Kortu sighed. It was another one of those days. First, there was that clandestine meeting this morning. They had put up so many shields there was no way to find out what was going on. After which, Emeton, Ann and Shunati had some kind of meeting. Again, it was behind too many shields. Then, while Emeton and Pt’this had their regularly scheduled meetings, Ann had sequestered herself in her rooms. He made a point to keep a close eye on Ann. The half-breed didn’t belong there. In truth, though, none of the dragons belonged there. Of course, they wouldn’t be there if it wasn’t for Ann and she wouldn’t be there if it wasn’t for Pt’this. Maybe he should try to get him to leave again. He was contemplating the hows of this when a ragged peasant boy came up to him. He recognized the boy as one of the kids from the home. Perhaps this might be of an advantage. He’d successfully put a wedge between Emeton and his children at one time. Perhaps if he were to do the same to Pt’this, he’d give up being advisor to be with that rabble he called a family. “How can I help you?” Kortu asked. “We need a healer at Sir Pt’this’s children’s home. One of the boys is hurt badly,” the boy panted. He was out of breath as though he’d run the whole way there. Kortu summoned a page. “Tell the healers one of them is needed at the children’s home.” The page nodded and hurried away. “Also, I need to see Sir Pt’this. It’s real important. It’s about the hurt boy.” “Sir Pt’this is busy in meetings with the king. You’ll see him tonight when he gets home.” “This can’t wait. I need to see him right away.” “Young man, I said he’s busy and can’t be disturbed. He’s dealing with important matters now. If you need a grown-up, talk with one of the others there.” “But I need to talk with Pt’this,” the child insisted. “And I told you, that’s not going to happen. His work here is more important than any imagined problems you think you have.” The boy stood as tall as he could. “Pt’this said nothing is more important than family and at the home, all of us are family.” “Is the problem here?” A voice asked. It was Emissary Nimitinas. Emissary, like that man belonged in court. He was as much a noble as Kortu was a dragon. His wife might pass for a lesser noble once she’d learn the local customs, but Nim? Preposterous. “This child is being disruptive,” Kortu said. “Emissary Nim, I need to talk with Pt’this.” Chormi insisted. Pt’this?Nim sent. Pt’this blocked him. “Where’s Pt’this?” Nim asked Kortu. “In a meeting with King Emeton and some nobles.” “Where?” Nim insisted. “What’s going on?” And there was that troublemaking half-breed herself. “Princess Annlonna.” Kortu smiled. “We just have a little misunderstanding.” “I need to see Pt’this. He won’t tell us where he is,” Chormi said. Pt’this? She sent. “Don’t bother with your telepathy. He’s in a meeting and will block you,” Kortu said. “Where?” Ann asked. “He’s with you father and doesn’t want to be disturbed.” Jaidu? Ann sent. Yes? Are you with Remtani? Yes. Is he able to come and give us a hand with Kortu? There was a pause. We’ll be there shortly, the reply came. “Kortu, where is my father?” Ann insisted. “I told you, in a meeting.” “Where? You’ve been told countless times not to block us from seeing him.” Pt’this where are you? “I was told he wasn’t to be disturbed,” Kortu insisted. “And you’ve been told we are always to be an exception.” “This boy isn’t one of the king’s children,” Kortu said. “No. He’s not. He’s Pt’this’s.” Remtani’s voice came from behind. How did he know? Then he saw Jaidu behind him. Blasted telepathic half breeds. Ann called them. Remtani was not supposed to be working with Ann but just the opposite. That spell on him should see to that. Lately, it seems that spell was no longer effective. “Are you trying to say the work ambassador Pt’this does here is more important than my father’s?” “No, your highness.” “Then what is the problem?” Remtani asked. “It’s just that…” “It seems the problem is you’ve forgotten your place. You are relieved of duty.” “You can’t fire me.” “No. But I am in charge of maintaining security. If we can’t find the king, we can’t keep him safe.” He turned to a page. “Tell Norka he’s on duty for the rest of the day.” Kortu started to leave. Remtani grabbed his arm. “You’re not going anywhere. You and I will be meeting with Father shortly.” He then turned to the three dragons. “Find Pt’this and my father at any cost.” “Any cost?” Ann asked. He saw flash of Drepal. “Not that. Sent for him telepathically. Talk to the other dragons. See if they know. We’ll send out pages soon or have Sapphire come and find him through the bond.” Thailyn, do you know where Father and Pt’this are? She sent. She knew Nim and Jaidu would be sending to Pt’this. No, but I need to see him too. Call him green bean. He’ll respond to that. I forgot about that. Green bean, we need you, she sent. Suddenly Pt’this burst out of a room down the hall. “What in the world is going on?” Chormi ran to him. “Pt’this, I’m sorry. It was an accident. Please don’t send me to prison. I was trying to stop him. I didn’t mean to hurt him. I swear. It was an accident.” “What the world are you talking about?” The dragon frowned.