"So, Jaden Fairlocks is alive."
Tearing himself from a scene witnessed through his dragon demon's unnaturally keen eyes, the man who called himself the Dragon settled back in the carriage seat, yanking the curtain to glimpse out the window to his left.
The road from Treon to the smaller city of Blue Heron offered charming views. Strips of green land rich with blooming wildflowers, giving way to beaches where people could swim in the warmer months. It was a clear day, allowing for the sight of the West Mist Islands in the distance, cresting the horizon upon the waters of the Dryanic Ocean.
Drawing the curtain, he went on, knowing his companion listened, "I wanted to send a clear message to the Felleran queen. To show her what happens to little spies who aren't careful."
"Something you did without first running it by me," his companion pointed out, a flicker of annoyance in his eyes. Ensconced in the cushioned seat across from the Dragon, he crossed his slender legs, clawed hands joined in his lap. Looking oddly young, as he sometimes did.
"I didn't think you'd care," the Dragon replied. "The emperor certainly didn't mind. He wants the queen unharmed, but said nothing about her relatives. Doesn't matter now. It seems Jaden has joined the young man Mikael sent for the mission."
"I don't know why you waste your time monitoring their progress. I've told you, I'll make sure the catalyst comes to you in the end. Patience, my friend. Have I ever given you reason to doubt me?"
The Dragon smiled. "I suppose you haven't." However, you did lie to me, once. As well as to my closest friend.
He shook off the old and yet still painful memory, and changed the subject, "I should find more recruits for the cult in Blue Heron."
The demon seemed pleased. "Good."
"I suppose I should soon pen another letter to Mikael T'Sherazee." He sighed. "Letting Mikael believe that his spy is still alive is quite troublesome."
"A small price to pay," the demon said, "to be one step ahead."
"Indeed."
So your spy lives, Felleran queen. Well no matter, for I have a spy of my own in your castle right now.