Chapter 3: AuFrom the moment Alexander saw Marjun, his stomach was filled with this distinct sense of discomfort.
"Master Alexander, come with me." Marjun said. He alluded to imposing authority, expecting Alex to follow him. Alex, of course, did not.
Alex smirked at him instead. The smirk made him look very cunning. Marjun did not like the way Alex's smirk made him feel.
"I am here to help you meet the King concerning the task you wish to perform." Marjun said calmly, despite the fact he was boiling inside.
"Come with me."
"Why?" Alex asked, his expression thoughtful. Julie, watching the exchange with slight concern, could see the cogs in his mind turning. She was glad, for nobles were rarely without ulterior motives.
Marjun scowled. "What do you mean why?"
"Why should I follow you to see the King, when I can find my own way to the palace? Do you assume I am stupid, that I cannot see that very gaudy castle just over the horizon?"
"Nay friend. I do not think you are stupid. I only wish to hasten your meeting with His Royal Highness. Or did you not know that one can only meet with the King if he has an appointment. However, did that imply that I think you are slow-witted?" Marjun inquired.
Alexander gave it a thought. "How do you plan on helping me gain an audience with the King? If your own father has lost his own?" The sharpness in his tone was meant to sting, and sting it did.
Julie touched his arm to signal for him to stop. Alexander brushed her off, keeping his gaze fixated on Marjun. The man was very uncomfortable under Alex's gaze. He was angry that Alex had poked at his sore spot. He hardly had the time, nor the patience. He blatantly ignored Alex's jab.
"Come, my father has gone before me to inform the King. We mustn't keep him waiting." Marjun said, getting down from his horse and practically shoving Alex to saddle it, before climbing back on himself.
The small crowd that had formed around them moved to stop him, but Alex signaled for them to back down. They watched Alex leave with Marjun on his horse, their hearts aching for their friend, who would surely meet a sorry fate.
"You dressed as a noble earlier. Who would have thought you belonged to the slums?" Marjun mocked.
Alexander sneered at him. "You nobles and your superiority complex. You think I do not see through your plans? No one is ever without his motives. Marjun, if you think that because I do not hail from a noble background, I lack basic reasoning and a sixth sense. Then you must be a fool."
Marjun stopped the horse abruptly. His smirk had been wiped clean off his face. Gritting his teeth, he continued the journey, not wanting to agitate Alex further.
What angered him further was the fact that the ladies he had smiled at earlier seemed to be more responsive, blushing different shades of red, seeing him passing back. He quickly figured out that their attention wasn't directed at him but behind him, on none other than Alex. A pretty face and a charismatic grin were all one needed, it seemed.
His anger seemed to keep increasing with every step they took to the castle.
Before Alexander stood the largest building in the entire village. It was built with red bricks and overlaid with bright shades of gold and silver. On the lamp stands were carefully carved diamonds with tiny glowing insects that lived inside.
That was what they used as a light source. Plants flowering with ivy climbed the walls, harshly maintained but somehow unkempt. They weren't cut down because they added an earthy feeling to the place, maKing it even more beautiful. The guards seemed to be overdressed for the harsh sun of the shadow world.
Nevertheless, they dared not complain. But who was Alex again? A sharp-tongued, witty and brave young man who never bothered to hide his opinion.
They arrived at practically the best moment. Neron was just being escorted out by the King's personal guard for keeping the King waiting. He saw his son approaching with a younger man that suited the description Marjun had given. He smiled.
"Here! He is here! Alas! I've been vindicated!" He cried out, flailing his arms around. The King heard the commotion outside and came out to check. When he saw Neron's son with another man, he allowed them into the castle.
Alexander stood before the King, seemingly unintimidated. The only thing he felt was a longing to be on the throne, wearing the expensive clothes and jewels and having people like Marjun and his father strive to please and placate him. He smiled in satisfaction at the thought.
The King stared at the young boy, waiting for him to say something.
"Er, my King, sir." Marjun began. "This is Alex. He is the young man who said wished to perform the task of awakening the sleeping dragon."
"Is he now?" The King asked. "Young man, did you really say you wanted to take on this task?"
"If I didn't want to, would I be here?" He asked in return, much to the surprise of everyone gathered there. The King was a fat bellied man who lounged and only attended to things when the people seemed to make too much noise about it. Alex's refute meant absolutely nothing to him, especially if the boy could awaken the dragon.
"Hm, confident. That is one of the characteristics we need you to possess for this task. You see, this is a deadly job, and I need you to be sure that you are willing to do it. And Once you take the job, you will back only when you sacrifice your lowly life," the king said. Despite his words seemed to be kind, one could see the distinct disdain in his voice.
Alex hated being looked down because of his birth. Being born in noble or slums was not something he could choose. Not only him but every human. He always wondered if these nobles doesn't have that brain to not understand that point. Despite his complaints, he suppressed his displeasure and anger as the calm expression on his face.
"Let's go and see this dragon." Alex said, bored. "Then we can talk about the reward."
"Reward?" The King asked, looking from Marjun to Neron. "What reward?" Alex raised one eyebrow, perfectly arched. "I heard Fraco say you were willing to award the one who could awaken the dragon one ton of pure gold. Is that untrue?"
Neron smirked a little. Was his friend also going to receive the same punishment he had been served? It would be awesome.
"Oh, that." The King suddenly remembered. "First show me results!"
Alex frowned at king's forebearing attitude. He didn't like these noble people a bit. With their every reaction right now… his dislike was just growing!
"Where is this dragon's cave?" Alex asked.
Alex was escorted to the hillside where the dragon cave was located, in the King's own carriage. He had never enjoyed such luxury before. The King's seat was clothed with the finest linen fabrics and the scarlet color seemed deeper than the rest. The carriage was made of pure gold!
When they got to the cave, he was surprised to find half the entire celestials gathered around, wanting to see the brave man who was about to sacrifice his life for them. Or, more specifically, one ton of pure gold.
Alex bravely walked into the cave. He took a look around. The place was dark since the only source of light was at the entrance, and a little from the hole above the cave. He looked from left to right, surveying the cave. His gaze finally landed on the sleeping monstrosity before him.
The dragon was lying on its back. It's abdomen color was in the color of clotted blood, with reddish black colored scales which almost looked like blood marron color around his neck. Even though it was breathing slowly, it's breath almost pushed him back.
The triple paired branched black horns warned danger from a mile away. He walked closer to the dragon. Squatting over it, he watched her closely, or as close as he dared to get.
The entire village waited outside. The silence was painstakingly thick, tension filling every square inch of it as they waited with bated breath for the outcome.