“Having somebody to fight for is the only reason I’m here,” Raxtus said.
“If this area is clear, let’s ready our equipment,” Tanu said. “May I take a moment to whip up an elixir or two using the ingredients Raxtus brought?”
“By all means, if it will help us survive,” Warren said.
“Don’t forget the entrance lies open behind us,” Vanessa warned. “We don’t want to be ambushed from the rear.”
Raxtus took a few steps back toward the entrance. “In this weather, surrounded by such unwelcoming terrain, we probably won’t see more dragons until the storm clears.”
“This is your dad we’re talking about,” Kendra said.
“Where he’s involved, anything is possible,” Raxtus agreed. “I’ll watch our tails.”
“I wish I had more equipment and time,” Tanu said. “It’s a shame to waste such fine ingredients on half-baked potions.”
“If we don’t live, all of your ingredients will go to waste,” Warren said. “Anything that could provide an advantage is worth a try.”
Tanu uncapped a flask, sniffed the contents, then poured some fluid into a little bowl. “Even under these conditions I can improvise some powerful defensive potions. Whether they help will depend on the kind of dragons we meet.”
“Expect the unconventional,” Raxtus said. “They will be chosen from among the most feared dragons in history, seasoned veterans of extraordinary power.”
“He’s unselling me,” Warren said. “Anyone want to throw in the towel? Go play in the nice rain? Jump in some puddles?”
“Few attributes are as attractive as courage,” Vanessa said.
Warren straightened and spoke in a grittier voice. “Those dragons better get ready for me to bring the thunder.”
“Better,” Vanessa approved.
Kendra checked her magical bow. Having not been shot recently, it should have three hundred arrows at the ready. Her sack of gales remained available and probably had three-quarters of its wind left, estimating based on how much she had used. She checked in her pocket for the ring Raxtus had just given her, relieved as her fingers curled around it.
Minutes crawled by. Holding a bottle over a low flame, Tanu stirred in some powder. Kendra wondered if the first guardian could have overheard their conversations.
“This will have to do,” Tanu said, repacking his ingredients. “I have a lotion to cure injuries, a salve to heal diseases, and a potion that bestows resistance to fire.”
“Dragon fire?” Warren asked.
“Probably not full immunity to a direct attack,” Tanu said. “It would be a close call.”
“A close call beats charred to the core,” Warren said. “I want that gummy potion ready as well. After last time, I’m a believer.”
“Several of those elixirs are ready to go,” Tanu said.
“Listen to me,” Raxtus urged. “Huddle up. I’m going to let you in on a secret. Dragons are complicated creatures. Yes, they’re antisocial, but they also get lonely. These guardians have been isolated for long years. They may find conversation hard to resist. If you can, keep them chatting. Dragons love the cat and mouse of talking to their food. It could buy us time.”
“Most of us will be paralyzed in their presence without courage potions,” Warren said. “Do we have any?”
“For all of us except Kendra,” Tanu said. “She resists dragon fear without it. I dosed the courage potions so we should be able to take one other potion on top of them.”
“Brave and gummy,” Warren said. “Sounds like a winning combo.”
“Or maybe brave and fireproof,” Vanessa said.
Tanu distributed courage potions and drank one himself. “Don’t forget, until we face a dragon to dampen the effect, courage potions can make you overenthusiastic.”
“I feel fine,” Warren said. “Better than fine. I might take on this first dragon with my bare hands, you know, to keep it interesting.”
Vanessa rolled her eyes. “I hope you’re kidding.”
“I think so,” Warren said. “Mostly.”
“I’m ready,” Kendra said.
“Onward,” Tanu said, shouldering his pack.
At the end of the great hall, they reached a long flight of red stairs as broad as bleachers. They started up, and Kendra eventually felt her legs become weary.
“What if a dragon is hiding at the top?” Warren complained. “I’ll need a time-out to get my breath back. Isn’t there an escalator?”
“No dragon in this area,” Raxtus offered. “In case that helps.”
At the top of the stairs, they found a splendid set of double doors designed in a distinctively Asian style. Beside the doors hung a round, golden gong with a mallet on a nearby stand.
“Who wants to do the honors?” Tanu asked.
“I guess a sneak attack is out?” Warren checked.
“Should I?” Kendra asked.
“No, let me,” Vanessa said. “In case there is a trap or magical penalty.”
“In that case, allow me,” Warren said, cutting in front of Vanessa. “My main job on my basketball team was drawing fouls.”
He picked up the mallet and smashed it against the gong, producing a long, shimmering reverberation. The double doors slid open of their own accord, revealing a pristine white floor, expertly painted with golden vines and leaves. A row of glossy black columns extended left to right beyond the doors, separating the entryway from the rest of the chamber. Beyond the columns gleamed an elaborate maze of spotless mirrors.
As Kendra and the others came through the wide doorway, a long Chinese dragon swept into view, body undulating as it hovered, scales flashing like gilded coins. The brilliant creature had no wings, and little sets of pawed feet dangled along the serpentine body. The head resembled a fox with golden fur and eyes as bright as emeralds.
“Welcome, doomed mortals who enter my chamber,” spoke a clear voice that seemed to come from all directions. “If you each leave your most valuable item on my doorstep, I will allow you to depart in peace.”
“Jinzen,” Raxtus said. “A treasure dragon. I’ve heard of you. All dragons hoard. Your tastes are much more refined. A true collector.”
“What misapprehension brings a dragon to my domain?” Jinzen asked, eyes flaring with anger. “Do you not know that I guard a talisman made to destroy all dragonkind? End this foul betrayal at once.”
“I’ve been having trouble sleeping,” Raxtus said. “The Harp of Ages might be
