Dark Sun: Prism Pentad 3 - The Amber Enchantress (38 page)

The Dragon laid a single hand over the heads, pressing a finger into each of their eyes. Both Sacha and Wyan fell silent immediately.

“You may continue” snarled Borys, digging his claws in farther than truly necessary to keep the heads quiet.

“I promise you, my city will meet its levy next year,” Tithian answered, forcing himself not to look at the torture being inflicted on his former advisors.

“Your
city!” the Dragon scoffed. “Tyr belonged to Kalak, and Kalak to me. His power was my power, and you have robbed me of that.”

Tithian shook his head defiantly. “No, we did you a favor. Kalak was trying to become a dragon so he could take your place.”

“I'll be the judge of what favors me and what does not,” the great beast snarled. “All sorcerer-kings are dragons of one kind or another, though they assume different shapes to suit their tastes. If Kalak wished to fashion himself after my form, that was his business
—
but he would not have dreamed of taking my place. Saying such things only shows how little you know about what you've taken upon yourself.”

“Then show me,” said Tithian.

The beast narrowed his great eyes. “You are too bold. I should kill you and the entire city for your impudence.”

“But that would be a great waste, or you would have done it already,” said Tithian. “On the other hand, if you grant me one small boon, I'll double the levy that Kalak paid.”

The Dragon turned his head and regarded the king with a single black eye. “And in return? What do you want of me?”

“Nothing difficult,” answered Tithian. “Just help me become a sorcerer-king.”