341 Dragon Eggs (1/2)
”Not with Dragon marrow, if that's what you're asking.” Nix felt her shock at his words; it was the best-kept secret among the dragon cities. They were kept in the air at the expense of their dragon masters.
”Then how?” Diedra didn't bother to deny it, if Nix had control of four dragon cities, then he almost certainly knew everything.
”Spectrum. I'll reunite the cities, and no dragons will have to sacrifice themselves ever again.” Nix stared at the dragon, even in human form she gave off a predatory sense of danger.
”Bring her.” Deidra opened a breach and stepped through, Nix followed with Del an instant later.
Any creature other than a fire beast would have been instantly uncomfortable. The temperature rose by several degrees, and there was a heaviness to the air. They were in a cavern, Nix felt the eyes of several beasts watching him, but he dare not put Del down.
”They are my nursery guardians, do not worry.” Deidra motioned for him to set Del down. ”Here's the issue. Her soul is permanently attached to the dagger and is slowly being drained by it. If you somehow managed to remove the dagger, you'd have an empty sack of flesh and an enchanted blade.”
”I've used enchanted items to animate things in the past.”
”Deidra nodded in agreement. ”I'm well aware of your prowess. The dagger is an artifact that will eventually taint her soul, and she will fall into chaos.”
”Then what are my options?”
”You need a container that will nullify the chaotic nature of the blade.”
The cavern room was very large and well lit. The smell of blood and fire hung in the air. Nix's eyes stopped wandering when he noticed four large eggs directly in front of him. ”What do I have to do?”
You are in the presence of a soul container. Do you wish to place Del Tali inside?
Nix ignored the hud message from his animator interface. He understood that one wrong step here would result in his permanent disappearance.
Deidra placed a hand on the nearest of three eggs. ”This is the next generation of dragonspawn.”
The eggs were about three feet in height; Nix studied them for a moment before his eyes strayed to a fourth egg that had been set apart. It didn't glow with life like the other three. ”And this one?”
The dragon woman walked slowly toward it, her hand caressing the outside of its shell. Nix suddenly felt intense sadness radiating from her. ”Life doesn't always take.”
”You will let me place Del in that egg?” Nix could see that it still faintly glowed. ”What's left inside?”
”Everything needed for life to thrive. Unfortunately, life never formed, and so it remains like this, unusable by anyone.” Deidra gave him a slight smile. ”Except maybe an Animator.”
”Time is running out. What do I do?” Nix placed a hand on Del's forehead; it was ice cold.
”Since you claimed to be raising the dragon cities, my first price is that you keep your word and do so.” Deidra closed her eyes for a moment and sighed heavily. ”Even if this fails, you will pay both my prices.”
Nix watched as her hands traced complex symbols in the air, a small breach opened up between him and the lone dragon egg. Without asking, he picked up Del and moved forward.
”Nix..” Del's face was pale; her white hair hung in her face. ”Come closer; I wish to say something.”
Nix nodded and bent until his ear was next to her mouth. She whispered a few words and then kissed his cheek. Without speaking further, he placed her through the breach.
[Dragon's Egg] [Del Tali][Soul Striking Blade]
Nix's animator interface popped up, he stared at it for a moment, wishing he could just remove the dagger, but it was grayed out.
[Animate the Dragon's Egg Containing Del Tali?]
”Yes.”
The small breach closed, and the egg resumed a healthier glow, much like the other three. Nix glanced at Deidra, who was watching him without expression. ”What now?”
”I don't really know. As far as I know, this is a first.” Deidra placed a hand on the outside of the egg. ”I can only say at this point that there is life inside.”
Nix nodded. ”Thanks.”
”What did she say to you?”