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“Yes, I think that would be for the best,” a raspy voice said.
The company hushed, and Tighlia emerged from behind the curtains. Both griff were down, and her wings dragged in mourning. She cleared her throat, but could produce only a rather loud whisper: “I won’t have all that my mate worked for destroyed. If we go out and present a united line, they’ll accept SiDrakkon. Well?”
SiDrakkon glowered down at everyone, and Imfamnia looked warily at her future sister.
“If no one’s dragon enough to venture out first, I shall,” Tighlia said, moving toward the door down one of the silver waterfalls.
“No, Granddam,” the Copper said. “I’ll go out first. No faction can do much worse to me than life’s already done.”
“What a way to begin your reign, Tyr SiDrakkon,” SiMevolant said. “A lame half-wit announcing your ascendance.”
“And a garrulous bit of rabbit fluff bringing up the rear, no doubt,” Tighlia croaked. “Go on, RuGaard; show us what you’re made of.”
“I’ll lead, blast it,” SiDrakkon said. “Are you coming, Imfamnia?”
“You must be joking,” she said, staying on her shelf. “I had dung thrown at me on the way in. They’re like humans.”
They began to file out, and the Copper felt a pressure on his saa. It came from Ibidio, who maneuvered him into an alcove between half-melted war trophies as the others walked past.
“Ummmm, RuGaard, is it now?” She glanced around to make sure none were listening, not even thralls. Outside, the crowed roared as the doors opened.
“Yes,” the Copper said.
“You had the Uphold at the end of the western road. Did NiVom come your way?”
“If he had, I certainly wouldn’t give him away. He was a good friend.”
“I believe he’s being hunted.”
The Copper heard SiDrakkon roaring out a few emphatic words. A good deal of noise came back from the crowd.
“The Tyr came to me last night. He said he’d selected a new heir. He told me if anything happened to him, to ask you.”
“Ask me what?”
“Did you see him or didn’t you?”
“I did. I told him NiVom was innocent, and to ask you for the truth about your daughter. And your mate, and DharSii, whoever that was.”
“He was our best air commander. Once.”
“Dead?”
“No one knows. It’s not important; we have only a moment here. Who is the heir the Tyr mentioned?”
“NiVom, I expect.”
“What happened to the Tyr?”
“I was one of the first at my mate-father’s side,” Ibidio said. “We heard a roar from Tighlia’s chamber. I tore down the curtains and rushed in. The Tyr was flat on his side, and there was a terrible smell in there. It made my head swim and brought my meal up. I found Tighlia on the balcony.”
“What could have happened?”
The crowd outside was quieting.
“I don’t know. She’s half deman, that one. But I’ll tell you this: Look behind her griff. There are claw marks. Deep ones. Someone tried to tear her head off.”
“I have to go.”
