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“What, already?” Natasatch said.
“It’s possible that NiVom and Imfamnia’s plans are well-advanced. Maybe if they learn he’s suspicious of them, they’ll forget whatever it is they’re planning.”
“While you’re doing that, I think I’ll invite Imfamnia over for a visit.”
AuRon only knew one or two ways into the Lavadome, and a windy tunnel out of it. Long flights didn’t fatigue him the way they did other dragons, so he made the trip in two days.
He wondered how much Natasatch would tell Imfamnia. Well, it didn’t matter. Not even NiVom and Imfamnia would be able to put their plans into effect, with the head start he had.
He flew straight to the Imperial Rock and spoke to NoSohoth about getting a private audience with his brother on an urgent and secret matter.
The Copper dismissed his Griffaran Guard to wait outside. “Our Protector of Dairuss never was one to start a fight.”
“I have finished my share,” AuRon said.
“Follow me. It’s late, and I know a place we can talk.”
He led AuRon down a series of ramps and passages going down through the heart of Imperial Rock.
They ended up in a big, sand-floored cavern. AuRon wondered if it was an arena or a theater of some kind.
The acoustics in this cavern were strange. The sand soaked up the sound of their clawfalls and tail-drags. But when they spoke, the words echoed off the empty shelves and rough cavern roof.
The Copper found a broken metal scale-file on the lowest shelf of the arena, sniffed it for a moment, then swallowed it whole.
“The Tyr doesn’t rate better metals for his gold gizzard?”
The Copper let out an acidic belch. “A little iron only makes the rest of the ores more effective.”
“Our father said something about that.”
“Your father, you mean,” the Copper said. “He never sought that title in my case.”
“Well, we’re somewhere where we can spot listeners ten dragonlengths away. What do you have to tell me in private?”
Choosing his words carefully, AuRon relayed his suspicions about the treachery brewing in Ghioz.
“What’s your course, AuRon? Are you trying to divide me from NiVom?”
“I’m telling you what I saw and heard. You’ll have to sort out what it means.”
“You know what this room is?”
“Some sort of theater or debating hall—that’s what I was told as we passed it the first time I came here.”
“I killed the Dragonblade here, in a fair fight.”
AuRon had heard something of it, but he still warmed toward his brother. “You have my thanks. Our world’s a better place for it.”
“If you’re plotting against me or mine, I’ll kill you. Here. Under the gaze of your offspring.”
AuRon’s firebladder pulsed. “I said I’ve told you the truth. I don’t know what it means. I can’t say what sort of dragon NiVom is, except that he’s quite intelligent—maybe the most intelligent creature I’ve ever met. But for all his acuteness, I think his mate’s the more dangerous.”
The Copper’s scale resettled itself. His good eye looked away, into a middle distance.
“What did you come all this way to tell me face-to-face?”
AuRon glanced around the arena. Strange how the habits of a conspirator and an informer were identical. “Your Protectors in Ghioz, Imfamnia and NiVom. I’m sure they’re plotting against you. They’re breeding—creatures. You’ve seen some of them in their attack on Uldam, but I think there are others. Strange bats or gargoyles. I’ve heard them speak of a change, a new Tyr being put in.”
