The War Council

Thomas then said, "I, though, think that we should stick with our original plan, and lure the dragon to the spot that we have chosen. It is the surest plan."

Fred replied, "I do not agree. With all due deference, we have surprise now - the dragon is not even aware that we are plotting against him. He will be wary once he finds out that the princess has escaped."

Thomas answered, "I do think that we can agree on one thing. The princess needs to be summoned immediately. Simon, will you undertake this?"

"Yes, sir!" he replied, as he left the caves and scampered off.

Fred replied, "What do you have in mind?"

Thomas said, "A quick council of war. If we attack the dragon now, we will need at least four of us to attack the dragon. Any less, and it is a fool's errand."

Fred asked, "Who will be on the council?"

Thomas replied, "Me, Anselm, the Princess, Simon, and yourself."

Fred nodded. "We are losing time. How long before Astra can get here?"

"Not long. Provided that the dragon does not see Simon."

"Good. Who makes the final decision?"

"Each of us says his or her peace, and each of us has one vote. I will go along with whatever is decided."

Fred was surprised. Thomas was giving the majority of votes to those who did not know him that well. Fred thought that he might be able to sway the princess and the painter. Fred had fresh respect for Thomas. Thomas was either so sure of his position that he did not fear being outvoted - or had enough doubt that he did not mind that possibility. As he would be waiting for some length of time, he asked Thomas, respectfully, as to why he did not invite others from his group into the council.

Thomas replied, "They would have nothing to contribute to the decision. Each of us five have special experiences which bear on this decision. You are knight of Allaria, and I will need you to manage any ground attack. Astra knows the ways of the Aqualarian cavalry, and their lore. Simon's eyes are a special gift. He can account for the factor of the dragon's flight better than any of us. In that way, he thinks like the dragon. I need him. Anselm has some knowledge of dragon kind in general that nobody else here has. And I think my qualifications speak for themselves."

Fred replied, "That is a very wise way of looking at things. I, too, will stand with whatever decision the council makes, and will put my heart into that plan." Fred thought, "And if we pull this off, I would recommend that the King of Allaria pay well to have Thomas in his service, if only to ensure that a man like him is not hired by the Hespaniards, or other rivals of the Great Kingdom."

1. Quicker than Fred would have thought, Anselm announced that Simon and Astra were on their way back.

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