Several days had passed since the strange events I had witnessed with my friends Ben and Peter during our drive back to Dracarta. Of the soldiers we had passed by on our way home, we had not seen nor heard anything since. At least, not publicly.

Rumors abounded, and I took the things I heard, along with my hammered dulcimer, to Ben and Peter’s house for music night. Ben opened the door after my knock and ushered me in with a grin, but I noticed how he slid the bolt after I had entered. I set up my stand and dulcimer while Ben pulled out his guitar and Peter sat ready with his drum. I sat down, we looked at each other. Their eyes were expectant.

“What have you heard?” They both asked me.

“I went to talk to Barrakis. " I began, “He works at the hatchery. Apparently, the soldiers are from Rhindar, and they’re still here, housed in empty barracks.”

My two friends sat forward in their seats. “Go on.”

“The siege engines and troops are a gift to Dracarta from Rhindar.

In exchange, they want our dragons."