12 #2
“It does you credit to speak so highly of her, and it makes me curious to meet this woman someday. She sounds intriguing,” the female dragon said, surprisingly.
“If you wish to meet her, I’m sure that can be arranged,” Kurt said quietly.
“Perhaps, in the future, we can do that, but for right now, how do you two intend to proceed? The little ones were somewhat vague on that point,” the female dragon said, coming back to the business at hand and gesturing toward the virkin, who had been surprisingly silent so far, though they watched closely.
“Well, the caravan we’ve been traveling with has reached its northernmost stop.
It will remain there for a while, restocking and preparing for the return journey southward.
We have good reasons to go off on our own, prospecting for the things our crafts require.
We thought we would combine those prospecting missions with further explorations, looking for the source of the diamond blades,” Kurt explained.
“More of your two-birds-with-one-stone approach,” the female dragon commented, nodding as ringlets of smoke rose toward the high ceiling of the cave, indicating her amusement.
“Exactly so,” Kurt agreed with her.
“Then we can help you find the treasures you seek faster so you have more time to devote to your secondary mission,” the male dragon put in, meeting his partner’s gaze as they both nodded to each other in agreement.
“There is a streambed in a sheltered ravine not far from here,” said the female dragon.
“It bears blue and green tourmaline, some ruby-bearing quartz, and flecks of fire opal. For obsidian, you must follow the crag line two hours west by land. There’s a collapsed volcanic vent there, filled with black glass, and some with the rainbow variation. ”
Malea’s eyes lit with genuine interest and excitement. “That’s perfect. Thank you so very much.”
The male dragon’s expression remained grave. “We agree that no one should strike the forge yet. If the source of the diamond blades is elsewhere, we risk losing our only lead if we take out the forge too soon.”
“Exactly what we were thinking,” Kurt said. “Let us do our best to find the source of the diamonds, and the people behind this. There have to be soldiers, craftsmen, and perhaps at least one mage or alchemist involved. When we know for sure, then we can develop a plan to take them out.”
“You will have our help in this. Did your King intend to send the army?” the female asked with a faint hint of humor.
“Yes, milady. We are charged with reporting our findings to our superior, and she will advise the King and her mate, who leads the nation’s armies.
Knowing them as I do, I suspect General Brighton will arrive with his dragon partner and attack with what forces he can muster.
This far north, it will probably be some of the Jinn mercenaries who have settled in the wasteland just south of here, and perhaps some of Valdis’ regular troops if any are close enough to join them,” Kurt reported.
“There may be no need for that, though we appreciate the lengths to which the Kingdom is prepared to go on our behalf,” the female dragon said primly, her amusement clear now.
“We can easily muster a flight of dragons to destroy anything on the ground,” the male added.
“We do not doubt that,” Malea said gently, “but remember, they probably already have those giant crossbows ready to shoot down any dragon that draws near.”
“It may be that a joint operation would be more productive,” Kurt said diplomatically.
“Men on the ground can disable the crossbows before any dragons are harmed,” Malea put in.
“Absolutely, but if you will forgive me, we are getting a little ahead of ourselves. We need to complete our information gathering and find the source of the diamond blades, and exactly what we’re going up against. Only then can we report back, and the best plans can be made to deal with whatever we find,” Kurt reminded them.
The male dragon sat back on his haunches. “You speak well for one so young. You have made a good point, and I agree with your assessment. We will wait and watch.”
“And help where we can. For example, I can gather some of the materials you were sent to find so your time is freed up to investigate the diamonds. I will have a pile of gemstones and obsidian waiting here when you return with your findings,” the female dragon volunteered.
“Thank you, milady. That would be most welcome and helpful.” Malea beamed at the dragon.
The female dragon waved one clawed hand dismissively.
“If it allows you to find out where these accursed blades are being made, then it is in my own best interest to aid you in that task. Plus, I admit a liking for pretty-colored stones, and I know just where to find some really nice ones. It won’t take me long to gather a number for you to choose from. ”
“Yours is a kind and generous offer, milady. Thank you,” Kurt said respectfully.
“We’ll make the best use of our time possible and follow every lead to discover who up here is trying to kill dragons,” Malea promised earnestly.
“Harming dragons is not permitted in our land and will not be tolerated. Such is the decree of King Alric,” Kurt stated. “We will do all in our power to stop any sort of attack on dragon kind before it has a chance to begin.”
“You have our thanks for your willingness to aid us,” the male dragon said with a new tone of respect in his voice.
“Frankly, I had not expected such a level of commitment from our human allies, but you have impressed me. The fact that the King sent you here in the first place gives me renewed hope for this alliance. You walk in dangerous places, but not alone. We will be watching.”