The general told Elrik to shine the torch on the wall, which he did, revealing a light switch. Dracon flipped it. No light. He flipped it repeatedly for a few seconds. Still nothing.
“Whatever happened even knocked out the bunker’s generator,” Dracon said, albeit to no one in particular.
“It seems like anything that runs on magic is just, well, dead,” added Jaysynn.
Dracon sighed heavily. “I’ve noticed that, too.”
“How are we supposed to hide down here if we can’t even turn on a light?”
There was a brief pause until Elrik looked at Dracon and said, “Sir, I might be able to help.”
“How?”
“I’ve heard about a man who lives among the urchins down here who makes devices that don’t run on magic. Those same urchins also use glow sticks and light rods to get around in the dark.”
Jaysynn’s eyes narrowed. I thought I was the only one who knew about the Tinkerer.
“Would they be willing to share any of that with us?” asked Dracon.
“Sir, I’m not sure they’ll be there with all the chaos erupting on the surface. But if they’re not there, maybe I can scavenge a few things for us.”
“Go!” ordered Dracon, pointing toward the door. “And take the torch with you. If it burns out, use your other lighter.”
“Sir, that will leave you alone in the dark.”
“We’ll manage.”
“Yessir!”
With that, Elrik dashed to the door, opened it, ran out, and latched it shut.
For several long seconds, Jaysynn and Dracon stood in silence and darkness. The dark was absolute—Jaysynn could not even see his hand in front of his face.
The silence was broken by Jaysynn’s sigh. “So, tell me, General…what happened up there?” Jaysynn reflexively pointed up, forgetting his gesture could not be seen.
More silence. Was Dracon hesitating to answer? Jaysynn was about to repeat his question when the general answered: “Even I am not sure, my prince. I was driving down Imperial Avenue to meet with Emperor Thorynn at the Palace to discuss his latest campaigns on the outskirts of the continent when I heard a loud explosion. I caught a glimpse of a mushroom cloud in the corner of my eye. It seemed to be rising from the same area as the Great Well. Then I was struck with a shockwave made of white energy.”
“I remember the shockwave. It…knocked me out for a few minutes.”
“Where were you when this happened? You weren’t at the Palace.”
Jaysynn hesitated to answer. His mouth was dry but not from all his running. “I…went out into the city.”
“Why?” Dracon asked with a slight hint of annoyance.
“To…clear my head.”
“Without an armed escort?”
“…Yes…”
Dracon harrumphed. “It’s a good thing I trained you well.”
“Yes. So, do you think the shockwave came from the Great Well?”
A slight pause. “It seems that way. But I can’t think of anything that could cause such a catastrophic explosion. But that’s not what’s important now. The chaos in the streets must be quelled before panicking rioters tear the city apart.”
“What do you suggest?”
“Declare martial law. The people must be subdued, but with the military in shambles and the people in the grip of fear, force will be necessary.”
“But such a thing hasn’t happened since…”
“Since the Kyzer family seized the throne three hundred years ago.”
Jaysynn hung his head. He was thankful Dracon could not see him. “Do what you must.” Another pause. “What worries me is Elrik was unable to project a forcefield”—he hesitated to continue—“Just like my father seemed unable to use his magic.” Tears stung Jaysynn’s eyes. Why did he mourn the death of a father who hardly acknowledged his existence?
“It appears this disaster has affected the Select.”
Jaysynn wiped his eyes, again thankful it was dark. “Do you think it’s permanent?”
“There’s no way to know.”
Silence fell again. For how long, Jaysynn did not know.
Then they heard the door unlatch.
Jaysynn reflexively snapped to a combative pose.
In walked Elrik carrying a light rod but no torch.
“Sir, I was able to find some light rods, a lamp, and a few portable stove cans at an abandoned compound in a tunnel a half-mile away.”
The soldier placed the lamp on the table and turned its switch. It flickered to life, its flame illuminating the granite surface of the table in front of them.
“Good work, Sergeant Elrik,” said Jaysynn.
“Thank you, my prince,” replied the soldier, bowing slightly.
“Must I remind you, Elrik, that Jaysynn is not your prince.”
Jaysynn shot a befuddled look at the general.
Dracon turned to Jaysynn, their eyes locking, but his words seemed directed at the soldier: “He is now your emperor.”
Jaysynn’s confusion was destroyed by shock. He was petrified. His heartbeats rang in his ears. In all the chaos, he had forgotten the most critical thing. I am the last of the Kyzer royal family….
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