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The massive door creaks open slowly, two muscular servants pushing powerfully on each side. The heavy sound reverberates through the throne room, announcing John's arrival.

“Come in, friend. I’ve missed you dearly.” A booming voice welcomes him from within. Vargas, ‘The Knocking Conqueror’, is lounging on his throne of cushions and silk.

John steps into the vast space, the clack of his shoes the only sound that echoes in the unnerving silence— Except its not that the room is empty, he notes.. As his sight adjusts to the dim and comfortable lighting, he can discern from the corner of his eyes lazing figures each having picked a corner, cushion, or perch. They are all staring at him… and its anything but a friendly air… Reaching the center of the room, a good distance away from the throne still, John kneels down, head held low. “Ohh how you flatter me, my lord~ and I thought the feeling was one sided!”

“Hmmmm? Have you come to see me this time? Or do you only ‘miss me’ when you have a favor to ask.” Vargas looks away in mock disappointment.

“Oh I didn’t think I could! I'm ever careful not to waste your time, so I only ever consult you for matters important enough to warrant your mighty presence! After all, you are a busy governor my lord, and it shows! Your lands have gotten even more prosperous since my last visit!”

That earns him a satisfied chuckle from the gorvernor. “Siiiiigh. Learn to speak like this human, will you?” His reproach is directed at the figures, they flinch under his gaze and bow their heads begrudgingly. “Yes, my lord.” They say in unison. The remark was hurtful, to compare them to this lowly creature… but then again, John is not just a random human, he is their king's favourite… a pet of sorts! yes, a pet. so they shouldn't feel too bad.

“Hm. Well then, Jonathan. What matters do you seek assistance with? Your generous lord will see what he can do for you.” Vargas smiles down at him, the intent genuine, the result condescending.

“It's about a dear friend of mine, my lord. See I need him to come over to my palace in secret, which means he cannot come from the main port, and it is too risky for him to sneak onto one of the merchant ships, not with the western king having tightened security…”

Vargas tilts his head curiously, urging John to continue.

“So I thought of a shortcut! Although a dangerous and unfamiliar one... a crossing through the strait of Imalnatir. And I was wondering if my lord could assist me by lending me one of his admirable henchmen who might be familiar with those lands and can aid my friend in his journey.” He finishes with a charming smile, baring feelings of trust and good intentions.

The room is filled with the rustle of a thousand folds of fabric as the figures previously bored by his monologue all snap their attention back to him, sitting up straight.

“Your lordship! What he's insinuating is heresy! We—”

“—SILENCE!”

“.”

“It is not his fault, he is not aware… Dear Jonathan, to ask for one of my right hand men to escort your friend, is like asking for a dragon to do the work of a common knight. A dragon that could destroy cities and build empires… You spoke before of waste, I do not see a greater waste than that.”

“Why that is not what I—”

“However. I can lend you one of… the lesser ones. And they would still be more than enough for such a simple task. …Hmmm? Now that I remember, I have just the right one for you…”

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“Disclaimer”

This series will contain scenes of graphic violence and some dark themes that may be upsetting for some readers.

Viewer discretion is advised.