Barius rubbed his hands together like a man preparing for a feast. “Our course is simple. We must search the dragon’s lair before it returns.” He looked up and down at the portcullis, clearly offended that someone had dared impede his quest with such a mundane obstacle. As they waited for him to speak again, it became equally clear that he had no idea how to get past it.

Darnak grabbed one of the bars and gave it a tug. Pressing the side of his face to the gate, he stared up into the ceiling, where presumably the portcullis went when raised. “I’m not seeing any chains or gears up there. Mechanism must be on the other side.”

Jig frowned. If the mechanism was on the other side, and the cavern was empty, who had closed the gate? Riana was apparently thinking the same thing, because she asked, “Are we sure there’s nobody in there?” She and Jig glanced at each other and stepped backward.

“I will not be stopped by iron bars. Not when I am so close.” Barius crossed his arms in princely determination. “Darnak, open the gate.”

Darnak responded by grabbing his wineskin. He sized up the gate, but didn’t appear willing to respond without a drink to bolster his courage. As he pulled the stopper free with his teeth, another voice came from beyond the portcullis.

“Perhaps I can assist you, brother.”

“Traitor.” Barius lunged at the gate as his brother stepped into view. “Not even Father will raise a hand against me for taking your life. Not after this.” He shoved his crippled left hand through the bars.

Ryslind frowned. Mind-damaged or not, he had to know he wasn’t responsible for his brother’s injury. Jig tried to think of something to say, some way to distract them both.

Riana beat him to it. “He’s inside the lair,” she pointed out. “Ryslind must have been the one to lower the bars.”

“Indeed, that makes sense.” Barius withdrew his hand. “You may have beaten us to the treasure, but you’ll not leave this place without defeating us. Hide behind this gate for as long as you want. You cannot wait forever.”

“Such an abrasive manner, brother.” Ryslind grabbed two of the bars. “In truth, I did not close the gate. But I believe I can assist you nonetheless.”

He closed his eyes and took several deep breaths. Jig could see the red glow of his eyes even through the lids. As though Ryslind’s magic was a kind of polishing agent, the iron bars began to gleam. Small ripples spread along the two bars he held.