Room8b
Jora reaches toward the mirror and it rushes forward to engulf them. The cold chill of the mirror cuts deep into their cores. In the blink of an eye they are standing in the same white room but something is different.
The mirrors have disappeared from view and instead, the group finds themselves standing upon a carpet of gold coins and gems.
“Holy shit, we’re rich,” Conrad says and reaches down to grab a handful of gold.
A rumbling growl, so low that its vibrations can be felt deep in their chests, fills the room.
A primal fear freezes each of the adventurers in place. The part of their brains which remembers what it was like to be prey to the great beasts takes control and, rigid with fear they turn slowly to see the dragon looming over them.
As in the vision, its scales seem to glow a deep, fiery red. Its luminous yellow eyes pin each of them in place.
“You dare steal my treasure?” Its voice is the rumble of an avalanche or the thunder of a summer storm.
“Conrad, stop,” Jora says and then, remembering the vision in the mirror, he turns toward the dragon.
He feels as if he is encased in amber as he tries to move. His arms spread wide, displaying his lack of weapon and he takes a shaking step toward the dragon.
“Mighty one, we come not to steal but to speak with you. My friend was impressed by your treasure and wished to admire it, not pilfer it.”
“You are a witty one, human. I wonder how you would taste?”
“Please great dragon,” Lamia says. “We are prisoners of the wizard’s tower and are trying our best to escape and the path leads to you.”
“Yes, we chose the path of parley,” Jora says. “We wish to be friends, not foes.”
“A wise choice,” the dragon rumbles. “It is a pity that you did not drink the blue. I have no coin for you but I shall allow you to proceed. You may choose a door and pass unharmed.”
“Wait,” Conrad says. “Do we need a coin then?”
“Conrad,” Jora warns.
“Begone now,” the dragon says and fires stir in its maw. “Leave while I still feel generous.”
“Let’s go,” Lamia says, grabbing Conrad’s arm and moving him toward a door.
What choice should the adventurers make?