able to repeat the same alloy.”
“What does this have to do with this mace?”
“Well, I think this is copied. See how the bottom if this engraving is sharp. Beaten engravings have rounded bottoms. The dwarf that made all these weapons would never have carved an engraving into his work.”
“The edges look like all the others.”
“Indeed. It appears that the forger was skilled in his own way. I think he beat the metal with some sort of softer metal to work the sharp edges of the engravings back down. It is almost undetectable if you don’t have the light just right.”
“So there is another soul forged weapon out there? I found this one in the tomb of Stone Walker. Why would he have a fake weapon in his tomb?” Reigns rubbed his brow thoughtfully.
“I don’t know. This is unsettling. We had no idea that there was a missing weapon.”
“What do you intend to do with this information and how do the others look? Any more forgeries?” Reigns clenched and unclenched his fist unconsciously.
“The others look authentic. I will put people to work on tracking the missing one.”
“I think we have discovered enough about my soul forgings for today.” Alban looked disappointed, but he didn’t complain as Reigns ordered him to put the bag back over his head. It wasn’t more than a few minutes later that they arrived back in his study. Alban had just settled into the chair opposite Reigns’ seat when a messenger hesitantly knocked on the door. After Reigns had admitted the messenger, he demanded to know what the message was.
“Two of your elite squads were on a mission to eliminate a dangerous target. They were caught under the individual’s influence. When they escaped, they encountered a group of people leaving the area. After they gave chase, they were attacked by two individuals.” Reigns interrupted with a derisive snort.
“Ha, next you are going to say that they were attacked by a couple kids.” Reigns rolled his eyes dramatically.
“My lord, they were not children. They were both at least in their mid to late-teens.”
“My best men were attacked by a couple youth… As interesting as that sounds, I know the rest. They were quickly dispatched. Tell me about the rest of the group they were chasing.”
“They were able to capture the two, but they didn’t have a chance to pick up the chase again before the trail got cold.”
“How long does it take to capture two teen aged kids?”
“I'm sorry my lord, the two called themselves Dragon Lords. They were really strong, especially the blond blue eyed one.”
“Dragon Lords? Why didn’t you say so sooner! They were captured right? Where are they being held?”
“In Firgrest’s castle dungeons. There is more my lord.”
“What more might I want to hear?”
“House head of Loneka, Estavo is dead. His son and heir is missing.” This information gave Reigns pause until Alban laughed.
“That is one way to destroy a set of well laid plans. This sounds to me to be the work of the Asgare.”
“I must leave.” The messenger chose that moment to bow and escape from the room as Reigns glared at Alban.
“No one except for you knew of my plans. Other than Estavo. Even that brat Oscarion had no clue.”
“It couldn’t have been coincidence that all the people in Loneka were sleeping when a small party of people walked into the Loneka manor and walked out with Oscarion right as your plans were coming together.”
“The messenger never said that. What haven’t you told me?”
“My men were there. Your men wouldn’t have captured these two without our help.”
“I am beginning to suspect that you aren’t any better than Crein.”
“Crein was a liar. I haven’t lied to you. I knew that the messenger was on his way so I wanted to get acquainted with you before you go to Firgrest.”
“I think that omissions are close to the magnitude of lying.”
“All you have to do is ask. I would have told you about the Dragon Lords being captured, had you asked.”
“Why would I have asked you that? Never mind. I like you for some reason. Don’t ruin it. It often ends badly for people that forget their place.”
“Of course my lord.”
“Humph. I want to keep an eye on you so you will be coming with me.” Alban merely nodded in acquiescence. Reigns was deep in thought as he gave the orders to ready his carriage. It felt good to finally have the pesky Dragon Lord in his dungeon. Reigns had been hunting him for too