. Leave." Begron snarled. The Queen and King, knew being called by their first names, meant he had lost all levity. The two of them quickly scurried off, with Begron opening a Light gate beneath his feet. "Are you really going to attack a simple philosopher?"
"You're with them aren't you?" "Could you be a little more specific?" "Annorak and Vasha's children or Drakens." Sokra threw his hands up surrendering. "Ahhhh, you figured it out. Did I reveal too much information?" "Only those in his cult, have communications that span Jux. Now leave." "Surely you would offer a punishment to me? A year being chained to help breed?" He asked with a coy smile. "Do not test me. Leave at once." Sokra let out an exasperated sigh. "Did our last encounter, tell you nothing about me?" Begron's light gate pulsed larger. He rolled his eyes. "Guess, I'll have to make you leave this kingdom by force." Begron roared, the room becoming engulfed in light. He warped in, only to find Sokra's hand clasped around his mouth. Sokra slammed Begron into the ground, cracking the granite and tiles apart. The air rushed out of his lungs. Sokra tossed Begron into the far wall. He crashed into the side, falling limp against the ground.
He coughed and spat, quickly standing up, reopening his gate. "What are you?" He asked shakily. His whole body howled in pain. Sokra bowed, rising with a coy smile. "Sokra Pendragon, philosopher, scholar, lover and Vasha's Draken. Among many other things I excel at." Begron engulfed the room with a blinding light. "Oh no. I can't see. Whatever will I do?" To Begron's view, the room appeared normal. He stood in place, scanning Sokra and quietly walking to the side. Yet while blinded by his Light magic, Sokra's eyes never ceased to keep on Begron. "Are you done, trying to understand me?" Begron stumbled back as Sokra, begun approaching him. "Are you wondering, how I can see you? Blinded by your light?" He asked with a sly smile. Begron leapt into the air, warping behind Sokra, floating in the air. This time Sokra scanned the room, trying to find Begron.
'Earth magic.' "Clever. You figured my affinity out that fast?" Begron held the Light gate, over Sokra's head. A Earth gate suddenly appeared, engulfing the entire room, in an instant. Pillars of granite shot out, crushing Begron. The pillars pinned him in the centre of the room. He felt each one crushing his bones. The blinding light disappeared. Sokra rubbed his eyes, before sending Begron into the ground. He spat out blood, wheezing and coughing. He knelt down beside Begron, tossing a handkerchief on his face. "Such a waste. Any other fighter, would have died from my first counter attack. But you? You release of burst of Arcane energy, solely on your spine to soften the impact. You see that I can sense you, and immediately deduce, I do it from you touching the ground. And just when you couldn't be more impressive. You survive my next attack, by releasing a steady stream of Arcane energy to dampen each pillar." Sokra said pacing around the room.
Begron cough, rolling onto his side. "You could be so much more Begron. Join us. Why do you serve such a, fucking ugly queen and grotesque king? When you could rule with us?" Begron sat up onto one knee, wobbling side to side. "Rule what?" "Everything! Join us Begron! We will cleanse Jux of the weak, and rule those who are left." "And how will you do that?" Begron fell onto his back, wheezing and wiping the blood from his mouth. "We will devour Vasha's flesh, and become more powerful than she ever was!" Sokra triumphantly declared, throwing his hands into the air. "How many are in...our group?" Sokra grinned at Begron. "We have enough for each of us to rule a domain each. I have chosen this land, you may choose which ever one you want." Begron begun to count on his fingers. "Silver City, Citadel, Kal'Nar, Artaraxus, Tuskdran, Kumo, Yamata, Shizukana." Begron let out a chuckle, before entering into a bellowing laughing.
He stood up groaning. "Eight major lands, one for each of us. So there's seven of you." Sokra eyed Begron. He cracked his neck and shook his arms. "That's enough information for me. Time for you to leave." "Did we not, JUST do this song and dance before?" Begron shot him a smirk. "Not quite." He snapped his fingers and the room filled with Light gates. Sokra responded in kind opening his gate, only to find it destroyed by beams of light, melting the granite. Fear took Sokra, as he watched Begron stroll towards him. "For a wise philosopher, you fell for a pretty basic trick." Sokra lunged at Begron. His fist disappeared through his body. Sokra frantically scanned the area, waving his hand through the intangible Begron. Sokra was dragged by his collar and thrown into the wall.
Retching in pain, Begron appeared in front of him with a twisted grin, before throwing him into the ground. Sokra bounced off the ground, and Begron crashed into his stomach, planting his boots into him. He coughed out blood feeling his ribs crunch. Begron threw a punch down, shattering Sokra's jaw. Teeth flew out with splatters of blood. Begron pulled Sokra's bloodied face closer to his. "Get out here, Annorak." A scorpion scuttled out of Sokra's mouth, forming into a black sludge, and enveloping over his face. "Begron." He said with a twisted smile. "You never cease to amaze me." He spoke with Sokra's bloodied and broken face. "I've refused your offer before. I have no interest in ruling." "That's fine. You'll be convinced soon enough. My newest and strongest champion is making his way towards you." "Take a hint, Annorak." "He, comes with a peace offering. My only request is that you do not kill Sokra. The world does need his inquisitive mind."
"No deal." Begron raised his arm. "What about a new proposal?" "You have nothing to offer me." "You release Sokra, and I can tell you how to enter Shizukana." Begron froze. Lowering his arm. "There's nothing left, to gain from entering that place." "Very well, what about another proposal. Bring Sokra to Artaraxus alive, and I won't have your high princes killed." Begron furrowed his brow. Sokra offered out his hand, smiling with a broken face. "Do we have a deal Begron?" He hesitated staring at his hand. Begron reluctantly shook his hand. "Good man. As a gesture of good faith. Luci's maid has a back mark. You should go kill her before it's too late." Begron disappeared in a flash of light, and Sokra fell back onto the ground, with the sludge returning inside of him.
He warped out of the room, sprinting down the hallway. "LUCI! LUCI!" The maids pointed him in the right direction. He continued to warp down the hallways and corridors. Begron found Luci in the dining room with Aurelia both sharing a drink. Two maids stood beside Luci, preparing her meal. "Daddy!" "Begron, what's wrong?" He warped behind Luci throwing both the maids to the ground. "BEGRON!" They screamed as he tore off their dresses. One had a clean and soft back. The other one's back had a Fire Gate branded on her back. He crushed branded maid's shoulder, and quickly warped Luci and Aurelia into the corner of the room. He grabbed them, looking into their eyes. "Did you drink or eat anything from her?" The two of them shook their heads in shock. "What's happening!?" Aurelia asked. The branded maid forced herself up, clutching her mangled shoulder. "Kal'Nar deserves to die, and so do all of you!" She chanted, before grabbing the knife, and stabbing her own jugular.
Auerlia quickly covered Luci's eyes, turning her away. "Luci, go to the room, and gather your things." Begron said clenching his jaw. The other maid rushed Luci out. Begron stood over the dead maid, with Aurelia beside him. "What just happened?" "Artaraxus has sent assassins." "After us?" She hissed. "I don't know why. All I know is, that this place isn't safe. They have sent Elves slaves to infiltrate as well." "What are we going to do?" "Stay here with Mykel and never let Luci out of your sight." "What are you planning to do Begron?" "What I do best." He said walking out. She shuddered at the thought, but there was no stopping him. Begron snapped his fingers at a maid. "Send a message to the Quartermaster. Have my armour and weapon readied. I want to leave as soon as possible." She nodded. "Do you require anything else?" "Send a message to the High princes. Tell them to leave the Artaraxus at once, and that will handle all diplomatic affairs, once I arrive. Also, lock up Sokra and ready him as a prisoner. I need him alive."