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King of Men

A deep rumble echoed through the audience hall, as the Dragon King debated with one of his Lords. Those of all class where gathered in the decadent hall, some came to discusses personal problems, others more pressing matters, like the price of this year's harvest.

"Sire, understand I simply cannot part with my goods so cheaply. This seasons harvest was even less than predicated." The lord bowing his head, unwilling to meet the Draconic's emerald stair.

The Elder Ruby Dragon shifted in his throne of regal pillows and fine tapestry, adjusting himself to speak clearly. "Enough, I've heard your woe's and it is for your coin. So be it, Fletcher."

A young man with Ash white hair responded, "Yes, my lord?"

"Write up a line of credit to the Bastion Estate to cover one third of the base price of last harvest. Add a small sum of interest that shall not exceed one eighth of the total harvest to be paid in full no later than five years." Turning to the Lord he spoke sternly, "Use this credit to cover your losses for the year, but mind to keep your prices within three fourths of the base price. With this you can cover your losses and still turn a profit, the interest, if paid quickly, will cost you very little."

The Lord scoffed "My King this is unreasonable, I should not..."

With fire and brimstone in his voice the king snarled "Do not scooble with me especially over a few petty coins. You will accept this offer and take your standard profit for the year. I need not the people turning to foreign powers to supple simple nourishment. You shall supple the common folk with the required grain at a reasonable price. Failure to do so will result in immediate seizure of all equity followed by trial, where I'll be far more less kind."

The noble bowed, gritting his teeth and swallowing his pride, before hastily leaving the chamber with the written line of credit. The Ruby King ignored the lord and raised his head high for all to hear.

"If you have been summoned here today, like Lord Bastion, know you will be asked to make similar compromises. I do not intend to argue these matters, if you wish a more favorable offers, bring proof of last year's profits, I shall compensate for your loses." He lets his words sink in before bellowing, "With that understood, let us proceed."

Fletcher stepped forward calling, "Lady Amadale, please come forward."

For several hours this continued, many men and women meeting with his highness; when, the doors to the entrance hall opened. A guard from the inner palace walls emerging with a young boy in toe. The guard himself seemed rather nervous, as he took the boy into the line to see the king.

The kings mood shifted after seeing the pair enter. His spirits lifted, no longer bogged down by the heavy subject matter, or dulled by the disgruntled nobles. His voices carrying this sing song tone to it. His offers were much quicker however, as he filtered down the line till just one pair remained before the late entries.

After speaking to them, he raised his might head and spoke once more, "That concludes today's hearings," to this the timid guard spoke up.

"But your highness," the King upon hearing the guard looked down upon him and in a flash the knight drop to one knee thinking he had anger the mighty beast by mistake, "I-I mean n-no disrespect my LORD!" A deep rumbling chuckle left the king.

"Calm yourself," before ignoring the kneeling Knight. "To the rest of you, please enjoy your stay within the city, and for those of you departing for home, may the last of the fall winds guide safely." With polite bows and curtsies the crowd that had gathered slowly began to depart, filtering out till only the king, fletch, and the odd pair remained.

The king gazed back to the guard only to find him trembling. The Draconic rolled his eyes, "By the Stars, rise and meet my eyes. I shall not have you cower in my court."

The guard quickly stands and presses his fist to his chest repeating his oath as if to convince any on lookers he was not afraid, "I fear neither death nor fire, for I am a proud Ashen Knight!" His voice chocked as he saluted the chest of the mighty beast unable to bring himself to gaze upwards.

"Fletcher, pay the man his pool." Fletcher nodded and opened an accounting book, flipping through it till he came to a page filled with betting numbers. Fletcher searched for a number before pulling out a bag of coins and counting them out. After several minutes he placed the coin in an empty sack and handed them to the guard who nearly dropped them. Bowing the guard quickly left the room.

Fletcher was the first to speak, "That still amuses me greatly my lord."

The King sighed, "And brings no end of frustration to me."

"Well he seemed nice enough to me," spoke the boy.

The large dragon lowered his head till his muzzle was level with the boy. His nostrils flaring, inhaling the boys scent causing his clothing to tug forward. The boy tried to stifle a giggle before reaching out and hugging the dragon's muzzle which produced a shock but relaxed expression on the king.

With a cough Fletcher stole the attention of the pair, "Touching as always, but if you'd like to spend time together, you'll have to wait till the kings finished signing a few documents." With a rather disgruntled rumble the king nuzzled into the boys small frame.

"I won't be too long, I'm sure old Frazzle Tail here will let me go soon enough. When I do, you'll have to tell me how you finally got caught sneaking in."

The boy smiled, "I'll give you a hint," as the boy wagged his finger for the great king to come closer. The lumbering giant stood and snaked his head forward blocking off the view from Fletcher. The boy leaned in, cupping his hands together and whispering ever so quietly "I wanted to get caught."