Embers in the Dust

“But wait… Why is this important?” Mr. Muffins asked.

Humboldt looked around Scorched Ale as drakewardens walked around, jotting down in their notebooks as they took in what had happened. Carefully, he pulled a leathered book from his inner vest pocket, a book that was much too big to have been in there unless magically made to, and placed it in front of everyone on the table. Slowly, he opened the book, gesturing to the name on the first page. It was one they had seen before: Vecna.

“How did you get this?” Leaf questioned.

“When I went into the Esterhold Peaks to investigate the reason for the sapphire dragon attacking Moonbright, we found its old lair. Most everything had been taken out or moved, but there were hidden tunnels deeper in, which led me to this. Many of those who came with me died, due to the various traps that surrounded it, but I managed to make it out.”

Humboldt lifted his slinged arm slightly, then spoke again.

“The pain the traps caused were severe. I’m surprised to have made it out at all.”

“I’m glad to know you’re okay, friend.” Mr. Muffins stated while giving a slight pat on Humboldt’s other shoulder.

Leaf reached into his bag and produced an identical book. Placing it on the table as well, he looked up to Humboldt.

“From what I know, and the little we’ve found out so far, it seems that there are five of these. We found this one North of Aramore. We just returned from there recently.”

Humboldt’s eyes widened at the sight of the second tome. Mr. Muffins couldn’t tell if he was afraid of it, or in awe that they existed. With how interested in archaeology Humboldt was, he assumed the latter.

“I sent word to Queen Sylona, letting her know that I have found this book. She has instructed that it be taken to the vault underneath the castle. I would advise you to do the same with this one.”

“Would it be safer together, though?” Sam jumped in as she and Rhokhishi sat down at the table with another round of drinks from behind the bar.

“And who are you?” Humboldt asked.

“Sam. I’m one of the Drakewardens here in Berkton.”

“Ah… I imagine you’ve heard of me, but I must apologize for not knowing everyone in the guard.”

“Yes. You were one of the Drakewardens a decade or so ago, but something happened to your drake? No one really talks about what happened.”

“It’s because it was a terrible day. We were investigating a sighting of creatures in the Pluxver Wastes. We were attacked, and not many of us made it out alive.”

“Wait! You were a Drakewarden, Humboldt?” Myla asked, a look of shock on her face with the new discovery.

“It was a time in my life, yes. Once I lost my poor friend, I couldn’t bear it to raise another drake. I left and went to Westford, where I worked closely with Mr. Muffins in his studies for a year or two. Then, we both departed, where Mr. Muffins went to the carnival, and I went to work for the Queen.”

Mr. Muffins knew the story well, but didn’t mention the differences in this new telling. It was true that Humboldt was part of the Drakewardens, but he had found him wandering in the Gray Forest without his memories and covered in blood. Mr. Muffins was the one who brought him to Westford, and the healers were able to bring back his old life, but when he left Westford, Humboldt decided to leave as well, not wanting to know more of his past. Curious to what had fully happened, especially the parts Humboldt didn’t want to speak of, he decided it best to not pry into his friend’s past, as that was not who he was before.

“I don’t think it’s a good idea to have them together. Not right now, at least.” Leaf stated, pulling the tome back towards him.

“If that is your wish, I will not put it in my report to the Queen. I do ask that you keep it safely guarded, and try your best not to let others onto its existence.”

“That’s the issue, friend,” Mr. Muffins added. “They seem to already know. Someone paid the Ravenglades to find it, and the eladrin ended up possessed by something that knew of it as well.”

“Then, maybe you could take it to one of the Deans?” Humboldt suggested.

“That’s where it gets tricky.” Leaf stated. “I’m not stating it as fact, as we aren’t positive yet, but the magic that was casted on the eladrin was necrotic in nature.”

“And Kirdoth is a dragon that uses necrosis… That is perplexing.” Humboldt stated.

“Look, if Leaf wants to keep the book, I say he keeps it. He’s shown himself to be responsible, and he’s got us to watch over him and it.” Mr. Muffins added with finality.

Looking over at the group, he saw the rest of them nodding in agreement. Leaf looked at him, a slight smile on his face, as he saw the changing respect Muffins had grown to give him.

“Well, let’s put these away.” Lyla added, pushing the books to their owners.

As the books were placed in their magical bag or pocket, the tabaxi Drakewarden made his way over to the group. Giving a slight nod to Sam, he stood on the opposite of his comrade at the table.

“There’s a lot of information here from you all, and I think it would be best for y’all to get some rest. Please don’t leave town without us knowing, in case we have more questions.”

“Of course, Arc. Can I ask that the eladrin’s body be sent to Onisa at Berkton Academy?”

“Umm… Why?”

“I think she might have the best answer for what happened to it. I’ll see her in the morning, and we could possibly learn more about the situation.”

“If you say so. I’ll take it up with my superiors and see what they say. Where are y’all stayin’? I’ll send a letter once I know anything.”

“Back to Lyrical Lute.” Leaf answered.

Sam shook her head, clearly not happy with that answer.

“But, sir-”

“No. I will not be threatened, then made to hide. If people want to find me, I want them to know where I am. You’re my bodyguard. Do your job, and we will make sure that it won’t happen again.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Anyways,” Leaf said as he pushed his seat back and stood. “Let’s go.”

Mr. Muffins knew Leaf’s cockiness was coming from a place of frustration and false courage, but he was happy to see him take the reins and move the group to their next destination without it being such a fight. Out of the tavern, he stopped next to Humboldt.

“You need to get that looked at.” He said, gesturing to Humboldt’s arm.

“I will. It’s already been looked at, and they told me rest was needed.”

“It looks worse than that. It’s withered…”

“I’ll make a stop tomorrow at the Duodenary. I hear their healers are quite good.”

“Good.”

“And for the day after?”

“I walked around a little yesterday,” Mr. Muffins answered. “There’s a few restaurants I’d like to check while here. Let’s get lunch at midday. We can fill each other in on what’s happened since we talked.”

“Good evening, Mr. Muffins.”

“Good night, Humboldt.”