Tales of the Lorekeepers 01 - Rise of the Red Dragon

will.”
    Samuel hugged the young man, then turned and walked away. As he did, he could feel Malloy’s eyes on his back, probably still trying to figure out who this young boy was. Angeline appeared next to the Lorekeeper.
    “You have to get ready to go now, Sammy.”
    “I know. There’s only one more thing I need to do.”
    Samuel walked to the royal tent, which had been rebuilt for Ambrosius. Inside, he found the young Myrddin in conversation with the two brothers.
    “Sam!” said Ambrosius. “What a pleasant surprise. Did you reconsider my offer?”
    “Actually, I’m here to say goodbye.”
    All three looked at him in surprise.
    “So soon?” asked Uther.
    “I’m afraid so.”
    Myrddin ran to Samuel and threw himself on the young man, hugging him as if his life depended on it. Finally, the young wizard-to-be looked up.
    “Do you know what Ambrosius and Uther have just decided? They are going to rename this place in my honor. From now on, this hill will be called Dinas Emrys. Isn’t that great?”
    “It is indeed, Myrddin.”
    Ambrosius and Uther walked up to Samuel, shaking his hand in turn.
    “Are you sure you won’t reconsider my offer to join our council?” asked Ambrosius.
    “I wish I could, my lord, but I must be on my way.”
    “In that case, is there anything we can do for you before you leave?” asked Uther.
    “Indeed there is. It will sound strange, but I must insist you respect my wish. As you trusted me before, I ask that you place your faith in me once more.”
    “Of course. What is your wish?”
    “You have probably guessed that I am not a common man—I am kind of like Myrddin is. There are things about me that you do not know and things that must remain secret. This is very important. As strange as it may seem, you must not mention my name or who am I to anyone. For the future of Britain and the wellbeing of your descendants, I implore you to do as I ask and keep my existence a secret.”
    “You are indeed special, Samuel,” said Ambrosius. “I would have had the best bards sing praises of your adventures and the most skilful sculptors carve your image in stone, for I am eternally in your debt. However, we will respect your wish and do no such thing.”
    “You have our word,” added Uther. “No one will know of your role in this episode of our great history. Although I do not fully understand why you would make such a request, I trust that your reasons are good and noble.”
    “Thank you.”
    “Is there anything else we can do for you?” asked Ambrosius.
    “Well … there is one more thing.”
    “Please ask: anything you want, my friend.”
    Samuel looked at a wooden desk behind Ambrosius, upon which a quill stood in a small flask of black ink.
    “Would you guys sign my shirt?”
    Uther and Ambrosius looked at each other with sheer surprise. They had expected a request for gold or land, maybe even a title. A scribble on a garment was definitely unheard of.
    “Trust me guys, where I come from, it’s a kind of a big thing.”
    “If that is what you wish for, then so be it!”
    A little while later, Samuel was walking down Dinas Emrys, admiring the linen shirt his sister had given him. Inside it was an inscription that would make any Dungeons and Dragons adept green with envy:
    “To our dear friend and mysterious savior of our people, Samuel.
    May your courage inspire many and may your heart remain pure.
    We and the people of Britain are forever in your debt.”
    Ambrosius Aurelianus
    Uther Pendragon
    Myrddin Emrys

    “You know you cannot show this to anyone,” said Angeline.
    “I don’t care.”
    “Fine. As long as you are aware of it, that’s all I need.”
    When the ink was dry, Samuel put his shirt back on.
    “So what happens now?” he asked the fairy.
    “You go back to your world.”
    “And that’s it?”
    “That’s it! For now, anyway. Whenever the Yfel sends their man back in this world to mess with another legend, you will be called again to save the day!”
    Samuel took the dice from his pocket. The carved sigils on the bones had disappeared, and all six faces were blank again.
    “All I have to do is cast the dice, right?”
    “Yes. Once you are back in your room, store them in a safe place and make sure you do not lose them! When the time comes, the runes on them will appear to you and burn again. This will mean you are needed on Metverold.”
    Samuel looked at the dice and then at the forest surrounding him. For one last time, he smelled