The Dragon King, Book 1

Chapter 2. All Hail The King

Now in deep slumber, our hero Ronin awaits a connection with the King himself, as a dark mist sweeps around him twisting and turns as if revealing a dark, evil presence. Ronin steps backward from the mist.

Why do you retreat? A voice booms from the mist.

Do not miss judge my actions for cowardice, I was merely giving you space out of reverence. Ronin smiles kneeling before the shadow forming in the mist.

I am pleased. I am the third King of the nation of Dragul, Edgar Heartfelt Dragul. I understand your name is Roni Hitima, correct? The voice becomes louder as a towering shadow continues to form.

Yes your Highness. Still kneeling.

Rise, great hero, we are to be equals after all. the voice seems more gentle now.

Ronin stands and looks forward with a start. Standing before him is a giant black dragon with glowing red eyes and sharp white teeth. Ronin falls backward in terror.

Ho..how is a dragon speaking to me? Ronin gasps.

That is your first thought? Not "Are you going to eat me" or maybe "Spare me please"? The Dragon chuckles.

Ronin stands and brushes himself off. So this is the secret of the Dragul Kingdom? Their King is a dragon?

Actually, most of us are dragons, well the natives anyways. We are able to take different humanoid forms to protect our secret and hide our true power.

Even among each other? Ronin questions further.

Most of us have grown very accustomed to our human forms, but to be honest I think I might not fit even in the main hall in my true form. The dragon chuckles again.

Ronin laughs along with the King. Then falls into deep thought.

After a moment Ronin speaks again. So my mission is to save you, your kingdom, and ensure your secret does not see the light of day, am I right?

In a nutshell, yes. But to be honest I am quite pleased with this arrangement. I grow tired of being a ruler, unable to share a bond of friendship without the possibility of betrail around every corner. But to share a body with someone, to know their thoughts, their heart, it puts my mind at ease. As the King speaks he transforms back into his human form and reaches out his hand. It is my hope that the longer we two are paired the better you will be able to withstand my power and even control it. So Ronin, will you help me?

Ronin reaches out his hand and takes the King's. I think I'm a bit too far gone to say no, besides this sounds like a challenge, and I'm always good to go on that. Smiling. I do have a few more questions thou, if I may?

By all means, ask away.

Since we are sharing a body, does that mean we can transform into a dragon at will?

Yes, but I must ask that it only be in dire circumstances. Otherwise, in human form, you will have heightened speed, strength, etc.

Understood. Are you able to use magic?

Yes, I am a shadow dragon, but that aside I am able to perform most spells with ease.

Ok, and finally, our union, who else knows about this?

Only you, myself, and Victor and I would like it to stay that way, for now.

I agree, in order to perform my mission, I must not be seen as anything less than your duplicate in every way.

Then it is settled, from here on in, Ronin Hitima, I give you full permission to act in my stead in all matters. If you should need any guidance I will always be here for you. And after this is all said and done, you shall be rewarded to the extent of my power's ability, what so ever you might wish for shall be yours. The King places his hand on Ronin's shoulder.

Ronin kneels. Yes your Magisty!

Ronin awakes quickly to Victor standing over him.

Have you come to an accord? Victor asks.

Yes, the King has given me permission to act in his place on all matters.

Splendid! Then I should now inform you of the others.

Others? Ronin looks puzzled.

Yes, The Queen, Estiga, is currently away on a peacekeeping trip through the neighboring kingdoms, she is due to arrive back in three days. Hafise, the oldest prince is in the kingdom and awaiting word from a traveling merchant clan on a shipment of goods. Indrim, the princess and middle child of the King, is in the kingdom eagerly waiting for word about your wellbeing, as you made quite the scene earlier and worried her. And finally Rikaon, the youngest prince is in his training classes currently, down in the courtyard.

WOW, nice sized family the King has!

Indeed, He is a good man, and a compassionate father, I hope that you will keep that in mind when dealing with his children.

Ronin thinks to himself a bit then stands. Let's get to it then, we must not keep my daughter worrying much longer.

Ronin and Victor make their way back to the main hall. Waiting impatiently next to the throne is a young lady with long, bright red hair in a dress like armor. Standing on either side of the main hall guards and maids uneasily await the King's return. How will our hero smooth over his earlier missteps?