Friends

Jess nodded. "Each pile is the remains of one of you."

"My friends, my family - all who've died before me are here."

"This is a tomb then and I've disturbed the place," Jess said. "I didn't know."

"No one else cares. I'm sure you've heard how dragon scales are virtually invincible. The Zyglots develop armor for Huskus and his soldiers."

"What do they get?"

"Beats me."

"Don't they realize if they make armor for Huskus and his army, they're going to be helpless against him."

"They're not very bright," Oglethaine said.

"There's more to his story than meets the eye. What else can you tell me about Huskus?"

"Sit down, adventurer; this will take a while." Oglethaine flew into the recesses of his lair for a few seconds and returned. He handed Jess what like an apple but which was square.

"You're going to need your energy."

Jess bit into it. "This is great. What is it?"

"A squapear. Enjoy it because you're not liable to get one again for a while."

Jess took another bite into the sweet, juicy fruit. He could almost feel energy coursing into his body. The sweetness splashed into his stomach and radiated from there. "I could eat a dozen of these."

"No you couldn't. They're strictly rationed."

"Are they that rare?"

"Not rare. Protected."

"Who protects them? And for whom?"

"The dragons do. And for Huskus," he hissed.

"Why would you do that if you hate him so much? I'm confused."