Page 108 of Warlords, Witches & Wolves

Well, it’s not a sheep.

She almost laughed, but the dragons were nearing her again, in formation ready to attack. Dagar and Vachir ran out from the trees. Vachir gripped her arm to pull her up and Dagar aimed his bow and arrow at the dragons. Shuree lunged at him. “No, don’t shoot them.” She pushed them back under the trees as the flames chased their feet.

Her heart pounded. “Did anyone else hear them?”

“Hear who?” Vachir asked.

“The dragons. They spoke to me.” She scanned the others until she found Erhi. “You said they live higher in the mountains.”

Erhi shrugged. “I thought they did.”

“What do you know about them?”

“Only that they are intelligent.”

Then perhaps she could negotiate with them as well. “Everyone stay back, under the trees.” She turned back to the meadow.

Dagar grabbed her. “You can’t go back out there. They’ll burn you alive.”

She shook her arm free. “We need the meadow,” she said. “I will talk with them.”

The dragons circled the meadow, watching them. Her body trembled as she stepped into the sunlight, not certain if she should speak aloud or with her thoughts.

Why are you here?

“Our Gods nominated this place as neutral ground for inter-tribal negotiations,” she said, raising her voice so those behind her could hear. “It was not our intention to upset you. We did not realise you would be here.”

She could feel the dragon’s contempt.Why do you think it’s called Dragon Mountains?

“I believed the dragons lived at the top.” She turned on the spot, keeping the circling dragons in view. “My name is Shuree, khan… leader of the Saltar tribe. This gathering is very important to my people and I ask your permission to stay here in this meadow while we negotiate.”

You, or all those people with you?

“All of us, and those still to arrive.” She calculated quickly. “About forty more.”

Tell me what is so important.

“Peace,” she said. “We wish to stop the fighting between our tribes and be able to live harmoniously together on the steppes.”

The dragon was silent for a long moment.Your heart is pure, but I sense unease and uncertainty in your companions.

“They are afraid of you and of what is to come. We do not know whether the others who are yet to arrive will keep the truce.”

And yet you still came.

“Trust has to start sometime.”

One dragon, a pale blue colour, flew low and landed lightly in front of her, tucking his leathery wings against his back. He was the size of a six-moon-old foal and his presence made her step back. He inclined his head.I am Ghalin.

Shuree bowed, her chest tight. “I am pleased to meet you, Ghalin.”

Tell me exactly what you propose.

She explained the agreement she had negotiated with Ogodai, told him about her uncertainty about the tribes in the far west and let her emotions free as she spoke about what she wanted for her people. “All we want is to live in peace and stop the death of so many people.”

Ghalin was silent a moment.It is a noble cause.He glanced behind her.Please tell your companions you are safe. The one you call Dagar is very worried.

She ignored the tug on her heart and waved to the group who were hovering at the edges of the trees. “I am fine,” she called. “Ghalin and I are discussing what to do.”

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