"The Dragon core is awakening," he interpreted, and somehow kept his voice calm. The Prince said more, and Ryson almost missed it. "As allies, they ask for troops to help protect their home cave. And for this sacrifice to help save my people, we will pledge an eternal alliance and will fight to the death for your land."
That was quite an unusual offering, and not one to be brushed aside.
Kono took only a moment to answer. The high color of her cheeks was all that betrayed her surprise at such an offering. Ryson had thought that she wanted Callum beside her rather than him, but he had been the best choice for interpreter. Besides, even the sprite would not expect an answer right now.
"I have a question," Kono said softly. The sprites nodded like a wave, and Ryson again wondered how much they were interconnected.
"Ask," the Prince replied, and Ryson restated the word for Kono.
"We are not your only allies, and physically, we are not even the strongest. Why did you come to us with such an extraordinary offer? Are there others in this alliance?"
"Only the humans," he answered. "And because we have fought you within the last century, and know that you are inventive and daring. If we must take on the dragons, such abilities will be useful. They are much like how dragons react."
Now there was an interesting observation.
"I will give you my answer at moonrise," she said with a deep bow.
The entire group returned the bow and left.
"Well, damn," Callum mumbled as he moved closer to join them. "The dragon core waking explains all kinds of trouble that we have seen. Will you accept the alliance --"
"Never!" a familiar voice shouted. Councilor Jirgin rushed into the room with four guards. That confirmed some of Ryson's list. "We will never join battle with non-humans at our side!"
"Jirgin, shut up or I will lock you up."
Jirgin sputtered and turned so fast that Ryson thought he was going to start spinning. He finally focused back on the Queen, but his eyes were bulging, and his breath came too fast.
"You would never dare to lock me up!" The man shouted as he looked at the Queen. "I will see you put on trial and will never have another woman ruler for as many generations as remembers your poor leadership that will tie us forever to these alien creatures."
"Well, that was your last chance." She looked toward his guards and gave a slight nod. "Lock him into the yellow suite in the east wing. He is to be served the same food as the rest of us. His wife may visit as long as she's willing to be searched going in and out. Enjoy your stay."
The guards took the stunned and strangely silent man away and left the three alone in the hall again.
"Well, that went better than I hoped," Queen Kono declared with a bright grin. "I feared he wouldn't make his move until we were negotiating the treaty. I wanted him out of the way before then."
"You could've told me that the guards were yours," Callum complained. He looked annoyed, but Ryson was just happy to have that part out of the way. There were other counselors who would protest, but none were as theatrical as Jirgin.
"I didn't want this to turn into a sideshow. Besides, I wasn't sure of them until you checked them out, Callum. We had better get ready for the conference. I want both of you there and sitting with me."
She walked away while Ryson and Callum rushed off to their rooms. Ryson realized this was the time to dress for the occasion. He threw open all his cases and began digging for hidden jewels. He also shook out his blue velvet and black silk ensemble. He did not ask for servants to help them because he was never sure if he could trust them, having been away for so long. He did the same in foreign courts. Right now, this felt very much like another foreign land was suddenly thrust into the kind of intrigue it is best to avoid.
But this was home, and he had known that at some time all the troublesome knowledge was going to come to the aid of his Queen. So, he straightened his clothing and stepped out into the hall just in time to see Callum passing.
Callum had dressed for the occasion as well, and he clearly hadn't given back all the jewels. He still dressed predominantly in black; however, his vest glittered with gold embroidery and inlaid emeralds. He also wore matching emerald earrings and a massive emerald ring. Ryson could barely take it all in.
"Well," he said as they looked each other over. "Shall we go down together, or do you want to take the show for yourself?"
"Together," he said with an emphatic nod. "This change isn't for me."
He did not want his Queen to look shabby. Ryson had dressed for the occasion for the same reason. He enjoyed watching the others take note of Callum's change and wondered if any thought the change made his cousin weak. There were those kinds of fools in every court.
Queen Kono blinked several times when they stopped beside her. She made no other sign of noting the change. Ryson had the feeling Callum wouldn't be allowed to wear his favorite black clothing again.
The Court artist was present, and over the next week, he painted the life-size portrait of the three of them that still hangs behind the queen's throne. They stood in a sea of Ice Sprites, the bright moonlight illuminating the snowy landscape beyond the balcony. They were about to align humanity with an old enemy. Copies soon spread in all directions, making some of their previous work impossible. Ryson began taking lessons in fighting and stealth from Callum. So far, no one realized he possessed the ability to cast magic.
Some would soon curse them. Others were wiser.
Especially after the Dragon Core awoke.
The End -- for now
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