Confrontation with a Beast

What were you doing in my lair

And just like that, my heart stopped beating. I knew instinctivly that I would die.

But I had more important things to worry about. Bordertown. The Kingdom. If he somehow found out that I was sent by them, nothing would stop him from attacking.

I can still avert his attention, away from Bordertown. I had to, how could I die knowing I risked the safety of my people?

With my left hand, I took out Vaelor and poked into my hand just hard enough to draw blood.

I used my back as a way to block his view, so that he can't see what I'm doing.

Telling him that I'm afraid to the point that I froze wouldn't be too smart.

Now, calmer and focused, I decided to answer his question.

"I-I wanted to go hunting like I always do. I'm from the n-north and a nomade, so hunting is how I get my meals."

Now the only thing left is to make him believe my lie.

"I stole this armor today and thought that it would be easier to hunt down bigger beasts with such good weapons.

So I went i-into the cave expecting a troll or an orc that I could feast on. I was unaware that it was your lair, so if you may let g-"

But my words were cut short as I felt intense pain from my neck. He was grabbing me even tighter.

Did you think that your reason would change anything?

It worked. I may die, but he atleast believes that I'm a nomade.

I could shield Bordertown, even if I may die now.

"No, I didn't think it would change anything. I just answered your question"

Suddenly he let go off my neck, and my reflexes kicked in and I immediatly jumped away.

It was then that I started to realize...

I'm free now.

But why?

Why did he let me go?

What the fuck is he playing?

You will work for me now. Intruders must somehow be punished, right?

He grinned at me, the sun reflecting on his teeth.

His voice became much softer, and more human like, unlike his earlier rough and deep voice.

"I need a hunter to bring me food. Sadly, wherever I go in this godforsaken place, I can't find anything to hunt."

He pointed at me with his claw, than towards the forrest.

"You will hunt for me. And listen," He came closer and talked in a whispery voice.

"If you dare to flee without bringing me my food, I shall make sure that Bordertown burns to ashes" 

My heart suddenly felt heavy, my breathing got hagged but I also got angry. My hand flew towards Vaelor and Vaelira, my twin blades, and I held them at his neck.

How did this fucking beast know? I thought I told him I were a nomade. I didn't even mention Bordertown.

But only a fool would let his emotions take over in such a situation.

Well, I am a fool. A very big one at that.

With a cold voice and angry face, I confronted him.

"Oh I won't flee. Not if it brings my town into danger. But, if you dare to cross the line that is my village, I will make sure you won't live to tell that tale. And if I die trying, so be it."

To put some weight behind my words, I tried pressing Vaelor against his throat, but suddenly scales grew there too.

His voice was back to being rough and deep. He laughed, and pointed a claw at my forehead.

"I like this reaction. So... brave."

He scratched his chin as if he was thinking about something for a while. Then he looked back at me.

"Very well, out of respect for you, I won't touch your village, and not harm any of their villagers. As long as you don't flee that is."

I licked my now dry lips and took the daggers off his neck, putting them in their sheath. I looked up and locked eyes with him.

This was the first time I got a good look at his face.

His left eye was rather normal, he had hazel brown eyes just like many others have.

But his right eye... it wasn't even white. It was pitch-black, as if it would suck out any light that comes close.

And the iris.. it was yellow and white. It seemed like thunderbolts were chasing each other inside his iris.

Then there was his slit pupil. Like the eyes of a dragon.

"W-what are you?"

He just grinned, and sat down onto a rock.

His voice softened once again.

"Your client from now on. So go now. I prefer fast workers"

I knew from that moment on that I can not flee.

I'm bound to him now, if I like it or not. And if I don't have a choice anyway, I will do what I was tasked to do.

By now I had completly forgotten about the Queen and my initial mission.

As if some fog had been laid over those memories.