Prior

He smiled as he sat tied to a chair in a shed and the bag came off of his head. He’d paid close attention to the ride, even though he couldn’t see. He’d be able to find his way back easily once he got away.

“Master DuPrentar,” Prior said pleasantly, Cole’s face was screwed up in anger. “How can I help you this evening? This seems a bit elaborate for a conversation.”

“Shut up,” Cole growled, and held a knife up. Prior sighed. Tedious, frankly. “Tell me Commander, what actually brought you out here?”

“Would you believe a witch heard on the wind that there was trouble?” He tried. A hit across the face. It hurt but it wasn’t exactly a problem. “Clearly not.”

“What have you told the chancellor?” Cole said, the knife digging deeper, cutting the skin. For the gods sake, Prior sighed. This was about the damn charter.

“I can assure you, I could not give less of a shit about Merchant politics,” Prior said. “Unless you’re actively plotting against the queen, cheat Dumanis all you like. He’ll figure it out on his own, likely, but it’s not my problem.” Cole’s eyes grew big.

“Then why go after Danna?” He asked. “You want what’s mine?” Prior sighed.

“You treat something precious poorly,” he shrugged, “it’ll leave you. I had nothing to do with that.” The man was enraged, he could handle that. “Interesting you chose ambush. You don’t think you can take me.”

“Oh, I can take you,” Cole said, “I don’t want the heat it would bring.” Prior nodded. He’d begun working the knot on his hands, and it was coming along. He sighed.

“I hate bragging, but no, you cannot,” Prior said simply. “I don’t know who you think I am, Master DuPrentar, but I can assure you, you are likely mistaken.” Cole sneered at him.

“You’re a pretty guard with a shiny sword,” he said. “I know exactly who you are.” Prior laughed and felt the knot break, perfect.

“I have been those things,” Prior smiled, “I’m also the Commander of Her Majesty’s Rangers, the chosen lover of The Sword of The Goddess, I held the gates while my Queen cut the gods free from their bindings.” He pulled the ropes off and swung a punch making Cole stagger back. “I’m the son of the man who stood his ground while being consumed by darkness to defend the good name of a woman who was kind to his wife.” He headbutted him. “And you have no idea what you’ve gotten yourself into.” There was a sudden roar and a shaking of the ground and the roof of the shack caved in.

“Prior,” Nika shouted, jumping off of the dragon, and tossing him a sword.

“I had it under control,” he said. She looked at him. “I did.”

“You’re an idiot,” she said. Danna was astride Seshi’s neck and was staring at Cole.

“I knew you were a lying little whore,” Cole sneared, the Dragon roared.

“I buried myself in you,” Danna said simply, looking almost like a queen, fully invested in dignity. “I would have loved you, even, if you’d have let me.” Prior’s heart lurched. Cole looked up at her. Seshi roared again. “Commander, Lady Nika, I suggest you get out of the way.” Prior and Nika turned and ran and looked back, seeing the flames shoot up, presumably coming back from the dragon.

“She didn’t hesitate,” Nika said. Prior smiled. “You’re bringing her to Dovetail?”

“That is the current plan,” he said softly. Nika nodded. “You’ll come?” Nika smiled.

“I haven’t checked on the temple there in a while,” she said. Prior rolled his eyes. She wanted to check on Marina, but before he could tease her, Seshi landed in front of them.

“Are you all right?” Danna asked dismounting, as if she’d been born on dragon back, not as though she’d never ridden before today.

Magic was funny that way.

“Yes,” Prior said, “thank you for the rescue.” She smiled. He bowed to Seshi. “And Thank You, my Lord.”

“It was my honor,” Seshi said softly and bowed back.