The ship creaked as the sailors rushed to tie it up to the docks of Port Valcane. The flotilla had been within sight of Lookout Island when the archmage returned and told Velco the king approved of him docking in the kingdom and buying supplies.

The captain had grinned and adjusted course away from the island. They had plenty of water and just enough food to make it. At his master’s order Damien had spent another ten days on the whalers’ ship eating dry meat, moldy bread, and sucking withered limes, but at last they’d reached the city.

Down on the dock his master and Lane stood patiently, waiting for the sailors to finish their work. Damien grinned and flew down to join them. Lane hugged him and kissed his stubbly cheek.

“This is a pleasant surprise,” Damien said when Lane stepped back.

“I asked Lane to serve as Captain Velco’s guide around the city,” the archmage said.

“I guess that fits within the area of diplomacy, though going from negotiating with barons to tour guide seems a bit of a demotion.”

“Yes, well, I wanted someone I trust keeping an eye on Velco. I’ve conscripted the city guard to help as well.”

“Mom also offered me dinner at the most expensive tavern in the city along with a guest of my choice.” Lane raised an eyebrow. “What do you say?”

“I’ve been eating moldy bread and dried mystery meat for ten days. If you offered me chowder and rolls at a corner shack I’d say yes.”

The gangplank clattered to the dock and Velco bounded down, ending their banter. He sighed when his feet hit the dock. “Good to be back in civilization.” He eyed Lane and smiled. “Who’s this lovely young lady?”

“This is Lane,” the archmage said. “She’s a member of our diplomatic corps and will serve as your guide.”

Velco chuckled. “My minder you mean.”

The archmage shrugged. “If you prefer. In any case she can answer your questions and show you where you can buy your supplies.”

“What about hiring more men?” Velco asked.

“We’d appreciate it if you didn’t try to recruit.”

Behind them a crowd had begun to gather on the nearest street. Shouts and the crack of a whip from a passing teamster opened a path which soon closed. The strange ships were drawing many curious looks.

“What about my men? After three months at sea they deserve some shore leave.”

“That’s fine, as long as they behave themselves. Understand that anyone breaking our laws will answer for it and most likely won’t be sailing with you.”

“These are all good lads, never fear. Any other advice or threats?”

The archmage shook her head. “No, but I’m sure I’ll see you again before you leave. Let’s go, Damien. Lane can handle it from here.”

Damien offered Lane a parting smile and followed his master off the dock. They walked in silence through the crowds, making their way toward the city center. Damien had to force himself to match his master’s pace. He wanted to hear what Uncle Andy thought about all this, but if the archmage didn’t want to talk in the street he couldn’t blame her.

They reached a large, three-story structure with guards constantly coming and going. No one challenged them as they pushed through a small side door and walked down a twisting hall. More than one guard paused as they went about their duties to stare at the passing sorcerers. At last they reached a room decorated with a large table covered with a map of the city, eight chairs, and not much else.

She shut the door behind them and a sound barrier fell into place. “Report.”

“They’re planning to try and kill the Leviathan. Apparently the sorcerers have convinced Velco they have the power to destroy the dragon. The captain thinks he’ll have access to unlimited hunting with the dragon gone.”

“What do you think? Does this mad scheme have any chance of success?”

“Not given the power of the sorcerer we met and I found nothing on board that might give them any advantage. I fear the good captain is leading his sailors to their deaths.”

She waved her hand in dismissal. “The sailors made their choice back in the Old Empire. My concern is whether they might anger the dragon so that it retaliates against us.”

Damien hadn’t even considered that possibility. “How could we know? I think the real question is: can we search their ships while the sailors are on shore leave? If they’re not hiding something, this venture makes even less sense.”

“I prefer not to antagonize them if I can help it. Now that we know the crossing is possible and that the empire as our ancestors knew it doesn’t exist, merchants are going to want to start trading. If word reached the Old Empire that we didn’t treat visitors fairly it might end a profitable situation before it begins.”

“So what are we going to do?”

His master looked like she had swallowed something sour. “I’m afraid we’ll need to send someone along to look out for the kingdom’s best interests.”

Damien groaned. “Let me guess.”

“Sorry. I hoped Lane would ask you to join her. You deserve a good meal before you go back to sea.”