“My lord! Something has been sighted to the south-west. Something…unusual..”

  Layton’s hand twitches and a line of black ends where it shouldn’t. He curses – he’ll have to begin the letter again. For correspondence as important as this, the margin for error is zero. With measured movements, he places the pen to one side and looks up at Rilick.

  “To the south-west?” Not a raid, then, though he would have been surprised if it had been. Bold as the Nethyar are, they rarely target cities as established as Sandend. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t a threat. “A beast? Or of human origin?”

  “There are beasts,” his guard captain reports, “but it seems likely the construction is of human origin – it appears to be some sort of conveyance.”

  Layton sighs and caps his pen properly. He takes the letter and tucks it into his safe – it appears that he must leave his study and he doesn’t want to risk this letter being read by the wrong eyes.

  “Show me,” he instructs his captain simply as soon as he is ready.

  “This way, my lord.”

  They quickly stride out to the closest balcony.

  “Over there, my lord,” his captain instructs, pointing. Layton sees something white in the sky. Even small because of distance, it’s clear it’s no bird: the structure is too solid and the shape is all wrong. Two winged shapes, one white and one black, fly ahead of it.

  Layton raises the telescope he brought from his study, sees what pulls the craft – and swears.

  “Dragons?! You didn’t warn me the beasts were dragons,” he hisses at his guard captain, keeping his voice down forcibly.

  “I didn’t want to alarm you unnecessarily, my lord,” the man tells him stolidly.

  “Unnecessarily?!” Layton demands before cutting himself off. He breathes slowly. In…out…. He needs to be calm. He raises the spyglass to his eye again.

  On second glance, the dragons are holding pale, glimmering ropes which appear to be attached to the airborne construction trailing behind them – they’re tame. Which means that there is a Tamer. And as Layton looks at the white object, he sees movement and what might possibly be human heads and shoulders. There.

  Layton lowers the telescope, his fingers tapping idly on the balcony wall that he’s leaning against. A Tamer approaching in such an outlandish fashion…. Could it be…?

  “Has the contraption deviated in any sort of way since it was first spotted, or has it moved unerringly towards us?” he inquires.

  “The latter, my lord. Dead straight.” Layton nods. Sandend is the destination then, presumably. Or…possibly Goldroute – the Seat of the territory is in the same direction as the contraption is headed. Could it be Lord Titanbend on his way to visit Lady Clarissa? Except Layton has never heard tell that the lord has tamed dragons. And he suspects that such information would be allowed to become public – it is only to the advantage of the House that such strength is known.

  However, there is another possibility – a figure who is still highly mysterious and who has recently proven that he has hidden depths. Lord Markus. Could he be coming in response to Layton’s tentative steps towards alliance? If so, it would make sense that he would come in as impressive a manner as possible – would be a good sign, even. Why else try to impress him?

  Layton nods sharply to himself.

  “Captain Tomas, prepare a contingent of the guards to ride out with me.”

  “My lord?”

  “If the destination of this curious contraption is indeed Sandend, we’ll meet it before the city and greet whoever is directing it.”

  “And if its purposes are hostile?” the captain asks warily.

  “Then we shall retreat behind the walls and bolster my forces there. It would be better if they are not encouraged to fly over the city-proper until we know who’s visiting – especially if hostilities break out.”

  “Yes, my lord,” the captain agrees, then dips his head in a quick bow and strides off. Layton lingers a moment more, staring at the dot in the sky – one that is rapidly becoming faster. How it’s being kept up in the air, Layton has no idea – magic, no doubt, but even airships need floatation devices.

  Perhaps its master will be willing to explain when he lands. If he lands.

  Layton strides back to his chambers – if there’s the possibility of meeting a Great House heir, he had better ensure he is dressed for the occasion.

  *****

  Perhaps two hours later, Layton waits a little impatiently before the gates of his city. He’s mounted on his most showy horse – a beautiful stallion with the blackest of coats and most piercing of red eyes. Layton himself rather enjoys how his mount’s eyes look like embers in ash. It’s very theme appropriate. And the inspiration for his name.

  Unfortunately, intact stallions are a little tempermental, and Layton hopes that the visitors will land before Ember decides that he’s had enough of waiting. He’s already pawed the ground twice.

  That the visitors’ destination is Sandend has been confirmed – the contraption has descended significantly. Layton knows they have spotted the welcoming party and are now aiming for it – the course of the dragons shifted slightly a while ago.

  The people within the basket – since that is what it appears to be – have become clearer and Layton has been able to confirm the presence of Lord Markus Titanbend. Though why he didn’t bring his dragons to the duel along with his other tames, Layton doesn’t know – maybe he didn’t want to reveal all of his surprises at once and dilute their impact.

  Layton is a little uneasy, however: Lord Markus appears to be armoured. And he’s brought multiple beasts with him that were also not at the palace. One of them is particularly concerning: a massive feline beast that’s even bigger than the one he showed at the palace. And the dragons, of course.

  A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

  The contraption approaches quickly. It’s almost here. If it continues its current course, it will land perhaps a hundred paces ahead of him. Layton urges Ember forwards a little and the stallion eagerly obeys – happy to do anything by this point.

  His guards start to move with him, but Layton signals for them to stay back. A shadow passes over Layton and Ember bridles and snorts – the horse knows a predator when he sees one. But the two dragons merely come to land off to the side of where Layton predicts the white basket will touch the ground. Layton is even more puzzled – does the contraption not need the dragons in order to stay up in the air?

  Apparently not – given how the contraption continues to gently descend, it appears the dragons were merely providing direction. Looking above the white basket, Layton’s eyes widen slightly – it’s hard to see, but there appears to be something hanging above. An invisible floatation device? Expensive – but perhaps worth it if it allows the contraption to go unnoticed by predators. Or perhaps it’s the honour guard of two dragons that has kept the skies clear.

  The vessel finally touches down on the paved road. Far in the distance, peasants stand and gawk – they have been prevented from coming closer for their own safety. Behind him, Layton hears murmurs from the guards and whichever city-dwellers have decided that this is their afternoon’s entertainment. If this turns hostile, they may be the first casualties. Layton prays to Peace that it will not turn hostile.

  Layton dismounts and walks towards the basket, staff in hand, each step deliberate. If danger has come to his city, he will be the first to meet it.

  Lord Markus is the first to emerge, leaping lightly from the basket. A small puff of dust is released from the paved slabs below his feet as he lands. Even as he begins walking forwards, others start dismounting. Guards – humans and beasts.

  “Heir Titanbend.” Layton bows politely. “What an impressive entrance. I must admit that I have never seen a contraption such as this before. And one pulled by dragons, no less.”

  Lord Markus tilts his head in return greeting, then casts a glance backwards at the basket which is still disgorging its passengers.

  “I admit that it was more for its speed than impressiveness that I chose to come by hot air balloon.” The flotation device is a balloon? Filled with hot air? How curious. But Layton keeps his mind fixed on the more important factor – what Lord Markus has just implied.

  “What end might have demanded such speed, if I may ask?” Layton doesn’t deceive himself into thinking it is the lord’s strong desire to form an alliance with his House that has driven his flight.

  Lord Markus’ eyes harden and Layton swallows, immediately half-casting a shield. If the lord attacks, he will not take it lying down.

  “Several of my Bonded were kidnapped. I believe they are here. In Sandend.”

  It takes Layton a moment to process his words, but when he has, a bolt of fear mixed with anger goes through him.

  “You accuse my city?” His voice comes out quieter than he’d expected, though it’s edged as sharp as one of his daggers. “You accuse me of such a crime?”

  Behind him, he hears dead silence. Even the murmur of the city-dwellers no longer carries over the warm, sand-laced breeze.

  Then Lord Markus shakes his head, his expression softening slightly.

  “I accuse no one – yet. I merely seek my Bonded. If they are here, I will find them. I ask for your assistance, Lord Heatwave.” His expression might have softened, but his tone hasn’t. Layton suspects that this man isn’t going to take ‘no’ for an answer.

  Legally, Layton can bar entry to his city to any but the Great Lord – or, rather, Great Lady – of his territory. But Markus looks like he’ll go through anyone who tries.

  And why should Layton do so? He has nothing to hide; he has played no part in this kidnapping. And if he is of use in this search, Lord Markus may look more favourably on his suit. In addition, this situation will reveal exactly how Lord Markus responds when he is tested – always a valuable bit of information.

  He bows again, neat and court-worthy.

  “Lord Markus, I would be honoured.” Standing up straight, he looks at the other noble’s eyes directly. “I will make it clear here and now that, to my knowledge, House Heatwave has not sanctioned or condoned any kidnapping, and never will while I am its lord. If someone has sullied my fair city with such an outrage, I promise you that I wish to see it dealt with as much as you.”

  The moment hangs in the air. Layton sees Lord Markus’ gaze searching him for signs of deception. Then the Great House heir relaxes a little, and Layton’s shoulders drop in relief. The dragons and other assorted beasts are far less intimidating now he knows he’s not their target.

  “I thank you, Lord Heatwave. I will appreciate whatever aid you may render.”

  “Of course. Information, men, whatever I can spare without weakening the city’s guard. We’ll scour Sandend until your Bonded are found. And then, when your companions are safe, perhaps we may speak again of Houses, and the competition…and potential alliances. But first things first.”

  Lord Markus inclines his head, his mouth twitching slightly.

  “Indeed, let us postpone such conversations until later. I’m afraid I won’t be much of a conversationalist until they’re found.”

  “Completely understandable,” Layton assures him. “Shall we adjourn to my manor? I can order all relevant reports to be brought there while my guards scour the streets in search of clues.”

  “That would be a good starting place,” Lord Markus agrees, “though I will be joining the street teams myself.”

  Layton privately finds his clear attachment to his Bonded both endearing and more than a little naive. Perhaps it’s that obvious concern for them which had them targeted in the first place. He will have to send a strong message to those who kidnapped them if he wishes to avoid this situation in the future. The only problem is that it seems likely he will send that strong message in Layton’s city.

  “Heir Titanbend, I assure you that my guards are well-trained and highly competent,” Layton hurries to say, holding back his wince only with a strong will as he’s beset by visions of dragons and massive felines and the other assortment of dangerous-looking beasts currently before him storming through his city and ripping people apart.

  “Lord Heatwave, if I had wanted to leave the search to others, I would have remained in Azaarde,” Lord Markus replies, his eyes flashing, the tension back in his shoulders. The dragons shift slightly and a faint rumble of a growl reverberates from the basket.

  “I…understand,” Layton agrees, seeing no other option. He decides that the guards will begin searching immediately – with any luck, the Bonded will be found before Lord Markus takes to the streets himself. And if not, Layton might have to go with him – to keep the damage to the minimum. “Would you like me to have a horse brought for you?”

  “It’s fine,” Lord Markus dismisses. “I can run quickly.” Layton is briefly shocked – a lord running? And worse – if Lord Markus runs, Layton will have to as well, and he strongly dislikes it. I should have ordered a coach to be brought, he curses to himself. But before he can insist on a better means of transportation, the other noble surprises him again. “Can we stop by the courts on the way?”

  Layton frowns.

  “The courts? They will not have any information on this case: their concern is with captured criminals, not those still at large.”

  Lord Markus waves back at those who have dismounted from his…hot air balloon. Abruptly, Layton realises that a group of the humans – most of them, in fact – do not look like guards in the slightest. In fact, they look more like common bandits – smell like them too, he realises when the wind briefly changes direction. And they seem to have been bound hand and foot with white rope.

  “We had a brief encounter with some bandits on the way,” Lord Markus explains, “and decided to bring them here for…justice.”

  Layton just blinks. Because that’s exactly what everyone does when on a rescue mission.

  Who is this man?

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