The King of Light's Bargain

At the words "red dragon," Aemon's pupils contracted. He hadn't expected anyone else to have their eye on it.

"Don't be surprised. I know everything."

Quellys spoke casually, her eyes like an unfathomable pool.

Aemon clenched the dragon-head pendant at his throat and tried to stay calm. "Are you the second group, or the third?"

Just how many people had their eyes on the red dragon in the Great Grass Sea?

Whatever their reasons, he couldn't let anyone defile a dragon. It was in his blood.

Quellys lifted her chin slightly and countered, "How do you know you aren't the third group?"

It sounded like a question, but it also revealed the truth.

Aemon's heart sank. He guessed that two groups had found the red dragon before him.

And they might already have it.

"Do you want to claim that cruel red dragon?"

Quellys extended a pale hand and beckoned gently.

Aemon stopped backing away and asked warily, "Can you help me ride it?"

"Hardship hasn't yet worn away your childlike innocence."

Quellys shook her head regretfully, then spoke in a merchant's tone. "You'll pay a greater price for taking the easy way out, and all you have left is your freedom."

"Do you want me to sell my body or my soul?"

Aemon was starting to get scared. The sound squeezed from his throat was like fingernails scraping glass.

She felt like a devil who could beguile people.

In just two sentences, she had exposed his thoughts and weighed his worth.

"You've misunderstood. I don't want anything."

Beneath Quellys's golden veil, the corner of her mouth curled. Her voice was low and firm. "You must give something to gain something."

Wasn't that still a price?

Aemon furrowed his brow, still afraid to trust her.

"The world is fair. All