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Chapter 37: Confessions and Dark Deals

Before the shimmering ‘shard of Bahamut’, Ossai stood resolute, her eyes never straying from the misty waters. She’d valued her life through these many years as the puppeteer of some grand game, only to find herself a pawn on what used to be her chessboard. How utterly wrong, the fact laying against her scales like a red-hot brand. Every cell within her being revolted at the idea, desperately trying to convince the rest of her it was a mere trick, yet she knew otherwise.

Within that orb she’d contacted another of her siblings, a brother she knew not she had. Always four there was, for the entirety of her life. Even when she dwelled within the annals of the past, lording her cunning over the rest of her brothers and sisters. How clever she was with her plots and schemes. Her brow furrowed; she was just as in the dark as the rest of them. All her plans, schemes, illusions. In the end, she’d been setting up her very failure. After all, if you could grant the ability to see the future, why would you let your siblings plan your defeat?

She dipped in an emerald scaled paw, mused that the liquid was old cold to the touch. Could she even trust her instincts? Things woven into her very being? Her father creating the perfect tool to enact his will? She lowered her snout, frills gently fluffing as she sniffed at the surface, almost as if the silent pool could grant her answers. Yet it remained just as guarded as it always did, unyielding to her troubled soul. Was it always to spurn her? Her spirit tainted by it’s connection? She splashed, recoiling with a savage snarl, that’s when the last Blue Dragon she wished to see in the world came barging in, a righteous fire about his silver eyes as it usually did. They were squarely on her.

“Do tell me what you’re doing here?” Storm strode with great alacrity, his voice dripping with fury. His tail flicked, his breaths were deep, a hurricane of resentment swirled behind his slitted eyes. They averted to the unconscious guards around the pool. His muscles tensed, he entered a guarded stance, issuing a threatening growl. “For your sake I pray they still draw breath.”

Why must the fates proceed to sling her with arrows of misfortune? Could it not have been Arcturus and his talkative group, or perhaps Storm’s annoying yet aggregable mate? She waved dismissively at his concern, making light of the burning of his blood, flexing of his paws. Oh she knew if given the chance he’d leap at her, try at least to end her. Laughable as that may be, she wasn’t in the mood for such things. Not after the orb. “Your mind can rest east Ramakox.” She gave a condescending sigh, “They still draw breath despite the audacity of their attempt to try and stop me. All I wished for was a family reunion of sorts, speaking of which. I’d like to introduce you to my grandmother…Part of her anyway.” She peered to the pool, a phantom cry of pain reaching her ears, the last sound the great god had made before being fractured by the Emperor’s plans.

“Hmmph.” He snorted, taking a firm step, ignoring her casual use of his old name. The one before he’d decided to bury it. He sniffed the guards, finding no trace of blood, catching the gentle rise and fall of their chests through their chainmail. He heaved in great relief, swishing his tail, returning his attentions to his intruder. “At least you still had the respect to preserve their lives, we both know not all have that luxury. Now answer the question, why are you here? You attended the council.”

“That I did.” She muttered softly, losing herself to the pool. Colors swept across its surface, blind to Ramakox’s eye, but reminding her of the orb above. She trembled in silence as the blue dragon approached, unafraid of her retribution. “Must you greet me with such anger and resentment? We are dragons are we not?”

“That never seems to stop you from acting cruel. I only need to remind myself of our last meeting.” He spat, searching this dragoness of legend up and down. His eyes lingered on the gold horns upon her skull. They’d always been onyx to him. He continued with caution, who knew what she was capable of. “If it where up to me, you wouldn’t even have set paw within these halls. Fremra on the other paw has great empathy, far beyond my own. You owe her your thanks.”

“Oh she does.” She said softly, “Though you’d think at least part of her would rub off on you. Stubborn as always I suppose.” She turned to him, a raised brow, searching into the eyes that had once held her in such reverence. “Do you remember when you called me mentor and friend? When you graced my halls and learned such marvelous things? I remember that Croesus was favorable of your storytelling.”

“I was young and foolish. I had no idea the friends in which you kept.”

“Still sour about my allies? Or just the one?” She followed him around the hall, “The lich once known as Hadariel?”

“After what he took from me?” Storm snarled, flaring his mighty, spiderweb pattern wings. “Both my friends and their child?” He rose his gaze, dripping with poison. “How can you even think of asking me that. He’s harmed countless others in his time and you protected him, lorded him as some treasured tool.-“

She cut him off with a wave of her wing, quickly averting his gaze. “You needn’t bluster on; I can already predict where this is going.”

“Can you though?” Storm mused, drawing closer with a smug grin. “That’s why you’re here, I saw that look of shock and terror upon your face. Things are not playing out as you predicted. You and your schemes were wrong.” He rose, relishing the look of bewilderment upon her snout. One he’d have loved to see years ago when she held the lich’s whereabouts from him. “You won’t get pity from me. Its been far too long since that. You deserve every misfortune that rains upon your scales.”

She didn’t respond at first as he stared upon her, chuckling at his victory. “Oh, revel in my weakness Ramakox. It is the last chance you’ll get if my father gets his way. From Rothdell to the shores of Drenedar, all will be at his will. Just as he planned and schemed…” Her words faded into whispers as the grim reality weighed heavily upon her. Silence fell between them, only broken when the dragoness bitterly splashed her grandmother’s shard. “Go on then, continue. No one is stopping you.” She replied, voice cracking as she curled her head around, “Sling some more lances while you’re at it. Only the gods know how we’re going to get out of this.”

But Storm looked unamused, a stoic nature about him as he looked down upon his despised and vulnerable rival. Victory was bitter sweet upon the tongue he held. Here was a dragoness who’d just lost her sense of being, everything she held dear. If what Fremra said was true, she was just going to lose her children. They, unlike her were still innocent, heroic, brave. He approached, settling down beside her. There would be time for gloating and such things later, if she were confounded and terrified of these orbs, they needed a plan besides just hiding them. That after all was just a recipe to fail slowly. He scratched his chest with a claw as a look of surprise overcame her. “So, this orb…” He coughed, trying to maintain his stern demeanor. “They are real, the look on your face is truth enough. What were they used for?”

With a labored breath, Ossai instructed upon her once old friend the truth of the orbs and their purpose. She told him of their creation, how she’d manufactured them in order to seal her brothers and sisters away, even against what she thought were her father’s wishes. The end was coming she told him, the end of this earth over the warfare. It was something she wasn’t going to stand by and happen, so she sided with her grandmother Bahamut. But in the end, Ossai had been betrayed by one of Bahamut’s generals, convinced she’d been the one behind the fracturing of Bahamut.

“I awoke thousands of years later. The world was old yet new. After I retrieved my body, I could feel my father, festering within this world. He lingered where he shouldn’t, waiting in the dark for his return. I felt it within my very being I needed to put an end to him, so I set about manufacturing his destruction. While I was at it, I wished to see the future for our peoples that didn’t lead to war and this world’s destruction.” She pinned her frills, “Dragon and Mortal kind.”

She recounted every sin she could thing of, always telling herself it was for the greater good. All the lives she ruined, just to get the outcome she was certain would come. But as her voice grew tired, she admitted that it was all an illusion. Instead of her father’s destruction like she’d thought, shed been instead setting up the means for his very return.

“So, every bit of my deeds where sculpted by him, molded, predicted. I was bred to do what he wanted, without even knowing it. He wanted me to help seal away his children, so he could return at the proper time. Even one of my sons falls into his plans, and I handed him on a silver platter…” She drooped, feeling smaller than she’d ever done. When Storm remained stoic as he did, she averted her gaze, feeling great shame within her scales. She was supposed to have been better than this, how could she have never seen this? Probably bred to not, she mused bitterly.

“You saw all of this in the orb?” Storm inquired, his voice nearly cracking at her defeated form. An older part he thought buried wished to console her, be a comfort for him to lean on, but an older, wiser one insisted he remain. She was no saint, she deserved for her deeds to fail spectaculary at her paws. He just wished the whole world didn’t have to suffer because of it. When she nodded he composed himself, tail curling around his hinds. “So…” He coughed, “These plans of yours. Now that we know they were manipulated, can they be stopped?”

That was certainly the question now racing between Ossai’s horns. Failure to do so would have her father return, her son perishing, the entire world pinned beneath a dragon’s paw. There were so many moving pieces, agents going about their business, it would take days upon days to even untangle it all. Did they even have that amount of time? Cordenth was moving towards the marsh of Nutambar, right into the paws of the enemy. Could she undo what she’d spent centuries planning? “Ramakox…” She whimpered, “I’ve sent my son into a storm of my own making. What was meant to be my spear is now their weapon.”

Stunned and silent, the Swirling Storm bore witness to something none on this earth had in eons. Ossai, daughter of the emperor wept to herself, shivering like a wrymling who’d lost their mother. He shifted on his paws, not quite certain what to do, letting this once antagonistic beast unleash what misery she had.

“What have you done?” He finally asked softly when her sadness finally broke, reduced to faded sniffs.

“My sister, Leninth. She will have gathered the other dragon orbs, even mine. If she gets the fifth orb and their spirits, her ritual she preforms will restore my father to his rightful throne. She and the other siblings will cease to be, stitched together into what we always where…My father.”

“You mean-“ Storm trembled, piecing the fact of what she said together.

“We are but fragments of him, layers severed off one by one, forged into his great children. I suppose it fits him in a way. Nothing was ever good enough for him, he had to have everything so perfect.”

“And what of Cordenth? You mentioned he’s a weapon?”

“He was supposed to be our tether to the emperor that we could exploit. A way I could bring about his end during the ritual.” The dragoness curled her head to Storm, more lost than she’d ever been. “But now, he will instead be the vessel for the Emperor to inhabit.”

This was much to take in, digest. Storm’s silence let Ossai regather what composure and pride she possessed. When he finally spoke, she was the spitting image of the dragoness he once despised, even her golden horns gleamed with malevolence in the light. There was a plan brewing beneath her scales.

“I trust you and my agents to protect that final orb, it must remain outside the reach of the golden claws and their ilk. We part ways here, perhaps never to meet again, goody you I suppose.”

“But you said he predicted everything…” Storm replied, “Guided your future sight if I gather that correctly.” She nodded when he wished she wouldn’t have. “Then how is there a chance? What hope could we even have?”

“My un-named brother in the orb.” She swallowed the lump in her throat. “He was the original child gifted with the future sight. But for one moment he saw every possibility, all of time funneled into his mind. The dragon broke, shattered. My father lamented, but before he could retrieve this power, my brother managed to spite him. Within the fabric of time he hid your mate from his sight. Anything that Fremra has done, will do or is doing now could not be predicted. Not her, and no one she meets. Brilliant really, a drop of chaos added to the mix.”

He perked up at that shred of light in this dark news. “It sounds as though you say we will win.”

“That…I wish I could say. At most, we have a plethora of outcomes. Our victory or defeat rests in the coming days, amusing now that neither side will know the outcome.”

“That isn’t as comforting as you think.” He admitted, thumping his tail, his eyes narrowing. “Even as we speak Nivra and the others beseech the-“

“No!” Ossai silenced him with a paw, eyes steeled. When his brow rose, she softened and sighed. “I cannot know. We have no idea what knowledge the Emperor could gleam from my eyes, pass onto his spies. No.” She retreated, composing herself and pinning her wings. “For the meanwhile I must remain in the dark, ignorant to their schemes.”

He flared his nostrils and huffed, his frustration would have to be shared with his mate he supposed. The protection of the orb of dragon kind was to rest within the lich? He followed Ossai as she rose, either tired from their conversation or she finally had come to an answer on what to do. He trailed after her through the halls, to ensure she didn’t make a habit of assaulting anymore of their knights. “Where do you tread now?” He asked when they reached the surface, the wintery chill of the air shivering their scales.

“To gather all the familiar faces, I can think of.” She responded softly, taking a long drag of the crisp, sea air. “Move what pieces I have here to help aid the city.” She strode towards the courtyard tree, freezing as she touched a paw to its chilled bark. She turned, “I know you’ve been waiting for years…But let this be a bridge between us.” She sighed as the blue dragon perked up, curiosity in his eyes. “Infinity lives.”

With a blinding flash of light the grand dragoness was gone, leaving nothing but cloudy skies and the snow slowly sprinkling around. Storm silently watched where she’d been, a sun seemingly lit beneath his scales. A smile ripped itself to his snout, demanding he follow with a joyous warble that would brighten the day of any who heard it. Without a second thought he turned tail in the blink of an eye and raced back into the keep, nearly knocking over Arthur and Lynette who stopped to question him.

*

“I still can’t believe you convinced them to listen to this scheme.” Voidwing muttered in Nivra’s ear, ever careful to ensure the two sapphire guards with them couldn’t hear. The mail clad individuals currently too busy, waiting for the series of locks upon the door before them to unfinish their arduous unlatching.

The gryphon tossed his head, onyx feathers ruffled in the torchlight, long shadows encasing everything else. He chirped to himself as a silence overtook them, only broken by the resounding clunks of this ancient, well-guarded door. It was said to them that none should be able to escape such a place, the physical and magical defenses were said to have one solitary purpose, keeping mages bound within. Even now, both pondered what shackles, bars and spells could achieve such a thing. Nivra, while her heart thudding at an uneven beat, brimmed with excitement at the opportunity to see something new.

“Now the question is…” The gryphon turned to her, adjusting his white furred hind upon the stone before gesturing ahead. “Will Nigel be thrilled at this idea as the council was…”

“They didn’t exactly have a choice.” She uttered softly, holding her hands behind her back, recalling the bright red within the councilmembers cheeks as they laid out this scheme of ‘Lumarian Insanity’. Luckily for them with much convincing and pleas for reason, at least half of the body wasn’t as thick as she was led to believe.

“And you can do this?” Voidwing glanced to her, worry in his apricot eyes, tilting his silver-streaked beak.

How her heart stretched as he looked to her that way, it was hard to believe that just a day ago, her life had been but a darkened shadow. She nodded without thinking, masking the anxiety festering in her gut. They just had the entire council, if not the entire world upon their shoulders. So, no pressure.

“Gosh, you’d think offer some form of entertainment.” The gryphon planted his haunches, silver tufted tail thumping beside her. “Like music or something, anything.”

“It wouldn’t exactly be a prison if it was easy to break out of.” She quipped, scratching tenderly behind his ear. His coming chirp was music to her ears.

“Are you alright?”

“You concern yourself with me?’ She scoffed at the notion, moving onto his other, onyx ear, chuckling how it twitched at a mere touch. “You’re the one that needs attention. After…Well…the ordeal.”

He shied away from her touch, stroking his white furred chest with an onyx foreclaw. He hadn’t spoken much of his time as a vampire, even if it had been cut short. There was still a haunted look in his eyes, revealing itself in fleeting moments such as these. Shivering, he opened his beak, words failing before he closed it with a clack. Evidently it wasn’t the time to elaborate.

“It’s alright. Sorry. I didn’t mea-“

He cut her off, “No you’re fine… Though it must have been a queer time with Asterion. How did he fair in his duties?” His head rose, tilted to the side in a cute manner. His cheek drew Nivra’s hand, gently scratching alongside, the way he liked.

“He was nice, but he couldn’t hold a candle to my dear soft paws.” She smiled tenderly, so did he, putting a steady rhythm in her chest. That was until Veledar strolled around the corridor behind them, complaining away in his dragon form, smaller, but his horns nearly dragged along the ceiling.

“He wasn’t assaulting your ears for the last time.” Arcturus groaned, a pained look upon his brow as he countered the dragon’s outlandish claim. “You’re being overly dramatic.”

“No, I am not, and how wasn’t it? My ears were practically bleeding”, The dragon huffed, flicking his tail against the wall. “Tell me again what you called that shrill travesty?”

“Music.”

“Music?” The dragon scoffed, “Music? You call that noise music?” The dragon curled up his head, placing a paw to his chest when they came to a stop before the door. “If that be so, I fear for the culture of this society. Truly, I weep for future generations.”

Arcturus crossed his arms, eyes steeled as he stood, uncompromised when the dragon flashed him a stare. “It still doesn’t give you the right to destroy his bagpipe!”

“Ah, but that’s where you’d be wrong my dearest Umraadi. I do believe I saw a few witnesses delighted at my noble deed, they just were too…Reserved to express their gratitude vocally, but rest assured I could see it in their faces.” Veledar smiled, pride flowing from him like the sun. “They’ll tell stories of my just deed.”

“You’re still going to replace it and pay the fine.” Arcturus replied flatly.

“Fine?” Veledar sputtered in derision, dismissing the idea with a wave of his paw, “Hah! I’d like to see them make me!”

Nivra and Arcturus sighed in unison, perfect mirrors of one another. She thankfully wasn’t going to stand for such foolishness. Didn’t the dragon understand the serious nature? Now was no time for a petty squabble about bagpipes and poking them! With a royal voice she reiterated, just incase the scaled beast forgot.

“Thank you, your majesty. But I was paying attention during the council.” Veledar growled in irritation, nearly startling the guards. “But I do suppose you’re right, I should be speaking of much more pressing concerns.” Sapphire eyes flicked to the prison’s door which had yet to grant them entry, how had it not? It always amazed him with the speed in which humans prized themselves on, yet their contraptions always plodded along at a turtle’s pace. Rolling his eyes, he settled behind Voidwing, “You’d think with Storm and his family living here, they’d have at least enlarged the walls.” He hissed at the cramped hallway, “One should not have to be the size of Voidwing here to remain unburdened by the wall’s kiss.”

“Not small enough.” Voidwing whimpered, looking upon his tail, then to one of the sapphire guardians.

“Look, I’m sorry, for like the fifth time.” The guard’s head sunk with an exasperated sigh, “I didn’t mean to step on your tail.”

“Why are you even here if you’re going to complain?” Nivra turned to the dragon, her wit almost at its end.

“Well, someone has to.” He remarked stubbornly, averting his gaze. “Everyone else is too polite about it, and the why? As you said, this is far too serious to be left to random chance. It will have a higher chance of success if Arcturus and I lend our support.”

“He just wants to face Nigel again.” Arcturus whispered, hand on his mouth. “Prove to himself and the lich that he isn’t scared of him. It’s a matter of draconic pride.”

The dragon reared his head, frills flaring with a dramatic gasp. “I was not scared…To even suggest that notion…Listen here…Even if I was…WHICH I repeat I AM NOT. You shouldn’t tell the others that.” Veledar nudged the man forcefully with his snout, almost knocking him over. “What will they think of me?”

Voidwing however chirped his reply to the annoyed, insecure dragon, his feathers fluffed up. “Well…I for one don’t think any less of you. If that sort of thing matters to you. Though, if you’re getting nervous, you could always narrate to yourself, that does it for me.” He gestured to his wings, “Or you could fluff your wings, whistle…Sharpen your beak…Well, I suppose you can’t do that…Then there’s preening…Oh shoot, that’s out too. Anyway, back to my main point which is, you’re not any less of a dragon.”

Veledar was speechless for a moment, the bickering lover’s quarrel over proper etiquette and respect was placed on hold. He gave an honest smile, “Voidwing.” He rumbled, “You’re now my favorite.”

“And of me?” Arcturus turned, brow raised as the dragon simply huffed and rose his head.

“Did I stutter?”

“Oh, you don’t mean that.” The knight scoffed; you’re just trying to make me jealous.

The dragon opened an eye, searching the man up and down. “Is it working?” With an exaggerated sigh, the pair returned to their bickering, Voidwing slipping back to Nivra, trying to look as innocent as possible.

Before the frivolity could wear thin upon the mage’s ears, the prison’s door finally ended it’s drawn-out opening sequence with a resounding clunk. The door swung inward with a creak, a rush of cold air burst from within, threatening to extinguish the torches and drive dragons away. With it came the smell of iron, oil, and the unmistakable stench of death and decay.

“Well at least we know he’s here.” Veledar remarked grimly as the guards called them forward, gesturing them to the darkened hallways.

Ghostly lights of algae lined the stone, old and weathered from numerous years. There were runes on nearly every surface, ones meant to dull or outright cancel magic cast within their boundaries. Guards armed to the teeth were around every corner, their faces pale and looking as though they’d rather be anywhere else. The group huddled close, an oppressive cold gripping them tight. Their tongues stilled, anxiety built within their hearts. There was no more bickering, all that remained was the task at hand.

Nigel’s cell was one hidden deep within the network of hallways, sealed away behind a thick wall of granite, undone sticking one’s hand into a concealed slot. The wall shuttered and shook as stone gears slid the door out of place. Bound and secured within this sparse room was the undead wizard himself. His bindings were covered in runes, wrapped tightly around every bit of his rotting flesh that gleamed in the dwindling light. His body was separated into three sections, secured upon three different tables. His legs on one slab, the other his arms, both bundled like a twisted, wretched kindling. The last was his torso and head, where eyes of the blackest void locked upon them. There was no food here, no trays, no signs of visitors or movement. The lich was to be locked away and forgotten about.

The queen’s heart skipped a beat as she gazed upon the bones peering from holes in his twisted muscle. She’d only gotten a glimpse before, but now, staring at it after all these months. The hair on her neck stood tall as the rest of her revolted at the picture of un-natural life. It was like an aura swirled around her, labored her breath, slowed her approach, the very air seemed to freeze. Far off she could hear Shandalar calling to her, pleading for her to aid against this monster. Nivra grimaced for but a moment, managing to compose herself from the brush of a blackened feather and concerned chirp.

“Now remember, we’re here to get his help.” She coughed, “It’s a delicate matter that needs a _scalpe_l’s precision. So mind your words and think before-“

“Well, if it isn’t thin skulled, droopy faced mage with a face only a mother could love.” Veledar growled, approaching with his head high. “Did you miss me?” He fluffed his wings almost as if to show their triumphant return. “I do hope your accommodations have been terrible.”

The lich didn’t respond in anger nor rage, he merely looked upon the dragon in amusement. “Ah Veledar, the dragon with an inflated sense of worth. You may bluster and growl, but you can’t fool me. I can see the terror that lurks beneath the surface, just a small, defense-less dragon. But where is the confidence coming from I wonder?” His gaze flicked to Arcturus, “Ah yes, the knight of Bahamut, that explains the bravado. Which my old acquaintance, I must say your pet is quite the specimen. I’d not expected for him to undo my curse and retrieve his wings. Bravo I must say.”

Arcturus nodded, shifting closer to Veledar, laying a comforting hand upon his scales. He could feel the anxiety twisting within the dragon, gripping his heart ever tighter. “You’ll find we’re full of surprises.”

“Indeed.” He turned to Nivra, “And Nivra, my lovely apprentice. Pleasure as always to see you. Though one wonders what has taken you so long. Two months? Is it the lack of my more palatable appearance? I assure you I’m the same as ever, enjoy the nice cup of tea.”

“You drink?” Veledar remarked, brow raised. “What for?”

“Pleasure? What else?” The lich mused, turning to Voidwing. “And the princess’ ever vigilant guard. Good to see you as always, my favorite gryphon. Though I must admit I’m a tad disappointed.”

Voidwing swished his tail, ears splaying from the attention. When he saw Nigel last, he was a simple old man without any hint of the contrary. Looking at him now threatened to tremble the gryphon’s hinds something awful, it was all he could to do to maintain a reserved composure. “How so?” He coughed.

“I heard you came down with a wonderful case of vampirism! Quite the useful enhancement for protecting your queen! I was going to suggest it years ago. Mind you I think I developed a potion or three to rid yourself of the dark spirit possessing you to.”

“Unfortunately…” The gryphon winced, shaking his head to try, and rid himself of that terrible, helplessness of being trapped within his head by the vampire’s dark spirit. “I like being among the living.”

“Pity…It does have its advantages.” The lich sighed, ignoring the others and returning to Nivra, his voice growing cold. “Though I’d love to think you’d come to visit your old master for old times’ sake, I have a feeling you’re not her for a social visit. In fact, I imagine it has something to do with the orbs of dragonkind, The Emerald Lady and my laboratory.”

Oh, he was always clever, Nivra thought to herself as the others shared a look of utter shock. No doubt he had spies up above, eyes and ears feeding him what information came their way. She’d have to be more careful when it came to such matters. She stood tall, straightened her back and approached, separating herself from the others. No one objected, the gravity of the situation plain as day. Even Veledar, who opened his maw for another verbal exchange of insults, silenced with a mere, stern look by the man he loved. Down went his jaw, frills flaring out as he huffed his irritation.

“Information seems to find you well in such a place.” Nivra spoke clearly, searching upon each of the bound parts of the lich. “Even with your current accommodations…You must be quite the multitasker.”

The lich chuckled in a gravely way, “That indeed lady Nivra. Though if you and your compatriots seek me out, that must mean the ones above must be desperate.”

“What makes you say that?” She rose her brow.

“If I’m correct, the dwarven diplomat perished. The survivors currently bicker, this suggestion only merited by their fear. Don’t lie that you havn’t seen it, the lingering chill that drives men to terrible deeds. My, I can see it even in your eye my apprentice. You hide it better than most, but I congratulate in your wisdom in coming to me.”

She kept herself composed, not letting his slithery tongue undo her. He was trapped, it was she that was in control. With a solitary nod she replied, “I could think of no more cleverer mind, at least in the strange and unorthodox. Unlike say them, I seek out each resource available to us. It just so happened we had you locked within these dungeons. I’d have considered the Emerald Lady if she stuck around.”

The lich clicked his rotted tongue, “Don’t trust what she has told you apprentice. She is a crafty, scheming beast that would betray any and all that stand in her way. While you can admire her, never put much faith in her trust.” He gestured to his bindings, “A lesson I should have been more aware of to be sure.”

“She was working with you?” Veledar gasped, voicing what they’d all thought. Surprise turned to resentment in the blink of an eye, ending with a savage growl. Down came his paw, “Of course, why wouldn’t she? Next you’re going to tell me she runs every inn as well!”

Nivra ignored the dragon as he recounted to his knight just how he’d suspected the Emerald lady’s involvement the entire time. She had more important things, liking telling Nigel just how her meeting with the dragoness had gone. He seemed pleased.

“I’ve always admired your spirit Nivra, that unwillingness to be bent under claw. Though word to the caution my dearest apprentice, having her as your outright enemy is also a dangerous game. Too many people have met their end by the blade or spell of her agents. Ask the K.I.N how she treats those that stick their snouts too far into her schemes.”

She didn’t have to picture it, no doubt it was gut churning. She waved her hand, shook her head, trying to get the conversation back to the point. “We need to know if your laboratory can shield the orb of dragon kind. Hide it from the Emerald Lady if need be.” The question hung on the air like a wretched fog, quickening the pace of every heart who stood before it. For a length of time the lich let the answer mull between his sagging ears, finally answering with an icy chill.

“We could certainly find out. The laboratory rests removed from our sphere of existence that detection spells may find themselves deflected, like a poor weapon against finely made plate mail. It would take months of study, refinement, testing…” The lich suddenly stopped, then seeing the looks upon their faces, sighed deeply. “Months we do not have. You, like everyone, want an answer yesterday. I offer only this. It matters not what my labraroty could do, for I still remain bound, the sapphire guardian’s captive…If that were somehow rectified.”

Of course, that’s what he wanted. It would seem he wasn’t going to be forthcoming as expected. That was alright, she suspected that. Still though she paced, caressing her chin as Arcturus stroked Veledar’s throat, fighting off the dragon’s growling distain. “Nigel. This entire world would be at stake if these forces get their claws on the orb. Even you wouldn’t be beyond their shadow.”

His reply was calm and cold, his narrowed gaze never straying from hers. “Nivra, if you’re trying to manipulate my heart, I’ll assure you mines never beat for ages. This problem increasingly sounds like yours. I like always will manage. I wish for my freedom if you cannot provide that. Then there is little to speak of.”

“You think yourself so wise you could avoid this Emperor?” Arcturus scoffed, “You’ll note your bound by Struport’s kind hands, what will you think will be done when they get their claws on you?”

“Perhaps offer to hunt down those that tormented me?” Nigel remarked coldly. “The question would be which side would offer me the better deal. Anything is better than nothing dear paladin.”

The knight crossed his arms, leaning up against Veledar with a frown. Nivra gave a heavy sigh, taking control of the conversation once more. “We cannot set you free. If you were not informed, we lack the authority to do so.”

Nigel only cackled in a raspy way, almost puffing out dust with every intake. “But don’t you see Nivra? You can. It just takes those Struport fools getting ever more desperate. Don’t be surprised if they wait till the enemy is upon these gates, each avenue dismissed. But tell this…” The lich’s eyes steeled over, “Along with my freedom, I demand my gear, apprentice and just for the trouble…That dragon over there.”

“I certainly will not!” Veledar announced, stomping his paw, trying to hide the now rapid beating of his heart. “Come on Arcturus, Nivra. We’ve heard enough drivel for one day. Though I fail to bring to you a plan, I know we will come up with another one. One that doesn’t include the twisted scheme of a mad man.”

Again with the dragon Nivra thought, approaching the lich as she stared into the inky void of his eyes for answers. “What’s with the dragon Nigel? There’s been but only one thing that ever obsessed your mind, and he doesn’t look like Rothdell. If you want any of your demands, I believe some elaboration is in order.”

He stared to her with stoic eyes, pondering what harm could be done in revealing such a thing. Knowledge was power in the circles he operated in and letting something valuable as that could prove disastrous. The lich sighed, searching his bindings, seeing no means of escape available to him. “It is for a personal matter. One that has to do with the Library of the Story Tellers. I have an anchor on my soul I wished removed; I believe it is only they that have the answer I seek.”

“If you have a weight you deserve it.” Arcturus remarked coldly, knowing what he meant. People only spoke of such a thing when demons or devils were involved, his soul was bound to one of them. “There should be no escape.”

“How harsh, judgmental.” Nigel turned, his words like venom. “Paladin, just as you carry the weight of your family’s sins, so do I. My anchor is no more justified than dragon’s seeking your death. Your dragon was said to be able to open the door for me.”

“And…For that you attacked us?” Veledar growled, exposing his teeth, glimmering in the light. “Nearly killed us? This all could have been avoided with a simple conversation!”

“Wrong.” Nigel replied flatly, “You could have said no. Rest assured dragon, your feelings and opinions on the matter pale in comparison to the fate of my soul.”

“I’m glad you feel that way.” Veledar snarled, swishing his tail. “My opinion now is you should rot within these halls. Pity you could not have been smarter.”

Nivra couldn’t figure out what he was scheming. Story tellers? They were but a myth, a fairy tale, descriptions given to old ruins that predated the dragons themselves. How could a man of intelligence such as Nigel believe in such a thing? “Your explanation of your deeds is a fairy tale? Even you must realize how ridiculous that sounds.”

“But there are kernels of truth in most things.” Nigel mused, “In this case, I can assure you…They are quite real. Powerful magicians that could shape the very world themselves. I’ve discovered the location of their library and need only the dragon.”

“His paw, blood, soul?” Veledar rolled his eyes, waving a paw. “Or my scales? Semen? Flesh? Its always one of those things with your kind.”

“No, not any of that.” The lich replied, “I just need your compliance and a paw.” He looked to them all with a heavy stare, seeming to peer into the depths of their souls. “You must ask yourselves, are your morals more important than the safety of this city and her people? More important than the rest of this world?” The room grew silent at his words, the dragon’s snout filled with the most confusion of them all. So, he pressed further. “Think of your mate and his family. I’ve done what I’ve needed to do to free myself of my burden. Those I’ve hurt are not with us, true, but they rest within the heavens. Surely letting me get the opportunity to make amends is worthy of my freedom?” His black eyes closed, “There is much amends I must make to this world for the evils I have caused.”

Veledar looked upon the others, frills fluffing to hide the conflict within his heart. He wished to be rid of this wretched man, but there was no alternative. Here was a solution offered to them on a silver platter, with the only string being his release and promise to help him. Though what if he was lying? “Arcturus?” He asked softly, gesturing. “What do you think?”

“I think we should not lay with demons and devils. Nor side with creatures that have achieved such ends with dark magic. No matter what circumstances they find themselves in, the actions they take says much about their character.” Arcturus’ eyes steeled as he unflinching stared into the inky abyss that were Nigel’s eyes. “And you are scheming something.”

“We are all in the end.” Nigel replied sternly, “Question lingers, what you will give up protecting these people paladin. Or are you too rigid? Devoted in your ways to get that done? I give my word I will not betray you and your friends. So, what do you say?”

How the statement felt like a sword, jabbed ever forcefully into Arcturus’ heart. The man leaned back, crossing his arms, glad that Veledar hovered over his shoulder. Could they let him go? To save not only the city but potentially the world? “What assurance do we have you would not simply hand over the orb yourself? We heard it corrupts.”

“Only those who wear their souls upon their flesh.” The lich grinned, revealing his rotted and chipped teeth. “Mine safe within my phylactery, and this orb would dare not be placed close. And for this world Arcturus? I don’t wish its future to be decided by some prideful beast. I’m not a monster.”

“That’s rich coming from you.” Veledar snarled.

“Fine.” Arcturus stated calmly, while a storm of conflict raged within. It was all to help the others he told himself. “We’ll concede to help you open this Library, but no enchantments, no threats, no cages or chains. We will go freely to assist you.”

Veledar shifted, a growl clawing down his throat. He would certainly be discussing this later with the paladin. “Does that satisfy you Lich? It’s more than a wretch like you deserves.”

Nigel grinned, feeling younger than he’d ever done in centuries. “It certainly does dragon. Now without further delay, we can discuss my other demands. Now don’t sigh and give me those looks. Struport will not fall this day or any other day, not with the aid I will lend to you. Emerald Lady and her terrible siblings won’t lay a claw upon that orb, and this Emperor will rue the day I ever got involved.”

* * * * * * * *

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