Embers in the Dust

The morning and afternoon had kept Humboldt busy, but he felt confident in his actions and words. First, taking a stop at the Duodenary to take a look at his arm, he was met with one of the twins and Rhokhishi. Taking a moment to recognize their partnership silently, he waved them away, as his plans took him out of the church and into a busier portion of the district that early in the day.

Here, at a small restaurant, he met with Barthemus. It was clear to him that it would do no good to bring up the books again, and even though he had no reason to be cautious or suspicious of him, he decided to be vague in his explanations of things. Mr. Muffins was calm as ever, telling about new projects he worked on with some of the students at the academy.

It wasn’t until the evening came that he was able to get to his important tasks. Walking through the university, he met with Cerrin. He had changed slightly since their last talk the other day. He was skinnier, his closed looser and unclean. Even his white hair fell in a way that made it look as if it had not been groomed in a few days.

“I’m not one to tell others how they should be, especially when it comes to attire, but you can do better than this, Cerrin.”

“I haven’t slept in days, Humboldt. Kirdoth is getting worse. The antidotes haven’t been useful enough.”

“It must be challenging to watch the reason for your arcane power dying. If the dragon dies, what happens to you?”

Cerrin’s leg shook, small steps with his heel knocking against a rock below him, causing a tapping sound as his anxiety rose. Humboldt could see that he was terrified of the idea. He decided to lean into his fears.

“I doubt they have such things written down. There is likely no protocol at all for the death of one of the ancient dragons. You could end up back on a farm, making only a few gold coins per day. That is why it is important that I meet with them.”

“I already told you. The Isle of the Voided Ones is guarded beyond anything else. The other dragons would know you’re there. They would tell the Deans…”

“Then you need to figure it out, Cerrin. Find me a way to reach Kirdoth, and I’ll do what I can to save them. You already failed with retrieving the book, and that’s going to make this more difficult.”

“Don’t blame me. Someone possessed the eladrin.”

“Still no clue as to who that was, I take it?”

“No.”

“You have a lot of questions, and not a lot of answers today. It seems the Dean is already losing his touch.”

Cerrin turned his head quickly, causing a snapping sound in his shoulder as it popped. His eyes filled with anger, then changed to panic. Humboldt knew that he had no other choices. Cerrin could receive his help, or have to admit what he had been doing.

“I’ll be in Berkton for a little longer. A few weeks. After that, I have other matters to attend to. Find a way for me to make it to the isles, and I’ll see what I can do. If not, well…”

Humboldt stood and looked around. Carefully adjusting the sling on his arm, he walked off without another word.