by Brandon Mull
“Can you fight all the dragons of Wyrmroost at once?” Kendra asked.
“Of course I could,” the Somber Knight replied. “But I would perish. I would struggle to best a single dragon in a fair fight. Enchanted armor and ensorcelled blades only get you so far. You don’t slay dragons without fighting smart. You engage them on your terms. You rig everything in your favor. Then you might stand a chance.”
“We slayed a dragon,” Seth said. “Siletta.”
“You two raided the Dragon Temple?”
“We had help,” Kendra said. “But we killed Siletta. It was an emergency. We were racing against people who wanted to open Zzyzx.”
“Siletta had a peculiar set of talents,” the Somber Knight said, leaning forward, his voice more interested. “Unusual attacks and defenses centered on her poisonous nature. How did you do it?”
“Unicorn horn,” Kendra said.
“Ingenious,” the Dragon Slayer said. “That shows promise.” He slumped back and sighed. “Too bad you’ll both be dead soon. So young.”
“We’re not going to lose,” Seth said.
“Noble attitude, young one,” the Somber Knight said. “Hold to your post. Go down fighting.”
“We’re hoping you can help us,” Kendra admitted.
“With the burial? No need. There will be very little left of you. Dragons are thorough.”
“We’re trying to figure out why Celebrant keeps attacking Blackwell Keep,” Kendra explained. “Do you know why the defenses are vulnerable?”
“Will knowing make any difference?” the Somber Knight asked glumly.
“It might help us go down fighting,” Seth said. “It might give us a chance.”
The Somber Knight tapped his sword. “Have you any suspicions?”
“Is the medallion weak?” Seth asked.
“Blackwell Keep once held the medallion and one of the seven scepters,” the Somber Knight said. “Celebrant asked for the keep’s scepter when he became a caretaker. Now only the medallion protects Blackwell Keep. Do you know where the medallion gets its power?”
“Magic?” Seth asked.
“The treaty?” Kendra asked.
“Both true in part,” the Somber Knight said. “The gem in the medallion is from another of the scepters. The hidden one. The seventh. Only five scepters remain active. One was never recovered when the Roost fell ages ago.”
“What’s the Roost?” Seth asked.
“Do you truly know so little about the sanctuary you oversee?” the Somber Knight asked.
“We’re new,” Kendra explained. “Help us learn.”
“The Roost is Wyrmroost Castle,” the Somber Knight said. “The caretaker used to split time between the castle and the keep. The scepter at the castle was lost. And the seventh scepter was hidden when this sanctuary was founded. It is connected to the medallion.”
“Why not keep the scepter with the medallion?” Kendra asked.
“Wizards are always trying to control their environment,” the Somber Knight said. “The rest of us attempt to do the same by diverse methods. But the majority lack the power to succeed like wizards can. Wizards appreciate redundancies. The complicated locks they create for their prisons are a good example. With one scepter already at Blackwell Keep, the wizards hid the other elsewhere and magically linked it to the medallion.”
“So if somebody stole the scepter at the keep, the other would still be hidden?” Seth asked.
“Yes,” the Somber Knight said. “And the magical defenses at the keep would hold. Even if the medallion fell into the wrong hands, it would be difficult to harm the defenses without finding the associated scepter. Celebrant must have sensed that the power source for the medallion is not at Blackwell Keep. Perhaps he thought that meant he could overpower the defenses. I do not believe he can. But if he finds the connected scepter, he could gain easy access.”
“So we need to find the scepter,” Kendra said.
The Somber Knight inclined his helmeted head. “Now that the previous scepter has been given to Celebrant, Blackwell Keep will be more secure if the scepter connected to the medallion is retrieved.”
“Where is it?” Seth asked.
“I am not sure,” the Somber Knight said. “I expect the founders concealed it somewhere at Wyrmroost. But even that much is not certain.”
“This is a big preserve,” Kendra said.
“Enormous,” the Somber Knight agreed. “Finding the hidden scepter is a hopeless task. Even without competition from the Dragon King, you could spend the rest of your lives searching and never come close. Or you could be killed by whatever traps or guardians undoubtedly protect it. The hidden scepter is not casually concealed. It is hidden very well.”
“Do you have any idea where we could start looking?” Seth asked. “You want Wyrmroost to survive.”
“Indeed,” the Somber Knight said. “I want Wyrmroost to survive. And I know it will not. And so do you. Beginnings and endings. That is the world we live in. All is temporary. Wyrmroost had a beginning, and so it must have an ending. It’s only a matter of time before it all comes crashing down.”
“We’d like Wyrmroost to outlast us, at least,” Kendra said.
“Your lives are brief,” the Somber Knight acknowledged. “With such a limited span of days, some will live through sadder times than others. I’m sorry that you are here now. I am sorry you were tricked into this predicament. You were appointed captains of a sinking vessel. I have a longer lifespan than you. I have seen much. Seasons of order degenerate into chaos. Devastation comes and goes. I await the next hour when I am needed. It always comes.”
“We need you now,” Seth said.
“I can take only limited action,” the Somber Knight said. “You want to prolong the inevitable demise of Wyrmroost. You desire help finding the scepter. I have one proposal, by no means a certainty. As a rule, I avoid dragons, except to dispatch them. But there is one dragon at Wyrmroost who might be able to supply the information you need. Dromadus.”
“Tell us about Dromadus,” Kendra said.
“A former Dragon King.”
“There were others?” Seth exclaimed.
“Several, over the millennia,” the Somber Knight said. “Former Dragon Kings seldom survive the challenge that takes their crown. Dromadus was an anomaly. He stepped down without a fight. The only Dragon King to abdicate. The dragons considered it unspeakably shameful. Dromadus went from the pinnacle all the way to the bottom. I have never met him. But he was close to the wizards who established Wyrmroost. Dromadus may have knowledge of the hidden scepter.”
“Doesn’t Agad know?” Seth asked. “Or Marat?”
“No way,” Kendra said. “They didn’t know why the medallion was weak, or they would already be looking for the scepter.”
“Agad became caretaker long after Wyrmroost was founded,” the Somber Knight said. “He was the fourth caretaker. Wizards love their secrets. It is possible he never knew the medallion derived power from a hidden scepter. If he did know, then you were set up to become caretakers, and to discover this knowledge on your own, so you would be forced to decide how to proceed without external influence, thereby assuming responsibility for all the associated risks and perils.”
“You’re good with conspiracy theories,” Seth said.
“I don’t hide from unpleasant possibilities,” the Somber Knight replied. “I embrace them. Some call it pessimism. I see it as an advantage.”
“It’s somber at least,” Kendra said. “How do we find Dromadus?”
“Should you choose to visit him, it will be at your own risk,” the Somber Knight said. “I cannot guarantee your safety. An endorsement from me would harm your chances. I have slain too many of their kind for any dragon to trust me.”
“Fair enough,” Seth said. “Where do we go?”
“H
ave you a map?” the Somber Knight asked.
After a smug glance at Kendra, Seth removed a map from his satchel and unfolded it. The Somber Knight beckoned them closer. He used a finger to trace a road called the Winding Way away from Terrabelle. His finger left the road, sliding south, and then tapped a spot.
“You will find a grove of giant sequoias here,” the Somber Knight said. “Descend through the trapdoor near the center.”
“And we’ll meet Dromadus?” Seth asked.
“For better or for worse,” the Somber Knight said.
“Isn’t it dangerous to leave the road?” Kendra asked.
“It is dangerous to visit me,” the Somber Knight said. “I have not heard a kind word in many years. Or seen a smile.”
“We like you,” Seth said, giving a big smile.
“I could slay you where you stand,” the Somber Knight said. “I am an executioner, and you have come to my domain. This sword has tasted the blood of thousands.”
“I’m trying to stay positive,” Seth said, his smile faltering.
“This sanctuary is not a comfortable place for mortals,” the Somber Knight said, “let alone for children. But you are burdened by duty. You came here for counsel. If you wish to stand against the Dragon King, finding the hidden scepter would help. You could get killed on the way to Dromadus. Upon arrival, Dromadus could harm or kill you, though of any dragon I know, he seems the least violent. Should you survive, you may not learn what you hope to know. If you do, you could perish searching for the scepter. You could also lose the scepter to the Dragon King and hasten the fall of Blackwell Keep.”
“I think that covers all the terrible things that could happen,” Seth said.
“Speaking broadly,” the Somber Knight said. “It would be difficult to number every horrific way you could die.”
“Cheerful,” Seth said, using a pencil to mark the spot the Somber Knight had shown them on the map. “Thanks for the tip.”
“Anything else we should remember?” Kendra asked.
The Somber Knight stood, towering over them, and raised his sword in front of his helmet. “In spite of your youth and the near certainty of failure, I salute your efforts to fulfill your responsibility to protect Wyrmroost.”
Bringing a hand to his brow, Seth saluted back. “And we salute you for sitting here in the dark all these years waiting to help.”
The Somber Knight gave a small bow, then sat back down on his throne. “Do not trouble yourselves about my plight. Mine has ever been a thankless post. Go, young ones. Travel well. Live as long as fortune permits.”
Off the Road
Henrick stood in a private room with Seth and Kendra, muscular arms folded across his broad chest, scowling in thought. “I don’t know,” the alcetaur said. “I have orders to bring you kids directly back to Blackwell Keep.”
“But you see why we might need to change the plan,” Seth said. “If we have a chance to find the scepter, we have to go after it.”
“Technically, we are the caretakers,” Kendra reminded the alcetaur. “And technically, the orders you receive from others are advice. Seth and I give the real orders.”
Henrick uncrossed his arms, then refolded them. He looked stumped.
They were in a small, fancy room Dalgorel had loaned them. The smaller the room, the less Henrick looked like he belonged. The moose portions of his body made him so big that he had to maneuver carefully to avoid toppling the furniture.
“I admit you are the caretakers,” Henrick said after a pause. “But the job of your advisers and staff is to keep you alive. Sometimes that fundamental duty might even supersede your orders. The Somber Knight is sending you into precarious territory. To get to the grove, I’ll have to lead you off the road and into the wild. Your safety will be in jeopardy.”
“We know,” Seth said, exasperated. “The Somber Knight explained every horrible possibility.”
“And you still want to move forward?” Henrick asked, looking from Seth to Kendra. “You’re united in this decision?”
“I think so,” Kendra said. “I mean, if we go back to Blackwell Keep to discuss it with everyone, we just lose time. And what if Grandma and Grandpa try to stop us from going to Dromadus? It needs to happen. We have to find that scepter.”
Henrick furrowed his brow. “If Dromadus would reveal the location to anyone, it would be the caretakers. Also, your youth might play on his sympathies. I’m not sure anyone else could approach him with a realistic chance of success. But you two have been placed in my care. My area of expertise is traveling this sanctuary, and in these tumultuous times I must strongly advise against leaving the roads or protected areas.”
“But . . .” Seth prompted him.
Henrick sighed. “But this is an emergency. I can see the sense in your argument. The gamble may be justified. It would also be risky not to pursue the scepter. I respect you for wanting to protect the sanctuary. If you are united in this decision, I will respect your authority to make it. I will guide you to the sequoia grove and do my best to keep you alive.”
“Yes,” Seth said, pumping a fist. “That’s all we wanted to hear.”
Kendra produced the unicorn horn. “Is it all right if I talk to Bracken first? Since we can’t reach anybody else, I want to get his opinion before moving forward.”
“Come on!” Seth complained. “What good is that going to do? He can’t be objective! You’re his favorite! He won’t want you in danger.”
“He’s seen me in danger before,” Kendra said. “Coming here in the first place was dangerous. I just want his input.”
“Bad idea,” Seth said. “We know what needs to happen. We should go do it.”
“Maybe I’d also just like to talk to him,” Kendra said. “You know, in case something bad happens.”
“Wow, you really want to jinx us, don’t you?” Seth exclaimed. “Want me to reserve a couple of coffins just in case?”
“Can I have some privacy?” Kendra demanded.
“Tell him hi for me,” Seth said. “I’ll go find my Tiny Hero.”
Seth left the room. Henrick followed him to the door, stepping carefully to pass between a chair and a sofa.
“Please apologize to Bracken for me,” the alcetaur said. “I spoke against him when he visited, but he uncovered a pair of traitors for us. Tell him that I wish him well.”
Henrick ducked through the door and closed it.
Kendra held the horn tightly.
Bracken, she projected with her mind. Can you hear me?
Sure, Kendra, came the reply. I wondered when you would reach out. I tried to contact you before I went to bed but I couldn’t get an answer.
I’ve kept the horn with me, Kendra assured him. You must have tried when we were riding horses.
Are you exploring the sanctuary? Bracken asked with alarm. That might not be a great idea. The rebellion is heating up. It’s happening at all seven sanctuaries. The unrest seems coordinated, and it keeps getting uglier. Truces are breaking. People are dying.
We need something to stabilize the defenses at Wyrmroost, Kendra said. Nobody can hear us, right?
I’m shielding our thoughts, Bracken said.
Celebrant ripped off part of Blackwell Keep. The defenses held, but they’re vulnerable. We need a scepter. One of seven that create safe places at the sanctuary. Seth and I have a lead. It looks like we’re the only good guys who can retrieve it. If Celebrant got to it first we’d be doomed. I think we need to go after it.
Is your grandfather in agreement?
We haven’t had a chance to ask him. We’re with the Fair Folk. As the new caretakers, we had to pay them a visit.
Not bad-looking, are they? Bracken commented knowingly.
Kendra felt her cheeks grow warm. Why was she suddenly feeling guilty? She hadn’t done anything wrong. Could he sense her emotion
s from the other side of the world? Probably not. He was only supposed to sense what she deliberately sent to him. I guess so, she finally replied.
Can you check with your grandfather first?
Not without going back to Blackwell Keep. I think this needs to happen. Seth does too. Henrick confirmed that he’ll take us if we both agree. He sends greetings, by the way.
Henrick is smart, Bracken expressed. So are you. Do what you think is right. But don’t take a single unnecessary risk. Things are getting messy at the sanctuaries. I’m sorry you got drawn into this.
You got pulled into stuff too, Kendra replied. Are you all right?
I’ve been better. I’m in a cave for the night, high on a mountainside. I’m trying to track Ronodin. Soaring Cliffs is in a sorry state. Several dragons are rampaging. Only locations protected by magic are secure.
Celebrant seems ready to wage war.
Those defenses might be your only hope, Bracken thought to her. If finding the scepter will make those defenses hold, it is probably worth the trouble. But don’t press your luck. Get the scepter and then get back to the keep. I have a feeling this is just the beginning.
Thanks for the advice, Kendra replied. Stay safe.
You too. My mother has connected the new fairy realm to the fairy shrine at Wyrmroost, so when I finish here I can come to you that way.
Good news!
Hope to see you soon. I want to help.
I know, Kendra assured him. I wish I could help you too.
Help me by surviving. Be smart. Don’t underestimate yourself. Tell Seth not to overestimate himself. And say hello to Henrick. He has integrity. Trust the good people helping you. I’ll come as soon as I can.
Good-bye, Bracken.
’Bye.
The communication ended. She had felt as if she were right next to Bracken, their thoughts flowing easily to one another, and suddenly she was alone in a room holding a pearly horn. Putting away the horn, Kendra went in search of Henrick and her brother.
With help from a servant, Seth found Eve in her room. She turned from where she sat at a small table, her expression guilty, a smear of yellow pudding at the corner of her lips.