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She took a moment to study Gan’s body. He’d had his chances and wasted them all. She was only sad for his mother.

Moving back to the pavilion, she called to Ghalin.The last two tribes have arrived, if you wish to get their agreements.

No answer, however it was still early.

The two khans dismounted at the pavilion and handed their horses to their warriors, directing them to set up camp nearby. As Shuree caught up, Dagar was explaining who Gan was and making introductions. “Let’s gather around the fire to eat,” he suggested.

As they walked to the fire, Shuree pulled Kublai aside. “What happened last night?”

“The dragon lied. Ogodai didn’t have any extra men with him. Our scouts checked the whole area but found nothing.”

She frowned. “Why would he do that?”

A heavy flapping behind her made her turn as Ghalin came in to land. Shuree smiled, though was unable to keep her concern from her thoughts. “Good morning.”

His posture was stiff.You broke your promise, you must leave.

The other khans turned back and Ogodai gasped. “Dragon.”

Shuree shook her head. “What promise?”

You promised not to leave the meadow while you were here.

Her eyes widened. “But you said Ogodai had brought extra men. We needed to find out what he planned to do with them.”Except he hadn’t brought extra men. Her shoulders slumped. “You lied to me.”

It was a test you all failed. You speak of trust and yet at the first sign, you did not.

She couldn’t believe what he was saying. “I trusted you.”

You know nothing of our kind. You trusted me over your own people.

Anger simmered. He was right, but it was only part of the story. “We could have left last night, disbanded because of your lies, but we didn’t. We worked together to seek the truth.”

You must leave.

“You manipulative creature,” Kublai growled, unsheathing his sabre.

Violence is your first reaction to everything.Ghalin’s disdain was clear as he glanced back to Gan’s body. In the sky above, several dozen dragons flew in formation towards them. Shuree’s heart raced.

She stepped forward. “No, it’s not. Yes, we left the meadow, but we did not think of breaking our promise. We only went in the direction we had come.”

“They’re going to attack,” someone yelled behind her. “Get your weapons!”

Peace was unravelling before her. Ghalin flapped his wings ready to take flight, and next to her, Kublai shifted to attack. She couldn’t let this happen.

“No!” She leapt in front of Ghalin as Kublai thrust his sword. The sharp blade pierced her stomach, slicing with red hot pain. She gagged, clutching the blade as absolute horror crossed Kublai’s face and he let go of the hilt. Sweat prickled her skin and it was impossible to breathe.

“Shuree!” Dagar yelled.

She stumbled back, almost crashing into the dragon. Her knees buckled and she fell to the ground, tears streaming down her face. The sabre shifted, widening the wound. The morning dew soaked her pants adding some coolness to the fire shooting through her arms, stomach, legs.

Around her people yelled, but nothing made sense. All she knew was she couldn’t let them kill the dragons. Gasping, she whispered, “Don’t fight.” She swallowed and raised her voice as loud as she could. “Don’t fight each other, don’t fight the dragons.”

Why did you do that?Ghalin asked, his confusion clear.I can protect myself.

“Too. Much. Death.”

Dagar dropped to his knees beside her, devastation on his face. “Shuree.”