Pledged in Blood: Chapter Forty-Eight (Patreon)

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Chapter Forty-Eight

Tub

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I awoke late the next morning to find myself curled upon the same cushions I went to bed on. I lifted my head, blinking bleary eyes. The gryphons were gone, but scattered feathers of taupe and indigo lingered around me. I must have been sleeping so soundly I did not even notice it when the birds extricated themselves from me. Or had I wriggled free of them? The night’s events seemed fuzzy, a gauze curtain draped across my memories. I sat up onto my haunches, rubbing my head beneath a horn. The bittersweet scents of tea, and something less familiar now tinted the air.

“Morning, Ella.” Nesh waved at me the nearby table where he was seated. He was dressed in fresh clothing I had not seen before; a gold and lilac hued shirt with ebony buttons, and black trousers with silver stitching. He lifted a porcelain mug patterned with blue flowers, waggling it. “Tea?”

“Very well.” I licked my nose, still fighting the bleariness in my eyes. “Where are the birds?”

“Preparing a bath, I believe.” Nesh walked to nearest hearth, where a kettle hung above the flames. He fetched it with padded gloves, then poured fresh tea into a large wooden drinking bowl nearby. Steam wafted from it in twining coils. “Careful, this is very hot.”

“Thank you, Nesh.” I eased the bowl closer, making sure not to spill any scalding liquid across my paw. I sniffed at the rising steam, and found its bittersweet herbal aroma stronger and more invigorating than the stuff Nesh made during our trip. “This smells different. Stronger, but pleasantly so.”

“Indeed!” Nesh returned the kettle to the hearth, then settled back into his chair. He lifted his mug and sipped it. “It’s a very different blend. Ayrah’s people brought it quite early this morning, along with plenty more supplies and clothing.” He ran a hand down the front of his shirt. “Case in point. I’m not totally sold on the color, but it’s a nice fit. There was coffee too, but I think Blue Jay drank it all already. I’ll make you more, if you like.” He took another sip of tea, sighing in satisfaction.

I sniffed the tea again, then touched a finger pad to its surface. It still felt too hot to risk my tongue. “No, this shall suffice, thank you.” While I waited for my drink to cool, I gazed towards the front doors. There were closed tightly. “I slept through the arrival of supplies?”

“That you did.” Nesh chuckled, sipping once more before setting his mug down. “Though to be fair, they were here just after dawn. I had to get out of bed to go open the doors for them.” He grimaced, rubbing his arms. “Which, I’ll tell you, took a mighty effort. They might be easy for dragons to open, but they’re damn heavy for humans. I had them bring everything in, and set it over there.” Nesh pointed to a fresh stack of crates and other containers. “They also took Sparrow and Blue Jay’s harnesses with them to make repairs, or craft replacements.”

I snorted, thumping my tail. “I’m surprised such commotion didn’t wake me.”

“So am I.” Nesh hooked his arm over the back of his chair. “Blue Jay woke up and went and yelled at them for being here so damn early.” He grimaced, then shook his head, laughing. “There were a number of words I never expected to hear from a gryphon’s beak.”

The thought made me grin. “I’m rather sorry I missed that.”

“Sparrow wasn’t much happier when that commotion work her, either.” Nesh traced random symbols on the table with a finger tip. “You, though, were sleeping like a baby the whole time. When the workers left, the rest of us decided to follow your lead and go back to sleep. I think we all just got back up less than an hour ago.”

“I’m surprised the movement did not wake me, as well.” I lowered my head to my drinking bowl, and found the tea had cooled sufficiently to drink it. I lapped a little up, and found the taste even stronger than the aroma. There was a hint of spiciness to it, and something oddly cooling on the back end. “Is there mint in this?”

Nesh tasted his head, swishing it in his mouth. “I don’t think it’s actually mint, I think the tea blend just lends it that sort of aftertaste. I could be wrong, however. I’m surprised you picked up on that, though.”

“I know what mint is,” I said, a little more irritably than I’d intended. “It grows in the valley.” I took another drink, then glanced up at Nesh. “The tea is enjoyable. I was merely curious.”

“I’m glad you like it.” Nesh fetched his padded gloves, then retrieved the kettle and poured himself another cup. “Oh, and as for the gryphons waking you, didn’t you go for a walk, or something? You weren’t between them anymore, after I woke up.”

“I wasn’t?” I lifted my head. Vague images of Melakar drifted through my mind, but I couldn’t quite focus on them the way I wanted too. “I did go outside but…” I flattened back my dreams. “I thought perhaps that was a dream.”

“One of the guards at the door told me you’d gone outside, and sat in the street for a while.” Nesh returned the kettle to its place, and sat back down. “Needed some fresh air, I take it?”

“Something like that.” I circled a claw tip around the outside of my drinking bowl.

“Well, in any case.” Nesh gestured with his cup towards the sleeping area. “Sparrow was all snuggled up on Blue Jay, and you were sort of, curled against the both of them.” A smile crossed his lips. “I’d say the three of you looked adorable together, but I’m sure you’d tell me dragons never look adorable, or some such nonsense.”

“We have our moments.” I lapped up a little more tea, wondering what else the guards saw me doing. If my dream had been more of a waking vison, there was no telling what else I may have done or said in front of them. “Did he say anything else about me? The soldier, I mean.”

Nesh shook his head, then blew on his tea. Steam swirled around his face. “Not really. I think it’s a new shift, so he probably only had secondhand information anyway.” He paused, staring at me over his mug. “Why? Was there something else to see you doing?”

“Good question,” I said, snorting. “I’m not sure.” I flicked my tail tip back and forth a few times, briefly debating how much to tell Nesh. By now there was no reason for me to be anything but honest with him. “I dreamt that Melakar was visiting me. And, I went to sit with him, outside.” I flicked a wing tip towards the doorways. “We sat in the road, talked, and watched the stars. He held me under his wing, and it felt…” My breath caught at the memory of his warmth across my back. “It felt ever so real.”

Nesh slowly set his mug back down without ever taking another drink. “This is happening more and more often, isn’t it?”

I nodded once. “This time, I knew for certain that I was dreaming.”

“Like a lucid dream?” Nesh pivoted in his chair to face me, folding his arms. “If you’re familiar with the term.”

“I am, and yes.” I lapped a little more tea, then licked droplets from my muzzle. “It was very much like that. Until…” I pinned back my spines. “Until I realized the guards noticedme, but not him. Perhaps it was only a dream, but…If they truly did see me sitting in the road, then I think I was awake.”

Nesh inclined his head. “Or sleepwalking, perhaps?”

I shrugged my wings. “I suppose it’s possible. But if I really did venture to the road, then I have to assume that Ayrah’s soldiers also witnessed me talking to Melakar. Or, talking to myself, I suppose. Leaning against someone who wasn’t there. Sharing affection.” I gave a frustrated snarl. “I must have looked absolutely mad.”

“Probably,” Nesh said, chuckling. He picked up his tea and finally took a long drink. After swallowing, he gestured with the cup. “Assuming this was anything like your other dreams and visions, was there anything I should know? I don’t mean to pry, but…”

My belly twisted. Suddenly the warm liquid I drank felt very unwelcome. “Yes, although, the specifics escape me. Something about the fact that someone had found me?” I tilted my head, grasping at the memories, though they proved frustratingly nebulous. “The Smoke, I assume? And that…something would happen, in which I would have to make a choice, of some kind.” I snarled, slapping my paw against the ground. “Melakar was as damn irksome in my dreams as he was in real life.”

Nesh chuckled, taking another drink. “So it seems.” He set the cup back down, his face twisting. “Still, while I can appreciate a good ominous portent as much as the next man, I am growing a bit weary of all this…” he waved his hand. “Godly mystery.”

I lifted my head, perking my ears. “Is that not blasphemous for you to say?”

“Oh, shut up, Ella.” Nesh crossed his arms again, fighting back a smile. “Doesn’t sound as if there’s much we can do, anyway.”

“No,” I said, tossing my head. “It doesn’t. You said Ayrah is coming by a little later?”

“Right.” Nesh rocked back in his chair. “Around lunchtime, or so? Which…” He glanced up at the copper framed windows. Sunlight streamed through them. “Is probably only a few hours away, at most. I think she wants to prepare something formal for you to sign as quickly as possible. And perhaps more importantly, something you can be seensigning.”

I drained the last of the tea before replying. When the bowl was empty, I pushed it aside. “A formality, yes? To prove to your people that I have peaceful intent?”

Nesh nodded. “That would be the gist of it, yes. An accord of some kind with the city of Tivos would be a good first official act for you. And for Tivos, I should think.” Nesh chewed on his lip for a few moments. “We’re lucky you and Ayrah have so much history together, and so much trust. With anyone else, you’d probably have to make a dozen trips here, and countless ‘donations’ to the city’s treasure before they’d even consider the idea of the most basic accord with a dragon.” He waggled his fingers. “The fact that Tivos is so far out into the frontier helps, as well. Though they’re an important hub for Diandrios, they’re still semi-independent, which means Ayrah’s allowed to make deals and sign treaties like this. Cities further in the interior might not have the same luxury.”

“That is helpful, yes.” I pushed myself up, stretching out my limbs one at a time. “I’m going to have a bath while I can.” I took a few steps away from Nesh, then crooked my tail and waggled my haunches at him. “Care to join me, Concubine?”

Nesh chuckled, rolling his eyes. “Oh, unless you’re kicking the birds out, I think you’ll have more then enough company already, thank you.”

“Suit yourself.”

As I made my way to the back room, sounds of splashing and birdsong laughter filled the air. In the bathing room, I discovered the deep tub already filled with steaming water, and frothy soap bubbles. The room’s hair was humid and warm, the stove beneath the water tank aglow with heat and flame. Blue Jay and Sparrow were both in the tub, working soap through each other’s feathers. They chatted in gryphon, laughing and teasing one another. It was a pleasant change for their usual bickering, and I decided against making light of their behavior lest I spoil their good mood.

“Morning, birds.” I padded closer to the tub, and paused near the edge of it. “Not interrupting anything I shouldn’t be, am I?”

“Certainly not,” Sparrow said, chirping. “And good morning to you, Dragon.”

“Morning, Ella.” Blue Jay waved a dripping paw at me, inadvertently flinging soapy water into Sparrow’s face.

“Watch it!” She splashed water back at him.

I stuck a paw into the water, testing its warmth. It was hotter than my springs back home, but not quite unpleasant. “You’ve really put that stove to good use.” I glanced from one end of the tub to the other. There was still plenty of room left. “Are you going to complain too fiercely if I join you?”

“That depends if you’re going to help us wash, or not.” Blue Jay cocked his head, a smirk parting his beak and splaying his ears. “In a gryphon bath, everyone helps groom everyone else.”

I snorted, slinking down into the water. “I suppose I could be talked into scrubbing a feather or two.”

The water’s heat rose around my body as I settled in. The warmth verged on uncomfortable at first, but as my body adjusted it became quite relaxing. I folded my limbs beneath my body, sinking down until the water covered as much of me as possible. Soaps waves displaced by my mass sloshed around the tub, lapping at the gryphons. A few of them splashed out onto the floor, puddling here, sluicing towards a drain there. The bright scents of soaps tinted with flowers and fruits was stronger with my muzzle hovering just above the froth. While it was hardly a collection of scents I would normally choose for myself, I was happy enough just to enjoy a hot bath for a time. I closed my eyes, resting my head on the ground beyond the sunken tub.

“Don’t get too comfortable, Dragon.” Blue Jay worked his forepaws down Sparrow’s back. “You did make certain agreements in return for joining us, after all.”

I replied without opening my eyes. “Can I not just enjoy this end of the tub in peace, and leave your birds to your rituals of shared scrubbing?”

“No.” Sparrow slapped her paw against the surface, spraying me with hot foam. “You may not. We did all the work for this bath, so if you expect to share it gryphons, you’ll share it properly. Otherwise you can get right back out. Then you can wait for us to finish, and then you can work the stoves and heat your own damn water.”

“Oh, very well.” I opened my eyes, and lifted my head. “I suppose you did already do the challenging part.” I cast the large water tank and its collection of pipes, valves, and built in stove a suspicious glance. “I’d probably have broken that thing anyway.”

“Or burned your paws.” Blue Jay lifted a foreleg away from Sparrow to wave me over. “Here, come work the soap into my back, like I’m doing for Sparrow. Then we’ll wash your back for you. We’ll keep it simple for your benefit. Acceptable?”

“Very well.” I eased down onto my haunches near the gryphons. “Do you have soap remaining, or am I just to use this frothy stuff?”

Sparrow chirped, swishing her paw through the water’s surface. “There should be soap around somewhere. Blue Jay had it last.”

Blue Jay felt around in the water, and soon retrieved a misshapen bar of off-white material. “Here you are. It’s human soap, not really made for feathers, let alone scales, but it will do. Just rub it between your paws, and-”

“I know how to use soap!” I snatched it away from him, glaring at the gryphon as I worked it between my paws. Almost immediately the bar shot out of my gasp and plopped back into the water. “Damn it!”

Blue Jay tilted his head, one ear perked. “Are you sure?”

“Watch it, bird,” I said, feeling around on the tub’s copper bottom. “Or I shall work something else between my paws.”

Blue Jay perked his other ear, his beak opening in a gryphon smirk.

“Don’t say it!” I found the slippery bar, pulled it from the water, and thumped him on the beak with it. He squawked and pulled his head back, and I returned to soaping up. “Admittedly that did not sound as threatening as I tended. I should have said-”

“Should have, but didn’t.” Blue Jay stood up so that his back was partly protruding from the water, sodden wings draped at his sides. “Just work the soap in all down my back, as I’m doing for her.”

I watched Blue Jay work for a few moments. Standing, he could only use one foreleg a time, so he worked it in a slow circle against Sparrow’s back, lathering up the fur and feathers. His moments were firm, but gently, almost as if he was massaging her flight muscles even as he was grooming her. I watched until I had the idea. It was simple enough, and not an unpleasant sort of social ritual.

For a few moments, I simply contemplated how far we’d come. I had bathed with Blue Jay before, back in Melakar’s lair. At the time, we were still enemies, sharing an uneasy truce. If my memory served me, I’d even playfully threatened to drown him. We spent the bath on opposite sides of the tub, allowing each other the maximum space possible to avoid spurring any return to hostility. Blue Jay had exited it as quickly as possible. I doubted Sparrow would have even deigned to share the water with me, at the time. Yet now here they both were, not only inviting me to join their social grooming, but demanding I do so.

Smiling at the thought, I gently pressed my forepaws against Blue Jay’s shoulders, just before his wings. I massaged each forepaw in a slow circle, kneading his muscles and working the soap in where the his indigo fur met his black-barred feathers. From there, I made my down all down his back doing the same thing. Blue Jay soon relaxed under my touch, and his gentle purr told me I must be doing something right. Whenever needed I soaped up my paws again and went back to work.

Once I reached his haunches, I observed him again. He helped Sparrow bathe her tail by delicately working the cleaning lather into the silken fur and long feathers tipping it. The key appeared to be not to pull too hard during the cleaning process, so as not to accidentally dislodge the plumage. With that in mind, I bathed Blue Jay’s tail down to its tip. Once both gryphon’s backs and tails were fully lathered, they submerged themselves and rinsed off best they could without fresh water.

After that it was my turn for the same treatment. Blue Jay rubbed soap into the scales of my neck and my back. Sparrow helped as well, gently rubbing a soapy cloth against the membranes of my wings. The gryphons had already bathed themselves elsewhere, so while they attended areas I could not reach, I washed the rest of my body. I was forced to admit, being casually massaged by a duo of gryphons was quite an enjoyable experience.

“You know,” I said, when they were nearly finished. “I am forced to admit you gryphons and your overly social behaviors might not be entirely ridiculous. When my empire is completed, I shall have to keep you two around as my official bathers.”

“You’d be so lucky.” Sparrow snapped her beak at me, but warbled laughter just the same. “Now, you may have wondered why we allowed the fire to stay lit, even after the tub was full.” She waved a sopping paw towards the water tank and its stove. The flames had dwindled significantly now, but still licked at the lowest region of water tank’s heating elements.

“No.” I snorted, then flicked a single digit at her to spray a tiny bit of foam. “I had not.”

Sparrow’s ears drooped as if she had a whole speech prepared on the mechanics of gryphon bathing, and I’d just ruined it. “Oh. Well, the gist of it is we’re going to drain the tub and then pour fresh water in to rinse the rest of the soap out of our feathers.” As she spoke, she pulled open the plugs that kept the water from draining out.

“Sensible.” I settled back on my haunches again, watching little whirlpools twist in the froth above the drains. “Show me how the valves and things work, in case I need to do so myself.”

“Very well.” Sparrow clambered out of the tub when the water was nearly gone. Her beige and taupe feathers were slicked down against her. She shook herself but could not succeed in fluffing her damp feathers back up. “Watch closely.”

“Oh, I am.” I cocked my head. With the way the water plastered her fur and plumage against her body, she looked unusually slender, her lithe body outlined against damp feathers. “You look like a malnourished fledging when you’re soaked.”

Sparrow shot me a glare, then hoisted up her to tail in a rude, and revealing, gesture. “Kiss my ass, dragon.”

“That’s a very human way to say it.” I laughed, gesturing with a wing tip towards Blue Jay. “Don’t feel too bad though, I think I told this one he looks like a drowned rat.”

“Yes.” Blue Jay snapped his beak. “You did.”

“Just pay attention, Ella,” Sparrow said.

Sparrow went to the control valves for the bathtub, waiting till I was watching. Then she showed me what each valve and pipe was for. Though Ayrah and Nesh demonstrated the previous evening, it was easier for me to keep up with Sparrow’s explanations. Not because the humans had spoken too fast, but simply because since Sparrow was actually bathing with me, I was able to observe each function in action.

The water tank inside was fed by a larger tank outside, linked by sloping, gravity fed pipes. If we wished for cold water, bypass pipes with their own faucets brought it in directly from the outdoor tank. Different pipes took the water to the sinks, latrines, and bathing tub. If we wished hot water, it had to be heated by the stove built into the indoor tank. After filling up the bath, the gryphons refilled the heater tank as well, so that the fresh water could also warm. Now that it was ready, Sparrow showed me which valves to turn to send the hot water streaming into the tub.

Blue Jay ushered me aside with a wing just before steaming water gushed from the twin copper faucets. “When the water first pours in, give it a berth in case it’s too hot.” He flicked his other wing towards the tanks. “Ideally, there should be too much water in there for a fire that small to heat it to the point of danger. But always treat it cautiously, just in case. If it’s safe, you can plug the tub again and let it fill.”

“Very well.” I scooted back, cocking my head. “How do you test it without burning yourself?”

“I usually hold a paw near the stream.” Blue Jay stood near the drains the water was currently pouring straight into. “If the tiny little splashes sting my pads, I know it’s too hot.” He held his paw out, then when he was satisfied, eased it into the water. “It’s fine.” Blue Jay pushed the plugs back into the drain holes. “Now we let it fill a bit, and get rinsed off.”

“Certainly, more complicated than just soaking in the springs back home.” I watched the water began to fill the tub, soon puddling around my paws. “But not without its charms and enjoyments.”

Sparrow joined us once more, and before long, fresh water was up to the gryphons’ bellies. Once more they helped wash each other. This time they assisted each other in rinsing all lingering residue from their fur and feathers, especially in their harder to reach places. Though they did not specifically ask for my help this time, I offered it just the same. I worked my fingers through Sparrow’s tail feathers under the water, then did the same for Blue Jay’s flight feathers. In return, the two of them gave my own wings and the unreachable areas of my hide a good rubdown.

Once the four of us were completely rinsed off, Sparrow unplugged the drains one last time. She climbed out first, shook herself, and then cut off the flow of water. As Blue Jay and I clambered out of the tub, Sparrow collected a little water in a bucket, and used it to douse the flames in the stove. Steam hissed and roiled as the fire was quenched. She ducked her head down, staring into the stove before clicking her beak in satisfaction.

“Always ensure the fire is doused when you’re finished.” She set the bucket down, shaking herself again. “The humans will be ever so angry if you burn down their buildings.”

“Yes, I’m sure they will,” I said, chuckling. I shook myself the same way, pleased that my scales would dry far quicker than their fur and feathers. “You two may want to stand near the front hearth to dry off.”

“That’s the plan.” Blue Jay padded towards a large pile of soft looking clothes. “They’ve left us some towels, too. Bring a few, will you both?” He grasped a few folded towels in his beak, then left the bathing room.

Sparrow and I did as he asked. We each took a few towels with us as we joined Blue Jay in the main chamber. The gryphons spread a few of them out on the floor, near the fire. Then they sat down on them, and used the others to help dry each other off. I followed their lead, settling behind them to gently rub down their wings with a towel of my own. Between the heat of the hearth and the quick-drying nature of dragon hide, I was dry long before either of them were even close.

When the towels could do no more, both gryphons spread their wings before the flames to allow the heat to finish the job. As they dried off, Nesh joined us to brew a fresh batch of tea for Sparrow. When it was ready, he poured her some in a bowl and brought it to her. Blue Jay declined an offer of the same, but asked if he’d be willing to make more coffee. Nesh did not mind, and before long had another brewing vessel hanging above the fire.

“Haven’t you already had an entire pot of that stuff?” I flicked a finger towards the coffee.

“I have, yes.” Blue Jay shook himself, preening a wing as it dried. “But I’m still tired.”

Sparrow stared at him over her own drying wing. “I’m starting to think you only pretend to dislike tea, and coffee, because it’s bad for image as an uncivilized raider.”

“Nonsense.” Blue Jay removed a loose feather. “I sincerely dislike tea. Coffee I’ve developed a secret taste for. Particularly the urd’thin stuff Lir shared with us, but this will suffice.”

Sparrow tilted her head. “I didn’t know you’d started to like it. Though I suppose I should have.” She clacked her beak at him. “It’s bitter, just like you.”

By the time the birds were nearly dry, there was a loud, almost ceremonial knock on the door. I glanced towards it. “Is that who I think it is?”

“I’ve no idea,” Nesh said, rising from his chair. “But I’ll go and see.”

“That’s alright, Nesh.” I shook myself, then quickly strode past him. “I shall let her in. On the off chance it’s anyone dangerous, I would prefer to be the one barring them entry.”

Nesh scowled but stayed where he was. “If it was someone dangerous, I rather doubt they’d come in broad daylight, let alone use the front door.”

Though he made a good point, I still saw no reason to put him in harm’s way, however low the chances were. After all, surely the entire town knew where we were now. If Melakar did have any lingering enemies here, I did not wish for Nesh to become one of their targets. While I would never hide from my enemies, neither would I let Nesh stand between us. Thankfully, when I opened the front doors, our guests were exactly as expected.

Ayrah and Lir stood just outside, their personal entourage of guards waiting beyond them. Ayrah crossed an arm over her belly, and offered a deep bow. “Good morning, your Majesty.”

“Good morning, Ayrah.” I bowed my head to her, then stepped back so the two of them could enter.

Lir hurried past Ayrah, her gray-tipped tail swishing behind her. “Morning, Ella. Hope you got a big fire going in here, it’s cold as shit out today!”

“Says the one with an actual pelt!” Ayrah rose, adjusting her own fur-lined coat. “And that’s hardly a suitable way to greet royalty, Lir.”

“Oh, right.” Lir paused, flashed her teeth at Ayrah, and then gave me a deep bow. Hidden cargo bulged inside her padded, golden jacket. “A hoity toity hello to you, your Highness.”

I laughed and waved her towards the fire. “Don’t mind Ayrah, Lir. You’re hardly under any obligation to treat me as your Queen.” I swept a wing towards Nesh and the gryphons. “Those three are my only real subjects, thus far.”

“A description to which we strenuously object.” Sparrow splayed her ears, glaring at me. Then she glanced at Blue Jay, who only shrugged. “Well, I object, anyway.”

Nesh ran a hand back through his hair. “I feel like I’ve been conscripted into Ella’s empire, whether I like or not.”

“Luckily for you, Concubine, you do like it.” I closed the doors again after Ayrah came inside. “And you’re continue to like it until I tell you otherwise.”

Nesh made a mock salute. “Yes, Your Majesty, as you say, your Majesty.”

“That’s more like it.” I looked Ayrah and Lir over. Ayrah’s hair was neatly tied back behind her head today with silver bands. Lir had tied golden ribbons into the fur of her tail, to match her coat. She’d also done up an ebony bow around each little horn. “How are you two today? Besides decorated.”

Lir brushed her fingers across one of the black bows. “I’m beautiful as always, of course. Now, where’s my gorgeous birds?” She turned away, hurrying over to greet the gryphons instead.

Ayrah chuckled at her assistant’s antics as she walked towards the fire, removing her body-length coat. “I’m alright, I suppose. Tired as hell, if I’m honest.” Beneath her coat, she wore a long-sleeved blouse of silver, with crisscrossing black patterns down the sleeves. Her pants were also black, with golden diamonds embossed along the seams of each leg. I could not recall seeing her in such formal looking clothing, before. “Was up way too late signing things, and way too early setting events in motion.” Ayrah draped her coat across the back of a chair. “Which I’ll get right to.” She turned around towards me. “Ella, are you comfortable appearing at the signing of a public accord today?”

I flattened my spines, my tail tip twitching. “Nesh mentioned your people hinted at something like that. Can you elaborate for me, before I agree to it?”

“Certainly.” Ayrah rubbed her hands together. “The gist of it is, you and I stand in front of a crowd in a public square. I give a little speech, and you can do the same if you want. Then we sit across from each other at a big table, and sign some documents.” She walked to the fire, glancing at the others along the way. “Morning, everyone! Hope you got more sleep than I did.” Ayrah held her hands up to the flames as she resumed speaking to me. “Honestly, it’s more for show than anything else, but it will be an official trade accord. Now, there won’t be a lot of substance to it, but there will be some.”

“Such as?” I settled onto my haunches just behind her.

Nesh joined us, fetching the kettle with his padded gloves. “Yes, as Her Majesty’s official ambassador, I cannot advise her to sign anything until we’ve been given a full accounting of the contents. That said…” He raised the kettle, smiling. “Tea? Or we’ve coffee, if you prefer.”

“Coffee, please.” Ayrah jerked her thumb at her friend. “And tea for Lir, I suspect.”

“Yes please, Sharpshooter.” Lir was standing between gryphons, and petting all the feathers she could reach. “Tea, and the hotter the better, before my poor fingers fall off.”

Nesh poured tea for Lir, and brought her cup. She reluctantly tore her hands away from the gryphons to clasp the mug in both hands. The urd’thin thanked him, and Nesh swapped the tea kettle for the coffee pot. He poured the dark liquid, then brought it to Ayrah. After she accepted it, Nesh poured himself another mug, and rejoined us.

“Now,” Nesh said, sipping his drink. “If you wouldn’t mind running us through what this document might contain?”

“Essentially, it’s a peaceful trade and passage accord.” She glanced up at me. “If you’re willing, of course. The current draft version states first and foremost, that you’re hereby officially welcome in the city of Tivos, and are allowed to visit at any time you please. For legal purposes, your visits are listed as trade and commerce opportunities. It will also say that you bring valuable goods to sell tous, and that you may purchase large quantities of goods from us. The second part states that that you’re allowed to freely travel between your realm and Tivos, and in return, my people are allowed to venture into a very small section of your lands. Specifically, to establish a base of operations for exploratory ventures for mining operations, for oil and gas surveys, and so on. It only covers a few dozen square miles or so, and I’ll show you exactlywhere it includes, on a map.”

Nesh watched Ayrah carefully, swirling his tea. “That sounds suspiciously substantive, for a document you claimed was lacking substance.”

“Well I can’t have sign nothing, Nesh.” Ayrah waved her free hand. “And Tivos is considered to semi-autonomous as far governance goes, sooner or later I’m going to have to justify to the Empress’s representatives just why I’m letting dragons come and go from my city. I assure you, that will be a lot a lot easier if I’m secured a concession or two from the dragons.” She blew on her tea, then took a drink. “Melakar and I had already had a basic accord between Tivos and him. We’d also crafted the basic ideas of a wider trade accord between our people, and yours. I’ve used that as the base, and had a few things adjusted.”

“I trust you, Ayrah.” I curled my tail around my paws, gazing down at Nesh. “But I also defer to my ambassador’s wisdom in these matters. I would like Nesh to be allowed to read and vet the document first. If necessary, I would also like him to explain it to me personally. However, on first blush, it does not sound like something I would hesitate to sign. As you said, I must show your people I willing to valuable concessions in return.”

Aryah took another drink, smiling at Nesh. “You can absolutely read it, Nesh. Hell, hire yourself a law councilor to read with you, and ensure the terms are fair, if you want.” She set her cup down, turning back towards me. “I trust you too, Ella, and I want to help in any way I can. I’m trying to start by crafting terms that will be beneficial to both us.” She chuckled, rubbing her arm. “Admittedly, I also wanted something you and I could get done quickly, with as few stumbling blocks as possible. I think it’s important to see the city officially recognize you as Queen sooner, rather than later. It’ll be a good starting point to build something larger, and more lasting in the future.”

“I do not disagree.” I tilted my head. “When will this take place, then?”

“As soon as we can get things ready.” Ayrah paced a few steps. “Early afternoon, perhaps? I wanted to get your permission first to get everything started. If you’re ready to move forward, I’ll give the word to have the square readied for the signing, and for my scribes and ministers prepare a formalized set of documents. We’ll head go to the plaza as soon as everything’s ready.” She patted my chest, grinning. “Though, I’m sure you’d like to eat, first.” She glanced at the others. “Can I safely assume the same of all of you?”

Blue Jay warbled. “I certainly would, yes.”

“That’s what I thought,” Ayrah said. “In that case, we’ll have food brought shortly. Then, unless there are any further questions, or any objections, I’m going to give the word to prepare for the signing.” She tilted my head back, giving me a long look. “Well, Ella? What do you think?”

I did not hesitate. “I will sign your accord. Make the prepartions.”

Ayrah’s smile grew. “So be it, Ella.” She turned towards her assistant. “Lir, could go you and…” She trailed off, watching Lir giggling and ruffling gryphon feathers. “Oh, nevermind, have your bird time. I’ll do it myself.” Ayrah patted my shoulder. “Care to get the door for me, Ella?”

I went to the entry and opened the door for Ayrah. As she slipped outside to speak to her men, I contemplated what I was agreeing to. Even if the contents of the trade pact were as bare bones as Ayrah indicated, it still seemed like an enormous first step. Not long ago we were wondering how to even begin making inroads. Meeting with Melakar’s gryphon allies seemed the only starting move we could make, and now I found myself on the verge of forging an official treaty with an important city. We had come here for medicine and supplies, and already found so much more.

As Ayrah spoke with her people, I wondered just how far along Melakar had gotten here. I did not mind if I was only picking up where he left off. Ayrah seemed almost as eager to get things underway as I was. It was certainly fortuitous to have found such an ally in this city, and it was obvious she had not attained her position of power by coincidence or luck alone. Whatever happened to put a former thief in command of an entire city, I was certain Melakar was involved. I would not have been surprised to discover the two of them had schemed Ayrah’s ascent to power as part of their strategy for finding an ally within the ranks of the humans.

When time allowed, I wished for Ayrah to catch me up on everything that had happened in her life since last I saw her. It was obvious she had spent much of that time with Melakar. But aside from that, I knew even less about heractivities than I did about Melakar’s. I hope she would not only be able to fill me in on Melakar’s travels and accomplishments, but her own, as well. Her people certainly seemed to respect her as their ruler.

It was not long after Ayrah finished giving orders that food arrived. Humans carried in great bowls and platters and allayed them atop a table. One bowl was filled with the eggs of large birds, cooked together with spices, diced vegetables, and chopped meats. Another was filled with sausages, some served hot and others cold. There was sliced fruits, thick breads, and various soft delights to spread across it including cream and the preserved remains of crushed fruit. It was an informal meal compared to Jero and Sons, but that was certainly fine with me.

Everything was delicious, as I was quickly coming to expect from human food. The eggs held more of the ‘chilies’ that made my tongue tingle. Again, the sensation verged on unpleasant, and yet somehow I found myself enjoying it. Nesh told me it helped to spread some of the preserved mashed berries and cream atop the bread, and then eat it shortly after the eggs. I tried as he suggested, and found it did ease the burn somewhat. It was also quite enjoyable in its own right. I made sure to try some of everything on offer, and as before, was unable to find a food I did not enjoy.

Nesh and the birds ate their fill as well. The gryphons ate more delicately than usual this time. I imagined it was because they’d just bathed. Surely they did not wish to get food or anything else on their freshly washed feathers. I was less cautious, as the scales of my muzzle and the pads of my paws were far more easily scrubbed and dried. Ayrah and Lir picked at the food, but also informed us they’d already eaten their own breakfast before making their way to meet us.

We took our time eating, sharing casual conversation. Lir and the gryphons shared their odd bird jokes, and Nesh offered Ayrah a few additional details on our original meeting. Over Nesh’s half-hearted protests, I even described the way I’d carried him screaming into the sky, and his first terrified flight. Nesh threatened playful retaliation, promising to tell Ayrah how he’d seen me crying, later, when we were more in the mood for a touching story. I glared at him, but certainly would not prevent him from telling the tale when next we wished to share deeper details of our recent lives.

Once the food was gone, Ayrah’s people entered once more to remove the empty bowls and platter and clean up after us. They wiped down the table and swept up the floor, and whisked everything away as quickly as it arrived. Before long, if not for my full belly, and the scent of food lingering in the air, it would have been as if our breakfast had never been there at all.

Ayrah soon suggested we prepare to leave. By then the gryphons were completely dry, and we had little reason left to continue waiting. Ayrah did not expect it would take her people long to finish preparing for the short, but formal ceremony, and we still had to cross the city to get there. Nesh put on his coat, and buttoned it up. The gryphons and I decided to go without any further gear, or adornments. Their harnesses were under repair, and though I had plenty of spare cargo bags, I did not expect to need them immediately. After all I was not going to take coin to the according signing, as it did not seem appropriate. Nor was I planning to take Nesh to purchase supplies immediately afterwards.

Outside, the late morning air was crisp and frigid. My breath rose in great swirling clouds of steam. While noticeably colder than the day before, I did not find it as chilly as Lir seemed too. Perhaps it was only because I was used to winters in the valley, where the nights were cold enough to leave even a dragon’s bones aching, where the air itself seemed frozen solid. What was colder than usual for Tivos, was likely little more than a sunny winter day for a dragon of the valley.

Thin, feathery clouds formed delicate white plumes on the far horizon. I knew such clouds well. A change was coming. The weather would turn within days, if not sooner. I tilted my head back, sniffing at the breeze. I could almost smellthe ice in the air. I licked my nose, glancing down at Ayrah and the others.

“It will snow soon.” I stretched a wing to point its tip at the distance. “See the clouds, Ayrah?”

Ayrah shaded her eyes. “Mare’s tails, we call those.”

I folded my wing back against my body. “Whatever you call them, the mean the weather will change.” I turned my attention towards Lir. “If you think it is cold now, I have bad news for you. It’s going to get colder. And it will bring snow with it.” I lifted my head again, scanning the horizon. The so-called mares tails crept across the distant sky as far as I could see. “Lots of snow.”

“Wonderful.” Lir rubbed her hands before her muzzle, then blew into them. “Just wonderful.”

“All the more reason to get the accord signed today.” Ayrah buttoned her coat a little tighter. “We’d have to set up in indoors if it was snowing. And I’d rather have as many people as possible turn out to witness it. Besides, the snow shouldn’t stop you from visiting libraries and purchasing goods, though. So you can get those things done in the next few days, and head home after the weather clears again.”

“A reasonable assessment.” I followed Ayrah towards the gate, with the others alongside me.

Nesh shaded his eyes with a hand, peering at the horizon. “I always wondered if that bit about mare’s tails foretelling the weather was just an old wives’ tale, or not.”

I glanced down at him, snorting. “I know not what elderly mates have to do with it, but dragons have always used such clouds as an actual foretelling of changes in the weather.”

Nesh’s face slowly twisted up with a scowl. “Sometimes, Ella, I cannot tell if you’re serious or pulling my leg.”

“I shall not yank upon your limbs, Nesh.” I tossed my head. “Humans are fragile, and I do not wish to cause you injury.”

As Nesh folded his arms, I looked away. In truth, I knew the human expressions. I’d heard them from Ayrah and other vassals. But as Nesh was leaning more and more into my good-natured teasing, I needed to try and find other ways to get under his skin. While he considered my sincerity, I avoided his gaze by looking back at Lir. She had her hands inside her coat, adjusting her many hidden belongings.

“Are you planning to ride upon my back again?” I flicked my tail towards her.

“Sure am, your scaly highness.” Lir pulled her revolver from her coat, and flicked it up. She inspected her ammunition, then snapped it closed again. “Ready when you are.”

“Go ahead, Lir.”

I settled down onto my stomach. The ground was cold enough for its chill to sink in beneath my belly scales, chilling my underside. While Lir had proven very capable of clambering onto my back even when I was standing, since she’d already taken her weapon out I thought it best to make the climb as easy as possible. She scaled me in a blink, settling in just ahead of my wings. Lir crossed her arms, her revolver resting against her coat.

“All set, dragon.” She flicked her tail against my back.

I pushed back up to my paws, her weight barely even noticeable even as she shifted with my movements. When I took a few steps forward, the gryphons followed me. Blue Jay turned around when I was out of the way, and closed the doors to the house. Ayrah lead me along the pathway towards the gate. The guards pushed it open for us, and we made our way out onto the street. Though I could not be sure, a few of them seemed to be giving me odd looks. I wondered if any of them had seen me the night before, sitting in the street, talking to…

Melakar.

I swallowed hard, a tinge of pain squeezing my heart. He’d been so real, and yet…he was nothing but a dream. At least this time I seemed able to speak to him. Whether it was truly Melakar or not, I’d never know. But I wanted to believe it was. My heart ached for it to be real, for Melakar to be real. For the dreams to mean I was really talking with him, touching him, cradled under his wing. But, if all that was real, then…Then something big was coming. I sighed, shaking my head. Whatever was coming, I would deal with it best I could. Cannons, armies, gods and smoke, I would not back down from any of them.

“You alright, Ella?” Nesh put his hand on my shoulder, a note of concern on his voice.

I managed a smile, bowing my head to him. “Fine, Nesh. Thank you.” I swept a paw down the street, glancing towards Ayrah. “After you, Mayor.”