Dragon Bait

Title: Dragon Bait
Synopsis: Skif dream was to become a Knight, not be tied to stake in a dress as bait to lure in a Dragon. Especially not a dragon that seems wants Skif for more than a snack.
Rating: pg 14
Warning: General Warning for Story. Chapters may vary. Abuse, Anal, Anthro, Bond, Gore ( or so I’m told). Adult language, some past non-con, M/M, MPreg, OC, Oral, Rim, Slave, Violence little bit of Vore, (no main characters) Yaoi
Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. Any resemblance of characters to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. The Author holds exclusive rights to this work. Unauthorized duplication is prohibited."

Note: Hey thanks for reading. Before you start fair warning I’m Hyperlexic which means I can’t see my own grammar mistakes or spelling mistakes. I will try to get a beta but till then bare with me please.

“” =spoken words
‘’ =thoughts
Thank you all for your reviews. They always inspire me to write more. =D
This Chapter is dedicated to Wowlord, a new beta. Although My regular betas are amazing too. The real world does hold more sway at times than others. So Thank you Wowlord for your time and patience.

Enjoy the Chapter.

Chapter Seventeen

When the light from the pond chamber poured in, Skif could easily see that the Knights were against the back of their prison. Three of the four were leaning against the wall with faces of disinterest, trying to appear nonchalant. To Skif, their apprehension was clearly visible through either the tension of their muscles or the way their eyes followed his every move. Over the last several days, their fear of Skif was growing from distrust to almost terror. Skif attributed this change to be a result of spending day after day listening to Sir Erik's venomous accusations of Skif being a witch.

Sir Erik didn’t even try to hide his hate. Every day, the moment the boulder was pushed aside, he would launch into a well prepared speech aimed at getting a reaction out of Skif. Despite how hard Skif tried to ignore him, Sir Erik always seemed to be able to tell when a comment hit home and would then continue
to harp on that point ‘til the boulder was slid back in place.

‘Not today.’ Skif strolled into the prison with purpose and commenced his own speech.

“Good day, my lords. I come bearing news. The nature of this news is of crucial importance to you all and it will take some time to explain and discuss in detail. Before beginning with that, I have prepared a roasted boar for dinner and have enough hot water for you all to have a thorough washing.” All four of the Knights stiffened at Skif's declaration, it was clear that they had all assumed the worst. Skif did his best to reassure them. ‘Not that they deserve it.’ “Please Milords’, fear not. My news is not so heinous. It merely a matter you should be aware of before it occurs. You have my word. I mean you no harm. Please come. After nearly a fortnight trapped in this chamber, I am sure you would like a few moments of away and the fire is quite inviting. It has been far too long since any of you have had a warm meal, a clean bath and fresh robes…”
Sir Erik was the first to recover his voice. “Why should we trust you, witch?” The way he slurred the last word it was clear to all what he really meant to say. “This could all be some elaborate trap. The moment we step foot out of this cave your infernal beast will swallow us whole as you stand by and laugh.”

“I assure you my lord, neither Llyr nor I will harm any of you unprovoked. My offer is kindly meant and contains no hidden objectives. My only intent is to grant you a fresh bath, your stench is starting to offend both Llyr’s and my own sense of smell as it I’m sure it also does not please your own noises.” Skif fought the urge to just walk back out of there and let Llyr lock them back in.

‘No matter how much of a bastard Sir Erik is, the others do not deserve to suffer for it.’

Ignoring Sir Erik, Skif turned his attention to the other Knights. “The summer storms have come early. I was not able to go out and gather food today. Llyr was kind enough to bring back enough food not only for myself but for you all as well. I recommend Milords that you accept this offer of goodwill if you wish to eat today, for there will be nothing else 'til this storm lets up. I will not force any of you to come out, but I will not bring you any dinner either. Please decide for yourselves.” Skif turned to leave only to pause a few steps later. “I wouldn’t suggest trying to make a run for it. The trail leading to the valley is gone and the ground is all wet. I do not wish for any of you to slip to your deaths.”

After offering this warning, Skif didn’t stick around to see their reaction. He walked back out to join Llyr who was perched atop what was left of the unsorted pile. Skif made his way over to the roasted meat and cut a large chunk for himself and another for Llyr; it was only fair that he got to enjoy some too. Leaving the Knife resting on a nearby rock for the Knights, should they decide to join, Skif then made his way over to Llyr and sat down next to him. Llyr
swallowed his piece whole, offering Skif a soft purr of thanks.

Half a candle mark later, Sir Thomas was the first to venture out of the prison. He passed Llyr and Skif, who was up getting seconds as a result of the dragon's insistence as he made his way to the cave entrance. Skif returned to Llyr’s side and watched as Sir Thomas carefully leaned over the edge to check the trail. It hurt a little to know that that they didn’t believe him, but Skif could kind of understand too, they needed to know that there was no escape. ‘I can’t say I would have done the same in their position.’

Sir Thomas reentered the cave soaked, his eyes drifted from Skif and Llyr to the fire and steaming kettles and then back. Llyr wrapped the tip of his tail around Skif's waist but made no other move. Skif wiped his face with his sleeve, removing the juices from his hunk of meat. Instead of moving closer to the fire, Sir Thomas returned to the cave.

Skif could barely make out the sounds of the Knights arguing softly, it was clear that Sir Erik still didn't think it was safe, Sir Marcus was siding with him against Sir Thomas and Sir Fredrick. Llyr gave Skif a little squeeze with his tail and a reassuring purr as if to say ‘they will work it out you just stay here.’ Skif gave him a smile in return. ‘Llyr is right. I have done all I can.’
Eventually they did sort it out, in a way. Sir Thomas emerged, helping Sir Fredrick make his way over to the fire. They just had made it when Sir Marcus came out, rushing over to help his cousin sit next to the warmth but placing himself between Skif and Llyr.

Patting Llyr's tail, Skif untangled himself and got up to get the soap and some rags for use as towels. He knew that they didn’t need his help and that he was no longer their servant, but it still felt natural to help them. Sir Marcus just glared at Skif but accepted the soap and began to remove his and Sir Fredrick clothes for washing. Sir Thomas gave him a nodded and soft “good boy.”
Skif took the dirty clothes away to be washed later. He had sorted out some garments from the pile that were relatively clean and in good repair. He had hoped that they would be about the right size for each of the Knights. Skif had left them lying next to the boulder to give to the Knights earlier. He quickly went and got them. He could see Sir Erik poking his head out, trying to see what was happening with the others. Skif grabbed the clothes and hurried back, trying his best to keep from glancing at his long time tormentor. As he made his way back, he felt Sir Erik push past him, intentionally trying to knock the clothes out of his hands. Only as a result of the years that Skif put up with such abuse, was he able to not drop anything.

By the time Skif returned to the fire, all four of the Knights were scrubbing of the many layers of filth from the long month; none of them had had a decent bath since before the mad dash to get here. The best they could do was a hasty scrub down in the morning before beginning the day's ride. Skif had made sure to provide them with enough water during their time in the prison that they could have taken a bath if they had really wanted to, but being dirty was far better than being bathed in ice cold water from the pond.

Skif quickly placed the second-hand clothes within reach of the Knights and then made his way back to Llyr. Tucking himself between Llyr’s front legs, Skif leaned back into his scaly chest; bathing in the comforting heat that it offered. Together, they watched the Knights make short work of the hot water, Skif could see their wounds were healing nicely. Sir Thomas' ribs would still take many months to heal, but he appeared to be breathing easier and moving more freely then the last time that Skif had been able to examine him.

Once the Knights were cleaned and dressed, they dug into the roasted boar like starved men. None of them had lost any weight during their forced stay here in the cave, Skif was sure that they may have actually put on some pounds. Sir Erik certainly did, the clothes Skif had picked out for him fit him better than his own and Skif knew that they were a little larger than what his lord knight usually wore.

This realization didn’t come as much of a surprise to Skif. The Knights weren’t able to get much exercise, being trapped in the dark and small chamber. Every day, they would go through all the food Skif gave them, and the same amount of food would have fed Skif’s entire family for a week.

When they had finally moved on to their third helping, Skif decided that it was time to break the news to them. Clearing his throat to draw their attention, he stood up once he had it. “Ummm. I am glad you’re enjoying the roast… But I think it’s time we discuss the matter at hand.” His voice froze in his throat when he saw their angry glares. “For the last… for the last few days, Llyr has been searching… for something. I really don’t know what, but he appears to have found it or is nearly there.”

Glancing back to Llyr to make sure he got it right, Skif gathered himself and continued, “Well, Llyr has told me that he has to go away. He will be gone… well he does not know how long.”

Skif expected to be interrupted but he didn’t expect that Sir Marcus would be the one to cut him off. “So he is letting us go? Just Like that.”

“It’s about time.” Sir Fredrick chorused.

Sir Thomas looked intrigued but cautious. Sir Erik appeared angered by the news.
Skif felt guilty for having to destroy their hope. When Llyr had explained that he was going away, he made it clear that he would not be letting the knights go free. Skif could see why he was unwilling to release them, if they were released, the knights would lead others to hunt Llyr. The Knights could not be trusted. Skif knew first-hand how good their word was worth and he knew that they would want revenge for themselves and their fallen comrades. ‘They would also want revenge against you too. Sir Erik would keep his promise to burn your family alive… I can’t let that happen.' Skif pushed those thoughts aside. He needed to focus on convincing the knights to help themselves.

“No, Milords, that is not the case.” He put as much force as he could muster into his words, and kept talking to prevent the knights from interrupting again. “I have conversed with Llyr several times and he remains unmoved on the idea of releasing you anytime soon. I called you here to discuss how Llyr's travel plans will affect you. For the time Llyr is away, I will not be able to deliver daily supplies. Now, I have managed to gather...”

Sir Erik suddenly darted past Skif and Llyr and lunged at the weapon pile, grabbing the first sword he could get his hands on. Skif didn’t see what happened next because he was knocked to the ground when Llyr spun around to face him. Llyr’s growl was deafening, echoing through the rooms, drowning out whatever Sir Erik was yelling.

Skif could hear the sound of metal hitting Llyr's hardened scales and bouncing off. It appeared as if Llyr was forcing Sir Erik to retreat back to the prison chamber by lunging, snapping and taking swings with his sharp talons. Whenever Sir Erik tried to break away, Llyr was there to force him back again.

Once Llyr had him back at prison entrance, he waited for Sir Erik to take a big swing with his sword, he then grabbed it and flicked the arrogant Knight back inside with a single finger. Before Sir Erik could regain his footing, Llyr slid the giant boulder back in place; locking him in.

Skif stood there the entire time, dumbfounded and amazed by Sir Erik sudden burst of stupidity and Llyr's cool and collected response. He would have sworn that Llyr would have made good on his vow to eat the next knight to try to go for a weapon or attempt to escape. A small voice in his head whispered, ‘He did it for you…’ As if confirming what the voice said, Llyr turned and looked at him with his sparkling blue reptile eyes. Skif turned away to hide his blush, only to notice that the remaining three knights were standing next to the fire; just as dumbfounded as he was a moment ago.

Llyr resumed his spot on top of the pile, beckoning for Skif to return to the spot in front of him. Skif quickly slid into place against the dragon's warm chest; he silently tried to regain his focus as he absorbed the warmth. The Knights were still standing around, unsure of what to do 'til Llyr let out a loud huff sending the three stumbling backwards in surprise. They quickly resumed darting nervous glances at each other over the fire.

Once Skif was ready to continue discussing the matter, he cleared his throat; nearly startling the Knights out of their skins. “Oh I’m sorry… I figured we should get back to the matter at hand before … well before we were interrupted. Because Llyr will be gone for several days, during which time I will be unable to continue giving you supplies daily, I will be spending the next while preparing for his departure. The first problem that I foresee is making the food last for this long time. I will of course gather as much as I can. But I need your help, I need you to ration … more so then you have previously. I’m not asking you to starve yourselves of course,… but merely try to save as much as possible so that it lasts three or five days.”

Skif was nervous to meet their gaze for fear of their reaction. At first, all three knights just stared at him with blank expressions until Llyr huffed again, causing their eyes to dart up to him then back to Skif, nodding nervously. Sir Thomas once again was the first to speak for the group. His voice trembled a bit as he spoke, “As long as you can promise to get enough supplies, we will do our best to ration. I will take personal responsibility over the distribution of it.”

Feeling a little better about the situation now that Sir Thomas was stepping forward, Skif launched into all the rest of his plans, including what other supplies he had managed to scrounge together, like extra blankets and the oil lamps. Sir Thomas made a few reasonable suggestions and a small request. The two of them talked for a few more marks before Llyr made his desire to sleep known.

Llyr escorted the nervous knights back to their prison and tucked a glowing boulder in with them. Sir Thomas and Sir Marcus carried the dirty water and waste buckets and with Skif's help, they washed and refilled them. Skif could see Llyr bearing his fangs at Sir Erik who was hunched in the back of the chamber. With their help, the nightly chores were completed in no time at all.

As soon as the boulder was slid back in place for night, Llyr scooped up Skif up and walked over to the fire. Skif watched as Llyr blew the fire out as if it were a simple candle flame. Together, they made their way back to the safety and comfort of their own chamber, both ready for their much needed rest.

The next few days would be long and busy for both of them.

*^*^

By the next morning the storm had passed and the hot summer sun was making quick work of the remaining clouds and wetness.

Working together for three days, they managed to collect enough food to last the knights for at least four or five. Kieran flew Skif to farther parts of the woods, to untapped resources and to the apple orchard to collect several bags of apples. Every day, Skif's snares were filled with summer fattened rabbits which he cooked and wrapped in large leaves with insect repelling herbs.

After a good night's rest, Kieran was ready go; the sooner he left, the sooner he could return to Skif. When he dropped off Skif, he squeezed the boy as long as Skif would let him before he took off as fast as his wings could carry him. He refused to look back, not even to see if Skif was watching, because he was sure he would turn back.

‘May the wind spirits bless this trip with luck and speed.’