The dragon seemed to be staring at the now-cold pizza, but I could tell he was lost in thought. Finally, with a sigh, he stood and nodded. "I will take that as a no."

Harlequin laughed, looked down, and shook his head.

"Thank you for your hospitality," said Dunklezahn, moving slowly toward the door.

Harlequin looked up. "I hope I haven't fouled up your schedule of guests."

The dragon smiled innocently. "No, not at all. I may ask Lady Brane Deigh of the Daoine Sidhe to speak in your place."

Harlequin's face stilled. "I wouldn't recommend that."

"Oh?"

"Dunklezahn, you and I have always at least been cordial," Harlequin began.

"Very true."

"But I warn you, there are some of my kind, and your kind, who think you have told too much already."

"Oh?"

"Your comments about great dragons and dracoforms, for one thing."

The dragon nodded. "Yes, I received some… grief for that."

"Should you start to speak of other things…"

Dunklezahn nodded again. "Thank you for your warning, Harlequin." He added wistfully, "You are quite sure of your decision? Such wonderful stories could be told."

Harlequin smiled. "And they will be, in time."

The dragon touched his fingers to his chest again, and when Harlequin had repeated the gesture, began to walk out of the room. He stopped as he passed me. "It has been a pleasure meeting you, my lady," he said. "You do your heritage proud." I smiled, and couldn't think of what to say, so I touched my fingers to my chest. He smiled, and returned the gesture.

I closed the doors behind him, and turned back to Harlequin. "It's too bad," I said sadly. "I kind of like him."

"I do too," Harlequin replied, looking down at his papers. "He's the most reasonable of them all. It'll be a shame when we have to destroy him."