Answers at last.

You watch as the petite mage's consciousness fades, and when you are sure she is no longer awake, you drop her to the ground.

"Ulric?" Kyra's voice sounds behind you "You alright?"

"Fine." you reply curtly, too distracted by the sight in front of you.

The sword lies on a stone table, it's finely wrought blade gleaming in the firelight. The sight of it fills you with certainty. You know what to do.

The moment your hand makes contact with the grip, the vision takes you. Once more, you find yourself face to face with the dragon, and once more, it speaks to you.

"Ulric Strongblood, when last we spoke I promised you answers, and now you shall have them. Ask any question, and I shall answer."

You ponder your options, before deciding to start out simple.

"Who are you?"

"I have been called by many names, but the one I claim is Vakanth."

"Why are you helping me?"

"Because you are the Drakain. Because you are worthy of my help."

"What is a Drakain?"

"In my tongue, it simply means 'Champion.'"

"What are these artifacts I have been collecting?"

"They are your right. Not by birth or fortune, but by strength alone. As it should be. The collar, the plate, and the blade, all yours. I forged them long ago, and since then they have chosen to serve the greatest warriors of each age, those powerful enough to claim them. Now that the three are together, you will see the full power they contain, and soon after, you will be able to command it."

A question that has been gnawing at you for some time comes to the forefront of your mind.

"Why do you appear to me as a dragon?"

The beast chuckles.

"Ah yes, I had forgotten. To answer your question, Drakain, I appear as a dragon because I am a dragon."

"But-"

"No, we are not extinct." The dragon cuts you off. "You must understand, my people are functionally immortal. We can slumber for hundreds of years, and to us it is little more than a long nap."

"But if you are awake, why help me rebel? If you want to take Estara, why not just fly to Falkirk and declare yourself king? Surely no one would dispute you."

Vakanth chuckles once more.

"We dragons have had our time. I wish to see what humans can accomplish when not under our rule. It is to this end I convinced my fellows to slumber with me."

"So you convinced the other dragons to leave the world? That's why none have been seen in so long?"

"Indeed."

"So you have no grievance with the queen?"

"No, I do not."

You shake your head, forcing your mind back onto track.

"The shopkeeper, Angela, what does she have to do with you?"

"She is a loyal servant of mine, as is the messenger in yellow."

"And the woman in the way station? the one who freed me?"

"She is not loyal, but she serves me all the same."

Realizing the opportunity in front of you, you ask:

"Who sent Cassandra and the succubus after Kyra and I?"

"A pawn. She did not know it, but she was working for the five the whole time."

"Was?"

"She has been dealt with." If you didn't know better, you would swear you see the dragon smirk. "'Never cross a dragon, for their retribution is swift, and terrible.'"

"Wait a minute, did you send Uklag to me?"

"No. The warlock was not me. Though when he touched the collar I had a glimpse into his mind. His ambitions are lofty, but they are so very interesting. If he achieves them, I may have to speak with him."

Vakanth answers smoothly, his red-orange eyes glinting dangerously.

You raise your hands in an expression of confusion, moving on."So what now?"

"My servants are already spreading the word of my existence, trying to build up an opposing **** to the cult that arrogant cur Saeletra has built for herself."

"And for me?"

"I don't know."

"You don't know?"

"You are the Drakain. You bow to no one, not gods, nor queens, nor dragons. You are the master of your own fate. You decide what you do next, not me."

"But what of this religion you are building around yourself? You don't want me to worship you? To follow your teachings?"

"Ulric, you need not follow my teachings, for you **are **my teachings. You are what I hope humanity can one day become. Now go forth, Ulric Strongblood, and do as you please."

The vision fades, and you find yourself back in the ruins, holding your new sword.

Kyra is tapping on your shoulder.

"Ulric?"

"Yes?" You answer, your mind elsewhere.

"I was just asking," She steps a little closer.

"What's next?"