47. Magnes: Relic of the Past

Summary

• The chapter begins with Magnes, also known as Ammil, reflecting upon the past in the South Tower of the Citadel, one of the oldest and most deserted parts of the building. Magnes comes here when he wants to be alone.
• He gazes at the view of the city of Vatra and sea from the high tower, appreciating the beauty of the setting, and celebrates a moment of victory over his adversaries who are trapped behind a Veil for now, giving him some reprieve.
• Magnes reveals his past: he has lived many lives, he had an association with many monarchs, he has seen revolutions and he has wandered in poverty and madness. He unveils that he was not always a priest and has done unholy things. He has been in power, subtly influencing the decisions of the leaders, weaving threads of magic into their minds to control them.
• He mentions a recent upheaval in Loc - the appearance of dragons stirring chaos and speculation among the population, some believing the dragons are signs from the gods, others fearing a return of the Strike. He mentions two names: the human Arcady Eremia and dragon Everen Emberclaw, who have now separated, and he wonders if they will get together again.
• Magnes takes off his clothes and stands naked in the tower. He reveals a second form -- his skin changes, his features rearrange, his eyes brighten, his ears and fangs point and wings burst behind him. His thumb, which was missing, is replaced with a claw from his robe using a burst of magic.
• He roars out in his natural form as a dragon, far from the shore where no human ears can hear. He opens his jaws and roars, finally revealing his real identity: he is Ammil, the former last male dragon.