The Dragon's Archon - Ch. 1 - Second Chances (Patreon)

I'll speak more to this at the end of the week. For now, let me know what you all think.

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I’d never been a man with regrets. All it took was one poor decision and a loud bang to change my mind. This was supposed to be my time. The time I could play the hero and save the day. Unfortunately for me, I didn’t see the asshole’s buddy who was somewhere else inside the corner store.

I dropped when I heard the shot. I couldn’t move. My blood pooled underneath the shelving that looked like it hadn’t been swept in years. A mouse scurried away from the gunshot with fat cheeks full of Reese's Pieces. All I could remember was being pissed off that this was the end.

The life flashing before your eyes is as real as a heart attack. Those seconds before my vision went black were filled with a rush of my past that I regretted. My overwhelming debt I accrued because I attended a Big Ten University over the free ride at my local community college.

Then there were the countless nights I spent with my ex roommate getting drunk together in her room. All the while I ignored the signals she tossed at me because of some twisted form of chivalry I had of not wanting to ruin our friendship. And don’t get me started about listening to my father about focusing on a job instead of pursuing my passions. Listening to that advice just caused me to become another corporate worker bee, trying to climb out of the debt I’d accrued. Movies, video games, and books became my escape.

I blame all of that for me deciding how I did. I just needed to feel something, anything, to break the monotony. It only took a few seconds from action to regret. And as I lay there dying, I prayed for a second chance.

I was never a religious man, but when I faced the end, I did whatever it took for everything not to be over. I went through the seven stages of grief in under a second. Acceptance came as my vision turned to darkness. But hope… hope came with a light at the end of the tunnel.

My vision returned to me, to what felt like seconds later. Steaks of light zipped through my eyes like I was flying through the cosmos on the Millennium Falcon. Only to be reinforced seconds later when they slithered into solid objects.

Islands floated in the sky with sharp brown rock bottoms topped with lush green peaks. Waterfalls gushed down the sides, creating small rainbows in their mist. Lush clouds that looked to be made of cotton weaved in between.

The largest island floated in the center of the rest. It was composed of two layers. Along the widest bottom were buildings composed of a tan stone that matched the base of each floating island. The ceilings were rounded at the top with no exterior walls, allowing the subtle breeze to flow through them.

Above them, an enormous castle twisted into the sky. Its walls and foundation wove into the stone itself, creating a naturalistic aesthetic. An endless number of towers and steeples ascended from its wide base. The largest waterfall fell from under it, splashing into a lake that the lower buildings stood above.

Is this heaven, I wondered.

It wasn’t until I continued to look at my surroundings that I realized my body was gone. There was nothing. If I was just two floating eyeballs, I couldn’t tell. I was just floating over a separate meadow of bright green grass that was no bigger than a football field.

When I realized I couldn’t move either, that’s when I thought this could be hell. Panic would have gripped my chest if I had one. It took me right back to my death. Nothing physical, only locked away with emotional turmoil. Thankfully, it didn’t last long.

One of the most soothing voices I’d ever heard echoed around me. It reminded me of Mrs. Meadows, my second-grade teacher and first adult crush. It was equal parts maternal comfort and seduction.

“Shh, shh, shh, you’re okay,” the voice said. “No need to be concerned. You’re safe.”

“Is someone there?” I asked. “Who are you?”

A bright light illuminated in front of me. Like a deserts mirage, a stunning figure came into view as the gleam dimmed. Long green hair fell past her shoulders, contrasting against her pink skin. Both shone flawlessly.

Four draconic horns protruded from the top of her head. Her light blue eyes glowed with a divine radiance. A flowing white dress covered her most sensitive bits, accentuating her heavy breasts, wide hips, and thick bottom. She was the most beautiful creature I’d ever seen.

“My name is Heluna,” the woman said. “I’m the Dragon Goddess of Rebirth. It is I who brought you to my domain.”

The declaration filled me with more questions than answers. “Did you say dragon goddess? Is that a goddess who is a dragon or a goddess of dragons?”

Heluna raised her finger to her lips and giggled. “Both. I took the form before you because that is what I felt would make you the most comfortable. My typical form is more draconic in nature, with the wings, scales, and horns that you’re thinking about right now. I could be a goddess of dragons… but well… I’m not currently. That's precisely why I’ve brought you here.”

The idea that she could read my thoughts filled me with even more concern than I had. A feeling she was quick to attempt to repress.

“Please don’t take my knowledge of your thoughts as an intrusion for deception or manipulation. I have no interest in either. I’m hoping we can have a candid conversation about your future.”

“I… appreciate that,” I said hesitantly. “However, I’m a firm believer that actions speak louder than words. As you can surmise, things are a little topsy-turvy for me. The last thing I remember was… I think dying. Then I’m here.”

“Your death allowed me to bring you here.”

The bluntness of her answer hit me like a semi. I had assumed that I had died. Her confirmation left me unsure how to feel. If I died that meant everything I’d left behind I’d never get to see again. Missing my friends and family hit me the hardest. But was soon followed by an overwhelming sense of relief.

No more debt. No more dead-end job. The potential of a better tomorrow left me feeling excited. I couldn’t help but wonder if this was the chance that I’d prayed for.

Heluna’s soft voice pulled my attention back to her as she asked, “Is there something I could do as a show of good faith?”

I took a moment. Each time I wanted to move brought with it a sense of unease that was different to shake and made it hard to think. Before I gave my answer, the goddess waved her hand and I was standing in my old body, naked.

“Uh… could I get some clothes?” I asked.

“Absolutely,” Heluna said. With another wave of her hand, I was covered in what I could only describe as a fancy toga with metal accessories clasped down my arms and legs. It wouldn’t have been my first choice, but it at least covered my junk.

I stretched my arms and legs, ensuring I could feel everything. It felt real. For a final test, I slammed my fists together; a habit learned from my collegiate sports days that helped ready myself for my next match. When it made the same thud I was used to, I smiled.

“Thank you,” I said.

She gave me a smile that nearly melted my insides. “You’re welcome.”

“You dropped a bomb on me earlier. So, it’s true that I am dead?”

“Your physical form, yes. But your soul essence is still much intact. The body I’ve given you is just an illusion until we complete your rebirth.”

I looked down at myself again. “Really? It feels so real.”

“That’s because your mind believes it to be based on the spell I cast.”

Another wave of worry flashed over me. While I understood Heluna’s claim that she was a goddess, the power she wielded made it difficult to process whether I could trust her. The fact that she was telling me all of this could either be an effort to be truthful or pushing deeper into a sea of manipulation.

As my mind rolled through my logic, I watched her brows furrow as she crossed her arms. Part of me felt bad, but growing up with a manipulative father and old exes left me with trust issues. But if I’m dead… what the hell do I have to lose? I thought.

“Your soul essence is the core of what makes you… well, you,” Heluna said. “If that were to be destroyed, you’d be nothing.”

“Sorry… I’m just dealing with whatever this is,” I said as I pointed my finger in the air and waved it around. “Why don’t we pick up where we left off earlier? I’m Devon Blackthorn.”

When I extended my hand, she floated toward me. My eyes widened as she got close. I didn’t realize how tall she was until she was standing in front of me. She towered over my six-two frame. I’d guessed she was somewhere around ten-feet tall. However, she must have sensed my unease because when she gripped my hand, she shrunk down to my eye level.

“It’s lovely to make your acquaintance, Devon,” Heluna said, handing me her draped fingers.

I almost took the sign for her expectation that I kiss the top of her hand, but that felt a little too awkward and forced for me. Instead, I squeezed them lightly and gave them a single shake. “It’s good to meet you too, Heluna.” I turned and pointed out at the horizon. “You said this was your domain?”

“Yes, this is my home. Do you like it?”

“I do. It’s beautiful. The islands remind me of scoops of the Oregon coast back home.”

“It has its charm, although it does feel rather excessive just for me.”

I cocked my brow. “You’re the only person who lives here?”

“There are elemental servants here. But they roam mindlessly, catering to my needs should I require them, which I don’t. My father designed this domain for what he thought I’d like rather than soliciting my advice.”

“Why don’t you change it? I’m assuming you have the power to do so.”

“I feel it would upset him. He’s a kind soul, and I’d hate to do so needlessly, given everything that’s happened.”

It was clear there was more to her words than she said. But if she wanted to share, I figured she would. Instead, I decided to get to the heart of my presence.

“You stated earlier that my death allowed you to bring my spirit essence here,” I said, before shrugging. “Why?”

Heluna turned and crossed her arms, pushing her breasts together. I couldn’t tell if she was doing so subconsciously or as a tactic in diplomacy. Either way, it worked. It was hard not to stare.

“I want you to become my Archon.”

“Archon?” I asked, leaning back. “Is that some kind of ruler?”

“In a sense. Each member of the pantheon has a designated leader, dubbed an Archon. The Elders have even more than one. The position itself is one of reverence on Talis. They are the ultimate representative of their divine’s tenets. They spread their word, educate their followers, and build favor for their god.”

“I’m guessing it’s through followers and favor that you gain power?”

“Your understanding surprises me,” Heluna said with a seductive smile. “Yes. That’s correct. Either through devout souls or those collected in my name shall I grow in power.”

I frowned. “Collected?”

“Let me be blunt so there is no misunderstanding. Talis is not a perfect world nor a peaceful one. Each sect fights on the field of battle and in the political theater. Some own entire kingdoms where hundreds of thousands of devotees worship a single dragon. And should a worshiper of one sect kill someone from another, that soul is claimed by the one left standing.”

“That sounds… intense. Is the world at constant war?”

“Not at all. Not everyone worships, and there are plenty of benefits to keeping the peace. War is expensive and can be costly to both sides. However, subterfuge and political machinations are an almost daily occurrence. Especially in the larger cities.”

“So what would I be working with? How many followers do you have?”

With a proud chest she said, “Two.”

“Two?” I shouted, wide-eyed.

“Well… technically one. Head Priestess Yda’s bodyguard isn’t a follower. But with your acceptance it would make it two.”

It took everything I had not to laugh at her face, but the smile still crept through. “Are you a new goddess or something?”

“No. I’m several hundred years old, thank you.”

“Then how do you only have one follower?”

“It’s… complicated.”

“I’m listening,” I said, crossing my arms.

Heluna twisted her lips before sighing. “My mother and father are the Dragon God of Life and the Dragon Goddess of Death. They performed the ultimate anathema by having me. See there are rules that everyone on the pantheon must follow, one of which is that the gods and goddesses are not supposed to breed between each other. The occasional fornication is allowed, and the members are more than welcome to sire mortal children. However, growing the divine pantheon is strictly forbidden unless voted on by all members. The numbers were exact to maintain equilibrium. Three Elders seated on top of the Council of Horns. Then there are the Four Primes who sit at the Table of Deliberation. They are supported by the Seven Siblings in the Under Pantheon.”

“What happened to them? Your parents I mean.”

Heluna lowered her head. “They knew of the danger I posed but loved me dearly. They kept me hidden away here until a few years ago when they understood what they were doing to me. This home was a prison. I couldn’t leave. My power was stifled because I couldn’t recruit followers. And so as a family, we left in front of the pantheon to face judgment. The punishment was decisive and swift. My mother and father were banished to the deepest darkest places inside a prison of Xenith’s design where they reside captive.”

“Who is Xenith?”

“Sorry. He’s the Dragon of the Void, one of the three Elders.”

“So they imprisoned your parents but left you alone?”

“Many of the Under Pantheon asked for me to be destroyed. However, it wasn’t their decision. The Table of Deliberation was split between what to do with me without my parents there. Dragarus, the Dragon of War, believed I should be destroyed, but Yggrit, the Dragon of Justice, believed I should live. So the decision went to the Elders. They decided I should live. I believe they pitied me since I did nothing wrong. But what really upset the Under Pantheon was they put me in the Table of Deliberation to make it five instead of four. This infuriated many of the members who believed one from the Under Pantheon should be moved up and I should take their place. However, the Elders' decision was final.”

“I’m guessing you earned yourself a lot of enemies after that day.”

Heluna smirked. “That’s putting it lightly. After the Elders’ decisions I retreated. For decades I mourned my parents, but that sadness sparked a fire of determination that has fueled me the last few years. I knew that if I ever have a chance to see them again it won’t happen with me hiding away. I need to put pieces on the board and build my power. Only then will I have the tools needed to see them again.”

“And that’s where I come in?”

“Exactly!” Heluna said brightly. “With you as my Archon, as long as you follow my tenets, you can mold and build the Sect of Rebirth how you see fit. With it established, you shall build our following, giving me the power to free my parents.”

I turned and stared out at the peaceful view. I was sympathetic to Heluna’s plight. However, it was far from an ideal situation. While the idea of getting on the ground of my very own sect was appealing, the cards seemed stacked against us.

“What are your tenets?” I asked.

“I’m glad you asked,” Heluna smiled and held up her index finger. With each swipe the words appeared in the air.

“Thou shall live life to the fullest.

Thou shalt pursue the best of one’s true self.

Thou shalt not seek despair in death.

Thou shalt revel in the beauty of life.

Thou shalt respect nature’s hand in the cycle of rebirth.”

I tilted my head. “That’s it?”

“That’s it.”

“That seems rather… relaxed compared to the tenets or I guess I should say commandments that I know of. What about killing, stealing, adultery?”

“Death is part of the cycle. Killing someone is your active participation in that. I’m not asking you to create a sect of murderers. But one who pursues their love for the blade could be a useful addition when necessary. Same with the love of coin or of the flesh. As an Archon you will be expected to take on many wives and sire many children.”

If I had water in my mouth I would have spit. “You’re kidding.”

“About which part?”

“All of it… but I guess more of the latter.”

“Harem is the staple for the wealthy and powerful in Talis. As a leader of a sect, your members will be there to serve you in any method you should require. Whether that’s someone to fight for you, work for you, or take care of you. And as an Archon of the Dragon Goddess of Rebirth, it’s even more of an expectation.”

“So I’m just supposed to go out there screw my way across the land, killing and stealing.”

Heluna failed to suppress a laugh. “If you so desire, but I’m not asking you to be such a ruffian. However, I do not plan to stifle your means of meeting our objectives unless you do not live by my tenents. If I feel like you are losing your way, then I will converse with you.”

As any hot-blooded man, the idea of being an Archon grew more appealing by the second. However, it also came with significant risks. From the way she spoke, it sounded like we’d have several enemies at the onset. Their best bet was to crush us before we could get a foothold in the world. There would be a lot of running and hiding, something I wasn’t akin to. I’d been holding back my entire life and the last thing I wanted to do was run.”

I let out a sigh as I considered my options, only to be left with more questions. “What’s the technological level of Talis? From the context clues that I’ve picked up from our conversation thus far, my assumption is swords, shields, and magic.”

“You would be correct,” Heluna said.

I knew that if I didn’t want to run that I’d have to fight. With sword or magic in hand, that meant the fighting was likely brutal. I’d played enough medieval combat games and seen enough videos of swords slicing through pig carcasses to know the damage they could do. I wouldn’t know until I experienced the raw thing, but having a baseline of what I would be dealing with helped add clarity to my final decision. Acquiring souls was a suggested alternative to building followers which in turn would build favor. And that meant killing.

I gazed from the serene view and stared intently into Heluna’s glowing eyes. Up until that moment, I’d marked her as someone who was soft and sweet. But my initial impression was wrong. There was more to her than I realized. It stressed how much I really didn’t know her which made the deal she offered harder to accept.

“This is all a lot to take in. I’m flattered you chose me, Heluna. Really I am. I’m always up for a challenge. But unless I’m missing something… this plan seems pretty far-fetched. It sounds like we already have a target on our back, and we’re starting from scratch with no resources. How am I supposed to build this against these colossal organizations?”

“That is part of the challenge, but I will not be sending you to Talis powerless,” Heluna said before snapping her fingers.

A hologram appeared in front of my face. It reminded me of a character creator I’d seen in many RPG’s. The base screen had a third model of myself that moved with me. Next to it were my expected attributes of Strength, Perception, Endurance, Charisma, Intelligence, and Agility, and Luck. However, instead of numbers they all displayed the letter D.

“Part of your rebirth will come with an infusion of my power in the form of soul essence,” Heluna said. “I’m giving you everything I can spare to build the new you. Most Archons spend decades building favor with their god to earn a fraction of what I’m giving you. In addition to the soul essence, I have several artifacts which will help you along your journey.”

“What about information? This world is completely new to me. Will I be able to communicate with you on Talis?”

“While I’d love to be at your side during your journey, there are rules that limit our divine influence and presence on Talis. Each time we reach across the planes or visit, requires an enormous amount of power. I was not lying when I said I am giving you everything I can. So, until you build followers or claim souls, our communication will be limited. However, fret not. Head Priestess Yda will help guide you along your journey.”

“I guess I didn’t realize how literal you were being. Are you going to be safe?”

Heluna smiled and nodded. “Yes. While my fellow kin would love to see me disappear, they would not dare go against the Elders or the other Primes by making a personal move on me.”

“Good. That’s one less attack vector I don’t have to consider for now.”

The goddess looked up at me with soft sincere eyes. “I hope my methods show you my commitment to seeing you succeed. Make no mistake, the path ahead will likely be one of great conflict and burden. But I’m doing everything in my power that I can within the confines I’m given to ensure you succeed. I believe in you.”

Heluna’s declaration chipped away at my reservations. I know I wouldn’t be able to tell if she was lying to me. But she was saying all the right things I wanted to hear. Her words felt genuine.

“Thank you,” I said with a slight grin. “It’s been a long time since I’ve had another’s faith in me. But I’ve got to ask the obvious question. Why me?”

“I understand why you’d ask, and it’s a good question. The simple answer is I wanted someone like you. I needed someone not of this world. Someone who could come in without the same reservations and prejudice’s experienced through a life on Talis. I need someone who has a vision of what could be. A dreamer.”

“Why not pull someone from your mother or father’s sect? It seems like starting over makes it that much harder.”

“With my parent’s imprisonment all of their gifts to their followers faded. Chaos ensued. It was easy picking for the other sects. Many didn’t have a choice. Either they could choose to worship another, get killed by paladins or inquisitors, or go into hiding. There may be those still loyal to my father and mother which you may be able to sway to your side. However, I’d recommend that you build a solid foundation, and feel confident enough about your ability to defend from external attacks before going public with the sect.”

“I think you’re overselling me a bit,” I chuckled. “I’m nobody. Just look at me. My athletic years are long behind me. I got a general studies degree because nothing seemed to fit. Not to say my own questionable morals. You’re offering me a loaded gun and I’m not sure if it would be safe for me to wield.”

Heluna smiled, stepped forward, and rested her hand on my chest. “Worry not about the physical aspects. My power will make you stronger than any man. Neither should you be concerned about my impression of you. I know everything there is about you, Devon. I can tell you’re not a paragon of justice or a beacon of virtue. But you have a good heart. I chose you because I need someone like me. Someone who understands my desperation. I heard your call across the cosmos and I answered. You wanted a second chance. Your anguish reflects my own which is a boon in and of itself. I know that what I’m asking for is a lot. I’m honestly surprised with how well you’re taking everything. I see your resilience as a good omen.”

“It could be that the realization just hasn’t hit me yet. But I can’t deny that the offer to start again isn’t appealing. The potentials of power, prestige, and fortune… What man wouldn’t say yes?”

“With the power you’ll wield, Talis will be your sandbox. Remember my first tenent, live life to the fullest. The road ahead will be hard, but I want you to experience life’s pleasures. Do so in my name and let us reap the fruits of your labor. Whatever you want will be possible should you will it. All you have to ask yourself is… what do you desire?”

Having Heluna this close to me left me with only one thing on my mind. I wanted her. My eyes dropped down to her thick lips, to her slender neck, and lower until they reached her cleavage that pressed into me. Even her warm breath smelled sweet like strawberry syrup on a freshly made waffle.

When my eyes inched their way back to her own, she held a look that sent a spark across my skin. She draped her hand along my cheek and to my chin. “If I am what you desire then prove to me your capability. Commit to me. Become the instrument of my will. My sword and scroll. Bring Talis to heel in my name. Do this, and I will submit myself to you.”

Heluna was a good saleswoman. Almost every part of me wanted to say yes. But there was still the voice in the back of my head that kept me from being completely wrapped around her finger.

“What if I don’t?” I asked, wrapping my hand around her waist and pulled her closer.

Her mouth dropped briefly as if she didn’t think that was even a consideration. “Then I’ll return your soul back from where I plucked it from. You will float endlessly among the cosmos. You will not feel nor want. You will be at peace. But you will never taste the delicacies that Talis has to offer. You will not explore a new world or bend it to your will. You will never touch another woman’s flesh nor feel the press of her soft lips. But most of all you will prove that I was wrong.”

“Wrong about what?”

“That you were to be my Archon, and my sect’s savior. That the universe wasn’t as cruel as I perceived it, and that hope still existed. That out of all the endless sparkles of dust, the souls in my reach, that I picked the wrong man.”

My mind was already made up, and that last part made me feel like an asshole for even asking the question. However, I felt if I didn’t ask the necessary questions up front, I would be rushing into this blindly. This was everything I’d prayed for, offered to me by the most beautiful woman I’d ever seen. All I needed to do now was reach out and take it.

I smiled at Heluna and said, “You talk a mean game, my goddess.”

The horned beauty blinked rapidly and grinned from ear-to-ear. “Those words… Does that mean you accept?”

“Yeah. I will be your Archon. Now, how do we get started?”