Master I sat at the dining table waiting for Merna to show up. The form of my dragon seemed to upset Merna, yet she did not seem to mind the humanoid form that I had presented to her. I could control many aspects of my shifts, the only exceptions were my eyes, teeth and nails. I tapped the table with my finger as the reports from the mages started to come to me. All my orders have been followed. Ashur linked me, informing me that Merna had just left her room. In the far distance, I could hear footsteps approaching the dining room. 'There is a slight problem!’ Puabi linked me. ‘What has happened?’ I was not impressed that Puabi was disturbing me. ‘Camile did not eat and had emptied what was in her stomach in a bucket in front of me.’ ‘Clean her up and feed her after she has time to rest!" I ordered, ‘Puabi what is this emotion that I am sensing?’ Puabi took too long to answer, ‘It is pity!’ I could tell that it was a partial truth. ‘And?’ I wanted her to tell me what the other part of the truth was. ‘I was just wondering …’ Puabi was stuttering. I found this behaviour to be out of character for her. From the time I can remember, she has always gotten to the point of what is on her mind. ‘Puabi!’ I gave her my warning tone. ‘As you wish! I will complete the task you have given me!’ Her words seemed heartbroken, out of character for her. ‘If you have this much pity for four hundred and seventeen, teach her how to serve, the same way you learned!’ I told her with a huff. Only a blind man could not see the human borns beauty. Puabi must be star struck by the human born. ‘As you wish … Master!’ Puabi whispered wistfully. The connection was closed! Puabi never did tell me what the other half of the truth was, I would have to question her later. I had other thoughts that kept me occupied! Like the little redhead, that was in the adjoining chamber to mine. I glanced up to see Merna entering the room. Getting up from my spot, I motioned to the chair that I wanted her to sit in. Merna smiled up at me, I knew she was forcing herself to do so. I wonder how many times she has done this? With practice, she could easily fool others into believing that the smile is genuine. Pulling out of the chair, I had placed her beside me. I would be able to speak with her and notice every single twitch she would make. I held the chair as Merna sat in the seat with grace, something I am sure she had learned while in the mortal world. Merna observed my actions. Merna’s mannerism is that of a regular barnyard animal, yet I am sure she will learn quickly to mimic the actions of my people. She has intelligence, which means she can adapt. That is probably the only redeemable quality about human borns, their skills to adapt to the changes of their surroundings. They have and always will be followers needing tending too! Once I was comfortable in my chair I gestured with my hand that she could eat and drink. I observed her questioning expression that masked her face. ‘Smart little hybrid!’ There was a slight flash of light in her eyes, only a keen eye would have caught such an action. My home was having a reaction to her skills as a hybrid. The atmosphere was bringing her powers to the surface of her being. This was a normal transition for individuals like Merna. Like my siblings, we would not know what traits the hybrid will have until events transpire. I watched intently as I grabbed my goblet of wine. Sipping on the liquid, Merna grabbed her goblet and poured water into the goblet. ‘Smart little pet!’ I smiled to myself. “Tell me about who you are?” I kept a close eye on her. “This is the first time that I have ever been here. Up to now, I did not know that you existed. I was under the assumption that only the gods of death could collect humans!” Merna spoke softly. It appeared to me that she was gauging her tone with me. Making sure she did not step out of line. This is just an aspect of who she is, I wanted to know the real Merna. Every move she made was calculated! “You know about them?” Showing interest in the conversation that we were sharing. “I can travel the realms, not like this mind you!” She kept eye contact with me. “Astral projection?” I asked, figuring it would be a yes. It was very apparent that Merna was using her skills of intuition to guide her actions. She will know from past interactions to avoid insulting the host. Unlike the others, she will have more insight into the customs we have. Yet, she doesn’t know everything that transpires here. “Yes! It is something that I profected over the decade!” Merna seemed proud of her skill. I motioned my hand toward the table, “There is plenty of food! Pick whatever it is that you would like.” I smiled wondering how she would wiggle her way out of this one. I can see straight through her. Merna’s mind is in overdrive! Thinking of how to politely decline without offending me. Merna smiled sweetly, “Astral projection is just one of the many traits that I have mastered over the years.” Navigating around my offer by continuing the conversation ... interesting! It has been some time since I had a challenge worth going after. Yet there is a ping of disappointment, in the end, they all surrender to my powers. They all do! That is when I have to find a new hunt, something that will not bore me at first sight. I shift my cloak over my legs as my organs twitch, ‘it has to be the red fire hair of hers. Or is it her mind working the hypothetical issues out in her mind. I need to deal with this growing problem soon before the beast surfaces and I lose all control.’*Master* If anything Merna was entertaining … spirited little thing! Merna may not have eaten anything, but she was still trapped here and could not leave until I said so or if she was intelligent enough to find the hidden portal. 'What are the chances that she would be able to find it?' I thought to myself. I would have to look into putting more protection around to stop her from finding it. I have never had anyone outmanoeuvre me, and I was not about to let her get her way. Sitting on my throne, I listened to the chatter from my serfs. If they knew that I could hear them, they would do less talking and more work. I had left Merna in a rage, something I did not expect yet found it … enjoyable! Another part of Merna that I got to know. I normally do not toy with my property like this but there is something about Merna that I can not figure out yet and I wanted to know every aspect of her. Her reaction brings a thrill; almost better than the hunt. For a split second, I thought of my first wife. Personality wise those two are very similar. Strong-willed and not scared to look me in the eye. Not many dare to do that! Getting my wife to agree to my terms was not easy, in the end, I had to use seduction to get what I wanted. I grinned like a little schoolboy as I glared at the pile of work that was in front of me. I have to get work done, toying with Merna will have to wait. I have decided that I will take Merna with me the next time I walk my border. If I can’t get her to eat I will at least train her for why she is here. She will need to be trained to take my place when I have business elsewhere. I have instructed one of the female serfs to take Merna to the bathing room. They are to bathe her, place appropriate clothing on her and have her ready for when I am finished here. Materializing, “Dear big brother!” I heard my eldest sister chime in my mind. Groaning, “What do you want, I am busy!” I responded to her annoyance. “Oh do not be that way, you are always so miserable, when will you liven up a bit and enjoy the fruits from your hard work!” She hummed. “Why have you graced me with your presence?” I let out a low growl. “Tisk tisk all business and no play … you're boring!” She sighed, “I heard from a little birdy that Merna has not eaten, could it be so? Has a human born for once not fallen for your charm … I can’t see why … you're so lively and full of … happiness!” She spoke with sarcasm.“Who is your informant?” I knew there were spies among my flock but could not seem to find them before I would find a dead body on my land. “Oh dear big brother … you're not the only one with spies.” She cooed. “You know what will happen once I find your little birdy!” I deepened the growl. I could feel my sister pulling back, ‘that is what I thought!’ Her fear of me brought common sense back. “Remember who you are dealing with, big sister … I am not to be trifled with. You know what I will do!” “Threats! You do not dare to cross the line. Knowing that if you start a war … all the other realms will follow suit with violence and anarchy! Do you remember what happened last time?” “The flood was nothing compared to the losses you felt dear sister!” I gave her a toothy grin, “do you still mourn your lovers? Probably not!” I made sure there was no mistaking my next warning, “I have no issues with going to war against you, this time I will destroy everything! Promises that you know I will follow through with. Test my patience and you will see my true form. A.g.ai.n!” “You have to go through the pesky council first to get their approval!” She smiled at me. “Someone should really warn Merna of your temper.” She clicked her tongue, “since you have yet to get Merna to eat willingly, the bid is still on. We will see you and Merna at the family gathering. You're not the only one who is wanting her.” She giggled, “see you when the moon is at its highest!” As quickly as my eldest sister showed herself, she was gone. Smoke seeped from my nose as my irritation with the situation increased. I had not anticipated my siblings interfering. After all, Merna had wandered into my territory. ‘Then again, Merna had won the favour of the land, Gaia. Things would have been easier if Merna had eaten. The law of natural order had to be held. Merna was not just a human born but a hybrid. When a hybrid is captured the bid is brought into effect. I have never partook in these biddings. Until now there was no need. My mind went to the female serf that strolled with Merna and my son. Linking my son, ‘Ashur, question the female that was following you and Merna. She might be a spy!’ Dragging my mind back to the bidding. A devilish smile crossed my face. There was nothing stipulated that the human born could not ask questions. If the human born asked the right question we had to answer truthfully. Give as much information as the human born needs and allow them to come to their conclusion. It is up to them to ask and for us to answer. Ashur’s voice entered my mind, ‘I will find her and question the female serf!’ ‘I think she is my eldest sister's spy! It is something my eldest sister said to me that is making me question the situation!’ I ended the mind link. I smiled to myself, “human borns always ask a lot of pointless questions. Merna is different, given the opportunity she will ask the right questions. She likes to gather information.” I snapped my fingers together knowing what my next course of action was going to be. I will offer her a deal she will not refuse!