Page 25 of The White Dragon's Dilemma

Flames and smoke billowed from Raziel’s nose and through the cracked open jaws.What do you mean?

Valerius let his eyes sweep over the Dragons.We must rule them.

I would rather burn them to ashes,Raziel muttered, but despite its words there was no heat in his Spirit’s words.

You just do not like change or responsibility.And I feel the same, Valerius admitted.But we must protect Caden and Iolaire.

Bombs cannot harm them!

No, but a world where innocents die like leaves in the Fall will,Valerius countered.

More smoke obscured his Spirit.Only red eyes could be seen glowing through the smoke like clouds scrubbing across the moon. His Spirit was considering it.Valerius turned his full attention back to the others.He felt Marban’s eyes upon him, as well as Chione’s.Both of his Councillors were aware that he and Raziel were communicating.

“How long have the Faith been operating in your territory, Illarion?” Valerius pressed.

“I havenoFaith in my territory!”Illarion growled.“While it might be amusing to have humans worship us, I would rather them simply fear us and keep their heads down!”

“Religion is the opiate of the masses?”Esme asked with a lifted eyebrow.

“It breeds trouble!In that, I think you must agree with me.Do you not recall all of the discord in all the world’s religions when our existence was revealed?”Illarion pointed out. “How many died?Suicides?Murders?Worse?

“Notallreligions, but in many, yes, there was discord,” Esme said, “but here we are only 30 years later and things are, mostly, in control on that front.”

“Except for the new religion we allowed to be made and now threatens to upend our rules?Yes, things are well in hand.”Mei pursed her lips and took another large swallow of wine.

“You are avoiding my questions, Illarion!”Valerius slammed a hand down onto the table. That had everyone on alert.“We cannot hide these things from one another!”

Illarion bared his teeth, but then shrugged.“I thought it was a local matter.I did not realize it was some worldwide conspiracy. Satisfied?Otherwise, I would have run to you, Valerius, and hid behind your skirts!”

“I believe he’s telling the truth, Valerius,” Esme said after regarding Illarion for long moments.“He truly just thought that his territory was slipping through his greedy, grasping fingers. And that’s not to say that the Faith did not find fertile ground there with his repression.”

“These Faithful worship the Spirits.A Dragon Spirit such as Mephous would be one of the most sacred,” Chione pointed out.

“For all we know, dear, these Faithful could have different versions of the same belief,” Esme suggested.“Maybe in places such as Illarion’s territory, they believe bringing more Spirits--more Dragon Spirits, perhaps--that Illarion’s power would be neutralized or lessened in some way.They would likely call it abalanceor some such nonsense.What’s interesting is Caden and Iolaire’s ability to stop the shift… well, in a way that also would curb certain Spirits’ power.”

Valerius had to repress a smile at the memory of Illarion falling from the sky.He could see that happen countless times and not stop being amused by it.

Kaila let out an audible sigh and rested her head on the balcony railing. She had been silent up until now, which Valerius wasn’t surprised by.Planning and plotting was not Kaila’s strength.Ask her to deck someone and things went just swimmingly.

Kaila sighed again and said, “We should not be talking without Jahara.”

Tez, who had also been silent as he was a lover and not a fighter, looked speculatively into his wine glass from his position beside Kaila on the balcony.

“It is not as if we won’t repeat the same things over and over again,” Tez mused.“So, in truth, she will miss nothing.And, in the end, Valerius will make whatever decision that he wishes to regardless of what we say.”

Valerius lifted an eyebrow.“I listen to what you say.”

“But not all of it is sound?”Esme’s eyes twinkled mischievously.“Yes, yes, we all talk, but you are a man of action, Valerius, after hearing every side. What are your thoughts?”

“He should not be making any decisions without Caden and Anwar either,” Kaila remarked with another put upon sigh.

"Caden is with his parents, telling them certain news, and Jahara is settling in.They will hear what we have said," Valerius assured her.

“I’m sure many people, such as my Rose and Wally, may have things to offer on this plan as well,” Marban said.“Hearing different viewpoints will be wise.And discussing it many times will offer new options.”

“You are a criminal.So, I suppose, we have the underworld’s view on things!”Illarion said and drained his glass before refilling it again.Despite not truly being able to get drunk, Illarion did get belligerent when drinking vodka.

“Marban is my advisor and head of the Shifter Council,” Valerius corrected.

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