Page 42 of The Arrival of the Dragons

He thought of picking it up and taking it to a field and using it for target practice. But that would be unwise. For though he doubted this gift would have the same machinations as the others, it would still be good to know how it worked. Mei was probably counting on that, which meant it might be dangerous to disassemble it.

“I am going to take a stroll through your little village,” Illarion said suddenly.

Once again he miscategorized acityas a village then, of course, he insulted it more by calling itlittle. But Valerius did not care. He would just be happy to get Illarion out of his hair. And he had no fear that Illarion would accidentally walk into Wally’s shop and somehow suss out who the White Dragon truly was either. Illarion would not be caught dead in a souvenir shop. He and Chione watched as Illarion stalked out of the throne room. His shoulders relaxed, but then he looked at the soldier. It likely had a listening device at least in it.

“Captain Simi, take this down to the dungeon,” Valerius ordered.

But before the captain had a chance to take a step, the mechanical man stood up and addressed Valerius in a stilted voice, “My name is Adama. Command me, King Valerius, and I will obey.”

“Maybe we should ask it some questions?” Chione asked as she stepped down to his side from the throne.

“It will only tell us what Mei wishes us to know,” Valerius remarked dryly. “I would not even satisfy her curiosity with our most basic questions.” He addressed Adama. “You will accompany Captain Simi down to the dungeon. You will then power off until ordered otherwise by me.”

Adama smartly saluted and turned towards Captain Simi. It had already determined who Simi was, which was interesting and a little unnerving. It was indeed listening and learning. He did not wait to see them leave, but instead gestured for Chione to join him on the terrace. The two of them walked out into a nice cool breeze. He closed his eyes and tipped his head back to let the sun fall full on his face.

“Was that Caden on the phone? I've never seen you so fascinated by your phone before.” Chione did not sound annoyed at his earlier distraction, but amused.

He snorted and opened his eyes. “Yes, now you are making me feel more like a teeanger than ever.”

“A teenager with a crush?” Her eyes sparkled mischievously.

He rolled his own at her and had them go to the railing. “He was actually worried about Mei. Wally had told him some story about how she got her Spirit and he was alarmed.”

Chione’s eyebrows rose. “I wonder what story Wally knows.”

“Probably the true one,” Valerius said with a sigh. “He spoke of Trojan Horses.”

“The robots?” She looked impressed. “He didn’t just see them as a danger from their surface, but a deeper danger?”

“Yes. I must call him back and find out his thoughts.” Valerius pulled out his phone and texted,Can you speak now?

“I wonder what Iolaire knows. The other Dragon Spirits knew one another in the other world, didn’t they?” she asked. It was a rare question from her.

“Does your Spirit not know others?” he asked back.

“It does not speak to me as yours does to you. It only sings.” She smiled softly, but then shook herself. “I should tell you the schedule of arrivals for the other Dragons so you can call Caden.”

His hand tightened on the phone. “Yes.”

I wish he were here,Valerius thought and it was completely unbidden.Look at me, Raziel, I am mooning over the boy.

Iolaire is the moon, Raziel murmured.It is the color of the finest moon and stars.

Valerius looked at his Spirit in surprise. Raziel had its head again on its front claws and was gazing dreamily down at the Mid.

You are even a bigger romantic than me, Raziel!Valerius laughed.

The Black Dragon’s eyes closed and it proceeded to snore.

“Valerius?” Chione asked, eyebrows raising again.

“I am here. I was just… speaking to Raziel.”

“And blushing!” Her voice thrilled with laughter. “Well, I am so glad to see you in a better mood than before.”

“I am surprised that you are not giving me gentle critique about how I treated Mei,” he said, looking at her curiously.

Chione’s eyes widened and she quickly shook her head. “After she brought those soldiers here? I was so glad you took her to task!”

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