Chapter 214: Let Sleeping Dragons Lie

Chapter 214: Let Sleeping Dragons Lie

Gullen stood up but the stick hed been sitting on remained protruding from the ground. It had handles that opened up into a seatnot exactly a James Bond gadget, but it still looked pretty useful.

What better in the middle of a desperate situation than somewhere to have a sit-down and catch your breath? No need to sit on the ground like a filthy pleb when youve brought your own chair! I added it to my list of useful things Id get once my life wasnt a relentless shit storm. So, never.

Nyx? What the fuck? You were supposed to keep the dragon hidden, not invite guests over.

Nyx, looking a bit woozy from being at Ground Zero when the dragon went off, smiled weakly. He said he was a friend of yours.

And so I am. So I am. My dear friends, said Gullen. We meet again. I couldnt be more delighted, I feared you were all dead, horribly dismembered and lying in a pool of your own blood. Lovely to see you.

I wish I could say the same, Gullen.

Oh? He looked a bit hurt. I thought we parted on good terms.

Yes, everything was hunky dory, until your boss blew up the mountain we were on. Id sorted everything out, peace in our time, and you ruined everything. I had decided to go on the offensive. He couldnt be mad at me if I was madder at him.

Im not sure what you mean, said Gullen. Are you saying were responsible for what happened in Monsterland?

Yes! Thats what Im saying. Who do you think blew the mountain up?

Well, we can get to the bottom of things back at my place. Im very much looking forward to hearing all about it, and Im sure you could all use a hot bath and a warm meal.

He was being very genial and pleasant. Other than the six demon dogs sitting there waiting for the order to rip us to shreds, it was quite the hospitable reception.

I didnt want to go with him, for the obvious life-preserving reasons, but there didnt seem to be many options. The dragon was snoozing, apparently very happy to be sharing its bed with the Lord of Potholes and his Alsatians of Doom. And Keezy wasnt much better. Hed started acting nervous once the dogs appeared. They were able to tell he was a troll, but I didnt think that was the issue. It was more the metal in their teeth. I began to understand how Gullen had been able to capture the trolls.

Well just be wasting time if we go back with you now. Im trying to stop this war before it ends up killing us all. And before Peter decides hes got a better idea, and kills us all to save us from being killed.

You know, I really cant allow you to pass through my city and not spend at least one night under my roof. My manners simply wont allow it. Rules of hospitality, you know?

If Gullen only wanted one night that meant he only needed one night for whatever he planned to do with us. At least it would be quick.

No, said Flossie. She stepped out in front of me, hands on hips, determination on her face. Weve got to find Dudley. We dont have time to play with the likes of yo. She was cross and didnt seem to care in the least about what Gullen might do to her.

Ah, I see, said Gullen, a little taken aback by the pint-sized hurricane blowing his way. Hes the tall boy, is he? I was wondering where hed got to. Perhaps I can help you locate him. I do have extensive information gathering services at my disposal.

It sounded like a reasonable offer. We had literally no idea where Dudley was or where to even start looking. Gullen could very well be of use, if he wanted to be.

Your services arent good enough, said Flossie very flatly.

I assure you

It were your brilliant idea to send us to Monsterland in the first place. Then yo made us take that mad bint who nearly got us all killed. Thats how good your services are. Not very.

The mad bint she was talking about was Roona, the girl Gullen had sent as Chengs would-be bride, and also his would-be assassin. Sometimes its hard to tell the difference.

I gave the others a nod to get on the dragon before he changed his mind.

Oh, not the troll, said Gullen. The dogs were back on high alert.

Keezy stopped moving, anxiously watching the dogs.

We need him, I said. What do you think were going to do if we get in a fight? Let the girls nag them to death?

What did you have to say that for? said Claire. You dont have to throw us under the bus every single time.

Yeah, Ah dont nag. Ahm nice.

You should apologise, said Jenny.

See what I mean? Nag, nag, nag. Nice of them to provide examples. Almost like they did it on purpose to back me up. Which is of course ridiculous.

But you have Biadet, now, said Gullen smugly. Im sure shell protect you.

Damn, not a bad counter. No, shell do whatever she thinks is best. I need someone to do what theyre told. When was the last time she followed your orders to the letter?

This did seem to strike a chord with him. What I knew of Biadet, little as it was, had made me think she was less than an ideal subordinate. I knew how frustrating that could be. I shared a moment of mutual identification with him, two men held back by lousy support.

Yes, yes, I see your point. Very well, have fun. I look forward to our next encounter, Colin. He pulled the stick out of the mud and the seat snapped shut into a handle. He turned and walked off, the dogs trotting after him.

The air left my body and I felt like a wet rag.

Good job, said Maurice, patting me on the back. At least someone appreciated me.

Are we going to find Dudley now?

Yes, Floss, we are.

She nodded once. I could see she was shaking under there, the fear ever present.

They all got onto the dragon. Jenny stopped and looked at me.

What? Finally starting to see it?

Seeing what?

Why the old you fell for me.

No. She climbed onto the dragons back.

Sometimes when a woman says no, she means yes. Its not right to act on that feeling, no matter how sure you are, but its quite nice to have it inside you. Even better when she has to admit it to you. Nice to have something to look forward to.