A careful search of the chamber reveals nothing out of the ordinary except for a collection of books and notes.

Aidron explains that these were the materials the two of them used to develop the ritual. Though most of the books have fallen apart, one tome—a small black journal with an ornate lock—remains intact. This book is unknown to Airdon. "I've never seen this before." He says. "Perhaps it's something Sparkrender was keeping to himself and only felt free to keep out in the open once I was locked away."

Before anyone has a chance to open it, however, Zeigler notices something strange about the cover... A small arcane rune engraved above the keyhole on the journal’s lock.

Holding a hand over the tome, Z says to the others, "There's a rune on this tome...I suggest we be careful. I suspect this has been magically sealed or even trapped."
Having no means to determine either, he looks to the others.

Morlock steps up and says "Let me take a look"

He examines the tome (without touching it. )

Arcana 20

He then ritual casts Identify

Augustus looks at the Journal is Z's hand inquisitively. "It's oft best to leave personal effects for the eyes of who it belongs, but perhaps under the circumstances, it's a good idea to see what's inside."

Morlock: The book itself does not appear to be magical, but the rune is, indeed, a trap, easily disrupted by carefully scratching over the rune with a dagger, a sharp piece of wire, or a similar implement.

Morlock, looking pleased with himself, scratches over the rune. "There. Now we can open it safely."

He opens the tome.

The book is a research journal filled with notes and runes that appear to be inscribed from other tomes... The delicacy of the penmanship suggests the writing was done by someone of human size and shape... Morlock's knowledge of the arcane helps him to understand enough to realize the journal is filled with multiple hypotheses on how to invoke and harness the residual magic left by the island's fallen dragons...

One describes locating, identifying and possibly utilizing a mysterious source of necromantic magic detected near the northern archipelago to partially awaken the spirits of the fallen dragons... but that method is deemed too volatile and uncertain as it risks calling the attention of the Demon Prince of Death.

Another method describes exploring the island's underground depths to see if some remnant of the ancient red dragon Sharruth still lives... but that method is deemed too dangerous under current conditions.

The notes finally seem to land on a plan to utilize the power of a passing comet, The King Killer Star, to draw out the power of the dead dragons and transfer it all to Sparkrender. This final plan matches the one Sparkrender seemed to be preparing for.

Peppered throughout are stranger notes comparing humanoid physiology with that of dragonkind and chaotic scribblings that seem to be in no language that any of you can understand. 

Interestingly, notes suggest that all of this research was the result some sort of collaboration between two peers... Sparkrender and the author.... The journal only describes the arrival of Aidron about half-way through. It spells out, in detail, a plan to lure the dragon into a false sense of comfort, then betray him and use him as a sacrifice in the final ritual...

The identity of the journal's author remains a mystery.

Peering over Morlok’s shoulder and listening to his analysis, Sir Beauregard gets the gist.  “I am a man at arms and this is beyond me.  The stars come and go in the firmament for reasons of their own.  But we stand in an observatory.  Can one of you use what is around us to say when this King Killer Star might influence earthly events?  Whether or not you can, we should return at once to Dragon’s Rest with what we have learned.  I suggest we search the remaining tower before we leave to be sure there is nothing there that might tell us who or what we face.”

"There are some that believe the events of our world are dictated by the stars, " Z says, almost to himself, "it seems dragonkind follow these portents."

“I have seen too much in too short a time on this island to doubt the terrible magic here.  Whether the stars call to the stones I leave to dragons, druids, and wizards.  But Sparkrender and his “Author” care about the star so we should as well, if only to predict their actions.  I will search the barracks while our scholars look to the observatory for the when of it if that book is silent.”

"The King Killer commet influences events right here and now." Answers Aidron in response to Sir Beauregards question. His look is grave and pensive.

"It's been seen in the sky for the past tenday, and we anticipated it would remain for several more." He gestures his neck towards the rotunda. "This is why Sparkrender prepared the ritual for tonight, when he and I expected the star would be at its zenith..." He sighs deeply. "I had no idea, of course, that I was being played as a fool... Readied as a sacrifice to the ambitions of the blue dragon and this... dark ally of his."

He looks to the rest of you. "I assure you, I had no knowledge that Sparkrender was working with another. Whoever they are, they must have known their presence would arouse my suspicion..." The dragon studies the journal, sniffs it, sniffs the area around. "They must have been here, working directly with Sparkrender while I was imprisoned... Where they are now, I cannot say."

He looks to Sir Beauregard. "I agree with your assessment. We should bring what we've learned to Runara. Her council will be essential. I fear we have not seen the last of Sparkrender or his mysterious partner... and the more time we have to prepare, the better." He adds. "I can fly you to the barracks if you wish, but you won't find much in there, and each passing moment risks the blue dragon's return."

The knight bows to Aidron.  “Then there is no need to tarry.  Let us return to the Dragon’s Rest.”

Vinn nods. "Everyone who arrives to the island gets here by boat right? Maybe Mistress Ru or any of the others might know who the author is." He pauses. "Or its another secret she's been hiding from us."

He is ready to go whenever, since nothing else on the room seems interesting.

"Agreed"

"Then, back to Mistress Runara...with this tome, " says Z.

In response to Vinn, Aidron explains that there are two other possibilities for the stranger's arrival... Either their ship made landing here at the observatory, on the far side of the island from the cloister... Or Sparkrender brought him as a mount... Either way, they likely eluded Runara's notice.

The journey back to Dragon's Rest is easy... Aidron flies ahead while the rest of you trek by foot.

You arrive before nightfall to a buzz of activity. The kobolds who defected to Sparkrender have returned to the fold, prompting a cacophonous range of reactions from Bahamut's faithful.

Runara, in human form, stands with bronze dragon wyrmling in the main thoroughfare, awaiting your arrival. She turns and regards you with a mixture of relief, appreciation and concern.

"Friends..." She says. "All of us are in your debt. You have prevented a great catastrophe and returned our wayward brethren to Bahamut's welcoming light..." 

She steps forward and speaks in a hushed tone. "...But I understand dark tidings still linger, and an unknown threat yet festers in our midst... Aidron has told me all... But I'm afraid the intruder in question remains hidden from my sight. We should bolster our defenses and prepare for the worst... but once that is done I must fly to the mainland to seek the council of my elders. If the quest to harness the full power of this island yields success, it will be impossible to contain or resist without widespread devastation. We need allies if we can find them. If I were to undertake this mission, could you swear to protect this cloister and its inhabitants in my stead?"

It's troubling to see  such a powerful creature looking at you with such pleading eyes... but these are clearly desperate times. She awaits your answer.

Sir Beauregard nods.  “I have already sworn so.  I will do as you command.  My companions will speak for themselves but none of them have shrunk from duty yet.  They also have no boat, so if our lives can buy the time you need to bring help, you shall have them.”

"I have come seeking knowledge, and have found stalwart companions. I will stay and defend with those who stay, " Z bows.

Vinn's eyes widen, his disposition full of inappropriate and childish excitement. "Elders? Like a council? That's so cool!" He nods vigorously along to Sir Beauregard's and Ziegler's words. "If there's ever a need for us to fight alongside our allies by way of dragon mount, please know I'm happy to do what it takes to defend the cloister and our friends."

He then looks at Aidron. "What do you say to getting some practice in? Really show Mistress Ru how you are going to make it up to her. We did, in fact, save you too."

Runara smiles with warm appreciation.

"Heartening words. I thank you all. No doubt it was The Lord of the North Wind himself who brought you to this island. We are all in your debt for helping to defend it... and the realm. Now, it's been a grueling day for you all, I'm certain. Lets enjoy an evening's meal together in celebration of this community, before we wake in the morrow to defend it against whatever evil may yet lurk in the shadows."

With that, Runara and Aidron retire for a private conversation up in the temple of Bahamut. The look on the young dragon's face is that of a teenager who knows and accepts he's about to be grounded.

The evening meal is a delight, filled with tears and laughter, a mix of hissed recriminations and familial embraces as the prodigal kobolds return to their brethren. Tarak includes some specially cultivated herbs and fresh produce into the bill of fare while Varnoth leads the kobolds in a series of off-color drinking songs she clearly hasn't sung in a long time. You actually catch a rare smile on her face and a touch of laughter as the kobolds eagerly echo her song, butchering the words without a care.

You catch a glimpse of Myla and her two winged brothers. The trio keep to themselves throughout the festivities, but she locks eyes with any member of the party who passes and gives them a thankful nod of her head.

Aidron finally returns from the temple looking pensive and humble. He takes a seat near the party watching as Frubsnotsosmart entertains the crowd with his own eccentric style of whirling dance. "I hope you understand, you have my eternal gratitude." He then turns his head to you with a slight smile. "Which, coming from a dragon, is truly saying something..."

He continues. "I'm relieved to hear Mistress Runara will fly west to seek the support of others... But I confess, I'm daunted by what might occur in her absence." He looks at you meekly and asks, "Will you help me? Not just in the armed defense of this place but in... guiding my choices." He looks down, shaking his head. "I don't want to repeat the mistakes of the past... but I also need to learn to trust my heart once again. I'll need more than allies for that... I might need some friends."

He lets the request hang in the air as he turns back to the performance. Allowing you all the chance to respond or simply soak it all in... this moment of peaceful revelry as you wait for an inevitable confrontation to arise.

End Chapter 3

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