Making an impression

Finally, they were on their way again, just a little bit more Fiona told herself as they made their way up the steep hill to the castle perched atop the hill.

As usual Tiamat hadn't asked if Fiona preferred to walk, he just put her on his horse, her back ensconced against his chest, her head tucked under his chin.

His nearness had become a familiar comfort, and it was confusing to her because she felt safe when around him.

"I can't get too comfortable or it'll be harder to leave in the future," she muttered softly.

Tiamat harrumphed. "Not if I can help it."

Slightly embarrassed Fiona hadn't realized she had spoken her private musings out loud.

She could tell that he was distracted by what loomed in front of them when she heard the reverent hitch in his voice as he exclaimed, "welcome to my humble abode, we have finally arrived."

Most of his face was out of her sight but his chest rumbled as he spoke and she could hear the awe and admiration in his voice for his new home.

She was pretty sure had he not been leading his men he would have probably been moved to tears and wept at the first sight of a place he could call his own.

All his men waited for Tiamat to give the order for them to cross the drawbridge and enter the keep.

Tiamat would wait until all his men were inside before he followed as this was a tradition of Thornwyck.

The villagers had gathered to watch the entrance of the new successor in respectful silence.

Word of the defeat of the rebels had already spread and they were alarmed.

All wondered what repercussions would be swift to follow.

As the Black Flame had a terrible reputation that filled the hearts of many with fear.

Still seeing that the new lord deliberately chose to enter his home last gave them hope.

In the eyes of the people it showed that he wasn't selfish and claimed everyone.

He was willing to put his people before his own comfort.

Many of the previous lords had been selfish creatures who were cruel, taxed them heavily and did not provide ample food or clothing.

So none shed tears when those cruel lords all died unnatural deaths.

Hopefully this new lord would last a little longer than his predecessors.

They did not expect much from him because he could not show ownership of the lost chaos orb.

The people believed that all the natural disasters and tribulations they faced were as a result of the missing treasure.

Until it was returned to the safekeeping of the Thornwyck the villagers feared they would never know a moment's peace.

It was up to Tiamat's loyal soldiers to show through their actions not just their words.

The reason why they were all so loyal to Tiamat and swore fealty to him, in time the villagers would come to trust him too.

Soon they would come to understand that dragon lord Tiamat of Thornwyck was a leader they could depend on.

Tiamat had to rein in his feisty warhorse who was getting a bit impatient waiting to enter.

The warhorse sensed that it had reached its final destination and that rest and food was near.

It neighed softly and did an impatient sidestep before Tiamat finally loosened reins and nudged it so it canter over the drawbridge.

Everything about the castle grounds seemed old but there was still something glorious about going over wooden planks spanning a moat.

Fiona wondered if crocodiles or some other carnivorous creature awaited anyone who had the misfortune to follow into the deep murky water.

The people cleared the way so that Tiamat and his elite squad could proceed past the outer bailey and enter the castle for the lord inside the inner keep.

The castle thankfully was in a much better condition than the buildings in the outer bailey but there were still a lot of renovations needed to be done quickly.

Gritzl hurried ahead to open the doors for their leader. The doors were huge and wide and it was too much for one man to open, he had to have help.

When the door finally opened it made a loud creaking sound that reminded Fiona of an old man groaning.

Stale air rushed out to greet them and it made Fiona cough a bit. Inside was dusty and filled with cobwebs it would need a thorough cleaning.

Tiamat was upset but he tried not to show it, he had sent words ahead informing them of his arrival. Why was the castle not cleaned in time for his arrival?

Heads were going to roll after he got to the bottom of who was responsible for this insult.

Fiona had no clue what was going on inside Tiamat's head. As a history and archaeology buff she was curious and anxious to finally see inside a real castle.

At times like this she was grateful that she took her studies seriously and could fall back on her knowledge of medieval customs as this new realm reminded her of it.

Tiamat said thoughtfully, "Sloan has already been ensuring that we'll have somewhere to lay our heads tonight. I know your exhausted Fiona, you'll be able to retire to your own accommodations soon."

Fiona nodded, she liked the sound of that. It implied she wouldn't have to share a room with Tiamat so her virtue would be safe for just a little bit longer.

As usual, Tiamat got off the horse first and did the gentlemanly thing by helping Fiona to dismount slowly.

She was still feeling the aches and pains in her muscles and was grateful for the help.

Fiona liked that he was overly attentive, he never let go of her hand while he barked orders to his men.

Too bad that she did not understand the significance of this act but it was not lost on the villagers and it made quite an impression.

The men lined up on both sides, standing at attention, then Tiamat pulled Fiona gently along as they both entered the castle together for the first time.

*Special thanks to my readers 7nkz_etls, cassandra_coats & Nikola_Niko!