CHAPTER TWO: A MAN YOU DON'T MEET EVERY DAY

It was the middle of the afternoon by the time Jessica made it to Vane. Although the city was obviously years away from complete restoration, she was impressed by how much progress had already been made in only eight months. The Guild Manor and Library, student dormitories, and quite a few houses were mostly complete. Most of the city was still under construction, however, and was cluttered with workers and architects working on the living quarters and shops. In the meantime, most of the people were still living in tents, and merchants had set up vending booths while waiting for permanent stores to be built. The sounds of construction could be heard throughout the city, and above it all, the shrill shouting of a female engineer whose knowledge of profanity could put Kyle's to shame. Jessica could only imagine how some of the stuff-shirts of Vane were reacting to language like that, especially from a woman.

As she walked through the city, many people greeted her warmly, not only recognizing her as one of the Five Heroes, but also remembering her efforts in raising funds for Vane's reconstruction. She smiled awkwardly, embarrassed by their praise. She believed in helping others for its own sake, not for the attention.

When Jessica reached the Magic Guild, a young sentry's jaw dropped noticeably as she approached, as if he'd never seen a woman before, and he clumsily saluted her. "Lady Jessica! Welcome back to Vane! I am…uh, that is…we are so honored by your presence in our fair city! Have you come to…uh…speak with the Guildmistress?"

Jessica rolled her eyes as she noticed where his eyes had wandered to. Well, I sure as hell didn't drag myself all the way here to watch you drool over me. "If she's not too busy," she said calmly.

"Mia Ausa is always busy these days, but surely she would wish to see such an…illustrious visitor as yourself! Would you follow me, please?"

Jessica couldn't resist giving the sentry a charming smile as she stepped into the Manor. Who says you can't get good help these days?

The sentry escorted Jessica to a small, comfortably furnished waiting room, and gave another clumsy salute. "There you go. Just wait right here, and I'll let Lady Mia know you're here. Is there anything I can do to…uh…I mean…do for you?"

Yeah, but I haven't got the heart to tell you to your face. "I'm fine, thanks. Just let Mia know I'm here."

The guard bowed and marched down the hallway. After a few minutes of waiting, a frazzled looking Mia walked in. Her pink robes were rumpled, her hair was slightly matted, and her eyes were slightly bloodshot, as though she hadn't been sleeping well for some time. Seeing Jessica seemed to perk her up a bit, and she smiled warmly. "Hi, Jessica. Sorry I kept you waiting. I had a meeting with two of the new teachers about their course schedules."

"No problem. I hope I didn't interrupt anything important."

Mia shook her head. "It's okay. We had just finished, and it's my last one for a while." She closed her eyes and put her hand to her temple, as if she had a bad headache.

Jessica gave her a concerned look. "Are you okay, Mia? Have you been getting enough sleep?"

Mia gave a weary sigh. "Not really. There's too much going through my head these days, too many decisions to make, trying to remember schedules, names, and appointments. Also, we're desperately short on funds. We've almost used up all the donations we've received. There's still so much rebuilding to be done, and I have no idea how to get the money. So that, along with everything else, has been wearing me down."

"You should have told me," Jessica remarked. "I would've set up another fundraiser or given you another donation."

"It's not your responsibility," Mia replied. "Besides, you did more than your fair share. Nobody could have asked more of you."

She sat herself down in an armchair across from Jessica, a lifetime of strict upbringing being the only thing keeping her from slumping in her seat. "I don't know how my mother ran the Guild all these years without giving in to the stress."

"I'll bet she said the same thing when she took over for her mom," Jessica said.

Mia chuckled. "Probably." She then coughed and put her hand to her throat. "I need something to drink. Can I get you something?"

"Just some tea, please."

As Mia got up to ask the sentry outside for some tea, Jessica idly looked around the room and out the window, taking in once again how far Vane had come in the last few months, and how Vane still managed to retain its majesty. When Mia returned, Jessica remarked, "I've gotta say, I'm amazed at how much you've already managed to get done."

Mia smiled. "Not me. The citizens of Vane are the ones doing the real work helping restore our city to its former glory. It's wonderful to see how much affection they have for our city and its legacy. I could never have the energy to put Vane back together without them…or Nash."

As Mia's weary expression melted away as she mentioned Nash's name, Jessica's brow slightly furrowed. Although Nash was a fellow Hero, and although she had forgiven him for his betrayal a long time ago, she had never liked him that much. She still considered him to be an obnoxious, arrogant snob who couldn't stop patting himself on the back for more than five minutes - an elitist version of Kyle, in his own way.

A servant came in with a pot of tea and a small plate of biscuits, and placed them on a small table. As Mia poured a cup for Jessica, she asked, "So what is it you wanted to see me about? Are we planning another birthday surprise?"

Jessica waited for the servant to leave the room before speaking. "Have you ever heard of the Dragon's Graveyard?"

Mia raised an eyebrow. "What's your interest in the Graveyard?"

"Well, for right now, I'm just curious about it," Jessica said evasively. "I've heard a few things here and there, but I figured that I could find out more about it in Vane. It's a legendary temple where a huge treasure is kept, right?"

"The Dragon's Graveyard no legend," Mia said solemnly. "It really exists. It is a sacred place where the Dragons of Althena go when they're about to die. After they pass away, their lifeless bodies decompose and turn into Dragon Diamonds."

"I thought Dragon Diamonds came from their…you know…"

"They do," Mia explained, flushing slightly. "One of our teachers, Master Gregory, knows quite a bit about the Dragons, and I remember him bringing it up when I told him about Alex's Dragon Diamond. He said that it's a natural part of Dragon biology for any remains of any sort, including their...leavings...to transform into Diamonds. It was Althena's way of preserving their dignity. But unlike the one Alex found, the ones that come from the remains of a deceased Dragon are a more pure type of stone, and are therefore sure to be more valuable."

"Did Gregory bring up the Dragon's Graveyard?"

"He gets asked about it every once in a while, and he says he doesn't know anything about it or where it might be. But the Dragon's Graveyard's existence is mentioned in the Book of Tihsiereb. Didn't you learn about it at Althena's Shrine?"

Jessica gave an embarrassed smile. "I must've been out that day."

Mia shook her head. "You studied to be a priestess, and you don't know the Holy Writings?"

"I know them! I'm just kinda sketchy on some of the details."

Shaking her head and smiling, the Guildmistress rose from her chair and took a large book from off a nearby shelf. It was an illuminated manuscript, probably hundreds of years old. An azure dragon was emblazoned on the dark red cover. She flipped towards the end of the book, and handed it to Jessica. "Start from there."

Jessica carefully took the sacred book so as not to damage it, and began to read.

"And it befell at the end of the Days of Making that White Dragon Abyad, Tetrarch of the Dragon Tribe, fell ill, and the day of his death approached. As The White lay dying, Althena wept with sorrow, for the Mother Songstress loves all living things, and the Four Dragons had done much for The Goddess's sake. She could not shelter him from the shadow of death, for She knows in her wisdom that all that is mortal must die. Yet Althena would not let Abyad go to his rest without proper honor and dignity for a being of his rank.

"The Mother Songstress guided Abyad to a place far beyond the boundaries of mortal man, and built with Her own hands a magnificent temple, where he was to bequeath his rank and title to Bleanche, his daughter and heiress, so that she would take his place among the Four. Once his final task was done, Abyad's soul returned to the Mother and there in the place he was guided, he died.

"Althena, out of love for the Dragon Tribe, decreed that Abyad's lifeless body would not rot in the ground like that of a mere beast, but would turn itself into Diamond, the precious stones that shine with the light of the stars. Such would be the fate of all Dragons when they may go to their rest, that they may do so in dignity. Their mortal remains will be eternally safe from plunder, for Althena in her eternal wisdom knows that men can be twisted by evil greed. Cursed be any with greed in their hearts and minds who enter the temple to commit sacrilege most foul."

Jessica looked confused. "Wait a minute. What about the Dragons who died in the Grindery? We never found any Diamonds in the wreckage of that thing."

"I don't know. Maybe the Grindery absorbed the Dragons completely, body, soul, and the energies within them so that there were no bodies to leave behind. Or their remains could have automatically been transported to the Dragon's Graveyard by Althena's magic. A failsafe of sorts, in case a Dragon dies before making it to the temple. But I don't know for sure. Anyway, there's nothing else about the temple in the Book of Tihsiereb, although it's proof enough that the Graveyard exists."

"But it doesn't say where," Jessica muttered.

"Of course not. Althena wanted to keep people away from it. I imagine that would be rather hard to do if people know where it is."

"So what happens to the people who try to find it?"

Mia shrugged. "Nobody really knows. But since nobody knows where it is, there's no way of knowing where to begin the search. One could spend a lifetime exploring Lunar and not come across it. Any such journey is bound to be dangerous. And even if someone were to actually locate and enter the Dragon's Graveyard, the Diamonds are sure to be well protected. There are probably magical guardians who protect the treasure from thieves. But this is all speculation. I don't know any other facts about the Dragon's Graveyard, except that nobody who has gone looking for it has ever returned."

"Including Kyle's father."

Mia looked at her in surprise. "You're kidding."

"Nope. Four years ago, he was hired by some rich thrill-seekers to be their bodyguard during a quest to find the Dragon's Graveyard. Of course, none of them ever came back."

"Hired? Was Kyle's father a mercenary?" Mia asked curiously.

Jessica smiled. "He was a hell of a lot more than that. Ever hear of a guy called Gryffin?"

Mia nodded. "I've heard Mother mention him occasionally. I think he used to be a soldier, or something like that, and he and his wife fought against the Lyshan-hara during the Heresy War. He was Kyle's father?"

"Yup. And Gryffin was every bit at tough and fearless as the stories made him out to be. He actually used to be one of the Knights of Khavod, and I know you've heard of them."

"Of course I have. Who hasn't?" Mia said, her eyes wide open with amazement. "They're the most disciplined, well-trained fighters on Lunar. Dyne even trained with them in his youth back when he and Ghaleon were wandering the world. I hear they even use special fighting techniques that give them incredible powers that seem like magic."

Jessica nodded. "And Gryffin taught every one of them to Kyle. You've seen those special moves that Kyle does when he fights, right? Boosting his strength, channeling energy through his weapons? All straight from the Khavod Knights' instruction manual."

Mia blinked with astonishment. "So how did Gryffin go from a knight to a mercenary?"

"He fell in love with a lady bounty hunter named Ferris, and she with him. The Knights threatened to kick him out of the Order for marrying a commoner, and Gryffin's father threatened to disown him. Which was a pretty big deal, because Gryffin came from one of Khavod's most elite families. But Gryffin cared more about Ferris than being a knight or getting an inheritance. So they eloped, and Gryffin joined Ferris in the mercenary business. They set up shop in Nanza, and the two of them built up quite a reputation, and caused plenty of havoc all over Lunar.

"Anyway, Kyle was two years old when the Heresy War broke out. Gryffin and Ferris joined up with a resistance movement, and fought against Talon and his Lyshan-hara warriors. The Four Heroes ended up leading the resistance, and it was because of them that Talon was defeated, but Ferris was killed during the raid on Talon's fortress. Gryffin was devastated by her death, and when the war was over, he raised Kyle alone as best as he could. He was the one who taught Kyle how to fight, and Gryffin was probably one of the greatest warriors that ever lived. Kyle would always follow him around on his adventures, and would pitch in whenever his father got into a fight. They were tough by themselves, but together they were unstoppable."

"Well, this certainly explains a lot about Kyle," Mia said. "With a father like Gryffin training him, no wonder he was such a skilled swordsman. I'm just surprised I never knew about this before. Why doesn't Kyle ever talk about his father?"

Jessica frowned. "He can't, ever since Gryffin disappeared. It still bothers him too much to think about his father, and Althena forbid anyone should ever catch him being sentimental or emotional. So he keeps it bottled up inside. It's some stupid guy thing, I guess."

"I never pictured Kyle as being capable of that kind of brooding. He always seemed so…"

"Shallow?" Jessica said wryly.

Mia blushed slightly. "You said it, I didn't."

"Well, to be fair, there's actually more to it than that," Jessica said, her tone serious again. "When he was younger, Kyle was afraid of upstaging his father, which really bothered Gryffin. He didn't want Kyle to stay in his shadow for the rest of his life. He always encouraging Kyle to be his own man and make his own rep."

Mia stifled a laugh. "Now I know you're joking. Kyle afraid to upstage someone?"

"I swear it's true. When Kyle was little, he idolized Gryffin so much that he couldn't bear the thought of anyone becoming more famous than him. And maybe he also though his father would resent him if he became more popular than Gryffin. Remember, this is a few years after Dyne vanished and the Four Heroes disbanded, so Gryffin was the toughest guy around, the big shot everyone would talk about, and Kyle was proud of him for that. But Kyle grew out of it soon after Gryffin disappeared, and became the egomaniacal showoff we know him as today."

Mia looked confused. "I still don't get something. If Kyle and his father were inseparable, why didn't he go with him to the Dragon's Graveyard? He doesn't seem the type to pass up an adventure, especially on that scale, especially if his father was going."

Jessica frowned. "I don't know. To this day, I haven't been able to figure that out. All I know is that Gryffin made Kyle stay behind, and he also made him promise not look for the Graveyard on his own. I've never understood why, and Kyle's never clued me in. It was so unlike Gryffin to do that to Kyle. And it's even more unlike Kyle to agree to a promise like that."

Jessica sighted sadly and took another sip of tea. "But I do know that Kyle's regretted it ever since. He feels like he abandoned his father, and he thinks that Gryffin might have made it back alive if he'd been there with him. He's never forgiven himself for promising to stay behind."

"And that's why you intend to try and find it yourself?" Mia said pointedly.

Jessica nodded, not bothering to deny it. "The Dragon's Graveyard was the only quest that Gryffin never completed, and Kyle blames himself for that. If I can help Kyle find the Dragon's Graveyard and finish his father's last adventure in Gryffin's name, maybe he'll be able to find some closure to all this. Maybe then, he'll feel like he's redeemed himself, and he'll be able to let go of the guilt and move on."

"So you're willing to be cursed by The Goddess?" Mia exclaimed. "Althena may be gone, but whatever safeguards are sure to be still in place. It says that anyone who enters the Temple is cursed for all time."

"The Book of Tihsiereb only says that about people who are greedy and out to steal the Diamonds," Jessica observed. "I just want to help Kyle find the temple for his dad, but I'm not gonna take any of the Dragon Diamonds. As long as I'm not there to plunder anything, we should be okay."

"How do you know Kyle even wants to find it? Didn't you say he promised his father he'd never go searching for the Dragon's Graveyard? Why would you try and push him into doing something he might not want to do?"

"Oh, he wants to. He doesn't say it out loud, but on the few times he's actually willing to open up to me about his dad, I can see it in his eyes. He'd never miss a chance to do something for his father, especially carry out an unfinished adventure. Besides, he's a glory-hound. He'll never pass up a chance to find a legendary temple and become even more of a celebrity than he is now. It's only his promise that holds him back."

"It's not like you to encourage someone to break their word," Mia said reproachfully.

"Yeah, I know," Jessica sighed. "Especially after all the times I've gotten on Kyle's case for all the promises he's broken. But this is different. It was a promise he never should have been forced to make, and he's been haunted by it for long enough."

"And the danger?" Mai replied. "You are aware that Gryffin hasn't been the only adventurer to vanish on the quest for the Dragon's Graveyard."

"Oh come on, Mia. We fought the Magic Emperor and the entire Vile Tribe! Whatever the risk, it can't be as bad as facing Ghaleon."

Mia still wasn't completely convinced. "And what about you? You'd risk your life also? Is this something worth dying for?"

"Mia, Kyle risked his life for all of us to defeat Ghaleon and free my dad from Xenobia! At the very least, I owe him! Besides," Jessica gave Mia a challenging look. "Wouldn't you do the same for Nash?"

Mia slowly nodded. "Yeah…I guess I would."

Jessica took Mia's hand and looked at her imploringly. "Please, Mia. This is important to Kyle. He may be a lunkhead and a pig, but I love him. He's come through for me so many times, and it's time I did something for him. Besides, we're going to be starting a new future together in a few months, and he needs to deal with his past first."

Mia let out a heavy sigh, and nodded. "Okay, fine. Like I said, I don't know much else about the Dragon's Graveyard. But I do know someone who might."

She opened the door and said to the sentry, "Please tell Master Sarek I wish to see him immediately." The sentry saluted and marched off.

"Sarek is one of our new teachers," Mia explained. "He specializes in ancient magic and spells. That's actually what he teaches here, to our advanced students. But more importantly, Sarek also knows a lot about Lunar's history, and would probably know where to find any information about the Dragon's Graveyard. He used to be an adventurer before returning to Vane, and he's done a lot of traveling all over Lunar. And so, for all of these reasons, he's going with you."

Jessica shook her head. "I don't think that's a good idea. I was planning on just going with Kyle. This is a private matter, and there's no need to drag anyone else into this."

"I'm afraid you don't have a choice," Mia replied sternly. "As the Guildmistress of Vane, and as your friend, I can't let you put yourself in this kind of peril without giving you some support. Anyway, what's wrong with him coming with you?"

Jessica scowled at Mia. "Because Kyle and I don't need a babysitter, and you know it!"

"Sarek is no babysitter," Mia retorted, holding her ground. "He knows some very powerful spells that you will probably need to deal with whatever's waiting for you. You and Kyle know how to fight, and you may know healing magic, but last time I checked, neither of you knew any decent combat spells, and chances are you'll need a magician on your side. I'd be going myself if I didn't have to stay here. So either Sarek goes with you, or I won't let you have access to the resources in Vane that will help you find the Dragon's Graveyard. And there's no way you'll find anything reliable about it anywhere else."

"You're bluffing," Jessica snapped. "No way you'd pull rank on me and leave me hanging like that. Not your best friend."

"I would if it meant keeping you alive," Mia said, her tone softening. "I'd be devastated if anything were to happen to you. Hundreds of people have tried to find the Graveyard, and all of them died! I couldn't live with myself if I were to send you and Kyle to your deaths without doing everything in my power to keep you safe! And if that means sending someone with you, then that's what I'm going to do!"

I hate it when she's right, Jessica thought to herself. Her anger fading, she smiled suddenly. "I've gotta say, I'm impressed. You've gotten really good at playing the authority figure."

Mia also smiled. "It comes in handy for occasions like this. So do we have a deal?"

"Deal."

"It looks like I've arrived just in time," a deep, rich voice said from behind them.

The two women turned around, and Mia bowed to the figure in the door. "Ah, Master Sarek. Welcome."

Sarek returned the bow. "You sent for me, my lady?"

"I did. This is Jessica de Alkirk, daughter of the Governor of Meribia. Jessica, this is Master Sarek, our specialist in ancient magics."

Sarek smiled at Jessica and shook her hand. "I have heard a lot about you, Lady de Alkirk. It is an honor to finally meet you."

Jessica could only nod as she gazed at Sarek. He made an impressive figure: tall, broad-shouldered, and very dignified. He was elegantly dressed in royal blue robes decorated with gold lace and fur trim. He carried a long mahogany staff with a small crystal orb for a headpiece. A few wrinkles on his tanned face and his steel-gray hair and short beard betrayed his advanced age. But there was a boyish gleam in his dark eyes, as if he had stubbornly refused to let time take its toll on him.

"Just 'Jessica,' please," she said, smiling graciously.

"As you wish. How may I be of service, Majesty Mia?"

"Master Sarek, I have a personal request," Mia said. "Jessica is looking for information on the Dragon's Graveyard, and I'd like you to assist her in any way possible, if you wouldn't mind."

"Mind? Certainly not!" Sarek exclaimed. "I've been waiting for the chance to do some research about the Dragon's Graveyard, especially since we received Damon's chronicles."

"Did Damon write about the Graveyard?" Jessica asked eagerly.

"He must have at some point. Damon valued all knowledge for its own sake, so I'm sure he would have included something as significant as the Graveyard: including a location. I can get to work on it right away."

"There's more to this that research, Master Sarek," Mia said. "If you're successful, would you be willing to accompany Jessica on her search for the Dragon's Graveyard as her guide and protector?"

Sarek practically squealed with joy. "Are you kidding? Of course I'll…!" He stopped short, and forced a more dignified expression. "Um…that is…it would be an honor to assist you, my lady. I'll talk to Master Gregory and see if he can cover my classes until I return."

Mia and Jessica looked at each other and laughed. It was hard not to. Sarek was radiating the enthusiasm of a boy being given his own candy store, and he was obviously trying to hold it in. "Then it looks like you're all set to go," Mia said. "When do you plan to leave?"

"I guess in a week," Jessica said. "We need to get provisions, and hire a ship and some sailors. And it will probably take me that long to convince Kyle to go along with this."

"Kyle? You mean Kyle of Nanza?" Sarek said. "Gryffin's boy?"

"You knew Gryffin?" Jessica said, rather surprised. Gryffin never seemed like the type to hang around with a magician from Vane.

"I met him and his wife during the Heresy War," Sarek said, his expression turning somber. "We were allies, fighting alongside the Four Heroes against Talon and his Lyshan-hara warriors. How is the old rascal?"

"We don't know," Jessica said, explaining Gryffin's disappearance to Sarek and the purpose of the quest.

"I had no idea he was gone," Sarek replied sadly. "It appears I've been away for too long. In that case, my lady, I am at your service."

Jessica smiled, thinking that Sarek reminded her of Gryffin in a way. They both had the same dramatic flare, and suddenly it wasn't hard to believe they'd once been friends. "Thank you," she replied. "I can't tell you how much I appreciate this."

"It's the least I can do for such esteemed heroes. Or the son of an old comrade in arms. Now, let's head to the library and see what we can find on The Dragon's Graveyard."

-x-x-x-

The three of them headed to the Magic Guild's library. A young mage with pale blond hair, dull gray eyes, and dressed in a violet robe was absorbed in a book when he noticed their approach. "Can I help you?" he asked, sounding annoyed at having been disturbed.

Mia shook her head, frowning slightly at his tone. "No thank you, Quentin. I think we'll be all right. Just please make sure we're not disturbed."

Quentin's expression betrayed curiosity, but he merely nodded. "Very well. Don't forget to clean up when you're done. I just finished reorganizing this place, and I don't want to have to do it again."

"We don't need to be lectured on our organizational skills, Quentin," Sarek replied coldly. "After all, you are speaking to the Guildmistress of Vane."

"My apologies, Master Sarek," Quentin said sullenly. "Having been a native of Vane all my life, I never would have known that little detail without your wisdom to guide me."

"Enough, Quentin!" Mia snapped. "Master Sarek is a teacher of the Magic Guild, and you will show him the respect he is due! Is that clear?"

Quentin was still scowling, but nodded. "I'll leave you to it, then."

The three of them scowled as they walked away, annoyed with Quentin's rudeness. "Arrogant little bastard," Sarek snarled.

"No kidding," Jessica replied. "I'm surprised you let him get away with talking to you like that."

"I don't intend to," Mia said sternly. "For too long, arrogance has been an all-too common trait among the students of the Magic Guild, and it's time that changed. They need to learn a little more about respect and courtesy. They're hardly fit to aid humanity if they hold themselves to be superior to others. I would have thought Ghaleon would have taught them a little something about the consequences of arrogance and pride. But we can deal with Quentin and his attitude problem later."

Jessica once again marked how leadership had changed her old friend before finding herself staring in amazement at the new library. It seemed to be even bigger than she remembered, with hundreds of thick volumes on the ornate mahogany shelves. "Where did you find all these new books?" Jessica wondered.

"We have Nash to thank for that," Mia said proudly. "He's spent months tracking down all sorts of works on magic, and he's managed to find some particularly rare volumes for us. We'll never be able to replace the collection we once had, but we'll make do with what we can find. And of course, there are the books bequeathed to us by Damon after he died."

"I didn't realize Damon wrote so much about magic," Jessica said.

"He didn't," Mia replied. "Only a few of his books had anything to do with magic. The rest are about history, science, geography, and even some classic literature. I kept them all in the library, because I think there are other things worth learning besides magic."

Jessica removed a book from the shelf and raised an eyebrow. "You mean like The Hopeless Romantic's Guide to Landing a Real Man?"

Mia turned a deep shade of red. "I don't think that was one of Damon's," she muttered.

Jessica flipped through it, grinning mischievously. "No, this looks like one of yours. Looking to trade in Nash?"

Fuming, Mia seized the book and shoved it back on the shelf. "If you don't mind, we're here on serious business."

The three of them spent the next several hours tirelessly scanning the numerous volumes of ancient text. For Jessica, it was a tedious task. There was so much information to plow through, and Damon wasn't the most engaging of writers, possessing an unfortunate tendency to ramble. She couldn't imagine how he had managed to write so much in his lifetime. He must have been older than she thought when she had met him.

"Here!" Sarek suddenly announced. "I've found it!"

Sarek carried a heavy book over to a nearby table. It was opened to a page covered with ancient writing with several illustrations, including what seemed to be a map.

"This book is written in a language over three thousand years old," Sarek whispered reverently, before he chuckled. "Damon, you clever old bastard! He wanted to make sure that nobody could ever use his chronicles to find the location of the Graveyard! So he obscured the information by writing it in a dead language."

"Can you translate it?" Jessica asked.

Sarek's eyes twinkled merrily. "I can indeed. Ancient languages are one of my specialties. These are precise directions to the Dragon's Graveyard, and over here we have a map. I recognize this land mass here - it's Zerimar, one of the islands of the Ramius Zone, on the other side of the Dravot Sea."

Jessica's brow furrowed. "I don't see the temple on the map."

"Another one of Damon's precautions. But there are hints and clues. Within the design of the landscape of the continent are small symbols imbedded within, marking the location. It's been cleverly camouflaged. But if you look closely there, within this valley, you'll see the symbol of a tower, with the figure of a skeletal dragon beneath it. That has to be the Dragon's Graveyard."

Mia still looked concerned. "Is there any indication of what's waiting for you once you find the temple? Any of the dangers or defenses within?"

"I'm afraid not," Sarek said. "But I'm certain that as long as we don't steal any of the diamonds, we will not be perceived as a threat."

"That's not a problem," Jessica said. "We just want to find the temple. I'm not interested in the Diamonds…unless they'll help with getting Vane back on its feet?"

Mia didn't look too happy with the idea. "I appreciate the offer, Jessica, but the Diamonds are sacred. I wouldn't feel right about accepting them, not even for Vane."

"Agreed," Sarek said. "I want no part of any sacrilege either. I'll help you find the Temple for Gryffin's sake, but I will not disturb the remains of the Dragons."

"Fair enough. So we're all set?" Jessica said, eager to get under way. "All we need is a copy of the map and the instructions, right? Can we take the book?"

"No," Sarek said. "It's one of a kind, and I'd rather not risk anything happening to it. Anyway, the books are enchanted to prevent them from being taken outside of Vane. We don't want any dangerous secrets of magic falling into the wrong hands. But there's another way."

He took a few pages of nearby blank parchment from a nearby desk, and waved them over the open book, whispering an incantation. Within moments, the text and illustrations had copied themselves from the book to the parchment. "There we are. Much faster than copying by hand."

Sarek looked at the map and directions, his boyish grin wider than ever. "I never dared dream this would be possible…to finally be able to unlock the greatest secret on Lunar. The culmination of a lifetime of adventure and discovery."

He then turned to Jessica. "I have you and Kyle to thank for this opportunity, my lady. You've allowed me the opportunity to achieve this quest and find the temple. Otherwise, I don't think I ever would have had the incentive."

"Hey, I'm the one who should be thanking you," Jessica replied. "You're taking a hell of a risk coming with us, you know."

Sarek smiled. "What's life without a little risk now and then to make it interesting? It's been too long since I've embarked on adventure of any sort, known the thrill of the hunt and braved the challenges of the unknown. I'm past my prime, and I want to embark on one last quest before my final hour. When do we leave?"

He really does sound just like Gryffin, Jessica thought. No wonder they became buddies. "I'll send word as soon as I've found us a ship to take us. My dad can help with that, once I talk him into it. It's probably going to be a few days. I'll send word when we're ready."

"Very well. In the meantime, I'll try and see if there is any additional information I can find about the Graveyard, or the Ramius Zone."

"I don't suppose it's too late to try and talk you out of this," Mia said with a sigh.

"Sorry, Mia," Jessica answered. "We've been over how important this is to me and Kyle. Anyways, we can't back out now! Not when we've got the secret path to the Graveyard in our hands!"

"Yeah, I know," Mia whispered, looking like she was about to cry. "Just be careful out there, Jess. I'd hate for anything to happen to any of you."

Jessica gave Mia a reassuring hug. "Hey, don't worry. We'll be careful. Nothing's gonna happen to us."

Mia nodded, a half-smile on her face. "Look after them, Sarek. Make sure you all come back alive."

"Trust me, my lady," Sarek said confidently. "I'll bring them back safe and sound, and in plenty of time for their wedding."

-x-x-x-

Quentin should probably have been relieved that Majesty Mia and Master Sarek had left the library before berating him further for his conduct. Instead, he was angry. What, I'm not even important enough to be given a lecture for disrespecting a so-called teacher? Are you really that high and mighty that you think I'm not even worth punishing?

But he put that aside as he absorbed what he'd just overheard.

Throughout their discussion, none of them had noticed that Quentin had been secretly eavesdropping on their conversation and had listened to every word. Driven by curiosity as to what could be of interest to the Guildmistress and Master Sarek, despite his distaste for them, Quentin had managed to place himself inconspicuously within earshot of their conversation. He'd had a lot of practice being inconspicuous. Despite his lineage and exceptional magical talents, he was often overlooked by others, teachers as well as classmates who were uncomfortable with his aggressive attitude. While he'd often resented it, it had served him well on this one occasion.

By The Goddess! The Dragon's Graveyard! They've actually found a way!

Quentin shuddered with excitement as he realized the significance of his discovery. Like many of the people of Lunar, he'd heard tales of the mysterious temple and the massive treasure awaiting within, and the countless explorers who vanished in pursuit of the temple. And now, Sarek had finally unlocked the secret, and was taking the de Alkirk girl – he now remembered who she was – and her oafish brigand fiancé to the Graveyard...and he had discovered the way!

Quentin sneered. A scion of one of Vane's lesser families, all his life, he'd dreamed of obtaining wealth and status. And now it was within reach, so close, he almost could feel the Dragon Diamonds in his hands. With such treasure at his command, people would finally notice and respect him. No more kowtowing to Sarek or Mia or anyone else. No more being shunned by his fellow students and belittled by his teachers.

Now alone in the library, he scanned the shelves and reached for the book he had seen Sarek look through, but hesitated. An enchantment placed on the library would prevent any books from being stolen from Vane. And he had always found copying text by hand to be a tedious chore that was beneath him.

But there was another option - the copy of the map and the translation of the instructions Sarek had created.

Quentin smiled to himself. Sarek might be a powerful magician, but he was still mortal and could be…dealt with. Then the treasure of the Dragon's Graveyard would be his to claim…and his alone.