Chapter 3: Dragon Heritage Candidate
"You sent for me your majesty?" Kalryn kneeled before the his king as all good nights should. The study was a testament to the monarch's power and wisdom, the walls lined with ancient tapestries and heavy wooden shelves groaning under the weight of countless tomes. The air was thick with the scent of old parchment and dust. The king sat at his grand desk, a monstrous thing carved from a single piece of ebony, its surface littered with maps, scrolls, and various trinkets. Among these treasures, two items stood out: an ethereal blade shimmering in the dim light of the study, and a dragon's claw gripping an orb of pulsating energy, its tendons and muscles preserved in a grim, lifelike state.
Kalryn's eyes widened as he took in these artifacts, his breath hitching in his throat. He had heard whispers of the Zyphorax Dragonbone Sword, but he had never seen it in person. The blade was said to be forged from the bones of the ancient dragon, Meorlus Zyphorax, and it was rumored to possess immense power. He could feel the hum of magic in the air, the sword's energy pulsing like a heartbeat, and he ached to hold it, to feel its power coursing through his veins.
Both artifacts were objects of untold power, nearly relics of myth from an age long past, and Kalryn could not help but feel a sense of awe and unease in their presence. The king leaned back in his throne-like chair, his eyes scanning the young knight before him.
"Come in, come in. These are exactly what you think they are my boy." The old King gleamed with an excitement that didn't match his age.
As Kalryn approached, the monarch eagerly gestured to the objects on his desk. He paused, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "A bit of a thrill, isn't it, young man? Like meeting a dragon in the flesh for the first time."
Kalryn swallowed hard, his eyes widening as he took in the artifacts. The sword, the Zyphorax Dragonbone Sword, was a thing of beauty and terror, its blade shimmering with an ethereal light that seemed to defy the very laws of nature. Beside it, a claw of one of the Ancient Dragons stood, a massive, leathery appendage that appeared to be preserved in a state of readiness, as if the dragon that had once wielded it was only moments away from pouncing. Its tendons and muscles were still taut, and the orb it gripped pulsed with an otherworldly energy, casting eerie shadows on the walls of the study.
As Kalryn approached the desk, the claw suddenly twitched, its fingers curling inwards as if grasping for something unseen. The orb within its grasp seemed to intensify, its light flickering wildly, casting kaleidoscopic patterns on the walls and ceiling. The king, however, seemed utterly oblivious to the sudden movement, his attention still focused on Kalryn. "Come, come, young man," he urged, gesturing for Kalryn to take a closer look. "The mages assure me these artifacts are quite safe." The king waved a dismissive hand at the claw and orb, his gaze still fixed on Kalryn. But Kalryn was transfixed by the display before him. As he leaned in closer, the orb began to pulsate more vigorously, its light intensifying until it was almost blinding. "Wow," was all Sir Zilantov could say in response to the spectacle. The orb burned brighter and brighter, its white light filling the room like an oncoming dawn. Kalryn raised a hand to shield his eyes, the intensity of the light making it difficult to see anything else. He could feel the heat radiating from the orb, and the power it contained was palpable, like a physical force pushing against him. The king chuckled at Kalryn's reaction, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Ah, yes, it can be quite a sight, can't it? Don't worry, young man, it's perfectly safe," the king assured, oblivious to the lightshow unfolding before Kalryn's eyes. He leaned in, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "You know, these artifacts have been locked away for centuries, hidden from the world. Now, they've come into our possession thanks to an accidental excavation, and I believe they hold the key to unraveling many of the mysteries and forgotten truths of the ancient dragons."
In this world, Dragons and all their kin were long extinct. Slayed mercilessly by all the other races combind: Humans, Elves and shape-shifters alike. Hunting and slaying Dragons to the ends of the earth. This was thousands of years ago, many of the truths turned to stories, stories turned to myth and legend and much of the truthes were forgotten.
"Your majesty, do you see that?" Kalryn asked, his voice bearly containing its excitement from where the king was sitting.
The king sighed, his gaze lingering on the dragon's claw. "Yes, it does take some getting used to, doesn't it?" The monarch admitted, his expression softening. "It's a grim reminder of the power and majesty that once ruled these lands. But I must say, I find the sight of the Zyphorax Dragonbone Sword far more appealing." The king's eyes sparkled with admiration as he looked at the blade. "There's something about the way it shimmers, the way the light dances on its edge... it's as if the very essence of the dragon is alive within it."
Kalryn nodded, his eyes following the king's gaze as he studied the sword. "It's incredible, Your Majesty. I've read about some of the legends surrounding Meorlus Zyphorax, but to see the sword in person... and a literal arm of the dragon." It does seem smaller for some reason that I would think though."
"I quite agree..." The king perusing the sword like it was made of fine China, "You know, it's that this sword seems to have silver veins... and there's a type of stone called a dragon's eye between the pommel and hilt." He turned the sword over, "It appears that there is one on each side..."
Meanwhile, Sir Kalryn Zilantov, still trying to understand the giant dragon claw artifact in front of him.
Without any warning he began receiving messages in his head.
[Dragon heritage. Status: Confirmed]
[Eligible candidate for the last dragon heritage confirmed.]
[Seek Meorlus Zyphorax's Dragonbone Sword for qualified confirmation.]
It was not the king who answered him, but a voice that seemingly only he could hear.
["Ah, it has been a while... but that was not my full arm. What you see is only my wrist holding the Dragonstone Orb."]
Kalryn's head snapped up, his eyes scanning the room, searching for the source of the message, the voice. He saw only the king, still seated at his desk, his attention fixed on the sword "Your Majesty, did you hear that?"
The old king looked up, from perusing the sword he cradled with the tenderness of a child, his brows furrowed in confusion "Hear what, my boy?" he asked, his voice puzzled.
It was never a good sign when one began hearing voices others could not. Often a sign of illness so Kalryn hesitated, unsure of how to explain the voice he had heard. Deciding not too. Shrugging it off as his imagination, he just hadn't slept much lately, that was all.
[Meorlus Zyphorax's Dragonbone Sword Detected.]
[Task: Pick up Meorlus Zyphorax's Dragonbone Sword.]
Approaching the desk, Kalryn's armour clattered. Each of his steps echoing softly on the polished wooden floor. He removed his helm, tucking it under his arm, and took a seat close to the edge of the desk. In the close proximity to the artifacts, he could feel a strange, almost electric energy in the air, pulsing like a heartbeat. He placed his helm on his lap, his eyes never leaving the sword.
The message appeared again.
[Meorlus Zyphorax's Dragonbone Sword Detected.]
[Task: Pick up Meorlus Zyphorax's Dragonbone Sword.]
"Your Majesty, may I?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper as he reached tentatively towards the blade. The king nodded, a kindly smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "By all means, young man. The more we learn about these artifacts, the better."
As Sir Zilantov's fingers brushed against the cool metal, and he felt a sudden surge of power, as if the sword itself was awakening. Cool wind whipped around him but nothing in the room seemed affected. As though only he was feeling the wind.
The messages came in an onslaught now. Yet to the king, his young friend who was also keen on dragon scholarship and research was experiencing his own moment of awe. All sorts of emotions flashing in his eyes.
[Task Completed: Dragon Heritage Candidate has Completed Qualified Confirmation.]
[Dragon Type Confirmed.]
[Candidate is a match for The Dragon Heritage.]
[Dragon Type Beginning Alteration.]
[Dragon Heritage Enhancements Bonding to Selected Candidate.]
The sword hummed softly in his hand all the while, undetectable by the king, and Kalryn couldn't help but whisper in awe, "A real dragon...sword?" His body prickled all over, like having pins and needles everywhere but he could still hold up the sword. He felt his body becoming stronger. Oddly he felt his manhood enlargen in size but not become erect. The sensation and all of this was bizarre.
[Dragon Shifting Bonding: 0.5%]
[Estrmated Completion: 40 years]
'40 years?!' He yelled in his head.
As the pins and needles ebbed and flowed he lowered the sword, gleaming into the veins. Hoping this appraisal looked like any others he'd has done in the past or just awe struck by lore.
The king chuckled, his eyes twinkling with wit as he looked up from the artifact, catching Kalryn off guard. "I'd heard you already possessed one of those yourself, 'Red Dragon'."
The king chuckled, his eyes twinkling with wit as he looked up from the artifact, catching Kalryn off guard. "I'd heard you already possessed one of those yourself, 'Red Dragon'."
He was caught completely off guard at this, even the king knew?! This grip tightening reflexively around the sword. "Yes, Your Majesty, but that's... different. This one is something else entirely."
The king raised an eyebrow, a playful smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Ah, so you're saying your 'Red Dragon' isn't quite up to snuff? I must admit, I've always had my doubts about the stories I've heard of that particular blade. In my own days of being rake I went with leviathan... Would you like to keep a hold of this one for me? You are a notable swordsman and while so young are a commendably studious Knight when I have requested your aid. As such I'm sure it will do better with you than an old king past the battlefield days."
"Of course, your majesty. I am but humbled to recieve such a gift." Sir Zilantov then kneeled bowing his head before the King.
["A dragon would not kneel before a human king!"] The voice snubbed loutdly but as Kalryn looked up, the king had not heard it thankfully and seemed unphased.
The voice in his head spoke again, humorous and curious, the voice was gravelly deep and had a ominous command about it.
["What was this red dragon he spoke of?"]
Sir Zilantov did not answer the voice. The Dragonbone Sword still humming in his hand.
At the very thought he might be going crazy, his grip on the sword tightened reflexively, his knuckles turning white as he fought to maintain control over his emotions. His heart pounded in his chest, his head swirled and he could feel a bead of sweat trickling down his spine despite the coolness of the study.
The king, oblivious to Kalryn's inner turmoil, continued to smile, his eyes sparkling with mirth. "Come now, Sir Kalryn, there's no need to look so troubled. I was merely jesting about the what I have heard within the court. I have every confidence that you will treat this sword, and those around you, with the respect the respect deserved." Thr double meaning in his words were clear.
Swallowing hard, his grip on the sword relaxing a little. "Thank you, Your Majesty. I'm grateful for your confidence." The king nodded, his smile softening, "Yes, you've proven yourself time and again, Sir Zilantov. I have no doubt that you will continue to do so. Now, enough of this business. I've been at it, researching all morning, and I'm sure you have as well. I think it's high time we both took a break. You're dismissed for the rest of the day. Go, enjoy yourself, perhaps... let that 'red dragon' loose. A knight of your caliber deserves some relaxation every once in a while." The king winked with a mischievous glint.
Sir Zilantov's eyes widened in surprise. "Your Majesty, I couldn't possibly... I mean, there's so much to be done..." He trailed off, his protests faltering under the king's steady gaze.
The old monarch merely smiled, stood, and waved him off dismissively. "Nonsense, young man. A king's orders are not to be questioned. You heard your King. Off with you."
As Kalryn turned to leave, the voice in his head boomed again.
["What red dragon?"]
He paused mid-stride, his grip on the Dragonbone Sword tightening. The king, unaware of the sudden halt, continued to watch Kalryn with a benevolent smile. "Is everything alright, Sir Zilantov?" he asked, his voice laced with interest.
Kalryn hesitated, then shook his head. "It's nothing, Your Majesty. Just... a sudden thought," he lied, hoping the king wouldn't press further. The voice in his head remained silent, as if awaiting an answer.