Chapter 38: Good deal
Fear crept across the merchant’s face as Han revealed his origins and strength. A real dragon, strong enough to crush his bodyguards. He’d gone cheap for this trip: mediocre hires, one barely above average. Even that one had been killed by the dragon’s ally.
My only saving grace is that I don’t have a dragon slave.
Dragons outmatched most Demi-Humans in strength, intellect, and adaptability. Even the young hunted ogres, trolls, and goblins. Capturing a dragon slave brought real fame in the Underworld.
The merchant had dreamed of enslaving a dragon, but now he silently thanked his luck that he hadn’t.
Han reclined in the driver’s seat. "Where is your company located?"
"In Steeferce City, the Steel Fortress, on the border of Nevolnik lands. I’m under their protection," the merchant confessed, hoping the famous name would deter Han.
Much to his dismay, Han only chuckled.
"Sounds like a great place. Nevolnik are in the slavery business. They hold the crown in the Underworld, and their contracts are the cherry on top. No one can break them or free a slave unless the owner allows it. They even brag that they can’t override their own contracts, which gives owners peace of mind."
"You’re absolutely right, Young Master," the merchant said.
Wrapping his arm around the merchant, Han acted like his best friend. "You belong to me now. Don’t worry. I won’t use you against Nevolnik. I’m more interested in working with them. Help me settle in Steeferce, and I’ll help you improve your stock so you can please Nevolnik. Good deal, right?"
Han smiled.
Years in the trade told the merchant Han had no reason to offer a good deal. Intimidation would do. There had to be a catch, and he had to find it to survive.
He’d dealt with Dark Practitioners before. Many had targeted him, and he’d survived. He bet on luck and experience and nodded.
"There’s nothing to bargain, Young Master. It’s a good deal," the merchant said.
Then an immense cold spread up his back, like ice crawling over him. It burned so much he couldn’t think straight, let alone keep his salesman’s smile. His lips chattered against his will, a harsh rattle.
W-W-W-What is that spell? An I-I-I-Ice Contract? Will he turn me into an Ice Coffin?
By now, Han’s Obsidian Cauldron was far from the standard version. Even experts wouldn’t identify it by feel alone.
Han grinned. "Your name?"
Denver swallowed.
"Denver," the merchant replied, his teeth aching now.
"A strong name. You’re free to call me Han so no one suspects anything. I’ll keep you safe until we reach Steeferce. You don’t mind us replacing your bodyguards, right?" Han asked.
Hanna appeared beside Han and reported.
"We have killed all the bodyguards and secured their gear and weapons, Young Master Han. What should we do with the bodies?" she asked, bowing low.
Han smiled. "Throw them in the bushes. Check the items for any tracking spells before locking them in our luggage. Then board the carriages when you’re ready. I’ll remain here. Tell my pets to take the rooftops behind us. You will sit next to me."
"Understood." Hanna nodded and went to work.
Turning to the shaken merchant, Han picked up where he’d left off. "Do you mind?"
"I-I-I-I w-w-would n-never m-mind Y-Young M-Master’s g-generosity!" he replied, each word stuttering aloud.
"It’s Han. Remember. How much do you know about the attack on the Tenaxis?" Han asked, the question that weighed on him most.
He finished casting the Obsidian Cauldron on Denver, so the man could finally sigh with relief and speak normally, though he occasionally shivered as if a cold wind passed through him. It turned out Denver didn’t really know much, only rumors from the Underworld.
His clients and other vendors had mentioned the Tenaxis Head’s Magnum Opus and that many would try to steal it from him the moment he completed it. Today was such a moment. Waves of Dark Practitioners made their way to try their luck.
Denver sensed the surge in activity and decided to take a shortcut to Steeferce.
Han was sure the Tenaxis expected this. They were a strong family with much influence in the Underworld. Allowing the Shadowless Academy Exam on their lands might have been an invitation to dance, but Han was too green to see the bigger picture.
He only knew that he had to spread his wings now.
As soon as his maids finished and Hanna sat beside him, Han told Denver to take the reins and resume the trip to Steeferce City.
As wind battered their faces, Han slipped a hand into Hanna’s robes and drew her close. He met her golden eyes.
"Did you time your report?" Han asked.
"Yes, so your words would carry more weight with the merchant," Hanna explained.
She had reported the deaths of Denver’s bodyguards with such perfect timing that Han had suspected she’d done it on purpose. Now that she admitted it, Han snickered.
Attraction to Hanna’s experience and wisdom rose, pulling him closer.
Without planning it, Han sucked on her soft lips, his interest in the opposite sex surged like a dam breaking. He slid his tongue in and tasted her, wanting everything she offered. He slid his tongue in, tasted her, and traced her teeth, wanting to take everything she offered on a silver platter. She didn’t guide him. She simply closed her eyes and let it make her feel like a woman.
Hanna’s whimpers seemed lost to the wind, but Han heard them, and they spurred him on. Once he broke the kiss and looked into Hanna’s aroused face, his Dragon’s Pride surged.
Who would’ve thought I’d feel proud for making her look like this? Kissing feels addictive and fun, like growing stronger, gaining knowledge, and playing with my pets. I swore not to stray from fun in this life, so I might as well enjoy it all to my heart’s content soon.
Han grinned. "I won’t be bored until we reach our destination."
Hanna nodded. "Use me more, Master."
Han’s pulse kicked.
"Oh, not Young anymore?"
"Master’s kiss was far from adolescent. But.. If I may..." When Han nodded, she continued, "...thank you. I could tell Master felt awkward at times," Hanna explained.
In that moment, Han’s Dragon’s Pride won out. He kissed her again, not caring who saw or heard.
"Mhmmm!"
Hanna’s whimpers reached Xena and Bellatrix.