The wind whistled past my ears as I soared through the sky. Instead of feeling breathtaking, flying had actually turned into a chore instead. It reminded me of when I started driving. At first, I would be happy to go anywhere to do anything for my parents as long as I was allowed to drive. Driving lost its luster before too long, though. I felt the same way about flying now. It was just something I had to do.

Below me, the land stretched out like a patchwork quilt of green forests, rolling hills, and winding rivers. I didn't even notice since my thoughts kept replaying my conversation with Einvaldskonungr. His words had been impossible to argue against. Every point he made had drawn me further into his plan, and by the time I left, I had agreed to everything.

Did I even make a single demand of my own? I wondered, frustrated. It was hard to tell if I had been outmaneuvered because Einvaldskonungr was so experienced or if I was just too gullible. I wanted to believe it was the former. After all, he was a red dragon who had lived for centuries. Either way, it was embarrassing to be played like a piano so expertly.

A nagging thought wouldn’t leave my mind. Maybe I had been too suggestible or too eager to please. I sighed and adjusted my wings to catch an updraft, rising higher into the sky.

Am I really cut out to be a god? I wondered. It wasn’t just the red dragon I had to worry about. Soon, I’d be meeting Silfriglóa in Silver City. From what Einvaldskonungr said, she was sociable and kind, a benevolent ruler who valued fairness and wisdom. But I couldn’t afford to let my guard down, even with her.

Soon, I was lost in thought. I wasn't sure how to approach the problem of allowing the dragons to use their own bloodline essence into the draconic contracts. The only way I could think of was to give the other dragons a system that allowed them to convert their own bloodline.

Since Silver City was quite a distance away, I had plenty of time to think of a solution. I didn't want to create a system that gave away all the benefits of the system. I wasn't going to do the work and get no pay, especially since the only thing they would do was provide the bloodline essence. I would have to give up something, though, since I would basically be stealing their followers otherwise.

Finally, I decided I needed to franchise the dragon god's system. I would give each dragon a system where they have to create all the draconic contracts with their bloodline essence. Of course, I would take a percentage of the profit, whether Faith Points, offerings, or experience points. If the dragon didn't have enough bloodline essence, I could provide it, for the appropriate rewards.

It took a while to create the frameworks of the modified system. I had to decide how to split the costs and benefits. After dealing with the red dragon, I was worried about being taken advantage of so I made sure that I wasn't shortchanging myself.

Part of me was worried that Silfriglóa wouldn’t agree. I grimaced when I realized I had started to doubt myself as dealing with Einvaldskonungr. Calm down, I thought. She’s supposed to be reasonable. Just stick to the facts. Explain the plan and let her decide.

But even as I said it, doubt crept in. What if my inexperience showed again? What if I let her dominate the conversation, just like Einvaldskonungr had? I let out a growl at the thought, very irritated with myself.

Eventually, I spotted a glimmer of silver in the distance. I wanted to roll my eyes when I saw this. Silver City really was taking their name too literally. What can I expect when I get to Golden City? I wondered.

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A faint smile tugged at my lips despite my worries. Even from this far away, I could see the gleam of sunlight reflecting off its towers. The sight was enough to distract me, at least for a moment. Time to focus, I thought, No more second-guessing. I have a job to do. As I flew closer to the shining city, I asked myself, If I can’t handle Silfriglóa, what chance do I have with the others?

The streets were busy with people, but from this height, they looked tiny, like ants moving through a maze. I kept flying in circles over the northern part of the city, scanning for any sign of the silver dragon.

I really should have thought about how to find her before I arrived, I thought. So where is she?

I didn’t know how to approach her. The city was huge, and I couldn’t just land in the middle of it and start asking questions. That didn’t seem like the smartest idea. Then again, I could have used a magic spell to turn into a human before entering the city and asking questions. For some reason though, the idea didn't appeal to me.

I kept circling, hoping that she would notice me. Dang, why do I feel like I am in high school again trying to catch a cheerleader’s eye? I wondered. My wings were starting to ache from staying in the air so long. Below, I noticed a few people pointing up at me. Some stopped what they were doing and stared, shading their eyes with their hands.

I tensed, worried they might attack me, but nothing happened. They just stood there, watching me. At least they’re not shooting arrows, I thought, glad that at least one thing was going my way. I was starting to worry. However, that was when I saw her.

A giant silver dragon descended from the clouds. Her scales were shining like a mirror. Her wings moved slowly and gracefully, each beat of them strong and sure. She was much bigger than me, and her presence felt overwhelming. Although she didn't give off the same physical intimidation factor that the red dragon did, there was still something about her that screamed for everyone not to annoy her.

Not wanting to try talking in mid-air, I circled down toward a clearing where I landed. Luckily, I didn't embarrass myself by botching it. As for Silfriglóa, she flew closer and landed a short distance away, her glowing silver eyes locking onto mine.

Her voice, smooth and calm, reached me easily. “You’ve been flying in circles for a while,” she said. “Are you lost, or just unsure of what to do?”

I hesitated, then bowed my head respectfully. “I’m looking for Silfriglóa, the ruler of Silver City. I’m guessing you’re her?”

Her lips curled in what looked like a small smile. “You guessed correctly. I am Silfriglóa. And you must be Nóttormr. I have heard rumors about you.”

I was actually a little surprised by this. With the exception of that one time in the Necropolis, I had actually kept a pretty low profile. Since I had rarely interacted with others, more than likely, she had probably heard about me from the necromancers or priests in the City of Bones.

“Yes,” I said. “I’ve come to speak with you about something important.”

She tilted her head slightly, studying me with a sharp, thoughtful gaze. “Very well,” she said. “Follow me. We’ll talk somewhere more private.” She then leapt into the sky and began flying toward the city. I hurried to follow, glad to see that she didn't seem to hold any ill-will toward me.

As we flew, I couldn’t help but feel small next to her. She was everything a dragon should be, strong, graceful, and commanding. I idly wondered if she was single. Then my worries about the meeting I was about to have pushed those thoughts aside. I wondered if the meeting would go the way Einvaldskonungr thought it would or if I was about to get in over my head again.

Silfriglóa led the way, gliding effortlessly toward the heart of Silver City. I followed, my smaller form dwarfed by her size and presence. Dang, even though I'm a god, I'm starting to get an inferiority complex. Every other dragon is so much bigger than I am, I grumbled silently.

In the center of the city, a grand building came into view. It was a large church. In fact, it was actually a cathedral made of gleaming white stone. Its high spires reached toward the sky. The roof was decorated with silver accents that sparkled like stars. I had to admit that it was extremely beautiful.

Silfriglóa began her descent, and I followed her lead. As we landed, the people around us quieted down. A group of priests in silver-trimmed robes waited at the church’s entrance. They immediately dropped to their knees, bowing their heads deeply in respect. I had to frown at this. Was she the head priest or was it because she was the ruler of the city? Who exactly was I trying to convince?