A Dragon’s Decree: The Dragon Emissary, #1

By Mick Sylvestre

Maxillus, who becomes the new Emperor according to primogeniture, has to sacrifice everything to bring peace to his people by seeking Ishmet, the leader of the Dragon Clan. Through the help of Amakhu, a runt Dragon, the Emperor ventures across the ocean, risking his life to challenge Osoroshī. A lone dragon bent on annihilating the Emperor's race.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Mick Sylvestre
• Release date: Aug 11, 2022
• ISBN: 9780995009325

Mick Sylvestre

I'm an extremly creative soul that loves making his dreams come to life. I like creating things that are sometimes a little odd, often beautiful and sometimes (if I'm really lucky)...disturbing. Nuff said.

Book preview

CHAPTER I

As the autumn morning light spilled into Emperor Maxillus’ open chamber room window, he stared at the ceiling mural. A lush, colorful painting depicting his rise to power and the hurdles he had faced. So strange, he mused, for I am not finished doing what I started. Unable to sleep, he arose, sitting up on his Lexus, still donned in his regal military uniform, unlike the kind the colonists wore which was strikingly similar to the kind the ancient Roman soldier’s wore. The one he wore came from Earth; this one conformed to the shape of his stocky, demure form. He sat stroking idly at his blonde locks of hair atop his head, and then he smoothed his trim blond mustache down to his beard. His thoughts overflowed like water in a tipped basin, each escaping stream of liquid as important as the last. His mind was on an odd little companion he had met many nights before. From the moment he met Amakhu, a servant to the dragon kingdom, he knew that his life would never be the same.

Tell me, what are you, and why were you sneaking through the grounds? Maxillus asked in the middle of the night as the guards surround Amakhu, their spears pointing at the odd lurching creature. Go on then, speak. Before I have one of my men here, remove your tongue.

"Why I’m a runt dragon. Amakhu stammered out. Originally I came to discuss matters with your Emperor, but as you can see, I grew peckish." He held up a little cage full of some juicy rodents he had gathered in his little stroll through the royal garden.

To Maxillus, the runt dragon looked like someone had dressed an anurous alligator, forced to wear a monk’s robe, then taught it to stand upright and speak. You have a name?

Call me Amakhu, he knelt down to place the rodent cage on the gravel path then he slowly stood upright. I represent the dragon clan your people have been at war with from across the sea.

The Emperor looked into the creature’s eyes for any betrayal, but all he saw were crocodile eyes blinking back. Although the creature looked intimidating, his manner seemed to disarm enough. How did you come to speak our language so well?

A human took me in as a hatchling; she taught me how to speak humanese. Later, I learned how to read your language too. He shrugged, well ... most of it. I’m not too keen on handwritten text, though. I rather prefer the printed word; it’s far easier to read.

Are there any others like you? Did you come alone?

I came alone, and there are no others like me anymore. The dragons have killed off my people. I’m the last of my kind.

Yet you serve them?

I only serve Ishmet’s will.

Who is that?

My master, and the leader of the dragon clan with which you are at war. It was he who sent me here.

Did you check him thoroughly? Maxillus glanced over to his men,

Yes my Lord, aside from his teeth and clawed hands as weapons all he had with him was that cage of rodents and the robe he wears.

I see ... Maxillus turned to Amakhu with his sword out. Swear to me that you shall behave or I shall have no choice but to have you chained and declawed.

But of course I shall behave! Amakhu stammered out, I didn’t come all this way to bring harm to anyone. He gave Maxillus a toothful smile and shrugged, Well except for these little juicy fellas here. He held up the cage full of rodents and started to salivate.

Maxillus sheathed his word, then motioned his men to lower their weapons and drew closer to Amakhu, cautiously keeping his hand on the hilt of his sword. I’ve never met anyone like you before.

I could say the same about you, Amakhu chuckled, cocking his head at an angle. "Say, could you escort me to see your Emperor? I came all the way here to visit him. I’m afraid it's rather urgent."

If you are referring to my uncle, he died many months ago of a fatal wound from fighting a dragon. Maxillus displayed the royal signet ring on his hand. "So if you need to speak to the new emperor—I am the person you seek."

Oh dear ... Amakhu fretted, I must say that is rather unfortunate.

My temper matches my short patience, runt dragon. He tapped his fingers on the hilt of his sword, So tell me, why do you seek the emperor?

"I came here in the name of peace. Amakhu noted the human’s chiseled face slackened, just a little. Ah, so the rumors are true, your people do seek to end the dragon war. He rubbed his scaly hands together, Good, that’s good. Perhaps I can help you in that quest?"

Maxillus looked hard at the runt dragon, I’m listening.

That morning, they sat together in the den to discuss the matter further. Amakhu tried to master the art of drinking his tea but failed miserably—at which he’d later admit that some human customs eluded him.

I assure you, Maxillus; ahead of you is a difficult journey only you and I must do alone. He padded at the wet tea that soaked into his robe. It was still warm and smelled of spiced orange rinds.

Can’t I bring Sergius along? He’s been my adviser since I became Emperor.

No, Amakhu shifted uncomfortably. Only two may come, simply because my caravan can only hold two.

You came here in a caravan? But the dragon realm is across the ocean, Maxillus looked at Amakhu like he had lost his mind. You do know that we’re on an island in the middle of that ocean. We’d either have to leave by ship or-

We’d be flying, Amakhu interrupted, we’d have to leave before the monsoon season, or the dragons shall return after that. Once they arrive here, there’s no hope in stopping them. Like you, humans, once their teeth are in something they can’t let go.

So you’re saying they’re stubborn?

Hmmm? Amakhu blinked, unsure of what to say.

Dragons, Maxillus smirked, you’re saying they’re stubborn like humans.

Yes, Amakhu nodded. That’s exactly what I said.

Ah, I see ... yes. Maxillus knew this would be an interesting trip.

As Amakhu left with the promise to return, he left Maxillus to his plans to prepare for the long journey ahead.

To forge the peace pact, I would have to leave the comforts of the island to meet the dragon clan leader in person. The