“You?” asked Ember. “Why?”

“Because of my association with Sebastian and my role in the fate of the Patriarch,” Martin replied. “I spoke for Sebastian at the assembly. I urged the officers to listen to what he had to say. I chose to believe a traitor and dragon convert over my own Patriarch. And I was one of the seconds at the duel. I watched St. Anthony execute the leader of St. George and did nothing to stop it.” His eyes darkened, a flicker of emotion crossing his face, too fast to distinguish. “Because of this, there are those within the Order who believe I am just as guilty as Sebastian. As such, they will question my motives. They will want to know where I received my information, and if it becomes known that I met with Sebastian and one of his dragon comrades, they will certainly call for a trial, if not my execution.”

“But you’re warning them about an attack from Talon,” Ember said, aghast. “Why should it matter where the information came from? The Order should be pulling together to defend themselves, not fighting about who met with whom.”

I sighed. “Because St. George doesn’t trust anything that comes from Talon,” I said, and Martin nodded. “Because all dragons are the same to them, and anything that comes from Talon is tainted, corrupted or a trap. They’ll never believe that a dragon, or anyone who sympathizes with them, wants to help the Order of St. George.”

“Some might believe,” Martin said slowly. “If they’re warned about an impending attack from Talon, some in the Order might take the necessary steps to defend their chapterhouse. But as a whole, it will take a miracle to pull St. George together now. I only hope we can survive the coming assault.” That stark black gaze met mine, his expression grim. “Is that all you wished to tell me, Sebastian?”

“Yes,” I answered numbly. There were other things I wanted to know, about St. George, and Martin, and my former brothers. But this was not the time for questions, for Martin to explain. “That was all, sir.”

Martin nodded and rose. “Then if you’ll excuse me,” he said, tossing a bill to the table and stepping away. “I must return to the Order. There is a message that needs to be sent tonight. Sebastian...” He gave me a brief, unreadable look. “I don’t know why you betrayed us,” he said, “or why you choose to stay with the lizards, but it appears you are still an important player in this struggle, no matter which side you are on. You affect the events around you, whether you mean to or not.” His gaze sharpened. “I wonder if you know what it is you are truly fighting for.”