War of the Dragons - Chapter 13
As so the day of the ball came. Arcantos, Ace, Teprogia and Nova were invited around to Temeriare's place at around noon time in order to enjoy a lunch together, before they busied themselves in preparation. Not only did they had their outfits to put on, but they were given a full-over polishing by Temeraire's servants. They had to look the best they possibly could for this ball... winning over the duke was absolutely essential.To Arcantos' annoyance and frustration, Nova completely and utterly refused to let him see Teprogia in her dress before they actually arrived at the ball... and as the ladies of the ball were scheduled to arrive after the gentledragon's so that they could show off their dresses and finery to all. He would have quite some time to wait... and that made him nervous. It didn't help that Arcantos wasn't allowed to show of his suit either. It wasn't just a normal black suit with a shirt underneath that was the tradition for a gentledragon to wear. Instead, Temeraire has fitted Arcantos with very functional black leather armour. Breastplate and greaves, leaving his arms, wings and tail completely bare, letting everyone see his dark, greyish blue colouration. The armour itself had a white trim, to further draw attention to it... through the fact Temeraire had Arcantos strap his twin hookswords on was likely going to attract the most attention."Are you sure its a good idea to go around like this? Everyone else is going to be in suits and jewelry, with parade weapons at best. I'm going to stick out like a sore thumb like this." The bipedal dragon asked anxiously as he looked into the mirror, to which the black dragon behind him just smiled, well used to Arc's worrying."That's exactly the point. We're not trying to pass you off as just another noble. That won't do much to impress the Duke. However, presenting yourself as a soldier. Especially one as dashing and smart as yourself. Will do much to make a memorable impression on him, and help us sway him to our side... and help remind him just how grave a matter this is.""Me? Dashing?" Arcantos questioned with a small shake of his head, turning away from the mirror and his reflection to address Temeraire properly. He understood the logic of what his friend said, and agreed with it on some points... but... "I'm not a dashing figure. I'm not a bright, blazing red, a dark mysterious black or a solid powerful green. I'm a dull, greyish blue with boring eye-watering yellow as a secondary.""First, your yellow isn't that bright." The larger dragon said, stretching his neck in order to give Arcantos a small comforting nudge. "Plus, your colouration suits you very well. The yellow is like a lighting bolt, blazing through the stormy sky of your scales. The fiery ends to your wings just adds to your flare and power." It was a familiar response to Arcantos, and one he had still yet to believe completely... but well, he couldn't deny that the imagery did appeal to his author-side. That, and he was a storm dragon, so it made logical sense to some degree as well, helped him relax and smile slightly."Alright alright. You're the noble, and you're the one that actually has experience with all this politicking. Despite how you always try to avoid it where you can. So, I'll trust your judgement on this matter... and hope that no one takes my outfit as an insult and challenges me." "Actually, I'm rather hoping that happens." Temeraire said, ignoring the startled look that Arcantos threw him, and giving him a playful 'nudge' in order to knock him off balance and keep him from speaking. "With how poorly made their weapons are for actual combat, you can easily snap them with your powers. Which would be a good display of why I'm interested in you.""Suppose you have a point." Arcantos said grudgingly after having taken time to think over it this suggestion from Temeraire... but he didn't really like it, and made it clear as he said. "And what if one of them has an actual weapon, and I can't break it so easily? I might be able to deflect it and win a duel, but that wouldn't properly show my powers." "Side-step, catch their wrist and then break the blade with a more focused and stronger use of your magnetism. I'm sure you can make a quick, subtle test of its strength when they first draw it on your, giving you amble time to know how to react." Again, this was a logical decision that Arcantos couldn't really argue with, and so with a sigh he simply nodded, even though he privately hoped that it wouldn't be necessary.With that said and the conversation coming to an end. Preparations for the two were done, and Temeraire soon lead Arcantos out to his carriage. No one would arrive to the ball without one, even if they had to hire one for the day. Not only that, but there was a particular order that nobles were to arrive in, as per their seniority in Kuvine as well as their favor with the Duke. The fact that Arcantos had garnered such interest, and that Temeraire as well was going to be there meant that there would be a lot more nobles than usual... which didn't help Arcantos' nerves at all.Still, no one interrupted their carriage ride, and they left at a good time to get to the ball without too much waiting.... and there wasn't that many there so when Arcantos stepped out of the carriage and found himself under intense scrutinization, he only wanted to soil himself instead of soil himself and slam the carriage door as he hid from them. It was only with Temeraire's presence and reassuring look that Arcantos managed to keep himself under control, and even then his hands were trembling in fear as he was lead inside.The difficult scrutinization did not ever cease. Arcantos was the talk of the entire noble class of Kuvine, so of course he was going to be put under watch. He just didn't realize how many nobles there were... and that the servants and butlers would be just a keen to examine him to their desire. The fact he stood out so cleanly, what with him wearing armour and being armed with actual weaponry, did little to help."I am sorry to have to put you through such an intense and anxious experience." Temeraire murmured quietly, startling Arcantos with the suddenness of his speech, the two dragons making their way through the main hall were the Duke could be seen, currently conversing with another noble. "I know crowds shake you deeply. But I'm afraid that Ace is completely unsuited for this task, and I need someone with brains who I can trust by my side." "Don't worry yourself. I volunteered for this task knowing the difficulty I will be facing. There is no need for you to apologize on my behalf." Arcantos hurried to say, rather formal in response, but given the situation, he felt that it was best to practice formal speech no matter where. Still, he didn't want his old friend to worry overly much about him.They had no more time to discuss the matter, as they had finally reached the Duke himself. Through Temeraire did appear at least somewhat mollified by this reply. They wait wasn't overly long, as the Duke himself was just as interested in talking with them, though for different reasons. Still, each second that passed as they waited politely for the conversation to end and the Duke to address them felt like an eternity for Arcantos, aware of the eyes burning into his back."Ah, Sir Temeraire, it is good to see that you are in good health." The purple dragon said with obvious pleasure as he turned to face the two of them. Like most nobility, Duke Cavador was a quadruple dragon, and fully grown. He wasn't a heavy-weight like Temeraire was, but he still still taller than Arcantos, and of course much larger as well. The Duke shook Temeraire's claw heartily, before turning his time to Arcantos, who was subtly clenching and unclenching his own claws. "And I finally get to meet the dragon which has garnered the interest of such a prestigious scholar. Your name is Arcantos, correct?""Yes your Grace." Arc replied almost mechanically, bowing at the waist respectively to the Duke, waiting until he had straightened up before saying. "It is my pleasure to have an interest from a Duke, how may I be of service?" It was an introduction that had been rehearsed between himself, Ace and Temeraire, and so he was able to speak it without pause or stutter."Thank you Arcantos, and do not worry yourself overly much about serving me. I am just a dragon of great curiosity currently." Cavador said warmly with a smile on his face, obviously the formal and subservient response had its optimum effect, impressing the Duke and helping to coax him to relax and open up. "You elemental usage has a natural inclination towards magnetism correct? Does that not mean that you are
also skilled in the most powerful of elemental usages, lighting?""I do not disagree with you on being skilled in lighting your Grace, but I am afraid that the claim that lighting is the most powerful of elemental usage is one that does not hold up. Yes, the speed of lighting, and how it stuns a dragon after connecting makes it an especially deadly element to face, even if you are not in the air and have no fear of plummeting to your death. However, in terms of actual destruction it can wrought is an entirely different matter, lighting is useless in the face of fortifications. An example would be a castle. Earth, fire and water are much more able at the destruction of a castle than a lighting user is." "I hadn't considered that." The Duke said thoughtfully, honestly shocking Arcantos in that he was so easily and willing to admit his mistake... though it was more an oversight. "Either way, you must be quite valuable to the army. I wouldn't be surprised to hear they have extended offers to you already in staying after you have completed your training.""Actually your Grace." Arcantos said, reluctant to contradict Duke Cavador again, but not one to keep the truth hidden in any situation. "The fact I have such proficiency with lighting causes friction in the army, many are resentful that I have such power without much in regards to training or effort. They would more than likely be happy to see the back of me." No need to add how his unconventional tactics caused even further friction however. "Really? Well, that is a shame. But I suppose that does explain why they are so willing to let Temeraire entertain you in such a blatant manner. I am to understand, that he has talked often with you about joining his company, and working on improving the
mag-rail?" This was an question that Arcantos did not answer. Not with Temeraire right there to speak up himself."Yes, and whilst Arcantos knowledge on his magnetism is yet still limited, he has shown great intelligence in being able to grasp the concepts and Artifice of the mag-rail with surprising ease. It is my strong belief, that given time and further education, Arcantos will easily be able to expand on the use and power of the mag-rail." "Well, that is certainly interesting to note." The Duke said with a smile, looking at Arcantos with a renewed interest at this information. "The Artifice of the mag-rail has been difficult to grasp for even one such as myself. To hear that one without a strong education like Arcantos has been able to understand it so quickly, speaks deeply of their intelligence... but now I am curious. I have spoken about the army, and now Temerarie's offer, but I have no heard what you yourself desire to do after your service.""My desires are simple in comparison to the two options already discussed your Grace. I simply desire to put forth the stories crafted inside of my head, into the world at large. So that many others can take enjoyment from the adventurers, worlds and characters that have kept me entertained for so long." Arcantos had a rather ill-taste in his mouth for putting forth such a speech to inform Duke Cavador that he desired to be an author, but it was necessary... he did need to impress the Duke after all... especially when he showed the obvious classism that many nobles did not even notice they possessed."Ah, an author! Yes, quite a strong career for a commoner to chase after. Whilst the advanced techniques in wording and story structure will of course allude you, imagination and creativity is not hampered
at all from noble to commoner. A bright young dragon like yourself is sure to create some wonderful works I'm sure, even if it is unlikely for them to be considered classics.""Your Grace is very kind." Arcantos said mechanically, bowing once more to Duke Cavador... but this time in order to give him time to compose himself. The blatant and almost dismissive classism from the Duke making fury well up with Arcantos, and it was a struggle to keep a calm composure and a straight face during these times."Oh, I wouldn't be so fast to state the unlikelihood of Arcantos here creating any classics." Temeraire stepped in, both to carry the conversation and to give Arcantos more time to compose himself. "He has informed me that he has become quite capable of writing, even whilst in the middle of his obligatory training, and still his marks are above average overall. I am sure, that if he comes to work with my, I'll be able to provide him a full education to further not just his role inside of my company, but also for his own personal benefit, such as writing." "Well, your generosity and loyalty for those who work for you appears once again." The Duke remarked, his attention taken by the eastern dragon, letting Arcantos take a few deep calming breaths before straightening back up like nothing had happened. "Though I am surprised to hear that you are extending it so soon to someone who has not even officially accepted the offer presented to him! You really are a lucky young lad to have catched the eye of such generosity a benefictators. What next? Having a minimum wage for workers? Giving commoners extra time off for become gavid?" Whilst the Duke was simply making joking comments to Temeraire, Arcantos found his hands trembling once more... through with
wrath and not nerves. It was lucky that the great doors swung open to announce the arrival of the ladies. Taking the attention of Duke Cavador, giving Arcantos an excuse to not reply as he politely turned his attention as well.... through it was polite until he spotted a particular earth dragoness."Woah..." He said, mouth falling open as he stared... unaware that this had got the attention of Duke Cavador, and a frown of disapproval. Neither did this go unnoticed by Temeraire, or the Duke's reaction, and he was already leaning in towards the purple drake in order to make a quiet comment to the Duke when a bipedal red dragon, looking only a few years senior to Arcantos came stridding up to them with a look of fury."HOW DARE YOU!" The dragon's voice soared far in the silence of the ladies arrival. The near-roar rapidly garnering the attention of pretty much the entire room, and even making the ladies descent down to the ballroom halt at the sudden interruption. "How dare you stare at our fair ladies with such open lust! I will not allow this breach of dishonour to go unpunished! Drew your blade, and prepare to taste steel for your opprobious attitude!""I have no such desires." Arcantos snapped back, his temper still running hot from the Duke's casual classism. So much so, that the bipedal dragon did even acknowledge the red dragon's challenge, and with a sharp twist of his fingers, snapped his drawn sword clean in two. The fact that a similar looking green bipedal dragon was fast approaching was ignored as well, Arcantos simply continuing "I simply-""Silence you cur!" Was the bellowed interruption, as the red dragon swung his fist in a wild hook at Arcantos' head. Forcing the Arc to take a step back in order to dodge, as the angry tirade continued.
"Have you no honour at all?! Accept the challenge of Riko Inioth, or I shall demand that you be dismissed from the ball for being a dishonourable cowards.""Very well, I accept." Arcantos said with a savage growl, intending to rapidly teach this upstart a lesson... only to be halted when the red dragon's muzzle turned up into a smirk... and then something smashed into the side of his head, staggering Arcantos, and making his vision go blurry for a few moments... but that was all that was needed."Then be punished as you should." A different voice said... the green dragon that had approached, having swung a powerful hook that smashed into Arcantos head. Through, Arc didn't even have time to realize this, as the red dragon stepped forwards and drove his fist into his gut. Arcantos felt air rushing from his lungs as he bent over... before he was sent crashing to the floor by a two-fisted hammer blow onto his skull.The green dragon stepped on his back, saying. "As Riko Inioth, winner of this battle, I claim my right your weapons." Before leaning down, and yanking Arcantos' two hookswords out from his sheath... and then snapping them on his knee, letting them drop onto Arcantos' back as he said. "You desired to use your sword to dishonour the fair ladies... so it is only a fitting judgement, that your swords get cut in two." As Temeraire looked on in askance, Riko stepped away from Arcantos, moving a few steps towards the stairs where the ladies were paused to watch the scene play out before them. The red dragon falling in alongside them, and the two bowed for the ladies, a deep, solemn bow as Riko spoke. "My fair ladies of Kuvine, please excuse myself and my brother for letting such violent unfold before your eyes, but we could not simple stand by whilst
you were dishonoured so deeply with such filthy lust. I hope our rash actions can be forgiven." From the ladies reactions, the dark, furious looks they were shooting Arcantos. It was clear that they did not mind at all... and to Temerarie's horror, a quite a few looks were being shot at Teprogia as well, who seemed to be trying to shrink and vanish from view, as a very clear circle began to open up around them... but Riko wasn't done, and after straightening up, whirled round and face the eastern dragon. "And you, Temeraire, were you not the one to bring him in here?""Yes, b-" Temeraire began, the suddenness of the address, and his shock at the rapid sequence of events drawing out a blurted response. It was only when Riko whirled back around, ignoring anything else that Temeraire was to stay, that he blearily realized that he had fallen into Riko's trap, providing him exactly what he needed."My ladies, I beg for your forgiveness, as it seems that we have made a grievous error. We believed that Temeraire was worthy of the title noble due to his work for our great nation. But it seems were blinded to how he does not have the judgement and wisdom that all nobles should have. Or perhaps, as a commoner born, and a dragon of the east, he brought in this insolent vagabond with him, knowing full well of his dishonourable nature." It had to be admired really. Just how well put together this attack was. It was almost as if they knew that Arcantos was be deeply surprised by Teprogia's appearance, and utilized that for a vicious combinations of attacks. Arcantos and Temeraire given no time to defend, and Teprogia's association with them would of been established amongst the ladies before they emerged. With a bitter taste, Temeraire realized that their plans had
been completely and utterly demolished... all he could do now, was damage control."Are you done?" A growl cut through the hubbub with had grown up during the events, silencing everyone. Shocked eyes turned back to Arcantos as he pushed himself back up onto his feet, a fierce look fixed on his face as he stood up to face his two enemies. "Because I would like to speak now." Whilst startled,l Riko recovered swiftly and sneered in contempt."A dishonourable rogue like you has no speak in the presence of honourable nobles and fair ladies. All you can possibly demand from us is a duel, and you have already accepted a challenge, and lost in an honourable battle."To that, Arcantos burst out laughing.The nobles - and Teprogia - looked on in bewilderment and surprise, as Arcantos just laughed... he was in a serious situation. Where not only his own honour, but the honour of his benefactor was being called into question. A situation, made even more grim by how he was the talk of the city, and everyone was curious to learn more about Arcantos... yet now he just stood there, laughing as if he had not a care in the world."Honourable? You call that honourable?! Are you kidding me?!" Arcantos said in between his laughter, shaking his head in mirth at Riko's claim on honourable battle. "Your brother tricked me into accepting a challenge from you, and you struck me whilst my attention was still on him, and then you double-teamed me! How is that honourable?! Shinobi's
have more honour than that!""Whenever or not its honourable is not for you to decide." Riko said, stepping in and speaking loudly in order to get his point across over Arcantos' laughter, which finally started to subdue as the earth dragon continued to speak. "Your dishonour has already been proven by my and my brother's actions. The honour of the battle will be decided by his grace, Duke Cavador.""Ah... no." Arcantos said, causing great shock and almost horror at the dismissal of the Duke's say in the matter. "I am afraid it does not work like that. You cannot simply say that my dishonour has been proven, when the battle in which you, ahem. 'Proved'" Here, Arcantos lifted up his hands to do the speech marks. "My supposed dishonour, is not actually honourable. Neither does anyone here have the right to say whenever or not the duel was honourable or not, as your claims and actions have slanted their views heavily against me, so it would be dishonourable and bias for them to make a discussion.""We do not need the battle to decide whenever or not you are honourable." Riko snapped, his anger rising at how Arcantos was so at ease, despite his attitude and levity garnering the dislike of the nobles around him. "You are a commoner! Everyone knows that commoner's do not have the honour of a noble!" That got a murmuring of agreement, and Temeraire was deeply worried to see that the Duke looked inclined to agree. "Not only that, but you're a soldier! You are the ones why cursed whores still exist! Of course you would be so open with your disgusting desires!""Who is my commanding officer?" Arcantos levity had gone now, replaced with a serious calmness, putting Riko on edge just as much as the surprisingly question did. "If I am a soldier as you say.
Then who is my current commanding officer? After all, a soldier does not operate without an officer to tell them what to do.""I guess it would be Temeraire, the dragon whose folly brought you here." Riko said, making Arcantos smile. Making the earth dragon even more uncomfortable as he nodded in agreement."Sir Temeraire. Riko and his brother here have have attacked me, and claimed that I have done great dishonour. As well as stating that as you brought me here, you to are responsible for this dishonour... do you believe that this means that have made their intentions clear as enemies to us and our mission?" Temeraire was surprised for Arcantos to bring him into this, especially as to ask such an odd question... but the black dragon nodded solemnly in response."Yes. They have made their intentions as enemies to us clear." This made Arcantos actually smirk, and he began slowly advacing towards Riko and his brother, in a calm, measured pace."Then, as your soldier. My honour and duty demand that I eliminate the enemy." Despite this advance, Riko simply sneered once more at these words, staring arrogantly back at Arcantos."Eliminate the enemy? What, do you intend to disregard honour completely, and fighting us, regardless of how you have already been bested?" Arc stopped a pace or two in front of Riko and laughed at this sneering question."Fight you? No." Arcantos surged forwards, his fist driving into the stomach of Riko's brother before either could react... and Riko jerked back as he faced the feral grin of Arcantos as his brother doubled over next to him. "I'm going to toy with you." Arcantos other arm snapped out, grasping the front collar of Riko's suit, and flinging him past Arcantos. The earth dragon stumbling, but not falling as Arcantos straighten up, letting the fire dragon fall to the ground as he turned around."You see, a fight is a struggle." Arcantos started to lecture, even as Riko stepped forwards, throwing a lightning fast jab as Arc... only for him to sway to the side slightly and dodge it. "A struggle is a violent or forceful effort." Riko followed up his jab with another punch, then a swift side kick, but the punch was dodged and the kick blocked. "And this is going to take no effort on my part.""You talk too much!" Riko snapped angrily, as his first began to glow green. Indicating that he was charging it with his elemental energy, earth. Riko put all of his strength and speed behind his punch, and in satisfaction watched it collide solidly into Arcantos' chest, and the energy dispersed in a powerful burst... and then confusion, then horror grew at the chest did not budge."Funny. It was a lack of talking allowed by me, which lead to this
situation." Arcantos said calmly, even as he stamped on Riko's foot. Then an uppercut to the flinching dragon's jaw had him stumbling back, nearly falling over completely. "After all, if I had simply been allowed to talk. The first 'duel' would of never taken place. As it is... I think I'm proving quite well that the duel had to be dishonourable, as if it wasn't. I would of won it easily." "Enough out of you!" Riko growled, nearly roaring in anger. Knowing that the nobles were shocked at just how easily Arcantos was handling one of their own... one even known to be one of the strongest fighters, yet he took a powerful earth-punch without even flinching. Riko decided he had to end it quickly, and from his sleeve drew a stiletto and lunged, to stab Arcantos with the deadly weapon... and Arcantos rose his hand.The stiletto punctured right through his hand. Scale, muscle and even bone. Slidding right through the hand as it it was not even there, until the hilt met the hand. As Riko stopped in shock, Arcantos curled the hand down. Ignoring the dagger that had just been driven through his hand and took a firm hold on Riko's own hand."You see. This is the difference between me and you. You are a noble. You're trained to duel. To fight with class and elegance, within a set of rules and until your opponent submits. I, as you so rightfully pointed out am a commoner and a noble. And we are trained to kill." With his firm grasp on Riko's hand, Arcantos pulled him forwards, off balance and having no defence against the hand that came up to clamp itself around his neck, as Arcantos pressed his muzzle right up against the earth dragon's. "For a noble like yourself, what I just did is pure insanity. But for a soldier like me? A little sting like this is nothing more
than strategy." Arcantos growled fiercely, as Riko choked slightly. He could still breath, but he had to struggle to do so. "That's why you never stood a chance against me in a fair fight. And that is why you have no honour.""You claim that simply by being a noble, you have honour? That you were born into a life in which everything is given to you, where you get all the training and support you need, you have honour? Where I, as a commoner. Where I earned all my skills through blood, sweat and tears. Where I am pushed to the very limits of my abilities, and then beyond them, so I can continue to improve myself... and you state that I have no honour?!""You do not even know what honour is." Arcantos growled fiercely, moving his hand from Riko's throat, to his wrist, and then just yanked his other hand from the blade. Sweeping Riko's legs out, Arcantos spun round behind him, slamming a foot onto his shoulder, pinning him against the floor, with his arm pulled upwards and back."You broke my swords as the 'victor', saying it was a poetic justice for my desire to sully the honour of the fair ladies of Kuvine. You used your tongue and fists, not just to insult myself and Sir Temeraire, but commoners and soldiers... you insult my squad, my patrol... my comrades. Ripping out your tongue, whilst as satisfying as it might be, is a punishment too far. I'll just take your arm instead." "Wh-" Riko started, withering, and trying to squirm away. However, Arcantos' grip was strong, keeping the earth dragon from escaping as he rose his arm back, before slamming it down into a powerful punch into Riko's arm... a punch that was followed by a sharp crack and a loud scream of pain from the earth dragon."Oh suck it up you big baby." Arcantos snorted, dropping the broken arm and turning his back away from Riko, allowing the earth dragon staggering onto his feet. Cradling his arm and sobbing in pain. Arcantos simply stepped back into place where he was before he was confronted, facing the stunned Duke and said bluntly. "Your Grace, if you excuse me for speaking bluntly. I have come to this ball, in order to have a private conversation with you on a serious matter. I request for this conversation to take place now."Normally, such blunt talking and near-order giving to the Duke would be pretty much laughed at and result in an instant dismissal. After Arcantos' little... performance however. Duke Cavador was rather wary of him... and decided it would be best to simply nod in agreement. No point in risking any more confrontations... he knew that Arcantos' little show would of made him many more enemies than allies... and he himself was unsure as to how he felt about Arcantos. "We can talk in my study." Duke Cavador said, turning to leave. Temeraire followed along silently, but with an anxious expression on his face. Nothing was going to plan at all, and Arcantos' display has put him on edge, just as much as it done most of the nobles. Arcantos for his part, was calming down as he followed... through he paused in the door, in order to glance back at Teprogia. Her dress was an autumn red, with accents of brown flowing down it that matched her green colouration, accentuating not her curves, but her muscular body. The head piece of red beads gave her an exotic look, and helped draw attention to her hazelnut eyes... a simple, but beautiful dragoness... and Arcantos knew that his perception of his oldest friend would never been the same again.