Friends to Foes, Foes to Friends

Prologue

Sprawling blue skies overlooked the green landscape. Small clouds covered small portions of the sky here and there. Silhouettes of flying creatures could be noticed in the distance. Geese? Hawks in search of prey? Or likely something larger.

That's either a blessing or a curse. To be able to spot dragons, or rather not see them...

The Invincible Lord was overlooking the paltry territory he owned. A small area of green pastures with tents, carts, and campfires lay before his walls. All safeguarded under the mountain's protective presence, their safe haven, their shield against dragons. Beyond that lies the vast open world, a world that would soon be his.

How pitiful. This is all I have. It could be so much more.

Knock knock.

A guard poked his head inside. "Your Lordship, Lake is here to meet with you."

"Send him in."

The guard ducked back behind the door and came back with another man - he was taller than average. Short brown hair covered his head while bronze skin painted his limbs. He wore a black shirt and brown pants - a leather belt with tools and small bags hanging from it was wrapped around his waist.

"Your Lordship, glad we could finally meet!" the man exclaimed.

The Invincible Lord narrowed his eyes.

"Oh, uh..." Lake took a dramatic bow, arms splayed out to his sides. He held the position for a solid few seconds.

"Rise. And no pleasantries - I don't waste my time on useless matters."

"Oh, of course. I'm elated you accepted my request in the letter-" he began.

"I did not accept it." the Invincible Lord interrupted. He turned around to look out the window once more. "I simply agreed to address the case you have brought to me. You are here to assure me whether this expedition would be fruitful or not - understand, Lake?"

"Of course, Your Lordship." Lake agreed. "The purpose of this expedition is to-"

"Short version." The Invincible Lord did not see the funny look shot towards him.

"I have learned of a new material that could extensively improve our armament - a way to easily kill dragons," The Invincible Lord turned around, appearing to be bored. "This expedition is to head into the mountain range central to the continent to gather and study a key component, which determines whether or not this material can be applied in the considered method."

"I have invested in multiple propositions on new 'dragon-killing' weapons before," The Invincible Lord began. "Swords with new metals, creative bows. Every single one has failed. Every. Single. One. Wasted energy and resources with nothing to show. The best one is the ballista defending these walls, and it is sorely lacking in accuracy. Not to mention, it is barely anything more than a larger and more awkward crossbow." He scowled. "What makes your idea any better?"

Lake was not deterred. "My project makes use of a unique idea, inspired by an unexplored principle. If proved working, it could be adapted into a form of a projectile armament-"

The Invincible Lord barked a laugh. "A range weapon? Bows are useless. Crossbows take too long to reload. Neither can penetrate a dragon's scales or seriously injure them. All the 'principles' for ranged weapons have been explored." He clapped his hands. A guard stepped inside the room. "Take him away. He has wasted too much of my time."

"Wait, Your Lordship!" Lake desperately cried as the guard grabbed his arm. "This idea would have more range than any crossbow or ballista! I haven't been able to create one to test as of yet, but if my calculations were correct, dragon scales would not be a problem anymore! The smallest impact would disable them for life! Or mortally wound them!"

The Invincible Lord raised his hand. The guard stopped. The Lord turned around. He walked up to Lake and looked him directly in the eyes. Out of his mouth came one word.

"How?"

Lake swallowed. "There is a plant in the mountains - a cactus, I believe. I've seen some explode when burned by dragons, and travelers tell similar stories - the expedition would be to figure out how it can be applied as a handheld weapon without endangering the user."

The Invincible Lord stared at him for a long moment with deep skepticism. "You want to give a weapon that explodes to my men?". He turned around and walked back to the window. Lake gulped with fear. "How would an explosion do this?"

Lake repressed a sigh, he was now a little calmer. At least the lord was listening. "By using a controlled explosion as a means to propel the projectile, the power of said projectile would be much more than any arrow could hope to accomplish. A dragon couldn't survive such power."

The Invincible Lord tapped his finger on the windowsill. Pondered what Lake had said. He held his breath.

"I'll fund your expedition." Lake let out a sigh of relief. "Under these conditions:" The Lord added. Lake tensed. "First, you bring back proof of this being possible. Second, you bring back seeds so we can grow this cactus here. Third: the expedition remains small. I will not waste any more men and resources than I have to. And I want one of my subordinates to accompany you to make sure the expedition doesn't drive away from its objectives. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes, crystal clear. Thank you, Your Lordship!" Lake responded with excitement.

"Begone. You'll meet your members by sundown, and depart at sunrise." The Invincible Lord ordered. Lake escaped the guard's grip, which hadn't left his arm the whole time. He took a bow, and promptly walked out.

The Invincible Lord returned to gazing out the window. Thoughts were swirling in his head.

A new weapon. At least this one sounds like it has potential. An explosion - that is quite powerful.

He smirked.

I certainly hope this doesn't disappoint. A weapon that can easily kill dragons is exactly what I need. If we can manufacture it in numbers, I can finally realize my dream.

A world rid of dragons - and owned by me.