“What is going on in here?” Emeton demanded. Behind him were Bacna and all the guards they had brought, including the three posing as servants. “This man was casting spells he shouldn’t be able to cast. It’s forbidden for servants to practice magic,” the man said. “He’s not a servant. He’s a noble,” Emeton argued. “He’s not human.” “No, he’s a dragon. King Kamlia knows this. He gave him permission to come help me since his ambassadors poisoned my daughter and my advisor’s son.” “He needs to be collared,” the advisor insisted. “That was not one of the conditions Kamlia set. I’d like to talk with him about this.” “It’s late.” “I don’t care. Do you want to wake him, or do you want to ruin the treaty?” The man frowned. He sent a page to get the king. Nim had little choice but to wait. The soldiers still held their swords to his throat. He could shield himself. He hadn’t completely drained his magic. Currently, the shield wouldn’t last long, but he could draw in more magic, and if any of the Yarb soldiers were also mages, he could steal it from them. He looked around using his mage sight. Those who held him weren’t mages. Two of the others were, but neither of them held much magic. The man holding the collar was a strong mage. If an advisor was a servant’s position, why wasn’t this man collared? Kamlia came in. The page had filled him in. “Emeton, he isn’t human. He’s an animal. He’s dangerous,” Kamlia claimed. “No, he’s not. He mentored my daughter, lives under my roof, and plays with my grandbabies. He’s the gentlest man I’ve ever seen.” “What if he goes mad?” “Then that collar won’t help. He’ll be breathing fire, and that’s not magic. But so far, the only thing that might cause him to go mad-dragon is you treating him like he’s some kind of criminal.” “He was casting,” Kamlia pointed out. “So? You never said he couldn’t. The only restrictions gave him where he was to stay in human form, and have an escort. How did you think I was going to talk to my son about marrying your daughter? Nim scried Remtani for me. He then scried his pledged to let her know we arrived safely. Now, you will either release him and show him proper respect or we’re leaving.” “But what about the treaty?” “Is this how you treat your allies?” “But he’s not Menthanlan. He’s a dragon.” “He’s Baj-tisk. Baj-tisk is a city in my kingdom.” Kamlia started to speak and stopped three times before nodding. “Take the collar away. Release him.” He offered Nim a hand getting up. “Forgive my advisor. He sometimes forgets his place,” He said as if he hadn’t just claimed Nim was a dangerous animal that needed to be confined. Nim said nothing as he stood. Emeton and the guards waited until Kamlia and his men left. “Nim, I’m sorry.” “The ignorance of others isn’t your doing. My own people have treated me similarly in the past. You have always acted fairly and justly with me and my people.” “Maybe with more contact with outsiders, the Yarbs might eventually learn to do the same.” “Perhaps, though I doubt either of us will live to see it.” “Are you alright? Did they hurt you?” “I’m fine,” Nim assured him. He was physically at least. He wasn’t going to bother Emeton with how he felt. If he dwelled on his treatment, he risked mad-dragon. “Good night. And if they give you any more trouble, shout. I’ll leave a guard at your door. If you need to defend yourself, do it.” Nim nodded, though he hoped it wouldn’t come to that. *** Miklin followed the others out. Once the Yarbs were out of hearing, he grabbed Nirl and slammed him against the wall. "What in the blasted shades of night were you doing letting them in there?" "There were seven of them." "So why aren't you dead?" "Captain Miklin, stand down," Emeton ordered. "What would be the point of Nirl trying to fight them on his own? He would have been killed, and we wouldn't have been aware of what was happening until it was too late." Miklin released Nirl and stepped back. "There was no harm done," Emeton continued. "We knew they didn't like dragons." "Sire, may we speak privately?" Miklin requested. Emeton nodded and led him into his room. Miklin activated a charm to protect from eavesdropping. Emeton frowned when he felt it. "A gift from Jerta?" "From Princess Ann. Sire, are you aware of my ability?" "You're fighting?" Miklin shook his head. "When anyone is following me, I can tell. I get this sense, a feeling. It's hard to explain, but somehow I just know. Sometimes, it happens when people are watching me. That advisor was scrying us." Emeton shrugged. "It's clear he's a mage." "He was wearing gloves. Human mages don't need protection from copper." One of Emeton's eyebrows rose. "You think he's an immortal?" "I do. Also, there was a group of guards sent to distract and provoke us. First, they were talking about sending the three of you female company. Then, they talk about providing us with women, and when we turned them down, they accused us of sleeping with each other." "After Kamlia promised you wouldn't be harassed?" "The last time I was here, I showed them the letter from Kamlia asking me to come up here, and the soldiers claimed it was fake. I pointed out what Kamlia said, but that's when I realized we were being watched and we left." Emeton frowned. "I wonder if this is going on with Kamlia's permission, or if they're working against him. It's possible he's suspicious of his advisor and wants our help fighting them off. Keep your eyes open to determine either. Spread the word discreetly." "Yes, sire." Miklin saluted. "Good night." "Good night, Sir." He saluted again and left. In the hall, he warned the guards on duty to be extra vigilant. He'd communicate why later. They had ways of saying things that others wouldn't understand if they were overheard or eavesdrop on them.