The Champion *ON HOLD*

Chapter 11- Jhakkahvar's Orders

A/N: Before you start reading, I would like to inform you that the point of view has changed. Also I do not have an image for Jhakkahvar since he is just so unique looking that even google doesn't have  good image that represents him. You'll just have to use your imagination for him. I hope you enjoy the newest installment of The Champion.

King Adhemar of Einvea clutched the arm rests of his throne as the messenger before him reported the latest news of Owun's armies. The messenger, a young lad, probably fifteen, he guessed, was short and stick-like. He was surprised the lad could even ride a horse without breaking a bone, but messengers had to be light and the lad had to have weighed no more than one hundred and fifteen pounds soaking wet.

"It is said that Sir Baelegh, the Commander of the Third Army, has acquired a dragon rider in his services. The dragon, a great white beast, was spotted flying over their camp yestermorn'. There has also been talk of a witch who tames unicorns and large hellhounds with spiked manes." Adhemar did not really know what to think of this news, only that he did not like it. The witch was easily dismissible. No one could tame a unicorn and hellhounds had no particular power that could turn the tides of war. However, a dragon rider was another matter. If Owun had managed to get his hands on a rider, then that must mean that he knew of Adhemar's own trap card. This changed things.

"Is there anything else that needs be reported?" He questioned the messenger.

"No, Your Grace, I have nothing left to report." The lad said with a respectful bow.

"Then leave me." The lad bowed once more and quickly strode out of the throne room, leaving him to brood alone. King Adhemar had sent away his councilors and they now convened in a smaller reception chamber where requests and complaints from his subjects were received on his behalf. He trusted his councilors to run his country while he delegated the ongoing war with his warlords.

"Damn it all!" He snarled, steepling his fingers and resting his chin on the tips of his hands. This really changed things. He eyed the bell chord next to his throne and gave it two sharp jerks. Within seconds a guard came in and bowed.

"Stand. Send for Jhakkahvar. Tell him I request his presence immediately." The guard bowed from the waist and left.

Ten minutes later Jhakkahvar entered the throne room. Every time Adhemar looked at the rider, he had to tell himself that what he was seeing was actually real. The rider was tall and lithe like a cat. He walked with a deadly grace and exuded malice. What really set him apart from any being he had ever seen was that Jhakkahvar was red from head to toe.

The rider's skin was a natural brownish red, but the color was emphasized even more by the crimson colored tattoos that adorned his entire body. Added to that, his armor was a blood red; parts of it, like his helm, bracers, shin and thigh guards, and his breast plate were the bright red of fresh blood. Other parts, like his boots, his gauntlets and his knee guards were a dark brownish red, like old blood. His helmet was exquisite, his eye guard flared out around his head in a wide crest. Three rows of spikes ran down the middle of his helmet, the center row longer than the two outer rows. If the rider turned, one could see that the spikes continued down the backside of his chest armor. Adhemar knew that Jhakkahvar's armor had been fashioned after his dragon.

The red rider kneeled before him and bowed his head, saying, "Your Grace has summoned me?" King Adhemar straightened in his throne and cleared his throat somewhat so his voice would ring with authority and conviction.

"King Owun, Scourge of the East, has acquired a dragon rider for his army of villainous plunderers and scoundrels. See to it that this traitor of the realm is brought to justice." The rider looked up at Adhemar and he had to force back a shudder of fear. The rider's eyes were almost completely black.

"Pray tell, Your Grace, what is the description of this rider?" He asked with a silky smooth voice.

"The rider wears bright white armor and rides a great white dragon." Adhemar forced back a chill when he saw the rider smile a vicious smile.

"I shall see to it that my former brother is brought to justice. He shall pay for his crimes against the realm." Jhakkahvar stood in one smooth, graceful motion and left the chamber room. Adhemar sighed and slumped back in his chair and rang the bell chord once more. Again, a guard came in and bowed.

"Bring me a pitcher of our strongest wine." He commanded, forcing a bit of bite back into his voice.

"Right away, Your Grace." The guard left to fetch someone to bring him wine. He would need it to put some strength back into his spine.

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