The Treasure Keeper

Epilogue

So now you begin to comprehend the dark wonders of the magic and earth that compose you. You flex your claws into the rich soil of our land and smell its loam. You taste raindrops on your tongue, all the dissolved minerals that become a part of you when swallowed, that expand through you and harden your scales and lend vibrant color to your body.

Beautiful child. Blessed by nature, you soar and coil and hunt the moon. You wink at the stars and they wink back at you. You dream of clouds and castles, of the diamonds that are your birthright. You Turn to smoke and let currents of air move you, as lissome as the dolphins that slice into the soundless core of the sea.

You cherish our home. Like the rest of us, you are its guardian and its savior. Darkfrith cannot exist without you.

Understand, then, the nature of the creature who seeks to hurt us. Understand her ruthlessness, her powers. She won't stop until she tears out your heart, and mine.

She has time on her side, and she will not stop.

* * *

Dear Prince Sandu of the Zaharen,

No doubt this letter will come as something of a surprise to you. We have not yet formally met, although I've seen you a few times before.

I will not trouble you long. I wanted only to say I look forward, very much, to seeing you again soon.

Yours humbly,

Mlle. Honor Carlisle (of the English drakon )