Page 69 of Queen's Griffon

“Did this experiment involve five rocks?” Avera queried.

The man’s brows raised so high they almost merged with his snowy white hairline. “What do you know of the Dracova stones?”

Hearing the name had Avera’s pulse racing. “I’m aware they were stolen and are very important. I’m on a quest to retrieve and return them to Fraegus Spire, where they were once used to imprison an ancient being named Zhos?—"

“Screw your mission. You’ve already been told the stones are going to the emperor,” Lenno brusquely interrupted. “So hand them over, old man, that we might leave this accursed place.”

“You are quite rude,” the stranger declared with a frown.

“And mean,” Lenno growled. “I’m also out of patience, so your choices are to give me the rocks and I leave, or I start cutting body parts from you until you hand them over.”

“I’m afraid it’s not that simple.”

“Actually, it is. Do you know where they are, yes or no?” Lenno snapped. “And keep in mind if it’s no, then I ain’t got no use for you.”

The man’s lips turned down. “I know their location, however they won’t be easy to retrieve.”

The tip of Lenno’s blade poked the man in the neck. “You will take me to them at once.”

“Or what? You’ll kill me? Go ahead. At least I’ll know they’re safe from the likes of you,” huffed the old fellow.

“Don’t tempt me,” Lenno rumbled, but he didn’t press the issue. Not yet.

“What is this place?” Frisk wandered around and poked with his sword at the clutter of boxes and empty sacks.

“Used to be the reception area for the Research Facility for the Advancement of Science and Technology and the main entrance to the underground labs. Now it’s where I dump items I find during my supply runs. Not that there’s much useful left to scrounge, thanks to thieves and other detrimental factors. I would have starved years ago but for our subterranean mushroom garden.” The man grimaced. “What I wouldn’t givefor some fruit or even some fish. Alas, I dare not be outdoors for long. It watches for me.”

“What watches?” Avera queried.

“The dragon. Once it’s decided you’re the enemy, it doesn’t give up until you’re dead.”

The words reminded her of what Vinmo said. “Why does it think you’re the enemy?” Avera questioned the odd choice of words. “It’s an animal. Isn’t it simply hunting?”

“A dragon is much more intelligent than the creatures you know. More than we’d ever imagined. At times I regret my role in bringing it back.” The man grabbed at a chain around his neck and a locket spilled out. A locket familiar to Avera as she’d inherited one exactly like it from her mother.

Avera’s mind whirred and her mouth moved before she could stop it. “You’re Basil Currosa.”

Her father.

Chapter 22

Avera

At the mentionof his name, surprise creased Basil’s face. “I am Basil Currosa, but how did you know that? you are too young for us to have met.”

“My mother told me about you.” She took a breath and looked him in the eye as she said, “Her name was Calixta Voxspira, Queen of Daerva.”

“Calixte…” He breathed her name. “How does she fare?”

“She’s dead. Recently killed by assassins in a coup that had me deposed from the throne.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.” His expression fell. “She was a good woman and an even better ruler.”

“So good you left her after stealing the stones.”

At least Basil had the grace to look chagrinned. “Not my finest moment. I’m afraid my greedy curiosity got the better of me. I always meant to apologize to Calixte but could never find the words. But I assume she suffered no lingering ill will since she went on to marry and have you.”

Lenno snorted. “Married, ha. You’re talking to the queen’s bastard.”

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