Chapter 46: The Caravan

Baron Todd nodded, signaling that he understood.

After all, the truth was exactly so; the Red Dragon before him disdained to deceive him.

As the thirteenth and disregarded son of his family, having stirred up trouble with power games at Northwind Castle and angered his father, he was assigned to the remote Sgurr Town.

It was less an assignment than an exile.

This small town, adjacent to Stormy Ridge with its sparse population, would face certain disaster at the hands of any external invaders, be they Giant or True Dragon, without sufficient military might.

It would be better to seek out the aid of a powerful outsider nearby to maintain his own influence, grow his forces, and then seize an opportunity to break free from control and compete with his brothers for their father's attention.

With this in mind, Todd spoke ingratiatingly:

"I appreciate your candor, 'Flying Flame' sir. I am very pleased that we can cooperate with you—the great Red Dragon."

Cassius nodded slightly: