The Dragon Scales, #2
Emberclaw
by L. R. Lam
Contents
64. Arcady: Nalore Monastery
Overview
Arcady, Everen, and Sorin awaken in Nalore’s caverns, confirm Ammil’s absence, and revel that they healed the serpent and survived. Exploring the Monastery, they find the monks dead and uncover records proving Arcady Eremia is officially deceased, freeing Arcady to remain Dalca. Arcady resolves to finish the Trials, and Everen carries them toward one final errand.
Summary
Arcady returns to her body beneath Nalore Monastery, feeling both gratitude for survival and the shock of separation after fusing with Everen in the storm. Everen shifts back into a dragon as their reforged bond hums stronger. Arcady and Everen confirm Sorin is finally free of Ammil. Together they acknowledge the fallen—Edin Vayne and the two Chancellors—and allow themselves brief, incredulous joy at healing the serpent and stopping the rot.
They traverse the Monastery’s halls and discover corpses of monks drained by Ammil’s desperate struggle to seize the serpent. Sorin recognizes Gemiean among the dead and offers last rites, while Arcady fights the urge to dissolve back into Everen’s thoughts, learning to reassert her boundaries within their deepened connection.
In the archives, Arcady and Sorin search the Citadel Records. Arcady Dalca’s file shows little beyond University Trials. Crucially, Arcady Eremia’s record lists her as dead in the Strike, effectively erasing proof of her former life. With her original seal in hand, Arcady realizes she can continue as Dalca without contradiction.
At dawn, they leave the Monastery. Arcady decides to return to the University to finish the Trials for herself despite doubts over past advantages. Everen, exhausted, cannot fly to the capital but agrees to carry them closer. Arcady asks for one last stop in the mountains, and she coaxes a wary Sorin to mount the dragon and experience flight.
Who Appears
- Arcady Dalca (formerly Arcady Eremia)POV; confirms deeper bond with Everen, finds records naming Eremia dead, chooses to finish the Trials.
- EverenDragon partner; shifts form, shares strengthened bond, too exhausted for long flight but agrees to carry them.
- SorinFreed from Ammil; mourns dead monks, gives last rites, supports Arcady’s search and return to the Trials.
- GemieanAcolyte monk Sorin knew; found dead among those Ammil drained.
- Edin VayneRevealed Eye; lies dead in the caverns, his influence broken.
- Chancellors of LocTwo former rulers found dead; Arcady relinquishes vengeance as their era ends.