Prince of Dragons

Chapter 9 - A knight's sword

Carlard had left Arwund in the room together with Joandrey, who was apparently supposed to guard him. Arwund was still tied up and, knowing full well that Joandrey was a draconic human as well, he had thought it wise not to use his fire. 

"Sooo," Arwund said conversationally, looking up at his guard in the corner of the room, "what got you here in the first place?" 

Joandrey shrugged. "Poverty." 

"They pay you well, then?" 

"We don't get paid," Joandrey said. "We get fed." 

"Sounds interesting," Arwund said, trying to lean back, but failing because of his bonds. "Your family, too?" 

"I'm an orphan," was the reply. 

"Oh? Me too, I guess. Haven't seen my parents since I was... five, I believe." 

"I see." 

"I mean, I'm 57 now. You wouldn't say it, but you know, with the draconic lifespan and all..." 

"Good for you." 

Arwund tilted his head to one side. "You're not very talkative, are ya?" 

"No, I ain't," Joandrey snapped. 

Arwund stared at the desk, thinking. If he looked at the advantages and the disadvantages of joining the Servants and compared them to the advantages and disadvantages of not joining, what would be the best choice? Or perhaps he could join their ranks, take advantage of the security they offered him and hightail it when things got hairy? 

At that moment, Carlard came in. He looked at Joandrey and raised his eyebrows. "I see Bedreigh still has not returned? Do you know anything of his whereabouts?" 

"No, I don't," Joandrey said. "I simply ordered him to kill two unconscious men. It can't be so hard, can it?" 

Carlard let out a sigh. "I have a vague suspicion that boy's humanity got in the way. I should never have enlisted a human." 

Arwund struggled to keep a straight face. He had never heard anyone say the words humanity and human in such a disgusted tone of voice and he had to admit that he found it funny. 

"Bit late for that, I'm afraid," Joandrey said. 

Carlard looked her in the eye. He didn't speak a word, but his black eyes blazed in a warning. 

"I'll go look for him," Joandrey said immediately. She hurried out of the room. 

Carlard closed the door behind her and looked at Arwund. "I was wondering," he said, as if nothing had happened, "if you had already made up your mind." 

Arwund thought for a few more seconds, but then decided it was time to make a decision. He nodded. "I have." 

"And what is your decision?" 

Arwund looked at his captor. "I'm in."

-------------------------------------------------------

Enorwin and Bedreigh had once more descended into the catacombs when Maréin woke up. 

"Hello, my lord," was the first thing he said. 

Enorwin tilted his head to look at him. "Can you walk?" 

"I think I can," Maréin said. "What did I miss?" 

Putting Maréin down again, Enorwin explained, "The short version is that Arwund got kidnapped. Bedreigh over there is helping us find him."