from thrice the range attainable by the strongest dartsman would appear more
efficacious than a mountain of dreary books or an eternity of incantations.”
“Dragon-beings’ weapons,” Horazzorgio muttered, fingering his shoulder
unconsciously. “I know well of those too.”
Frennelech looked uncomfortable, but before he could reply, Mormorel, the King’s
Senior Counselor, who had been pacing slowly to and fro as he listened, turned
suddenly and moved to the center of the open floor below the throne and raised
his hands to draw attention. Skerilliane straightened up and moved respectfully
back while the others turned their heads curiously.
“It is possible that our alarm is premature,” Mormorel said. “For what,
precisely, is it that substantiates the assumption—which none of us has
questioned—that these dragons are indeed emissaries of the Dark Master? That
they bear beings possessed of skills unfamiliar to us, we know; that they are
from regions unreported by our farthest-ranging travelers and explorers, we
know. But more of whence they come and why, we suppose much and know nothing. Is
it not possible that, rather than having been sent from some supernatural realm
for the advancement of sinister designs upon the world, they too could be
explorers, who find it expedient to enter into bargain with Kleippur for
rendering that which is of value to him in return for that which they in turn
have traveled far to seek?”
A silence descended around the throne room while the others digested the
implications of Mormorel’s observations. “The news that Kleippur was receiving
powerful foreign aid could prove a strong source of inspiration and resolve for
our people,” Horazzorgio mused. “They have long been mystified by the inability
of the Alliance armies to conquer tiny, stubborn Carthogia.”
“What would beings such as these seek in lands such as ours?” Eskenderom asked
doubtfully.
“No amount of speculation will tell us that,” Mormorel replied. “But whatever
the answer, can Carthogia offer anything that cannot be obtained in greater
abundance from Kroaxia’s vaster territories or produced more cheaply by our more
numerous slaves and laborers? Thus we can better not only whatever bargain
Kleippur has made with these dragon-beings, but also any improvement that lies
within his power to offer.”
“Mmm . . .” Eskenderom sat back and rubbed his chin thoughtfully. A gleam slowly
suffused his imagers. “If the dragon-beings’ aid can make such a difference to
puny Carthogia, it would make a nation like Kroaxia . . .”
“Invincible,” Frennelech completed in a distant voice.
Mormorel saw that he had made his point. He gave a slow, satisfied nod, and
looked from one to another of the faces around him. “Invincible not only against
Carthogia . . . but, should the occasion arise, against Serethgin, Corbellio,
Munaxios—all of them.”
Another short silence fell. Then Frennelech pronounced in a voice that was
suddenly more sure of itself, “It is divinely ordained! The Lifemaker has sent
the dragon-beings from beyond the Barrier as His instrument to carry the True
Faith to all comers of the robeing world. We are the chosen bearers of that
instrument, which the Dark Master, through Kleippur, is attempting to misdirect.
The quest we are set is to initiate contact with the dragon-beings and discover
what the Lifemaker has directed them to seek. Thus has He chosen to reveal to us
His will.”
Eskenderom looked at Skerilliane. “Has anything that you saw or heard provided
indication of what the dragon-beings seek from Kleippur?” he asked.
“Nothing. But it was not my purpose to look for such.”
“Then it shall be your purpose now,” Eskenderom declared. “Your assignment is to
return to Carthogia immediately and discover what the dragon-beings wish in
return for their aid. You are empowered to speak on behalf of the Kroaxian Crown
to express its desire for a direct dialogue, and to make appropriate offers as
guided by your own discretion to secure the attainment of that end.”
“I shall begin preparations at once,” Skerilliane said.
“One of your officers is to go too,” Eskenderom told Horazzorgio. “Skerilliane
may have need of a soldier’s expertise. Also, I would like to hear the opinion
of a military professional who has observed these dragon-beings firsthand.”
“I request the King’s permission to accompany him myself,” Horazzorgio replied