Here Be Dragons by M.R. Forbes

Author:M.R. Forbes [Forbes, M.R.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2025-03-02T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 23

The kitchen—a maze of gleaming metal surfaces and hissing flames where dozens of beings worked in carefully choreographed patterns—was in organized chaos. The head chef, a massive Draconite with copper scales, bellowed orders from a raised platform while sous chefs scurried to comply.

Thomas followed Pel's lead, keeping his eyes down while trying to project the proper mix of efficiency and subservience. His heart hammered against his ribs as they passed close to the head chef, but the Draconite's attention remained focused on a complicated dish being prepared next to him.

"This way," Pel murmured, guiding them toward a service station near the dining room entrance. "We'll start you with drinks. It's easier than trying to manage food service right away."

The station contained rows of crystal decanters filled with liquids in various colors, some of which seemed to move of their own accord. Thomas watched carefully as Pel demonstrated the proper way to pour each variety.

"The red ones are blood wine," he explained quietly. "Officers drink it barely chilled. Aristocrats prefer it at room temperature. Never serve it cold or they'll know something's wrong."

"What's that one?" Thomas asked, indicating a decanter filled with what appeared to be liquid fire.

"Dragon's breath brandy. Very expensive. Very potent. Only serve it to those wearing gold rank insignia or higher."

A bell chimed softly from the dining room. Neb tensed visibly. "New arrivals," he said. "Remember what we told you. Follow our lead exactly."

They entered the dining room through a discreet side door. Despite their dire situation, the place took Thomas's breath away. Massive crystal chandeliers floated without visible support, casting rainbow-hued light across the polished stone walls. The walls were inlaid with precious metals. The translucent, domed ceiling revealed the stars above, and the black marble floor was shot through with veins of gold.

Draconite officers filled the room, their scales gleaming in the ethereal light as they lounged in chairs sized for their massive frames. The air hummed with conversation in multiple languages, punctuated by the occasional burst of laughter or the clash of crystal glasses.

"Captain Travix's table first," Pel whispered. "We always start our pouring with blood wine."

They approached a table where a particularly large Draconite sat surrounded by what appeared to be junior officers. His dark green scales caught the light as he plucked a dried meat stick from a basket in the center of the table. "Gentlemen, I finally received word from the Llanwyn Cluster,” he said, snapping the stick in half and popping one piece in his mouth, swallowing it without chewing.

“And what did you learn, sir?” the Lieutenant next to him asked.

"Your wine, sir," Pel said, bowing precisely as she began to pour Travix's wine.

Captain Travix didn't bother to acknowledge Pel's existence. As Thomas watched her intently, noting every detail of her movement, Travix continued his conversation without pause. “The situation there is growing more unstable by the day. I don’t like it. Something’s up.”

“What we really need to do is nip these rumors of Excalibur’s return in the bud before they spread across the galaxy.

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