I exhaled. If we refused to say anything, that would only foster more mistrust and enmity between dragons and St. George. I didnt like this man; in fact, I was pretty sure I hated him. He was everything that was wrong with the Order, all their the bigotry, elitism and narrow-mindedness rolled into one awful human being. I didnt want to answer any of his questions. But that wouldnt help our cause. It wouldnt help the numerous breeder dragons trapped on Talons horrible island. I knew that, around this human, I had to be very cautious, but I could still attempt to be civil.
I felt a slight brush against my armGarret, quietly letting me know he was still there. I drew strength from his touch. Garret would be able to do this, I thought. Even in the face of constant, blatant hatred from the very people he used to know, when they were screaming for his execution and calling him all sorts of terrible things, he could still be calm and polite. I would never have his patience, but I knew that there were issues larger than myself and my feelings. For now, anyway, I would be the bigger person and not tell this human what he could go do with himself.
I took a furtive breath and met the officers gaze again. We came here because we need the Orders help, I said, ignoring Rileys disgusted growl. Because Talon is after us, too, and we thought combining forces with St. George would give us both a better chance at survival. There, that was answering the question without revealing any details. Unfortunately, Ward was smarter than he looked.
That tells me nothing, he stated. Dragons would not seek out the Order of St. George on a whim, not without some sort of plan. Not without some kind of negotiating power. If you came to us, you either have something we want, or youre planning something and you need the Orders help. Why risk it otherwise? His gaze suddenly went to Tristan, as if hed just noticed the large black case the soldier was holding, and his eyes narrowed. What are you not telling me, dragon?
Lieutenant Ward. Fortunately, Martin broke in at that moment, gesturing to a seat at the table. If you wouldI was just about to explain the situation. Ward glowered, but he finally backed off. Martin spared a glance at Tristan, then turned to Garret.
Am I to assume that the mission was a success?
Yes, sir. Garret nodded once. We have the prototype.
Good. Martin gestured to Tristan. Leave it on the table, St. Anthony.
Tristan complied, giving the case a final longing glance as he walked away. So, does this mean the Order is going to help us? I asked, and Ward made a strangled noise of disgust, eyes flashing contempt as he glared at the other officer. Thankfully, he didnt say anything, though Martin sighed heavily, bowing his head as he braced his arms on the table surface.
It appears so, he murmured, almost too soft to be heard. Dragons and the Order, working together. Heaven help us all. There was a pause, as if he was taking a deep breath, or making peace with that notion, before looking up. Lieutenant. He turned to Ward. As you have already guessed, the Western Chapterhouse has accepted the aid of a group of dragons not allied with Talon. The reasons for this are severalfoldwe need more bodies than we currently have to stand against the organization. These dragons have inside knowledge about Talon and how it works. They have already proved instrumental in acquiring something that could help us greatly in the war effort.
Not to mention, we did save you from the first wave of Talons clones, I thought, though it seemed petty to voice it out loud. Ward made a disgusted noise and crossed his arms. Martin ignored it.
As part of this deal, the lieutenant went on, the Western Chapterhouse has agreed to aid them in their efforts against Talon. You dont have to be part of this, Lieutenant, he added before Ward could say anything. The Eastern Chapterhouse can refuse to help, and it will be well within your rights to do so. But know that the dragons here are under my protection, and I will not permit anyone, soldier or otherwise, to harm, threaten or harass them in any way. Please make that known to your men. The last thing we need is a battle within our own walls.
You goddamn fool, Ward growled. Youve made a deal with the devil, and have dragged the rest of us into it, as well. What is this aid youve promised, because Ill be damned if Im letting a group of lizards out of my sight.
A rescue mission, Martin said calmly. Were going to free a group of dragons Talon is holding captive.
I thought Ward might explode. His neck bulged, his eyes got huge and his face turned an interesting shade of red. Are you...fucking serious? he roared, making me wince. Not only are we accepting help from these monsters, were going to free them, too? Turn more dragons loose on the world, thats what youre planning?
You dont have to come, Riley said, that dangerous smirk crossing his face again. If rescuing a bunch of soulless lizards is against your moral code, feel free to stay behind. In fact, I encourage it. It would be such a crying shame if you didnt make it back.
Ward shot him a look of black hatred, and I winced. Rileys anger, though justified, was not helping things. Lieutenant Martin, Ward continued, his voice stiff and ugly. Just so we are perfectly clear. Do you truly intend to help these monsters?
Yes, Martin replied firmly. I gave my word, and the Order is in desperate need of allies, Lieutenant. These dragons have agreed to help us fight Talon, and right now, I will take their aid and the hope of survival over following the Code of St. George.
Very well, Ward growled. Then I have no choice but to be a part of this. Someone must be there to make sure these things dont slit our throats from behind. Though let it be on your conscience when they inevitably turn on us.
Funny, Riley said. I was just thinking the same thing.
Ward didnt deign to answer. Spinning on a heel, he marched from the room, slamming the door behind him. The frame rattled in the wake of the lieutenants exit, and he was gone.
Martin sighed.
Sebastian, he continued, as if determined to ignore everything that had happened in the past five minutes. Good work on retrieving the prototype. I did some research while you were away. The island youve described does indeed exist, and appears to be privately owned. Look here. He pointed to the table, where the map of the island lay unfolded at the center. Judging from the map, Martin continued as we crowded forward, it has a docking station at the west point for food and supplies, and a guard tower at the north, south and east points of the island. But as far as I can tell, the rest of the fence line is unpatrolled.
So getting in wont be an issue, Riley guessed. The challenge will be leaving the island with a bunch of dragons in tow, some of whom might not be able to Shift into human form. He grimaced and looked at Martin. Did you happen to find a solution to that little problem? How were going to safely transport a large number of dragons across the ocean without anyone seeing them?
The Order still has a few resources at its disposal, Martin replied with a thoughtful look at the map. His brow furrowed, and he nodded slowly. It will be difficult, but I think I have a way. He paused, as if thinking, then glanced up at Riley. I assume youll want this done as soon as possible.
The Order still has a few resources at its disposal, Martin replied with a thoughtful look at the map. His brow furrowed, and he nodded slowly. It will be difficult, but I think I have a way. He paused, as if thinking, then glanced up at Riley. I assume youll want this done as soon as possible.
Riley nodded. As soon as we can.
All right. The lieutenant stepped back from the table. Ill need to make a few more calls, phone in a few favors, but if everything works out, well be ready to go in under a week. I cant promise anything more than that.
Youve already agreed to more than wed hoped for, I said, making him raise a brow at me. Thank you, Lieutenant.
He gave a grim smile. Dont thank me yet, dragon. If this mission is to succeed, all its members must work together without fail. That means dragons and soldiers of St. George. Talk to me afterward, if any of us are still alive. St. Anthony... He looked at Tristan, who snapped to attention. If you would kindly join me in my office with the prototype. I would like to hear the mission details while we are examining this weapon in private. Sebastian? He glanced at me. Join us when you can.
Yes, sir.
They left the room, Tristan retrieving the prototype from the desk, leaving me to think about the upcoming mission, and how unlikely it was that everyone would get along, work together and pull this off without a hitch. Wards arrival and insistence upon coming with us to the island certainly threw everything into question.
Riley shook his head and stepped back. Well, I need to find Wes, he announced, glancing at me and Garret. Let him know whats going on, see if he can uncover anything useful. If that Lieutenant Loudmouth and his men are coming with us, I want to know everything we can about that island so we can at least be prepared if they decide to shoot us in the back.
What about Mist? Garret suggested. Shes the one who gave us the map. Maybe she knows something.
Rileys face darkened.
Yeah, he muttered, not sounding at all convinced. Mist. An ex-Talon agent with a mystery employer backing us up with the soldiers of St. George. That gives me all sorts of confidence that this mission is going to go well. He ran a hand down his face, grimacing. Maybe you can talk to her, Firebrand, he suggested, glancing at me. See if you can find out who this mystifying employer of hers is. I havent had any luck dragging it out of her.