He closed the door to the Wizard’s Den behind her. She stopped midstride, looking about warily.
“Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “I’ve closed the door as a precaution that I believe you’ll understand and accept once I’ve explained.”
“Then by all means, explain,” she said, without taking another step.
Alexander told her of Phane and his ability to see them, and how he could now detect the Reishi Prince’s surveillance.
“Very well, I accept your precaution, for now,” Bragador said. “I have come to speak of Anja, but first I would like to apologize for questioning your report concerning Aedan. My agents confirm that Aedan is possessed by the shade and is holding station high over the ship carrying the princess, which is still sailing in circles.”
Alexander nodded, motioning to a nearby chair.
“Thank you,” he said. “I’m sorry I was right.”
“Indeed. Aedan is, or perhaps was, a remarkable dragon,” Bragador said. “He is very dangerous, resourceful and experienced. As for the shade, I don’t understand his behavior. Why not just take the keystone?”
“I’ve given that question a lot of thought,” Alexander said. “The shade was on that ship for some time, but he didn’t take the keystone and he left Lacy alone as well. I believe he knows something about how the box is opened … and Lacy plays a necessary part. If I’m right, he won’t harm her until the box is open. It could be that he intends to let Phane’s ruse play out.”
“So he would definitely move against us if we attempt to bring the princess and the box here,” Bragador said. “I don’t want to harm Aedan or the dragons I would have to send against him. For the time being, I believe that inaction is the best course. We are watching him and the ship, and we’re prepared to move when the opportunity presents itself.”
“Aedan is one of your own,” Alexander said. “I wouldn’t expect you to give up on him, but I should warn you, I was possessed by a shade once … they don’t let go easily.”
“How did you survive?” Bragador asked.
“Isabel,” Alexander said. “Her magic saved me.”
Bragador nodded thoughtfully.
“Another time I would like to speak with you about this magic your wife can wield,” she said, “but right now, I’ve come to have a much more personal conversation with you.
“My daughter has bonded with you. That is something we dragons try very hard to prevent. A dragon that bonds with a human will have a difficult life.
“First, the child will wish to live in the world of humans in order to be near to the one they have bonded with, a world hostile to them, unwilling to understand, and afraid. Being a child, she …” Bragador closed her eyes and took a deep breath, “the child bonded with a human will not have the wisdom to see the danger. Humans are violent and warlike, some are driven by an unquenchable thirst for power. Dragons are potent and fearsome, so those who lust for power will seek to control any dragon in their midst, usually through control of the human they are bonded with, while the rest of the humans will simply try to kill her out of fear.
“Second, humans are short-lived creatures. When you die, Anja will be devastated. She will survive, but as a shell of her former self, left to live the majority of her years brokenhearted and suffering.
“I’m grateful that you saved her life, Alexander, but I need you to understand the price. I don’t blame you, but I wish you had never come to my home.”
“I don’t know what to say,” Alexander said. “The last thing I want is to hurt her.”
“I believe you, and I’m grateful for that as well,” Bragador said. “She will want to accompany you when you leave. I would have her stay here.”
“Me too,” Alexander said. “As soon as I can walk, I’m going to Karth to find my wife. And quite honestly, I expect to have to cut a pretty bloody swath across that whole island to get to her. That’s not going to be any place for a child, even a dragon. Anja should stay here with you.”
Bragador let out a deep breath. “I’m glad we’re in agreement on that point. Convincing her may prove more difficult.”
“She doesn’t have to agree with us, she just has to obey,” Alexander said. “Where I’m going, what I’m planning, I can’t have her with me. My feelings for her would just make her a liability