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 Eighteen

It still took a half a day of flying to get back to the mountain pass where Kieran saw the ogre boundary marker, even with flying straight there and managing to grab a quick breakfast on the way. The storm had left a dusting of snow on the higher peaks but left the pass relatively clear. Not that Kieran was going to use it, but it would be much easier to see from above if it wasn’t buried under snow. After a quick search for any new scents, Kieran followed the path through the mountains.

By foot it would likely have taken two or three days to traverse the mountains. The passages hugged the mountain sides at times before dropping down into narrow woody valleys and then climbing up again. Despite having no aid from thermals, it only took him three marks or so to reach the other side.

The pass dumped out into a massive valley, Kieran could vaguely make out the mountain range encircling it all directions. The floor of the valley was covered with a dense forest; any trail that might have come to the foot of the pass was lost within dense conifers.

He figured his best bet was to just ride thermals west, straight across the valley in hopes that he might fly over a village. Unfortunately, Kieran reached the side without a single sign of a village; ogre or otherwise. He did catch sight of a large lake to the south.‘If this is really ogre territory then they might use the lake for water or even fishing. Worse case I might be able to find a river or two that I can follow. Humans build villages near water sources right maybe Ogres do too?’

The lake was crystal green and Kieran could easily see the very depths of it. Even from above he could see that the lake was teaming with life. There were no boats on the lake so he flew lower and started the search the shore line.
Hidden in a small cove, were a small little fleet of fishing ships.Kieran was elated with this find. There weren't any people around, so he couldn’t tell for sure the race of their owners. Based on their sizes, the people who used these boats had to have been either rather extremely large humans or ogres. There were too crude for anything any elves would use, those pointy ears... folks were all about beauty and grace.

The ever present forest opened up to reveal a well used path that wound through the woods towards the foot hills of the south western edge of the enormous valley. Pushing forward, Kieran’s hope rose as he passed over each hill top.

And suddenly there it was below him.

An ogre village.

The houses were constructed of hides of different animals sewn together. They were placed in several circular rows with a large grey stone in the center, the better house where closer to the center while the ones on the edge looked quite shabby. The villages were surrounded by what appeared to be vegetable gardens and wheat fields. Overall, the size of the village was larger than any of the human settlements he seen around his cave.

His appearance had not gone unnoticed. Cries of fear could be heard from the inhabitants as they tried to run and hide. Most dove into huts while some ran for a path leading over the next hill top.

It took Kieran a moment to notice that most of the creatures he saw were humans. Their clothes were more thread barren than even the clothes Skif insisted on wearing. Each of them had a thick metal collar around their necks. And they were all male. Each and every single one of them was buff and strong and very clearly male. They reminded him very much of those annoying knights.

The only ogres he saw were the ones running over the hill. They were ogresses and small ogrlings, who had not quite reached puberty yet, and younger.

‘Where is the rest of the tribe?’ Kieran knew from the size of the village that these few women and children could not have been the whole of the village. Ogres were know as a warrior race boasting hundreds of fighter in every clan. There were enough huts to easily house a hundred or so full-grown ogres. Hopeful to find the rest of the tribe; particularly the male members, he followed the runners.

Apparently, he didn’t have to go far, over the next rise came a swarm of very angry ogre warriors, weapons drawn and ready to defend their families. They were coming from some stone circle on the other side of the hill. It was clear that he had interrupted some kind of ritual.

Gathering the fearful members of the tribe into their fold, the ogrian warriors yelled up furious battle cries. Some even started to fire arrows at him.
The arrows bounced easily off his scales. Stone tip arrows were like annoying flies. Kieran didn’t think he had anything to fear from them.

That was ‘til someone landed an incredible shot; an arrow flew right into the soft tissue just inside his nose.

The unexpected pain got him completely by surprise, causing him to shoot fire into the sky as he roared in pain. Kieran quickly backed up out of their range, doing the best he could to remove the offending arrow. ‘Fuck that hurt! What I do to deserve that? Little Bastards!..’

‘How about terrify the defenceless members of their clan, while all the warriors were away. On top of that, you have disrupted their sacred ritual of manhood. I think you fully deserved my arrow up that sensitive nose of yours.’ A crystal clear voice replied.

Kieran near fell out of the sky with shock; It had been far too long since he had communicated with another mind to mind. Telepathic communication between mated dragon and their carriers was common. But between two dragons, it was a rare gift, and few bloodlines carried the gift. Kieran could talk to his brothers and family but he had never once spoken to another soul.

Few creatures outside of dragons carried the gift. He had never heard of ogres having any psychic powers or magic beyond shamanic magic. He had heard rumours that some humans had the talent. The only races that he knew that it ran true in were: The naga; half-snake half man of the great desert of Burning Sand in the south, the shape-shifter clans that controlled all the lands across the ocean to the east of the Dragons lands, and the Elven people that ruled the vast forest of this continent and freezing mountains near the top of the world.... ‘WAIT! ELVES!’

‘Yes dragon!’ The crystal voice answered again directly into his mind. The voice sound light and bubbly but Kieran could feel the mocking in the tone.
Turning his eyes to the swarm of angry ogres bellow him, He could see a lone figure of silver blond and pale white skin standing in the center of the sea of large green bodies with black or grey hair. It was amazing that he missed the elf the first time.

The elf was easily as tall as any of the ogre warriors but he had a very slender build. His clothes were obviously well made, white doe leather, cut to fit his perfect body like a second skin. The ogresses wore roughly spun cloth while the males wore dirty leather loincloths, some were even stalk naked but for body paint.

Another major difference was the elf’s weaponry. The Ogres wielded stone mallets or bulky metal swords. Few were archers with the stone tips that he had felt earlier. But the elf carried mythrial double stilettos at his waist and in his hands was his long white elm bow with another steel tip arrow already notched ready to fire.

‘Hey I came here in peace. I won’t hurt anyone. I need their and your help.’ Kieran called down at the elf.

‘Whether or not you bring the peace you claim remains to be seen, Dragon. But if you are in need of help as you say then I’m afraid that you must wait. My hosts are not in any mood to listen to you at the moment. I would recommend that you leave at once if you have hope of getting the aid you seek.’ As the elf spoke, he lowered his bow, but none of the ogres around made the same move.

‘Then what do you suggest I do gain their help, Elf?’ Kieran didn’t like having to ask for advice nor help but this was the only solution to the damn Knights.

‘My name is Velekandir Shaésil of the house of Runthanmae, emissary of the White Queen Gelireldë to the Black Wolf clan. You may call me Kandir, not “Elf.” And I have already suggested leaving. The Orges take their rituals very serious and won’t be willing to delay them for any reason. I will try to talk to the tribe leaders on your behalf after the ceremony. If I am able to convince them I would recommend to meet us in the clearing five leagues to the east of the village when the sun has reached its zenith on the morrow. I would also recommend to you that it would be best to great them on the ground and haven eaten first.’ Kandir voice this time sound intrigued.

‘My name is Kieran, Second Son of Lord Teithi, King of the Lands of Fire Mountains. I have no other option than I pray to the Gods of Fire, they grant you good luck with your silver tongue in convincing them.’ With a nod Kieran flew off, leaving the ogres to their rituals.

With nothing to do but wait, Kieran spent the last few candle marks before nightfall searching the mountains nearby for a suitable place to spend the night. The Sky was clear but this far into the mountain the weather could easily change in a moment.

He managed to find a little cave near the base of a mountain. It was not as intricate as his cave, it only had one chamber, but it was larger than his nesting chamber. The village and the clearing were not too far away, just enough that Kieran didn’t have to worry about the elf sneaking over here during the night and harming him with his mythrail weapons.

The ground inside wasn’t as soft as the nest he had made. There weren't any Posrothaina veins or water flowing. There was no hint of Skif delicious spicy carrier scent.

A wave of loneliness and longing overwhelmed him. The mind link had thinned with the distance. It took much more effort to get open and then all he could get was that the little one was exhausted and asleep peacefully.

His little mate-to-be had likely spent the day caring for his horse before going off to check his snares and search for more wild vegetables. He was probably was restocking for when Kieran came back so he could feed the knights again. Before he left, Kieran had read Skif's worried mind, he wasn’t convinced the Knights would listen to his advice to ration the food.

Even after flying all day, sleep eluded him. His mind keeps thinking about Skif. When he finally was able to get to sleep, his sleeps were filled with horrible nightmares of things happening to Skif while he was away.
*******

The sun had been up for several marks before Kieran emerged from his temporary cave. He felt as if he had not slept at all last night.

The thermals were a big help getting airborne, he kind of missed the steep drop right outside his cave. It took very little time to get back to the valley again, but finding food was much more difficult. There were no nearby farms to raid and the forest was too dense to hunt in. He did his best to avoid the lake and the ogre’s village. He lucked out when he went to check the clearing because there happen to be a large herd of caribou feeding right in the middle. He managed to take down four quite easily before the herd escaped into the forest. Kieran made short work of his meal, careful not to leave any trace behind.
Appearing nonthreatening wasn’t something Kieran was good at it. Not that he ever really tried it before; the gods made Dragons to strike fear in to the heart of any who saw them. But the image of having blood dripping from your mouth wasn’t the best way to win over the ogres. Allies can be so easily offended especially when they were potential allies and hot tempered like ogres tend to be.

The delegation from the Ogre village arrived early, for which Kieran was grateful. ‘Patience is one of my virtues.’ The group was made up of sixteen large Ogres and Kandir. Fourteen of the Ogres were clearly the guards, they were dressed relatively the same in leather and old metal mismatched armor. They all had their weapon in hand ready to fight should the need arise.

The other two ogres were dressed different. The largest ogre was also decked out in armor that was clearly made for him. If Kieran had to guess based on his position at the front and the way the other Ogres behaved toward him, this was the leader of the Black Wolves tribe.

The last ogre wore no armor at all and the only weapon that he carried was a staff with small bones and other bobbles attached to the top. The ogres outfit matched the staff, bare-chested with symbols that he had seen on naked ogres yesterday, and a intricate loincloth, from his hair hung small animal bones and feathers. The only thing that came to Kieran's mind was that this must be their shaman, coming along to protect them against the evil dragon. ‘It is clear that he has not yet forgiven me for invading his show yesterday.’

The Ogres all fidgeted, making no effort to come closer then the edge of the clearing. Their eyes were locked on Kieran's every move. ‘Do they think they will eat them or something? As if! Ogre meat is right up there with troll meat as the most revolting things to eat. I would rather starve! I would rather eat…’ Kieran thoughts were cut off By Kandir's silvery voice.

‘An Elf? I think their more worried about eating me. I have heard that some consider Elf flesh to be quite a delicacy.’ Kieran could not get a read on where Kandir's voice was coming from but given his words, he was likely shielding his location.

‘I will not lie to you Kandir; dragons have been known to eat an elf or two. But let me offer you my assurances that you are as safe from me as are your ogre friends there. The Dragons of Fire Mountain have been allies with the Elven Kingdoms for centuries. My father would PERSONALLY eviscerate me if I should make any move to destroy that treaty. And recently I have been begun to reconsider what food really is. You have nothing to fear from me. You have my promise as Prince of Fire Mountain; I will not harm you or them. Besides, if I eat you I don’t think I will get much help out of the Ogres then.’ As Kieran projected those words, he was a little struck by how true they were. Skif looked a little like an elf with those cute pointy ears of his, the very idea of even eating a elf no matter how delicious was revolting. ‘The boy is changing me by leaps and bounds.’

‘I will hold you to your promise Kieran. You will not be the first Dragon I would have had to correct about the easy edibility of my kind. But your thoughts interest me. I wish to hear more about this boy that can tame a mighty dragon such as you.’ As he spoke, Kandir stepped out of the forest to join the ogres. With a quick word with the Ogrian leader, the entire party made their way across the clearing.

They came to a stop well out his reach. Kieran made no effort to move any closer to them, This was as close as they trust him, for now hopefully.

Kandir made the introductions. “This is Bloodmetal, Leader and First Warrior of the Black Wolf Tribe, Killer of many Mountain Trolls, and Victor over the armies of man.”

Ogres’ egos were larger then Kieran himself. Bloodmetal may have led hunting parties to kill trolls but it was very unlikely that he killed any alone. But that would explain all those human slaves, ogres measured victory in captured land, loot and slaves. Those men were likely the only survivors that remained.

‘I wouldn't be so hasty to overlook Bloodmetal. He has killed two mountain trolls by himself in his youth.’ Kandir mental voice jeered. Now Kieran was impressed.

“And this Axethunder, the Black Wolf Tribe’s shaman. He is master over the Spirit World and controls the very thunder and lightning in the skies.” As he spoke, Kandir gently gestured to Axethunder, but mentally added ‘Now that is all ogre ego.’

Kieran managed to keep his laughter internal. He bowed to both of them and then stood as Kandir presented him to them. “I present Prince Kieran, possible future King and Second son of Lord Teithi, the current Dragon King of the Lands of Fire Mountains, one of the largest kingdoms in the entire dragon empire.”

Kandir's knowledge of the dragons was impressive, although he wasn’t technically a prince. Dragon succession passes to the next strongest dragon when the king dies or decides to step down. Yes, Kieran’s family had been in power for the last few hundred rulers but there was a chance that one of the other dragon clans could rule. His father had no intentions of stepping down any time soon, but Brion and he used to talk about how they would rule when their time came.
But being called a prince really didn’t hurt his ego.

If the ogres were impressed, they didn’t show it. The leader grumbled out something in Ogrian language that seemed more like grunts then actual words.
“Rah Hir Urgta Ne Prke Gabdelic Srketa?”

Kieran was fortunate that Kandir was willing to act as a translator. “Bloodmetal would like to know why you have invaded the Ogre Lands.”

Sitting back on his haunches, Kieran took a moment to collect his thoughts before he began his plea, ‘I come to offer a trade. I need provisions for a human, food and water enough for several weeks, and clothes suited for travel in winter. I could also use shelter for him for a few weeks, till the end of my growth phase. I would also need your direct help with him, Kandir.’

When Kandir repeated his thoughts for them, there was a lot of angry growling and spitting. Kieran was unsure of what he had said that could have been so bad.
Bloodmetal eventually silenced the others with a gesture. Returning back to Kieran, he spoke again, his tone sounded more serious. “Yug tarf ruwk? Ne Ardvu wketjo nky taher pjofer Kolbg. Kolge Vertuc eerkhet ne takcf. Fhe ne gak tufuc ukgr hir kgad?”

Kandir’s mental voice offered a translation. ‘You help a human? We are no friends to the stinking humans, they are vermin. All humans are only good for slaves. Don’t dragons eat humans?’

‘Kandir, do you know about dragon carriers?’

‘Yes, my knowledge of your kind does include your reproduction practices. Why?’
Kieran wasn’t sure if he wanted to give away Skif's true identify but if it would help him get Skif to safety and have his needs, then this was worth it.

‘The human is a carrier, but more than that he is my mate, my destined one.’

‘I thought carriers never left the safety of Dragon Lands?’ Kandir asked.

‘Skif isn’t from the Dragon Lands. From what I have been able to gather, he and his ancestors are all from the Kingdom of Laf Shukia.’

Kandir’s eyebrows raised in mild shock. ‘Really? A lost dragon carrier. He must be a really interesting creature. I would like a chance to meet this one called Skif.’

The Elf’s explanation caused the ogres to burst out laughing. Several made comments that Kieran didn’t think he would like if he understood them. His suspicions were confirmed when Kandir offered no translation

When the laughter died down, the Ogre asked Kandir some questions, to which Kandir replied. The conversation went back and forth for some time before the elf turned his attention back to Kieran. ‘Bloodmetal is willing to offer you aid if it is worth it for him and his clan. What do you have to offer in trade?’

‘Four human knights. They would make great slaves for his tribe.’

‘I sense no you have no love loss for these humans.’ Kandir queried as he translated.

Bloodmetal scoffed at his offer. “Gyke Tokv Kolbge ne kifk odft lfytai! Skisto mifjt lopvte kolbge!” ‘his tribe has many broken human slaves. They don’t need any more worthless humans.’

Kandir was the one who offered a reply to this. “Bloodmetal You were telling me not that long ago how you were bored with how docile your slaves were lately. You said that they were too broken and offered no more amusement. These four humans will be strong and arrogant, a challenge to break to your will.”

“Gakju kolbge fesku ne hak tishge!” Blood replied, clearly not quite buying what Kandir suggested.

“I’m sorry. You are right. No human would stand a chance against you, Chief Bloodmetal. But you can’t deny that it would be something entertaining to do in the cold of winter, would it not?”

The ogre Chieftain grumbled another reply, that sounded like a yes.
Just when Kieran was starting to hope that they had a deal, Bloodmetal spoke again. “Fufjt Kolbge kashie hir gafck.. Ne talf gurh te buktsu?”

‘“Bloodmetal accepts the four humans but feels that isn’t enough to seal the deal.” Have you anything else to trade?’ Kandir inquired.

‘No not really. All I have in the damn knights and Skif. There is no way that I would trade Skif. I guess I could offer to hunt for them. But they seem able to provide for themselves.’ As he searched for a possible solution his eyes grazed over the ogre warriors.

Their armor caught his attention. Most of the armor was misshapen and a little small. It looked like it was better suited on human bodies than bulky ogre bodies. Wait. That was exactly who that armor was built for; humans.

His mind flew back to a few days before when Skif and he were trapped in the cave during the lightning storm. Skif had spent most of the day sorting the debris pile filled with human weapons, gear and armor.

‘Kandir, tell them that I can give them more human armor… and weaponry. Most of it is still usable. What cannot be used can be melted down to make other weapons or better fitting armor. And if they can also help me figure out a good way to transport Skif safely for several days, then they can even have my entire little treasure.’

When Kandir told them about Kieran's offer of armor and weapons, he could clearly read their interest on their faces. Ogres’ were more into hunting and scavenging than mining. They had to deal with what they could find, unless they could scare their human slaves into mining it for them. Kieran had not seen any signs of a mining operation anywhere near the village.

As interested as they were in the possibility of armors and useable metal, the moment that Kandir mentioned his treasure, Kieran knew he had sealed the deal. Ogres love shiny things as much if not more so than dragons. They would do anything for a chance at a legendary dragon’s treasure. No matter how small.

The Ogres began babbling all at once, their voice was clearly excitedly pleading with Bloodmetal to accept. It was clear by the look on his face that Bloodmetal was thinking of how this would boost his honor and fame.

The bubbly laughter of Kandir filled his mind. ‘Great Kieran, Now I will have to add, Bloodmetal, Owner of the Dragon Prince's vast treasure whenever I introduce him.’

‘I hope you will explain that it not that vast, just what I have collected off any Knights that decide to be my breakfast. It wouldn’t even fill two large chests.’ Kieran replied, a little worried that the Ogres might back out of the deal when they see how small his “vast treasure" was.

‘I don’t think it will matter much. For Bloodmetal, it will be enough just to have it. The treasure will grow with each time they tell how they tricked you out of it anyway.’ Despite his reassurance, Kandir did make sure that the Ogres knew exactly what they were getting.

Just as he said, the ogres just waved off his comment and moved right on to accepting.

With the terms of trade established, the focus turned to when the trade would take place. ‘My cave with the knights, amour and treasure is a full day's flight away. I could carry it all here but it would take several days of flying back and forth to get it all.’

The ogres were so excited that they quickly agreed to any timeframe that Kieran suggested. After a more cheerful goodbye, the Ogres left to spread the tale of the treasure to the village. He was sure that they were already embellishing the story in their heads, which was fine with Kieran, as long as they kept their part of the deal and left Skif alone.

Kandir stayed behind, waiting 'till they were nearly at the tree-line before turning to Kieran once again. ‘So what was it you wanted my direct help with, Kieran?’

‘Well, you see Skif doesn’t know that he is a carrier. I have tried to explain it to him but all I can do is use hand gestures. He has come to the conclusion that he is some sort of pet, that I am keeping until I get bored with him. I am planning to head home soon and he will be coming with me. I need him to understand what could happen once we get there. He will be an unmated and non-active carrier. He will drive any dragons, which can smell him crazy. I would like you to clear up his confusion and explain everything that he needs to know. I would if I could, but my growth phase will likely last another month or more.’ Kieran projected his plea to Kandir. ‘I also need to explain what will happen to his former master and the other knights that I’m giving to the ogres. My little Skif has a very kind heart and protects them no matter what evil they have committed against him.’

‘I was wondering why you would have four human knights just lying around. Well, I would be willing to talk with this mysterious carrier. But I’m afraid my own help will not come free.’ offered Kandir.

Letting out a frustrated sigh, Kieran replied, ‘I don’t have anything left to give up. There is the horse but they belong to Skif. I can’t take them from him.’

‘Then I will have to settle for you flying me all the way to your meet your carrier when you leave here. My Queen loves mysteries. She would be interested to learn of a carrier being found so far from dragon lands. I could use the time that your away to question him on his ancestors. Then I can send her a full report.’

Kieran was sure that this Queen of Elves wasn’t the only one who enjoyed a good mystery. He was curious himself about Skif's origins and it would make him feel better if Skif wasn’t alone. His mate-to-be would probably be better situated to say their till he moved all the last of the stuff over. He didn’t trust the ogres to not treat Skif like the others humans. Skif would never be anyone’s slave again.

‘I would be more than willing to carry you in exchange for your help. But I must be clear. If you harm a single hair on his head, make any advance towards him or even make him cry, I will eat you. My promise and the treaty are damn. Are we clear?’ His eyes were locked on Kandir, ready to act if he didn’t promise right then and there.

‘I swear on my honor and the name of the White Queen Gelireldë, your carrier mate will as safe with me as if he were my very own child.’ He placed his left hand over his heart, and took a bended knee; Kandir took the position so that Kieran knew he meant every word. Elves were weird when it came to such things.

‘Thank you. How soon can you be ready, I want to get back to Skif as soon as possible.’ His wings flapped to show his desire to be on his way right now.

‘I will need to explain to Bloodmetal, and time to pack. I can be ready at first light tomorrow.’

A little annoyed that he would have to spend another day away from Skif, Kieran agreed, ‘Here. At first light then.’

Once the elf left the clearing, Kieran decided to go hunting again. His first meal wasn’t finished digesting but if he wanted to leave first thing in the morning, he wouldn’t have time to hunt till nightfall.

*****
Sorry for the delay folks. Had to go to my sister wedding in may and then started working in the mountians again. At least the mountians make me so bored i write nonstop. Just need to focus on this story more. I'm currently working on three other stories at the same time. I promise i will try to spend the next few days getting Chapter 19 done. I know you all want this story to get on with the Sex well so do i. I never thought it would be this long. I'm grateful that you have all hung around. I hope you have enjoyed these last two chapters. More to come soon.

Remember reviews please. =D