Chapter 5: You are cordially invited to... an ambush

* * *

The ice-cold water hit Ethan like... well, a bucket of ice-cold water.

"Get up boy!" a voice said.

He snapped awake and leapt out of bed. It took almost a second for him to get his bearings. When he did, he realized it was still dark outside. He had been sleeping in the trainee barracks of The Bank. It looked like a medieval version of every barracks he'd ever seen in a movie.

"We're burning daylight, now stop wasting time." Heinrich said.

Ethan shivered and instinctively shook much of the water off like a dog or cat would. The action peppered the entire room in water, much to the consternation of those who hadn't been woken by the commotion.

"It's time for training." Heinrich said.

"But it's still dark outside." Ethan yawned.

WHACK!

Heinrich's fist smashed into the side of his face and knocked Ethan clean off his feet because he wasn't ready for it. It wasn't a particularly hard punch, but it still hurt.

"What was that for!?" he shouted as he bristled on all fours.

"Your enemies won't wait for dawn to attack, so neither will I." Heinrich replied. "Come, training awaits."

And train they did.

Every.

Single.

Day.

For almost two weeks, the routine was the same. Heinrich would wake Ethan up before dawn, drag him out to the training grounds, and drill him hard. Ethan was occasionally given a few moments to wolf down some food and drink, but Heinrich kept him training every second he wasn't eating, drinking, sleeping, or relieving himself.

He was a harsh teacher, but fair.

He never belittled Ethan, but constantly pointed out the flaws in his technique and pushed him to improve. For sixteen hours every day, he pushed him to become a better fighter. Despite his cold attitude, he was there every minute of training and Ethan developed a healthy respect for him. For two weeks Ethan ate, and then Heinrich ate. Ethan drank, and then Heinrich drank. Ethan slept, and then Heinrich slept.

After a whole week of non-stop practice, Ethan's short spear was beginning to feel like an extension of his body. Despite the 7-foot length, Ethan could strike a target much further away in a single move with improved footwork. Heinrich also taught Ethan to be accurate when throwing it. He didn't hit the bull's eye every time, but he was getting better.

He wasn't getting better at the sparring sessions though.

He finally won a single sparring match at the end of the first week, but not with Heinrich. It was against one of the other guards and Ethan was pretty sure he'd only won because the other guard had become distracted. It took almost the whole two weeks before Ethan won his second sparring match.

He longed to heal up the hundreds of small bruises he could feel under his scales. The scales didn't bruise of course, but the flesh under them was a different story. Unfortunately, he'd burned up all his Mana trying -- and failing -- to heal Alana in the vault and had barely recovered any of it since he was rarely near any gold.

Occasionally, he could feel Alana's presence near the training grounds. He never saw her and she was never around long enough for his mana to regenerate much, but he was pretty sure she watched him train now and then. He would occasionally feel a strong flicker of emotion over their bond whenever he would get particularly badly hit on these occasions. He was true to her request and didn't look at their bond to see her emotions, but sometimes they were too obvious to miss.

Finally, after nearly two weeks of constant training, Heinrich lowered his weapon mid-afternoon.

"Practice is over for today." He announced. "You have a wedding tomorrow and should get a good night's sleep. Go see Madam Hygea, she'll tend to your wounds."

"But what about my..." Ethan trailed off. He was a dragon and Madam Hygea would probably be able to tell if she healed him.

"She knows and she can be trusted." Heinrich interrupted. "Don't worry about it."

Ethan nodded, put his training spear back on a rack, and headed outside. It took a few moments for him to realize he hadn't been anywhere except the training grounds, barracks, or mess hall in almost two weeks. He breathed in the fresh air; he'd almost forgotten what it smelled like.

"Hello." A sweet voice came from his right. He turned to see Beth standing there in a royal blue dress. The dress accentuated all of her curves while still being modest and covering everything. It was designed to allure and attract while remaining modest; it did its job perfectly.

"Hi, you look great."

Beth blushed slightly. "Thank you. Father wouldn't let me see you while you were in training so I wanted to look my best for you."

"I can honestly say you've never looked prettier." He couldn't help but smile at her.

Beth beamed. "We only have the rest of the day, so let's hurry and get you patched up by Madam Hygea. We have a week's worth of preparations for you and only a few hours to do them."

"Lead on." Ethan said. He thought he felt Alana's presence nearby, but didn't look at their bond to see. His mind drifted back to just after they'd rescued Beth. The three of them had all gotten along perfectly, and he wished things could be like that again.

Despite how impossible it seemed, somewhere deep down inside, a part of him felt like that might be the case eventually. His dragon instincts told him it would be the case; that they would all be happy at some point in the future. For some reason, he felt like it would be sooner rather than later.

* * *

Alana watched Ethan and Beth leave the training area through the window of her apartment.

"You need to stop torturing yourself." Anthiel said.

"I know." She replied, but didn't look away.

"This isn't healthy." Anthiel said. "You've been slaving away on those things ever since you got out of the hospital. You should've been resting, not working on a wedding present for your bonded; especially when he's marrying another woman and Lord Borden is so against that."

"It's not that he's marrying another woman, it's..."

"It's...?" Anthiel prompted

Alana finally turned from the window as Ethan and Beth disappeared out of sight. "It's being away from him. I don't mind Beth; she's a wonderful person and good company it's just..." She sighed. "I don't mind her being around Ethan; I just mind that I can't be around him."

Anthiel didn't reply, but she did look amused.

"I know, it doesn't make any sense." The wood elf shook her head and flopped down on a chair.

"The heart wants what the heart wants." Anthiel said with a kind smile. "What doesn't make sense is you killing yourself working on his wedding present."

"But I'm almost done and he needs something to protect himself. Lord Delmar will find him eventually and I want him to survive when that happens."

"But you've been pushing your mana to the edge." Anthiel countered. "How you aren't already dead I'll never know."

"When Ethan and I bonded, it changed the way I collect magic. I collect it fastest when he's around. But I can still collect it faster than I used to, even when he's far away."

"Look, I can't stop you from enchanting your life away. However, you need to get away from Ethan. That man is trouble with a capital T."

"I know." Alana replied with a sigh. "I sent a rider to my Uncle Garth. He has a traveling caravan and I'll be joining them in a few weeks when they swing by Gralden again."

Alana felt her eyes get a little watery and blinked to try and hide it. She knew her attraction to Ethan was partially because of the bond. However, that didn't mean she would miss him less; quite the opposite in fact.

"You're sure?" Anthiel asked

"I'm not going to let my personal feelings get in the way of doing what's right." Alana said. "Ethan is going to marry Beth. As much as I'd love to..." Alana trailed off. She knew exactly what she wanted; she just couldn't bring herself to say it out loud.

"You're a good friend." Anthiel said.

"Thank you." Alana replied, and she even managed a half smile. "Now, I need to get these finished before the wedding tomorrow."

Anthiel nodded and they sat together in companionable silence for quite a while. Alana would never admit it, but being away from Ethan was killing her. She only hoped time and distance would make it easier.

* * *

Rachel watched the ceremony from the balcony as everyone in the temple below rose to their feet. The building was constructed entirely of whitewashed stone and adorned with gold implements, including candle stands and torch sconces. The many massive windows bathed the entire room in the light of the afternoon sun. A single massive stained glass window depicting the great God Illuminar radiating light dominated the head of the temple.

The wealthiest members of the town occupied most of the sanctuary. They sat on comfortable padded pews while the few commoners lucky enough to be inside were crammed into the back, which was standing room only.

Moments later, the music began and Beth came walking down the aisle in a long white dress. Her face was beaming and there seemed to be a spring in her step. Rachel couldn't help but smile at the joy on Beth's face... but she was utterly disgusted by her too.

The cognitive dissonance was overwhelming.

She started absent-mindedly turning her ring and scratching the skin under it. She knew something was wrong, but every time she tried to figure out what it was her brain fogged over.

Beth reached the end of the aisle where a man -- well, a dragon wearing a disguise gem -- waited for her. They joined hands and the priest started the wedding ceremony.

Rachel wished them a long and happy marriage, while at the same time thinking they should be burned alive for displeasing Lord Delmar. There were enough candles and the room was warm enough that it would only take a few seconds to pull all the heat, form it into an enormous fireball, and incinerate both Beth and the dragon where they stood. She would have no chance to escape afterward though. The compulsion was telling her that sacrificing herself to please her father was the right thing to do.

She had enough willpower to resist, but barely. She would certainly be caught and killed. Her instinct for self-preservation stayed her hand, but only just.

"I can wait until tonight." She reasoned with herself. "I'll slip into their room, kill them both, and escape unnoticed."

*You had better.* The compulsion responded.

Rachel smiled to herself. Just a few more hours and she would rid the world of the dragon that had so troubled Lord Delmar, and his associates too. Despite herself, the redhead hoped they would somehow escape her clutches.

* * *

Ethan took a deep breath and let it out slowly as everyone in the temple waited for him to say those two words. Just two little words. He looked at his bride and knew he had to, if only to keep the delightful blonde safe. Unfortunately, saying those two words to Beth meant he wouldn't be able to say them to Alana. That was his only regret as he spoke.

"I do."

The priest turned toward Beth and she recited her own wedding vows. Oddly enough, the vows included a promise that Beth would obey him. Ethan barely had time to wonder if it was a cultural thing before the priest -- who they called a 'Luminar' -- turned to Beth to administer her vows.

"I absolutely do." Beth said when the priest had finished. Her eyes were shining like a full moon on a cloudless night and her face radiated bliss. He couldn't help but smile back at her.

"This couple wishes to exchange more than vows." The priest said. "They wish to become permanently bonded through the linking of their deep mana."

At this pronouncement, faint whispers erupted throughout the hall.

"They have the necessary skill." The priest said. "Now if you will join hands, then please exchange your deep mana."

Ethan took Beth's hand and closed his eyes. He could see the slushy pool of mana in his mind's eye. But under the slush was something else. Like water and oil, they were both liquid, but different, and refused to mix. He pushed his will toward the oil-like deep mana and started to move it toward Beth.

It took several seconds for him to push a few drops out of his body and into his wife. Moments later, he felt Beth take hold of his mana and accept it, at the same time as she offered her deep mana to him and he accepted it.

He could feel his mana mixing with hers.

It was like each was mixing a little of their very identity into the other. He wasn't a religious man, but he almost wanted to use the word soul. Their bond flared up in strength for the briefest moment as it finished. During that second, he caught a glimpse of... there was no other way to say it; her soul.

She was laid completely bare before him.

All of her life experiences, all of her emotions, the entire essence of her being, and who she was flashed through his mind and heart in an instant. She was a truly good person. She had a streak of jealousy that she wasn't proud of, but otherwise she was truly good and without guile. He could almost see the sweet innocence in her soul that made her so joyful all the time, and the burning curiosity that drove her to constantly learn.

Ethan opened his eyes and it was like he was seeing Beth for the first time. For some reason, her eyes looked brighter, her face more attractive, and her scent more alluring. She was at once captivating, innocent, beautiful, and sensual. Her feminine curves leapt out at his eyes; the fall of her hair, the curve of her hips, the roundness of her breasts...

He could feel the blood rushing to his loins and his cock had already emerged and was growing quickly. Ethan had never been so glad for his disguise gem because it was protecting his modesty in front of the crowd. If they weren't in a room full of people, he would've taken her right there.

"The bond is complete." The Luminar said. "May Illuminar bless your union with gold in your purse, children in your house, and allies at your side. You are now joined as husband and wife. Ethan, you may kiss your bride."

Ethan stepped towards Beth, wrapped his arms around her, and kissed her full on the lips. She collapsed slightly and kissed him back with all her might. Her tongue even played at the entrance of his mouth, though given his sharp teeth he didn't let her enter.

"That was some kiss." Beth whispered when they stopped

"Yeah."

"I hope there will be more tonight." Beth said with a wink, then added so quietly only Ethan could hear her. "I can see through your disguise now."

Beth looked down and blanched when she saw his cock and her eyes went wide. Ethan opened his mouth to reassure her, but the Luminar interrupted.

The man cleared his throat. "If the happy couple will lead the way to the banquet hall, the celebrations shall begin."

Ethan soon learned that Beth was a master of guiding while appearing to follow. She steered him outside and down the main street, smiling and waving at the adoring townsfolk all the while. She was clearly a bit of a local celebrity.

She guided him through the massive double doors of the correct building, which was a massive dining hall. The hall itself was richly furnished and covered in festive decorations. A full orchestra occupied one corner of the room, although Ethan didn't recognize many of the instruments.

The food was delicious.

His dragon stomach loved meat more than anything else, but many of the non-meat dishes were good enough that he had seconds. Beth ate a full meal, but he noticed she spent a lot more time stealing glances at him than eating. Unless he mistook the look in her eye, she was impatient for the evening.

Once the meal was over, the center of the room was cleared and dancing commenced. Ethan managed not to make too big a fool of himself, thanks to Beth's instruction the previous day. Much to his surprise, he found himself enjoying it immensely.

His mood was much improved, even without Alana there. He didn't miss her any less, but he felt better since bonding with Beth.

The bond with Alana...

Ethan checked his bond with the wood elf and discovered it was still there and as strong as ever. He felt a strange combination of sadness and happiness coming from her, and he guessed it was because she missed him but was happy for them as a couple.

"My bond with Alana didn't break." Ethan said to Beth when they had a quiet moment alone.

"Oh." Beth said, her disappointment evident despite her attempts to conceal it. "You're bonded with me though, right?"

Ethan closed his eyes and searched around for any trace of the presence of Beth's bond. It was there, but small and faint; like a shadow in a bright room you can't quite see, but you know is there.

"Absolutely." He replied, but didn't add that he couldn't feel her emotions the way he could feel Alana's. Perhaps that's just because the bond was so new?

"Okay." Beth bit her lip and nodded, after which an official whisked them away to shake hands with some very wealthy-looking people.

After an hour, Lord Borden called on the guests to present their gifts to the couple. Most of the gifts were fine clothes, expensive trinkets, or refined luxuries. There was a long line, and Lord Borden had his servants take the gifts as they were presented to prevent them from piling up around the newlyweds.

Ethan noticed that Anthiel was standing in the line of people with two gifts. One of them was very thin and at least seven feet long. The other was about two feet long with a wider section near the top. Anthiel was glaring daggers at him. If looks could kill, Ethan would have needed an undertaker.

Then it happened.

The massive double doors to the banquet hall opened.

There was a slightly booming echo followed by the creak of the hinges as they opened and the sound drew all eyes to the doors. Anthiel was nearing the head of the line when everyone turned to look at the newcomers.

Half a dozen men walked in, arrayed in ceremonial dress armor and carrying weapons too ornate to be used on any battlefield. Their chainmail was painted black and clinked as they walked. A surcoat covered most of their chainmail, and the surcoats were emblazoned with a stylized black dragon on a red background. The soldiers were arrayed in perfect formation around their leader.

Ethan shivered when he saw him.

The leader was at least six and a half feet tall and was built like a champion bodybuilder. His robes were regal, elegant, and looked like they cost a year's wages. Covering his chest was the same stylized dragon. His hair was short and jet black and his eyes were predatory with no trace of warmth in them; they were as cold and unfeeling as death itself.

The man was truly, deeply scary.

Ethan had never felt pure dread from merely seeing a man before, but somehow this man managed it. There was something predatory about his walk and gaze. He moved with a fluidity that was at once graceful and terrifying; he looked like he could pounce at any moment. It was like watching an apex predator sizing up potential prey as the man looked around the room.

Ethan felt the scales on the back of his neck stand up slightly. There was something deeply wrong with this man.

"Lord Delmar." Lord Borden said as he stood. "You didn't send word you were coming."

The man -- Lord Delmar -- bowed to Lord Borden, but it didn't come off as respectful. Somehow, it conveyed disdain instead.

"Forgive me Lord Borden." Lord Delmar said without a hint of remorse. "I was not informed of your daughter's wedding, nor did I receive an invitation."

"My deepest apologies Lord Delmar." Lord Borden said. "I shall have my steward flogged for the oversight."

Ethan was about to open his mouth to protest when Beth whispered in his ear. "He's just placating him; he wasn't invited on purpose."

"I have also heard rumors of a dragon roar near the bank a fortnight ago." Lord Delmar said. "Naturally, I gathered my best dragon slayers to assist should you fall under attack. They are outside the city as we speak and stand ready to defend your city should the dragon return."

"You are most kind and gracious, and we are grateful for the assistance." Lord Borden replied, although he didn't look remotely grateful.

"You would do the same for me." Lord Delmar said. "Now, I'm afraid I didn't have time to prepare a proper gift, given the lack of invitation. However, I do have something that any young couple starting out should need, and would like to present my gift."

At the words "my gift", the entire gift line almost ran out of the way to make room for Lord Delmar. Judging from the looks of fear and panic on the people in the line, they weren't doing it just to be nice.

Lord Delmar waved his hand and one of the soldiers stepped forward. He carried a box that looked like it weighed seventy or eighty pounds, even though it was quite small. Ethan didn't need to open the box to know what was inside.

It was gold.

A lot of gold.

The soldier walked up to Ethan and Beth, set the box down, and then opened the lid so they could see inside. It was a cube of solid gold. It was just under 5 inches on each side and glinted in the candlelight from the chandeliers. He reached a finger out and brushed the surface. He felt a small shock -- probably static electricity -- arc to his hand as he touched it.

Somewhere in the back of Ethan's mind, it registered that Lord Delmar -- the man who was trying to kill him -- had just given him a lot of gold. He knew it didn't make sense, but at that moment he truly didn't care. His mouth was literally watering at the sight.

He opened his mouth to say something, but Beth beat him to it. "Thank you Lord Delmar, your generosity overwhelms us."

He simply nodded in agreement and Lord Delmar looked at him right in the eye. Somehow, Ethan knew he could see right through the disguise gem. As they locked eyes, it somehow felt like it was a contest of wills. He could almost feel the full force of Lord Delmar's astounding intellect and primal cunning boring into his soul. It took all of Ethan's willpower to meet his gaze.

Lord Delmar smiled, but it was devoid of mirth. "Rest assured, if that dragon tries to take your gold -- or even shows his hide -- my dragon slayers will pin him to the wall."

Ethan didn't miss the veiled threat. Neither did Beth, who shivered at his side.

"Thank you." Ethan managed to get out, mostly because it seemed like the only thing he could say.

"I shall take my leave of you." Lord Delmar said. "Enjoy your festivities and know you are safe from dragons while my men are outside the city."

"Must you leave? There's a place at my table for you." Lord Borden offered, but Ethan could tell he was only asking as a formality to avoid offense.

"I beg your pardon, but I must take my leave." Lord Delmar replied with another disdainful bow. "I have pressing business elsewhere."

And with that, he turned on his heel and walked out of the room, taking his entourage with him. Ethan slowly let out the breath he didn't realize he'd been holding.

"What are we going to do?" Beth whispered to him.

"Right now we should finish the reception." Ethan replied. "It might look odd, even suspicious if we leave now."

"Good point." She agreed.

After the commotion had died down, her father suggested the guests finish presenting their gifts. A couple of expensive trinkets later, Anthiel brought her two gifts up to them. She still looked at him with suspicion, but less so after Lord Delmar's visit.

"These aren't from me." Anthiel said, then handed Ethan a letter. Ethan opened it and he and Beth read it.

+ + +

Dear Ethan,

I'm sorry I couldn't attend your wedding. Please know I wish you and Beth only the best in life. However, you have enemies and I wanted to make sure you could defend yourself and your new bride from them. Please take these and use them well.

I enchanted the shafts to be cut-resistant and self-healing. Further, I put a summoning spell on them. If you feed only a drop of your deep mana into the wood, they will bond to you. Then you will be able to call them to your hand whenever you need them. I hope this means you will never be without a weapon.

May Illuminar bless you both, Alana

+ + +

When Ethan finished reading, Anthiel pulled the fabric off of the long gift to reveal a stunningly beautiful and deadly-looking spear. The shaft was carved with strange runes, symbols, and shapes that looked vaguely Celtic. The spearhead was about ten inches long and had a long raised rib down the center. At the opposite end was an eight-inch triangular steel spike. The spike had a wicked-looking point, which slowly thickened at a long angle. Ethan wasn't sure, but he thought that with enough force behind it, that spike would punch through chainmail.

The second gift was a war hammer. It looked like a large framing hammer, only with a wicked-looking strike face and a sharp, slightly curved spike on the opposite side. The handle was adorned with the same Celtic-looking runes, symbols, and shapes as the spear.

"Wow." Ethan said.

"Yes." Beth agreed.

Anthiel gave Ethan a strange look and then turned on her heel and walked away.

* * *

The rest of the reception went smoothly, though Ethan wouldn't let anyone touch the cube of gold or the weapons from Alana. After a few hours, the guests started leaving

"We need to talk." Lord Borden said when most of the guests had left. He led them to a side room and closed the door behind them.

"He knows doesn't he?" Lord Borden said to Ethan.

Ethan nodded. "I'm pretty sure he does, we need to leave."

Lord Borden nodded. "You need to leave town; tonight."

"I suppose I could take Beth and fly somewhere, but where?"

"Not with the dragon slayers outside you can't." Beth said. "They can see through disguise gems and their bows are enchanted to release arrows at a few hundred pounds. They can hit a bird on the wing from a hundred yards. I don't think you can fly high enough or fast enough to avoid their arrows."

"Then how?" Ethan asked.

"My airship." Lord Borden replied. "I've already given the order to make it ready to sail."

"But where will we go?" Beth asked.

"I don't know my love." Lord Borden wrapped his daughter in a hug. "Lord Delmar surely knows that I'm helping you, so he'll be watching all of our associates, even the clandestine ones. You can't go to anyone you know, or he'll find you."

"But what about you, mother, and Charlie?" Beth asked, and Ethan could see tears forming in her eyes. "When will I see you again?"

"I don't know." Lord Borden replied. "Unfortunately, probably not for some time."

"But..." Beth seemed to have gained some composure and stepped back from her father. "But what about you? Will he attack you?"

"I doubt it." Lord Borden replied. "I have much of the Emperor's gold in the vault, and a private army to defend it. He's interested in you two, not me."

"This is all my fault." Ethan said. "If I hadn't roared that day in the vault..."

Lord Borden slapped Ethan across the face.

"Hey! What was that for?"

"You listen to me young man." Lord Borden replied in a quiet, deadly tone that brooked no argument. "Lord Delmar would've found out eventually. Living in the past will do you no good. I'm entrusting my only daughter into your care. To keep her alive, you need your wits about you. Learn from your mistakes, but don't dwell on them. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes sir." Ethan replied.

"Now." Lord Borden said. "The airship won't be ready for a few hours yet. You should take Ethan to your room, pack your things, and get changed into traveling clothes."

"Can I at least say goodbye to mother and Charlie?" Beth asked.

"Of course." Lord Borden replied. "I'll bring them to the dock before you set sail, but right now you need to get ready."

Beth bit her lips and nodded.

"Take care of my girl Ethan."

"I'll do my best sir."

"Good, I have a few arrangements to make for the airship. Excuse me." Lord Borden said before turning to leave the room.

"Wait." Ethan called after him. "One thing is bothering me. Why would Lord Delmar give gold to a dragon he's trying to kill? It just doesn't make any sense."

A dark shadow crossed over Lord Borden's face as he answered. "Lord Delmar does not give gifts to enemies; he gives snares, traps. Dragons have a peculiar reaction to gold as you well know."

Ethan swallowed as he remembered what happened with Alana in the vault.

"I wouldn't be surprised if that cube ends up being your downfall." Lord Borden finished ominously.

* * *

Ethan closed the door behind them as they entered Beth's room. It was larger than most of the other rooms he'd seen, but still a reasonable size. The dominant feature was a large and overly full bookcase adjacent to the oversized bed. Otherwise, it looked like a medieval version of any modern teenager's bedroom.

He set down the cube of gold and Alana's weapons and turned to face Beth, who stepped in to give him a hug. They stayed like that for a whole minute before she broke the silence.

"It's weird seeing through the disguise gem." She said.

"Oh?"

"Yes, it's like I can see the disguise, but I can also see right through it. Is it odd that I find your dragon body just as attractive as the disguise body?"

He shrugged. "Maybe?"

"I suppose I should get changed." She said looking down at her wedding dress.

"I'll um, uh... you know." Ethan took a step towards the door.

"Husband." Beth called, which stopped him in his tracks. He had almost forgotten he was married and turned to look at her.

"You don't have to go." She said. "My dress laces at the back so I'll need some help..."

"Okay." He said, a grin coming to his face as he realized what she was getting at.

"Besides." She looked at her bed and blushed. "We are married and we have a few hours to spare..."

His grin turned into a wide smile. "Well, when you put it like that."

"So how do we do this?" she bit her lip and blushed scarlet. "I mean, get things started. I've never... I mean I know about it from reading but... I never... Help?"

"It's normal to be nervous." He pulled her into a hug.

"I wish we'd bonded here instead of at the wedding ceremony." She said.

"Why?" he asked.

"Because after we bonded, I was... Um..." she paused for a moment. "For the next few minutes, I was ready to..."

"Jump on me, tear all my clothes off, and offer me your virginity?" He prompted with a wink.

She squeaked and hid her face in his shoulder before nodding. "If there hadn't been all those people there..." She trailed off wistfully.

"I know what you mean." He said. "So how about we start with a kiss?"

She leaned back and looked him in the eyes. "I could do that."

There was a small part at the front of his mouth that was devoid of scales and not radically dissimilar to a human's lips. He touched his lips to hers, marveling at how much it felt like he had human lips. Not much had changed in that department, except he could open his mouth large enough to swallow a good-sized squirrel whole. After a few seconds, he brushed her lips with his tongue.

"Oh." She said pulling out of the kiss. "Was that your... I never thought of that."

"How much do you know about sex?"

"I know your..." She blushed crimson. "...your thing goes inside me, between my legs, but that's about it." She confessed, then glanced down to see his cock in its fully aroused -- and massive -- state. Her eyes widened and she blanched slightly.

He smiled. "Yeah, that's just the finale. We'll work up to that."

"How do we do that?"

Ethan trailed his hand up her side and brushed the edge of her breast through the fabric. She shuddered in response.

"There are ways." He said. "But they typically feel better with fewer clothes on. Right now, you seem to have me at a disadvantage..." He turned off the disguise gem. She could see through it anyway, but now her view would be unobstructed.

She looked down at his naked body and he could see a slight change in her body language. She seemed both more relaxed and yet more tense at the same time. The normally fair skin on her chest above her breasts developed a pink hue.

"Can we try that kiss thing again, with your tongue?" She asked breathlessly.

He leaned in and brought their lips close but didn't touch her. She breathed expectantly and when she exhaled, he touched her lips with his long, forked tongue. She let out a soft sigh, then leaned in and started kissing his lips and tongue.

They kissed for several seconds before he pressed on her lips with his tongue, and she granted him entrance. Ethan hadn't done anything with his dragon tongue before, but with the more flexible forked shape and newfound dexterity, he gently explored the inside of her mouth.

"That felt amazing." Beth said when they broke apart. "Will the rest be this good?"

"I hope so." He replied. "I mean, you read like a woman possessed, but were you good when you first learned?"

"No, but I liked it,"

"Sex is like any other skill. I wouldn't expect the world to move, but I hope you'll enjoy it."

"Me too." She bit her lip and turned around to present the lacing for her dress. "Would you?"

"It'll be my pleasure." Ethan replied. He got to work loosening the ties of her dress. It took two whole minutes to get them loose enough for the dress to start sinking down. Beth caught it before it had dropped much and turned back around. She was shaking like a leaf and it wasn't from arousal.

"What's wrong?"

"I'm... I mean I know I'm not exactly... I'm not Alana. I just hope that you think I'm... I mean, compared to her am I...?

Ethan caught on and took a moment to gaze at her face before responding. Her blonde hair was pulled back in an elegant bun; her face was small and delicate, though her lips were full. Her neck was slender and the body beneath the dress was petite and had all the right curves in all the right places.

"Beth." Ethan said, looking her in the eye. "You are a gorgeous woman."

She stopped trembling, hesitated for a moment, then let the dress fall. Her right hand protected her breasts from view while her left covered her slit. Ethan let out a low whistle, taking only a moment to appreciate that he could still whistle with his dragon lips.

If he hadn't thought she was beautiful before, he certainly did now. At his reaction, Beth, slowly and hesitantly lowered her hands, although she didn't seem to know what to do with them. She finally settled on holding them firmly at her sides.

His cock, which had been wavering near full mast, sprang to rigid attention almost instantly.

Her entire body was extremely petite and slender. Her breasts weren't large at all, maybe a large A or small B cup, but they were very perky. The nipples were hard and pointed up slightly as if in invitation. Ethan was definitely going to accept that invitation too. Her waist was short and she didn't have quite the classic hourglass shape with a pronounced wasp waist -- but she wasn't far off either.

Looking a little lower, he was surprised to see her pussy was completely bald -- shaved or waxed. While her waist was short, her legs definitely weren't. Despite her height, they seemed to go on for miles. His mind instantly conjured images of how those legs would feel wrapped around him...

He reached up and pulled the pin that held her bun in and her blond hair fell like a waterfall, cascading down her shoulders in the most attractive way possible.

Ethan could feel something start to pull him towards her. Similarly to how he reacted to gold, it felt as if his dragon instincts were taking over. His entire body burned with desire for the nubile young woman who stood naked before him. Everything in him wanted to throw her onto the bed and claim her as his mate. As much as he wanted to make this special for Beth, he wasn't sure he could fight that urge.

He glanced around the room in an attempt to clear his head and his eyes paused on the weapons Alana had given him, and then saw it.

The cube of gold.

It seemed to call to him. It muddied his senses. He could feel some deep, buried desires bubbling up from his core as he stared at the gold. It was the dragon, clawing to get out and take Beth; to claim her as his mate...

...And the dragon was winning.

* * *

Beth heard a low growl escape Ethan's throat. His eyes changed from kind and caring to predatory and lustful. He dropped to all fours and licked his lips while eyeing her body. His massive cock was still erect and Beth couldn't look at it without being afraid that it would hurt going in. She was reassured that he found her attractive, but this new side of him was scary...

...and thrilling.

...and arousing.

She felt weird. She had been aroused before, but never like this. Fear had always shut her down instantly, but this time it was heightening her arousal. This creature before her was not quite Ethan; it was a primal force of nature. It was a dragon; no more, no less.

The dragon started circling her like a predator circles its prey before pouncing. The lust in his eyes was blatant, and his wings stretched out and occasionally brushed her bare skin. Beth took shallow breaths as he circled her slowly. His every motion sent a shiver of fear through her spine, although it sent a very different shiver through her loins.

She loved Ethan with all her heart and didn't think he'd ever hurt her. But this version of him was wild; untamed. She didn't know what he would do, but she still felt quite safe for some reason, even though she was scared almost out of her mind.

The dragon stalked around her for almost a minute, before stopping with her between him and the bed. The dragon locked eyes with her and she found she couldn't look away. He captured her gaze and as she stared back, she thought she could see Ethan buried under this captivating force of nature.

There was something incredibly dominant in the way he held her gaze, as if daring her to match wills with him. She couldn't match his will and looked away... or at least tried to. It was simply impossible for some reason. She wasn't sure how, but she knew he was doing this through their bond. He wouldn't let her look away.

She simply couldn't.

Then he stepped forward.

Something deep within her -- almost fear, but not quite-- caused her to step back. The dragon waited a moment and then took another step forward. She stepped back again. The dragon repeated this several more times until Beth felt the bed behind her.

The dragon stared unblinking into her eyes. Beth could occasionally blink, but she couldn't look away. Somehow, the dragon -- Ethan -- had locked her gaze so tightly that she couldn't escape. She tried to look away, but it was impossible. She tried with all her might to close her eyes, but they wouldn't close. Blink yes, but not stay closed.

That's when Beth realized something. The dragon had her. She was completely powerless to look away because his willpower was just too strong. She tried everything, plumbed the deepest depths of her own willpower but it wasn't enough. She was completely trapped and rendered helpless by this dragon who would have his way with her. She couldn't do anything to stop him and she couldn't escape him.

And she loved it.

She felt completely dominated by this powerful force of nature, but knew that beneath that powerful beast was her Ethan, and he would never hurt her. A powerful surge of arousal shot through her body at this realization and she let a breathy moan escape her lips.

The dragon must have sensed her understanding, because he smiled and took another step forward. Beth reflexively took a step back and fell onto the bed, breaking the line of sight. The moment her eyes left his, she felt free to move again or run, but she didn't.

She didn't want to.

She closed her eyes and savored how it had felt. She felt so submissive but also protected and cared for. The dragon might have dominated her, but there was no malice and no intent to hurt; only intent to care for and protect. It felt like almost like a dream...

Her dream...

Then she remembered.

Just as their bond had finished, a fantasy flashed through her mind. Her, lying naked and helpless while Ethan made love to her as a dragon. She had indulged the fantasy throughout dinner, but never thought it would actually come true.

Beth felt the mattress shift and the dragon crawled up on the bed. She kept her eyes closed, but could feel him hovering over her. They weren't touching, but she could feel his breath on her neck and she somehow sensed his body above hers.

"Open your eyes." The dragon commanded.

Beth knew what he was demanding. He wanted her to open them so he could take control again. He had taken complete control and then given it back to her. Now, he wanted her to give him complete and total control again. She just had to decide if she wanted to.

It wasn't even a question.

Beth opened her eyes to see the dragon right above her. The moment their eyes met, Beth felt her control slip away again. Without breaking eye contact, the dragon motioned for her to move further up the bed. She did, which put his head level with her slit. Beth's whole body trembled in anticipation. Still the dragon held her gaze. She reached up and put a pillow under her head so she wouldn't have to hold it up anymore.

The dragon began to exhale hot breath onto her slit, and Beth heard herself let out a whimper. For several minutes, the dragon breathed hot air and stroked her thighs with the most gossamer of touches as he brought his head closer and closer to her center. The anticipation was driving her mad. More than once, Beth felt a drop of moisture escape from her and trickle down her bare skin to the sheets.

She had never been this aroused in her life before.

Ever.

Finally, the dragon's long, forked tongue slid from his mouth. It hovered over her slit for a moment before making light, brushing contact. Beth moaned in pleasure, the dragon's tongue slowly licked her again, sending delicious shudders of pleasure throughout her entire body. Beth felt her breath grow shallower, more ragged, as the dragon continued his work.

Their eyes were locked together. Beth couldn't have looked away from the lewd sight if she wanted to. And she didn't want to. Wanton lust was written in the dragon's eyes and his monstrous cock twitched every time she moaned or sighed in pleasure. Within minutes, Beth felt herself on the brink of orgasm.

Then the dragon stopped.

She slid from the edge of orgasm back to merely highly aroused, and then the dragon started again. Once more she came to the brink, but again he stopped just before she fell into the vast pools of pleasure that were waiting for her. Once she had calmed slightly, the dragon continued until she was on the brink, then stopped until she had calmed down.

"Please." Beth moaned. "Please let me... Please."

The dragon never blinked, he never slowed or changed tactics. Just as she was about to crest the wave of pleasure, he stopped. He only resumed when she had calmed down enough to prevent orgasm.

He did this again...

And again...

And again...

For what felt like hours -- but was probably far less -- the dragon kept her at the precipice of pleasure, but refused to let her go over. She begged, she pleaded, she bargained, she offered to give the dragon anything he wanted if he would only let her orgasm. The dragon never responded, he merely continued this exquisite torture.

She felt like she was going to explode with pleasure, like her whole body was on a hair trigger and the least sensation could send her over. Somehow, the dragon avoided giving her that last bit of stimulation to send her over.

Beth couldn't decide if this was the best thing that had ever happened to her or a nightmare. She loved it, she hated it. She couldn't wait for it to end, yet she wanted it to go on forever. This dragon was playing her body like a world-class musician plays their instrument and her sighs and moans were the symphony the dragon was conducting.

Her books hadn't exaggerated how skilled dragons were in the art of love.

Finally, after what seemed like years -- or possibly decades -- Beth realized that the dragon would let her finish when he wanted to and not a moment before. She had literally no control of any kind; not one iota. He had complete control and she had no choice but to accept whatever he decided to give her.

She struggled with that for a moment but decided it was a small price to pay for the pleasure coursing through her body.

As if on cue, the dragon smiled, and stopped licking her. He crawled up the bed until his head was about level with her breasts. His tongue snaked out and spent a few moments playing with her nipples. Beth almost had an orgasm right there... but he stopped just before she did. It was absolutely maddening. She loved it.

Then she felt it.

The head of his cock touched the folds of her pussy. Beth inhaled sharply. It was so strange, so foreign and alien feeling. She tensed slightly and waited for the dragon to push.

He didn't.

Their eyes were still locked together, and Beth saw a question in his eyes. Beth didn't know how she knew, but she knew he was waiting for permission... her submission. Beth bit her lip and trembled for several seconds. This was her choice; he was making sure she wanted it rather than just taking her.

She relaxed slightly.

His cock was enormous and she didn't think there was any way it would fit. But after all the pleasure he had given her, she just couldn't say no. She wanted this; she wanted her Ethan. And even though he seemed to have disappeared behind the dragon, Beth knew he was still there. She wasn't sure how she knew, though she suspected their bond was the culprit.

Still, he waited for her permission.

Beth nodded.

The dragon pushed forward and it was the strangest sensation Beth ever felt. She could feel his massive cock slowly spreading her nether lips. It felt like a massive intruder was invading her body. She couldn't decide if she loved the sensation or if she hated it; it was too new.

The dragon kept up gentle pressure and she felt him slide deeper inside of her. Her pussy was doing its best imitation of a waterfall. He had just barely fit the head inside when she felt him hit a barrier. Her barrier. If he went any further, she wouldn't be a virgin anymore.

The dragon's gaze intensified and she knew that no matter what she said or did; no matter how hard she pleaded, he was going to take her virginity. There was nothing she could do -- nothing she wanted to do -- to stop him. She belonged to him thoroughly. He was going to take her whether she wanted him to or not.

She wanted him to.

Beth bit her lips, took a deep breath, and then nodded. The dragon pushed forward firmly and Beth felt a sharp pinch.

"Keep going." She said, strangling a cry of pain.

The dragon obliged her. Deeper and deeper he sank. Beth felt like a tree was being forced inside her by a slow, inexorable force. The sensation was still very strange and almost uncomfortable, but it was starting to feel good. Not great, but good.

Still the dragon pushed deeper.

"He has to be all the way in by now." Beth thought. Truthfully, she didn't think there was enough room inside of her for his cock. If it went all the way in, it seemed like it would reach her rib cage. Finally, Beth felt his balls touch her pussy at the same time his head reached the top of her vagina.

The dragon blinked and released Beth from her spell. She looked down and could see a slight bulge in her stomach where his cock was. The bulge of his cock reached past her belly button, yet there was no discomfort. It was like her pussy had lengthened to take him fully.

"Magic." Beth breathed.

The dragon nodded, and then started sliding his cock out. Instantly, Beth felt a massive void inside of her. She hadn't realized it until it was gone, but the dragon had filled her up so completely it was incredible. She whimpered as he left, but before he was all the way out, he started pushing back inside of her.

Beth nearly came on the spot.

The first time the sensation had been so strange. This time, it felt like Illuminar Himself had come down and blessed her nether regions. She was on the brink of orgasm the entire time he returned to fully sheathing inside of her. When the tip of his cock again touched the end of her pussy, she could feel her orgasm start to come...

But the dragon stopped her.

The dragon locked eyes with her and Beth felt her control slip away again. The building wave of pleasure seemed to freeze just before the crescendo. Somehow, he was in her mind and preventing her from having an orgasm. The dragon drew himself out, and then thrust deep inside her again. Again, Beth had more than enough stimulation to cum, she just couldn't.

He was somehow preventing her.

The dragon kept up this steady rhythm for several minutes. Beth rode each wave to the top, but couldn't crest the peak. It would've been the most frustrating, maddening, and infuriating thing she had ever experienced... if it wasn't also the most pleasure she had ever felt in her life.

She felt like her body was a pressure cooker. The dragon had continually teased her to the edge of orgasm for what felt like centuries; possibly millennia. She was almost afraid of what it would feel like when she finally did cum. She wasn't sure she could handle it.

"Please let me come?" Beth finally pleaded through her moans.

The dragon got a wicked smile on his face and shook his head. For some reason -- Beth didn't know why -- she just accepted his refusal. She belonged to him, to her master. He would let her finish when he wanted to, and she simply had to accept his mastery over her.

In the back of her mind, she knew Ethan wouldn't have denied her like this. He wouldn't have dominated her so completely that she felt like she lived to serve his every whim. The dragon made her feel so desired, but also so submissive. Somehow, giving up control completely to this primal force of nature was the biggest turn-on she had ever felt.

That's why she was glad it was the dragon -- not Ethan -- in charge.

She wasn't aware of making the decision, but she had clearly decided to submit her entire being and life to this dragon. For some reason, she was okay with that.

"Good girl. Now, cum for me" the dragon said, and then started thrusting much faster. His thrusts were deep, long, and penetrated her to her core.

Beth finally crested that wave. Her orgasm broke over her body like a dam releasing the floodwaters to obliterate everything in their path.

There were no words.

It felt like her entire being -- mind, body, and spirit -- had been dipped in molten pleasure. Beth felt her mind disconnect from her body. She could still feel it, she could feel everything, but she wasn't in control. Her body twitched and spasmed randomly on the bed. She could feel her entire body trembling with the force of her orgasm. Her back arched and she opened her mouth in a wordless, soundless scream.

Words weren't enough.

Sound wasn't' enough.

Nothing was enough.

As she reached the peak of her orgasm, she felt something hot inside her. Not hot like his cock though. This was different. It was truly hot. Many times it sprayed all over the inside of her pussy. Somewhere in the back of her mind, she knew he had cum inside of her, and that thought turned her on even more.

Her pussy walls rhythmically contracted, like they were trying to swallow the dragon's cum. She could feel most of it being pulled deeper inside of her. They continued the swallowing motion as her body eagerly -- almost greedily -- sucked his potent seed into the fertile fields of her nubile womb.

It felt like her orgasm went on forever. He continued thrusting into her, releasing more cum than she thought possible... And she knew it was collecting inside her womb. She contemplated what the results of that could be, and how it would feel to carry his brood. That thought prolonged her orgasm even more.

Eventually, she slowly came down from her explosive high. She found her limbs were a puddle of exhaustion. She supposed she could move them; she just didn't have the energy. She didn't have the energy to do anything. Even keeping her eyes open felt like a lot of work, so she closed them.

Her last thought before sleep took her was that she wanted to do this again.

Soon.

* * *

Anthiel knocked on the door of Alana's apartment. It was a few hours after sundown, but she hoped she would still be awake. Nobody answered so she knocked again.

And again.

And again.

Finally, Alana replied. "Go away."

"It's Anthiel."

"Go away." She repeated, though less firmly.

Anthiel thought for a moment, then reached into her satchel and pulled out a small flute. It took her a moment to remember what Alana had said was her favorite song. Her mother would sing an old elven lullaby to her when she wasn't feeling well, and Anthiel thought that was a perfect fit. She started playing, and it took only a minute for the wood elf to open the doors.

She looked decidedly the worse for wear.

Her rich chocolate-brown hair was a tangled mess, her green dress was rumpled, and her eyes betrayed signs of crying.

"Oh, dear girl." She said while folding the wood elf into a motherly hug. Alana didn't say anything for a minute, so she just held her close.

"I heard about Lord Delmar, it's all over the town and..." she took a shaky breath. "He's going to leave town, isn't he?"

"Yes." She held the wood elf close and gave her an extra squeeze before breaking the hug.

"Are you sure?" the heartbroken wood elf asked.

"Lord Borden told me himself since I'm the pilot of his airship." Anthiel explained. "That's why I came, I wanted to say goodbye."

"You've been a great friend to me Anthiel." Alana said and gave her another hug. "I'll never forget you."

"And you as well." Anthiel replied. "I'll try to send a letter when I can, but I won't make any promises. I've never captained a ship being chased by Lord Delmar before."

"Stay safe then." Alana replied. "And please take care of Ethan and Beth."

"You still care for them? After all they've done to you?"

"They didn't do anything, not on purpose."

"Perhaps, but this was their wedding day; aren't you a little upset at them?"

"Maybe?" Alana shrugged. "What's wrong with me? I feel more hurt over Ethan leaving the city without me than him marrying another woman."

Anthiel just looked at her.

"I know, I know; it doesn't make any sense to me either." She leaned up against the door and sighed. "I mean tonight was their wedding night and through our bond I felt--" she stopped abruptly and her face went red.

"Ah, you felt their wedding night, or at least from him." The high elf nodded. "You don't look like you enjoyed feeling that."

"They're married, why shouldn't they?" The wood elf shrugged again. "I'm not saying I'm happy about it. But to be honest -- and I know this sounds strange -- but Ethan leaving the city without me hurts more."

"I actually do have an idea what you mean." Anthiel nodded.

"Please be nice to him." The brunette asked. "I know you feel like he was unfair to me, but I promise he wasn't."

Anthiel regarded the besotted wood elf for a moment. The wood elf was truly doing her best to keep them safe and make them happy, even though the emotional cost to her must be incredible. Anyone capable of making a woman like Alana fall that deeply in love with him couldn't be all bad.

Could he?

"Okay." Anthiel agreed to her request. "He doesn't deserve you, but I'll give him a fair shot."

"Thank you." Alana replied, looking over at the house where Ethan and Beth were staying. Anthiel followed her gaze. There was a light on in a third-floor bedroom window. Through the window, they could see the flickering light from a fireplace and part of a large bookcase on a pink wall, but little else. Anthiel knew it was Beth's room, having been in there a few times to satisfy the insatiable girl's appetite for information, in her case about airships

"What is that?" Alana leaned forward and squinted at the building.

"What's what?" Anthiel asked trying to see, but her high-elven night vision wasn't nearly as good as Alana's wood elf eyes.

"It looks like there's..." Alana trailed off. "Do you have a spyglass on you?"

Anthiel shook her head. "All my equipment is on the airship. Why?"

"Because I think I see something moving on the wall." Alana stared for almost a full minute before Anthiel saw it too. A dark shadow pulled itself up onto the window ledge into Ethan and Beth's room, silhouetting itself against the wall. Anthiel just caught a glimpse of flame-red hair before the silhouette dropped into Ethan and Beth's room.

"What was that?" Anthiel asked.

Alana inhaled sharply. "Is that Beth's room?"

"Yes, why-"

Alana swore, darted into the room, to return only a second later with her bow and a quiver full of arrow. She nocked an arrow, aimed it for a moment, and let fly. Anthiel heard the distant sound of glass breaking as the arrow shattered one of the windowpanes in Beth's room.

"Come on, we have to help them." Alana said. "I only hope that was enough warning."

Anthiel was going to ask more, but the wood elf had already taken off toward the building. With a sigh, Anthiel began running after her.

It was going to be a long night.

* * *

Ethan drifted back to consciousness. He felt mostly content, though for some reason a bit of anguish and worry was leaking over his bond with Alana. He tried not to pay attention, but sometimes it was hard to miss.

He was lying in bed under the covers with a mane of long, golden blond hair in the bed next to him. A sniff of the air confirmed that it was Beth's scent. He looked around the room trying to remember the last thing that had happened. Beth's dress was in a puddle on the floor and he vaguely remembered her taking it off. But after that it was very fuzzy; he remembered some of it, just not clearly.

His balls felt wonderfully empty, or at least... three of them did?

Ethan pulled back the covers to discover that since that morning he had grown a fourth testicle. The new one felt amazing and wonderfully empty just like his original two. Somehow, he knew that this new one was reserved for Beth, and Beth alone.

However, the one that grew after bonding with Alana remained full and slightly uncomfortable.

A quick glance under the covers revealed a white line of dried cum trickling down Beth's thigh from her slit. Somewhere deep inside, he felt a primal satisfaction at claiming his mate and injecting his seed into her fertile womb.

Wait, claiming his mate?

He frowned; where did that come from? He looked around the room until his eyes landed on the cube of gold.

It called to him.

It was too far away.

The dragon slid out of bed and almost ran to the gold cube. He touched it, and stroked it. He couldn't feel anyone else's touch on it, so he relaxed. He needed a safe place for it. Somewhere no one could steal it from him. They'd already deprived him of the gold in the vault; he would NOT lose this too.

Ethan shook his head.

The gold in the vault wasn't his, but then he opened his eyes and saw the gold cube again...

The dragon wanted the gold in the vault. In almost every dream for the last fortnight, he had guarded that gold from all comers. He wanted to force that wood elf vixen to--

"What the hell?" he wondered aloud.

The last thing he wanted to do was force Alana to do anything. The dragon on the other hand...

The dragon wanted to make Alana experience exactly what Beth had just experienced. He wanted to bend her over a table and pin her arms behind her back with one hand, while he held her hair with the other. He wanted to force her legs apart and drive his cock deep into her until she screamed in pleasure.

The dragon wanted to ride her until she had cum so many times she could barely stand. Then he wanted to bury his cock inside her up to the hilt and spray his seed into the virgin elf. The dragon luxuriated at the idea of making her carry his brood. He imagined both the blonde human and brunette elf naked, side by side both begging him to impregnate them.

Of course Ethan had thought about having a threesome before -- what man hasn't -- but never with this intensity before. He'd never even seriously considered the idea because it seemed too farfetched. Besides, he'd always been more of a one-woman-man.

But the dragon half of him...

The Dragon considered it very possible; even inevitable. He wanted to impregnate both of them at the same time, within seconds of each other. The dragon imagined spending half his seed inside one naked woman and moments later spending the rest inside the other. Then they would both turn around to thank him for his favor...

Ethan shook his head again. Something just wasn't right. These dragon desires seemed to have suddenly surged in strength. He felt more and more like surrendering to his instincts as he stroked the gold cube in his hand.

He quietly crept back to the bed trying to make sense of the conflicting desires that suddenly plagued his mind. He wanted to keep Alana and Beth safe, he knew that. But he also wanted gold, and he wasn't sure he could trust them with his gold. They might steal it from him, and he couldn't allow that. He would kill anyone or anything that tried to...

Ethan took a deep breath and closed his eyes.

This wasn't him.

As he slid back under the covers, he set the gold cube down right next to him. It was between him and Beth, but he wasn't sure he liked that. After a few minutes, he turned so his back was to Beth and he cradled the gold cube in his arms. It would be safe there. He had to protect it; to keep it safe.

Ethan let his eyes close and his mind drifted back to Alana. The two times they had fallen asleep together -- first in that dugout, the second in her storage pit -- Alana had snuggled up to him in his sleep. Beth didn't, although with the cube of gold in his arms he wasn't sure he wanted her to. The closer Beth was, the more likely she would steal...

"What the hell?" Ethan said out loud. He wasn't going to let--

Crash!

Ethan heard the sound of glass breaking, as if something had just been thrown through the window. He whipped up and around on the bed to see Rachel standing with a fireball -- pulled from the fireplace -- in her hand. There were shards of glass and a single arrow lying on the floor.

She launched the fireball at Ethan, who dropped flat to avoid it. The fireball sailed just over his head, and hit the wall behind him. The wood paneling on the wall almost exploded, showering Ethan with splinters that thankfully bounced right off of his scales.

Beth wasn't so lucky.

She screamed in pain as she woke to a few splinters embedding themselves in her exposed back. Thankfully, none looked too large or too deep. Beth jumped up, realized she wasn't wearing anything, and then dove behind the bed to hide from Rachel. There was a large charred mark on the wall, but it didn't appear that anything had caught fire so he grabbed the gold cube and set it behind the bed.

"Touch that and you're dead." The dragon said to Beth, who recoiled from the cube even as she whimpered in pain.

Ethan turned to face the angry mage. She had drawn a short sword and held a small fireball in her other hand.

Ethan took stock.

He didn't have any weapons, armor, or even anything he could throw. The flame-haired girl was packing a fireball and a sword. He did the math and didn't like the answer. The spear and warhammer Alana had made for him were stacked against the opposite wall not far from his attacker. And he hadn't done what the directions said yet, so he couldn't call them to his hand.

Rachel drew the fireball back to throw it and Ethan had an idea.

He grabbed the side of the bed and with a titanic effort, jerked it up. It was surprisingly light -- or maybe he had a lot of adrenaline -- and he was able to flip it up on its side. He breathed a sigh of relief, then the fireball hit it. The center of the mattress virtually exploded, blowing bits of the straw bedding all over. Fortunately, the straw burned out before it could ignite anything else.

That's when Ethan saw the first thing he could use as a weapon: the planks of wood that supported the mattress. They were the size of 2x2 lumber and six feet long. He grabbed one, just before the rest of them fell into a heap along with the mattress.

He held it up like a spear, and got ready to face the flame-haired girl.

The mage brandished her sword and rushed in to attack. Ethan thrust the end of the strut forward and managed to hit her in the shoulder, knocking her back. Ethan pressed the attack, but the board was so unwieldy that he rarely made a hit. Even when he did, it was blunt and the glancing blows he did land just made her mad.

Fortunately, she was too distracted to conjure a fireball while avoiding the plank. Ethan was pleasantly surprised to find that he was doing reasonably well, even with a piece of wood. If he had a spear, she would've been dead long ago. He was also happy to see she didn't consider attacking the plank itself. She could have probably hacked it in half with her short sword in a few strokes.

For a couple of moments, they pressed their tense duel. However, she couldn't get close enough to use her sword, and he couldn't get a good enough hit to take her out. Ethan was glad she wasn't a particularly good duelist. If he was fighting any of the men Heinrich trained, he would've been dead long ago.

After a short while, Rachel started glancing toward the window and door. They had fought to a stalemate and she knew it. The longer he delayed her, the greater the likelihood of her discovery and capture.

"Give up." Ethan demanded, hearing the sound of quick footsteps outside the door.

"I..." Rachel started, then the ring on her finger glowed faintly and her face twisted into a mask of rage. "I'd rather die than surrender to a filthy dragon."

"I'll give you a--" Ethan started to say, but the door burst open before he could finish and she was taken by surprise. He heard the sound of a bow being drawn, and then an arrow flew. It was aimed directly at her heart and she twisted to avoid it, but wasn't entirely successful.

The arrow pierced the redhead's cloak and stuck into the wood-paneled wall behind her, pinning her there. Ethan leapt forward, knocked the sword out of her hand, and then followed through with a blow to her face.

There was a moment -- just before his fist landed -- when the flame-haired girl's expression changed. Her eyes took on a look of complete fear and desperation. She looked like a trapped and helpless puppy. He pulled his punch, but couldn't completely stop it.

Ethan's fist collided with the girl's face, which caused her head to hit the wall with a dull thud. She collapsed, her cloak ripping around the arrowhead. He bent down to check her pulse. She was still breathing, but was clearly unconscious. He stood up to look at his savior.

It was Alana with Anthiel just behind her. The wood elf looked a complete mess, but she had never seemed so beautiful to Ethan. Her hair looked as if she'd stuck her head out the window of a moving car, while her eyes were slightly puffy and her dress rumpled.

But she looked amazing to him.

"Hi." Alana said, rather awkwardly.

"Thank you." Ethan said.

"You're welcome." She replied, but didn't move.

He wasn't sure what to say or do, but was saved from decided by a whimper from beside the bed. Ethan turned his head and saw Beth lying on the floor in pain. She had covered herself in a sheet and a number of large wooden splinters were sticking out of her upper shoulders and back. Next to her, Ethan saw the cube of gold.

The dragon darted over to make sure the cube was okay. It seemed unhurt, but he had to be sure. He turned it over and around until he was sure it was okay.

"I'm right here." Beth moaned.

"Right." Ethan replied. He set down the gold, wrapped his tail around it, and then turned to face Beth.

"I'll pull them out, but it'll hurt." Ethan said. She nodded, so he extracted the splinters out one by one. She winced or cried out in pain, but let him finish. When he was done, her back was bleeding in a few places but nothing serious. Beth slipped behind her dresser screen and pulled a nightgown on, though parts of its back spotted red instantly.

"Alana, did you know..." Ethan started to say as he turned back to the door, but Alana was gone. Anthiel stood there with a quizzical look on her face.

"Where are the guards?" Anthiel asked.

"Good point." Ethan replied. "With all the commotion, you'd think they would've heard."

"Perhaps we should ask her." Anthiel indicated the unconscious girl. Ethan nodded, took one of Beth's silk scarves, walked over to the prone woman, and tied her hands behind her back. Once he was sure she was secured, he grabbed a water jug which, despite everything, somehow still contained water, and splashed some on her face.

She spluttered and coughed as she woke up.

"What did you do to the guards?" Anthiel asked.

"I will never tell you." The captive retorted, and then called Anthiel a series of names and racial slurs that might have made a sailor blush.

Ethan sighed. "Well, at least this will be a stimulating intellectual conversation."

"And you." Rachel turned toward Ethan. "You are dead. Do you hear me? Dead. You and that little elven bitch!"

"What elf?" he asked, managing to keep his voice calm.

"The little brunette tramp in the green dress. Lord Delmar himself commissioned me to wipe you and that elf you fornicated with off the face of the earth and--"

"You slept with Alana!" Beth shouted from across the room.

"No I didn't-" Ethan started to say, but was interrupted by Beth running across the room and pummeling him with her fists. Her punches were little more than flailing and she weighed so little they barely hurt. Ethan finally had to catch her arms and pin her down to get a word in.

"No. I did not sleep with Alana!" Ethan said emphatically.

Beth looked suspiciously at Ethan for several seconds before her expression softened. "Okay, I believe you."

Ethan turned to face the flame-haired girl, only to have her spit in his face.

"You're disgusting." She spat. "The both of you. When Lord Delmar finds out he will torture you for days until the sound of your screams echo... Echo across... across..."

She trailed off and shook her head as if trying to clear it. Ethan noticed the ring on her finger had begun to glow faintly the moment she trailed off speaking. Her eyes suddenly made her look like a trapped, scared little girl.

"Hel... Help m..." Rachel managed to choke out, then her face returned to a mask of rage. "I hope I get to kill you myself. I'll make it last for days and you'll beg me to die."

"Well, she's a pleasant lass." Anthiel mused wryly.

"She'll be a lot more pleasant after a trip to my father's dungeon." Beth said and aimed a kick at her. Ethan blocked her leg.

"Did you notice she always gets very unpleasant after her ring glows?" Ethan asked.

He couldn't get those 'scared little girl eyes' out of his mind. He could've sworn he saw a look of relief on the flame-haired girl's face for a brief instant before the rage returned.

"Rachel, right?" Beth asked the flame-haired girl.

Rachel nodded, but glowered the whole time.

Beth leaned down to look closer, and the flame-haired girl lashed out with her feet, missing Beth's face by less than an inch. Ethan responded by using another of Beth's scarves and tying her feet up too. Rachel had kept up a steady stream of insults, so Ethan took another piece of cloth and gagged her for good measure.

"Thank you." Anthiel said.

Once she was secure, Beth bent down to examine Rachel's ring.

"I think I've read about these." Beth said. "They call them 'will breaker rings'. They bond to a victim's deep mana and use the connection to subvert their will. It makes them into complacent puppets, but I heard it takes the bond a long time to form. Months, or even years, depending on the person."

Ethan whistled. "That's a thing?"

"Dark magic can do terrible things." Anthiel replied.

"So, she should be okay if we take off the ring?" Ethan asked.

"It depends on how long she's been wearing the ring." Beth replied. "If the bond has been fully formed, removing the ring will kill her outright. But if it's only partially formed, she might survive it."

"How would we know?" Ethan asked.

"I have no idea." Beth replied. "I've only read about them. The book just talked about what they did, it didn't go into details about treatment."

Ethan looked at Rachel.

Her face was a mask of rage, but he couldn't get the 'helpless girl' look that she had worn only moments ago out of his mind. He thought about having a ring that controlled you and shivered; it was too awful to consider. If she was suffering like that, then maybe she didn't want them dead but rather someone else did.

"She's coming with us." Ethan said after thinking about it for several seconds.

"What?" Anthiel and Beth said at the same time.

"Are you nuts?" Beth said. "She just tried to kill us."

"If what you said about the ring is true, she's as much a victim here as we are." Ethan countered. "If that ring is making her do things against her will then we have to help her."

"We most certainly do not, we--" Beth started to say, then she trailed off and cocked her head to one side. "Well, she did save me from being raped by Wulvren's men, and she was quite kind to my brother and me... Hmm... I'm still not crazy about sharing an airship with someone who wants to kill us."

"I could be completely wrong and she's just trying to trick us. But if she's being forced to do things against her will, then we have to help."

Beth bit her lip and looked at the furious woman who was doing her very best to get out of her bonds, while releasing a steady stream of insults that were occasionally discernable even through the gag.

"I mean, I suppose we could..." she frowned. "I don't like the idea of risking my life for someone who just tried to kill us, but on the other hand..." she looked at Rachel's ring. "Maybe one of father's men could help her?"

"Maybe, but do you want to put him in that position?" Ethan countered. "Isn't she Lord Delmar's daughter? What happens if he finds out your father is holding her prisoner?"

"That would be bad." Beth said in the understatement of the century. She turned to Anthiel. "What do you think?"

"It doesn't matter." Anthiel replied. "Lord Borden said Ethan was the captain, not you or I. I follow his orders; so if he says Rachel comes, she comes. If he says she stays, she stays."

"Lord Borden made me the captain?"

"Aye." Anthiel said. "And the airship should be ready to leave within the hour, so you should probably get your belongings aboard."

"Fortunately, I don't have much." Ethan said. He only cared about the weapons Alana had given him and the cube of gold; especially the cube of gold. Then there was Rachel...

"Okay." He turned to Beth. "She's coming. Maybe we can help her, maybe we can't. We'll worry about that once we're in the air."

Beth nodded.

"There's one more thing." Ethan said as he glanced at Alana's arrow.

"I agree." Anthiel nodded.

"What?" Beth asked. Ethan and Anthiel looked at each other, each hoping the other would explain.

"We have to take Alana with us too." He finally said.

Beth looked like someone had slapped her face. "You want to take your former lover with us?"

Ethan sighed. "We weren't lovers."

"I've talked with Alana a lot, and trust me they weren't." Anthiel said. "Plus, you heard Rachel. Lord Delmar ordered Alana's execution. If she stays in the city, she'll die in a mysterious 'accident' before the week is out. That's how Lord Delmar does these things."

"You're sure?" Beth asked.

"Positive." Anthiel replied.

"Okay, we can't let that happen to her." Beth nodded and turned to Ethan. "But she had better stay away from you."

Anthiel laughed. "Clearly you've never been in a ship that size while traveling." She then turned to Ethan. "One last question; should you tell Alana, or should I?"

* * *

Falkaan leaned over the side of his airship and peered through the spyglass at Lord Borden's airship. Despite the only illumination coming from the crescent moon, his dark elf eyes could see well enough. There were shadowy figures moving on the deck of the other airship, many of whom looked to be carrying large boxes.

"They're running alright." He said to no one in particular. "Lord Delmar certainly knows his enemies."

"Orders sir?" Damon asked. The grizzled first officer looked like he was sixty although he hadn't turned forty yet.

Falkaan closed the spyglass and dropped it into his coat pocket. "Give us some height Mr. Damon and put us directly over them. We'll attack once they reach cruising height and before they deploy their sails."

"Aye aye captain." Damon said, and turned to the ship's wheel. Moments later, Falkaan felt a momentary tug of gravity as the ship started to gain altitude.

"Get the mercenaries ready for boarding." Falkaan added. "And remind them that Lord Delmar won't cough up the coin unless we get both targets."

"Don't need to remind them of that sir." Damon said. "They haven't had a drop of rum all day and are itching for some action."

"They'll get plenty." Falkaan said. He put his hand on the railing and looked down at Gralden sprawled out before him. He calculated the outcome of the coming battle as he absent-mindedly stroked the stump of his left arm, which ended just above the elbow. The sleeve had been sewn over so it didn't swing freely, but that didn't mean he liked it.

"Something on your mind captain?"

"Why do you ask?"

"Because you always stroke the stump there when you're worried." Damon said.

"We're likely to lose a few men, so we'll need more before we seek out our next job."

"Well, I won't complain about a bigger share of the bounty. Besides, there are always more mercenaries where they came from."

"True." Falkaan said after a few more seconds.

"Most of them weren't too keen on going legit anyway." Damon continued. "I mean, accepting a job from a lord is a bit unusual in their line of work."

"Again, true." Falkaan said. "Do the men have a problem with making an honest buck?"

"Like I said, they're not too keen on the idea." Damon said. "Most of them got into raiding because they don't like lords, laws, and such. But I think they'll follow your orders. As long as you keep them in rum and gold, they'd follow just about anyone."

Falkaan was silent for a minute before responding. "That's what worries me."

"I'd never turn on you, and you know it."

"I know you won't old friend. I know." Falkaan smiled. "It's the men I'm not too keen on."

Damon lowered his voice. "Yeah, but we didn't have a choice, right? We can run the ship with just the two of us, but not capture our targets. Besides, these are bloodthirsty brutes who are itching for a fight. Just the sort we need to bring two criminals to justice."

"No, they're just the sort who'll slaughter anyone for coin." Falkaan corrected. "I'm just aiming them at criminals."

"In a few hours, those criminals will be dead and Lord Delmar will make us rich men." Damon replied. "Who knows, maybe I'll finally settle down and find myself a nice lass."

"You mean the kind you don't have to pay?" Falkaan replied with a wry smile.

"I'm getting ambitious in my old age. You should try it sometime captain; might help ease some of that tension."

"A woman who can be bought isn't worth having." Falkaan replied, and then turned back to observing Lord Borden's airship. "Get the men on deck; I want to remind them-"

"A wood elf in a green dress and a young dragon with a disguise gem." Damon finished. "They already know. Them two are as good as dead already."

"Good." Falkaan said with a smile. Two less parasites living off society was a good thing in his mind.

* * *

Alana unstrung her bow and flopped down on her bed with a sigh. Despite the obvious signs of the fight, she hadn't missed that Beth had been wearing only a sheet. She wasn't surprised, especially given the emotions coming from her bond with Ethan earlier that night. However, she was surprised by how she felt about it.

That is, she only disliked it a little. Ethan had just taken Beth to bed and -- while she wasn't exactly happy about it -- she didn't feel sad or upset with him because of it either.

It made no sense.

She should be mad, furious even. Ethan -- the man she loved -- had married another woman and taken her to bed. She was supposed to be hurt. There was the old elven proverb about Saidow's lair having no fury like a woman scorned. The only right and proper thing for her to feel was anger, rage, betrayal, a desire for revenge, etcetera.

And yet...

She sighed.

She wasn't happy about it, but it didn't bother her nearly as much as she thought it should; certainly not as much as it had two weeks ago. Two weeks ago it had felt devastating to think of him with another woman. Now? She found it hard to get very upset about it. Yes, she was a little upset -- especially after seeing Beth clad in only a bed sheet -- but it was more like a dull, unpleasant ache than the searing pain of two weeks ago.

What had changed?

Why had it changed?

Her reverie was interrupted by a knock at the door. She ignored it, but they knocked again.

"It's Ethan."

She was out of bed and halfway to the door before she stopped herself. She teetered in indecision for a few moments, before deciding she didn't want to see him. Not tonight of all nights. He was about to leave the city forever -- leave her forever -- and she wasn't sure she could take another goodbye. She was tearing up just thinking about it.

"Go away." Alana said.

"I can't." Ethan said. "We need to talk."

"No we don't." Alana said, although she took a step closer to him. She could almost feel his presence on the other side of the door.

"If you won't let me in, I'll just talk through the door." Ethan said.

"I could cover my ears." Alana said with far more playfulness than she intended.

"They're too pretty to--" Ethan stopped. "I mean please don't. This is important."

"Okay, I'll keep my ears uncovered." Alana had almost said 'pretty ears' instead of just 'ears', but didn't think the flirting would be appropriate.

"First I wanted to thank you." Ethan said. "Anthiel told me you fired that arrow. I might not be standing here if you hadn't, so thank you."

"You're welcome." Alana replied. She leaned her back against the door, smiled, and breathed a sigh of relief. "I'm glad I could help."

"Me too." Ethan said. "But that's not all. That girl -- Rachel -- said Lord Delmar is after you too. Apparently, he's marked you for death because you helped me escape him."

"I can leave the city." She sighed, but she had no idea where she could go.

"Not really." He replied. "His dragon slayers are camped outside and they'll see you leave. Anthiel says if you stay in the city you'll meet an 'accident' before the week is out."

"Yeah, that's how Lord Delmar does things. So basically, I'm doomed; is that what you're saying?"

"Actually, there is another way out of the city."

It only took Alana a moment to figure out what he was getting at, at which point her heart soared. "You're not serious."

"I am."

Alana took a deep breath and let it out slowly. She wanted to, with everything in her she wanted to. But Ethan was married; the last thing she wanted to do was get in the way of his marriage. Plus, Lord Borden had made his opinion of Beth sharing a husband perfectly clear, and he wasn't the kind of man you wanted as an enemy.

She could feel a tear forming at the corner of her eye as she replied. "I don't think I can go with you."

"But you'll die if you don't." Ethan countered.

Alana turned around so her front was pressed up against the door. She put her hand flat on the wood, closed her eyes, and reached out while enhancing her senses with magic. Ethan was pacing on the other side of the door. She could feel his concern for her over their bond. It was like a warm blanket on her heart, soothing her fears and making her feel safe, loved, and cared for. She cut off her mana-enhanced sense and lowered her hand.

"What about Beth, what about your marriage?" She countered. "I don't want to die, but I'm crafty. I could slip out of town and I have..." She smiled as she thought about all the protection her birth parents could offer her. "I have places to go where I'll be safe."

"I talked to Beth, and she's okay with you coming."

"She is?"

"I mean, she's not thrilled with the idea but yeah; she's okay with it. She's way more okay with it than I thought she would be."

"You're sure?"

"I am."

Alana took a deep breath and let it out slowly. It was too good to be true. It just wasn't possible that she would get to leave with him. The tear at the corner of her eye had started as a tear of sadness, now it expressed an altogether more pleasant emotion.

Her heart felt light as a feather.

"I'm not saying you have to follow us everywhere." Ethan said when she didn't answer. "Just let us get you out of the city. By morning, we should be far enough away that you could safely leave if that's what you want, but you can't stay here. Please?"

"Okay." Alana wiped the tear from her cheek and opened the door.

Ethan stood on the other side with a pained smile on his face. She couldn't help but smile back. She had never found dragons attractive before, but there was just something about Ethan. His disguise gem was activated, but she could see right through to the person underneath.

She found her eyes wandering his scaly face and the twin horns that gently spiraled out of the back of his head like an antelope. His lopsided, toothy smile -- pained though it was -- was endearing and spoke only of concern for her. His cat-like eyes clearly belonged to a predator, but they looked at her with fondness and caring.

Ethan was the best man she had ever known and he was clearly deeply in love with her. She would never come between him and Beth, though she couldn't help but wonder what could have been. Even setting their bond aside, she found it hard to believe she could ever love another man as much as she loved Ethan.

"Sorry." Alana looked down when she realized she had been staring. There was an awkward silence for a few moments before he broke it.

"You should probably grab your stuff." Ethan said. "We're leaving soon."

"And I should leave a note for Lord Borden." Alana said, and then a thought occurred to her. "I'm not sure you're good for me, mister; you've turned my life upside down two or three times and I haven't known you a whole month yet."

Ethan laughed. It was a strained laugh, but genuine.

"I'll try to do less turning upside down from now on." He said.

"That sounds like a plan." Alana replied, and then she went about packing.

* * *

"Just a little deep mana?" Ethan asked.

"The tiniest bit would work." Alana replied. "If your deep mana was a lake, a single drop of water would do."

Ethan felt a little silly and looked around. The deck of the airship was covered with bleary-eyed men loading cargo and rations. The main deck was sixteen feet wide and about a hundred feet long, including the raised quarterdeck at the stern. Above him, the upper main mast towered sixty feet above them and it was topped with a crow's nest for a lookout. Ethan knew there was a similar arrangement underneath the vessel with the second mast.

Anthiel was in her element, and called orders from the quarterdeck behind the ship's wheel. Beth was looking surly and winced when she moved her back. She glanced at Ethan and Alana occasionally, but there was less jealousy in her glances than he expected. Rachel was still bound and gagged, but they had locked her in a storage room to keep her presence a secret and out of the way.

"Come on, I promise you won't regret it." Alana said.

Ethan picked up the war hammer. Despite looking like a large framing hammer, it felt very good in his hands. He closed his eyes and felt for his deep mana. It pooled under his regular mana in a different layer without mixing, like oil and water. Ethan applied his will and forced the tiniest drop to travel from his hand into the war hammer.

The result was instantaneous.

Ethan could feel the war hammer instantly. It was almost like he felt when Alana was near, but this was even closer -- more like feeling his arm or leg than feeling her. He was aware of its presence the same way he was aware of the rest of his body.

"Good." Alana said. "Now, set it down on the deck and call it to your hand."

Ethan felt a little stupid, but set the hammer down anyway and took a few steps back. "How do I do that?"

"I'm not sure, I've never done it." Alana replied with a sheepish grimace. "But it's supposed to be pretty easy."

Ethan rolled his eyes, opened his hand, and thought at the war hammer 'come to me'. It didn't move. Ethan tried the same thing again, but again it just lay there like an ordinary hammer. He tried again, this time putting all his mental force and willpower into the command. Still, nothing happened.

"I think it's broken." Ethan said.

"Can you feel it?"

"Yeah."

"Then it's not broken." Alana said. "Think about it like this. You don't tell your arm to move, you just move it. Pretend the war hammer is just another arm and move it."

"I can try that but--" Ethan started to say, but stopped. The war hammer had wiggled. Not much, but it moved.

"See." Alana encouraged. "Try again."

"Try what?" Ethan said with a puzzled expression. "I have no idea how I got it to move."

Alana raised an eyebrow at him in a challenge, so Ethan turned back to the war hammer. He could feel it, and right now he wanted to hold it. He closed his eyes, opened his hand, and called to it.

Nothing happened.

"You're overthinking it." Alana said.

"Probably." Ethan replied with a sigh.

His mind drifted to the Avengers movie and how easily Thor wielded his hammer. He just opened his hand and it came. He figured he'd try something. In his mind's eye, he remembered a scene where Thor was fighting the Hulk and opened his hand and his hammer just came to him. Ethan closed his eyes, opened his hand, and remembered that scene.

A moment later, he felt the war hammer hit his palm. He opened his eyes and smiled. "That was awesome."

Alana and Beth -- the latter of which had just wandered over -- both clapped.

Ethan set the weapon down and again called it to his hand. He had been overthinking it. He just needed to want it in his hand, and it came. It was so incredibly simple. After calling it back to his hand several times, he picked it up, held the head close to his mouth, and whispered. "Whosoever shall hold this hammer, if he be worthy, shall possess the power of Thor."

"Who's Thor?" Alana and Beth asked at the same time.

"A fictional god from my world." Ethan replied. "So, how does this work anyway? I mean, aren't I violating some law of physics about the conservation of energy or something?"

"Conservation of mana, and no." Alana said. "Think of it like a magnet. The spell creates a bond that allows you to pull the weapons like a magnet. The only difference is, there's no real limit on distance because it travels through the ether. Besides, it takes a little mana every time. You just probably didn't notice it because it takes so little."

"I suppose that makes some sense." Ethan said. "It sounds like it works a little differently than back home. Although, I suppose this is my home now."

Alana opened her mouth to reply, but Beth beat her to the punch. "It is your home." She put her arm around Ethan's and glanced at Alana. It wasn't a mean glance, but it definitely felt like Beth was staking out her territory.

Alana swallowed and put on a smile that didn't look quite genuine. "I'm sure you'll be very happy. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to... I mean I have a thing to..." She turned and walked very quickly.

"You could be a little nicer." Ethan said.

Beth wouldn't quite meet his gaze as she responded. "I know, it's just... I know you're bonded to her and it's hard because I know there are still feelings there."

"I won't deny that, but I married you." Ethan replied. "I'm going to be the best husband possible and I promise my feelings for Alana won't change that. Do consider how she's feeling though. This is really hard for her."

"You're right." Beth bit her lip and then began to examine her shoes rather intently. "I promise I'll be nicer to her."

"Good." Ethan said. "I know it's hard for you too, but I think it's worth it to save her life, don't you?"

"Absolutely." Beth replied. "It's just hard knowing you're bonded to her."

"Unless you know how to break our bond, I think it's something we might have to live with."

"Well, the mages in Arcanum might know." Beth said. "If you want to learn anything about magic, there's no better place in the Ten Kingdoms."

"Then maybe we'll head there." Ethan said, although he didn't like the idea of breaking his bond with Alana. He secretly hoped they wouldn't have a clue, or better yet would tell him that bonds couldn't be broken.

"It might be easier for all of us." Beth offered.

He couldn't say she was wrong, but still didn't like the idea. They talked for another minute and then Beth wandered off to indulge her curiosity about how the airship was operated.

He picked up the spear Alana had given him and put a drop of his deep mana into that too, although he found himself enjoying the war hammer more in the confines of the ship. He found himself dropping it and then calling it back to his hand over and over. He even threw it a few times and called it back. It was oddly satisfying and strangely comforting to know he could call it to his hand from anywhere.

* * *

Ethan saw the last of the supplies being loaded twenty minutes later. Lord Borden led his family up the gangplank onto the deck. Beth had a tearful goodbye with them and Lord Borden walked up to Ethan when they were done.

"I told Anthiel you are in charge." Lord Borden said.

"I appreciate the vote of confidence sir." Ethan said. "But, I don't know anything about this world or being on the run."

"I didn't become the owner of the largest bank in the Ten Kingdoms by being a poor judge of character. Use your best judgment, rely on those you can trust, and never be afraid to ask for advice. Do that, and you'll be fine."

"I will." Ethan said.

"Oh, and one more thing." Lord Borden glanced at Alana and then back at Ethan. "If you ever hurt my daughter, I will hunt you down, pull out all your scales one at a time, forge them into a sword, and use it to remove your appendages." He momentarily glanced in the direction of Ethan's groin. "All of them."

He blanched.

The banker's expression hadn't changed in the slightest. He still looked pleasant, as if they were merely discussing the weather. He also didn't say anything else and let an uncomfortable silence hang in the air until Ethan replied.

"Understood sir." Ethan replied with a gulp; though the dragon vehemently disagreed. He had to resist the urge to growl at the banker as his dragon instincts screamed that no mere human could prevent him from claiming his mates.

"Good." Lord Borden smiled as if nothing had happened. "Then enjoy your travels while you can because peril will follow you everywhere." Ethan nodded, and Lord Borden left the ship.

"Captain, you're needed on the quarterdeck." Anthiel called.

"What's up?" Ethan asked after joining her and the others on the quarterdeck.

"Orders sir?" Anthiel asked.

Ethan looked around. Alana, Beth, Anthiel and two sailors he didn't know were all standing on the quarterdeck looking at him expectantly.

"I don't know." He said, then remembered Lord Borden's advice. "Any ideas?"

"How about Arcanum?" Beth suggested. "The mages there might know how to break your bond with Alana."

After a moment, Alana nodded, though her smile didn't quite reach her eyes. "Yeah, I think that's a good idea."

Ethan felt his stomach turn and he sincerely wished they couldn't help. But since he didn't have a better idea, he turned to Anthiel and spoke in his best Captain Picard impression. "Make it so number one."

Anthiel gave him a confused look before she turned to the two sailors and started issuing orders. Ethan understood the part about weighing anchor, but the rest of the orders went over his head.

Once the anchor and the mooring lines were removed, Anthiel put her hand on a panel next to the ship's wheel. On the panel, there were about two dozen gems of varying sizes, half of which were currently glowing very softly. Anthiel ran her hand over the board, Ethan felt the slight tingly sensation in the air as she used a hint of magic, and two more of the gems lit up.

Almost instantly, Ethan heard a loud, creaking groan of something in the belly of the ship shifting around. Moments later, the airship slowly began to drift upwards into the sky.

"Wow." Ethan said as he watched the ground slowly pull away from him. He was seeing it, but he almost didn't believe it.

"Yes, it's pretty amazing." Alana agreed as she looked over the railing nearby.

"You've never been on an airship?" Beth asked.

Ethan shook his head. "We don't have them where I come from, remember? We stopped using them over a hundred years ago, and even then they weren't like this."

"Your world has no idea what it's missing." Beth said.

"Agreed." He replied as he stared at the ground. Lord Borden and the rest of Beth's family slowly grew smaller as the ship got higher. As the town of Gralden got slowly smaller, he realized he didn't know the airship's name.

"So, what's the name of this ship?"

"That depends on what you decide." Anthiel replied.

"Me? It doesn't have a name yet?"

"No." Beth said. "This is its maiden voyage. They finished building it for father a couple of months ago, but he hasn't had time to take it out yet."

"So, what's the name captain?" Alana asked.

"The Fluffy Bunny." Ethan said the first silly thing that came to mind. "No wait, the Pink Unicorn."

Everyone laughed.

"How about the Squirrel's Revenge?" Alana suggested with a chuckle.

"Or the Deadly Harp?' Anthiel smirked.

"The Pretty Broach." Beth was clutching her side laughing and barely got it out. This went on for some time as each one tried to come up with more outlandish and silly names than the rest.

Finally, Ethan said, "I've got it: the Hindenburg!" And he burst out laughing again. Everyone stared at him blankly.

"It's an airship from my world that met with an... unfortunate fate." Ethan explained. "I was kidding."

"I thought you didn't have airships?" Beth looked at him suspiciously.

"Not many anymore. And certainly not airships like this." Ethan replied. "Ours are more like massive bags of gas that are lighter than air."

"You say the strangest things sometimes." Beth said. Her head was cocked to one side and he wasn't sure she quite believed him.

"In all seriousness though, you should probably pick a name." Alana suggested.

Ethan thought about it for a minute before responding. "How about the Argo? It's from the mythology of my home. They built Argo for a sacred quest to recover a sacred item and the ship was blessed by the goddess of war. I realize we're not doing anything that grand, but I do like the name."

"The Argo." Alana repeated. "It sounds different, but I like it."

"Me too." Beth chimed in.

"The Argo it is." Anthiel said to the two men. "Get ready to..."

Anthiel trailed off as she glanced upward. Ethan saw it too. A hundred yards directly above them, another airship was swiftly and silently descending on their position. Peering over the edge were at least a dozen men who didn't look like the sort you'd want to meet in a dark alley.

"Pirates." Anthiel said.

"They must have been waiting for us." Ethan observed.

"I'll bet that's why Lord Delmar made an appearance at your wedding." Alana said. "He was trying to scare you into leaving so he could get us away from Lord Borden's army."

"Well, it worked." He turned to Anthiel. "Suggestions?"

The high elf frowned. "There's no time to deploy the sails so we can't run, and there's no way I can land while we're under attack. I say we fight."

Ethan nodded and took a deep breath. "Prepare to repel boarders!"

*

TO BE CONTINUED...

Note: This chapter began on day 12 of Ethan's life in the Ten Kingdoms and ended on day 25.

STORY TAGS: dragon, fantasy, elf, teen, romantic, virgin, harem, brunette, blonde,