Page 12 of The Dragon Shifters' Enemy
“I guess I see what you mean,” Caden nodded.
Kaila lifted the now defleshed fish with a grin.“But, at least, we can eat the smaller ones.I’ll have the chef prepare us another!”
She then turned on her heel and hurried off.Caden licked his fingers regretfully of the remnants of fish.Mei and Tez started towards him then.When they caught sight of the other out of the corners of their eyes, they each hurried forward.Mei seemed to let Tez get ahead when she stuck a foot out.He nearly went down.She giggled even as Tez glared and narrowed his eyes at her.But then he just shook his head and they both approached at a sedate pace.
Tez gave Caden a one-armed hug.He had a plate of chicken and potatoes in front of him.The chicken skin was a golden brown and studded with spices.The potatoes looked crisp and delicious.There was truffle mayonnaise beside them.He could have just gone to get food himself, but he felt he needed to talk to the other Dragon Shifters first about the interview and what he had done.
I don’t need permission.But I do want their thoughts.
“You were brilliant!I clapped when you talked of inequality! When people lose hope of advancement, of feeding their families--or even having one of their own--their lives turn to ashes!”Tez sighed.
Mei sighed and shook her head.“Tez, haven’t you learned that most of the oppressed would eagerly become the oppressors?There will always be a top and a bottom.It’s when the middle gets hollowed out that there’s a problem as the gap is too large.”
Tez frowned.“In a truly egalitarian society, all would have their basic needs met.Everyone who wished to could pursue what they are best at.Without want and lack of basics, society becomes better.”
“You used the wordswished to,” Mei pointed out with a snort of derision.“Many do not wish to do anything.”
“And why should they? Life is about beauty and enjoying oneself! One need not work to find happiness.Often, people work in order to afford their happiness.We should remove that,” Tez said.
“But what about those who simply work harder or smarter than everyone else?”Mei pushed back.“Shouldn’t they be rewarded for that? Should they have to carry those who do not wish to work on their back?”
“Rewarded yes?But with so much they could not spend it in even one of our immortal lifetimes?”Tez spread his arms wide.“While others go without basics like clean water and ample food and a roof over their head?Inequality destroys societies.The poor will rise up.”
“If the poor cannot get themselves out of the position they are in, I hardly think we’re in danger of them putting together an uprising.”Mei waved a hand through the air.
“But, Mei, peoplearerising up,” Caden pointed out.“Humans First?Even this crazed idea in the Faith! My father, who is smart and capable and on the top of the pile in a lot of ways for humans before this, felt the squeeze.If he’s feeling it, imagine what other people are experiencing.”
Anwar’s voice rose up then, “I admire your audacity, Caden.It fits with what I saw you do on the streets today.”The Silver Dragon Shifter seemed to glide over to him on silent feet.His handsome face was wreathed in smiles, but his eyes were shadowed.“And I do agree that there is unrest out there due to inequality, but…”
Valerius stepped to his side then and handed Caden food and wine as he asked, “But, Anwar?”
The Silver Dragon Shifter’s eyes narrowed.“But there is another force that is making anger burn hotter, hatred seethe more readily, and even corrupting the minds of the Faithful.”
A chill ran down Caden’s spine.“You mean there’s an actual enemy--a singular enemy--that we can face to stop some of what’s happening?”
Anwar nodded.“It wants to enter this world and needs death and chaos to do so.Its name is Behemoth.”
Living Myth
“Behemoth is the equivalent of the human’s bogeyman, Anwar,” Valerius responded crisply as he felt Caden’s fear spike at the name and anger stirred within him.“It does not exist and I should not have to tell you that.”
“Indeed, Anwar, why would you suggest a monster from a fairytale exists and is our enemy? We have enough enemies without adding mythical ones!”Esme frowned at the Silver Dragon Shifter. She clearly thought as Valerius did that this was in poor taste.
“Are you annoyed that you were last to the party, little Anwar? Wings too small and weak to make the flight without many rest stops?Now you must make yourself the center of attention with tall tales, eh?”Illarion mocked as he swung another lamb chop around like it was a sword.He nearly spattered everyone with grease.
“Eatyour food, Illarion.Do notwaveit about,” Valerius snarled.
Illarion stuck the whole lamb chop in his mouth and ripped the meat off down to the bone.Valerius could see the Green Dragon in Illarion’s eyes.Raziel looked through his as well.The Green and Black Dragons rumbled angrily at one another.Illarion grinned.There was lamb meat between his teeth and Valerius ran his tongue over his own in annoyance.
Mei added her own barb to Esme’s, “We really don’t need you trying to make yourself moreimportantthan you are, Anwar. Trying to play hero for Caden is pointless.He’s in love with Valerius and that’s that.”
I am in love with you, but that’s not why Anwar is doing this, I don’t think, Caden said over their bond.
He is a show off.I told you he would be annoyed that important things had happened before he got here.This must be part of that,Valerius answered.
Maybe you’re right.But Caden didn’t sound convinced.
“Behemoth?What’s a Behemoth?”Kaila asked as she offered Caden more fish.
