"Hello, Brother Vaughn," Sinjin said as he approached. "Hello, Onin and Sensi."
Onin grunted in response, and Sensi gave Sinjin a brief nod but made no other attempt to communicate. Brother Vaughn offered a brief hug and whispered, "Good luck."
In keeping with the treaty, two people came to shore from the Midlands, though more longboats waited nearby. It was a clear sign of doubt and fear. Brother Vaughn didn't like how this was starting. If only the rest would arrive and they could get this over with. The whole thing made his guts churn.
The barge's arrival was a good distraction, and it gave the gathered people a common sense of purpose. Though the Midlands delegation offered no help, they did watch the proceedings with an approving eye. Jehregard performed his customary service as a living crane and took the ropes in his monstrous jaws and moved the oversized table to the beach. Only two people from any delegation were permitted on the shore at one time. Other delegations pitched in by carrying chairs from the barge to the table. Participating lowered walls the Midlands delegation had built up around themselves.
Light conversation was just beginning between Sinjin and the man Brother Vaughn thought was Lord Bercheron. Some cast Brother Vaughn curious glances, most likely since the Cathurans had negotiated their own seat on this council, and he wasn't certain if more of his order would be in attendance. His standing with the order was questionable, and he didn't want to cause a fuss at such an important meeting. He just couldn't keep himself away. If it was a problem, he would allow himself to be taken to Jharmin Kyte's ship. Lord Kyte had just arrived now that his men were no longer needed to transport the table and chairs. With him came not his wife but Madra of Far Rossing. Madra was a good woman, but she was prone to bickering, and that was not what this council needed, though Jharmin's wife was no wilting flower either.
Nat Dersinger's ship dropped anchor not long after. Only Trinda and Allette were missing. No one expected Allette to come, but Trinda had historically come and managed to confuse everyone one way or another. Given the rumors of the two queens' colluding, the anticipation grew even more palpable.
With most of the council members seated, conversation grew more organized and intense.
"I'm not certain how long we should wait," Jharmin said. "Neither Trinda nor Allette has responded to the invitations sent. I don't hold much hope of them coming, myself."
"Perhaps that is for the best," Lord Bercheron said. "This will give us a chance to discuss what to do about them."
"As long as they keep to themselves," Jharmin said, "I say we do nothing."
"That's because you don't share a border with either of them," Lord Bercheron said. "Every day those ferals reproduce and grow is another day closer to war, and what if they are better prepared this time? Better to stomp them out of existence while they're still weak."
Sensi and Onin nodded in agreement, and Brother Vaughn did not like the direction the conversation was taking.
"I understand your concerns," Jharmin said, "but I can commit no resources to attacking Allette without leaving us open to attack from the Godfist."
"And we would be caught in the middle . . . again," Nat Dersinger said.
Ahem.
Brother Vaughn wasn't certain he had heard something at first, but then he heard it again.
Ahem.
This time everyone heard, and all those seated at the council table craned their necks. Nestled high in the rocks, sat Trinda Hollis, the child queen. She'd been there the entire time. Trinda waited for silence. "Any act of aggression against my ally, Allette, the one the people call the Black Queen of the Jaga, will be considered an act of war against the Godfist and against me, personally. My friend thought perhaps we should solve all of our problems today. She said if all the snakes put their heads in one place, draw your blade."
Outrage shone on faces around the table, and Kendra Volker stood ready for a fight.
"I told her snakes could be beautiful and have their purposes. Good snakes keep the rats away. Only those who dare enter the master's house need lose their heads. So be good snakes and keep your heads. Make a move toward myself or Allette, and feel our sting."
Jharmin Kyte stood with clenched fists on the table. Gold-tipped, green flames crept over his hands.
"Mind your manners, Greatlander," Trinda said. "Your people couldn't take the Godfist when you had the ferals on your side. How do you think you'll fare with them at your backs?"
"This is a violation of the council charter!" Lord Bercheron said.
"Actually it isn't," Trinda said. "I've read the charter. And while the fact that you did not previously note my presence is not a violation of the charter, those are." She said, pointing out to sea.
An angry roar built among those gathered as they saw the fleet of warships gathered on the horizon. Blades left sheaths and Kendra stood ready to defend Sinjin. Lord Bercheron's eyes narrowed as he regarded Trinda. Jharmin Kyte appeared ready to blast them all, and yet Trinda exuded cold calm.
Distant cries reached out across the water, and Brother Vaughn could soon make out the familiar curses. Bursting from the clouds, the Serpent left them roiling in her wake. Moments later, the clouds burst apart; three massive verdant dragons emerging in pursuit.
"Ambush!" Jharmin Kyte shouted.
Those on the shoreline moved away from the council table. Trinda alone remained where she was, smiling like the cat that caught the bird.
Chapter 3
Within the deepest darkness, the light shines most brightly.
--Gemino, sorcerer and artist
* * *
Sinjin took two steps backward, running into Kendra, who held her ground. It felt good knowing she was there, protecting him and allowing him to protect her. He wished he had violated the charter and brought the Staff of Life or Koe with him, but he was not defenseless. The staff and Koe had helped him gain access to his power, but he did not need them to glean at least a small amount from the air around him. Comets in abundance helped in that regard, though they made his powerful enemies even more powerful. This was among the best arguments he'd heard and had even repeated with regard to attacking Allette while she and the ferals were still weak. Now that would mean war with the Godfist, and he could think of nothing he'd like less.
When Jharmin turned to him, flames still dancing along his aging but still muscular form, Sinjin offered up his open palms. "Prepare to defend yourself, Nephew," Jharmin said. "My boat will be here soon. You should be away from here."
"Yes," Trinda said from above them. "You should be away. Fly back to your rock. You don't want to be here when my ships arrive."
With a glance over his shoulder, Sinjin saw Onin and Sensi climbing aboard Jehregard. Brother Vaughn was left standing with his arms extended, his plea ignored. Sand and debris soon filled the air and caused Brother Vaughn to retreat into his robes. Valterius cried out and Sinjin pushed Kendra in his direction. All the while, the Serpent drew closer. Black smoke billowed from the chimstack accompanied by a high-pitched whine. The ship moved with more speed than he would have guessed. It was amazing it flew at all, let alone over great distances. There were things about the Serpent he didn't understand, but he doubted Kenward would give up his secrets.
"Get them off my tail!" Kenward screamed as they passed. Free of the clouds, it wouldn't take long for the verdants to chase down the Serpent, no matter how nimble she was. Kenward executed a daring move, circling back. Sinjin was mounted before the ship passed the beach a second time. Kendra was climbing up behind him when another dragon appeared atop the cliffs. Gerhonda issued a challenging call and swooped toward Kendra. Before she reached the beach, though, she passed the child queen. With a single sweep of her tail, Gerhonda sent Trinda tumbling to the sand. Though she landed on her feet, Trinda had fire in her eyes. The air stank of power; it washed over those who remained in waves.
"Any harm to her will come twice to you," Kendra growled the ancient warning, standing her ground before Trinda.
&nb
sp; The child queen smiled. "You're a pretty little snake. Fly away."
Verdants circled overhead. Trinda's warships drew ever closer. Without taking her gaze off Trinda, Kendra mounted. The child queen rewarded her with a goading smile.
"Brother Vaughn!" Sinjin shouted.
The man ran toward Valterius.
"Grab my hand!" came a shout from behind. Brother Vaughn turned to see the Serpent approaching and Kenward reaching out for him.
Brother Vaughn continued to run to Valterius and did not look back.
Nat Dersinger's shouts were the last thing Sinjin heard before leaving the keys behind.
"There will be blood and fire!"
* * *
The Serpent flew toward clouds gathering in the east, and there was nothing Sinjin and Valterius along with Kendra and Gerhonda could do about the verdant dragons still flying in pursuit. All he could do was wish his friends speed and luck. Brother Vaughn clung to him. The prayers he uttered were not for his own safety but that of the madman and his crew. Sinjin had sailed with Kenward but not aboard the Serpent; doing so took a special kind of madman.
"Do these two dragons seem like too much of a show of strength now?" Kendra asked the wind, not looking at him.
"Say you were wrong," Brother Vaughn whispered.
Biting his lip, Sinjin had to think about it for a minute. "I was wrong."
Kendra just harrumphed and continued to look anywhere but at him.
"You took too long," Brother Vaughn whispered.
"Way too long," Kendra said, and she wheeled Gerhonda to one side, ending the conversation.
"Thanks," Sinjin said.
"I was just trying to help," Brother Vaughn said.
"I know," Sinjin said. Kendra was right. All his optimism and seeing the good in people couldn't make it so. People given the opportunities for quarrel will eventually find a reason to do so. He had never wanted to believe it, but fate was proving it true. "I'm not certain the Council of the Known Lands will meet again."
Brother Vaughn offered no argument. Kendra assumed the lead position, which annoyed Sinjin, but he let it go. At some point in the future, he would have to nicely remind her he was Al'Drakon. It wasn't purely his ego that required this; it was responsibility to the Drakon and the Dragon Clan as a whole. They needed him to be strong and in charge. Anything otherwise confused and agitated them. Kendra knew this but when she wanted to be spiteful, dominating him was her preferred revenge.
Fortunately for Sinjin, he was not alone, and Valterius would tolerate only so much. Before they came within view of the hold, Sinjin's dragon swung to one side and gained altitude. Without warning, he dived, gaining speed and bringing his bulk directly over top of Kendra and Gerhonda. Kendra's dragon issued a petulant call and gave way, allowing Valterius to lead. Sinjin couldn't help smiling for what Valterius had done, but he also knew he'd bear the blame for his dragon's actions.
Behind him, Brother Vaughn fidgeted.
"What are you doing?" he asked, made uncomfortable by Brother Vaughn's twisting and turning in his seat.
"I'm sorry," Brother Vaughn said. "I think I've lost something important to me."
"Your cube?" Sinjin asked.
Brother Vaughn hesitated before answering. "Yes," he said after a long moment. "I must've lost it during the flight with Onin. I love dragons--don't misunderstand me--but I might be happier observing them from the ground."
Sinjin understood his sentiment, but he'd begun to overcome his fears and feel more at home in the saddle. Nowhere else did he have the freedom he did flying with Valterius, and nowhere else was he more powerful. Comet light bathed him in power, and though he might never achieve Trinda's or Allette's abilities, he was no longer powerless. It was something he was still getting accustomed to. For much of his life, he'd been passive, trying to stay in the background and avoid a fight. He still didn't like conflict and prevented violence whenever possible, but he was no longer afraid. He was no longer powerless. These things he reiterated and reminded himself as Windhold came into view.
Behind him, Brother Vaughn said a prayer as wind gusts tossed them about. Valterius wasn't bothered by such things, and Sinjin was growing accustomed. Brother Vaughn was pale and trembling. Sinjin patted Valterius on the neck and did his best to ask his mighty steed for a smooth landing. Though his dragon couldn't possibly read his thoughts, he was surprised when Valterius landed as gently as he ever remembered, and he had to wonder just how much the dragon did understand.
Durin rushed out to meet them, and the dragon was all too happy to be returned to Durin's care. It took Brother Vaughn a moment to dismount and Sinjin empathized; his own thighs hurt, and his stiff muscles resisted his commands. Time in the saddle took its toll, and Sinjin walked slowly as he went to where Kendra stood. Brother Vaughn wisely stayed with Durin.
"You could've gotten us both killed," Kendra said.
"You're right," Sinjin admitted.
"Well, it took you long enough to figure that out. And if I hadn't insisted on bringing Gerhonda, where would Brother Vaughn be?"
Sinjin had no answer.
"No more illusions and wishes. Just real truth," Kendra continued with conviction. The Drakon watched her in a way that made Sinjin think she should be Al'Drakon. He flushed. "War is coming and we must prepare. We need to firm our allegiances and monitor our enemy's activities. There can be no other way."
"I agree," Sinjin said, soft but firm.
"And how are you going to do that? What, exactly, are you going to do?"
"I don't know," he said.
"Yes, you do," Kendra said, coiled like a snake ready to strike him. Sinjin steeled himself and prepared for the onslaught. "You've known all along. You just won't tell me what it is. You don't trust me enough to share your secret. How can any of us trust you when you don't trust us?"
It wasn't fair, he thought, knowing it was childish, but that failed to banish his anger. "Durin!" he shouted. The hold went silent.
"What?" Durin called, peering out from underneath a wing.
"Saddle Valterius!"
"But I just got it off of him!"
"Do it!" Sinjin commanded. Others moved to assist Durin. He didn't need the help, but neither did he turn it away. Valterius flicked his tail, but he tended to behave a little better when other people were around him. Sinjin generally found this amusing, but anger kept the smile from forming. His anger was mostly with someone who wasn't present, and he did what he could to control it. From Durin he accepted his staff and Koe. Kendra stood watching him with her hands on her hips. She'd said nothing since his outburst, which was probably for the best.
With Valterius saddled, Sinjin climbed aboard. Now Kendra raised an eyebrow. After inserting the ancient staff in its holder, he reached down and offered Kendra a hand up. She made a rude noise and walked back to Gerhonda. The minutes spent in the saddle waiting for Kendra were uncomfortable. There was little doubt Kendra kept him waiting longer than necessary just out of spite. At least she was preparing to go with him. It was enough.
"What happened?" Durin asked.
"The council meeting did not go well," Sinjin said.
"I figured as much."
"Trinda and Allette are aligned, and Trinda's warships ambushed the council."
Durin's eyes bulged.
"And then the Serpent arrived."
"At the council?" Durin asked. "I thought he wasn't supposed to get anywhere near there."
"He wasn't," Sinjin said, "but you know Kenward; tell him he can't do something, and that's just what he'll do."
"In his defense," Brother Vaughn said, "three verdant dragons were chasing him."
"There was that," Sinjin conceded.
"Maybe I should have left it at 'the council meeting did not go well,'" Durin said.
Kendra brought Gerhonda to stand behind Valterius, a clear rebuke for the flight in. Sinjin did his best not to prolong the display. Valterius moved back toward the skies. He cast one unhappy glance back at Sinji
n before leaping into the air. Gerhonda followed an instant later, and they soon flew side by side.
"Are you going to tell me what this is about?" Kendra asked after a long silence.
"You want to know everything, so I'm going to show you everything."
"It's about time."
"This isn't a matter to be taken lightly," Sinjin said. Kendra made a show of acting apologetic. Sinjin refused to look at her. No matter how he wished the flight to be over, they had enormous distances to cover. There was nothing to be done but fly with all the speed the dragons could muster.
* * *
Deep within Dragonhold, time was nearly meaningless. Sleep threatened two men unaccustomed to sentry duties. Most who guarded the child queen had been selected for their strengths, for their ability to protect Trinda should the need arise. For others, however, it was sometimes their weaknesses that served her best. Neither guard standing watch over Trinda would be much use in a fight. Keen eyesight they did not possess, nor the sharpest hearing. What they did have were voices loud enough to summon more capable men stationed not far away.
No matter how bright the room, given the many herald globes resting in various holders, these men should not be able to see the object holding Trinda's attention. It had been Trinda who discovered the herald globes' more deadly properties, yet she felt most safe when surrounded by them and bathed in their light. The holders bore Strom's mark, and no one could deny Catrin and Osbourne's artistry in creating the globes, but those barely mattered.
Before her rested an ancient scroll, rotted and discolored with age. The words were largely illegible and their forms archaic, so much so that Trinda had to squint at them. The one with illuminated illustrations, however, made clear Dragonhold's true nature and power. A smile spread across Trinda's face, but she started like a guilty child at the sound of approaching boots. Some secrets must be kept even from those closest to her, and Trinda scrambled to conceal the disintegrating scroll without further damaging it.