Jean Rabe - Betrayal

Twin globes of dull yellow appeared in the midst of the blackness, casting just enough light to reveal the creature’s massive snout and the dark-skinned woman who was dwarfed by its size. The creature’s eyes were larger around than wagon wheels and laced with murky catlike slits. The thick film on them hinted at the beast’s age.

“I have finished testing Dhamon Grimwulf,” she announced proudly in her temptress voice. “He survived my tests, survived my forces in the town nearby. He is the one. As I am your chosen. Your favorite.”

“One of my chosen.” The creature corrected, its words interminably long and drawn out, words so loud the ground rumbled with each syllable. “The other arrived just before you.”

A sun-bronzed human stepped away from the cave wall, coming close enough so the light from the creature’s eyes could reveal him.

“Maldred,” Nura Bint-Drax hissed.

The ogre mage wearing the guise of a human nodded to her, then turned to face the creature.

“Dragon,” Maldred said. “I, too, have tested Dhamon Grimwulf. I agree that he is the one.”

“He is the one.” The heavy words sent the floor to shaking. “But will he cooperate?” the dragon wondered. It secretly noted with pleasure that Nura and Maldred glared at each other, the hate between them thick and sweet in the air. “Will he do what I require?”

Nura opened her mouth, but Maldred spoke first. “Oh, he’ll cooperate,” he said evenly. “I can manipulate him into following your plan. I’ve manipulated him well enough thus far. Like a blind fool, he trusts me. He believes I am his closest friend and ally. He’ll be coming back soon to find me. What he has left of his honor demands that.”

Satisfied, the dragon closed its eyes, plunging the cave into absolute darkness. Maldred and Nura Bint-Drax waited until the sound of its slumber sent a wave of gentle tremors through the ground, then they left the cave and headed out into the swamp beyond.