Nahash sat coiled, his wings folded around his body. Before him, a few yards away, sat coiled a younger dragon with an air of disdain. His scales still showed flecks of turquoise among the blue. He wore thick steel chains across his chest and around his wings. Gold and silver jewelry dangled from them.
Nahash whispered into the other’s mind. What do you call yourself, youngster?
The stranger opened its pupils and mouth slightly in amusement. I am Zan, Warlord of the Badlands, Master of Cowboys, and Tormentor of Domesticated Dragons.
Nahash gave a mild hiss, the draconic equivalent of a scoff. Warlord, eh? Fancy titles. You call your horse archers "cowboys"?
They wrangle cattle, said Zan, and most of them are no more than boys.
Nahash gave Zan a hard look. Why have you been raiding our livestock, bluenose?
Because I can, bloodface, said Zan. Because its fun to steal from you civilized types, and to see my cowboys rout your trained soldiers.
You must have known they would send someone like me to deal with you, said Nahash.
Sure, said Zan, but that doesn’t mean I cared. I don’t scare easily.
"What are they doing?" whispered Jethro. "Them snakes are just staring at each other!"
Cal shook his head slowly. "No idea. Maybe it’s some dragon ritual. Or maybe they communicate without talking."
Your horse archers are impressive, said Nahash. They have defeated our soldiers in a couple of engagements. But you can’t expect them to win — you don’t have the numbers. Why not become a vassal of the kingdom? We could use your archers in our next campaign.
I’ve never liked taking orders, said Zan, Especially from uptight, self-important rule-worshipers like yourself. I can make my own way in this world. I don’t need a ruler.
You won’t live long with that attitude, said Nahash. In this world, the strong rule the weak.
We’ll see who is who, said Zan.
Nahash and Zan stared at one another for a moment. Nahash broke the silence. Shall we do this?
I prefer to duel by moonlight, said Zan, and I never duel below the lower clouds.
You like the cold? asked Nahash.
No, said Zan, but I know how much others hate it.
Well, said Nahash, if you’re determined for this to be a duel to the death, I won’t disappoint you.
I hope not! said Zan.
Full moon tonight, said Nahash. I’ll see you at midnight. Above the clouds.