Page 62 of Sapphire Seas

“No worries, I’ll be here.”

“Thanks,” I said, hurrying out the door grateful for Odem’s presence, since I hadn’t planned to leave my mates alone tonight.

Imagine that. This wasn’t the first time his timing had been suspiciously perfect, but I was coming to appreciate it a great deal. When I arrived, Ionus sat behind his desk, hands steepled as he glared at his computer screen.

“I’m not going to like this, am I?” I asked after I’d closed the door.

“It depends. I’m not sure what to make of it yet and hope you’ll be able to help me unravel this particular mystery.”

He turned the monitor around so I could see what kept him from playing with his dragonets tonight. The artifact on the screen looked fragmented, with several chunks missing. Something was inscribed on it. When I stepped closer to the screen, I immediately recognized what it was. The insignia of Caspian’s Seadragon herd.

“Where did it come from?” I asked.

“Among artifacts Emerson unpacked earlier today. Whenever he updates the digital catalogue, I receive a notification. This was the first thing I spotted when I opened it tonight.

“Where is the rest of it?” I asked.

“That’s what I’m hoping you can determine,” Ionus said. “Read the notes beneath it and you’ll understand.”

He scrolled so I could see them.

“You wish for me to return to the spot and scour it for more pieces,” I deduced after learning that it had been found near an island that had been reclaimed by the sea centuries before.”

“What Emerson was able to decipher from the inscription was that it read like a warning,” Ionus explained. “Unfortunately, there’s little else he can tell us without the rest of it.”

“No promises,” I said as I turned and headed for the door.

“Understood.”

A warning.

We could use more of those.

So many missions had been launched from his home by now that we kept the utility closet by the door stocked with necessities, including the dragon sized waterproof satchel I took with me tonight, in case my hunt was successful. I stripped beneath the moon and shifted, taking to the sky, my flight path took me away from the clear skies over Dragon City and into the heart of a storm. Magnificent waves churned, welcoming me when I plunged into the sea, the turmoil following me into the depths.

Of all the nights to be out here.

With the greatest of care, I raked my claws through the sand, churning up the ocean floor in an effort to locate those pieces. The water around me grew cloudy as I uncovered an impressive number of shells, including one I placed in my satchel. Slowly I made my way around the island, finding a fragment that resembled the artifact in the archives. Moving outward from that spot I widened my search, cautiously sifting through the sand so my claws wouldn’t further damage them.

Even down here, I could feel the turbulent storm still raging above me, the rough water slowing my progress more, as there was a constant need to pause and study the things I uncovered. Another fragment, though this one appeared to be from a different artifact.

Mates, I might not be able to return to you until late. Ionus sent me on an undersea expedition that couldn’t wait. There is no danger, just a quest.

Kes’ reply came first. Awe. Snaggletooth is fun. I hate that you’re missing it.

You’ll have to share it with me when I return.

We will.

We miss you. Caspian said. I’m glad you’re not doing anything dangerous.

Apart from keeping me away from the two of you, this is actually fun. I found a new shell to add to our horde. When I get home, we can find the perfect place for it.

Yay. I’m already looking forward to it.

See you when you get home. If we’re awake, anyway. Kes said.

Don’t try to wait up for me. You and the dragonets need your rest.