Dating and Dragons (Dungeons and Drama, #2) (40)

“The five of you are brought into a palatial throne room in chains. The ceiling soars above you and elaborate mosaic art along the walls tells the story of a brave man who has defeated every foe in his path,” Sloane tells us.

“Is it me?” Rolo asks excitedly.

We all laugh and roll our eyes.

“No, it is not, Rolo. The art depicts King Thalun, who sits on the throne on a dais above you. As the guards bring you in front of him, he stands and looks down at you with a haughty expression. His clothes are regal, but his face is haggard and there are dark circles under his eyes.” Sloane clears their voice. “I see my guards have finally brought you to me, though not without trouble. I had not anticipated such a fight from you five.”

I glance around at the others. It’s clear that someone needs to speak to the king on behalf of the group. To my surprise, the others are looking to me. Sure, I was able to get the equipment back last time, but I’m also the reason we’re standing here.

I wait another second, but when it’s clear no one else is going to speak, I sit up and look directly at Sloane. “Sir—”

“Your Majesty.”

So it’s going to be like that. I’m not off to a great start.

“Your Majesty, we request to know on what grounds you have taken us prisoner. We have done you no wrong, and only wish to be free to pursue our own endeavors.”

“It is true that not all of you have brought harm to me. But one of you has and is in my service.” Sloane turns to Logan. “Adris Starcrown, known rogue and thief, you stole a locket that was very precious to me years ago. You eluded my escape before, but now you will pay for your crimes.”

My eyes widen, as do the others around the table.

“And…if I may ask,” I continue, “why have the rest of us been brought before you?”

“I had you captured because I need a magic user, and the fact that you are a dwarf will serve my purposes even better.” Sloane’s focus slides to the twins, then to Mark. “As for you two, do you not recognize your own father?”

We all gasp, then exchange excited looks with each other. Sometimes I really love D&D.

“Daddy?!” Rolo cries, and we all burst out laughing.

Sloane tries to keep a grim expression, though I can tell they want to laugh too. “Your Majesty.”

“Not to be rude, Your Majesty,” Lasla/Kashvi says, with a tone that’s anything but daughterly, “but if we’re truly your children, then why would you need to capture us and chain us? We’ve been searching for you and would have gladly come on our own.”

“Because I have learned I cannot trust anyone in this world, even my own children. I had heard you were searching for me, but many want me for my riches or what I can provide for them.”

Sloane is doing such a good job as the king that I barely even register their voice anymore. I only hear the deep arrogant tone of King Thalun and can imagine him looming above us, his thick brows furrowed in distrust.

“Are you open to providing for us? Because I’d love an actual mattress and a warm dinner tonight,” Lynx/Sanjiv asks.

“I’ll take the gold,” Rolo adds. “I’m used to sleeping on the ground.”

“The only thing I’m prepared to give you is a proposal. I have a mortal enemy and I need you to dispose of it.”

We shift in our seats. I’ve only played in a few campaigns but it’s clear that we’re about to get our first big quest.

“And what is this enemy?” I ask.

“A dragon. It has been plaguing my kingdom and killing my soldiers, and it cannot continue.”

We all look at each other in concern. Killing a dragon is a pretty cliché D&D quest, but that doesn’t make it easy. We’re only Level 2. There’s absolutely no way we can kill a dragon without more experience.

“But surely you couldn’t expect us to defeat a dragon that your own men cannot defeat?” Adris/Logan asks.

“That is why I chose you five. Each of you has particular skills that make you more valuable than a foot soldier, and my children must be eager to prove themselves to me. If you are able to defeat this dragon, you will be richly compensated.”

“Give us a moment to discuss, dearest Papa,” Rolo says, and we all chuckle.

“Don’t anger him further,” Logan warns. “He’s already sending us on a doomed quest as it is.”

“Should we try to negotiate with him?” Sanjiv asks. “Or use our relationship as children to get him to soften? He can’t really want to send his own children to their deaths.”

Kashvi glances at Sloane. “How many other soldiers are in this throne room with us and the king?”

“There are only two, one on either side of the king,” Sloane replies.

“I say we try to get out of these chains and attack them,” Kashvi tells us. “This might be our best chance.”

“No way,” I reply. “We’ve already tried that and we know what’s going to happen. There might only be two here now, but they probably have a whole battalion outside those doors waiting for us. I think we should agree with his request.”

“Agree?” Logan asks. “But Nasria doesn’t trust anyone or anything.”

It isn’t lost on me that Logan and his character are interacting more with me this session. I have to say, it makes the game much more fun.