“Yes, sire. That’s what we concluded. Because not only does the attack make no sense, but there was also no sign of Sea Dragons on that ship. Not anywhere.”
“No sign of them?” His eyes widened. “You mean there was no scent?”
“Yes, sire. Both Claw Mahdred and I could detect no scent of Sea Dragons aboard that ship. Or rather, I should say there was no old scent. I had Sir Feilen, one of King Jucai's knights, with me, and he briefly came aboard. Instead of contaminating the crime scene, his scent helped us to verify that there was no other like it on that ship. As an Eljaffna, Claw Mahdred's sense of smell is even better than mine. So, I trust his findings more than my own.”
“Then the survivors are lying.”
“Not necessarily. We didn't find any evidence of Sea Dragons, but we did find magical residue.”
“Magical residue?”
“Yes, I was as unaware as you are that magic leaves a residue. Evidently, the type of magic used can be determined by the residue it leaves. Claw Mahdred employs a pair of glasses he purchased from an alchemist to see remnants of magic. I didn't believe it until I looked through the glasses and saw it for myself.”
“What did you see?”
“Glowing trails. I could follow them across the ship, and they took me to the blood evidence. I believe the glasses are genuine.”
“Wait, what do you mean, they took you to the blood?”
“I walked the path of the attackers, sire. That residue was everywhere they had been. I believe they were using magic to make themselves look like Sea Dragons.”
“I've never heard of magic that can transform you into another person.”
“I have, but from what I remember, it's a long, complicated process employed by sorcerers.”
“That makes sense. Sorcerers develop their skills; they aren't born with them.”
“Precisely, they create their spells. Hopefully, I can find a sorcerer familiar with the spell. Then I'll know what they need to cast it. That might help me find them.”
“Then you are certain this isn't the work of Sea Dragons?”
“Sea Dragons wouldn't need magic to change their appearance, and they would have left their scent behind. So, that rules out Sea Dragons. I considered the possibility that a Sea Dragon hired others to do the job, but that seems unlikely. When I was in Kansu, I saw no reason for any of King Jucai's dread to rebel, and the city guards didn’t see any Sea Dragons leave the city within that time. And as for the other sea kingdoms, King Jucai said that with their awakening, the Sea Dragons have been busy reestablishing their rule. Also, the sea kingdoms are vast. There’s no need to conquer another kingdom, nor would it be easy to rule one that is half an ocean away.”
“Thank the Gods you returned, Nadar. I might have accused the Ilshi Dead falsely if not for you.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty, but your Claw had already figured it out. He just confirmed his conclusions with me. I'm sure you wouldn't have accused Ilshi of any wrongdoing.”
“Still, it's good to have your help. I know you were only down there a couple of days, but what was it like? What are the Sea Dragons like?”
“They are kind and welcoming. Did you know they hunt sea monsters to protect the undersea people?”
Saris raised his eyebrows. “Sea monsters? How exciting.”
“These monsters have terrorized the undersea folk while the Sea Dragons have been hibernating. They capture people to torture and eat.”
“What?” The King's expression tightened into horror. “Those poor people.”
I nodded. “And that is why the Sea Dragons are so revered underwater. They are heroes. And the city, sire, its beautiful. So wondrous. I saw a lake in one of their parks.”
“A lake?” The King chuckled. “A lake under the sea, how amusing.”
“Yes, and they are very civilized. They have libraries, schools, and training academies. King Jucai oversees the welfare of his people.”
King Saric sighed. “If only I had the time.”
“I didn't mean to imply that you are lacking, Your Majesty. You are wise enough to establish an organization to help your people.”
The King snorted. “That wasn't my idea. Our ancestors established guidelines for city governance long ago.”
