.jpg)
Septima flipped through the book some more, then arrived at a very thick section that was basically just anti-magic propaganda. She shuddered. It was fully illustrated, pointing out every flaw each type of magical person had, and some parts were graphic depictions of torture or magic killing people.
Oh my gods…
She knew they thought they were dangerous, but not to the point that this type of content would exist.
Skye sighed, carefully projecting an image of the room. As far as I can tell it's an Alchemist's workroom. And it's well used. Said Skye.
An Alchemist's workroom?! What would that be doing in the castle???
My thoughts exactly. Anyway what do you suggest we do here? There's a book on the pedestle, but I can't read it..
Let me see?
Skye nodded, allowing Arthur temporary control over his senses, and movements.
Septima made sure no one was around, then slipped the book into her bag so she could show it to Skye later. She got up and did some more searching.
Nothing really stuck out to her for a while. She was trying to reach out to Skye, but he wasn't really responsive at the moment.
Arthur quickly looked over the page, before flipping through the entire book. Finally he released the control Skye had given him.
What did you find? asked Skye, when Arthur retreated.
That whole book is on using the internal power, Life source, Soul essence, Auras, of others. Weather human or not. said Arthur, his tone grim.
So, it's for draining power…. the power held within any living creature, magical or not?!
Exactly.
What about that one page?
That page is specifically on dragon hybrids. Said Arthur, My guess is that they have one nearby.
Septima kept pacing, scanning the shelves carefully until she found some books on the palace itself.
She pulled one off the shelf at a time, then skimmed them for anything useful. Nothing stood out.
Lovely said Skye, facepalming. Anyways I'll talk to you later ok?
Happy to be of assistance. said Arthur, shutting him out again.
Skye sighed, Septima I found more info… and it's big.
What is it? I've been trying to talk to you. I found this really sketchy book with propaganda… What did you find?
She continued flipping through the pages of the next book. Most of it was boring detail about how the castle was built, what it was made of.
Sorry about that, I was working with Arthur just then… said Skye by way of explanation as he used their link to track her. Anyway I found a locked door. And behind it was a workroom.
It's okay, I just got a little worried. You found a workroom? Something's special about it, I'm guessing?
Septima closed her book and pushed it aside.
yeah, it's an Alchemist's workroom. said Skye, coming onto the hallway where he'd parted ways with Septima. And a book all about draining power from any living beings, lying open on a page with instructions for draining that energy out of a dragon hybrid.
Dragon hybrid? That's oddly specific.
Septima got to thinking more about what this could mean.
And any living beings? Do you think this technique is used in other prisons, too?
A dragon Hybrid is a very powerful creature, if they survive past the age of 15. said Skye, Usually they're half human, half Dragon, similar to a halfblood wolf.
Yeah, I've heard of them. But why them? Actually, how? Did they actually find one?
Septima felt even more nervous than before. Innocent people were having the life drained out of them.
It's possible they have found one. said Skye. and the answers to your other questions are obvious.
Right, right. Does it indicate whether the power drain is meant to kill immediately? she asked again, I have some suspicions…
For a magical creature that type of power drain won't kill you immediately… but once your magic power is drained it starts on your life force. If you don't stop it soon after that then it will kill you. Said Skye smugly. Unfortunately it doesn't stop there. It not only drains away your life force, but it also drains away the essence of your soul.
Was Aurelius one of the worst-off people at the prison? I'm starting to think they might have experimented on him some. Obviously, they didn't go far, but… I have this really weird gut feeling.
Septima tapped her fingers on the table.
I don't think I've seen him that weak. Ever.
Skye almost stopped in step. I… I hate to admit it.. but you might be right…. said Skye, This is definitely not something Silver would've been able to detect.. But it also begs to ask why they didn't he was about to ask why they didn't experiment on Silver when he remembered something.
Skye, what is it?
Septima detected the abrupt pause. He was thinking, but it wasn't coming through.
Why they didn't what?
I was going to ask why they didn't experiment on Silver too… said Skye, But I forgot he's a Luna element, the strength of his aura is unreliable.
That could be why. Then again, they may not have experimented on everyone anyway, Septima said, Plus, Aurelius is very powerful, and the woman who turned him in knew a lot about his magic. He was a good target.
True. said Skye. I'm probably lucky they didn't have me instead.
I wish they'd had me instead…
Septima crossed her hands in front of her.
Well, other than the one book I found, there hasn't really been anything helpful here. From what I got, we might get a motive, but we're not getting their vulnerabilities.
Alright, a motive is good, said Skye, Now let's meet up back in the dining hall, it should be time for breakfast.
Okay, I'll see you there.
Septima started walking back towards the dining hall. She was even more shaken than before.