Sitting at the desk was a timid looking woman. Her small frame and elderly face seemed almost childlike behind such a large desk. Her silver hair was long and braided as it draped across her shoulder to hang down in front of her.
The robe she wore was elegant but plain, showing no signs of having ever been dirty or even washed. It was as pure white as new snow, with gold embroidery around the collar and wrists.
The old woman smiled as Rone, and the elven girl approached, then leaned forward at her desk as if waiting to greet them. When they came to a stop in front of the desk, she smiled and motioned for Rone to take a seat in one of the chairs across from her.
“You may go, Trisha, I will take it from here.” The woman said, smiling at the elven girl. Rone realized that was the first time he had heard the girl's name. He nodded to her then made a slight motion with his hand as if to shew her away. She was going to protest, but the old lady stopped her.
“I said you may go.” She said with a smile, but her tone was a commanding one. Trisha shot another angry look at Rone, then whirled around and headed back towards the door.
When she had exited the room, Rone turned back towards the lady at the desk.
“She’s a fiery one, isn’t she?” he asked, trying to sound complimentary.
“She's a good lass, just a little too eager for her own good.” The old lady replied frankly.
“So, what brings you here, Rone?” The woman asked with a somewhat mischievous smile crossing her lips. She knew she caught him off guard by using his full name.
“You know me, mam?” He asked curiously.
“My name is Casandra, and I know of you, yes.” The foolhardy ranger who dared sleep with a disciple's niece. We still get a chuckle over that story,” She said, laughing a little to herself.
“Uhm, yeah, I guess you would.” He said, trying not to sound offended.
“So, let's get to the brass of this, shall we?” She said as a look of seriousness came across her.
“I need your help Mam, the leader of my order is dying, and so is the forest of Agnar.” Before he could finish explaining, she interrupted him.
“Maximillian is dying?” She asked with a look of both surprise and sadness showing in her eyes.
“Yes, Mam, he was poisoned by an unknown attacker, poisoned with Chimera venom.” Casandra leaned back in her chair, her look of worry now turning into one of grief. Rone was sure he could also see the moistening of tears starting to show as well. She crossed her hands in her lap and looked down as she steadied herself, then met Rone's gaze once more.
“And how is it you think I can help?” She asked quietly.
“Well, Max told me of an ancient artifact that could possibly save not only him but our home as well. He told me of a ruby called the Dragon’s Heart. Said it could be used as a catalyst for a purification spell that would cure the poison.”
Deep concern crossed her face as she leaned forward again.
“Did he now?” she asked almost in a hushed tone.
“What else did he tell you about this ruby? And who have you spoken with about it?” Her voice was almost a whisper now, but the urgency in it unsettled Rone.
“He didn't tell me much more than that, and I have told no one.” Which wasn’t entirely true, he had told Traijen but felt it best to leave that out of his story.
“So, you know nothing of the Hearts history? Or what it was created for?” She asked, sounding more and more like Rone had done something wrong.
“No, Mam, nothing,” he replied, almost embarrassed.
The old woman stood and headed for the door, Rone not knowing what was happening stood to join her.
“Sit down young man, I will be back in a moment.” Her words left no room for argument as she hurried out the door, leaving Rone there alone.
In the silence of the massive library, Rone began to regret coming here. He may not like the Moon Elves, but they at least wouldn’t turn his legs to stone unprovoked. He sat and waited for what seemed like forever before the door again opened and in walked the old lady. Followed closely by the Arch-Mage himself.
Rone felt his throat get dry, and he readied himself for the fight he thought was coming. He didn’t want trouble, but he wasn’t going to be punished for trying to help Max either. He stood up and bowed slightly in greeting to the Arch-mage then stepped to the side, offering his chair. They ignored him and moved to the other side of the desk, taking seats there instead.
“Sit down and listen,” Casandra said as she motioned towards Rone's seat.
“The Dragon’s Heart is not just some ancient gem. There's a reason it was shall we say misplaced.
That gem holds power to command the SkyFae. In the wrong hands, it could bring entire cities to ruin in hours.”
Rone sat back in his chair, surprise taking hold of him.
“It controls dragons?” He asked, wondering why Max did not tell him about this.
“It can, in the hands of one powerful enough to use it.” The Arch-mage replied.
“That is why its whereabouts were allowed to be forgotten. Such an artifact is best left unfound. There has been peace with the dragons for centuries. If that gem were to fall into the wrong hands, it could put an end to that peace.”
The worry now sprang up inside Rone. If they think its too dangerous, they might not help him to locate it, even if they know where it is.
“I mean no disrespect, Arch-mage, but I have to find that gem. I could care less about controlling dragons, my only concern is saving my friend and my home.”
“It’s not the Thorn Callers that concern us. It’s what would happen if word spread the heart had been found. Every dark mage or king with the desire to conquer would go to great lengths to get their hands on it.
“I can take care of myself,” Rone growled in response. The very thought they would allow Max to die over some possible threat angered him.
“Did you know only a HoloFae can wield the Heart? Did your mentor tell you that? It was created by one much like yourself. A half-blood, whose thirst for power had no limits. You may be a Thorn Caller, but you still have DokalFae blood in your veins. That alone is enough for us to deny your request for aid.”
Rone was livid now, it was bad enough they would let Max die, but to base, their refusal on his mixed blood was an outright disgrace. He rose from his chair and stared coldly at the Arch-mage.
“I may be a half-blood, but know this. I am nothing like the DokalFae, nor do I care anything about power. I care about Max and my home. I will find this gem, with or without your help. And may the forest have mercy on anyone who tries to stop me.
Max took me in when no one else wanted me. He gave me a home, a family, and a direction in life. So either help me save him, or tell me you're not going to, so I may be on my way.” Rone knew it was getting dangerous by the look the Arch-mage now gave him. His anger at Rone's defiance, clearly showing in the wrinkles of his forehead.
Still, Rone matched his gaze, determined not to be intimidated.
“Both of you sit down and be quiet!” Casandra shouted, slamming her hand down onto the desk. The two men, both surprised by her outburst, stared at her a moment then sat down.
“Thorn Caller, what you ask for is no simple thing. Not only does it defy common sense, but the task of finding that gem could very well mean your death.
Thaddeus, last I checked, I was still the Arch-historian. You may lead the initiates and other mages in this tower, but I decide what histories will be shared and with whom.