Chapter 21

In the relentless grip of time, Shandalar approached the gathering with a stoic grace that belied the urgency of their shared purpose. Veledar's voice, laced with a hint of draconic disdain, cut through the air like a blade through shadows.

"Your punctuality remains a constant, wizard." the red dragon uttered, his eyes narrowing to slits as he sized up the approaching figure. Each measured step of Shandalar's robe-draped form whispered of meticulous calculation, a dance with destiny on the verdant stage.

"It might have been a courtesy before your earth-shaper ally" Veledar continued, the raw edges of frustration evident in his draconic voice, "decided to etch its mark upon my scales."

Shandalar's eyes, like pools of ancient wisdom, shifted towards the entrance from which she had emerged. Two additional figures, a woman in blue robes bearing white runes across her flesh and a man in crimson robes reminiscent of Veledar's scales, stood there as if awaiting an explanation. “Their directive was to neutralize intruders. Regrettably, in the presence of an unanticipated guest, they initiated an attack." Shandalar explained with a measured tone. A sigh, laden with a sense of weariness, escaped her lips. "I wish they possessed greater capacity for independent thought, but the elementals bound to them lack the cognitive processes that align with our own."

Natassa arched an eyebrow, "Maybe rein in your attack dogs a bit, darling. We're just here for a chat, not a brawl." She ruffled her feathers with a nonchalant air, emphasizing her point.

Shandalar's gaze, an unwavering searchlight of discernment, traversed Natassa from talon to beak. "Ah, so here is the problem, Natassa."

"Oh, so you know of me, good." Natassa responded, a smirk playing upon her beak. "We don't have to waste time with introductions."

 Surveying the ashen remains of the fallen elemental warrior, Shandalar expressed, in her logical and composed tone akin to a well-calibrated instrument, "Thanks to your inclusion, I'm down one elemental warrior. If you're not aware, they are exceptionally hard to obtain and create."

“Well, darling, I'm sure a resourceful mage like yourself can conjure up a replacement or two. We're not here to deplete your collection but to seek your expertise for a different kind of venture."

Veledar emitted a low, rumbling chuckle, his draconic form shaking as he moved with a certain swagger. Approaching Arcturus with deliberate steps, he cast a sidelong glance at Shandalar. "It sounds to me as though you're some sort of villain, Shandalar. Secret lairs filled with illusions, mindless minions. I assume a scheme of which you're plotting."

Brushing against the knight with a deliberate swish of his tail, Veledar leaned in with a whisper. "Would you mind touching me?"

The knight blushed at the forward suggestion. "I do hope you mean lay on hands to heal your injury."

"Indeed, I do." rumbled the crimson beast, casting a knowing glance at the man. "Yet, I wouldn't object to the alternative."

Shandalar crossed her arms, her demeanor resolute. "Your assessment is incorrect, dragon. I am no villain in whatever preconceived idea is forming in your head."

"I'm not certain." Arcturus responded, channeling magic to his fingers. As he laid his palm on the dragon's side, a surge of white light emerged, easing away the ache. "Crimson Sky here might have a point. What he says, in its own peculiar way, does make some sense."

"I hate to agree with it, darling, but the boy does make a point." Natassa chuckled. "I've sung so many tales that involve this sort of affair."

"You three have clearly read too many fantasies. Furthermore, the Elemental Warrior process is not forced upon people; their families are greatly compensated." Shandalar retorted with a calm, logical demeanor.

"And how many of those families were non-magical?" Arcturus replied with a hint of venom. "I've heard of these things, Shandalar. Those unprivileged with magical abilities in Rothdell are resigned to living out life as second-class citizens. What choice would these people have?"

She folded her arms behind her back. "Such compromises must be made for war. Have you come here to debate ethics with me, Lumarian? Or do you have need of me?"

He nodded. All that mattered was Lyndis for now. Debate on what should be done with the warriors would have to wait. "Our friend has gone missing."

"Ah, then come with me." she beckoned as she led the way to the secret entrance. "I'd refrain from labeling this as fortuitous, for I hadn't anticipated your arrival for another day."

"Well, I didn't want..." Veledar started, but Arcturus silenced him by placing his hand over his snout. The dragon's eyes glared at him in irritation.

"Well, we had our plans unravel, for one of our comrades was captured before it could continue , she was spirited away beyond our reach." Arcturus replied.

"One moment, I nearly forgot." Shandalar raised a hand, crafting a rune upon the air. With a hiss of her spell, the trio was engulfed in a sphere of blue light, pulsating in the air for a few heartbeats. "There we are you might have had magical listening spells placed upon you."

Arcturus pats himself down, not feeling any different.

"Well?" Veledar huffed in annoyance. "Are you satisfied?"

For a moment, she said nothing, her gaze lingering upon Natassa before whirling around and gesturing for them to follow once more. "Things are not exactly to my liking, but they will suffice for now. Come, I expect this missing friend of yours to be one Lynalla Kuxion, better known to you as Lyndis?"

“How'd you know that?" Natassa chirped in surprise.

“I'm well informed."

Veledar grumbled, "Her name isn't even Lyndis? Just when I think the deception with her is over."

“It wasn't a deception dragon. She stopped calling herself Lynalla when she fled her country, on account of her parents setting her up to wed a Siigonis against her liking. You'll note she didn't change her name entirely, a tiny spark of defiance, fascinating when you think about it."

The gryphon's unease temporarily abated, allowing them to proceed as the mage guided them deeper into the concealed labyrinth. The series of caverns delved further into the earth, illuminated by mystical lanterns, their glow casting sporadic shadows. The expansive network seemed to stretch for miles, winding intricately like a maze, with no discernible signs of previous travelers.

As they advanced, the air took on an earthy scent, carrying hints of ancient stone and minerals. The taste of the air eventually turned slightly metallic, like the lingering residue of spell reagents permeated the underground passages. With each step, the atmosphere thickened, growing hotter and drier, reminiscent of Arcturus's experiences in Rothdell's deserts, where the very sand stung his flesh.

The walls of the cavern were adorned with an eclectic array of potions, scrolls, and various magical curiosities. As Shandalar led them into a spacious chamber, the sight resembled less of a traditional wizard's study and more of a makeshift refuge. Packs containing reagents were neatly arranged, giving the impression of a resourceful camp rather than a scholarly enclave.

Despite the unconventional setting, there was a touch of wizard-like order amid the chaos. Floating orbs emitted a gentle glow, casting soft illumination across the room and highlighting intricate tapestries that depicted scenes of landscapes. An assortment of enchanted crystals hung from the ceiling, refracting light in mesmerizing patterns. In one corner, an ornate desk held an open grimoire, surrounded by quills, ink bottles, and neatly stacked parchment. A comfortable reading nook featured plush cushions adorned with intricate sigils. The center of the cavern housed a magical fire, its flames dancing in hues of blue and violet. Suspended by a floating rod, a pot of tea emitted a welcoming aroma, it bore the enchanting notes of chamomile and lavender, with subtle undertones of bergamot and a hint of mint.

"I was just going to have my morning tea; it helps focus the mind for meditation." Shandalar remarked matter-of-factly as she gracefully padded her way over. With a deft twist of her hand, she seemingly pulled a chair made of stone from the very earth. "Ah, yes, where are my manners?" In a fluid motion, she replicated the gesture three more times, conjuring specially crafted surfaces for each of them.

"Some grand mages." Veledar snorted, lounging on the stone slab. "No elaborate tower, no cat familiar. Rothdell mages supposed to be more... grandiose?"

Shandalar knelt before the fire on a rug of green and brown, her reply tinged with a hint of smugness. "You can't bring such famous guests to my tower in the city. Crimson Sky, a dragon of your prestige, can see the problem. Especially the eyes upon us. You would not be able to take your true form."

“R-right." He wrinkled his snout, clearly hating that she had made a point.

“This place serves my purpose and that is enough."

“You could hide a lot in here." Natassa whistled, eying the various tunnels that branched off from this section, “Would you be willing to share the map of this place? Would make some- “

“I won't be helping you in your capers gryphon, save your squawking."

Natassa raised an eyebrow, a sly grin playing on her beak. "Well, aren't you just a ray of sunshine. I was thinking more along the lines of avoiding trouble, not getting into it. But, if you want to keep your secrets, who am I to argue?"

“How far do they go?" Arcturus asked, a pit writhing in his gut. These tunnels had also been here under his nose.

"They extend beyond the city limits, reaching strategic points for observation and information gathering. Their reach aligns with the requirements of my duties." Shandalar replied, maintaining her composed demeanor. Without a change in tone she rummaged through her pack, pulling out four cups and summoning a table like she did with the chairs.

“I think you're going to need bigger cups than that." Replied Veledar with a snort, tapping the stone.

“They will do us well, you'll see dragon."

Arcturus shook his head, his head spinning over the network below his feet, able to funnel in who knows what for these years without his notice. Just when he thought he knew Entis, everything seemed determined to change. “How many are you exactly." Arcturus rose a brow, “And may I ask what a Rothdellian is doing here?"

"We are not a legion, but our numbers are sufficient for the tasks at hand. As for my presence here, it aligns with the interests and goals of the high council of mages in Zarcana. I serve as a spy, tasked with gathering information and ensuring the safety of Rothdell."

“Just coming out and saying it." Veledar chortled, “I think you don't know the meaning of subtly."

"Hiding the truth serves no purpose. Transparency is the foundation for trust."

"Marvelous, another adept in thievery." Veledar remarked, rolling his eyes and thumping his tail. "I'd appreciate, just once, not filling my ranks with pilferers."

Arcturus exhaled deeply as the mage poured, the rich fragrance of the tea teasing at his senses. The mist curled gently upon the air, wrapping them in a warm and inviting embrace. "So, no need for a detailed explanation about Lyndis; that's good. We can skip the whole recounting of events."

"I, however, have a question." Shandalar performed a gesture, enlarging the cups and tea to better match her larger guests' sizes. "Why did you need my help? Did you not have that dwarven ranger friend of yours and the blue gryphon?"

"Ah, so that's what you were going to do." The dragon's snout wrinkled as she pushed the now bucket-sized tea and cup toward him. As his gaze met the wizard's, he growled, "How did you know of Merlia?"

"As I said before, dragon, I am well-informed." Shandalar replied, sipping at her tea. "I heard it mentioned from Garroth, how the dwarf had struck him square in the knee. The man was worried about his future career in adventuring after that one, terribly afraid he would be turned into a guard."

With no shying away, Arcturus explained the predicament, how Lyndis' location was being concealed by magical means.

"Otherwise, we wouldn't be here." Veledar lifted his head, a low growl in his voice. "I meant what I said about no side quests." He averted his gaze with a huff. "But I need the return of my princess to me for my quest. Now, I'll have you know this isn't us groveling at your feet!"

Shandalar remarked with a calm demeanor, "It's rare to witness a dragon seeking aid rather than facing demise. Such actions challenge the common perception of their independence."

Veledar blinked, clearly taken aback by Shandalar's measured response, "In this instance, you've hit the mark."

"So, can you aid us in locating her?" Arcturus inquired before Veledar could cast a shadow over the promising moment. "We know it involves the guards, but the exact location remains elusive."

"There have been whispers." she began, crossing her hands in contemplation. "If it were an ordinary abduction, the information would be readily available. The talk of capturing a princess would echo far and wide. The unsettling silence, however, suggests a different narrative—an involvement of someone influential within Lumara."

"And what do they want with her?" Natassa clacked her beak inquisitively. "Ransom her off back home?"

"Hardly, especially if I've heard so little."

“But will you help us." Veledar asked, rolling a paw to his chest, “It would mean a great deal to me, much as I am loath to admit as such."

Arcturus elbowed him in the side.

“I said it was a great deal to me." He hissed.

“I know that he turned you down the other day, but we are now desperate."

“Arcturus." Veledar hissed, “You don't go telling them that. I thought you were good at negotiating!"

“There is no sense in hiding it." He grimaced, “Lyndis' life is in danger, and we need to get her back."

“More than you know." Shandalar replied.

“Even if it means we need to take the help of an enemy- “

“An enemy that wishes to see an end to the bloodshed, Arcturus." she continued, her tone carrying a hint of frustration. "For too long, I've watched both our people hurl ourselves at one another, seen the fields of bodies left to time. There is no sense to it anymore, a cycle of hatred and violence that continues without end. I am here because I have heard whispers of a great weapon, something that Lumara will wield against its enemies to bring a brutal end to this war, with destruction and death that have never been seen before."

Hair stood on the back of Arcturus's neck as Shandalar spoke. Was this related to what they had seen below the fort? Did it have something to do with why Veledar was marked for death on that airship many months ago? "Before, I might have called you mad, insisted that we could not do such a thing, but as of late, I don't know." Arcturus said, taking a sip of his tea. "It is good to hear that worry bridges borders. Often, we were led to believe your kinsmen were uncaring monsters."

"You would not be wrong to describe it as such. For centuries, Rothdell's magisters enslaved people with little magical aptitude. Those with magical abilities were bound and turned into living weapons, wielded by the upper class. The ghosts of their actions still haunt my people to this day, wishing them to be burned off the very face of this world."

“So will you help us?" Veledar growled, “I don't care about your history."

“History shapes us all dragon." She replied calmly, “I imagine even some dragon helped inspire your actions to this day. Why you go to such insanity to retrieve something as simple as a book." The mage adjusted herself, turning to Arcturus, “I will assist you in finding Lyndis. However, be warned that my involvement does not make this a simple venture. Lumara's secrets are well-guarded and unraveling them requires finesse and discretion. I will of course expect your assistance going forward."

“Now listen here, - “

“We'll do whatever you want, long as Lyndis is safe." Natassa interrupted with a squawk.

The mage snapped to the gryphon, her eyes narrowed, “I would only wish the help of their group. You're only here with them because your friend is missing, you could care less about the bloodshed, you'd see it as an opportunity."

"Fair enough." Natassa replied, her beak clicking against the rim of the teacup. "I've got my own skies to explore, and I don't plan on being tethered to the ground for too long. After we rescue Lyndis, you won't be seeing much of me."

"Very well." Veledar huffed, "I suppose you'd only manage to muddle my brilliant and flawless strategy, anyway."

Even if she was being cordial and calm, elves were hard to read at the best of time. Arcturus stayed silent, thinking it over, wondering if she was trying to manipulate him. These were people that had blown fellow soldiers away by the dozens, turned people's insides out and left them to scream in agony. Horrors of those days still could lap at his thoughts if he let them, where only thoughts to Selina, Skywing and his son had kept him through. But he buried that and thought to Lyndis, she needed them now, it didn't matter. "I won't be party to harming my people in your schemes." Arcturus declared sternly, narrowing his gaze. "Understand this – if you endanger them, I will not hesitate to end you where you stand."

"In that, at least, you show some wisdom." Shandalar retorted, her tone holding a touch of dry amusement.

She unfurled a detailed map of the castle of Entis, she presented it with a flourish before laying it down upon the table. The map contained extensive information on the library archives, filled with tomes and scrolls spanning centuries. Additionally, it highlighted the heavily guarded armory, stocked with an array of weapons and enchanted armor. Finally, it revealed the secret passages that wove through the castle's foundations, allowing for covert movement and evasion of guards. Each section was intricately labeled and marked, a testament to the spy wizard's thorough reconnaissance.

“Mind if I borrow this for a spell?" Natassa placed her hand on the edge, only for the mage to swat it away.

"We shall not be using this for your thieving endeavors."

"Alright, alright, no need to get your robes in a bunch. I was just thinking of adding a little flair to the plan, but I can play by your rules... for now."

Shandalar tapped the map, “While your friends here wish to break into the vault for their scroll and the location of the dragon's book, I have another destination in mind." She gestured to a large rectangular facility on the page, deep beneath the castle and lacking the detail of all the other rooms. “This laboratory belongs to one of the most elusive mages in all Lumara. Unlike, say, your dearest Olas MysticFeather in Whitedell, this man, Nigel as he is called, has little information on him. All that I have been able to gleam is that he is an elderly elf with a past shrouded in mystery. Any who seems to get close to him vanish under questionable circumstances or have accidents. It was said that he came to the king over a century ago, bearing gifts and promising defeat of my kingdom."

Veledar drummed his claws against the stone, his eyes narrowing in contemplation. "Nigel, eh?" he mused. "Not exactly the most imposing name for a wizard. I'd expect something grander, like Eldrathor the Arcane, or perhaps Malachar the Malevolent. Nigel sounds like the name of a librarian, not a formidable mage."

Shandalar maintained her composed demeanor. "Appearances, as well as names, can be deceiving. Mark my words, where this man goes, darkness has always followed. It is recorded that he brought the discovery of your mana stones and trifled with the likes of the Emerald Lady."

At mention of the dragoness' name, Arcturus' hairs stood on edge. That emerald dragoness had been the most controlling beast he'd ever known, wielding the power of foresight that would cause anyone to blush. If she was involved with this Nigel, it would not bear well for anyone involved. Still, that name dwelled on the tongue, he'd heard it before. The paladin snapped his fingers, “I remember that name from my youth. He came to my father with advice and stories, sometimes dragging him away on quests."

There was a moment of reservation as all eyes fell upon the man, Veledar was the one to break the silence with a huff.

“Yet again, the Emerald Lady comes to meddle with our affairs. I swear, at times it seems her paws are dipped into everything we touch."

“You have met the Emerald Lady?" Shandalar's eyes widened as the dragon averted his gaze with an amused huff.

"Indeed." Veledar declared with a low, rumbling growl, his eyes gleaming “With sword, magic and fire, we battered her schemes into disarray. She met us with a clash of will and might, but we were joined by her children to deny her demands. By the end out of encounter, I believe we made our point." He huffed, rather pleased with himself, “Though if I never see her again, it will be well."

Shandalar arched an eyebrow, her gaze fixed on Arcturus. "And you corroborate his account?" She paused, the weight of her words hanging in the air. "Many who cross paths with this dragon oracle seldom live to share their tale, unless they unknowingly become pawns in her intricate schemes."

Arcturus spoke, his tone carrying a somber note. "For the most part, although I doubt the true extent of our victory. Our encounters with her inadvertently played into her paws, unraveling the secrets hidden within my kingdom. As to her current desires, I can only speculate, but one thing is certain—she continues to watch, her motives obscured in the shadows."

The dragon rose his head with a growl, looking off as if to the forest of despair. “I hope if you were watching Emerald Lady, that you enjoyed the show!"

“No need to shout dragon, I'm right here!" Natassa squawked, clacking her beak.

The paladin blushed as he held out his cup for another serving of tea.

"One can hypothesize that our plans are not in conflict with hers." Shandalar remarked, lifting the tea kettle. "At least for now."

Veledar shifted, lowering his snout, eyes fixated on the paladin, “Though I'm curious why you failed to mention a mysterious figure in your past until this moment."

“If I knew he was mysterious I would have said." Arcturus shrugged, recalling the kind face of the elder elf, his boney form wrapped in baby blue robes, “He always came off kind, caring, a thoughtful soul."

“It's always them, isn't it?" Natassa ran her beak through her feathers, starting to preen them, “A mask to hide the true face below it."

“I don't expect many know of his origins." Shandalar continued, tapping the map. “Except a special few in the royal family and their circle. Thanks to him, any headway my people ever made against your kingdom was dulled, if it is whom I think it is…the weapon I seek could be worse than I could possibly imagine."

“And whom do you think it is miss villain? Someone to rival your villainy?" Veledar mused, rolling a paw.

“I am not a villain. By your standards I am a hero, for trying to stop a calamity this creature will invoke on both our kind."

“That remains to be seen, you're currently scheming a break in."

Arcturus felt a nauseating twist in his gut, his insides churning with a mixture of unease and apprehension. As he bit down on his lip, another layer of Lumara's dark secrets was peeled away, revealing the corrupt heart upon which his kingdom had been built. The question lingered, its tendrils reaching deep into his mind: How far did this malevolent heart spread its influence?

The mere existence of a hidden laboratory sent shivers down his spine, a foreboding sense of dread settling in the pit of his stomach. Placed uncomfortably close to the dungeons, he couldn't help but imagine the shadows of unspeakable experiments and nefarious research. There, amid the darkness, he envisioned a multitude of subjects, the unfortunate souls handpicked to serve as vessels for whatever sinister machinations Nigel pursued.

Arcturus, his brow furrowed in concern, voiced his troubled thoughts, "If your revelations hold truth, the situation is graver than my wildest fears. However, I shall withhold my judgment until I can witness these dark secrets with my own eyes."

"As one should." Shandalar replied, her tone calm and measured. "After all, I could be orchestrating a manipulation of your perception."

“And who do you suspect this Nigel is, why does he hate your kingdom so?"

Shandalar paused, a momentary uncertainty flickering across her typically composed demeanor. She carefully placed her cup down, taking a deep breath before addressing them, "For the time being, my knowledge is built on suspicions and the murmurs of mages from ages past. I hope fervently that I am mistaken, for if my fears are well-founded, he would be a Lich—a being of formidable power and malevolence."

"A lich?" Arcturus mouthed the unfamiliar word, his brow furrowed in confusion. "Isn't that an undead creature? I thought those were legends."

"Oh, they are legends." Veledar growled, punctuating the statement by rolling a paw across his chest. "I have read many ancient tales and stories, of mages obsessed with life's finite span. They delved into dark magic, using the souls of the innocent to extend their lives."

"The dragon speaks the truth." Shandalar confirmed. "Which is why I hope my suspicions are unfounded. If it is that ancient wizard dwelling within Lumara, he might be merely using this opportunity to satisfy his vengeance upon my people."

"Why would he want vengeance on them?" Veledar tilted his head. "Would they deserve it?"

Her response was delivered with calm precision, "What he wishes to destroy is no longer alive. All that remains of those who originally wronged him are ghosts and whispers. Though that is his curse if it is him, frozen in that moment that created him, unable to relinquish his hate. In some ways, he is no longer himself, just a fragment of his original soul."

The Emerald Lady, rumors of a great weapon and now a lich. Arcturus shook his head, unable to figure how this could get any worse. “Then lets focus on Lyndis for now, dark weapons, ancient liches and haunting secrets can wait for now."

Shandalar nodded, “Of that I agree. I have found non elves find it rather difficult to focus on multiple tasks."

“But do answer me this." Arcturus met her gaze, “If you do find this weapon you seek, what do you plan to do with it? Giving it to your council won't stop this war, I imagine they would seek to use it."

“Logically, that might be the case. I however hope to put it to an end before it can be used by either side." She tapped the laboratory, “I believe this mage's plans for it are in there, along with Crimson Sky's book."

At mention of his brother's book, Veledar perked up with a rumble, “Why did you not start with that wizard?"

“I suppose I could have started with a plea to your goals- “

Natassa pinned her ears after all this talk, a cloud of tribulation hanging over her head. The gryphoness gave a nervous laugh, “Dark magic, super weapons, death like we've never seen? Looks like I dodged the arrow on this one after we're through." She pats the dragon and knight on the back with her wings, “Good luck with the quest boys."

Arcturus swallowed hard the lump in his throat, beating down the whisper in his mind that told that this sun-elf was leading him on. He sighed, “We have no other choice, our objectives align themselves. We will help you uncover whatever this laboratory is, though I pray with you that it's not as dark as you fear."

“Your wisdom is appreciated paladin." Shandalar replied, “Now regarding Lyndis, I've narrowed it down to two groups that might bear responsibility. Don't worry, I imagine with my expertise, we shall be locating her within the next day. After that, the castle, the laboratory, and your book, await."