Sandstone sat in his cave, cushioned by silk pillows the color of blood.

A crystal orb, milky in clarity, rested on a carved ebony rest.

A low hiss escaped from his clenched teeth. The milky orb changed color, fading into a scene depicting a group of strange dragons gathered around an icy-blue dragon spilling blue blood from a deep wound in his neck.

Ahh...

She has arrived.

Sandstone narrowed his eyes. The impostor- he hadn't killed off the red one like he was told. Punishment must be given.

But not yet.

Talons clicked on stone behind Sandstone.

He closed his eyes and dropped the nearby amulet over his head.

"Basalt? You called for me?" Called out a nearby voice. Sandstone looked down at his now-dark-gray scales and turned to meet the other dragon.

"Yes, Obsidian, I did." Sandstone answered. The glossy black dragon fiddled with the ground pebbles. Then, she beckoned with her talon and a shining pile of gems floated forward.

"Your offering, Basalt-I mean, Master."

Sandstone nodded.

"Thank you, Obsidian. I have something to tell you." he said coolly. He beckoned to the gems and they poofed into thin air.

Obsidian leaned forward.

"Yes Master, what is it?" she asked eagerly.

"Our guests have arrived on the continent today. I want to make sure that you attend to them when they come, as I will not be present."

"Yes, Master. Shall I bring them to you once I have their custody?"

Sandstone's eyes had a storm roll over them.

"No. Never, never ever unless I beckon you." he told her. Obsidian bowed her head.

"You are dismissed, Obsidian." Sandstone told her. Obsidian nodded and ran off.

Sandstone returned to his cave and slipped off the amulet.

He pushed past the vines covering the cave entrance. Sunlight filtered through the dense canopy above.

He swept through the forest on a well-worn path. Sandstone approached the wooden structure and saw many colored dragons gathered in it.

"Greetings, Sand-flower." A PlantWing called. Sandstone bowed his head.

"Pansy. Is the Queen nearby?" He asked. Pansy smirked and brushed wings with him.

"Indeed, Queen Magnolia is already waiting for you to start the council."

"Fabulous. Is the impostor here as well? And the prisoners?"

"Hibiscus is here, yes, but the prisoners are being held elsewhere."

"And Jay? Astra? What about Maroon?"

"Already at the Queen's side."

Sandstone thanked her and entered the Queen's council room. He took his place in his flowered nest marked Sand-flower.

Unlike all the other spies, Sandstone was the only one who bothered to change his name, as he was still welcome within his Queen's court.

Queen Magnolia hissed crisply.

"Welcome, Sand-flower. Thank you for attending this council. As everyone should know, the arrivals...have arrived. But first, reports. Jay?"

A blue AveWing strode forward.

"Your Majesty," he clacked, "The AveWings have still not taken any sides yet."

A beautiful, sleek purple dragon stalked forward.

"Neither have the AstroWings, your Majesty. They still believe within their so-called 'infinite wisdom'". She spoke lowly.

Queen Magnolia considered this.

"Maroon?"

"The FaeWings have taken up spy positions in the StoneWing court." the little FaeWing said in a squeaky voice.

"Fabulous. Sand-flower?"

"The StoneWings are taking advancements on PlantWing territory. However, Obsidian seems to show signs of turning." Sandstone announced.

"Great. Now, everybody welcome back our tribemate, Hibiscus. He's been gone for a long time. He has brought back our great war-turners, and tonight we'll have a feast to celebrate. Thank you attending, court dismissed." Magnolia said in a calm tone.

Sandstone nodded and swept his wings out. He left the building and twined his tail with Pansy for a few moment.

Sandstone returned home, to his milky orb. He settled onto the wine-colored pillows and rubbed his temples.

Finally, time for his plan to be set in motion.