Patton and the Wizenstone

Patton gave a soft whistle. “You’re in a quandary, no doubt about it. Of all you told me, Ronodin concerns me most. He promotes chaos like nobody I know. He said he told the dragons how to win the war?”

“And that it would happen on Midsummer Eve,” Kendra said. “Tomorrow night.”

Patton turned and looked somberly into the fire. “Without Ronodin, the advice is simpler. Stay behind boundaries. Enforce whatever penalties you can on aggressors. Offer them no footholds. Wait it out. Eventually the dragons will tire of beating against walls that don’t break. But what you heard from Ronodin, well, that changes everything.”

“Do you know what he’s talking about?” Kendra asked.

“I have a strong suspicion,” Patton said, glancing at the surrounding animals. “I hope I’m wrong, but I’m afraid I’m not. Ordinarily I would not speak about it to anyone, let alone in front of a group. I’m a curious fellow, sometimes too curious, and sometimes I learn things that are better left unknown. Best to leave certain monsters buried deep, undisturbed. But if the dragons have learned what I know—and I believe they have, because it all fits too cleanly—then it might be best for many to know.”

“What is it?” Kendra asked.

“The Wizenstone is hidden here at Wyrmroost,” Patton said.

Nobody responded.

“I gather that none of you knows what that means,” Patton said. “But the wisest of wizards know, the five monarchs know, those who study the rarest and most powerful relics know. The Wizenstone is a source of powerful magic. The Wizenstone can also undo magic. For example, it could erase all boundaries at this or any preserve. It could disenchant a magical item. Or it could strip a wizard of his powers.” Patton stepped close to Kendra. His voice dropped to a whisper. “And the Wizenstone could force dragons into human form. Permanently. Without making them wizards.”

Chapter 18-Stingbulb