Sira felt the sting as the back of Klavon’s hand slammed against her cheek, and a small drop of blood escaped the edge of her mouth.
Fraenir stood perched nearby, and she could see the pleasure in his expression. She lifted her head and stood taller, looking away from Fraenir and directly at Klavon.
“This is the second time you have failed me. Your incompetence is wearing on my nerves!” said Klavon.
Fraenir stepped forward and said, “Perhaps I should—”
“No!” commanded Klavon. “Your concern lies with Prydon.”
“You are aware that the first failure to which you refer,” said Sira, “was not my failure but yours. Have you forgotten the serum did not wor—”
“How dare you!” Klavon shouted. He raised his hand again, but then stopped, breathing heavily and holding it above her.
“I did not fail you, and while I took the risk of you being angry, I could not bring myself to convince the boy to come straight to you.”
Sira lied. She had tried, but the boy was more difficult to persuade than even she had considered. And then there was Prydon. She knew it would be difficult to affect the influence of a dragon. And it proved not only difficult but impossible. But this was something Klavon would not understand—to admit Prydon was formidable.
Now she had to devise a plan that would retain Klavon’s favor yet maintain her lie.
“Sir,” she said, “I know your strength, and I know your pride. Would you truly feel successful if you convinced Darius to join you before he had faced his final trial? You are powerful, and that is beneath you.”
“How dare you decide what is or isn’t beneath me,” Klavon said slowly, but he lowered his hand and turned his back to her—something he often did.
Sira knew he was, in a way, tempting her—testing her. Turning his back provided her the opportunity to attack when he was most vulnerable, but she was no fool.
“I’m sorry,” said Sira. “I couldn’t bear the thought of the whispers behind your back. I could hear the accusations of weakness.”
Klavon hesitated, and Sira could see him turn his ear toward her. He was listening as she fed his ego.
“But you are powerful. I know your desire to have this done and bring her here, but it must be done so that your leadership, strength, and power are not questioned.”
Klavon turned his head slightly more so she could see the profile of his face. She restrained from openly smiling—she had him.
“I simply couldn’t stand that. I’m truly sorry,” she said one last time. “I will return to the boy and do as you require.”
“Wait,” said Klavon, and he turned back to face her. “I would kill anyone who would question my power, but…”
Sira refrained from smiling, but she quietly breathed relief—she had succeeded. Careful not to change his mind, she bowed and waited for further instruction.
Darius and the Dragon's Stone Page 34
