[Calaethis Dragonsbane]

“Fool,” Asokil breathed after Jason, “No man would dare claim that title.” Tod's interest piqued, and seeing this, Asokil elaborated, his words low, “The Drakenclaw was a concubine, a courtesan who brought peace to our land. She, united the feuding lords, but not through war,” his look was one of disgust, “of the eight lords, she spent two years with each of them, and sired a brood. The sons ruled their father's thrones, and the daughters became concubines. Their mother, the 'Dragon', attracted a cult following, whereby she became 'Mistress of the Jade Veil' and her followers, 'Jadeclaws'. Over time, they retained their revered mother's tradition, but also turned to darker arts. They are concubines and assassins. The current Dragon is a direct descendant of the Drakenclaw, a daughter of the last Dragon, who was a daughter of the Dragon before. An unbroken line of daughters stemming from the original Dragon.”

Tod's eyes grew wide, and Asokil shrugged, “Any sons born of these Dragons serve as footsoldiers, elite guards, while any daughters are given to the Lords. The daughters are given back to the Dragon, and any sons remain to rule.” A sneer touched his lips, “The Dragon herself, the original, was fifteen when she bedded the first Lord. It is said that she lived five hundred years ago, and later, it was said she was a 'daughter of the Master'. Of her actual birth... she was probably some commoner's whelp, or perhaps the bastard child of a late Lord. Once the five Lords were bound by blood through the spawn of the Dragon, they united and turned on the rest of the feudal lords - little more than self-claimed bandits - and united the land. It is a foolish tale.”

His eyes locked sharply on Tod's, “Did you start that fire?”

The bandit's head shook, “No, m'lord... I was only sitting there enjoying my drink. These -” the bandit glanced in the party's direction, “left me to my own devices the moment we entered this town. I am of no threat to them, it seems.” Tod's eyes lowered, “I have no reason to torch the tavern; where would I run to?”

At the sincerity in Tod's eyes and words, Asokil's arms slipped around the bandit's waist and pulled Tod close. Nestling against his chest, Tod clung to him.
“So tell me,” Asokil inquired lightly, “What name do you wear?”

Before Tod could reply, the warrior called out to Jason, “If you ever threaten the lass again, you'll answer to my steel.”

“...Dot.” She whispered in his ear.