“I disagree.Much has happened since we last met.The world is changing, and the time to act is now.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Don’t be intentionally obtuse.I know about the hatchlings.And so do you.Fiona’s seen you meeting with them.”
“Fiona is wrong.I’ve not nor do I intend to make contact.”True before this meeting, but a lie now because the fact Nessie showed an unhealthy interest meant I’d have to give the young dragons warning.
“You might not have introduced yourself yet, but you will.”
“Not likely.”
“As if you’ll have a choice.You and the hatchlings are part of a plan a long time in the making.”
The claim chilled.“Plan to do what?”
“Rule the world, of course.”
I couldn’t help but snort.“You’re delusional.”
“Am I?”
I crossed my arms and didn’t temper my tone as I snapped.“You think it’s so easy?Go ahead.Expose yourself to the humans, order them to obey.I’ll wager you either end up captured and placed in a zoo or dead, since it wouldn’t take much to obliterate your loch.”
“Fiona has seen a future where the humans cower before the might of a dragon.”
“What makes you think it’s you?Maybe she spoke of me or one of the hatchlings.”I goaded her, disturbed by this supposed vision.
“You?”Nessie trilled in amusement.“We both know you lack any interest in governing.Which is good, because I’m going to have need of you.The same goes for the hatchlings.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“You will all contribute to my ascension as supreme ruler.Pity you won’t be alive, though, to congratulate me on the establishment of the Dragocracy.”A term I’d not heard in eons, and by one dragon only.Nessie’s sister Tiamat.
It led to me staring at Nessie, a dragon I no longer recognized because she’d finally given in to madness.I wish I knew what happened a decade ago to change her.Could it be the power-hungry lust that consumed her twin finally took effect?Whatever the case, I’d heard enough.
“You can forget your grandiose plans.I won’t have any part, and I will add, any attempt to subjugate humans will force me to act.”
“You’d kill me?”The soft voice that emerged was at odds with the belligerent tone Nessie had used thus far.
“I will if you force me to.Now, since we’re done here, I shall take my leave.”
“You’re not going anywhere.”The voice returned to being nasty.
“And how will you make me stay?We both know you’re no match for me.”Harsh, but true.“Also, just so you’re warned, the next time you send a Red Cap, or anything else, into my territory or against anyone I consider under my protection, I will view it as an act of war and act accordingly.”
“Too late.The war began a decade ago and ends now,” she stated.
Movement from the fog had me reacting, but not quick enough to avoid the darts that peppered my soft flesh, tufted needles filled with a drug that turned my muscles to rubber.My knees buckled, and I fell to the ground, cursing the fact I’d worn this fragile body-- susceptible to human weakness—to the meeting instead of my dragon scales.
“Alistair!”Davina yelled my name, finally released from the mental hold freezing her.“What have you done to him?”
“Ensured he’s manageable for the next phase of my plan,” Nessie stated, her tone smug.
“Whatever it is, he won’t help,” Davina huffed.“You might be able to control me with your mind tricks, but you won’t be able to do the same to him.”
“He will do exactly as I ask with the right incentive.”Nessie’s head dipped, bringing it level with Davina’s wide-eyed gaze.“I think it’s a good thing my naughty Red Caps didn’t murder you after all.”
I feared she might be right.The thought of Davina being harmed had my limbs twitching, fighting the drugs.
