In a world teeming with creatures that some revere as gods, nations vie for the privilege of taming these formidable beings. Among these beasts, a select few have entrusted their destinies to individuals they consider worthy. The reasons behind their choices remain a mystery. Even kings are eager to forge alliances with these chosen ones, who are honored with the title of 'Rider' and treated as esteemed nobles. The habitats of these creatures are known as 'nests,' scattered across the globe. In the kingdom of Dome, there are five nests that serve as breeding grounds for various beasts. People journey from far and wide to these nests, hoping to claim one of these magnificent creatures as their own, yet fewer than 1% succeed in this endeavor.
Archy
"Archy!! GET THE FUCKING WAGON!!"
"Yes, sir!"
"I swear that kid is a complete moron."
Archy hastily ran to grab the wagon, barely managing to get a good grip on the handle. Lord Hendrick's mood is as sour as ever, he thought as he struggled along. He worked as a servant for House Lamprey, just like his father and his father before him; it was somewhat of a family tradition. The Lamprey was a small but wealthy house that supplied weapons and armor to neighboring estates. Today, he was tasked with helping to deliver armor to a buyer. Archy pulled the wagon through a muddy street while Lord Hendrick straddled along on horse back, Archy muttered under his breath, "Why not let the damn horse do it?"
Soon, they arrived at a rather elegant house nestled amidst a lush garden of vibrant flowers and meticulously trimmed hedges. The structure stood as a testament to craftsmanship and grace, its exterior adorned with intricately carved wooden beams. While Lord Hendrick rode off with the buyer, Archy stayed put outside the house, waiting for him to finish his business. After an hour-long wait, a boy who looked to be about ten years old approached to fetch Archy.
"Lord Hendrick and my father call for your attendance," the boy announced loudly.
After a five-minute walk, Archy entered what seemed to be an office.
"So this is him, eh?" said a short, blond man.
"Yes, he is my squire. His family has served mine for generations," replied Lord Hendrick.
"How old are you, boy?"
"I am sixteen years old, sir," Archy responded, trying to sound respectful.
"I have a job for Archy. I need some goods delivered, and I also require a messenger—someone who can properly represent House Lamprey," said Lord Hendrick.
"Yes, sir," Archy answered.
"We want you to head out to Dover on the morrow, accompanied by some mercenaries."
"As you know, Dover is located near a nest, so this will be quite dangerous," Lord Hendrick added.
"Lord Hendrick, I don't think I am suited for this task. I have never—"
"Archy! You are a servant of the proud House Lamprey. You will do as your lord commands; you have no choice in the matter," Lord Hendrick said commandingly.
After the preparations were completed, Archy and Lord Hendrick made their way back to the Lamprey estate. A knot of terror twisted in Archy's stomach at the thought of traveling anywhere near a nest. "The journey will take two weeks," he thought, his mind racing. "I could just run away." But he knew he couldn't; if he did, it would be his family who would suffer the consequences. The nest, located near the town of Dover, was ominously known as "The Red Tomb." It was said to resemble a giant ant nest made of obsidian, teeming with dragon-like beasts. Of all the creatures in the realm, dragons were the most common to become familiars to humans, and that fact only deepened Archy's dread.
The Lamprey estate was bustling with servants, some of whom were Holloways, Archy's family. They had been devoted servants to the Lampreys since Archy's great-great-grandfather's time. The Holloways consisted of Archy's father, Anglo Holloway; his mother, Freya; and his younger brother, Deimos. Duty ran deep in their blood, a sense of obligation that Archy had inherited. Ever since he was a boy, he had loved the work that made him feel appreciated, but he loathed being treated like a mere servant. A simmering anger bubbled within him whenever someone referred to him as "just a servant." He longed for a place where he could be content with his station in life.
The next morning, as he prepared to depart for the Greyson estate, his father handed him a short sword with the hilt wrapped in red fabric. "You remember how to use it?" Anglo asked, a glint of pride in his eyes.
"Stick 'em with the pointy end," Archy replied with a grin.
"Same way you use your cock," Anglo shot back, grinning widely.
As Archy made his way to the Greyson estate, a sense of foreboding settled over him. This felt like a death sentence, yet his father seemed unfazed. Ever since he could remember, Anglo had always had unwavering faith in him. His mother and brother, however, were on the brink of tears. "I'll make it back to you," Archy promised himself, clenching his fists.
Upon arriving at the Greyson estate, he was promptly escorted inside, where Lord Hendrick and Lord Eddard Greyson awaited him. "The person you are delivering these items to is my brother, Lord Finley Greyson," Lord Eddard Greyson instructed. "You are to hand him this sealed letter and protect it with your life. After that, you will remain in his service. My brother has much use for young, capable men willing to fight."
"I can't stay there!" Archy blurted out, panic rising in his voice. "What about my family?"
"Your father was the one who requested this. Will you dishonor him by refusing?" Lord Hendrick replied, his tone firm.
"M-My father," Archy stuttered, disbelief washing over him. "Doesn't he know how dangerous Dover is?"
"Your father expects great things from you, boy. It's time to forge your own path, Archy. Our kingdom needs brave men who can protect it, not boys who wipe their lord's arses," Lord Hendrick said proudly, his chest puffed out.
"My eldest son is there, Rickon. He now sits atop a griffin," he added, a hint of pride in his voice.
Soon after, Archy made his way to Old Branch, a notorious hideout for criminals just outside of town. There, he met a rough-looking man who appeared to be in his late thirties. One by one, the others arrived—eleven warriors both young and old. All had gathered except for the 'Rider.' The rider's name was Bellamy, the leader of the mercenary group known as the Iron Claw. It was said that he commanded fifty well-trained men, known for slaying various beasts.
Five hours into their journey, the group decided to make camp, forming a circle around the flickering fire. The two most skilled among them, Jacob the Gorilla and a man known as Wolf's Snot, took the first watch as lookouts.
"GRRRROOOAAARR!"
A loud noise erupted from above.
"GRRRROOOAAARR!"
"A BEAST! A MONSTER!" Archy thought, his heart racing.
The entire camp stood in reverence, gazing at the creature not as a monster, but as a god.
This beast was Aquarax!
The dragon, known as Aquarax, is a breathtaking yet fearsome creature that glides through the night sky with an elegance that belies its terrifying nature. Its scales resemble those of a deep-sea fish, shimmering in iridescent shades of blue that catch the moonlight, creating a mesmerizing display as it moves. Each scale glimmers like a precious gem, reflecting the silvery light in a way that can both enchant and deceive, drawing in unsuspecting prey.
Aquarax's jaw is a formidable weapon, wide and powerful, capable of delivering a bone-crushing bite. The edges of its mouth are lined with rows of jagged teeth, each one sharp and glistening, reminiscent of the cruel fangs of a predator. When it roars, the sound reverberates through the air, a chilling reminder of the creature's lethal capabilities. The sight of its gaping maw, filled with those terrifying teeth, is enough to instill fear in the hearts of even the bravest warriors.
Its massive wings, expansive and muscular, stretch out like sails against the night sky, allowing it to soar with grace and speed. The wings are adorned with delicate, fin-like membranes that shimmer in the moonlight, echoing the aquatic theme of its scales. With each powerful beat, they create a thunderous sound that can be heard from miles away, a prelude to the dragon's approach.
Aquarax's tail is equally fearsome, tapering to a sharp point as fine as a needle. This lethal appendage can strike with incredible precision, capable of piercing armor and flesh alike. The tail is not just a weapon; it is also a tool for balance and agility, allowing the dragon to maneuver effortlessly through the air and navigate the treacherous cliffs and rocky outcrops of its domain.
In the moonlight, Aquarax is a creature of both beauty and terror, a majestic embodiment of nature's raw power. Its shimmering scales and fearsome features create a striking contrast, making it a legend whispered about in hushed tones—a guardian of the night, the pride of the Iron Claw.