The Black Necromancer

Drukali looked around the place that he and his people had been told to live in while they waited for Leon to arrive at the frontlines. The dragons had adopted their human forms in order to use the accommodation, which was something that none of them liked, but it was better than sleeping outside.

"The human form is weak, fragile, vulnerable. However, it is convenient." Drukali said as he leaned forward and picked up the porcelain tea cup that was filled with a warm, chocolate tea.

Nezario and a few other dragons watched their leader indulge in what seemed to be a guilty pleasure with a strange look on their faces. This ferocious Dragon Overlord, was sipping tea and sighing like a gullible human.

Knock knock.

Two firm knocks sounded against the door and Nezario's head turned over. He stood up, paused to look down at his clothed body with a sigh, before continuing to the door. When he opened it, he saw a Beastkin soldier standing outside.

"His Excellency, Leon has arrived, and is waiting to see you." The Beastkin bowed his head slightly in front of Nezario.

"Invite him in." Drukali's deep voice boomed from inside and the soldier bowed again before leaving. Moments later, he came back with Leon behind him. After showing Leon the way, he turned around and left.

Leon stood in front of Nezario as they sized each other up. Nezario's pride as a dragon demanded that he stand up before Leon, but he could clearly feel the difference between Leon and himself, so he calmly stepped to the side to let Leon in. The fact that he was in human form did not help the matter at all, and only made him feel more inferior before Leon's passive aura.

When Leon stepped into the house, all the dragons began to emerge from the various rooms that they had been staying in. They felt a powerful being, and they all revealed themselves.

Drukali stood up to welcome Leon, ignoring the actions of his people, with a smile. "Your Excellency, Leon Cromwell. I have heard a bit about you, but seeing you in the flesh... bone... is a much more different experience." Drukali said with a small smile. He easily acted as if he had not stumbled over his words earlier.

"Nice to make your acquaintance..." Leon trailed off and tilted his head slightly.

"Chief Drukali, Dragon Overlord, and Chief of the Red Wing Clan." Drukali introduced himself. "Come, take a seat so we may discuss important matters." Drukali gestured and Leon took the seat opposite him, while Nezario sat beside him. The other dragons simply hung around.

Leon looked around before turning back to Drukali. "I am not sure I am comfortable with all your kin hanging around like so. Is this not supposed to be a confidential meeting?"

"Do not worry, my friend. They are in the know on this topic, and do not worry about them acting out. I will personally behead them if they defy me." Drukali gave Leon a 'reassuring' smile that showed his sharp teeth, although Leon doubted it was supposed to be comforting.

Just as Leon was about to ask the reason why Drukali had sought him out, he heard the sound of yelling coming from outside.

"Just go away, woman!" A deep, annoyed voice growled.

Bang!

The front door slammed open and a burly dragon with black and red hair stormed into the house.

"What is wrong, brother?" Drukali jumped to his feet.

"It's her! That annoying wench is back! That damn Yaika!" The dragon yelled just as the woman in question appeared at the door with a wide grin on her face.

"Druuuu!" She drawled with a sly smirk.

"No." Drukali's face immediately fell as soon as he saw Yaika. "I thought you were in seclusive training?" He cast a gloomy look at her.

"I was, haha! Look at your faces!" Yaika laughed.

Leon turned to her, a bit confused. He asked her, "So you came here, knowing they would recognize you?"

"Eh, not really. When I went into seclusion, Drukali was not the one in charge, so I wasn't expecting to meet him. I was hoping to see someone familiar, though. Lucky me." Yaika giggled like an underage girl. Leon just stared at her like he was watching a sick animal.

'What is going on?' He thought to himself. He came here for business, but everything was just strange at the moment.

"Can we get to business. I have many other things to do than waste time here." Leon finally said and Drukali picked up on his impatience, turning his full attention to him.

"Alright, let us begin. Yaika, please, excuse us. We can talk later." He told the woman.

"Oh, boo. Fine, then. See you later." Yaika sighed and turned to leave, after which the dragon that had stormed in earlier closed the door behind her and turned to face Drukali.

His name was Toru, and he was from the Steel Wing Clan. He had a head of silver hair, and his eyes were of two different colors, blue and green. He stared at Leon for a while before walking to the side and standing with crossed arms.

"Yes, now back to the matter at hand." Drukali said after seeing that everyone was settled. "We have come here to request that you hand something over to us. Of course, you will be duly compensated in return." He started.

"Hand over what exactly?" Leon asked.

"A dragon that is in your possession. A young dragon." Drukali said, his red eyes narrowing a bit as he waited for Leon to react. He wanted to know Leon's stance about handing over their prized child of prophecy.

"A dragon in my possession..." Leon muttered as he held his chin thoughtfully. As he had suspected, this matter concerned Mica. However...

"I am afraid that will be difficult." Leon eventually replied.

"Why would that be difficult?" Drukali had expected such a response from Leon and he asked, leaning forward.