Serrandyl sucked in a deep breath as she recollected her memory. "I overheard Ebonheim talk with the lords of the Eldergrove about a dragon called...Kelzryn? I think that's the name. Anyways, they thought that the dragon went missing some years ago—Oh! The dragon was responsible for bringing the Kungwan to the valley. I don't remember why though."

Bjorn frowned, turning to Th'maine. "Do you recall anything about that name?"

Th'maine stroked his beard, eyes narrowed as he considered the question. "Kelzryn...it does ring a bell. If my memory serves correctly, that name has cropped up in several accounts of history. It's allegedly an ancient dragon, with the ability to harness lightning and summon storms. It also had a reputation for being reclusive and secluded, rarely venturing out from its lair. If it is indeed the same creature, then a few questions remain. Who or what bound the dragon? Why place it in such a state?..."

"And how do the Kungwan fit into all of this?" Lira finished, glancing at the dragon.

Bjorn shook his head. "Too many questions, but the only way we'll get answers is by finding out the culprits or asking the dragon directly, neither of which seems likely given the current circumstances."

"True. However, the situation has also presented us with a valuable opportunity." Th'maine began, gesturing to the dragon. "By destroying this mechanism, we may free the dragon, and potentially gain an ally in this conflict. Of course, we must take care, as the dragon may not take kindly to being freed by a bunch of strangers. Best to tread carefully."

"Do you really think that freeing something that dangerous is a good idea?" Serrandyl questioned, her gaze switching between the others. "Wouldn't it just try to eat us in a fit of rage? Look how big it is. Its mouth is big enough to eat all of us at once!"

"That is a distinct possibility. But consider the alternative: If the Kungwan are being utilized by the masterminds behind the machinations, the odds are stacked against us. At best, we'll be able to hold them off indefinitely, but unless we can cut the problem off at the source, they'll continue to grow their forces." Th'maine argued. "In the interest of survival, we should take a risk."

Bjorn rubbed the back of his neck, sighing. "You do make a valid point, Th'maine, but I don't want us to jump in with both feet. We should test the waters before we go diving into the lake." He glanced over at the mechanical constructs surrounding the dragon. "Destroying this contraption could cause more harm than good. For all we know, we could inadvertently kill the beast with the shock alone. We don't have a lot of information to go on, so I think we should approach the situation with caution."

"So, what's the plan?" Serrandyl inquired.

"We need to figure out a way to safely extricate the dragon from its prison without harming or agitating it," Bjorn stated. "Once we do that, we can work on deactivating this strange device and hopefully learn more about what's going on here."

Suddenly, a voice echoed through the air, reverberating through the group's minds.

It was a voice like thunder, rumbling and sonorous, with an ethereal quality that suggested it was more than merely sound. The words echoed in Bjorn's mind, and he knew instinctively that it was the dragon speaking to them. The others reacted with surprise, their eyes darting around the chamber, searching for the source of the voice.

"Who goes there?" Serrandyl called out, her gauntlets crackling with energy. "Show yourself!"

Bjorn gestured for her to be silent, holding up a hand to quell her temper. "I believe the dragon is communicating with us through our minds, Serrandyl. Stand down."

Serrandyl paused, blinking in disbelief. "Through our minds?" She looked at Lira and Th'maine, who nodded in confirmation.

"Aye, it seems the dragon can communicate with us in such a manner," Th'maine said, shaking his head slowly. "Astounding."

"There's a lot to unpack here, but introductions are in order," Bjorn remarked, taking a deep breath before addressing the dragon. "I am Bjorn Hjelmstad. These are Lira and Th'maine. And this here is Serrandyl." He gestured to each individual member of his party in turn.

The voice resounded in their minds again.

"We mean no harm. We come seeking information," Bjorn asserted, trying his best to seem nonthreatening. "Tell us, who is responsible for imprisoning you?"

The dragon let out a long, deep rumble, its eye fluttering open once more.

The dragon let out a snarl as the energy in its chest pulsed, crackling with electricity.

Bjorn shifted uncomfortably, clearing his throat before continuing his inquiry. "Do you have any idea what their purpose is? Is the Kungwan brood part of their agenda?"

The dragon narrowed its eye, its gaze locking with Bjorn's.

"Why did you bring the Kungwan into the valley?" Lira asked, her tone sharp.

Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

The dragon remained silent, as if contemplating its response. Finally, its voice rang in their heads.

The four exchanged glances. Bjorn bit his lip, uncertain how to proceed.

"Well, there are problems now," Bjorn answered hesitantly, not entirely sure if the dragon would understand the context. "They've multiplied, and the Seraphidae are suffering because of it."

Th'maine took a step forward, raising his staff in the air. "We've found a Magitech apparatus in another part of your lair, and suspect that it's related to the Kungwans' growing numbers—a portal of sorts." He paused, waiting for a response.

The dragon remained silent.

Th'maine gestured to the cords and cables binding the dragon, his eyes narrowing. "These cables, do they link you to that apparatus somehow?"

Th'maine's eyebrows shot up. "Really? Can you elaborate further?"

Bjorn grimaced. Lira and Th'maine's hunches earlier were right. The dragon's confession confirmed their suspicions. Dozens...perhaps hundreds of people must have been transported here as vessels for the Kungwan's grubs. How long had this been going on? Serrandyl mentioned the dragon's disappearance some years ago, but how exactly how long ago was it?

"Do you know how often that portal activates?" Bjorn queried, his jaw clenched. "How often are people being sent here?"

The dragon took a long breath, exhaling softly.

Bjorn ran his hands through his hair. His heart sank, imagining the scores of people who were transported to the area as hosts for the Kungwan—People who could very well be his own clansmen from his homeland.

Th'maine let out a weary sigh. "That explains how the Kungwan became so numerous." His gaze wandered to the conduits, tracing them to their origin. "There's still so much we don't know about this whole affair though. Why this region in particular? Where are these ancient Artificers now? What is their motivation for this madness? If they are capable of constructing something of this magnitude, there must be more of them lurking nearby."

The dragon's words trailed off, a low growl emanating from its throat.

Bjorn swallowed hard, his mouth suddenly dry. Was there any reason to tell the dragon about the village? He turned to the others, gauging their expressions, but none seemed to offer a solution. After a brief moment of hesitation, he met the dragon's gaze once more. "Yes, we have a small settlement within the valley. Far enough away from your territory to not pose any threat or inconvenience to you. We're here in hopes of helping the Seraphidae, who are the ones under attack from the Kungwans. Nothing more, nothing less."

Hopefully the dragon couldn't read his mind—though none of what he said was a lie. The village wasn't directly involved in all this. Perhaps the dragon wouldn't view them as enemies or threats.

The dragon let out a deep, rumbling snort.

The energy within the dragon's chest flickered, and its muscles flexed against the bonds restraining it. A low hiss escaped its lips as its gaze swept over the group once more.

"Our sole desire is to ensure the safety of our people," Lira spoke out, stepping forward. "If there is a way to stop the Kungwans from terrorizing the denizens of the valley, please, help us find a solution. Help us help you. Then you won't have to worry about us being near your territory, and we can go on living peacefully."

"What she said!" Serrandyl exclaimed, joining Lira at her side.

The dragon remained silent, the only sound the faint hissing of the energy flowing through the machine.

Finally, its voice echoed in their heads.

"We require your assurance, dragon. None of this 'may be inclined' business," Th'maine stated bluntly. "Are you willing to agree to an alliance?"

The dragon eyed them curiously, its pupil narrowing into a thin slit.

"Will you allow our settlement to flourish peacefully in the valley if we release you?" Lira asked, her tone wary.

The dragon sighed, the air around them growing heavy with the weight of its exasperation.

Bjorn exhaled sharply. "Agreed. Now, how do we free you from this... contraption?"

Kelzryn let out a low grumble.

"Just bring the Southern lord here? Sound simple enough." Serrandyl crossed her arms. "Can you tell us where to find her?"

Kelzryn's eyes closed, and it resumed its previous state of sleep, its body going limp in its confinement.

"Did we just form an alliance with a dragon?" Serrandyl blurted, bewildered.

Bjorn shrugged, scratching the back of his neck. "Afraid so. And now, we need to go find the Southern lord and hope she can help us. If she and her forces are already fighting the Kungwan, we shouldn't have too much trouble finding her."

"Assuming the Kungwan haven't completely wiped them out," Th'maine commented grimly, stroking his beard. "But yes, our best course of action is to locate the Seraphidae and lend our support. Let's make haste. We've tarried long enough."