Neither of us had talked much about our past. Remembering made it hard to keep fighting.
What do you know about bone coins?I asked.
That, you’d have to ask a Liege, an impossible feat now.
A few still live.
I thought Kerune killed them all,he said.To seize control of the flying dreg army.
What’s their plan?I should’ve thought of asking him this sooner.
I can only make assumptions, of course. I believe they’ll be here within weeks, and I’m sure he thinks his new army will easily overrun this island. If it were me, I’d seize Lydel’s core. Then Riftflame will give way to save themselves from the dregs. After that, the king could rule this continent and begin plans to conquer the next.
He’ll never be satisfied.
Madrood flew higher and angled around, aiming for the shore far in the distance.The achievement of one goal only serves as a stepping stone to the next.
Will he start draining fae?
An interesting idea. I’m sure he will if he can’t get enough from Nullens.
We should send an emissary to form a treaty with whoever rules the continent south of here.
It’s a land of fierce battles and conniving rulers,he said.
A few may be eager to work with me if they hear a flying dreg army is on its way to conquer them.
Madrood grunted.Lydel’s high lady is wise.
A flying fish shot up from the water below, and he blasted it with fire. He flew faster to get us over land before others decided to take on his challenge.
I’m throwing out ideas here,I said. Ideas I’d discuss with my friends.
It’s a good one. Who could you send?
Zayde. I assume he’ll rule Bledmire if we can rid ourselves of the king.
Not your mate? He’s the king’s eldest.
I don’t believe Vexxion wants it. And if—no, I wasn’t going to play with ifs.When we marry, that will unite Weldsbane and Lydel, which is enough power to place in one couple’s hands. Everything in this world needs balance.
Which the powerless used to provide.
Can they be changed back?
I don’t know, but that’s something you should explore, beast master,he said.
I’m no beast master. I have no idea how to control anything, not even myself.
Yet you found a way to bond with a dragon, something no one has done for many generations.
I’m blundering around when I need to find focus. I can’t keep randomly flinging out power, hoping it’ll respond to my command.
A high lady must be willing to take risks.
Risk appears to flow through my veins,I said with a husky laugh as he flew back over the forest.I’m much too impulsive.
And that’s why you have a chance of succeeding.
