Akana opened his mouth but closed it immediately again. He did not even know that he had Dragonfire until now so how could he know the answer to that question.

“That is something I can answer. I have been sent by my father to answer the question about how he possesses Dragonfire,” Saefir said and came closer.

He scrutinized Akana before frowning. It was the closest Akana had seen him show emotion on his face. His expression vanished quickly.

“The answer lies in how we defeated Rafabik,” Saefir said.

“I assumed you were using your mechanics and machines for that,” Sidastir admitted.

“That's what we let the world believe. Even to some extent what we let the auons believe. But dragons are immune to fire and our weapon is powered on the sunlight, fire, and steam. They didn't work and we had to turn to other methods,” said Saefir said.

“Mana. We devoured the dragon mana,” Akana replied.

He froze. How did he know that? Did the hunger answer? No, it was something else. Something more instinctively. Almost like he had experienced it himself. Saefir reviewed Akana.

“Correct. But to be exact, one-person devoured Rafabik’s mana. An Auon called Bahadir,” said Saefir.

“I assumed that the ability to devour mana came from the Dragonfire,” Sidastir admitted and Saefir shook his head.

“The ability comes from our ancestors. We don't know much about them and only a few tales told around the campfire has survived the passage of time. We have collected all the information but do not know how much of the information is based on fact,” Saefir explained.

“The stories speak of a people who had the ability to devour magic or mana. Through this ability, they extended their life and they were more or less immortal. They were strong and immune to magic. But they were also dangerous, wild and bloodthirsty. The ability to devour mana is a double-edged sword because it gives enormous power but it's also addictive. It is manifested as hunger that can only be appeased by gobbling up more.”

“Akana devoured those who assaulted him,” Sidastir said slowly.

“Then he should feel of hunger,” Saefir replied and Akana jerked in discomfort.

Sidastir didn't look surprised which in turn confirmed what Akana already suspected. He knew about Akana’s hunger.

“This happened also happen to Bahadir after he had devoured Rafabik. The hunger was so strong that he was a danger to the public. There was only one option left. We executed him,” Saefir said and Akana jerked in terror.

He felt a lump in his stomach. Sidastir must have known of Akana’s fear for he replied immediately, “There is no reason to take such drastic actions. Akana is fine.”

“Fascinating. I have read that when Bahadir devoured Rafabik he started to express emotions like rage and grief. Historians created a theory that the auons feelings are bound to our magic. So, when our ancestors decided to quit devour mana as the cost was too high but as a result, we also lost the ability to feel emotions,” Saefir said and scrutinized Akana with a scientific interest.

"Ever since I devoured the boys, I have felt ... A lot, but for every day the emotions begin to fade," Akana mumbled nervously.

“Then there is hope for you. If the theory is correct then it should stop the hunger when the emotions have vanished,” Saefir said and Akana felt something heavy inside his chest. Pain. He was unsure how he felt about this revelation.

“So, you defeated the dragon, devouring it and killed the man who saved your homeland. It does not explain why Akana can use Dragonfire,” Sidastir said and Saefir released Akana from his gaze.

“The event itself has a continuation. It can be assumed that Bahadir killed the dragon, but it was too powerful. What he did was something else,” Saefir said and Vis, who had been silent during the debate, responded.

“Sorcery of Seals.”

“Sorcery of Seals? I have never heard of it,” Sidastir said and frowned.

“I would not think that many people have. It's an extinct form of magic that only the Keiser and perhaps the Mayin knows about. It is a unique form of magic used to trap living creatures or magic into vessels. The Keiser, Arden Equbella, used Sorcery of Seals to capture the demons when they attacked for around seven hundred years ago,” Vis explained and leaned back.

“We had no name for it, but the explanation is consistent with what we know. Bahadir sealed Rafabik into his own body. He was the container that held the huge dragon. We assumed that after the death the dragon died with the vessel. We were wrong. A generation later a young woman showed up out of nowhere. An Auon with the ability to produce white flames. After she died another came and then another one. We have not been able to determine how the next vessel is selected but each person have been an Auon and they are drawn to the Dragonstone in Haara,” said Saefir.

“Dragonstone? You have a Dragonstone,” Sidastir exclaimed in surprise.

“I guess it is not widely known that Dragonstones are the remains of a deceased dragon. The dragon's heart turns to a silver-white crystal which shines like snow. The rarest and most valuable of all the world's gems. Dragonstone of Haara is what is left of Rafabik,” Saefir explained.

“So, each vessel is drawn to the dragon's heart,” Akana thought and felt something arise in his mind. A thought. A desire.

“Person who possesses Dragonfire is the new vessel for Rafabik and for some reason our ancient powers reach to the Dragonfire. We have speculated that the reaction may come from the dragon's strong mana,” Saefir said.

“I would suggest that your ancient powers are what gives you the ability to be the vessel for a dragon. Sorcery of Seals is rarely used in this way because only a few living beings have the ability to handle a dragon’s amount of mana. If the auons didn’t have the ability to devour mana then you would have died by the abundance of mana that comes with Dragonfire,” Vis said and devoured all the content in his cups.

“An interesting theory. We have observed that the vessel for Rafabik often has some specific features. Among them is the vessel usually has stronger emotional reactions than an ordinary Auon. If the vessel constantly devours mana in lesser amounts then that could explain the reaction,” Saefir said with a scientific interest.

Akana lowered his head. He, however, could not help but wonder why he felt ashamed that he was emotional.

“This explains some, but a mystery remains. When Akana was in the alley, it was as if he was possessed. The person who was in the alley was not Akana. He spoke with a voice made of a thousand voices and talked about Akana as a different person,” Sidastir said and Akana shuddered at the memory of the cave and the identical creature whom he had met.

He had assumed that it had been a hallucination, but Sidastir had told him about the meeting ...

Saefir turned to Sidastir with a frown.

“I have never heard of such a reaction ... However, we do not know much, and I have only received basic information to pass on. If you like, I can find more information in our archives at Echir. They might have some answers for you,” he said slowly and Sidastir nodded.

“I would be eternally grateful for your assistance.”

They began to finish their meeting and Saefir said goodbye before he went. Akana turned to Sidastir who gave a few words to his teacher before he ran after Saefir. Akana stood there and felt more and more abandoned.

*****

Sidastir managed to catch up with Saefir who turned and frowned. It was a little uncomfortable how much of Akana he could see in Saefir. Was all Auons the same or was perhaps Saefir and Akana distantly related?

“Was there anything else you needed from me, Rial of Eitir?” Saefir asked.

“I just wanted to assure that my gratitude also extends to your father, Tera Amal. It gives me great honor to one of the five Merchant princes looks after my royal consort, even though he does not belong to your family,” Sidastir said.

“It's no trouble. I was in Lireim in Dailain to create a trading relationship between the Echir and Dailain so I was the one who was closest. The same can be said of your request for information. The archives lay in Echir which is the city my family controls. It only makes sense that I use my contacts to help you,” Saefir simply said.

“It was not something you had to do as you do not know Akana,” Sidastir said.

“Dragonfire is our burden to bear. It is only natural that we pass on the knowledge we have to the vessel.”

Saefir silenced and scrutinized Sidastir.

“What?” asked Sidastir who felt uncomfortable with Saefir’s silence.

“It is our responsibility to prepare the vessel, but it was also our responsibility to deal with the situation if it goes haywire. With Akana’s marriage to you, which we had not approved if we had known that he was the vessel, the responsibility falls on you,” Saefir said and Sidastir could feel his blood freeze.

“What are you talking about? Manage the situation?” he said slowly and Saefir tilted his head.

“Auons is not meant to have emotions. If he continues to gobble up people's mana, then he must be stopped. Permanently,” Saefir explained like he is explaining the instructions for the use of a machine.

“You want me to murder my own spouse?” Sidastir asked callously.

“Want is a strong word, but it may be necessary. His tantrum can damage the auons who already is in a tricky situation. It is your responsibility to ensure that he cannot hurt others or himself,” Saefir noted before leaving Sidastir in the corridor who had an angry expression.

“Cold-hearted fool,” Sidastir thought angrily and stormed back to the room where Akana stood and talked to Vis who seemed unusually sober for the talk.

Akana turned towards him and gave him a smile that almost made Sidastir stumble. It was like the person in front of him was completely different.

“Scolator has just explained to me that it would be best if I get private lessons on Elementalism of him,” said Akana who almost seemed unsure of how he should react.

“It would be wise to study Elementalism but why private lessons. The lessons started only a few weeks ago. Can he not change course or just add Elementalism?” asked Sidastir who was not sure how he would react to Vis apparent interest in Akana.

“I have suggested that he drop out of archery and takes Elementalism. I will speak with Primus so there should not be any problem, but the change can take up to a month, so I suggest private lessons so that he does not fall behind in his studies,” Vis said.

“I can give him private lessons,” Sidastir argued but got a snort for a reply.

“You? An icemage training a firemage. Are you completely insane? You have taken Elementalism, right? I remember that you were in class at least or perhaps you learned a new element in which I don’t know of?” Vis said and Sidastir squirmed. He could not use fire magic.

“What you should worry about is the incident that created this whole spectacle. Stealing mana permanently is terrifying for many and they will chase your spouse for it,” Vis said and Sidastir could feel the terror raise within him.

“Perhaps it is better that we go home to Eitir,” Sidastir muttered.

“So, he can learn fire magic from the trolls. Exceptional skills of deduction!” Vis sarcastically said and Sidastir wanted to hit him.

“I have already sent a letter to the Mayin. He rarely intervenes in trivial matters but in this case, I would not be surprised if he took a personal interest in the situation. Dragonfire is one of the rarest forms of magic that is available and has a reputation for being impossible for a mage to use so he will be particularly interested in a person who has dragonfire,” Vis said and started sipping his wine again.

“Will the Mayin be able to do something?” asked Sidastir who found it difficult to see that one person could make a difference. Vis laughed in response.

“The Mayin is the strongest mage in the nine kingdoms. The only one who can oppose him is the Keiser. Very few people can oppose the council of the nine kingdoms in general,” Vis said and Sidastir felt a little calmer.

“Let's just hope that the Mayin takes an interest in our situation. Otherwise, we have more problems than we can handle,” Sidastir said and brought Akana, who generally looked confused about the conversation, to their rooms.

All they can do now is wait and hope for the best.