"Your Majesty!" Varn called, turning to Renjiro with a triumphant grin. "The Dragon Ghost is caught. I have everything I need to become a Lich!"
Renjiro crossed his arms, his expression stern but curious. "I hope you didn't waste that barrel of Life Water I gave you," he said. Though he'd used the precious liquid as bathwater, he still knew its value.
Varn chuckled, wiping sweat from his brow. "I'm only about fifty percent sure it'll work, but I trust Master Hades will guide me. I believe I'll succeed."
Renjiro nodded. "Good. Now go. And Varn—make sure no one knows my elves are tied to necromancers or the undead."
Varn bowed low, his tattered robes brushing the ground. "Your Majesty, I understand completely."
He and Nina climbed onto Bone Dragon's back, Nina clutching Varn's arm nervously. The Bone Dragon spread its bony wings, its skull turning toward Renjiro.
"Your Majesty," Bone Dragon rumbled, "wherever I am on this continent, I will always hear your call."
