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Pale-faced, Eamerson said, “We figured out why Kargassa sent you after Jori instead of invading the island.”
“He needed a proxy, in case the legend was true,” Odson pointed at one of the mythology books.
Marli dropped onto the nearest chair. “The legend of the keys that safeguard the greatest dragon hoard known to dragonkind.”
Kymri moved forward, hands extended. Across her shaking palms lay a gold seal etched with the same spiral background as the lock mechanism, but with two entwined figures instead of the single dragon head. A dragon encircling an androgynous human.
“I’ve seen that before,” Marli glanced up at Kymri’s strained face.
She nodded. “It’s part of the central image of every Aeleftherian emblem on the island. We’ve been surrounded by it our whole lives, and I’ve never really paid any attention to it.”
“They’re depicted in the mythology books.” Marli said.
“I’ve never read one,” Sten said.
Marli explained, “The central emblem has three circles—or spirals—linked together. One has that image of the human and dragon. Another has a human engulfed in a flame, while the third has a dragon engulfed in a flame. I thought they were just cautionary tales.”
“Of what? This key that you’re talking about wipes us all out in a blaze of fire?” Sten asked, incredulous.
“Not exactly,” Odson said.
“Yes, exactly that, for some of us,” Jori said.
Odson leveled his gaze on his nephew. “That’s not going to happen, because you’re not going to attack the queen.”
A nervous laugh escaped Jori. “Dude, she’s bigger than me. She could fuck me up really bad.”
Odson rolled his eyes.
Never having seen him do that before, Marli laughed, expelling some of the tension infusing her muscles.
“It’s not funny, Marli,” Kymri snapped.
“Yes, Kym, it is. Come on. Odson is right, we all know Jori has worked his ass off in these last months to ensure a peaceful friendship with Aeleftheria. And as lovely as you are, Jori, we also know that while you can fly, landing is practically impossible and you, therefore, will not be heading an invasion that would somehow result in you blowing yourself up. So let’s back up here.”
“I can land.” He scowled. “Now.”
“Since when?” Marli planted her hands on her hips.
“Kolina Steelscale taught him how, while we were away,” Odson said.
“Huh, well that’s great news,” Marli gave Jori’s shoulder a playful shove.
“Thanks,” He smiled at that and seemed to relax several degrees, which eased the tension in the room for everyone else.
“Odson’s been through the mythologies and he’s spoken to his contact about the Consortium,” Elora said. “Kargassa’s notes are extensive, regarding them. They wanted to partner up to get the key that Queen Regina guards. The Consortium have the third key.”
“That’s where the myths seem to differ. One recounting says the three keys together open the greatest treasure known to dragonkind. One says they form a weapon, while another one says they open a gate of some kind. Kargassa’s notes state that the keys were spelled, after the Great Divide, by a powerful being. This powerful being pops up in a few places at different times.”
Jori continued, “This being spelled the keys so that each of the keepers could not kill each other to take the other’s keys. They could only access and open the vault in friendship. Kargassa theorized that since I’m of his blood and by naming me heir to his throne that the key could make me accountable on his behalf. He really was going to use me as a weapon against Regina, and if the key triggered, then it would blow me up in his stead, hopefully taking out most of Aeleftheria, and her queen, along with me.”
“Then he would just collect both keys in the aftermath and take control of the island and its treasure.” Sten finished.
“And the Consortium?” Marli asked.
“Kargassa wouldn’t leave that alone. He’d go after them too.” Elora said.
“What about the imposter?”
