Dragonwatch, Book 2: Wrath of the Dragon King

by Brandon Mull

  “Maybe not,” Seth replied.

  “I saw you put it in your pocket,” Celebrant said.

  “Maybe that was a candy bar,” Seth tried.

  “It was a key made of jade,” Celebrant said. “And Humbuggle congratulated you.”

  Seth removed it from his pocket.

  Celebrant smiled. “Well done. This has been quite a game.”

  “If you say so,” Seth said.

  “What if I gave you and your sister a sporting chance?” Celebrant said.

  “I’d be incredibly suspicious,” Seth said.

  “Taking the glove from Kendra and turning her to gold would be no problem,” Celebrant said. “Same with changing you to gold. But that would end our game, and dragons love a good hunt. I haven’t had such sport in ages. And wouldn’t you prefer a small chance over none?”

  “I’m listening,” Seth said.

  “Do you know where the golden crest shines in the day?” Celebrant asked.

  Seth glanced at Kendra. She shrugged. “Not really,” Seth said.

  “The second-highest tower of this castle has a golden crest on the outside,” Celebrant said. “The tallest tower does not. There are only two locked doors in this entire castle. Have you noticed the doors are all unlocked? Even in the dungeon.”

  “Now that you mention it, yes,” Seth said.

  “The room atop the tallest tower is locked and holds the king and queen,” Celebrant said. “The second-highest tower is also locked. And there is a golden crest on the outside of the tower. And the room has no windows.”

  “Sounds like a candidate,” Seth said.

  “You get there by taking that hall,” Celebrant said, pointing. “Turn left at the first intersection. After the turn, the hall leads into a room with a big chandelier. At the rear of the room are two staircases. Take the right one. Go down the hall and up the stairs at the end.”

  “This seems like a lot of help,” Seth said.

  “I am giving you a head start,” Celebrant said. “Use it how you prefer.” He turned toward Kendra. “Release the girl.”

  The golden statues holding Kendra let go of her.

  “Clear the way,” Celebrant said, and the golden statues opened a path to the hall he had first indicated. He repeated his instructions.

  “Can we have the rod?” Kendra asked.

  Celebrant grinned. “I can’t make this too easy. Go, if you choose. I won’t be far behind.”

  Seth glanced at Kendra. She gave a nod. They started running.

  “You know this is a trick,” Seth said. “He just wants us to open the door.”

  “And it’s the one chance we have,” Kendra said. “Better than getting turned to gold.”

  “I agree,” Seth said. “Celebrant had us. Now we have some room to move. Where is Lockland?”

  “We got cornered, so I turned him to platinum,” Kendra said. “It was to keep him from getting changed to gold.”

  They reached an intersection. To the right, Seth saw golden statues approaching at a quick walk. He and Kendra turned left.

  “Obregon and Tregain joined Lomo and me in the gauntlet,” Seth said. “If they all live, they’ll come out before long.”

  “Nobody else?” Kendra asked.

  “The dwarf was there in disguise,” Seth said. He noticed more golden statues coming their way down a side hall.

  “We still don’t know who made the gong ring,” Kendra said. “The late arrival.”

  “Stay ready for anything,” Seth said.

  They arrived at the room with the large chandelier.

  “Do we go to the tower?” Kendra asked.

  Seth slowed, walking toward the stairs at the back of the room. “What if we run off and hide? Could that work?”

  “I don’t think so,” Kendra said, wishing she could say otherwise. “We can’t leave the castle, and wherever we hide, they will eventually find us.”

  Seth nodded. “Plus I think the statues are corralling us. Or maybe just still after us. They won’t slow until sunrise.”

  “But to risk your identity?” Kendra asked. “To forget yourself?”

  “It’s obvious Celebrant wants somebody else to unlock the door,” Seth said. “Enough that he’s letting us do it unsupervised.” They reached the right-hand stairs at the rear of the room.

  “Do you think turning the key has to be voluntary?” Kendra asked.

  “Looks like Celebrant thinks so,” Seth said. “The poem talks about choosing.”

  “Do we keep going?” Kendra asked.

  Golden statues entered the far side of the room. Seth started up the stairs.

  “If we’re too slow, Celebrant may catch up,” Seth said. “Getting to the door first is better than getting caught again.”

  “Lomo will get mobbed when he comes out of the black door,” Kendra said. “We’re out of allies.”

  “This door is the last obstacle,” Seth said. “We can do this. I’m going to open it. Once I do, I’ll probably forget a lot. When I went for the key, I lost so many memories, but I kept a sense of who I was. Losing my identity sounds more extreme. Hopefully, when you get the Wizenstone and end the game, my memories will return like they did when I left the gauntlet.”

  They rushed down a hall to a winding stairway. No golden statues were currently in view.

  “I don’t have the Banishment Rod,” Kendra said.

  “If the Wizenstone is so powerful, you can use that to fight off the demon,” Seth said.

  “I don’t know how the Wizenstone works,” Kendra said. “The poem warned it’s not for people to own.”

  “We can’t let Celebrant get it,” Seth said. “We have to flip this on them somehow.”

  “We could try to ditch the key,” Kendra said.

  They were passing doors as they climbed the stairs. “They have our escape routes cut off,” Seth said. “If we chuck the key out a window, they’ll find it before long. We’re cornered. We have nowhere to hide.”

  “It seems clear that Celebrant wants us to open the door!” Kendra said. “Isn’t that the last thing we should do?”

  “It’s going to happen either way,” Seth said, panting with the exertion of running up the stairs. “If we wait, he’ll have somebody else do it. If we unlock the door quickly, maybe you’ll have a chance to do something before Celebrant arrives. Lock him out? Destroy the stone? Use it?”

  “I’m not sure anything will work,” Kendra said. “I think we blew it. I think we lost.”

  “At least I won’t remember,” Seth said.

  “That isn’t funny,” Kendra said.

  “Hopefully you can undo the forgetting somehow,” Seth said. “If not, I’ll still be me. I just won’t know it. I’ll get back to myself eventually. I’ll relearn.”

  “I can’t think of anything worse to lose than knowing who I am,” Kendra said.

  “I don’t want to,” Seth said, feeling tears sting his eyes and clenching his fists, determined not to cry. “We’re trying to save the world. Small price if it helps.”

  They reached the top of the stairs and found themselves facing an ornate door made of silver-gray metal and set with gems. “There it is,” Kendra said. “Are you sure about this?”

  They approached the door together. Seth held up the key. “It wasn’t too bad in that room when I lost memories,” he said, trying to console her. “You don’t really know what you’re missing.”

  “That’s sort of the most tragic part,” Kendra said. “This is brave of you, Seth. Maybe too brave.”

  He shrugged. “I need to leave you time to try to do something.” He pushed the key into the keyhole. “Sorry to check out. Good luck. Tell everybody I love them. Even Knox. Especially you.”

  Seth turned the jade key.

  And swooned, staggering a little.

  He stared at the door, perplexed.

  He did not know where he was. He held up his hands, but they were unfamiliar. He seemed to be a kid. A young teen? He did not know his own name.<
br />
  How did he know nothing about himself or where he was? Wasn’t he somebody? What could possibly have happened?

  “Seth, are you all right?”

  He turned to face the girl who had spoken. She looked at him with concern, but nothing about her was familiar. Could his name be Seth? Did this young woman know him? She looked a little older than him.

  Who was she?

  And who was the man approaching behind her?

  Wizenstone

  Kendra held her breath as Seth turned the Key of Forgetting. He stood still for a moment, staring at the ornate door.

  “Seth, are you all right?” she asked.

  He turned and looked at her without recognition. Her heart sank—she could only assume that his mind had been wiped. Her brother no longer knew her. Or himself.

  Then he looked over her shoulder with interest.

  Before Kendra could turn, strong arms wrapped around her from behind, pinning her arms to her sides. “Don’t struggle,” a voice spoke in her ear. “We have little time.”

  She knew that voice!

  “Ronodin?” Kendra asked.

  “Celebrant is coming,” Ronodin said. “We need to get into that room.”

  “What’s going on?” Seth asked.

  “This girl has a dangerous glove,” Ronodin said. “It turns people to platinum. I can’t risk her using it on us.”

  Kendra tried to twist her wrist to touch Ronodin, but he squeezed her too tightly, keeping a firm hand on her forearm just behind the glove. “Seth, attack him,” she cried.

  “She’s trying to fool you,” Ronodin said. “I’m your brother. Don’t fall for her tricks.”

  “It’s not a trick,” Kendra said. “I’m your sister.”

  “She’s a liar,” Ronodin said. “Look who is attacking who. I didn’t draw a weapon. I’m not trying to kill her. I just don’t want her using the glove on us.”

  “Does the glove turn people to platinum?” Seth asked.

  “Yes,” Kendra said. “I’m using it to protect us. This is Ronodin, the dark unicorn.”

  Seth scrunched his brow. “He doesn’t look like a unicorn.”

  “Kendra,” Ronodin said, “we have no time. They will be here in a moment. Take off the glove. You can keep it. Put it back on when Celebrant arrives. I just need insurance you won’t use it on us.”

  “What is this?” Seth asked. “What happened to me? What’s going on?”

  Kendra could hear footsteps climbing the stairs. Ronodin let her use her ungloved hand to remove the glove.

  “Turning the key to that door erased your memory,” Ronodin said. “For now, just watch.”

  Ronodin released Kendra but stayed near. She considered putting the glove back on and trying to touch him, but the dark unicorn was right—she had no time. If he went for the Wizenstone, she would put on the glove and tag him.

  Kendra grabbed the knob and pushed the door open. They entered a windowless room with glowing globes of light and a pedestal at the center. Atop the pedestal sat a cut gemstone the size of a baseball. Geometrically complex, the crystalline jewel contained faint, scintillating hints of all colors in existence.

  “The Wizenstone,” Kendra said.

  Ronodin closed the door and briefly examined the knob. “Can’t lock it from the inside,” he said.

  Seth stood off to one side. “That looks expensive,” he said.

  “It’s magical,” Kendra replied. “What do I do?”

  “Be smart,” Ronodin said. “You don’t have the rod, and Celebrant let you come here.”

  “We can’t let him get it,” Kendra said.

  “No,” Ronodin said. “We can’t.”

  “Whose side are you on?” Kendra asked.

  Ronodin laughed as if she were ridiculous. “Mine.” He glanced at Seth. “And my brother’s.”

  “You’re not his brother,” Kendra corrected. “I’m his sister.”

  “Who is Celebrant?” Seth asked.

  “Bad guy,” Kendra said. “King of the dragons.”

  “What she said,” Ronodin agreed. “Kendra, Humbuggle is the greatest trickster the world has seen. He has guarded the Wizenstone for ages—long before coming here. Claiming the Wizenstone is bound to be more complicated than this appears.”

  “So I should do nothing?” Kendra asked.

  Ronodin gave her a measuring stare. “With Celebrant coming, if I thought I could just take the Wizenstone, what do you suppose I would be doing right now?”

  Kendra frowned. “It might not be the real stone? Or it might be trapped?”

  “You’re starting to think like a survivor,” Ronodin said.

  “But Celebrant is coming with the Banishment Rod,” Kendra said.

  “Isn’t it exciting?” Ronodin asked. “Such high stakes, and all we can really do is improvise. We may not make it. We’re too close to the action on this one, but we can’t let him have the Wizenstone.”

  “I can’t let you have it either,” Kendra said.

  “The feeling is mutual,” Ronodin replied with a grin.

  The door opened. Celebrant entered, the Banishment Rod in his hand. Obregon followed. Behind them, Kendra caught a glimpse of gold and silver statues fighting before Obregon closed the door.

  “Nobody has endeavored to claim the jewel?” Celebrant asked.

  Kendra tugged on her glove. “I will if you loan me the Banishment Rod.”

  “Such a generous offer,” Celebrant said. “Thank you for granting us access and then stepping aside. I’ll make your endings swift.” His eyes shifted to Ronodin. “What are you doing here?”

  “Wouldn’t have missed it,” Ronodin said.

  “You were listening when we spoke outside the black door,” Celebrant said.

  “I’m a good listener,” Ronodin said.

  “You got here just ahead of us,” Kendra realized.

  “I hid in the room below as you went by,” Ronodin said. “What matters is we are here.”

  Celebrant narrowed his eyes at Ronodin. “Do you mean to stop me?”

  “I just like to be in the know,” Ronodin said.

  “I don’t trust you,” Celebrant said.

  “If you did, you would be the first in a long time,” Ronodin said.

  Celebrant held out the Banishment Rod to Obregon. “Swear to me once more,” he said.

  “My king,” Obregon replied, dropping to one knee. “You have always had my complete loyalty. May you reign forever. If you grant me the honor of retrieving the stone, I will stand in your place, claiming it in your name. I swear on my honor as a dragon, and on my ancestors and on my descendants, the stone is yours if I retrieve it.”

  “Take the rod,” Celebrant said.

  Obregon rose and accepted the Banishment Rod.

  “Quickly, now,” Celebrant said.

  With the rod in one hand, Obregon strode to the pedestal, paused to examine the surrounding area for a moment, and then reached out to pick up the Wizenstone with his free hand. As soon as his fingers touched the surface of the jewel, he froze. For a moment, his body began to jerk and then to vibrate intensely. With a flash of light, he changed to ash: clothes, breastplate, and all. The Banishment Rod clattered to the floor as the particles of ash spread out, percolating downward.

  “Whoa,” Seth said. “That guy turned into confetti.”

  Kendra swallowed drily, relieved she had not tried to grab the jewel. She glanced at Ronodin, who watched Celebrant.

  The Dragon King glared at the Wizenstone, his body tense but still, fury held in restraint. After a moment he relaxed and folded his arms.

  “Your turn to try, your majesty?” Ronodin ventured.

  “Not yet,” Celebrant growled.

  “I take it your golden minions cannot enter?” Ronodin asked.

  “Only those in possession of themselves may cross the threshold,” Celebrant said, enraged eyes never leaving the Wizenstone.

  The door burst open, and Tregain stumbled into the room. “I’m no
t too late!” he exclaimed. Lunging at Seth, Tregain grabbed his hand with the silver glove. Seth yanked his hand away and did not turn to silver.

  “Interesting,” Ronodin said. “Not in here.”

  Tregain glanced at Celebrant, then at the rod on the floor near the pedestal. Tregain charged for the rod. Celebrant took a step to intercept him, then stopped. Tregain scooped up the rod and grabbed the Wizenstone. He did not move after taking hold of the jewel, nor did the gemstone. Tregain’s body began to tremble and spasm until he vanished in a burst of ash. The rod clattered to the floor again.

  Kendra stared in amazement and horror. How was anyone supposed to claim the stone if it turned whoever touched it to ashes? Having the rod seemed irrelevant. No need to drive away a demon if your body evaporated.

  Celebrant turned to Ronodin. “How do I claim it?” the Dragon King asked.

  “I’m not sure,” Ronodin said.

  Kendra looked at Seth. He watched from off to the side, clearly bewildered, trying to make sense of what he was seeing.

  The Banishment Rod lay unattended on the floor. Should she try it? Wouldn’t she just turn to ash as well? Did the person have to be worthy? Might she be worthy? Her intentions were good. What if she waited? Celebrant did not seem to be in a hurry to take the risk of grabbing the stone. But he didn’t have to rush. More dragons would probably come. He had the luxury of time.

  Kendra knew her opportunity to do something might not last for long. But what could she do? She most needed to prevent Celebrant from obtaining the Wizenstone. Or Ronodin. Given enough time, Celebrant would probably succeed. Kendra looked at the rod on the ground.

  And suddenly an idea occurred.

  She dashed forward.

  “Kendra, are you sure?” Ronodin asked.

  Celebrant hushed him.

  She was not sure. But she was sure enough. It was worth a try. Celebrant would not be kind to her as a prisoner. She was mildly surprised to still be alive. Seth was currently defenseless. She might not get another chance to affect the outcome.

  Kendra picked up the Banishment Rod, pointed it at the Wizenstone, and shouted, “Begone!”

  The rod thrummed in her grasp. In a blink, the Wizenstone vanished.

  Only the empty pedestal remained.

  Relief flooded through Kendra as she glanced over to find Ronodin smirking and Celebrant shouting. The Dragon King glowered at her, veins protruding in his neck.