There was a familiar sensation as the dragon's will entered his mind. At her words - harsh, threatening, and utterly defiant - Sig could not help a small curve at the corners of his mouth, a faint smile. A proud dragon was always the fiercest. Beasts that had spent too long in captivity became cognate to their human masters, dulling their killer instinct. That was the most valuable part of a dragon. Mankind was simply weak.
Sig turned and walked, moving toward the far side of the cluster of guild facilities. As he walked, he stayed close to the dark dragon which stalked after him. He could weather a swipe from a claw, his armor would take the brunt of the blow. But a full-bore stream of dragonfire found cracks in even the tightest armor, melting flesh and bone alike. It was always safer close to a dragon than it was far away - too tight of an angle, and their fire would be near useless.
Concentrating on the stream of consciousness that had entered his mind, Sig formed a mental connection with the dark dragon.
"You belong to me now," he said aloud. "No other. You will remain by my side at all times, and you will address me as 'Master'. You will hold no other rider before me. If you have a name, discard it. From now on, you are simply my possession, to obey my every command."
In his mind, Sig sent another message.
I do not care where your allegiances lie, nor what you think of me. You can call me what you wish, as long as you take heed of my instructions. I am known as Sigil, and I am the leader here. A bird took flight from one of the keep's windows, interrupting his thoughts.
The Melchiorre woman's rooms. A pigeon could contain messages of any nature. Sig did not censor his mercenaries' letters. He was not careless enough to leave his secrets about for a defector to stumble upon. While the noble newcomer did seem a tad too big for the small pond in which she now found herself, she did not seem suspicious, and Sig chalked her demeanor up to simple ambition. As long as she proved herself useful to him, the rest did not matter.
He returned his attention to the dragon. "If you fail to be of service to me, you will be destroyed."
I do not wish to harm you, but I must know your loyalty is with me. In order to achieve our goals, everyone in the White Dove must be of one mind. I will not bar any method of forcing your cooperation. Between several tall structures, the two approached a giant celelyrium gate. Sig whistled, motioning upward with his hand, and several men posted nearby started moving. The gate lifted slowly and smoothly off the ground, accompanied by a symphony of clicks and creaks. The opening beckoned entrance into the Dome, a massive enclosure and the only place in the guild in which dragons were allowed to fly.
Follow me inside, Sig thought at the dragon as he turned to look at her.
What is your name?@Ambra