Dragonquest - Donita K. Paul [116]
“I suggest,” said Dar, “that Regidor and Kale go in to have their fortunes told.”
Lyll raised an eyebrow at the two. “I take it you do not believe in such nonsense.”
Both Regidor and Kale shook their heads.
“Good!”
Dar looked up at his two warriors. “I’m sending you because you have the best chance of influencing Gilda. Regidor, obviously, because he’s a meech. Kale, because she’s the Dragon Keeper. Take the minor dragons with you.”
Lady Allerion placed a hand on Kale’s shoulder. “Gilda’s clever, and she’ll likely uncover your true identity quickly. Deal in truth, and she cannot hurt you. Any deceit will give her the advantage.”
While the wizards, Bardon, and Dar went to the potions tent, Regidor and Kale approached the fortuneteller.
Regidor stopped at the opening, held the flap up, and gallantly gestured for her to proceed. “After you,” he said with a twinkle in his eyes.
“Thanks,” said Kale and stepped into the gloomy interior. With relief, she felt Regidor follow. His tall presence behind her gave her courage.
The veiled figure sitting at the back of the tent did not move. In front of her, one lantern sat in the middle of a black table. The flicker of the flame reflected in the highly polished top, making the table look as though fire danced beneath its surface.
“So you are the mighty Dragon Keeper.” The meech dragon’s sultry voice floated across the room. “I am disappointed.”
Kale took two steps forward. In spite of the fact she knew Regidor had not followed her farther into the tent, she spoke boldly. “Paladin sent us to find you. He doesn’t want you to live in bondage to Risto.”
“Oh, I see. He wants me to be in bondage to him. How nice.”
“If you choose to break away from Risto, Paladin offers you freedom. He does not offer another form of slavery.”
“Strange, but your words seem attractive.” She remained motionless for a moment, long enough for Kale to wonder whether or not she should say something to fill the silence.
But Gilda spoke again. “Perhaps this inexplicable attraction is the lure that makes you the Dragon Keeper. However, I am not overwhelmed by your influence.”
The shadows in the room pulsated with her words. Although the lantern had not dimmed, the darkness grew. Kale held her breath as the dragon continued.
“I perceive that you speak out of an honest belief. Perhaps this is the strength behind your persuasive words.” Again the female meech retreated into silence.
Abruptly she spoke once more. “What a pity your belief is ill-founded. You are a slave to Paladin whether you are aware of it or not.”
The atmosphere in the room thickened as if a mist had infiltrated the tent. Kale looked down at her arms expecting to see dew clinging to her skin. Goose bumps rose as the hair on the back of her neck stood on end.
She tried to keep her voice calm. “It’s a little dreary in here, isn’t it?”
She wished Regidor would step up and take over. Since he seemed determined to stay in the background, she’d call upon the minor dragons for moral support. She pulled her cape over her shoulders from where it hung down her back. “I brought some other dragons for you to meet.”
Gymn and Metta came out and perched on her shoulders. Dibl took his place on her head. Ardeo snuggled in the crook of her arm, letting off a reassuring glow. The whole interior of the tent brightened.
“So,” said Gilda after a moment, “does the Dragon Keeper keep pets or slaves?”
“Neither,” she snapped back. “These dragons are my friends.” She lifted her chin. “And I’m not Paladin’s slave. But I don’t expect you to be able to understand that.”
She heard Regidor prompting in her mind. “Wulder or Pretender? The Creator or The Destroyer?”
Kale nodded slightly and spoke more gently. “I follow Wulder, who created the world. You follow Pretender, who seeks to destroy Wulder’s creation.”
The female meech stiffened. “I follow only Risto.”
“And Risto follows Pretender.”
“You are wrong. Risto is our leader.”
Regidor stepped forward. “Now that’s a fine tangle.”
He removed his cowl to expose his distinctive meech features.