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"What can we do?" asked Paltrice?
"Well, since my meeting with her, the stakes may have raised considerably. If she really does mean to force the issue by the next full moon, then a crisis is at hand. This is good, and bad. It is good in the sense that we may be able to lure her out of her lair and on to favorable ground. It is bad in the sense that if we do so and fail to defeat her, she may follow through with her threat.
"I have a plan in mind. It is a desperate plan, and it will require the three of you, ladies, to do what your villages originally intended for you to do."
The girls look at me quizzically.
"You must offer yourselves again to the dragon. You must be bait. I will rescue you, if I can, but if I fail, you will end up just where you would have been had I not intervened... What? Just ten days ago? How time flies! And how much my attitude towards you ladies has changed. I don't make this request idly. My deep preference is to enjoy your company for a long, long time. But, I see offering you again as bait as the best way past this difficult crisis."
Anna says, "You mean you will tie the three of us to stakes in front of the dragon's lair?"
"I mean I will tie the three of you to stakes in front of the dragon's lair. Yes." I say, and look steadily at them.
Chasta snorts and chuckles, "I wouldn't go willingly last time. Why should I go this time?"
"Because last time you thought the dragon's aid was a fraud. Now you know, if you believe me, that the dragon's threat to your village is real. And..." I take her and stroke her arm gently, "you've had some new experiences since then -- experiences I hope you would like to have continue."
She leans over and kisses me -- there is animal electricity in that kiss. "Point made." she says.
Paltrice waves her hand in front of her. "This is a bit much for me. First I'm a sacrifice, then I'm freed, now you want me to be a sacrifice again...."
"Free only to live, my dear. You were never free to do what you wished. If the dragon is gone, you will be much freer, indeed."
"If the dragon is gone...." she ponders.
"Excuse me, sir. But by 'dragon gone' to you mean dragon dead?" asks Napier.
I pause for a moment, "I'm afraid I do, Napier. I can see no pressure I can apply to get her to simply leave. There's an affair of the heart, of hearts, at stake, here -- her's and mine." I look at the ladies.
"My ladies, I cannot tell you how I plan to save you, only that I do have a plan. Sadly, I must also tell you that the plan is not surefire -- there are uncertainties. This beast is tough, clever, and has survived hundreds of attempts to kill her or subdue her. But, I pledge to you that I will try."
Chasta speaks for them, "We understand that you face a great challenge, our Baron, and we support you in any way we can." She stands and curtsies, "Ladies, I believe we have a lunch to prepare." The others follow her lead, and leave the room.
When they leave, I turn to Napier, "Napier, I'm going to need an unusual weapon. There is a crossbow maker in Trieste who makes a weapon of uncanny range and stopping power. The city of Trieste is considered by the Venetians to be a pirate city, but the Venetians will not besiege Trieste because their mercenary ship captains won't face these Triestian crossbows.
Send a trusted man. He must purchase two of these bows, plus supporting equipment and quarrels, and bring them back by three days before full moon. Make sure that he is trustworthy. You know what is at stake."
"Yes, my lord." says Napier.
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