"What?" Both Orpal and Erion said in surprise.
"We need this bastard, Dead King." The Storm Griffon sounded almost polite, which creeped Orpal to the bone. "Yet we can't let him keep this attitude. He must be taught a lesson in discipline and respect."
"And you are the one who's going to teach me?" The Jormungandr spat every word out, releasing his acidic spit that sizzled upon contact with the ground. "What if I don't want to listen? What if I just call for help?"
"Then your nest will have something interesting to watch." Jorl activated his communication amulet, replaying the bits where Erion expressed his disgust for Fenagar, the Awakened Councils, and his desire to dominate the continent of Jiera.
"You aren't the only one who's been recording this conversation, bastard." The Griffon's beak somehow curled in a smile. "The only difference is that yours will hinder our plans if you are dead, mine will destroy your reputation if you're alive."
