Edge of Sidewinder (2020)

Chapter 6

Chapter 6

"I presume your reports are accurate...?"

Golden scales of the immortal ruler rattled, as he sat on the edge of his obsidian throne. He was young for his post, nowhere near the usual elder age.

"Patrol fleet found 'em floating near the border, engines running at low speed," explained the sailor, who brought in the report. "The ship crashed, unfortunately, before we could make contact."

"Hmm," pupils of the land overseer narrowed. "And what about the crew? Did they survive?"

"White Star's civilians, guessing from their apparel and technology. Draghusians, all three of them," described the sailor. "Two adults and a teenager armed with an enchanted sword. She was the only one awake and piloting the construct apparently."

The golden dragon stood up to go look out of the window. "I heard the girl has to be of royal origin, given the fact she carried an infamous God Slayer like nothing. Bring her here. I want to take a look for myself."

The sailor bowed, "As you wish, Lord Polaris."

*/*

Lanika could blame it all on herself - crashing the ship she had no qualification to fly, that was on her. Burning down an entire field of industrial plants and then injuring the owner in self-defence, her fault also.

So, it should not come as a surprise she would find herself in chains. She and the other two unfortunate souls with her would get thrown down the cliff for sure.

The reality didn't agree with Lanika's prediction, though. Lanika, Luciam and Syntarena were taken in, checked up by a doctor and treated as victims of some horrible accident. Well, they were rescued from a burning shipwreck, but they were behind enemy lines also. Lanika knew to not expect Ahishira to be any less than a prison camp.

So, she made her amends and said goodbye when they told her the Emperor wanted to see her.

To Lanika's surprise, the Emperor was no one else but Siccius' oldest son - Polaris, the Golden Claw. He was staring her down with a frown, eyes fixated on the purple mark she wore on her forehead. Lanika had her claws in crude handcuffs, unable to defend herself if the situation called for it. Using magic was next to impossible, too, as she was still too tired. She didn't sleep properly for a while now, and random passing outs didn't help to ease her fatigue.

"I've looked up some information on you in the White Star's archive," started the golden dragon. "My 'beloved' brother speaks of you as someone with talent and royal blood."

"Lanika Tekhara," Polaris said the name, his snake tongue testing the ring of it. "That's a considerably old and unusual name for a draghusian."

Lanika thought about snapping at her golden captor. "You can't choose what your parents name you," she said into complete silence.

Polaris raised his claw. "And I agree. Being called after the 'white star' everyone around here dislikes is not easy either, I absolutely understand."

Lanika bit into her lip. The whole ordeal was more than confusing. The golden dragon snapped his fingers, and the guards in the room left with a bow. When he was sure they were gone, he turned to the girl.

Lanika's blood started to boil. It seemed like this Emperor was playing with her feelings and enjoyed every last bit of it. "Might telling me what's this all about?" she raised her voice in frustration.

"You've got a temper. And courage to stand up to an immortal like me," grinned the Emperor and showed off his teeth. "Interesting."

"You aren't less immortal than I," growled Lanika. "And I certainly won't let you break me, even when my hands are tied..." Her ichor bubbled on the surface and produced a weak white flame on the tips of Lanika's horns.