In the eastern quarter of Henbrace, in the Plavence and stronghold of the city’s wizards, Morgenferrin sat before Jorain Maretto.
“A pleasure it is, Lady Copprin, to welcome such a distinguished visitor to my quarters.”
“Thank you for your hospitality, especially in light of my heritage.”
“Well, I’ve never entertained a dragon before,” he said, most delightedly. “And I wonder what brings your charming and intelligent self here, all the way from the Coast.”
She took a slow sip of her tea.
“Could it be,” he added, “connected to the passage of a certain young Dragon Smasher?”
“It very well is. With my interests in the financial well-being of Humboldt, I was glad when our famous Fawnlum came to help in the war. But to my surprise, I found nary a word about her, when I travelled to Ienpurse recently. My trail of clues came from the scuttlebutt of sell-swords, who spoke of Coastals coming through Henbrace in the south, instead of heading north.”
“Well, I can tell you, she did come through here, and went straight to East Osterly. No one was expecting her and party to do well in that city. But word did pass across the river, of a sudden surge of ears appearing in the bounty office, carried in by the big girl from the foreign land.”
She took a deep sigh in the face of his enthusiasm. “Of all the scale-scratching antics,” she mumbled, pushing one stray hair of her golden mane back into place behind her ear. “Can that girl never do things the easy way?”
“I would venture a guess, you expected different?”
“You would guess right,” she said, keeping the terseness out of her voice. “I must say, trying to guide humans is like trying to herd cats.”
He gave a subtle nod, but then added, “It gets better.”
She eyed him, and his happy anticipation.
“I’m the best sort of guest for you, aren’t I?” she said, cutting to the chase. “Not because I bring news from afar, but I’m a new audience to share your own knowledge.”
“My lady. I won’t deny it,” he said, the restraint in his smile failing hopelessly.
She settled back in her seat, with back straight, and saucer and cup held properly in hand. “Please, do continue.”
