I tried to edge forward to get a better idea of exactly what was going on, but the big dragon turned a baleful eye on me and let loose a blast of flame which kept me at a respectful distance. Not that I was afraid, mind you; Gleep seemed to have the situation well in hand ... or talon as the case might be. Well, I had always told Aahz that Gleep was a very talon-ted dragon.
Finally, the big dragon drew himself up, turned, and majestically left the field without a backward glance, his head impressively high. Ignoring the angry shouts of the soldiers, he returned to his box and dropped his haunches, sitting with his back to the entire proceeding.
His keeper's rage was surpassed only by Antonio's. He screamed at the keeper with purpled face and frantic gestures until the keeper angrily pulled the control pendant from around his neck, handed it to the officer, and stalked off. Antonio blinked at the pendant, then flung it to the ground and started off after the keeper.
That was all the opening I needed. Reaching out with my mind, I brought the pendant winging to my hand.
"Aahz!" I began.
"I don't believe it," my mentor mumbled to himself. "I saw it, but I still don't believe it."
"Gleep!"
My pet came racing up to my side, understandably pleased with himself.
"Hi, fella!" I cried, ignoring his breath and throwing my arms around his neck in a hug. "What happened out there, anyway?"
"Gleep!" my pet said evasively, carefully studying a cloud.
If I had expected an answer, it was clear I wasn't going to get one.
"I still don't believe it," Aahz repeated.
"Look, Aahz," I said, holding the pendant aloft. "Now we don't have to worry about that or any other dragon. We've shown a profit!"
"So we did," Aahz scowled. "But do me a favor, huh, kid?"
"What's that, Aahz?" I asked.
"If that dragon, or any dragon, wanders into our camp, don't feed it! We already have one, and that's about all my nerves can stand. Okay?"
"Sure, Aahz," I smiled.
"Gleep!" said my pet, rubbing against me for more petting, which he got.
Chapter Twenty-Two:
"Hell hath no fury like a demon scorched."
-C. MATHER
OUR next war council made the previous ones look small. This was only to be expected, as we were dealing with the commander of the entire left flank of the Empire's army.
Our meeting was taking place in a pavilion constructed specifically for that purpose, and the structure was packed with officers, including Claude. It seemed Antonio was true to his word, even though he himself was not currently present.
In the face of such a gathering, we had decided to show a bit more force ourselves. To that end, Tanda and Brockhurst were accompanying us, while Gleep snuffled around outside. Gus and Ajax we were still holding in reserve, while the Gremlin had not reappeared since the confrontation of dragons.
I didn't like the officer we were currently dealing with. There was something about his easy, oily manner that set me on edge. I strongly suspected he had ascended to his current position by poisoning his rivals.
"So you'd like us to surrender," he was saying thoughtfully, drumming his fingers on the table before him.
"... or withdraw, or turn aside," I corrected. "Frankly, we don't care what you do, as long as you leave Possiltum alone."
"We've actually been considering doing just that," the commander said, leaning back in his chair to study the pavilion's canopy.
"Is that why you've been moving up additional troops all day long?" Brockhurst asked sarcastically.
"Merely an internal matter, I assure you," the commander purred. "All my officers are assembled here, and they're afraid their troops will fall to mischief if left to their own devices."
"What my colleague means," Aahz interjected, "is we find it hard to believe you're actually planning to accede to our demands."
"Why not?" the commander shrugged. "That is what you've been fighting for, isn't it? There comes a point when a commander must ask himself if it won't cost him more dearly to fight a battle than to pass it by. So far, your resistance utilizing demons and dragons has shown us this battle could be difficult indeed."
"There are more where they come from," I interjected, "should the need arise."
"So you've demonstrated," the commander smiled, waving a casual hand at Tanda and Brockhurst. "Witches and devils made an impressive addition to your force."
I deemed it unwise to point out to him that Brockhurst was an Imp, not a Deveel.
"Then you agree to bypass Possiltum?" Aahz asked bluntly.
"I agree to discuss it with my officers," the commander clarified. "All I ask is that you leave one of your... ah ... assistants behind."
"What for?" I asked. I didn't like the way he was eyeing Tanda.
"To bring you word of our decision, of course," the commander shrugged. "None of my men would dare enter your camp, even granted a messenger's immunity."
There was a mocking tone to his voice I didn't like.
"I'll stay, Skeeve," Aahz volunteered.
I considered it. Aahz had demonstrated his ability to take care of himself time and time again. Still I didn't trust the commander.
"Only if you are willing to give us one of your officers in return as a hostage," I replied.
"I've already said none of-" the commander began.
"He need not enter our camp," I explained. "He can remain well outside our force, on the edge of the tree line in full view of your force. I will personally guarantee his safety."
The commander chewed his lip thoughtfully. "Very well," he said. "Since you have shown an interest in his career, I will give you Claude to hold as a hostage."
The young officer paled but remained silent. "Agreed," I said. "We will await your decision."
I nodded to my comrades, and they obediently began filing out of the pavilion. Claude hesitated, then joined the procession.
I wanted to tell Aahz to be careful but decided against it. It wouldn't do to admit my partner's vulnerability in front of the commander. Instead, I nodded curtly to the officers and followed my comrades.
Tanda and Brockhurst were well on their way back to the treeline. Claude, on the other hand, was waiting for me as I emerged and fell in step beside me.
"While we have a moment," he said stiffly, "I would like to thank you for interceding in my behalf with my superiors."
"Don't mention it," I mumbled absently.
"No, really," he persisted. "Chivalry to an opponent is rarely seen these days. I think-"
"Look, Claude," I growled, "credit it to my warped sense of justice. I don't like you, and didn't when we first met, but that doesn't make you incompetent. Unpleasant, perhaps, but not incompetent."
I was harsher with him than I had intended to be, but I was worried about Aahz.
Finding himself thus rebuked, he sank into an uncomfortable silence which lasted almost until we reached the trees. Then he cleared his throat and tried again.
"Urn... Skeeve?"
"Yeah?" I retorted curtly.
"I ... um... what I was trying to say was that I am grateful and would repay your favor by any reasonable means at my disposal."
Despite my concern, his offer penetrated my mind as a potential opportunity.
"Would answering a few questions fall under the heading of ‘reasonable'?" I asked casually.
"Depending upon the questions," he replied carefully. "I am still a soldier, and my code of conduct clearly states-"
"Tell you what," I interrupted. "I'll ask the questions, and you decide which ones are okay to answer. Fair enough?"