Free Book of One 04: A Child of Fire by Jordan Baker

like to kill something more powerful."
    Cerric noticed the change in Meznak's speech and the perceptible increase in size of the Darga's muscles.
    "Of course," he said. "How would you like to kill one of these." Cerric gestured to the two remaining elven prisoners.
    "Only one?" Meznak asked with a toothy, reptilian grin. Cerric smiled.
    "Only one," Cerric replied.
    "Very well," Meznak said and, moving with exceptional speed, he leapt toward one of the elves and took his head off with a double stroke of the axes.
    The elf's head fell to the dirt with a thud, followed by his body and Meznak staggered back from the corpse, every muscle tight as the power of his victim flowed through him. The Darga howled and dropped to one knee, crouching and appearing to be in pain as bulges appeared on his leathery, armored back, which split open a moment later. Bones and flesh began to extend from his body, stretching outward and forming into leathery wings very similar to those of a dragon. Cerric was fascinated that the power of an elf would cause such a response in the creature, though it did not displease him as he watched Meznak rise, standing taller and larger than he had been before. The Darga howled again, but this time the sound that issued forth from his fanged mouth was much more dragon like.
    "How do you feel now, Meznak?" Cerric asked.
    "Powerful, my lord," he said, his voice now richer and deeper than it had been. Meznak dropped to one knee, and bowed before him. "I see the value in these weapons and I thank you for this gift you have bestowed upon me."
    "Rise, Meznak," Cerric said. "Assert your dominance over the Darga tribes and take your rightful place as their leader."
    "Yes, my lord," Meznak said, rising to his feet and staring at the god-king and the two generals who stood silently, watching. "Is there anything else you require of me?"
    "Yes. Once you have taken control of the Darga, I would like you to select one hundred of your most obedient and powerful warriors that they too might share in this gift."
    "You would create others to challenge me?" Meznak asked.
    "No. You will create powerful warriors, allowing them to kill using your sword. I will leave it up to you to decide how powerful you will allow them to become, making sure, of course, that you remain the most powerful."
    "I see," Meznak said with a predatory smile. "Your wisdom knows no bounds."
    "I do not need to remind you of my own power." Cerric said.
    "No, my lord, you do not. The Darga will not challenge one such as you, whose power is far greater than our own. You have my fealty and my thanks."
    "I will expect your people answer my call to fight in the upcoming battle with the elves," Cerric told him. "There will be plenty of the forest folk for you and your warriors to slay."
    "I look forward to such a battle. When will the campaign begin?"
    "Not yet," Cerric said. "We must build our armies and make them stronger. See to your warriors and be ready. I will send word when the time comes."
    "As you command," Meznak replied, with a tilt of his head. "May I take my leave?"
    "Yes, of course."
    Meznak stood for a moment, staring at the god-king and the two generals, then he bent his legs and opened his wing then sprang into the air. His new muscles flexed the long, leathery wings, beating the air, and he hovered for a moment then, with a few hard flaps he rose further and flew toward the daylight that shone in through the opening at the far end of the cavern, and a moment later, he was gone. Cerric turned to Mirdel and Berant.
    "Berant," he said. "We will return to Maramyr. I have decided to hold a tourney, to discover the best fighters in all the lands. You will make the arrangements."
    "Yes, highness," Berant said.
    "Give me your sword," Cerric said.
    "My sword?" Berant glanced down at the ornate hilt of the blade that hung at his waist. "It has no power, my lord."
    "I do not doubt that, but it is not a fitting weapon for the Lord General of Maramyr. Give it to