i did manage to get to it.

here is Chapter 8

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I was awoken by a sweet smell though the smell was different than Thantos'. , It has been several days since the meeting with the king. The king agreed that having me explore the kingdom would be beneficial. He also granted that Atheros would be the kings reprehensive, though I heard that that Thantos had declined to join the group; instead he will send one of his acolytes. “This must be the Acolyte that I was told about” I thought to myself. After a few seconds the door to my lair opened and I was surprised with what stood at the door. The acolyte was about six feet tall but he lithe and looked gaunt. His skin was black as shadow and his eyes were a deep red. He had long pointed ears and a hair that was dark purple. He was dressed in simple leather armor. At his waist was a single hand-and-a-half sword. The most interesting feature of this elf was the tattoo around his neck.

“

He looked pitiful,” I thought to myself, “though misery is a great way to get loyal followers.”

He walked toward my hoard and kneeled, “I was sent by my master, Thantos, to teach you magic.”

I sighed a bit and ask, “Is that what Thantos told you to say?”

“Yes, it is the exact words of my master.” He replied.

“Ok,” I said, thinking for a bit said, “did he tell you that I might eat you?”

“He did and it was this reason that I was chosen.”

I started to chuckle as I remembered the words of the goddess. Thinking for a second, “let me guess,” I start to speak. “First you are a slave. Second you have some magic compulsion on you to obey your master. Third you have resigned yourself to die or something like that.”

Looking at me confused, the elf replied, “Yes, I am a slave. Yes, I have bound through the slave ritual. Though I know my friends are looking for me and I won’t die here.”

“Well not bad,” I thought to myself. “I could use him,”

“If I could break the slave ritual, would you serve me for a several years?” I ask.

“I was told I was to teach you magic,” the elf stated, a look of scientism on his face, “and yet you imply that you can break the slave ritual?”

“You were also told I might eat you. Have you been devoured?” I replied.

“I have not been eaten yet. Though I did hear what happened to the last human that was left in your care.” He said with a hint of sarcasm.

“So he heard what happened to Bastros.” I thought to myself, “would he believe me if I said it was an accident?”

“Well…” I said, “That was an accident.” though I left out the part of experimenting with my Draconic breath. It was not a pretty sight.

“How does one make half a body just disappear?” he yelled at which point a different sweet could smell came from the elf as he fell over. I could see him writhe in pain on the ground. After a few seconds I could see the relief spread over the elf’s face, as he stood up, the sweet smell had also disappeared.”

“I am sorry for my belligerence.” The elf apologized, though I could see how it pained him to do so.

“So… do you wish to serve me?” I ask while the chance is still hot?

I could see him completing the offer. After a few minutes he replied, “if you can break the ritual then I will serve your for 5 years.

“Perfect I respond.” And I move my snout towards his neck. I could see fear in his eyes and as I move closer, I could smell the sweat coming off of him. Putting my mouth at his throat I start to suck in mana as I have been practicing for the past several days. Though this one tasted different the the light crystals that I have been practicing on instead of the light creamy taste of the light crystals, I tasted a dark earthy taste like mushrooms. After a few seconds I heard a loud buzzing sound and then elf fell to the floor. I looked at the fallen elf and noticed that the tattoo on his neck was gone.

“Well,” I thought to myself, “that actually worked.” feeling full I laid my head down on my hoard and fell asleep once more.”

-----------------------------------------------------Therin’s (the elf) point of View -------------------------------------

I woke up with a massive headache. Clearing my head a bit I could see the sleeping form of the dragon. I backed away a little bit but as my head cleared, I felt different. I felt as strong as I did before I was captured by the stupid humans. “wait,” I said to myself, “did the dragon manage to break the ritual?” I looked at the dragon and noticed that it was no longer asleep. I could see his big glowing blue eye staring at me.

“Well now how do you feel?” the dragon asked as he examined me.

“I feel strong, did you remove the ritual?” I asked, hoping that he did.

“More or less,” He replied, “the tattoo around your neck is gone and you don’t have the earthy smell around you anymore.”

“What did he mean by earthy smell?” I thought to ask, but decided not to ask thinking it must be a dragon thing…”

“Now that you are mine,” my spine tingled as the dragon said this “there are some things that must be done before we leave. First what should I call you?”

“My name is Therin” I replied.

“Just Therin?” the dragon asked, “no family modifiers, no second names.”

“I am of common birth, and I have not achieved anything great enough to receive a second name.” I replied.

“Well Therin,” the dragon spoke, “you may call me Fafnir. I don’t need the master crap. First you should cover your neck it should be a surprise that you are no longer bound to your master. Second I want you to deliver a message to Atheros.”

“I am not allowed to go to that area of the castle,” I said to Fafnir, “I have strict orders from my previous master to not go there, if I am found they will know the ritual has been broken.”

“Dang,” the dragon spoke, “what the exact wording of your previous orders.”

“I was to obey your commands and to teach you magic.” I replied

“Well then,” the dragon spoke, “I have ordered you to go deliver a message to Atheros. Tell him that ‘I wish to meet with him about our journey.’”

“Ha, well that is one way to get around it.” I start to laugh. I thought to myself as I got up off the floor, “This is the first time I have laughed since the ambush. I think I will enjoy this dragon.”

“After you deliver your message,” the dragon said, “I want you to send someone in here, I have a few other things I need, and get yourself something to eat while you are at it. If anyone asks I command you to eat something.”

I walked out of Fafnir’s lair with a smile on my face. I walked past one of the guards and greet him, as I headed towards the castle. I was brimming with excitement at the prospects of leaving this crappy kingdom.

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tell me what you think and spell and grammar help is always welcome.