Taken aback, the prince said nothing. The stoniness of his face as he studied Ryslind was an expression Jig had come to recognize. It was the expression Barius wore when he had made a mistake, but wasn’t yet willing to admit it.

“Yes, my children are a clear improvement over the low creatures Ellnorein abandoned me with,” Straum said. He gave Jig a dismissive nod. “Goblins. Ogres. Trolls. Worthless creatures. But I’m afraid that even my children have their flaws.”

Jig wasn’t sure, but he thought he saw this dragonchild’s eyes narrow with suspicion.

“See, in order to keep them interesting, I had to give them a bit of independence. Sadly, it goes to their heads from time to time. This one plans to bring me a poisoned deer and take my place as ruler.”

Before anyone could move, his head shot toward the dragonchild, who had time for one shrill scream before Straum’s jaws closed over its head with a loud crack. The headless body crumpled.

Jig began to shake. For all Straum’s bulk, he had moved faster than any creature Jig had ever seen. He watched as Straum’s tongue flicked out to clean dark blood from his teeth.

“He’ll not get any more ideas into his head,” Straum said. When nobody spoke, he added, “That was a joke.”

Jig forced himself to smile. Yes, that was a good joke. Please don’t eat me.

“I can read their minds, you see. I never mention that detail to them. I fear they might react badly.”

“How did my brother know where that thing was going?” Barius asked. His toe nudged the headless body.

“There are many ways to grow in the magical arts,” Ryslind said. He stepped forward to stand next to Straum’s head. The dragon closed his eyes and pulled his lips back. Ryslind drew a dagger and began to clean between the huge teeth. Thankfully Jig couldn’t see well enough to identify what that stringy bit used to be.

Ryslind continued to explain as he worked. “I went off alone to seek a teacher, someone who could show me real power. I sent my spirit questing for the most powerful wizard around. I found Straum.”

“Thank you,” Straum said. Ryslind nodded respectfully and retreated. “Novices do that from time to time. Foolish, really. There’s a shock when two spirits touch. I understand they seek quick power, but to seek that power from me is like a small child who stands in front of a charging stallion hoping for a ride. Fortunately, this stallion decided not to trample your brother.”

“My master had grown bored once again.” Ryslind smiled. “He offered me a deal. He would give me magic that the most powerful warlock might envy.”