The Dragon Scales, #2
Emberclaw
by L. R. Lam
Contents
46. Arcady: The Laboratory
Overview
Arcady secures Kelwyn’s help to flee Loc with Sorin, then breaks into a hidden laboratory that proves to be Eremia’s. They steal Hayden’s Elixir and learn its components include Pollen, scrysilver, and Glisten’s dragon scales, horrifying Everen. Sorin admits Magnes dosed her for the trials, and Wren and Driscoll will smuggle them out at dawn.
Summary
Arcady climbs into Kelwyn’s rooms, admits dragons are real, and reveals Everen is the dragon. Arcady asks Kelwyn to arrange a discreet escape for three people on the morning of the third trial. Kelwyn agrees, though shaken, and promises to find passage out of Loc.
At the pre‑trial revel, Arcady masks dread. Sorin quietly spirits Arcady away, asking help to steal Professor Hayden’s research. Through hidden Citadel corridors, Arcady unpicks wards with Everen’s power. They reach an abandoned laboratory that Arcady recognizes as their grandsire’s—Eremia’s—long‑hidden lab.
Searching the room, Sorin admits Magnes has been dosing her with Hayden’s Elixir, which heightens magic at reduced cost. Arcady locates a secret shelf holding five vials. When pressed, Arcady confirms their true name, Arcady Eremia. Arcady identifies Pollen and likely scrysilver in the Elixir; Sorin adds it also includes scales from the dead dragon Glisten, which appalls Everen.
They re‑ward the passages and leave the Citadel for Kelwyn’s shop. Kelwyn arranges for Wren and Driscoll to smuggle them toward the Glass Isles at dawn, giving Arcady and Sorin a narrow path out before the final trial. Arcady returns to the lock shop to rendezvous before first light.
Who Appears
- Arcady Eremia (alias Arcady Dalca)Protagonist; reveals Everen’s nature to Kelwyn, confirms Eremia lineage, steals Hayden’s Elixir, arranges escape.
- SorinMagnes’s assassin turned ally; seeks Hayden’s research, admits Magnes dosed her, helps steal the Elixir.
- KelwynArcady’s friend and fence; learns the truth, agrees to arrange a discreet escape via trusted contacts.
- EverenDragon bonded to Arcady; lends power to breach wards, is horrified by Glisten’s desecration.
- Professor HaydenAlchemist tied to Magnes; her research yields the Elixir hidden in Eremia’s old lab.
- Magnes (Ammil)Antagonist; secretly dosed Sorin with the Elixir to boost performance in the trials.
- WrenContact arranged by Kelwyn; will help smuggle Arcady and Sorin out at dawn.
- DriscollPartner to Wren; joins the smuggling run toward the Glass Isles.
- GlistenDead dragon whose scales were used in the Elixir, provoking Everen’s revulsion.