The dragon chuckled at her words, his mirth causing the stones to tremble beneath his head. "You are a fool!" He decreed, his tones deep yet playful. "A blubbering, blundering, floundering fool of a fool!"  He teased her as he lifted himself to his feet, his claws cracking and crushing stone. "But you are my fool, as I am yours...as for favors, any action I do for you is a favor...the same as you unto me." He grinned at her again. "You had better get used to the idea, as neither you nor I am anyones slave. I could just as easily take a nap here as fly to your birthright." He then raised a claw and tapped the top of her head with it, the movement surprisingly gentle despite his gargantuan form and the strength it held. "All memories known by the mad one are my own until my hatching. Do you think she does not know of Darathorn, son of the man that took your family? Yes...that is right. He sits in the house of your father still. The fire gutted it and your family slain, this is fact...but the foundation remained and upon it the puppet sits...dining in your house...lording in your house....Breeding in it. His servs work your lands and he has few worries...and why should he? His father protects him from much while off hunting your kind." The dragon snickers again before shifting to a more regal position. "You need more tools then...tools outside the kingdom, as the king is no doubt lashing out at those he formerly trusted...after all, you were his favorite toy. What  proof do you have these tools of yours are still useable?"<br/><br/>Suddenly he tilted his head towards himself.and let out a wash of inky black smoke! Concealing himself in this black curtain he shifted forms. Upon the completion of his spell there was a gust of arid winds, revealing the tall figure of a helmless knight.<br/><br/>The heavy scales and horn had shifted to become thick plate and scale mail of red scales and black ivory. Red hair that was part fire and part smoke flared and curled above tanned darkly handsome features. His wings had become undercloth of studded leather and a great cloak that swept down his back. His crown of black horns remained, encircling his brow. In  his right hand he supported a colossal axe, made from the same material as his armor. "Will this do, princess of the nightly nibbles?" He mocked her with a bow. "Granted...I will have to insist. I know not of fergus's sons abilities...but he has an armed force. You have a plan for that as well?"