War of Dragons by Andy Holland Page B

John?" Daisy asked. "We were worried."
    " She was worried," Seth corrected. "We were enjoying the food. You should tuck in, John. This is excellent."
    John took Daisy's hand and led her to a seat before sitting down next to her. "Not a bad idea. I'm starving. And tomorrow will be a big day."
    "What's happening tomorrow, John?" Arthur asked.
    "Lots of things," John replied while helping himself to some food.  "I have to give my report in the morning and it could take some time. Crystal, they'll be interviewing you as well in the afternoon. Don't worry, it's not a test; you'll be fine. Well, not a test of you anyway. I doubt they'll spend that long with you—not straight away anyway. The rest of you will get some sort of guided tour of the city while we're working. Then the day after tomorrow, you'll be introduced to members of our government. That will be important. I'll be doing most of the talking, but they will ask questions to corroborate my version of events. Just answer truthfully, without exaggeration, don't try and guess or fill in gaps, and you'll be fine. Only tell them what you know and nothing more."
    "When will they call on the Brown Dragons?" Arthur asked. "We don't want to wait any longer than we need to."
    "That depends on what happens when we meet with the government. I met with a friend of my father's who told me that my father will be in the city, and that tomorrow, he and my father will be meeting with some key members of parliament to canvass their support. They have some influential friends and will impress on them the importance of supporting you. He is confident of gaining their support and with that, the blessing of the government." He noticed Daisy's sad expression. "Girls, why aren't you eating? Sit down, eat. Daisy, why aren't you eating? What's the matter?"
    Daisy shrugged and avoided his look, but John wasn't willing to accept that. He stood up, lifted Daisy to her feet and led her away to the next table, where they spoke in whispers to each other.
    "Wonder what they're talking about," Jenna commented archly.
    "Sleeping arrangements probably," Seth replied. "They're probably wondering if Arthur would realise if Daisy changes rooms."
    "Shut up, Seth," Arthur replied flatly, not rising to the bait. "Listen, everyone. This is where it gets serious. John has done his bit by bringing us here; now it's up to us to ensure that we get to meet the Browns and that we persuade them to join in the fight. We've just been passengers up until now, but now it's all on us. If we fail, this whole trip would have been as waste of time—for us, anyway. John and Crystal have got other reasons for being here."
    "Hey, Arthur, my family are back home too," Crystal pointed out. "My reason for being here is the same as yours."
    "Maybe. But my point is still the same. Tomorrow is when it gets serious. If we can't convince them to speak to the Browns — "
    "Then John and I will have to take you to them ourselves." They swung around to see a young blond-haired man standing in the doorway of the room, leaning against the doorframe. He bore a striking resemblance to John, but his hair was a little longer and he had a self-confident, almost arrogant air about him. John turned to see who had entered the room.
    "Mark!" he shouted excitedly, getting up to approach the door. "Is that really you?"
    Mark smiled and approached him, shaking his hand vigorously. "Welcome back little brother! It is good to see you!"
    "And you!" John replied, looking more animated than Crystal had seen him before. "Wow, I hardly recognise you now. It seems so long ago…."
    "Six years, brother; that is a long time. Too long."
    A voice from behind him echoed his sentiments. "Too long indeed. Far too long to be separated from your family." Behind Mark and John stood an older man, with a slim young lady standing next to him.
    "Father!" John cried, looking at him in amazement. "I didn't think you'd be here this evening."
    His father embraced him warmly and