Rosie thought for only a second before nodding, “I agree with whatever method you have.”“That may be a decision you’ll come to regret as the magic assaults your mind,” Kiri replied, half amused.“Better than death I suppose,” Rosie shrugged.“It will be indeed better than death,” Kiri agreed, turning to Rex. “I will apply pressure, through magic to a part of her brain that holds memories. In turn after a bit of searing pain, she will have those memories locked away until you give her the trigger word.”“You must be powerful to be able to magically suppress memories,” Karinna said, squinting suspiciously as Kiri.“It is magic that I loathe to use, but in this instant, is better than the girl’s death. Don’t you agree?” Kiri replied, raising an eyebrow at Karinna.After a few moments of deep thought, Karinna sighed and then nodded, “I can see she wanted to accept Rex’s proposal, but her oath prevented it. So yes, I do suppose it is the best option in this instance.”Turning back to face
“That’s our Rex,” Kealy snickered, shaking her head, “Pulling off the impossible.”“I don’t understand,” Rex shrugged, seeing Kiri was still flicking her eyes between the tattoo and his face. “I was there for five days in your memory, did some fishing, hunted a few werebeasts, and a mountain troll and then got hit on the back of the skull from a hill knoll. After I successfully completed a solo hunt of a wool-coated tembo, elder Mwindaji gave me this.” He lifted his forearm to show the small tattoo.Hearing of Rex’s achievements shocked Kiri even further, “You did all of that in only five days?” Then her brows knitted in confusion, “I’m not sure how five memory days went by in the space of just over one hour of real-time, something isn’t right.”“Should’ve brought Grub,” the man sullenly whined, “Sounds like Grub could have gotten skin mark hunting of those beasties. Knowing wonky leg, they would have been the big beasties too!”“A fully grown tembo is a master hunter’s prey, who sugg
Smarluuten turned to face Dilo, one side of his lips curling back, revealing even more teeth, “Your nest mate does not smell your origins?”“Well no. We must use words to pass that sort of information on, and he had not,” Dilo growled, her words raspier than usual from the shock still coursing through her.“That was something I had yet to share with anyone,” Rex sighed, reaching out to put a hand on Dilo’s. “Not the way I wanted anyone to find out, but what Smarluuten says is true, while in my realm, I was soul bonded with a dragon. His name was Fafnir.”“You share blood with the son of the eldest?” Smarluuten breathed, his small eyes widening, one of his hands trembling slightly. “We must pay homage to the high bloods. I will make all arrangements.”“No!” Rex said, getting to his feet sharply, the action startling both Smarluuten and Dilo. “I cannot have anyone else know about this unless I wish to have them told.”“But…” Smarluuten started to hiss, almost pleading, “As a lesser, I m
Seeing Carey ready for a fight, Brend and his retinue all drew their weapons.“Stop you fool!” Carey said, rounding on Brend with a snarl, “This many people exchanging blows will be too loud and will draw the guard's attention. If I am reported killing any of the lizard’s guards, the godking will have ALL our heads for disturbing the peace accord.”“I didn’t think a master assassin would know fear,” Dilo asked with a smirk, raising an eyebrow.“Careful with your words young experiment,” Carey warned, turning back to Dilo and waggling a finger, grinning slightly. “You will not always be inside of the lizard’s protection.”“Then you should know that the moment she leaves this town, I will have her back,” Rex said, meeting Carey’s glare without fear.“I have been told you are a strange one, but do not doubt for a second that I could gut you like a fish if I wanted,” Carey said, patting his daggers confidently.“Oh my,” Kiri said, smirking, “Is that the scent of fear I can smell on the ai
Entering through the portal after Dilo and Kiri, Rex’s eyes widened. He had known he could open quite an impressive magical space, but this seemed even more than he thought he had done.“You’ve outdone yourself,” Dilo growled with a broad smile, looking around the large, flat open space. “Last time I was in here, it barely contained that cottage over there.” She was pointing to a small log cabin Rex had placed inside just before putting Dilo in here for the first time.“I’ve opened more space than I expected,” Rex said, stretching through the burst of chest pain he felt from the effort.“I do not think this much space will be needed, I can only imagine the strain it will put on you to keep it maintained,” Kiri said, placing a hand on Rex’s arm, and leaning into him.“Seems ok for now,” Rex shrugged. He could only feel the slightest pinch in his chest at the present.“Yes, and the more we bring in here, the more strain it will put on you. That and keeping the zone temperate enough to g
With only an hour left before their arranged time to be at Smarluuten’s mansion, Rex and his group readied themselves for the upcoming festivities.Cassius had loaned Rex a light cotton white shirt, covering that was a short sleeve shiny black leather coat with gold buttons down the front. He wore black slacks with a spare pair of Cassius’s tanned-coloured leather ankle boots. Karinna had made alterations to the outfit so it fit Rex’s frame snugly.“What is this made from?” Rex asked, feeling the smooth leather coat.“To the east, there are swamp lands surrounding a large number of stone crypts. No one knows who is buried or why they are there, but there is a wide range of creatures that reside in the swamp. One such animal is a black deathclaw wolf. Its hide can be tanned, and what your wearing is the result,” Cassius said, aligning his own red vest, which was similar in appearance to the one Rex was wearing but had a breast watch dangling from a chain that was hooked through the cor
“Introduce a humble one to the companions who are deemed worthy enough to travel with someone such as yourself,” Smarluuten hissed to Rex, bowing slightly.“This is Dilo, Kealy, Grub, Venya, Karinna, Cassius and…” Rex said, smiling while pointing to each companion that had fanned out behind him, each member bowing their head as Rex pointed them out, getting cut off before the last member.“Kiri,” Smarluuten growled, his smile fading, and his red eyes narrowed to slits.“My, it has been quite some time,” Kiri smirked, dipping her head, slightly slanted to one side so she could keep an eye on the lizard.“Not long enough,” Smarluuten hissed, baring his teeth.“You asked for my entire nest to be present for this, Kiri is a part of my nest,” Rex said, stepping between the two, raising one eyebrow at Smarluuten.“Wait,” Smarluuten hissed, cocking his head slightly, “She agreed to serve under you?”“Gladly,” Kiri said before Rex could reply, a broad smile on her lips.“Without bloodshed? Or
“I’m guessing by the looks on your faces, something isn’t right?” Kealy asked, frowning at seeing the expressions on Rex, Kiri and Smarluuten’s faces.“What is it?” Venya asked, her face paling slightly when she noticed the serious tone in the air.“How many doorways are there?” Cassius asked Smarluuten, going into defensive mode.“Three. The one you came through, the servant's entrance through there,” Smarluuten said, pointing with a claw toward an archway-shaped set of fern fronds, “The last is through there, but that entrance is barred. The only other way in would be through the roof.”“Judging by the sound we heard, someone seems to be taking that route,” Kiri said.“Well seeing as our party has been interrupted earlier than the schedule,” Cassius began, “I think we should move Karinna away from here. I would be a much better combatant knowing she was safe.”“I think Kealy, Venya and Grub should go with her,” Dilo said, raising his hand to interrupt Grub’s incoming protest, “Even
“So Rex,” Kiri began once they packed their cooking utensils. “I believe there is a part to this story you have not told us.”“What part is that?” Rex asked, raising one eyebrow at her.“The part where you earned the ‘blessed one’ title,” Kiri replied with a smirk. “I am most curious as to who has blessed you to elicit such a respectful response from a creature powerful enough to kill almost all of us.”Kiri’s question seemed to draw all eyes to Rex, even Cassius and Grub, even though they already knew the story.“Well,” Rex began with a little sigh as he gathered his thoughts, “I was originally tasked with performing a deed, in return for a favour. The queen then brought me through a portal to a place to have the agreement sealed by someone she called an ancient. She cannot deviate too far from some mission she was brought here to do, or something like that. Anyway, there were more ‘ancients’ than first agreed upon, almost like a council-type setup. The agreement was then changed to
“So this ‘dragon’ that is bonded with your soul is what has given you your potent abilities and now has unlocked some of your weaker magic?” Venya asked, for the fifth time. Rex had explained his meeting and bonding with Fafnir in great detail, but it seemed like Venya still did not believe him to be telling the truth. “Dragons are myth and you’re telling me your whole family line has bonded with one?” she had retorted, each time he tried telling her.“I too find his story to also be a touch fanciful, but it would also explain how he has performed such incredible feats that we have ALL witnessed. So I think it to be prudent to believe him. He has never lied to us before now, has he?” Kiri replied, finally being the one able to silence Venya.Rex had just begun to thank Kiri when Queen Ullysarius’s voice wafted across the magical space, silencing everyone.“Blessed one, we must speak.”“Sounds like I’m needed once more,” Rex sighed.“I can’t wait to be back in the real world and away f
Rex had only just erected his archway for Grub and Cassius to pass through when he was stopped, turning to face who had called out his name.“Before you go, blessed one,” Paool said, tilting his head slightly in respect. Her magnificence would like you to focus on binding the conduit. She has informed me of the importance of unlocking your once powerful magical talent for what lies ahead of you.”Rex was about to ask what he meant by that, but before he could utter a word, Paool had spun on his heel and with a faint crack, had disappeared.After the momentary shock wore off, Rex clicked his tongue in amusement at how Paool had chosen to take his leave, then spun and entered his archway.Once the quick lurching sensation from the portal had worn off, Rex’s mouth dropped open almost instantly. His spiritual space had expanded exponentially. As he took in the new surroundings, he was accosted before his brain could register what was happening.“Rex!!” a familiar growl entered his ear. Fo
Not wanting to see how Taalook had ‘Dealt’ with Norian, Rex moved on with his plan.“Anyone else wants to travel the same path as Norian?” Rex asked, watching everyone intently. He noticed the remaining squad members all wore a mixture of shock, and fear except for Barton who had disgust written over his face.“Well Barton,” Rex continued, walking up to the kneeling man. “If I release you, will you still pursue us seeing as your commander has perished?”This question elicited a moan from Brend as he struggled against his bindings.“Something to add Brend?” Cassius asked, coming to stand before the man.“Blessed one, I should warn you,” Taalook growled, stomping up to Brend, clenching two clawed hands on his right side. “He was the most aggressive fleshling. That is why his bindings are so tightly wrapped. The insect was annoying me.”Allowing Taalook to remove Brend’s gag, it did not take long for Brend to also decide to not take Rex’s lifeline.“You do not know how the godking’s army
“Well,” Rex coughed, “How do you know they came with ill intentions?”“They confessed under duress of course,” Queen Ullysarius said, casually waving her two left-sided long-clawed hands dismissively. “Do you wish to unveil the fleshed ones? Or shall I?”Turning toward Cassius for guidance and getting a confused shrug, Rex turned back, “I’ll do it.” Rex noticed the queen seemed to deflate slightly at his answer. ‘Strange response,’ he thought.“Shall I accompany you?” Ullysarius added in, quickly sidling in next to Rex, her eyes shining eagerly.” You know, in case it is decided they will visit the beyond. I would be honoured to send them there myself, blessed one.” Rex noticed she put extra emphasis on the title.Rolling his eyes, Rex moved to the first covered figure, reached under the hood and flipped it back.“Brend?” Rex asked, shocked to see Rosie’s squad leader kneeling before him, a strange black substance stuck over his mouth to prevent speaking, and his hands and elbows were
The moment Rex allowed Kiri to join him, she immediately started to mutter under her breath with her hands outstretched, slowly walking towards the young, downed woman.“What are you doing?” Cassius asked, taking a step forward to attempt to get a better view as to what Kiri was doing.“You need to stay back, the magic woven into this woman is highly unstable,” Kiri snapped, shooting a sharp glance toward Cassius, stopping him in his tracks.Raising his hands defensively, Cassius, along with Grug, retreated a few paces back and away from Kiri and the downed woman.“Grub be thinking how such small girlie make all buggies dead,” Grub asked, squinting suspiciously toward the young woman.“This poor girl has been subjected to a horrific amount of opposing magic. I am surprised she has not exploded already and killed us all, bringing this entire nest down in the process,” Kiri said, pausing her spell-casting to check the young woman’s pulse. “Before she can be moved, I must separate and sec
Rex, Cassius, Hussin and Grub were on full alert as they moved through the archway and entered into the well-lit, large cavern. The first thing Rex noticed was the amount of crazak bodies strewn around. He estimated there were at least thirty here, all looking like they had died while trying to fend off an attacker.“Be alert of your surroundings,” Cassius said after leaning over and pressing his hand onto the shredded chitin of a downed crazak that was closest to the archway. “It’s still warm, I would say the fight happened only 15 minutes ago.”“These quilix died in fighting circles,” Hussin said, surveying the carnage. “It is our most used tactic for our primarily non-combat nest members. Whatever did this used raw power to overcome all present.”“To slay this many buggies, thing must be strong,” Grub said, kneeling down next to another crazak and running his hand over its limbs, tracing the deep gouges in its tough chitin with his finger. “This buggy was ripped in pieces. With stro
Godking Darius had never slept much in his old life, this habit leaked through to his current reincarnation. This worked well to keep his entourage of close advisors on their feet, as well as not allowing anyone to catch him unawares, which was in his top three of most despised things.He was currently perusing through his latest report papers, lounging back on his large high-backed throne chair, just sitting slightly offset to his large black obsidian desk. He always sat facing the doorway allowing him a good view of anyone who entered into his chambers. Feeling a pulse of energy approaching, he smiled evilly. Darius knew this weasel-featured advisor well. Turning slightly back to his table, he stashed the papers he was reading and turned back to face the door, interlocking his fingers across his chest and waited. A few minutes later, a soft knock on the door could be heard.“Enter,” Darius said, allowing a slight sliver of magic into his voice. He had learnt from his earliest time s
During their trip from the throne room, Paool questioned Rex about his incredible ability to heal wounds.After seeming somewhat satisfied with Rex’s vague explanation about being bonded with an ancient creature and sharing some of its traits, Paool then asked about how he was hiding the presence of other beings, explaining he could sense multiple scents emanating from him.“Why does smart buggy not be asking Grub about him?” Grub suddenly blurted out, appearing next to Paool, startling the crazak.“Uh, this one does not know what to ask of you delicious-smelling one,” Paool replied after a few seconds, his name for Grub eliciting a chuckle from Cassius.Before Grub was able to respond, Paool stopped suddenly, his action not being noticed by the others for another two steps.“Everything ok Paool?” Rex asked, instinctively resting his hand on the pommel of his sword while his eyes darted between both ends of the tunnel they currently traversed.“Yes, blessed one. This humble one was ju