The cheer wasn't as great this time, but it still came.
“And we are not ashamed of what we are!”
People cheered and stomped their feet. It was the loudest Raltven got.
Diyak turned back to the King with a wicked grin on his face. “We welcome you to our home, King Cynric because you have shown loyalty and kindness to one of us.” He waved his hand at me. “Many of us saw you shot by an assassin here in the Forgotten. They saw Ru suck the poison from your wound. And they heard you roar in fury and fear when that poison infected him. You took Ru to your physician, who healed him. Then you sent word of his recovery to us along with gifts of gratitude for the killing of your would-be assassin. And now, you've brought our Ru home to us, alive and well.” Diyak laid a hand on the King's shoulder. “We accept the friendship and respect you offer because you are worthy of our acceptance. We need nothing more from you, especially not your apologies. You have never treated us unfairly, and that is better than a lot of Dragon Kings can say. As for protecting you, we are proud to.” He turned once more to the clan and asked, “What other Raltven clan can say that they've guarded a Dragon King?”
The cheers came again, and as the room rang with them, the Dragon King looked at me, his expression one of awe and appreciation. I took his hand and squeezed it.
When the Midnight Clan settled into silence, Cyn said, “I have never felt as safe as I do here with all of you. Perhaps I should hire Raltven for my King's Guard.”
Another cheer came, along with some laughter.
Someone called out, “It looks as if you've already got a start on that.”
Cyn looked at me and grinned before saying, “Ru is much more than my guard, and I think you all know that.”
The cheers were accompanied by hoots and bawdy remarks.
“All right, that's enough.” I held up my hands and stepped forward. “Thank you, Diyak. That was a wonderful speech.” I shook his hand before he headed back to his seat. “I have never been more proud to be a Raltven.” When they cheered again, I held up my hands. “But we need to discuss this situation. I want all of you to know what we're facing.”
“Go on then,” Hass said from his spot near the door.
“Hass, I'm glad you spoke up,” I said. “You and Grik need to be especially careful.”
“Why is that?” Grik demanded.
“Because I believe the person who wants the Dragon King dead is a magic-user. I believe they have enchanted people and sent them to kill the King. And I believe they will go after better victims next time. People who know how to kill.”
“You took care to bring him here in secret, did you not?” Diyak asked.
“Yes, of course. But this magic-user may come to the Forgotten to find the best assassins, not knowing that their prey is hiding here. I need everyone to be on guard around strangers. Don't trust anyone who isn't Raltven. In fact, be wary around Raltven who act strange as well.”
“Now, hold on, Ru,” Diyak said. “We can't have our people scared of each other.”
“Let me rephrase that. Don't be wary of each other; beaware. If someone you know isn't acting like themselves, watch them. Don't be alone with them. In fact, it would be best if everyone stuck to groups.”
“I sleep alone,” Hass said grimly. “Even my lovers aren't welcome to stay the night.”
“Change that,” I said sternly. “You're making yourself a target.”
“This magic-user is welcome to try to enchant me,” Hass scoffed.
“Hass, this is magic, not might,” I said. “And this magic-user has already proven to be underhanded. The first man who tried to kill the King was a Chelli.”
The Raltven murmured and exclaimed in astonishment.
“Yes, I know.” I held up a hand. “The King and I were skeptical as well, especially when the man swore he was innocent. He couldn't remember adding the poison to the King's food. And when I investigated his home, I found evidence of someone scaling his apartment wall and entering through the bedroom window.”
The thieves and assassins exchanged heavy looks.
“That's right. This person struck when their victim was asleep. They enchanted the Chelli man while he was vulnerable.”
“Fine,” Hass growled and swung his hooded head to look around the room. “Who wants to go home with me tonight?”
Hass wasn't just dangerous, he was also handsome. So several women grinned.
Before anyone could get up to join Hass, Diyak snapped, “Figure that shit out later! This is serious, everyone. Be aware of outsiders, set extra traps around your doors and windows, and do not sleep alone. Is everyone clear?”
