by Brandon Mull
“Where are Seth and Kendra?” Knox asked.
“No longer here,” Patton said.
“They left me behind?” Knox asked.
“They were gone when I regained my senses,” said a lean man with brown stubble on his chin. “I’m Lockland. I came out of that box when you went in.”
“Who did you put inside to get me out?” Knox wondered.
“The same criminal who I removed when I entered,” Lockland said. “A thief named Jasmine.”
“She won’t steal much in there,” Knox said with a glance back at the Quiet Box. Several people in the dingy room laughed. Besides Tanu, Lomo, and Patton, there were a dozen attractive men and women assembled, dressed in courtly outfits—their finery incongruent with a dungeon cell. One breathtaking girl looked only a year or two older than Knox. “Kendra and Seth got away?” he checked.
“We’re not sure,” Tanu said. “We hope so.”
“When we awoke from the spell, there was no sign of them,” Lomo said.
“Nor Celebrant,” Lockland said. “Nor Tregain.”
“Good,” Knox said.
“We hope Tregain is unharmed and simply missing for now,” Lockland said. “He is my brother.”
“And he was trying to turn us to silver,” Knox said. “Who ended up with the Wizenstone?”
“We’re not sure,” Lomo said. “Perhaps the hunt has moved elsewhere.”
“The dragon Jaleesa fled in human form,” said a solid man with a glossy brown beard. “She was missing an arm.”
“May I introduce my brother Heath,” Lockland said.
“You were the one turning people to gold,” Knox said.
“Yes, I possessed the golden glove for many years,” Heath said. “After all that time, the challenge ended in a mess. We don’t know what became of the prize.”
“You were changed to gold before the end,” Lockland said.
“I only hope Tregain managed to keep the prize in the family,” Heath said. “Doom will soon follow should the dragons claim it.”
Knox noticed a distinguished older man wearing a conspicuous crown. He stood beside an older woman with a jeweled tiara. “Wait, is that the king and queen?” Knox asked.
“My parents,” Lockland said. “King Hollorix and Queen Satilla.”
“I must congratulate you for your efforts undoing the curse,” the king said to Knox. “We languished for years trying to break the stalemate.”
“Just trying to help,” Knox said with a glance at Tanu and Lomo.
“We wish to show our gratitude by throwing a feast in your honor,” the king said, his gaze taking in Tanu and Lomo.
“Lockland gave essential help as well,” Tanu said. “Along with Seth and Kendra Sorenson, the caretakers of Wyrmroost.”
“It was Lockland’s duty to help,” the king said. “You three came to our rescue of your own accord.”
“I don’t want to rain on the parade,” Knox said, “but most of your food might be spoiled.”
The king gave a laugh. “We checked our stores. The spell held most of the castle in stasis. Our larders remain well provisioned with recommendable fare.”
Knox smiled. “I am pretty hungry.”
Many chuckled at the comment.
“Unfortunately, we must depart in a hurry,” Tanu said. “We need to check in with Blackwell Keep and learn what happened to Kendra and Seth.”
“Nonsense,” King Hollorix said. “If you dine with us, this will have been a diplomatic mission, meaning our coach can take you back to the keep. There is no surer or faster way.”
“He’s right,” Lomo said. “Their flying coach has full immunity. A reliable ride home is just what you need.”
“I won’t argue against that,” Tanu said.
“The castle is still safe from dragons?” Knox asked.
“No location in Wyrmroost is more secure,” Lockland said. “It’s why Jaleesa fled. She could not have transformed back into her dragon state until off this property. And once out, she would not be able to get back in without an invitation.”
“Preparations for the feast are already under way,” the king said. “You will have seats of honor.”
“How about some help against the dragons?” Knox asked.
The atmosphere in the room grew more somber.
“Our neutrality policy stands as always, young man,” King Hollorix said.
“But the dragons declared war,” Knox said.
“Not on us,” the king replied.
“The boy is right that the Fair Folk could make a difference in this fight,” Lomo said.
“The last time the Fair Folk went to war, all who participated were lost,” the king said. “And the world was no better for it.”
“What if we had stayed neutral about your castle?” Knox asked. “You would still be cursed.”
“Do not overstate your generosity,” the king said. “We are grateful but we are not fools. Like the dragons, you came to this castle for the Wizenstone. My sons and I wanted it as well. The stone is evidently gone, and, as a happy accident, the curse is broken. Our gratitude is not an obligation. I recommend you accept it gracefully.”
“Good food and a ride home,” Tanu said. “I’ve had worse offers.”
“There must be more comfortable rooms than this one,” Knox said.
Friendly laughter greeted the statement. “Agreed,” King Hollorix said. “We came here only to fetch you. Let us retire upstairs.”
As they filed from the room into the dungeon hallway, Knox ended up beside the gorgeous girl. She was a little taller than him, with fine features, frosty blue eyes, and pale blonde hair.
“You were brave to come here,” the girl said.
Knox shrugged. “I like saving people.”
“I’m Regina,” the girl said.
“Knox. Were you turned to metal?”
“Silver,” she said.
“How was it?” Knox asked.
“Like a dream,” Regina said. “Not a nice one. I faded in and out of awareness, but I always felt like a passenger in my body, everything muted and numbed. I think I was more aware on the festival nights, especially when in motion. My mother, Bethany, was turned to gold. She was the one who touched you.”
“I’m sorry,” said a woman from behind Knox. He recognized her as the human version of the golden figure who had started his transformation to gold.
“No problem,” Knox said. “It helped get Lockland out of the Quiet Box.”
“My brother,” Bethany said.
“I’m just sad I missed the action,” Knox said, stretching his formerly golden arm. “Would have been nice to give those dragons some payback.”
“I’m happy I got to dream away most of it,” Regina said.
“I wish I knew what happened to my cousins,” Knox said.
“The caretakers are your cousins?” Regina asked.
“Yeah,” Knox said. “I think my grandparents want me to get more experience before I take over. I already saved Wyrmroost once. Went up against a bunch of dragons alone. In their dragon form, of course. Human form is a lot easier.”
“You sound like quite a hero,” Bethany said.
“I don’t use that word,” Knox said. “People around me do sometimes. I guess they think it fits.”
“You are difficult to describe,” Tanu said over his shoulder. “So many words fit.”
Knox avoided meeting eyes with Tanu. He hadn’t been aware the potion master was listening. Knox cleared his throat softly. “I couldn’t have done any of it without my teammates.”
“You performed bravely, Knox,” Tanu said.
Knox glanced at Regina. “It’s what I do.”
Are you sure nobody will see us?” Tess asked as she marched through the tall grass behind Eve.
“We made a clean getaway,” Eve said, not looking back. “And we look like sheep to any onlookers.”
Tess looked around. Woolly sheep grazed here and there, bright bells on their collars. No people were in view. Nearby, the sails of a large windmill slowly turned in the breeze.
“How far away are the fairies?” Tess asked.
“We’re almost there,” Eve said. “I can’t promise we’ll see any, but I usually find one or two.”
Tess picked up her pace to stay near her new friend. Eve was one of the Fair Folk, the daughter of Lord Dalgorel. She was so pretty and nice, and Tess was delighted to be treated as an equal by a girl who looked a couple of years older than her. It had been Eve’s idea to come see the fairies after Tess had shown her the cloak of innocence. Eve had been unfairly grounded by her father, so they had to sneak out of the castle. The escape hadn’t been too difficult—Eve could disguise them with magic, and she knew lots of secret ways. Some climbing had been required, and a crawl through one low tunnel, but since they had left the town, the journey had been easy.
Eve led them into a stand of trees, where they found a trickling creek that in places became almost narrow enough to jump across. A small, ornate bridge spanned it at one point, and near the bridge fluttered a fairy with dragonfly wings.
“Hello!” Tess called, dashing ahead to the fairy. “I’m Tess! Am I glad to see you!”
The blue-skinned fairy zipped toward Tess and paused in front of her face, looking her up and down. “How did a little human like you get fairystruck?” the fairy asked.
“I love fairies,” Tess said. “I never saw one with blue skin before.”
“You’re not one of the Folk,” the fairy said.
“I’m a visitor,” Tess said.
“You understand her?” Eve asked Tess.
“Don’t you?” Tess asked. “Do you need to drink some milk?”
“I’m part of the magical world, silly,” Eve said. “The milk makes no difference for me. But she’s speaking a dialect of Silvian that I don’t know.”
“Why are you with her?” the fairy asked Tess, waving a hand at Eve. “She comes here a lot and pesters us.”
“She means no harm,” Tess assured the fairy.
“Ask her about the peaceful dragon,” Eve said.
“What dragon?” Tess asked.
“Does she mean Raxtus?” the fairy asked.
“I understood that name,” Eve said. “We’re not looking for Raxtus. Seth met a peaceful dragon named Dromadus. He used to be the Dragon King.”
“Ah,” the fairy said. “Do you know Kendra?”
“She’s my cousin,” Tess said.
“She’s my friend,” Eve said.
“She is bossy!” the fairy said.
“You don’t have to tell me,” Tess said. “But I like her.”
“Kendra asked some of us to keep an eye on Dromadus,” the fairy said. “On all of the dragons, really.”
Tess looked at Eve. “Did you understand?”
“No.”
“Kendra asked her to watch that dragon, and the other dragons too,” Tess said.
“The fairy knows where to find Dromadus?” Eve asked.
“I do,” the fairy said.
“Now she speaks English,” Eve said.
Tess did not hear the difference.
“Can you lead us to Dromadus?” Eve asked the fairy.
“I could,” the fairy said.
“Won’t we get in trouble?” Tess asked. “Tanu told me to stay put until they came for me. Is Dromadus far?”
“It would take some time,” the fairy said.
“As long as you stay with me, you’re following your instructions,” Eve said. “They just didn’t want you wandering off alone. Dromadus is a peaceful dragon. Now that the dragons declared war, maybe he’ll help us. We should go ask him.”
“I heard the dragons are all really dangerous,” Tess said.
“Most are,” Eve agreed. “This one is the exception. With your cloak of innocence, we can travel there without a problem. In a time of war, we need to do all we can to help.”
“I heard something about a war,” the fairy said.
“Don’t you want to see a dragon?” Eve asked Tess. “A nice one, I mean?”
“Of course,” Tess said. “It’s what I want most of all.” She turned her attention to the fairy. “Will you take us there?”
The fairy yawned, patting her dainty lips. “Wingless creatures are so slow.”
“We can’t help that,” Tess said. “We’ll walk fast and won’t complain.”
“I hope not,” the fairy said. “I can’t stand complainers.”
“You’ll take us?” Tess asked.
The fairy jerked a thumb at Eve. “For that one? No way! For you, though? I suppose.”
Tess clapped her hands and grinned. “Thank you. How could fairies get any better?”
“It would be a challenge,” the fairy said.
“Do you have a name?” Tess asked.
“Poza,” the fairy said. “When would you like to go?”
Tess looked to Eve.
“Now, if possible,” Eve said.
“Aha!” called a male voice. Tess turned to find Doren storming out of some bushes. “Oh no you don’t, not under my watchful eye.”
Eve covered her face with one hand and shook her head.
“Who is this?” Poza asked.
“Our goat-man friend,” Tess said.
“More like your temporary guardian,” Doren said.
“How did you find us?” Eve asked wearily.
“Followed you from the castle,” Doren said. “Your illusions made my mind a little fuzzy, but I stuck with you.”
“Why wait until now to interrupt?” Eve asked.
Doren blinked. “I thought you might be up to some innocent girlish mischief. I’m not out to spoil all your fun. But seeing this dragon would take you away from Terrabelle, and I can’t have that. I was charged with watching over Tess.”
“I didn’t even notice you,” Tess said.
“I’m stealthy,” Doren said. “It’s a talent. Not too hard to stay low in tall grass.”
“This is a disaster,” Eve said. “We need to talk to Dromadus. He might be able to help. With Wyrmroost at war, only the cloak of innocence gives us a realistic chance of getting to him.”
Doren looked back and forth between the two girls. “Newel and I had planned to use the cloak to poke around a bit.”
“This isn’t just curiosity,” Eve said. “This could be a chance to secure key help.”
Doren looked in the direction of the castle. “It is kind of dull back that way. The Fair Folk women are so stuck up.”
“Then you should come with us,” Eve said. “Unlike those neutral cowards, we’re actually trying to help. With a big, strong satyr like you helping us, what could go wrong?”
“You make a valid point,” Doren said.
“A satyr was never part of the agreement,” Poza said.
“Satyrs add to any group we join,” Doren said, offended. “We’re good luck! We’re fun! And we appreciate beauty. You, my dear fairy, are absolutely exquisite.”
“All right, I like him,” the fairy said.
“Let’s go,” Eve said.
“I didn’t agree to come,” Doren said. “Or to let you go.”
“But we’re trying to save Wyrmroost,” Eve said.
“I think you’re more interested in going on an adventure,” Doren said.
“What’s wrong with an adventure?” Eve asked.
“The timing is wrong,” Doren said. “We’re at war. With dragons.”
“We’re going to a nice dragon,” Tess said.
“Seth and Kendra visited him,” Eve said. “Dromadus could help us in
the war. He used to be the king of the dragons.”
“You’re telling me a former Dragon King is nice?” Doren clarified. “How is he even alive? How reliable are your sources?”
“Seth and Kendra got the scepter from Dromadus,” Eve said. “Seth told me about it while we were walking away from Skyhold together. Dromadus is famously the only Dragon King to renounce his position rather than lose it in combat. He got sick of all the fighting after he had killed his own nephew in a challenge.”
“What makes you think he would help you?” Doren asked.
“It’s common knowledge that Dromadus has become a hermit,” Eve said. “Seth told me he is also a pacifist. I’m hoping he’ll be displeased that the dragons needlessly declared war.”
“Sounds like a long shot,” Doren said.
“It will be fun to meet an actual dragon,” Tess said. “He might even have treasure.”
Doren folded his arms. “Treasure is always of interest. But making a dragon angry by taking his treasure might not be wise.”
“We wouldn’t steal anything,” Eve said. “That would forfeit the power of the cloak. Don’t forget the cloak. This will be safe.”
“You three are exasperating,” Poza said. “Are we going or not?”
Doren scratched his head. “I may get busted for this, but I do want to see more of the sanctuary, and I like your initiative. Let’s do it.”
“Hooray,” Tess cheered. “Lead the way, Poza!”
Doren sidled nearer to Eve. “Think your dad will be angry?”
“He’s already furious,” Eve said. “I’d rather be punished for having met Dromadus than not.”
“How long before he notices you’re gone?” Doren asked.
“I’m sure he already has.”
Doren glanced around nervously. “Will he come down hard on us?”
“Me, yes. Tess is too young. And satyrs, well, your kind have a reputation for frivolity.”
“Play dumb. Got it.”
“Or maybe skip the castle on the way back,” Eve suggested.
Doren stroked his chin. “I prefer avoiding awkward conversations to having them. This is shaping into a good plan. Are you sure it’s worth the trouble from your father?”