BLOOD OF THE DRAGON GOD

chapter 11

The second the lower district crowd started chanting my name outside the training gates I knew my new life as the Dragon Knight had become a double edged blade.

I stepped out of the barracks into the morning light still buckling my borrowed chest plate. The cheers hit me immediately. Dozens of common folk pressed against the iron fence waving hands and shouting.

"Dragon Knight! Logan! You saved us!"

A sturdy blacksmith pushed through the group holding up a fresh forged dagger. "For you sir. The blade is good steel. Not that cheap iron the nobles keep sending. We all chipped in."

I took the dagger feeling its solid weight and gave him a firm nod. "This means more than you know. Thank you. How is your family after the rift attack?"

The blacksmith grinned wide. "Safe because of you. My daughter still talks about the wyvern landing in the plaza. Says you are proof the old gods have not forgotten the lower folk."

Before I could reply a group of washer women called out from the side.

"Logan over here! We brought stew and bread. Those fancy lords might starve you but we will not."

I walked closer accepting the wrapped bundle from their outstretched hands. The smell of real food made my stomach rumble. "You ladies are lifesavers. The rations they delivered yesterday were half spoiled again."

One older woman leaned in her voice low but fierce. "We know what is happening. The noble houses are blocking your supplies on purpose. They hate that the people love you. Just say the word and the tradesmen will arm you ourselves."

I glanced back toward the noble quarters where a few lords watched from a high balcony their faces twisted with clear disgust. "I appreciate it more than I can say. But stay safe. I do not want any of you caught in their games."

Vivienne approached from the archway her steps quick and purposeful. She had that sharp look in her eyes that meant trouble. "Logan we have a problem. Your new armor shipment never showed up this morning. Again."

I turned away from the crowd keeping my voice down. "The third time this week. What excuse did they give this time?"

She fell into step beside me as we moved toward the training yard. "The quartermaster claims a mix up with noble priority orders. But I checked the logs. Lord Harven’s steward personally signed the reroute. They are bleeding you dry on purpose."

Garrick joined us from the weapons rack his broadsword slung over one shoulder. "Harven and his cronies. They smile at the king but poison everything behind his back. How are you supposed to train for border duty with dull blades and patched armor?"

"Exactly," I said frustration rising. "The lower folk bring me gifts every day but I cannot keep relying on their kindness. The nobles want me to look weak. They want the Dragon Knight to fail in public."

Vivienne nodded scanning the yard where other recruits practiced. "It is working too well. The people worship you because you fought for them in the slums. But the remaining noble families see a peasant with forbidden power. They are terrified you will inspire real change among the lower classes."

A young page from the lower stables ran up breathless and handed me a small bundle of arrows. "Fresh fletching sir. My father made them. He says the Dragon Knight deserves better than broken sticks."

I ruffled the boy’s hair and smiled. "Tell your father these will fly true. And thank him. We all stand together."

The boy beamed and ran off. Vivienne watched him go then turned back to me. "See that Logan? That is why the nobles hate you. Every gift like this chips away at their control. They cannot attack you openly after the king’s decree so they hit your supplies instead."

Garrick grunted and tested the edge of a practice blade before tossing it to me. "This one has a nick already. Typical. We need to find another way to equip you boy. I have a contact in the outer forge but it is risky."

I swung the blade a few times feeling its poor balance. "Risky or not we do it. I cannot go into the next patrol with gear that falls apart. The Sun-Kin might be watching too. If I look weak they will strike harder."

Vivienne stepped closer her voice urgent. "You think the eastern empire is already involved in this sabotage?"

"Has to be," I replied keeping my swings steady for anyone watching. "The ledger you found shows they paid Malakor to test my blood. Delaying my weapons fits their game. Weaken the dragon before they try to take him."

Garrick crossed his arms his scarred face dark. "Then we hit back smart. I will pull three loyal knights tonight. We raid the secondary armory quietly. Take what you need and make it look like a normal resupply."

Vivienne shook her head. "Too loud. I can forge new orders with my investigator seal. But Logan you need to stay visible. Train hard in the yard. Let the lower districts see the Dragon Knight pushing through every obstacle. It keeps their hope alive."

I stopped swinging and wiped sweat from my face. More common workers had gathered at the fence calling encouragement. "They keep cheering like I am some legend. But every missing shipment reminds me I am still just a border survivor with a mark on my chest."

A noble recruit nearby sneered loud enough to carry. "Enjoy your peasant handouts Dragon Knight. Real knights do not need scraps from the gutter."

I turned toward him meeting his eyes. "Real knights fought in the slums while you hid behind your gold walls. Come spar with me if you think my gear is so weak."

The noble backed off fast muttering under his breath. Garrick chuckled low. "Good. Let them feel the heat. But watch yourself Logan. Their venom runs deep."

Vivienne pulled me aside near the water barrel. "Harven sent word through back channels. He wants a private meeting. Claims he can restore your full supplies if you publicly denounce the lower class worship."

I laughed sharp and bitter. "Denounce them? After they fed me when the nobles tried to starve me? No deal. Tell Harven the Dragon Knight stands with the people who actually bleed for this kingdom."

She smiled faintly. "I thought you would say that. Good. But this sabotage will get worse before it gets better. They are testing how far they can push before you snap."

Garrick joined us again handing me a slightly better sword from his own kit. "Use this for now. We pool resources among the loyal ones. The lower smiths already offered to make you a proper set in secret. Take them up on it tonight after dark."

I tested the new blade feeling its better weight. "I will. And thank you both. Without you two I would still be rotting in that dungeon or worse."

Vivienne’s eyes softened for a moment. "You earned this Logan. The people see it. The nobles fear it. Keep training. Keep being the man they need."

More cheers rose from the fence as word spread I was sparring. I stepped into the center of the yard with Garrick facing me. We traded blows hard and fast for the crowd. Every clash drew louder support from the lower folk and darker glares from the noble balconies.

Between strikes Garrick spoke low. "They blocked the new wyvern saddle too. Claimed it was damaged in transit."

I parried his swing and pushed back. "Then we ride bareback if we have to. I am not letting them turn me into a weak symbol. The Dragon Knight fights with whatever he has."

Vivienne watched from the side calling out encouragement loud enough for everyone. "Push harder Logan! Show them what real strength looks like!"

After the session I sat on a bench catching my breath. A line of lower class visitors waited with small gifts and messages of support. I greeted each one personally listening to their stories of survival and gratitude.

One old veteran gripped my hand tight. "Do not let the nobles break you son. You gave us hope when the mages sealed their walls. We stand behind the Dragon Knight."

"I will not break," I promised him. "We fight together."

As the sun climbed higher the sabotage felt heavier but the support from below gave me fuel. The nobles could keep their venom and their delays. The people had my back and that was worth more than any perfect blade.

Vivienne returned later with a small sealed note. "Harven is furious. Another shipment just got lost. But the lower forges are ready for you tonight."

I stood up gripping my borrowed sword. "Good. Let them sabotage. I will turn every missing weapon into another reason to push harder. The Dragon Knight is not going anywhere."

Training continued through the afternoon. The cheers from the fence never stopped. The noble venom burned hotter. But with loyal friends and the people behind me I knew I could weather it.

This new status brought worship and hate in equal measure. I would use both to grow stronger. The real fight was only beginning.