‘Cheaper…’ Ari muttered and sighed. Draco gave him a questioning look. ‘Of course we’d all like to become riders. Reducing it to just a money issue…’
‘It's logical,’ the vampire cut in. ‘After all, if it doesn’t work out and you do get rejected, you can always send it to a breeding farm. At the very least, you’ll get some money back.’
The dragon hadn’t thought of that. On the one hand, the cost of the beast was a considerable sum, and on the other, he should consider what to do if he was wrong and what he’d sensed earlier didn’t actually mean the bess would choose him. Forth immediately suggested the possibility of utilising the creature even if it didn’t become a mount.
Draco was roused from his thoughts by fresh shouts. The merchant arguing with the corvette’s captain had shifted their attention and were now approaching the loaded carts, amongst which the beast sat. The merchant was pointing at his goods and listing something to the merchant ship’s commander, with whom he clearly disagreed. Moreover, he didn’t seem too keen on the idea of the unusual problem involved in transporting live animals, especially predatory ones.
‘We need to ask if he’ll sell it.’ James gave a wry smile. ‘You managed with Debroth, so you’ll manage this too.’
‘If you run into trouble, remember to display the coat of arms clearly,’ suggested Forth.
‘And if they try anything nasty, we’ll give them a taste of their own medicine,’ declared Kei defiantly.
‘Well then, let’s give it a go…’ muttered Draco, not sounding very confident, and set off towards the merchant.
