The title of 'Emperor' felt heavy. It settled on Nox's shoulders with a real weight.
The dragon, whose name was Ignis, seemed to sense the change. "The world now recognizes your authority, little Emperor. The other gods will feel it. They will not be pleased."
"Let them be mad," Nox said. "We're leaving. Ignis, you're with us."
"I do not 'go' anywhere, mortal. I am a mountain."
"Not anymore. Your domain is now wherever I tell you it is. You swore an alliance."
"You are an infuriatingly arrogant creature," Ignis rumbled. "Fine. But I will require a tribute of ten thousand gold coins per day for my troubles."
"I'll give you a share of whatever we loot. That's the deal."
"...Acceptable."
The journey back to Portentia with a mountain-sized obsidian dragon in tow was conspicuous. They flew. Ignis was a storm of black scales and volcanic smoke, a terrifying statement of power.
