Of course someone immediately set forth to rediscover that, too. The value of firestone has fallen tremendously from what it was in my youth, as both its greater availability and the moral repellence of its origin have caused many wealthy individuals to cease wearing it.
But against these ills I may set the position of Draconean society today, which is unquestionably improved from the time during which they hid in the Sanctuary of Wings, with nowhere left to run. I will not pretend their re-emergence in the outside world has been without its difficulties; many humans are indeed hostile to them, and a counter-movement among the Draconeans has continually agitated for renewed isolation. But the more outward-looking members of their society have taken advantage of their new freedom, with the result that their population has nearly doubled since the creation of the Sanctuary Alliance. Many of these new generation were nurtured and hatched in less harsh conditions, which in turn makes it easier for them to travel outside the Mrtyahaima. In time they hope to re-establish a settlement in Akhia, where their civilization began—though opposition to them among certain Segulist and Amaneen factions is strong. For reasons both biological and political, I do not expect to see that happen in my lifetime.
One change, however, may happen quite soon. The final terms of the Sanctuary Alliance included the construction of a Scirling caeliger base there, for the protection of Draconean sovereignty. Although the garrison proved useful once or twice in the early years, it has not faced any significant threat in quite some time. The duration set for the base’s operation will expire next year, and I am certain the Synedrion would not even think of failing to honour the promises they made then, that they would dismantle the base and return the Sanctuary fully to Draconean control.
I still correspond with Ruzt, who now sits on the council of elders in the Sanctuary. It is a wonder brought about by the use of caeligers; when we first met, to send a letter from Scirland to the depths of the Mrtyahaima would have taken half a year, and the other half for the reply to come back. These days I may converse regularly with friends all over the earth, from the Sanctuary to Yelang to Bayembe, and read the findings of scientific colleagues from countless other lands. As my enthusiasm for strenuous field expeditions wanes with age, I find this is a great convenience.
If there is any conclusion to my tale (apart from my death, which I hope is yet a good way off), it is that the heart of it will never truly end. Although my memoirs are of course the story of my life and career, they are also a story of discovery: of curiosity, and investigation, and learning, not only regarding dragons but many other topics. I take comfort in knowing that others will carry this tale forward, continually unfolding new secrets of the world in which we live, and hopefully using that understanding more often for good than for ill.
And so I leave it in your hands, gentle reader. Mind you carry it well.
Isabella, Lady Trent
F.P.C.