Shadows Over Arcadia Chapter 60: 59. Dragon’s Heart

Read chapter 60 of Shadows Over Arcadia by Zacheas on NovelPedia.

I am Lord Lucian Kael, age 62, and I am the Headmaster of the Arcadian Academy of Magic, Member of the leading council of the Kingdom of Arcadia. I am the most powerful mage in the kingdom, and possibly the only one who can save it from annihilation. https://shadowsoverarcadia.com/api/storage/objects/uploads/3d3f5d81-071d-42fb-a332-aae1897386a1 The metallic groan of the door carries up from the lower level. A measured footfall follows. Then comes the drawn-out whine of steel and the heavy thud of its weight settling into place. Finally, there is the faint metallic click as the latch slides shut. I sigh inwardly. “About time you showed up,” I say, my eyes still fixed on the shifting array of images before me. Scenes from every corner of Cairndorn shimmer across the projections, cast by observation crystals set into pedestals arranged in a circle around me. Each vision is drawn from its paired crystal hidden somewhere within the city. The pedestals encircle a raised dais built around the Heart of Cairndorn, an ancient device housed at the summit of the great spire that rises from the Academy’s grounds. At its center looms a dark crimson mana crystal, two floors tall—the preserved heart of a long-dead dragon. Though stilled, it pulses with boundless mana, a resonance that hums through the air and thrums in the bones of any who approach. The vast runed rings orbit slowly around it, stirring a faint breeze laced with the scent of iron and ash. Even in death, a dragon possesses immeasurable power. One can only wonder how much greater they must have been in life. We were but ants to them, yet they chose to protect us, to guide us, to share their wisdom. This dragon’s heart still protects our city. Should Cairndorn ever face ruin, a mage stationed here may draw upon its depths to raise a barrier strong enough to shield the entire capital. The platform where I stand lies midway up this marvel, the place from which its power may be commanded. The scrape of metal greaves on stone echoes as Gavin ascends the stairs behind me. I don’t turn to greet him. His visit is expected, yet still an unwelcome distraction from the matter at hand. My eyes remain fixed on the merchant wagons entering through the northern gate. They barely searched that one. Any number of threats could be hidden in those crates and barrels. My hands busy themselves with the small ball of fur squirming in my arms. She is a nuisance most days, but petting her calms my nerves, or perhaps only keeps her from finding new ways to fray them. The little beast is manipulating me for attention and I know it. “You were expecting me then?” Gavin says as he reaches the top of the platform. His voice carries the cold edge of accusation. “Is that why you’re dressed for war, Professor?” “Knowing what is coming, it seems prudent to be prepared,” I reply flatly. Of course I wear the mithril-woven robes, chain mail, and enchanted gear of a military mage. Probably for the same reason, Captain Gavin has come in full mithril plate. He too must sense the danger looming over the capital. Why else would he be here? The hulking brute circles into my peripheral vision, one hand resting on the hilt of his sword. Sunlight streams through the glass walls of the chamber, catching on his armor until it glimmers with a pale blue sheen. His eyes are cautious, and I meet them with a raised brow. He seems even more on edge than I am. “Didn’t figure you the type to own a cat,” Gavin quips, giving me a once-over. “I am fairly sure this creature believes it owns me, not the other way around,” I reply darkly, finally turning my gaze to him. He seems intent on claiming my attention as surely as this feline menace does, and neither will be denied. “But I doubt you came here to discuss my choice in companion.” “Where are the knights I posted here?” Gavin demands. “What could two knights do compared to me?” I scoff. Whatever entity emanates this dark miasma—the stench of ancient mana twisted with predatory intent—