The Pearl Ch. 10

Chang nodded his head in acknowledgement. "It just so happens I am here to inquire for a favor. Is there a place we could talk?"

Qiang cocked his head, again surprised as he couldn't imagine what Chang would need that he could provide. He nodded and gestured for Chang to follow him. Which he did.

Qiang led his guest through the seating area to the back of the restaurant, then through the kitchen and into his office. After Chang entered through the office door, Qiang closed it behind him. Chang looked to Qiang and waited to be directed to a seat.

The office was of a moderate size. Off to one side was a desk with a computer on it. There was a chair behind the desk and a few others placed around. The office was sparsely decorated, but a large tapestry hung on the wall across from the door. It was an abstract design in reds, yellows, golds, and oranges. When one gazed at it for too long, the colors seemed to move. Qiang walked over to the tapestry and laid his hand on it. The colors flared together into moving flames, then parted, revealing his lair. He bowed low and indicated for Chang to enter.

There wasn't much that could astonish Chang, but Qiang had managed it. Before him stood Qiang's lair, his heart center, and he was freely giving Chang access. Chang crossed the office and stopped in front of Qiang before entering.

"And now it is you that honor me. I neither expected nor required access to your lair."

Qiang remained bowed. "It is the least I could offer, revered elder."

Chang placed his hand and Qiang's shoulder and eased him upright. "I also do not require subservience. I have precious little use for it."

Qiang dipped his head. "Sebastian is then very lucky."

Chang smiled. "I believe he considers himself such."

Qiang again motioned to Chang. "Please, enter."

Chang crossed the threshold, followed closely by Qiang. The area was very warm, with a large burning brazier in the center of the room, and smaller ones in the corners. Pillows of various sized and shapes were scattered on the floor. Near the front, but off to one side, was a sitting area with a table and chairs, several large bookcases crammed with books, scrolls, boxes, apothecary cabinets, and other things. A large bed was farther down in that section. In the distance, wind chimes stirred in the rising heat. Most of the room was cavernous open space. Easily large enough to accommodate the two dragons.

Chang inhaled deeply, scenting rich incense, burning wood, old paper, herbs, and ink. He could feel Qiang's magic. It wasn't only the elemental magic most dragons dealt in. The place was well warded, with a mix of the elemental dragon magic and the more arcane practices Qiang favored. It was complex, and impressive, for a dragon as young as Qiang.

Chang looked back to Qiang, and waited to be directed. When Qiang shifted to the dragon form, Chang did likewise, and when Qiang settled himself on the floor, Chang coiled himself amidst the pillows. Qiang waited for Chang to begin.

"Thank you again for you hospitality," he began. "I'm afraid I have been called back to the Middle Kingdom on clan business, and I beg your indulgence to look after Sebastian while I am gone."

The announcement shocked Qiang. He remained speechless for a few moments before stating, "I am-- honored."

Chang smiled. "I think surprised might be equally accurate."

Qiang nodded. "That also. May I inquire on what business you are called back on? It must be important to pull you away from a fledgling."

"I certainly hope it is," Chang responded, suddenly irritated. "The messenger had very few details. To a certain extent, it's my fault. I didn't leave a clear delineation of how power should be broken down in my absence. And now there are matters that others want me to weigh in on personally."

Qiang was equally surprised at this revelation. "Forgive me, elder, if I am being impertinent, but why didn't you leave a line of succession, considering you would be gone for at least a hundred years."

Chang continued to reproach himself. "I had not anticipated staying that long. When the pearl was activated, I couldn't locate it at first. I had to search for it. I had assumed it was being usurped. The farthest thought was that I would find a new fledgling with a long-lost pearl." He shook his head. "I couldn't have been happier, of course. But I was ill-prepared. I sent a message home, but now my attention is required. Worry not. While I am there I will arrange things so that I will be able to completely attend my duties to Sebastian."

"Have you considered taking him? At some point he will need to be presented to his clan, not to mention the higher courts."

"This is true. His contact with the higher courts will be hampered by being bonded to a river here. But once the bond is suitably strong, he will be presented. That has not yet happened. It is far too early to remove him from the river."

Qiang nodded his head, lost in thought. Chang's logic was clear and unassailable. But that left the question of a temporary guardian, as the river wouldn't be able to. He looked back to find Chang watching him.

"Are you able to do this for me?" Chang asked.

"You have placed a great deal of faith in me," Qiang hedged. "Especially considering my opinion on your fledgling is less than favorable."

"This is true, and your past issues are not forgotten. But you are a dragon, as is he. You both have the mandate of Heaven, and I think you realize that. He is too young to answer to it, but you are not. If you agree to look after a fledgling and fail in your duty, you are aware of what you will lose. But the choice is yours. He is not of your clan, and these problems are only as much of your concern as you make them."

Qiang nodded. He could say no. He would lose no face and there would be no repercussions. But he remained where he was only at Chang's sufferance. Debts were owed and Qiang did not find them easy to walk away from. Besides, even if he hated to admit it, Sebastian was a dragon and had an exceptionally strong connection to his river. It was strong enough to fend him off to the point where Qiang didn't even realize Sebastian was fighting without a pearl. With his pearl properly in place, he should be fine. What could go wrong?

"I will accept this responsibility."

Little did Qiang know he was about to live in interesting times.

"Qiang?" Sebastian roared as his tail made a loud slap in the water. He suddenly felt a lot like Calvin left in the care of Rosalyn.

"Yes, Qiang," Chang sighed. He was not surprised by Sebastian's reaction, but it was inconvenient. "I understand your concern, but I haven't any other options."

Sebastian groaned, but offered up no further protest. Chang crossed his arms and fixed Sebastian with a look.

"You, yourself said your last meeting with him went very well."

"Yes, in that he didn't try to kill me. But that doesn't mean I want to answer to him."

"Nor will you be. He isn't in charge of you, he is meant to watch over you. While I certainly encourage you to continue exploring what you've learned, formal lessons will be suspended until my return."

"Why do I need someone to 'watch over me' anyway? Can't I just chill till you get back?"

"Because you are a fledgling, and will be for the next hundred years. I would be lax in my duties and obligations if I did not appoint someone as guardian. I am sorry for this, but it is unavoidable."

Sebastian looked away and glowered. "Fine," he snarled without looking back.

Chang took a moment to compose himself before responding. While he was pleased to have a new fledgling, over the years he had forgotten just how difficult one could be. He walked over and laid his hand on Sebastian's shoulder. Sebastian brought his head around a looked at Chang.

"Do you trust me?" Chang asked.

"Of course," Sebastian snapped, then caught himself and looked down. "Of course I do," he said in a quieter, more respectful tone.

"Then trust that I would not leave you in the care of someone who would abuse the position. Your previous experience with him colors your view, and that is understandable. But you have to give him the room and opportunity to show you something more."

Sebastian looked back over to Chang. "I suppose."

"Besides, he was formally asked and formally accepted. He is bound by that pledge."

"So if he fucks up he'll lose points or something?"

"It depends on how you mean 'fuck up'. A simple mistake is forgivable. For a serious breach of his obligation he'll lose his mandate and very possibly his life. He is aware of this."

"Mandate?"

"Essentially, the blessing of Heaven. It is one of the things that makes a dragon a dragon. As a fledgling, you are too young to fall under the mandate. But at some point, you will have to answer to the mandate."

"Oh joy, more stuff I don't know."

Chang smiled and patted Sebastian on the leg. "Do not worry over much about it. Heaven does not chose pearl bearers or make dragons lightly. The pearl would not have gone to you if you didn't already meet the qualifications. Now, I am unsure how long I will be gone. I will make this as brief as possible and return. When you are more fully bonded to the river, I will present you to your clan and the courts. Is there anything further before I go?"

"Yeah, bring me something back," Sebastian grinned. "Oh, and twitter me."

"I will see what I can do." Chang smiled. "I could offer to twitter you everyday save that I have no idea what it is, and little desire to find out. However, perhaps I will bring you something back." Then he was gone.

Sebastian flopped himself down in the river, taking some comfort in the feeling of the river against him.

had to be him The river opined with disdain.

"Yeah, tell me about it." Sebastian paused before asking, "so, how long do you think it will take before we're sufficiently bonded for me to leave?"

not to even think about it

"Yeah," Sebastian said with a smile, "I thought as much."