Book 5: Chapter 21 (1/2)

“Isn’t this relaxing, Vur?” Stella asked. “Sitting here, watching observing, soaking in all the joys of nature.”

“This is boring,” Vur said and frowned. He was sitting on Diamant’s earthen spider, but instead of scuttling, it was plodding along at the speed of an old grandma crossing the street with a heavy bag. “What’s exciting about trees?”

“It doesn’t have to be exciting to not be boring,” Stella said and shook her head.

“But this isn’t exciting and it’s boring,” Vur said. “You can’t even see any animals from down here. At least, when I fly, I can rate things in the order of tastiness.”

Stella clicked her tongue. “The only reason there aren’t any animals is because they’re terrified of you,” she said. “I guess that isn’t your fault though. Okay, well, I promise things will be more interesting when those people who’re following us finally catch up.” She glanced behind herself. “I don’t know what’s taking them so long.”

“What’s going to happen?” Vur asked.

“Well….” Stella furrowed her brow. “Now that I think about, what exactly gets you excited, Vur?”

The Recordkeeper cut in before Vur could respond. “Nothing,” she said. “As a dragon, Vur can get whatever he wants whenever he wants it. The only thing that can give him some sense of satisfaction and meaning is helping out the people he cares about, which is the only reason why he listened to your request in the first place.”

Stella shook her fist at the Recordkeeper. “What would you know about the inner workings of people, huh? All you do is stay home and creep on people through your fake birds.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “Vur might be a dragon, and he might be able to get whatever he wants, but he’s a lazy dragon, and—”

“Not lazy.”

“Yes, yes,” Stella said and patted Vur’s shoulder. “He’s a very energy-efficient dragon, and if someone brings him what he wants without him having to do anything, he’ll get excited.”

“So, those people who’re following us are going to bring things he wants?” the Recordkeeper asked.

Vur’s eyes lit up. “They have crabcakes? I want to eat crabcakes right now.”

“I didn’t say that,” Stella said. “I just said things would be more interesting.”

“She didn’t say they didn’t have crabcakes,” the Recordkeeper said. “That means they might have some.”

Stella flew over and slapped the Recordkeeper on the back of the head. “Don’t tease him like that. You know you’re the one they’re targeting, right?”

“Of course,” the Recordkeeper said. “Just look at that man’s character. There’s no way he’d pass up the chance to kidnap me; I’m beautiful and unique. Vur couldn’t resist either.”

Stella slapped the Recordkeeper again. “That’s not why Vur dragged you along with us,” she said. “Don’t think so highly of yourself.”

“You’re just upset I wouldn’t assess your character,” the Recordkeeper said and rubbed the back of her head. A lump was beginning to form. “Your body is so tiny; how come you hit so hard? I don’t think your strength is accurately reflected by my ravens.”