"So, which one of you geniuses thought it would be a good idea to poke your heads into a dragon's lair?" W'rath asked. There was a period of uncomfortable shuffling and clearing of throats before Caeldan finally found his voice. "Uh, well, boss, you did say to take Dhuan out on a training exercise." "And somehow that translated into 'let's piss off a red dragon and bring its fiery wrath down on an unsuspecting city'"? "We thought a place that big would have people who could fight a dragon," Ryld said, unable to meet W'rath's simmering gaze. "They didn't." "I thought you didn't like humans, boss," Dhuan tried. "I don't, lass. However, I like even less having Lady Swiftbrook nag me about how my minions are leaving a swath of destruction everywhere they go. Apparently it causes complications with her attempts at diplomacy with the various human kingdoms. I tried to convince her that it would give her a chance to negotiate from a position of strength. She failed to see the humor in that." The three took on hangdog expressions. "We're sorry, boss." "Don't apologize for something you're just going to do again," W'rath sighed, "I thought Dhaun might have a more level head than you two, but obviously she's going to fit right in." Taking that as a dismissal the three slunk out doing their best to look contrite. Raven came out of the back room. "Did anyone survive?" "I wasn't that hard on them." "I meant the citizens of the city." W'rath snorted. "They woke up Suncore, lass." "Oh. Oh, dear." W'rath turned toward her, and Raven's eyes widened in confusion. "What are you smiling about?" W'rath wiped away an imaginary tear. "I'm just so proud of them."