Chapter 106: Submission

Looking at the dragon still alive within the swirling water sphere, Kael frowned and raised his wand to cast the most powerful Transfiguration spell he knew. The water sphere rippled and shifted, rapidly transforming into something far more sinister. It became a giant serpent even larger than Smaug himself, its liquid coils wrapping tightly around the dragon's massive form before solidifying into unbreakable chains that bound him securely. Having completed this incredible feat of magic, Kael couldn't help but stagger slightly, his face pale with exhaustion. Transfiguring such an enormous creature pushed his abilities to their absolute limit. Without Gandalf's Ring of Fire continuously feeding him power, he never would have dared attempt something so ambitious. "Are you alright?" Gandalf asked, genuine concern coloring his voice. Kael waved off the worry, though sweat beaded on his forehead. "I'm fine. The most important thing now is dealing with our scaly friend here before he recovers!" The dragon was now completely immobilized by the magical chains, his powerful limbs and deadly jaws all securely restrained. They had a narrow window of opportunity to finish this before Smaug could break free and become an even more dangerous opponent. Moving quickly, the two wizards approached their captive. With his mouth bound shut by gleaming chains, they no longer needed to worry about sudden bursts of dragon fire turning them to ash. Gandalf climbed onto the dragon's back and gripped Glamdring's hilt with both hands, pulling the Elven blade free with a wet, grinding sound. Meanwhile, Kael made his way to the dragon's wounded wing, grasping the divine spear Aeglos and wrestling it from the torn flesh with considerable effort. Blood as hot as molten rock poured from the wound, hissing where it touched the lake water. Smaug let out a muffled groan of agony, his golden eyes blazing with pain and fury. With a casual wave of his wand, Kael forced the massive dragon to roll over, exposing his armored chest. Both wizards examined the spot where Girion's arrow had once found its mark, now sealed with the molten remains of Bard's Black Arrow. The arrow's metal had been incredibly hard, and now that it covered the gap, its defensive capability matched the original dragon scales. For all practical purposes, Smaug no longer had any vulnerable spots on his entire body. However, that was only true for ordinary weapons and magic. Kael tapped the black iron covering lightly with his wand tip. The metal began to shift and change, slowly transforming into a massive iron spike that drove itself deeper into the tender flesh beneath. Sensing mortal danger, the dragon struggled violently against his chains, raw terror flooding his ancient eyes. "No, don't kill me! I'm willing to surrender! Spare my life, and I promise never to seek revenge against you! I can even give you all my treasure, every last coin!" Unable to speak with his muzzle bound, Smaug projected his desperate plea directly into their minds with his considerable mental powers. Seeing Kael pause in his deadly work, Gandalf immediately grew worried that the dragon's legendary silver tongue was already weaving its spell. "Kael, don't believe a single word! Dragons are masters of deception. Their very language is a form of magic, designed to sow discord and bewitch the minds of their enemies!" Seeing Gandalf's anxious expression, Kael smiled and shook his head reassuringly. "Don't worry, old friend. I'm far too clever to be beguiled by this overgrown lizard." "I just thought of something much better than simply killing him. A more... profitable solution, you might say." Gandalf remained deeply uneasy. In his long experience, evil creatures like dragons should be destroyed completely and without mercy. However, since Kael had been the one to capture Smaug, the final decision rested with him. "What exactly do you have in mind, Kael?" "I possess contract magic that requires both parties to agree voluntarily in front of a witness. Once complete, it creates an absolutely unbreakable binding that no force in Middle-earth can violate." Kael's eyes gleamed with possibilities. "I want you to serve as witness while I bind this dragon to my service permanently." Hearing this explanation, Gandalf's frown deepened with concern. "Are you absolutely certain such magic will work on a creature like Smaug?" "Only one way to find out!" Kael shrugged, though his confident expression suggested he had no doubts whatsoever. He turned to fix the dragon with a cold, merciless stare. "You heard every word, Smaug. Tell me truthfully, are you willing to swear binding oaths and submit yourself to my command?" "Refuse, and I'll send you to whatever afterlife awaits dead dragons!" The divine spear Aeglos materialized in his hands, its silver point gleaming with deadly promise as he pressed it against the dragon's massive forehead. Even through his thick scales, Smaug could feel the weapon's razor edge. Hearing there might be a path to survival, Smaug's spirits soared. A flash of cunning calculation appeared in his serpentine eyes as he nodded eagerly. "Yes! Yes, I accept your terms willingly!" Seeing how quickly the dragon agreed, Kael sneered inwardly. He was merely going through the motions of asking anyway. Regardless of whether Smaug was sincere or planning treachery, once the magical contract was complete, any attempt at betrayal would be utterly impossible. Moving with practiced efficiency, Kael cast a powerful soundproofing charm around himself and Gandalf, also blurring their images so the dragon couldn't read their lips. Then he began explaining the intricacies of the Unbreakable Vow to his friend. The more Gandalf listened, the brighter his eyes became. His worried expression gradually transformed into one of surprise and growing admiration for Kael's brilliant solution. "My dear boy, you've given me yet another delightful surprise! This is absolutely ingenious!" Outside their protective bubble of silence, Smaug watched the two wizards conversing but couldn't hear a single word. Seeing Gandalf's dramatic change in attitude filled him with growing dread. After several minutes of intense discussion, Kael dispelled the soundproofing charm. "Listen carefully, Smaug. From this moment forward, you will obey my every command without the slightest hesitation or resistance. Should you even think about disobeying, I'll make that iron spike in your chest grow longer and sharper until it pierces your black heart!" Kael's voice had become as cold and sharp as winter steel. "Do I make myself perfectly clear?" Smaug's unease multiplied tenfold, but seeing the undisguised killing intent blazing in Kael's eyes and feeling the restless iron spike pressing against his heart, he nodded frantically. "Crystal clear! I understand completely and will obey your every word!" Time was running short, and Kael wasted no more breath on negotiations. He placed one hand firmly on the dragon's massive forehead and began chanting the ancient incantation in a language older than the kingdoms of Men. Serving as the required witness, Gandalf drew the beautiful wand Kael had crafted for him and placed its tip against Kael's outstretched hand. "Dragon Smaug the Mighty, are you willing to submit yourself to my authority and serve at my command from this moment until the end of your days?" Kael asked in a voice that rang with magical power. In that instant, Smaug felt invisible forces of incredible strength wrapping around both him and Kael like ethereal chains. He understood instinctively that once he gave his consent, that magical power would settle upon him permanently, creating an unbreakable bond between their very souls. The horrible realization hit him like a physical blow! He had been supremely confident that even if he signed some sort of magical contract, his ancient power could eventually break free from any binding. Then, when Kael least expected it, he would unleash terrible vengeance for all the humiliation he had endured. But this was something entirely different. This was soul magic of the most binding kind, something he had never encountered in all his long centuries! Before he could voice any objection, the massive iron spike in his chest began growing rapidly, tearing through flesh and driving straight toward his frantically beating heart. Smaug's terror reached new heights as he felt the spike's razor tip actually touch the surface of his heart. One more inch and he would die instantly. "I agree! I agree! Please, I accept your terms!" The words tumbled from his mind in desperate panic. The moment he spoke, a thin tongue of brilliant flame shot from Gandalf's wand tip. It moved like liquid fire, coiling around Kael's hand and the dragon's massive neck before sinking into their skin and becoming intricate golden-red markings. "Dragon Smaug, from this moment forward, are you willing to never betray me, never cause me harm, and remain loyal until death claims you?" This time Smaug didn't wait for threats or growing spikes. "I am willing!" Another stream of magical fire emerged from the wand, adding a second set of markings to both Kael's arm and the dragon's neck. "Dragon Smaug, from this moment forward, are you willing to obey my every command instantly and without question for all time?" "I am willing!" With Gandalf's wisdom guiding him, Kael continued the ritual for nearly ten more binding oaths. Each one covered different aspects of loyalty and obedience, ensuring that no loopholes or clever word games could allow the dragon to wiggle free from his obligations. When the ceremony finally concluded, Kael's right arm bore an intricate pattern of golden-red markings that looked both mysterious and undeniably powerful. Having sealed the unbreakable contract, Kael gestured casually and released the chains binding Smaug's body. Bound by forces far stronger than any physical restraint, the dragon had completely accepted his new reality. He didn't dare harbor even the faintest whisper of rebellion or malice toward his new master. If he tried, the golden markings around his neck would come alive, becoming red-hot wire that would slowly strangle him while his soul experienced agony beyond description. Even attempting to rebel would kill him instantly, long before he could strike at Kael. "Master..." Smaug lowered his great head in a gesture of complete submission, his voice heavy with defeat and grudging respect. [Chapter Complete] *** Want more? Check out my Patreon for: ✓ Advanced chapters of all my stories ✓ Exclusive novels & fanfics ✓ Early access content [email protected]/meowthtl ???? Community Goal: 500 Power Stones unlocks a bonus chapter! Thanks for reading and supporting the story!