Blades appeared in three hands. Ryson and Callum took places at the Queen's side. Ryson was glad to see Kono's hand stay steady as she held the knife she usually wore hidden in her belt.
Lord Tsak looked at them with open amusement as if they were children dressed up and playing games. Ryson didn't like it. He had known Tsak for years. So had Callum, and neither had ever had anything bad to say about him. This was ...
Not what it seemed.
"You have the Queen. What does the Council want you to do with her?" Ryson asked.
Tsak grinned brightly. "You know, they were in such a hurry to hire us that they never actually said what to do with her. I suggest a leisurely trip down to the desert. The area is lovely this time of year, and I know of a wonderful secluded cabin by a watershed stream. My people will finish up here."
Blades disappeared again. Tsak walked with them as if they had never drawn a weapon on him. The battle had quieted for a moment, but came back in full force now, giving Ryson a chance to vent a bit more frustration before they reached the guarded camp where they were suddenly surrounded by calm.
Kono brushed ineffectually at her clothing and hair. She gave up.
"Did the council happen to mention why the Ice Sprites came to us?" she asked.
"Something about treachery, your cousins, evil --"
"Dragon Core awaking," Kono said.
That did stop Tsak. He looked at the three and frowned this time. "That would make sense of the berserkers, wouldn't it? They were always the first line of defense for the core."
"That is not part of our lore," Callum said.
"We have made an art of finding out what we can about the dragons. We live on the edge of their land. While they sleep, it is no trouble. If the core is waking --"
Tsak paused and appeared to consider the news in more detail. Ryson knew that feeling. It also occurred to him that, except for some incidental matters like the berserkers, they had no sign of dragon trouble.
"The sprites said the core is waking," Ryson said. "We all know it is not their time. The only thing that would wake them early would be --"
"No one would steal dragon eggs, would they?" Kono asked and looked appalled at the idea. "I know there are always tales of fools who make the attempt, or a rumor of an egg turning up somewhere. No one takes it seriously. Do they?"
"I always dismissed them," Callum replied and frowned. "Tales told in village taverns, usually with a lighthearted ending. Maybe others aren't taking the danger seriously enough."
"And putting the entire world in danger," Kono added.
"It is a possibility," Tsak said with a dark frown. ""And that means we have to go check."
No one, including Tsak and his guards, looked happy with that idea. No one argued against it, though.
"We will spend the night cleaning up the mess here," Tsak said, as though they had all agreed to the plan. "Create a map to show the way, if you would. We are desert people. I know few of the mountain paths."
Ryson thought that sounded wise. The drums were almost silent, and Ryson listened as first one, then another died out. One left, but it soon fell silent as well.
Callum caught him by the arm when he swayed. "It's done?"
Ryson listened for a moment longer and then gave a true nod of relief. "Done," he agreed. "I am going to make certain the drums are dead. There might also be information we want to see. Who put them in action?"
"I will go with you," Callum said. "Kono, you might tell our host about the meeting with the sprites and the trouble with the council."
She looked likely to argue but quickly changed her mind.
"I am sending Rimal, my son, with the two of you. This is not a sign of distrust," Tsak said. "I only want to be aware if you fall into trouble."
"We appreciate the help," Ryson answered, surprising his two companions. "I have known Rimal for years, as has Callum. We all know this is more than just us in danger, and it doesn't help that we don't know what is going on."
"Is there anything you can tell me about this mess?" Rimal asked as they walked away.
"One thing," Ryson answered. His hand went to his face. "I wouldn't trust me."
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