Rughoi didn't even bother dignifying Mazdak by speaking to him. "Rebat," he called instead, and the disabled commander stepped forward, bowing low as his back would allow.

"Your Might, I am yours to command," he hissed. The wind from the gash in his throat whistled as he talked.

"I remember asking you to escort this diplomat safely to his nation, where he can cause no more disrespect to me or the empire, yet here he still is. Why would you say that is?" Rebat shuddered. He had faced dracon warriors in every battle Rughoi has ever fought, but knew well enough that the rage of the emperor was more dangerous than anything he'd ever seen.

"Forgive me, Your Might. I will see to it immediately," Rebat stuttered. He waved with a scarred claw, and two armed guards approached, gesturing for Mazdak to leave. Their gaze suggested they would tolerate no argument.

"Oh, and one last thing," Rughoi said, before letting Rebat and the guards head off. "Before you return, present yourself to the court at Hekaga. Speak with my voice with the Grand Prince, and continue negotiations there. Most importantly of all, be respectful of the local custom. At least more respectful than this dracon animal. If we must show ourselves to be culturally and civilly superior, then that is the burden of the kobold." Rebat nodded without a word, a few joints in his neck cracking under the strain. "It is well I can trust you with this task, Rebat. My former generals, Merat and Rama, were both found to be treasonous baser creatures. Look at their foolish actions as a guideline on what not to do, even far from home."

"Come with me, esteemed guest," Rebat croaked, opening the door for Mazdak. "You have said enough."