"Very well." The King looked around at those gathered and swept his arm out toward the far doors. Two guards stepped forward and bowed deeply. "If you will follow them to the next chamber." His eyes landed on the dragonkin. "Only once you have been . . . properly informed can you begin your search."

The guards opened the doors and strode down the hall to another room. This one was smaller, lit only by a few sconces, and littered with books and scrolls. The five volunteers could barely fit without standing shoulder to shoulder, pressed so tightly together that it bordered on maddening.

"The Lady will be shortly," said the first guard. "She'll tell you everything you need to know." They looked to one another and slipped out of the room.

"Don't try anything," said the other. "We'll be right outside these doors."

The doors shut with a soft thud.