War of Dragons (15 page)

"We did? Oh, I forgot you were brought up by the Red Dragons. You have no reason to feel guilty about it; it wasn't your ancestors. We've helped them and we are the only reason that they're still around."

"Why should Daisy feel guilty?" Crystal asked. "She hasn't done anything to them. Why should she feel responsible for what her ancestors did over a thousand years ago? She had no control over them."

Jonah smiled at her. "Very true and that's the way that we encourage our guests to think. The test of how firmly you believe that will be when we have Blue Dragons here and whether you can apply that same logic to them."

Crystal's eyes widened. "Blue Dragons! Never! You wouldn't allow them in this city, would you?"

Jonah shook his head, laughing at her. "It's not likely—not any time soon—but if they were ever defeated and needed a safe place, we would welcome them in. It's not totally impossible. Do you think you could do it? Forgive, and even make friends with a Blue Dragon?"

Crystal paused, unsure how to respond.

"Maybe that's not being fair to you," Jonah added, taking Crystal by the arm and leading her back into the party. "You're still at war with them and our way of thinking is still new to you. I hope this hasn't spoiled your evening too much, young lady. Go, try and enjoy the rest of the party. I'll find Mark and your friend and make sure she is alright. Oh, you might want to speak to your other friend about watching what she says. Let's not give anyone else an excuse to exact revenge on you!"

Crystal nodded, thanking Jonah before seeking out the others. Jenna was busy flirting with a group of four young men, all of them Golden Dragons and Crystal decided that telling her could wait.

"Want to dance?" Crystal turned around to find Seth smiling at her, clearly a little intoxicated, but a welcome sight after her unpleasant encounter with the Mud Dragons.

"You know what? I think I will," she replied, smiling at his obvious surprise and delight. "Come on, show me what you can do…."

Chapter 9 - Meeting the Browns

Crystal didn't manage to speak to Jenna till they got back to Immigration House, but was pleased to see that she was suitably mortified by the trouble she had caused. She immediately went to Daisy's room in order to apologise. Daisy was as gracious as ever, accepting her apology readily and insisting that they forget all about it.

"I didn't see you afterwards," Crystal told the princess. "Did you go and see John?"

Daisy shook her head. "John didn't make it to the party. He went to see his mother after he went to the doctor and didn't get back till just now. He's downstairs speaking to Mark about something."

"Did he say anything about the doctor or his mother?"

"No, he didn't. He was a bit evasive about both things. I don't think his mother is at all well, so he's not happy talking about it. Best not to bring it up."

"Did you tell him about what happened?" Jenna asked nervously.

Daisy shook her head very firmly. "No and I don't think we should. He will only feel bad that he wasn't there to protect me, and it's all forgotten now and there was no harm done. I haven't told Arthur or Seth either. I don't think any of them need to know."

Crystal guessed that no one had mentioned to her the likelihood that her attackers were probably going to lose their fingers, so she decided that it was best kept that way. Jenna looked particularly relieved to put the incident behind them.

"What are you discussing?" Arthur asked as he came back into his room with Seth. "You look very serious."

Daisy smiled and shook her head. "Nothing you need to worry about." She was saved from having to explain any further by Mark, who entered her room followed by his brother.

"I'm glad you're all here together," Mark told them. "It'll save me having to repeat myself. The meeting is happening, tomorrow at midday. Arthur, Daisy, myself and a representative from the government called Abel. He's well known to the Dark Browns and claims to have a good relationship with the man they'll be sending. We've already sent a copy of the treaty to them, so that should speed things along."

"Sounds a rather small party," John said. "How many will they send?"

"They didn't say," Mark replied. "But we would want them to feel comfortable, so if they want to have more people than us then that would be fine with us."

John frowned but didn't comment any further.

"How far is it to the meeting place?" Arthur asked. "Will it take long to get there?"

Mark shook his head. "This is a small country and we aren't far from the border. There's a place where we always meet them on occasions like this, which is on the border. They would be welcome to meet us here, but they have always refused the offer. We will leave tomorrow morning. Just get a good night sleep tonight."

"Have you thought about what you're going to say?" Crystal asked Arthur and Daisy.

Daisy nodded. "Arthur and I discussed this before the party. We will keep it very simple and just tell them what we saw, how many troops were gathered and the preparations that were being made."

"Then we will tell them how well we are prepared," Arthur continued, "or rather how badly. If the Blue Dragons attack, there is a chance that this will be just like with the Green Dragons. They've been preparing for twenty years, so they may be in a position to wipe us out. After us, they would be next. We won't beg or offer anything in return, but just explain it to them in a way which makes it clear that we have common interests."

"Do you really believe all that?" Jenna asked. "That they could wipe us out? Surely we're not that badly prepared?"

Arthur shook his head. "I don't think so, but John does and there would be no harm in overstating the case. If I can convince them that it's really that bad, then they'll be more likely to act."

"Not out of sympathy. Self-preservation," Mark told them. "Remember, if they shared a border with you they'd use this as an opportunity to invade you. They'd let the Blues weaken you, then stroll in to finish you off and take the land."

"Or let the Blues do all the work, then attack them," John noted. "They'll be weakened by a war. There's a possibility that they'll do that anyway. After all, they have no love for Red Dragons."

"As you've frequently reminded us," Arthur replied irritably.

John nodded. "I make no apology for that, Arthur. You've been brought up believing that your cause has always been the noble one, that your enemies have always attacked first and that somehow you're more civilised than they are. Reality is very different and these races know it well. Your task is a difficult one, but going in deluded would make it much, much harder."

"Painting yourselves as innocent victims would only make them laugh at you," Mark pointed out.

"We understand," Daisy replied. "It's just that it's not a particularly nice thing to learn. John has taught me this over a number of months whereas Arthur is learning all this now."

Arthur glared at his sister. "Thank you, Daisy. I don't need you to apologise for me. If we're to leave early, then we should get some sleep, as it's already very late. Mark has given me some books on the Dark Browns, which I'd like to read. Perhaps you'd like to go to someone else's room?"

"Alright, I can tell when I'm not welcome," Seth replied. "My room, everyone? Continue the partying?"

Daisy shook her head. "It's time for me to turn in as well. I'll need a clear head for tomorrow."

They filed out of Arthur's room. "What about the rest of you? Girls, you're not going tomorrow. What about you, John?"

"I will be joining them tomorrow," John replied. "I'll just say goodnight to Daisy and then go to bed."

"Going to tuck her into bed, John? Does Arthur know you're doing that?"

John ignored him and headed to Daisy's room.

"I'm done as well, Seth," Crystal replied. "I don't drink, remember. See you at breakfast."

Seth muttered to himself before disappearing into his room.

"Didn't ask me, I see," Jenna complained.

"Oh give it a rest," Crystal replied. "Haven't you had enough male attention tonight? He's Arthur's best friend. How would that look?" Crystal didn't wait for Jenna's answer. "Go to sleep, Jenna. I'll see you in the morning." With that, Crystal quickly ducked into her room and went to bed, wondering whether she would be able to get any sleep after the excitement of the evening.

***

Daisy woke early, despite the activities of the previous night, and was dressed and ready to go long before Mark was due to meet them. She was nervous but excited about the prospect of meeting another race of dragons and talked non-stop to Crystal about it at breakfast. Jenna had seemed more interested in what she was wearing; both she and her brother were wearing very formal clothes for the occasion; not traditional Red Dragon clothing, but the Brown Dragons wouldn't know any better and the Golden Dragon styles were a nice change. When Mark arrived he was keen to leave straight away.

"We will leave ahead of the rest of the delegation who will be joining you," Mark explained. "It will take you a little longer than the others to fly there, and as you've declined the offer of a lift—"

"No, I don't think that would be dignified," her brother replied haughtily. "We are slower than you, but are perfectly capable of making our own way there."

"Fine, well, John and I will accompany you on the flight. It seems that he's refusing to stay behind for this trip. If you're already good to go, we may as well head off now."

"Doesn't feel right that we're sitting this one out," Seth commented, looking a little disappointed. "We all flew here together; we should all go along for this meeting."

Arthur shook his hand. "I know what you mean. Still, we'll be back by the end of the day. I'm sure you can look after the girls for the day on your own."

"We'll keep
him
out of trouble, more like," Crystal corrected. "Good luck, both of you." She hugged Daisy and her brother. Daisy was amused to see that he looked a little embarrassed by this.

"Alright, I think we're ready," Arthur said. "Mark, John, lead on!"

The brothers led them upstairs to a wide balcony. They both jumped off the edge, transforming simultaneously.

"I guess John wasn't so exceptional after all," Arthur commented as they watched the two brothers speed through the air, flying in perfect synchronisation.

"Oh shut up," Daisy replied. "And look away while I transform." She couldn't see a room for them to transform in; presumably the Golden Dragons didn't bother with it, but surely their guests would. It was too late to ask John or Mark, they were high in the sky already.

"I'm just saying; the way John transforms and flies, they're all as good as him."

Daisy couldn't reply, having already started transforming. She turned back to face him once she was done and found that he had transformed as well.

After you, little sister.

Daisy hopped from the edge of the balcony, spreading her wings and taking to the air. The early morning sun was heating the ground nicely and it was easy to catch a thermal. Arthur joined her and they circled together, slowly gaining altitude. John and Mark were high above them, playing around performing increasingly difficult acrobatics. Mark dropped suddenly to join them.

You're high enough now; just follow me. John is going to fly ahead to the meeting point and make sure he is familiar with it. He hasn't been there before and wants to avoid any surprises.

But you have?
Arthur asked.

Yes, I know it well. I've met these people a few times. I'm not worried for your safety, but I would advise you not to trust them. They'll only act if they think it is in their interests. Don't promise them anything if you can help it and don't trust their promises.

We understand,
Arthur replied.
Your father briefed us in detail yesterday.

Alright then, let's just fly there and see how it turns out.

Mark, I have a question, but not about the meeting,
Daisy began.

So, what do you want to know about John?
Mark sounded a little apprehensive.

Well, Arthur and I were having a debate, and I wondered if you could tell us which one of us was right. Back home, we all agreed that John always was amazing in the air. He could transform and fly much faster than anyone, and everything about his flying was just outstanding. Here, everyone can fly really fast though, and you all transform just like John does….

Oh, that's what you're interested in,
Mark replied, sounding relieved.

Is this important right now?
Arthur asked, embarrassed by the question.
Shouldn't we be concentrating on the meeting?

And your question is whether John is exceptional, or just good because he's a Golden Dragon?
Mark replied, ignoring Arthur's objection.

Sort of,
Daisy replied.

I'll take that as a yes. Look, we can all fly very fast—much faster than you can. Our bodies are just better designed for speed than yours, and of course, we start training much earlier. John isn't alone in this, or even above average. The same is true for transforming. We have an innate ability to transform very quickly, and we spend many hours training to hone that skill. John does transform with a certain finesse, but he's not noticeably faster than anyone else, at least not that I've noticed. However, even if you ignore John's age, he is exceptional in his control while he is in the air, and there is an effortlessness about his flying that you won’t see in most Golden Dragons. Both of us have inherited our father's natural skill, and all modesty aside, I am very good, but John is over two years younger than me and can already match me in the air, and in some areas he seems to have surpassed me. He will only get faster, stronger and probably develop even more skill in his flying. So yes, John is exceptional, and will become an incredible flier. I'm guessing that was what you were hoping I was going to say?