"Hey, watch where you point that!" Dorvin said, shoving a spear aside. The young Vir Requis reached for his own spear. "My spear is longer than yours, and I'm going to stick it so far up your arse, it'll clean the guck between your teeth."

"Dung Beetle!" Maev shoved his spear down. "Stop that. Walk. Into the pyramid. Let's find who's in charge."

The guards prodded them with their spearheads, and the companions stepped through the archway and into the pyramid. A vast triangular chamber awaited them. It was easily the largest chamber Maev had ever seen; which, she supposed, wasn't saying much, as she had spent most of her life in a cave. Still, the place made her lose her breath. Statues lined the walls, depicting robed priests, their eyes closed, their palms pressed together. Murals of beasts covered the walls, and live beasts stood chained to columns. Maev had never seen such animals; they looked like dogs but were large as horses, and their necks were longer than their bodies, coiling toward the ceiling. At the back of the room rose a throne of granite, gold, and jewels, and upon it sat a man as strange as the animals. Clad in robes of blue and gold, he sported a white beard that flowed down to his feet. His fingernails were as long as his arms, coiling inward, and his eyebrows thrust out several inches, white as snow. Rings circled his neck, stretching it to thrice the usual length.

The guards goaded the Vir Requis down the hall toward the old king. They spoke harshly in their tongue; Maev only recognized the word "draco."

When she stood before the king, Maev raised her chin defiantly, crossed her arms, and spoke so loudly her voice echoed in the hall. "I am Maev of Requiem! We seek dragons. Do you understand my words?"

The old king leaned forward in his throne, staring down at her. His eyes narrowed, and a mirthless smile split his face. He spoke with a thick accent. "We have captured the Reptilian Ones. Their dark magic brought nightmares to our waking life." His grin widened, showing many sharp teeth. "The Reptilian Ones now languish in our dungeon, clutched among the roots of wise Shenhavan. They have cursed the glorious land of Bar Luan; they will never see daylight again." He stared at Alina. "The druid wears the Draco amulet. You three bear the black magic. You will join your brethren in darkness."

Maev growled and Dorvin raised his spear. The king snapped his fingers. Warriors emerged from shadows and unleashed the strange, gray dogs with the coiling necks. With howls, the creatures stormed forward.

JEID

 
JEID