Redheart (Leland Dragon Series) Read Free Page B

your minds. With this I will not interfere. But you must remember words, once spoken, cannot be disclaimed. This is my official stance. Mark it for the record.” He nodded toward the wispy half-breed Blue standing in as recorder, who dipped his claw into red ink and scrawled across a parchment.
    Blackclaw retreated from the platform and sank onto the bench reserved for council members. Hale Brownwing rose to speak in turn, but he wasn’t listening. Blackclaw’s eyes lingered on the recorder as the arguing among the dragons continued. “Whitetail.” He crooked a claw at his advisor, who scrambled to his side. “Remind me who the half-breed is, and why he is considered qualified as recorder.”
    “His training was impeccable, and he came highly recommended. There is no basis for judgment of qualifications according to color alone, or a mix of color, as it were.”
    Blackclaw narrowed his eyes on the advisor’s nervous expression. “Did you read that straight from the bylaws?”
    “No, sir, although I could do so if you wish it.” Blackclaw could almost hear the gulp from Whitetail’s throat. It humored him.
    “Not necessary, but thank you.” His dark gaze found the half-breed again.
    “Humans have broken nearly every pact vow themselves! Why should we be held to a standard that has long since been destroyed?” shouted someone from the crowd.
    “What do you call it, do you suppose?” Blackclaw said. He leaned toward Whitetail, though his eyes remained on the recorder. “Blue with Green. Is that Teal?”
    “Do you wish to establish a new line? A Teal line would be unusual, but completely possible.”
    “Are you daft, Whitetail?” Blackclaw rapped a fist on his advisor’s bony skull. Hard. “Teal line? What would be next? Puce?” He glared. “Can I dismiss you yet?”
    “Y-yes. Through the proper channels, of course. It could take months, however.” Again with the gulp. Blackclaw couldn’t help but smile, just a little. The scrawny rat of an advisor had come to be an asset, really. He’d already proven he had no scruples, and would protect his position on the council at whatever cost. Plus, the White had no pride. What better quality could there be in a right-hand dragon?
    Blackclaw waved his paw at Whitetail. “Well, make yourself useful then, and draw the council to a close. I have grown bored with the bickering.” His eyes found the crowd again. So many dragons. So many angry dragons. He tried not to grin.
    Whitetail waved Brownwing from the platform and cleared his throat as he took his own place. “Council Leader Blackclaw wishes to thank all dragons for today’s valuable meeting. Your voices have been heard, and your righteous anger has been marked.”
    “What about the pact?” asked someone.
    “We are tired of waiting,” said another.
    Whitetail raised a glistening paw. “These matters are being discussed.” He glanced over his shoulder, and Blackclaw gave him his cue with the nod of a head. Whitetail looked back out across the gathering, and continued. “Such concerns are valid, and will be addressed. But the situation requires diplomacy. Council Leader Blackclaw does not wish to draw the humans into…” Dramatic pause. “…war.”
    Murmurs broke out. Dragon feet pawed the ground. Blackclaw drank in the sweet turbulence from his place on the bench. It had been said. Finally, after all these months and years of careful planning and waiting, the word had been said. War. Deep within Blackclaw’s belly, a rumbling hunger reawakened.
    “With this in mind, return safely to your lands. All of you are welcome again next month, when the council will give voice to their decisions.” Whitetail descended the platform.
    Blackclaw watched the mass fracture and slowly scatter. Jaws of Greens and Browns snapped in discontent. Pale wings of Whites and Grays billowed, but didn’t fly. In the open-air stadium of Mount Gore, dragons were hesitant to leave.
    “They are disappointed,” said