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Gigrix, clumsy in his Drakine, explained that in tunnel fighting, possession of a cave-ceiling often meant possession of the tunnel.
“An uphole was the only way for escape ye dragons,” Gigrix said. “No dragon spit flame straight up.”
“You’re right there. Nothing burns hotter than your own flame, my old master in the Drakwatch used to say.”
“Demans—he (sic-eek) natural instinct to flee down, into crevice.”
“I would like to see those dragon-snares and arresting ropes you’re so famous for using on dragons in action sometime. We’ve lost too many dragons to such devices.”
“Ye—ye wish to see us—snare dragon? In true—In truth?”
“I’ve seen warfare on the surface, but have only heard reports of tunnel fighting. An exhibition of your prowess would be fascinating. Of course neither side must be hurt in the exercise.”
“Of course!”
“Gigrix, I have a proposition for you. We’re having trouble getting Paskinix to meet so that your release might be negotiated.”
“If ye intend is . . . , demen have honor, sir, as dragons.”
“No, nothing of the sort. I was thinking that perhaps you could choose one or two of your soldiers to send looking for him with a message that I wish to meet, Tyr to King, and settle this conflict. Demen and dragons have enemies enough on the surface without fighting each other down here.”
Gigrix was as difficult to read as a griffaran, between the frog eyes and the sliding headplates and grinding mandibles with probing lips, especially when all chose to work at once. But his spines stiffened at last.
“Done, if ye wish to give the orders. I shall send two.”
Two would be better, the Copper thought. They’ll spend their time talking to each other.
“There’s one other arrangement I’d be happy to offer for the comfort of your warriors,” the Copper said.
“What would that be?”
“Dragons, I know, hate being long away from mates and hatchlings. I suspect it is the same with demen.”
“What is propose?”
“That such of your people”—the Copper was careful to observe Gigrix’s reaction to the phrase your people—“as wish to visit and cheer your warriors may come and live at some intermediate distance where they might make the trip in a day. I’m afraid I can’t allow any of your warriors to leave their area to go visit them, but I will allow free traffic by whatever mates and spawn wish to visit. They could settle at the river ring, as long as they take care not to try to steal any griffaran eggs. What say you to that?”
“I—I give that think.”
“You do that. Evidently there is no hurry. At least Paskinix is of that opinion. Perhaps I’m not offering the right guarantees of his safety. Would you advise me on that?”
“Yes. Yes,” Gigrix said.
“He knows that we meet as equals, he King of the Demen, myself Tyr of the Dragon Empire. No humiliation, no victor and vanquished.”
“The Tyr is generous. I, as general, admit that we beaten, beaten very. He cannot object.”
“He may choose the location of the meeting. All I ask is the companionship of my guard and his word that we meet in fair parley, no tricks or ambushes. Is that an immoderate demand?”
“No. The Tyr shows courage. That last parley with fighting—it was quaking trick. I take no part in that.”
“Of course. You are a warrior, with a warrior’s honor. Your followers surrendered, and I’ll die before I see them ill-treated or have the terms of the surrender broken. That is my promise to you, Gigrix.”
“Your word is prove by better treatment than I ever expect, Tyr.”
“I just hope it is soon. So you see no fault in my offer?”
“No—none!”
