"Well, so it amounts to mere legend," Joanna Kenster sighed, allowing her arms to fall in palpable disappointment. "Neither the Ancient Dragons nor the Titans can be definitively proven to have existed."

  "Nevertheless, Sarah's account merits serious consideration," Augler Prescott elaborated. "If this legendary dragon truly manipulated weather patterns, documentary evidence should exist somewhere in scholarly texts. Our immediate requirement isn't verification of the legend's authenticity, but rather comprehension of the methodology behind weather manipulation. Any existing record, regardless of its historical accuracy, would provide invaluable clues. Let us remember—we currently operate from a position of complete ignorance."

  "Sarah, does Wyrmδenborn possess any archival documentation regarding this conflict?" Delores Zimmerman inquired.

  "Regrettably, no," Sarah replied. "In Wyrmδenborn, knowledge concerning ordinary dragonkind abounds, but records pertaining to Ancient Dragons are lamentably scarce—pitifully so."

  "How ironic that the so-called 'Land of Dragons' fails to live up to its moniker," Joanna remarked with undisguised contempt.

  "Beyond Wyrmδenborn, only Illuviλofer might house relevant documentation."

  "The public library in Illuviλofer?" Giselle Hardy arched an eyebrow. "That presents little difficulty. I've visited several times; the institution welcomes all races."

  Dorothy Andella Jones fixed her with a penetrating gaze. "Your eager volunteerism thinly disguises your true motive—seeking an opportunity for escape."

  "Once beyond this palace's confines, you're at liberty to flee whenever you desire," Deborah Borealis stated, evident fatigue etched across her features. "I merely wish for us to engage in meaningful endeavors. I acknowledge the extraordinary challenge this task presents, but consider the alternative perspective: success would inscribe our names in historical annals for posterity. Every practitioner of the arcane arts—indeed, even common citizenry—might one day recognize our names and accomplishments."

  "Your concern is unwarranted, Dorothy. Should our search yield nothing of value, I'll withdraw from this enterprise more swiftly than anyone. But that moment hasn't arrived. I genuinely desire the Godmans' retreat, and I aspire to... achieve immortality through remembrance."

  "Miss Borealis demonstrates profound understanding of the sorcerer's most prevalent psychological trait," Gregory Monroe Longinus observed, casting a sardonic glance toward the Arisindra practitioner. "An insatiable appetite for vainglory."

  "We share that universal flaw," she murmured.

  "While the elven public repository indeed permits universal access, I doubt it would house... documentation from the Era of Strife," Augler Prescott redirected the conversation. "I propose that access to the royal archives would prove more fruitful..."

  "Such a facility resides within the elven court itself, with admission restricted to those of royal lineage," Joanna Kenster noted playfully. "Which among us commands the most convincing illusion magic? Perhaps we might assume the identities of Lironala Clan members?"

  "Your natural appearance already rivals elven beauty, particularly your hair," Dorothy remarked dismissively.

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  "I appreciate the observation, Dorothy. Such a compliment would carry greater credibility from a gentleman's lips."

  "Currently, the High King of the Sinor Elves presides over Illuviλofer," Augler informed them. "Brigar's diplomatic envoy, Kadu Kahn Civide, is himself a Sinor Elf. Negotiation through his office might prove viable."

  "The Sinor Elves epitomize arrogance. They maintain a frigid demeanor toward others, exuding such towering self-importance—as if everyone covets their golden tresses," Joanna remarked, casting a significant glance toward Dorothy Andella Jones.

  "Someone must attempt this venture," Deborah Borealis declared. "The potential rewards justify the endeavor."

  "I might offer assistance," Monica Dunston ventured, her voice barely audible.

  "How predictable, Monica," Dorothy chuckled derisively. "Your eagerness for escape exceeds everyone else's..."

  "Enough!" Deborah commanded sharply.

  The Megonian sorceress bit her lip in frustration, redirecting her attention to manipulating her hair.

  "I shall accompany you," Augler offered with an expression of concern. The red-haired girl understood perfectly the dual nature of his proposal—genuine care interwoven with surveillance. Deborah acknowledged the arrangement with a tacit nod. "I propose visiting Wyrmδenborn with Sarah. Perhaps certain repositories remain unexplored. What are your thoughts on this proposal?"

  "I harbor no objections." Sarah tilted her head slightly, allowing Monica to observe for the first time the complete absence of hair beneath her concealing hood. "Though I must caution—you'll find little pleasure there."

  "Provided dragons aren't freely roaming the thoroughfares, I shall manage adequately."

  "How fortuitous—both Brigarian sorcerers will be absent," Joanna Kenster observed, stretching with exaggerated languor. "We may now exercise unfettered autonomy."

  "Who recently proclaimed their youthful vitality and disinclination toward premature mortality?" Giselle reminded her pointedly. "Exercise restraint, Joanna. Let not your imprudence engender collective peril."

  "Delores," Deborah addressed the habitually reticent council chairwoman. "I entrust leadership of this assembly to you during Augler's and my absence."

  "The council chair's jurisdiction expands remarkably," Joanna commented with undisguised mockery. "Exercise caution to avoid overexertion..." Her speech terminated abruptly. Rather than experiencing throat constriction, she felt her tongue involuntarily contorting into a knot.

  "Indeed, my responsibilities are considerable," Delores Zimmerman affirmed with measured composure. "This particular disciplinary technique I typically reserve for impertinent, excessively loquacious students."

  A considerable interval elapsed before Joanna Kenster's tongue unraveled itself. She covered her mouth, gasping slightly. "Your students must endure considerable discomfort."

  "In the current circumstances, we all assume the role of students," the Arisindra headmistress observed, directing a measured smile toward Joanna. "Confronted with this unprecedented challenge, we are all learners navigating uncharted territory. The educational relationship demands mutual respect—and as colleagues, should we not uphold identical standards? Would you not concur?"

  "Absolutely, without question," Dorothy Andella Jones interjected hastily, barely concealing her satisfaction.

  Joanna carefully verified her tongue's proper function before responding.

  "We shall endeavor to identify an appropriate casting location before your return," Giselle Hardy of Arisindra promised. "It must be a site abundant in Primal Source and proximally situated to celestial realms."

  "Only the 'Giant's Spear' will suffice," Gregory Monroe Longinus declared definitively. "The summit of West Kulen Mountain."

  "We shall conduct preliminary reconnaissance of the area," Delores assured Deborah.

  "Excellent. Our respective responsibilities are now clearly delineated," Deborah Borealis concluded, her exhaustion unmistakable. "The hour grows late. I suggest everyone retire for much-needed rest."

  Monica Dunston moved purposefully toward the exit, intent on departing before her colleagues. "Monica," Deborah called after her.

  The red-haired sorceress's profile exhibited glacial frigidity, emotional warmth seemingly extinguished.

  "Allow me to escort you to your quarters," Deborah offered, attempting to manifest a cordial smile.