Dragons openly existing makes the past more metal but it seems like kind of a wash.

She’d like to pick up the basics of Quechua but "while rationing paper" is the worst moment for it. She tries pronouncing a couple words but doesn’t seek systematic lessons.

They arrive at Cusco.

They go to Taruca's family first. There is confusion about who he is at first, but a tearful and happy reunion once they figure it out-- the family's dragon, at least, is old enough to remember him very clearly.

How did he get split up from them in the first place?

Another dragon stole him when he was a young child, when the family's dragon was off on an errand and he went out to fetch water.

Did that dragon have to fight any duels?

That dragon did not have the courtesy to present itself to the nearest provincial governor when asked.

Real comprehensive justice system so impressive wow. (She doesn't say that, let alone ask for it to be translated.)

Another feathery Incan dragon approaches them soon after they drop off Taruca. "Temeraire! Kulingile! And Iskierka! Good to see you again. I've heard of your great victory, Iskierka."

Temeraire translates this last with a grumpy expression.

This dragon is really pretty. ...is May attracted to other dragons? The kinds of things you have to consider when you're secretly a dragon, apparently.

Hammond is suddenly extremely alert. "Maila Yupanqui! Very good to see you again. May I take this to mean you are in residence here in Cusco?"

"I usually am, being as I am in the Sapa Inca's ayllu." He drifts towards Iskierka in a rather familiar manner.

Overly familiar, one might say.

"I'd developed the impression that ayllus were one dragon each."

"Why, yes. I am the only one in the Sapa Inca's." He preens slightly. "In fact, I was coming to you to invite Iskierka to visit the court. Will you join us tomorrow, Iskierka?"

(Hammond translates this when Temeraire fails to do so in a timely manner.)

"Of course!"

"Just her?"

Hammond translates this and adds, "We would be very grateful for the Sapa Inca's attention, as we have much to discuss with him."

"We want to invite you because of your great victory," he explains to Iskierka, ignoring Hammond as much as possible while using his translations.

She preens smugly. "Why, that seems logical enough. Is there anything I should wear? I am afraid we don't have all our nicest things, having been traveling so long," a statement only somewhat put to the lie by the ostentatious gold trimmings on Granby's coat and sword.

It is so tempting to turn into a dragon right now but this pretty asshole isn’t really giving Temeraire the time of day either so it wouldn’t help. And she’s not even a big dragon.

After some negotiation about time and where to meet tomorrow, Maila flies off with a flirtatious flip of his tail at Iskierka.

Is the idea in fact that she's just going to go completely by herself?