The Saga of Maldor the Unmerciful
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** The Saga of Maldor the Unmerciful**
** By William W. Kelso**
** Maldor sat on his huge impressive throne mulling quietly, much to the terror of his attendants. When he was raging and ranting you knew what to expect, but when he was quiet was when to cower in fear. The huge dragon eyed his servants; slaves really, with derision and contempt. Mewling, groveling things, how he despised them! Courtiers waited to act on his slightest whim, the most pleasing females waited to lift their tails for him should he desire the pain and ecstasy of mating, and it all BORED him!**
** He was Maldor the Unmerciful! The Bane of the Four Kingdoms! Ruler of All the Known Lands, Master of the World! And he was bored, Bored, BORED! That was the problem, there were no more kingdoms to conquer, no more foes to defeat! All that remained were the sniveling sycophants who did nothing but lick his vent and cheat and scheme for his favor. It was sickening! **
** With a roar he darted his head on his long slender neck, seized one of those nearest his throne, and tore the smaller male to pieces with ease, but even the taste of fresh blood and meat still squirming as it slid down his throat did little to ease his BOREDOM! He was a leader, a conqueror, peace was BORING! Even hunting was boring now that all the larger and more ferocious beasts had been killed off, only the runts remained.**
** At his rage the rest had fled, except for his most trusted advisor and wizard, and with a loud hiss he said, "Bring the scrying crystal, I would peer into it!" **
** "At once, My Master." The older dragon responded with a bow; and he turned to a large case; removed several items, and then turned back to his Lord. Quickly he assembled a small tripod, and then carefully placed a large multi-faceted blue crystal in the center. Though it looked like a natural gem it was in fact a construct created by powerful sorcery at the cost of fifty souls who's life essences powered it.**
** "Invoke it, and show me this new world you have found." Maldor hissed, and his advisor complied.**
** The advisor hissed and rumbled as he made passes over the crystal, which soon began to glow with a sickly blue light, and the faint wails of the souls that powered it could still be heard when it was activated.**
** "It is done, Great One." The advisor said, and respectfully backed away, keeping his head low. To raise one's head to the same level as the Master, or to look him in his terrible burning eyes was a punishable by death, a most slow and horrible one. The skinless remnants of those who had so dared were left on display as a warning; it was quite effective.**
** Maldor looked into the depths of the crystal eagerly, watching as small defenseless looking creatures went on with what seemed like terribly boring and meaningless lives to him. They looked so soft, and...delicious. Well, he would personally make their lives much more...interesting. He ran his forked tongue over his dagger like fangs at the thought of sweet, soft, flesh bursting with juices. There were a lot of the strange soft creatures, and he thought of the feast he and his kind would have if only they could break through to their world.**
** "You are sure that only a small force can pass through the crystal at a time?" Maldor hissed.**
** "Yes Great One", the advisor answered, "the magic is very powerful, but unstable, and a portal can only be opened for a brief period. Perhaps long enough for a flight to pass through. Then it must be recharged before another portal can be opened."**
** "Then prepare to do so!" Maldor said, "I will lead a flight of my most powerful Destroyers through personally, and the others will follow as soon as possible. Soon this new world will be mine as well!"**
** "But Master" the advisor dared to say, "surely we must observe these strange creatures longer first; we have no idea of their defensive capabilities, of the magics or other forces they might command!"**
** With a roar of rage Maldor dipped his head closer to the advisor, who crouched and offered his throat in terror, and hissed softly, "You dare to question me?? They are weak and soft! They have no armor, no fangs, not even wings! They will fall before us like the insects they are, and we will feast!! NOW OPEN PREPARE TO OPEN THE PORTAL OR FACE MY WRATH!"**
** "Y-Yes, Great One!" The advisor hissed in relief, knowing he had just come closer to death than ever before. **
** Maldor looked at the ten battle dragons who stood before him, all trusted veterans, the scars of numerous battles and campaigns crisscrossing their flanks. They in turn bowed their heads to the their Master, and he said,**
** "My loyalist followers, I give you the honor of accompanying me as we embark on a great campaign to conquer and destroy a new world! One alien and strange; but populated by soft and weak creatures who will soon fill our bellies. Let me hear you ROAR!"**
** "MALDOR! MALDOR! MALDOR! RAAAARRRRRGGHHHHH!" Came the bellows from ten throats as they threw their heads back and paid homage to the greatest Dragon of them all.**
** Maldor added his own roar to theirs, his eyes glowing brightly in anticipation. Now THIS was what life was all about! The thrill of the hunt, of combat, of tearing the life from your enemies and feasting on their flesh! Turning his head to his advisor, he roared, "OPEN THE PORTAL!"**
** The advisor quickly complied, the incantation of invoking taking much longer this time, his hands moving in complicated patterns and gestures, his hissing rumbling voice growing louder and louder, he had never worked so great and powerful a magic before! And with a sound like shattering crystal a rent opened in the very fabric of space and time, and with a bellow of exultation Maldor and his Destroyers dove through with great claps of their wings. Then with a thunderclap the rent closed, and the advisor dropped dead, his heart having burst from the power required to invoke the spell, and the crystal shattered; and with him died all knowledge of that magic.**
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** Maldor felt a brief moment of disorientation, but quickly recovered and flew on with powerful beats of his wings, his followers close behind in the standard battle formation of a large "V" with one lone rear guard bringing up the rear. The first thing he noticed was it was cooler here, and also more humid. The air smelled cleaner as well, there was no reek of sulfur or smoke though he could detect a hint of some chemicals in the air. Stooping lower they passed through a screen of clouds, and found themselves over a large city, lights burning brightly below them in the night. Maldor grinned; they'd never know what hit them!**
** "Come, my Destroyers", he bellowed, "let us show them the meaning of terror and despair!" As he banked towards the ground far below his companions roared in delight and anticipation.**
** As they flew lower Maldor quickly realized he had underestimated the size of the city, it was must vaster then he had thought. But still, all the more to destroy! Soon it would be a pyre of burning buildings, the screams of the inhabitants sweet to hear. Finally; for the first attack, he chose what appeared to be a large fortified manor as it was surrounded by a high wooden palisade. As they dove towards the target there was a sudden buffeting of air as a large object passed through their formation, and he had a brief glimpse of a huge furry shape, wings blotting out the night sky, and there was a fading shriek of pain. In a frantic flurry of wings the formation broke up, Dragons scattering in all directions in response to the sudden unexpected attack.**
** "What happened!" Maldor bellowed as they reformed.**
** "Great One!" One of his followers roared back, "Something took Ripper, it happened so fast we had no time to respond!"**
** "IT COMES AGAIN!" Came another bellow, and again the formation scattered, wings flapping frantically.**
** "LOWER, DIVE LOWER, GET AMONG THOSE TREES!" Maldor bellowed as another of his warriors was carried off into the night by their unseen assailant.**
** Desperately they dove and weaved, dodging other vaguely seen shapes that appeared out of nowhere, and vanished just as quickly, their foes incredibly nimble as they snatched more Dragons from the air and carried them away to who knew what horrible fate. But finally they were low enough to dodge between large tree like growths, and their attackers gave up the chase.**
** "RALLY ON ME!" Maldor roared, and winged shapes appeared out of the night to hover with him. Three, four...was that ALL? Then he heard a cry.**
** "HELP ME MY LORD!" Came a bellow of terror, "I AM CAUGHT! OH, BY THE OLD ONES, WHAT IS THAT!?! STAY AWAY FROM ME!! HELP MEEE! PLEASE!"**
** With flaps of their wings Maldor and his surviving followers flew towards the sound of terror, and he wondered what could so terrify one of his greatest warriors. Soon they saw their comrade, and at first he appeared to be immobile in mid-air, but as they came closer they saw he was entangled in some fine filaments of some kind, then realized in horror it was a web! A huge web! And he wasn't alone; a hideous multi-legged creature was wrapping him in even more of the fragile seeming web material. His head still visible, the Dragon pleaded,**
** "HELP ME MY LORD, DON'T LET IT HAVE ME!"**
** "ATTACK!" Maldor roared, and he led his decimated flight in a concentrated assault on the horrible beast.**
** Maldor fumed as they finally gave up their useless attack, all that had happened was another of his warriors had become entangled in that horrible web, and was now being cocooned by the untouched monster inhabiting it; the first Dragon now just a large helplessly squirming bulge covered by web. Their attacks had been useless, their spells and deadly flames ignored by the huge creature, their claws and fangs sliding over its armored carapace uselessly.**
** "My Lord", one of his three remaining followers called, "surely we cannot abandon our comrades!"**
** "We have no choice" Maldor called back, "our attack was useless, and if we continue more of us will go to feed the creature! We must find somewhere to rest and...reassess the situation! It is obvious these creatures have defenses of which we were unaware!"**
** As they passed another of the large tree like growths another Dragon was suddenly snatched out of the air by a huge towering terror that had looked like part of the plant until it moved with incredible speed. They had circled, helpless as their fellow was devoured alive by the monstrous thing, fed bit by bit into its churning maw until his screams of agony grew silent. Then they flew on, desperate to find shelter.**
** This is NOT the world I saw! Maldor thought, that fool of an advisor has sent us to the wrong world! When the portal opens again I will return and tear his heart out for this mistake! Suddenly seeing a bright light within a barred enclosure, he bellowed,**
** "THERE!! WE WILL BE SAFE BEHIND THOSE BARS!"**
** Eagerly they approached the hoped for refuge, but one of his over eager followers flew ahead of the rest, and as he reached the bars there was horrible bright explosion of sparks and flame, and with a loud 'BZZZAAAPP!' he was turned into a burnt cinder that fell smoking towards the ground far below.**
** "A TRAP!!" Maldor roared, "THIS WAY!" And his single remaining warrior followed him closely as they dove towards the ground. Surely we can find shelter there! Maldor thought.**
** Landing in a small clearing they found themselves surrounded by tall spiky growths with no branches or leaves, the growths thick and hard to push through. **
** "I saw some rocks over in this direction" Maldor said, "we'll take shelter in them. Follow me." And he began to push through the thick growth, his single remaining warrior following.**
** They had moved some ways when suddenly the growth was pushed aside on one side and the largest snake Maldor had ever seen seized his last follower in its powerful jaws in a quick lunge. He tried his best to help, clawing and biting at the snakes thick impervious scales, but could only watch helplessly as the struggling Dragon was slowly swallowed alive by the huge reptile. As the snake closed its mouth and rehinged its jaws; a large squirming bulge moving down its body, Maldor got the impression it was still hungry, so he took flight again despite the dangers, and seeing the rocks were much closer now he dove towards them, then landing he scuttled under one, hoping the snake would not follow.**
** When I get back I will SKIN that advisor alive first, THEN rip out his heart!" Maldor fumed as he crouched in his shelter. Twice he was approached by horrible monsters, one a huge stalky hard insect like thing, the other a hideous slobbering slime covered soft squishy thing, but both fled when he breathed his flame at them. The rest of the long terrible night passed uneventfully, but he remained awake and aware, afraid to sleep. **
** As the night finally gave way to day Maldor remained in his shelter, reluctant to leave its protection. He had never seen such horrible creatures before, never had his best warriors destroyed with such ease! That idiot advisor had sent them to some Hell world instead! He consoled himself with the tortures he would subject that old fool to. He would keep him alive for months, torturing him to within an inch of his live time and time again, then would have him healed so he could start again. He would devise new tortures just for him! Now, where was that portal!! He snarled softly, smoke wafting from his nostrils.**
** But the portal did not appear; and suddenly the ground began to shake! Earthquake! Maldor thought, they were common in his own world. But this one was strange, instead of being a continuous tremor; there were instead brief shudders with nothing in-between. Then all of a sudden the huge rock under which he had found refuge shook, then was lifted into the air!**
** Maldor froze as bright light suddenly revealed him; blinding him, then as he gathered his legs under him to leap into the air a huge multi-headed THING grabbed him! He shrieked in rage and tried to claw and bite, but the soft rubbery flesh of the thing held him securely pinned and all he could do was swish his tail and squirm in helpless frustration. Finally he gave up his useless struggles; squeaking as the thing gripped him even tighter, but to his surprise it did not crush him to death. It was uncomfortable, but he could still breathe, and he was aware of movement. **
For some time he was carried, unable to see where he was being taken; then suddenly the monster let him go and he fell to the ground. He was dazed for a minute, and was aware of a large 'boom' in the near distance, but as soon as he recovered he took off with mighty flaps of his wings, and ran right into an invisible barrier! With a shriek he dove lower and flew at a steep glide along the ground, only to run into another invisible barrier, and fell to the ground stunned. I am in some sort of magical prison, he concluded as he got to his feet and shook his head. Calming down some he decided to explore, and see if there was any possibility of escape.
*He quickly found the prison was designed more like an inside garden then a dungeon cell. The floor was dirt and sand, and there were several large logs and a pile of rocks as well as a kind of building resembling a small fort or watchtower, and surprisingly it appeared to have been made from one piece of fire glazed ceramic. He found a small artificial pond and took a sip of water, then continued his explorations. After awhile he was able to discern that the invisible barrier surrounded him on all four sides, and partially overhead as well, but the overhead barrier also had closely welded metal bars; much too thick for him to break even with his great strength. And he also realized that the invisible barriers were actually solid material instead of a magical force field, and amazing clear. He had never seen anything like them. Beyond the clear barriers he could see a vast open space with vague and blurry objects scattered about. A bright light shone down, but he did not think it was the sun as it did not move in the sky as time passed. *
*Several times while he was exploring he became aware he was being watched, but other than a huge vague blurred shape on the other side of the barrier he couldn't make out much detail. He found that if he took shelter in the tower when his captor came to view him it would soon lose interest and go away. Once he was sure it was gone he tried all his magic powers against the barrier, but even his fire plume merely washed over it not even leaving a singe or other mark. Reluctantly he concluded there was no escape, his prison was designed to hold the strongest of captives. Then suddenly the bright lights which had illuminated his prison went out without warning, and he quickly took refuge in the tower again, hoping to avoid the night time horrors that plagued this place. And STILL no sign of another portal! He began to wonder whether something had befallen the advisor, or if he had been marooned in this horrible place intentionally. If that was the case, well, part of him had to approve. It was a devious plan. *
Finally, exhausted by the night of terror and day of uncertainty, he coiled around himself and fell asleep. At first he wasn't aware when the light of day returned, it being nice and dark inside the tower, but finally he stirred and saw the light shining through the entrance to his refuge. Then there came a rush of air, a loud bang, and with a roar he emerged from the tower, ready to do battle. And found he was no longer alone.
*What, he thought, it THAT? A first he thought it was a large snake, but then quickly realized it was actually a worm? A huge, slimy, worm! It had been lowered into his prison and was blindly making its soggy way towards the pool of water. Now why was that put in here with me?? With a hiss of disgust he returned to the tower, leaving the huge worm to play in the pool of water. After awhile he felt another gust of fresh air, there was another loud bang, and when he ran out to see what was happening the worm was gone. Good, nasty thing! He could have killed it easily, rent its soft body, but hadn't wanted to get the things nasty slime all over himself. *
And now he knew what the gush of air and loud banging was, it must be the opening and closing of the top of his prison, part of the roof was a huge hatch or door. Then, almost as if thinking about it had summoned his jailer, a portion of the roof suddenly swung upward and the huge multi-headed monster reached into the prison! With a shriek of fear he ran to the tower, crouching in a corner ready to offer what resistance he could. But again came the loud bang, and when he ventured out he was alone again.
Deciding to get a drink he moved towards the pool; then froze, lifting his head, nostrils flaring. Meat! He could smell meat! And soon he found the source of the lovely scent. A large platter had appeared next to the pool of water, and piled on it was a goodly portion of fresh meat. It was not as bloody as he would have liked, and the taste was a bit different from anything he could remember, but he was ravenous and ate every bite. It was rather good actually. At least I'm not to be starved, he realized.
*Suddenly he froze as there was a rush of air, and before he could flee the monster had seized him again, and he was lifted upwards. Damn it, he thought, I was distracted by the meat and didn't realize I was being watched! Cunning creature! Up and up he was lifted, and then carried for a short distance. Then he was partially released, and yet another multi headed monster seized him, and he clawed and bit as he was flipped on his back. This is it, he realized, I'm to be torn apart! It's playing with me, taking its time and enjoying itself, just as he had with so many of his own victims. But this time HE was the victim, and it was an entirely different feeling, a most unpleasant one. *
As he lay on his back; a huge pink thing holding him down, he kicked wildly. This was not a good position; it was one of submission and helplessness. Lying on his back made it difficult to roll back upright, and pinned his wings. Then; to his surprise, the huge pinkish thing began to gently stroke his stomach! He kept kicking, hissing angrily, but the gentle warm caresses; and his full belly, began to have a most...enjoyable effect, and soon he was only kicking in reflex from the lovely massage as he slowly fell asleep. Ohhh, he thought, oh my, that feels ...nice...so...ni....
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** "Hey Joey", whatcha got there?" Bobby asked his friend.**
** "Oh, hey Bobby." Joey replied, "Some sort of funny lizard, found it under a rock yesterday. It's got wings, and can fly!"**
** "A flying lizard!? Cool!" Bobby said, "Let me see!"**
** "Careful", Joey said, "he was pretty upset earlier, but he's sleeping now. Isn't he pretty?"**
** "Wow", Bobby said, "look at those horns, and he DOES have wings! I thought you were full of it! Can I hold him?"**
** "Well, I don't know." Joey said uncertainly, "He's sleeping, and I'm afraid if he wakes up he might try and get away again."**
** "Aw, come on!" Bobby begged, "The windows are shut, he can't get out!"**
** "Well, OK", Joey said, "But be careful!"**
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** Maldor was faintly aware he was being handled again, but almost instantly the gentle rubbing and massaging began again, and with a happy hiss he kicked his hind legs a little and fell back into a deep sleep. Nice...felt...so...nice...mmm...**
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** "He's really neat!" Bobby said, "You want to sell him? Give you ten bucks."**
** "No, uh-uh, no way!" Joey said, "He's the coolest pet I've ever had, his name is Ralph, and he's NOT for sale!"**
** "Trade you some of my Transformers..." Bobby wheedled.**
** "NO, he's NOT for sale, now give him back!" Joey said.**
** "Not yet, I just got to hold him!" Bobby said, holding his hand out of his friends reach.**
** "GIMME!" Joey yelled, grabbing and pushing his friend. "I'll tell my Mom!"**
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** Maldor was suddenly aware he was being rapidly moved about, and woke from the lovely nap with a roar of anger. Bespelled, he'd been bespelled, lured into an enchanted sleep for some nefarious purpose! With another angry roar he bit the thing holding him as hard as he could, and was suddenly thrown into the air. With a snap of his wings he took flight, and began looking for an exit from the huge chamber in which he'd found himself. And there! A large opening beckoned, and he could see the blue sky beyond! But he was being pursued!**
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** "Bobby, you butt pirate, he's getting away!" Joey yelled as he grabbed at the flying lizard, which nimbly dodged his hands. **
** "It BIT me!" Bobby howled, holding his hand.**
** "What, it's just a scratch!" Joey said, making another grab at the rapidly moving reptile, "He bit me too, but his teeth are too small to do any real damage, you wuss!"**
** "Well, it hurt!" Bobby said, and then joined his friend in the pursuit.**
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** By the Old Ones they're fast! Maldor thought as he twisted and dodged the huge flailing appendages of what he now realizes were TWO of the giant monsters; their passage creating air current that buffeted him. As one made a grab for his he breathed his fire flux, and with a huge rumbling roar the thing pulled back. Ah-ha, got him! Maldor thought, hissing in satisfaction as he now had a clear way to the opening of their lair. With another roar of triumph he dived towards it, and ran into another invisible barrier, and stunned, tumbled to the ground.**
** "You KILLED it! You butt head!" Joey screeched as the little lizard ran into the window; then fell to the sill and lay still. "Ralph!"**
** "Did you SEE that!?" Bobby said, "It spit fire at me, it looked like a Zippo! Cool!"**
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** Maldor woke up, and shook his head groggily. He was growing tired of invisible barriers in the air! His head hurt, and he became aware he was lying in what appeared to be a box of some kind, and it was lined with a soft woven material. The threads were quite large, and the weave loose, but it was soft and comfortable. Then suddenly the monster grabbed him again, and too weak to protest he let it rub his belly again, hissing softly as he fell asleep. So...nice...**
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Time passed...
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** Maldor gave his huge Master a lick on the tip of its equally huge nose as he was held up at eye level. He was no longer worried; or scared, at being handled by the creature; it was always gentle and never intentionally caused him any harm. And he loved the wonderful belly massages, and also to be scratched between his horns. With an affectionate hiss he gave the huge nose another lick, and then was placed on his usual spot on the creatures shoulders. He liked it there; he had a good view, and felt safe; and if another of the monsters showed up he would crawl under the collar of the garment his Master wore until he was sure it was safe to emerge again. And he no longer tried to escape, the world he'd found himself stranded in was too large, too strange and terrifying, and everything was huge! **
** After some time had passed, and he'd quite trying to escape; the invisible barriers were everywhere!, his captor had given him the freedom of its lair. He had flown all over the huge chamber, and explored everywhere he was allowed. He quickly reached several obvious conclusions. His captor was a member of an advanced civilization, and appeared to be a youngster or adolescent. And he also quickly realized he was a PET! Maldor the Bane of the Four Kingdoms, The Unmerciful, Master of the World, was a PET! And not the only one, his Master kept other creatures in cages similar to his own. One in a cage next to his was a snake as huge as the one that had devoured his last warrior, and he didn't care for the way it looked at him. **
At first he'd been enraged, but when another slightly smaller, but obviously unfriendly four legged monstrosity had tried to eat him, he had quickly flown to his captor for protection; hiding in the thick growth on top of its head, which had been provided. His captor had chased the other creature away, then put him back in his cage; and it WAS a cage, not a dungeon cell, and given him a treat. At that point he realized he was most likely as well off as he could be under the circumstances, and came to accept his strange captor as his 'Master'. And he was a gentle, caring Master.
*Another thing he soon realized was that no matter how hard he tried to communicate with his Master it did no good. When he tried to 'talk' too much it usually resulted in being ignored after awhile, or if he was out of the cage, in a nice belly rub to 'calm him down'. And he had to admit he loved the belly rubs, and the scratching. So after awhile he gave up, it just wasn't worth the effort, and was frustrating. He could make none of the great rumbling roars of his Master, and his Master clearly didn't understand his hisses and other sounds. *
** After some time had passed his Master had started to provide him with 'company' in the form of large lizards! He was ecstatic at first, at last, someone to talk to! But he quickly realized the large reptiles were stupid brutes, no more intelligent than the smaller reptiles in his own world. The first two that were put in his cage just ignored him for the most part, but the third was aggressive and he had to subdue it and establish his dominance. After awhile, when it became obvious to his Master that he and the lizards were not getting along, they were removed. But the fourth turned out to be a pleasant surprise. It was the first that had horns as he did, and except for a lack of wings had more than a passing resemblance to another Dragon. And it was a female! A pretty female! A receptive female! The scent was strange, but there was no doubt what it was. And as he coupled with the female for the first time; gently biting her neck as they both hissed in pleasure, he thought, you know, this really isn't that bad. I could get used to this! A warm cage, plenty of good food, no worries about being assassinated, a willing female, and a loving, caring Master. Not to forget the lovely massages. Yes, not a bad way to 'retire' at all!**
** The End**
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