Oromis sat at the dinner table with Lord Dayton and took notice of the fine china dishes and silverware, though such displays of power didn't sway him any more than offers of riches would impress Dayton. He had followed Aliana's advice and been blunt, though he wasn't certain how far that had gotten him yet. Fortunately being alive for centuries gave him the advantage of patience and he was willing to wait.
He seems to be quite leisurely about making his decision. Glaedr's voice commented in Oromis's mind.
That's exactly what he wants us to think. It's something all politicians do when they're trying to see if the other party will give them a reason to disagree.
You have a fair point. It's a good thing we were sent instead of the younger, more impulsive Riders. Still I agree that it would be nicer if Aliana was with us. Too bad it wouldn't have been in our favor.
Indeed. Even when she becomes a Rider she will find that some question her loyalty.
You're quite fond of her.
Yes, but now is not the time for that. I will speak with her of those matters once this has been settled. Oromis sipped his wine and studied Dayton who was eating calmly. He finished his own food quietly, time meaning little to him.
"I know I have kept you waiting Argetlam, yet is late now and I hate to think of giving you an answer and sending you back to Uru'baen without proper rest. Would you consider spending the night?"
He is suspiciously pushing his limits while sounding polite.
We will simply not sleep tonight just in case his true intentions are hostile. Oromis inclined himself at the waist. "I thank you for your hospitality and consideration on my behalf, Lord Dayton. I wouldn't wish to impose on your generosity any longer, however if you feel the need to rest before you give me an answer I will of course be happy to do the same outside with my dragon."
"Are you sure you wouldn't rather stay in a guest room?"
"Yes, I am sure. Thank you for your offer, Lord Dayton." Oromis bowed again and stepped out into the night.
He may take offense at you not wanting to stay in house.
He might also recognize I am showing self-reliance. Besides, being out here with you is preferable.
It doesn't help we don't trust Dayton.
He hasn't given us a reason to yet. Oromis sat under the shelter of Glaedr's massive golden wing. Tonight or tomorrow will show quite a lot about our host. What do you think of him?
He seemed genuine when greeting you and saying his father spoke of you. He was interested when you said the future Riders would be trained elsewhere, just as Aerin predicted and yet he is clearly not wanting to seem too eager to make a choice. I suppose I can understand. If he makes it quickly, the others may think he's too eager to please whoever holds Uru'baen, but if he says no he is also cutting himself off from the potential of his house having ties with the Riders again. Yet he could have been in league with Galbatorix all along and he's been merely pretending contempt to gain favor with the nobles.
That would certainly get the others who disliked Galbatorix to talk, yet it would be disappointing to think that the Dayton family could stoop so low.
Descendants don't always follow their ancestors.
For better or worse, that has often been the case. This certainly is an interesting second mission for us to have after being freed from Galbatorix's prisons.
Indeed. It is good to fly again. Glaedr laid his head down next to Oromis. This isn't home, though it is quite lovely here. I see why the Daytons would prefer being out here after the rest of their lands became part of Uru'baen. Aerin said he was once the steward of the kingdom. I wonder why he stepped down from such a prestigious position.
Not everything is about power and money. Perhaps pride or honor had something to do with it. Sometimes one is mistaken for the other or intertwine to become the same. Whatever the reason, we may not ever find out. He looked upwards and noticed a light on inside the mansion on the top floor. Looks like we're not the only ones sleepless at this hour. Lord Dayton lives out here by himself, unless he hasn't introduced us to his wife.
He has no reason to trust us with his family if he has one.
Very true. Just as we didn't that there will eventually be more dragons waking, which will mean they will choose mates.
A necessary precaution. While I look forward to having more of my kind again, it was very upsetting when Sapphira threw herself at me and said we should preserve our species.
She was still young, impressionable and thought she would never meet another dragon that didn't want to kill her or turn her into a captive broodmare.
That is one of the reasons I forgave her for her lack of understanding and inappropriate behavior. If I had feelings for her it would have been different, but I don't feel that way.
She was quite embarrassed after the ordeal. I believe she realized a little too late that it was unfair to both of you to rush into something only to discover later you were not meant to be mated forever.
Indeed. I think she forgot the Eldunarí told us only twenty-six of the eggs in the Vault of Souls had been set aside for Riders. Of course that doesn't mean one of the other eggs meant to hatch in the wild wouldn't change it's mind, but she made it sound like it was up to the bonded dragons when it came to repopulation. The wild eggs may take a while to hatch, yet the waiting may be longer for other bonded dragons.
Perhaps she is merely feeling hopeful she can have kits of her own now that Galbatorix is defeated.
Definitely not with me.
Oromis smiled faintly. Agreed. You must choose your mate as she chooses you, with heart and mind.