I think that Lord Sutton was the most surprised dragon present that night in the Council Chambers. Although the Grand Councilor from Clan Magma was not far behind him. The expression on all of the Grand Councilor's faces as they stared in shock at the rag tag bunch of sailors and ship workers was something I will forever cherish. Mykell, of course, knew all about it. It was fairly impossible to bring a group such as the one I had managed, into the Aerie without her knowledge. At the very least the Custodian guards would have alerted her. She most probably knew what was going on before that though. There is very little which occurs on All Clans Isle without her knowledge.

     It took several candle marks before the entire Council was finally settled down. The uproar, when they realized that Lord Sutton, had somehow, managed to gather a sort of clan of Vassals to present to the Council. Lord Darkheat was fit to be tied up, nearly roaring with rage at this, swearing to Io that the sailors were obviously not Vassals.

     Mykell set that straight after gravely asking Forlik if he and his fellow's had indeed sworn loyalty to Clan Cloudkill and considered themselves vassals of said clan. To which, thank Io above, Forlik just as gravely bowed and answered that they indeed had, and did. Perhaps I should explain what I had been up to for those two days when Lord Sutton was on his desperate quest.

     I have always thought that the Sutton's had a gift for believing that there was Light in nearly everyone. His father was like that, and I can see it in the current Lord Sutton as well. The only problem with such is that the world is, unfortunately, not always like that. Which lead me to my quest to find a third option other then bringing the remaining vassal's here, or the rest of Lord Sutton's family. I spent most of the first day wandering the All Clans Isle, trying to think of something I could do. My wanderings had taken me down through the port, and across the wharfs. It wasn't until I nearly ran into a stack of supplies that I even realized where I was, so deep into my musings had I gone. It was then that my good old friend Forlik and his two sidekicks spotted me from the deck of the Sophie, which was still unloading some of the supplies she had brought in.

    An Idea blossomed in my mind, and, with a suitable threat to Forlik, I arranged to meet the head of the merchants which operated several vessels in and about the Blood Isles. Suitably explaining to him what his advantages were in regard to having a dragon sponsor, and one who could get him the lucrative contracts from Clan Deathstalk, took the rest of the night. Gathering up the sailors, and getting healers for the guards I had to "convince" to
grant me an audience with the head of the merchants took up a bit more of the day.

     So it was that we came back to the Council, just in time to be ushered inside, and for me to see Lord Sutton as he stood before those who would judge him and his Clan.

---------------

     The silence as Jean Sutton and Laureine returned to the guest chambers was eloquent. Neither spoke after the chaotic arguments which had swirled around the Council Chambers just a few candle marks earlier. The elfess headed directly for the bed and gratefully sank into its comfort, her back and other old wounds, aching from the long day. Jean sank down onto the stone floor, his tail curling up about himself as he laiddown, looking for all the world like a pile of silver which rippled as he breathed. The silence stretched heavily in the air for a few more minutes, then Jean spoke.

     "Sailors?" His tone was dubious as he eyed her with his one good eye, even as she rolled over and shucked out of her armor and laid her sword within easy reach.

     "Did you have a better idea, Lord Sutton?" Laureine's voice was quiet and tired as she rolled back and laid back down, staring up at the stone ceiling above. The silence lasted for a few more minutes, when she became aware of the sound coming from the silver dragon. It took her a moment to place but, when she did, she smiled. Jean Sutton was laughing.

     "Good night Lord Sutton."

     "Good night Laureine." The last thing Laureine remembered before entering revere was the sound of Jean's laughter.