A Game of Chi Book III: A Sword of Dust

Chapter 22: Cragger III

CRAGGER

No way, Cragger thought incredulously as Spinlyn and the slaves gawked in awe of the phoenix. Foltrax? Fluminox' heir? But Father killed him, didn't he? Or did he lie about that? Still, something didn't sit right with him. Father mentioned something about a phoenix girl during our final conversation, Cragger recalled. But this can't be who he was talking about. So are there two? "Emperor Foltrax," Spinlyn began, "I'm honoured to be your host. The Web is yours. Stay as long as you like." Foltrax nodded in thanks as he walked closer to the spider. "Unfortunately, hospitality isn't all we need," he said. "We need your forces too. King Banter agreed to shelter us, but he wasn't willing to part with his Nightbringers. That's why we came here instead." So they've been hiding in the Caverns, Cragger realized. The northwestern region of the Outlands was the home of the Bat Tribe, but no one ventured much into that area. While the Web and the Scorpion Den were bustling cities rife with trade, the Caverns were nearly entirely subterranean, meaning only the Outlanders were at home there.

"Still, I'm honoured," Spinlyn responded. "You came to me instead of that dolt, Scorm."

"King Banter sent one of his men to gauge the situation in the Scorpion Den, actually," Trakkar replied. "A bat named Blista. He was supposed to convert the people there to New Dragonism to prepare for Foltrax' arrival, but from what I heard, he went rogue and tried to take power himself." If Spinlyn was fazed by this news, she didn't show it. Cragger barely understood what was being disclosed, but he kept his composure, fearing Sparacon's retribution. "Before he cut communication, however," Trakkar continued, "he informed us that Foltrax' younger sister Flinx was ruling the Scorpion Den alongside her Cat Guides. Do you know what happened to them afterwards?" Spinlyn shook her head. "Not entirely. However, I do have this." She snapped her fingers and Sparacon gave her a letter, which she showed the phoenix and the tiger. "This is a letter from Tormak, one of your people," she said, gesturing at Trakkar. "He requested that I give him and his forces safe passage through the Web, since he's protecting the Queen of Fire." Cragger watched as Foltrax and Trakkar exchanged a glance of uncertainty. "So my sister's all grown up," Foltrax mused. "I knew you were coming already when I received this, so I didn't want to give them an answer before I ran it by you. Unfortunately, it's later than I expected, so I don't think they'll get a response," Spinlyn explained. "You did well to wait," Trakkar said. "Even though Flinx is Foltrax' sister, who knows what Tormak and the others have been telling her? The entire world believes the phoenixes to be extinct, but at least Foltrax knew his sister was alive. If Flinx thought she was the last one, she could very easily refuse to cooperate with her brother." This is a complex situation, Cragger observed. Flinx must be the phoenix girl Father spoke of, and it seems like she's on her way here. Will they have to fight? Will I?

Foltrax brushed past Trakkar to turn and face the line of slaves. "So these are your labourers?" he asked, eyeing them one by one. His gaze remained on Rogon for a moment, no doubt imagining how strong this warrior would be on his side. "Why are these two unbound?" The phoenix also looked closely at Cragger, who did his best to remain motionless. "Those two are my favourites," Spinlyn crooned, scuttling towards them. "But they're both strong, as you can see, and they'll be excellent fighters if you need them. Just make sure they come back alive!" Trakkar nodded to promise her and cleared his throat. "We've just travelled a long way," he began, "so we'd like to rest. Thank you once again for your hospitality, Queen Spinlyn," he said, bowing slightly. "Oh, you flatter me!" she responded. "Sparacon, you can lead the labourers back to their dome. I'll show these two to their rooms."

"At once!" Sparacon said, quickly spinning two more webby restraints to wrap around Cragger and Rogon. As they left, Rogon shared a knowing look with Cragger, who understood that he was to explain the chocolate to him once they were out of earshot. "Congratulations, worms!" Sparacon exclaimed once they were outside the central dome. "You didn't embarrass yourselves or the queen. But don't think you can slack off tomorrow. Now let's get you all to your dome to rest up, because the queen isn't finished with you yet. Move out!"