Meanwhile, in the imperial city of Makna.

Man: "(shitting himself) Stay away!"

A boy in a black trench coat walks up.

Boy: "(sighing) How about you go and accept the fact that you got in my way for a little cash."

The man immediately runs in the opposite direction.

Boy: "I need to look somewhere else if I'm going to find those two."

The boy begins to leave town.

Soldier 1: "Hold it!"

The boy turns around to find two soldiers.

Soldier 2: "You have been identified as Jay Kros, enemy of the Maknanian Empire."

Jay: "How do you know this?!"

Soldier 2: "Emperor Drake wishes for you to be brought to his quarters."

Jay: "(in head) I can kill this guy right here and now."

Jay walks up.

Jay: "Fine."

The soldiers bring Jay inside the imperial palace in the center of town.

Soldier 1:"We have brought Kros without difficulty my liege."

A dragon walks into the room.

Drake: "Do it."

A soldier injects a strange liquid into Jay's back.

Jay: "What the?"

Drake: "Now go."

The soldiers leave the room.

Jay: "What the hell did you do?!"

Drake: "Wrapped you around my claw."

Drake sits down.

Drake: "That poison can trigger anytime I want. Just follow my orders and you will be spared."

Jay: "I already know you are working with Lucifer."

Drake: "(smiling) I'd expect no less from the descendant of the Mind."

Drake stands up.

Drake: "You are to bring the blood of the dragon goddesses to me and bring Ayleaus as well."

Jay: "You do realize I'm separated from him and I have no idea where the dragon goddesses are. Plus, can't I have Jake remove the poison?"

Drake: "I can see and hear everything you do. And I know you will find them at some point. Writing is futile, all you can do is think it."

Jay: "Dammit!"

Drakos: "I will also trigger it if you mention my association with Lucifer."

Jay leaves the palace.

Jay: "Caught me off guard."

Jay leaves Makna a few minutes later.

Jay: "The nearest town from what I saw was called Phiam and it should be this way."

Jay sets off to the traveler town of Phiam.

Jay: "(in head) I've got a lot of info, but I can't spill it."

Jay looks at the sky.

Jay: "(in head) But how can he see and hear me? I don't want to risk a bluff check."

Jay picks up the pace.