Picking Through Minestus' Hoard

"Looking for something... special?" Sylena asked with a smile as she stepped out into the open.

Moreau whirled about and glared at her. So focused had she been in her search that Moreau had not sensed Sylena's presence. That was sloppy, and Moreau did not like being sloppy. But she quickly regained her composure and replied as indifferently as she could, "Minestus and I were collaborating on a few things. I had thought he had collected some new items of interest since last I'd been here. But it seems I was mistaken."

"An item of interest?" Sylena echoed, enjoying seeing Moreau's discomfiture. "But you already took everything from Minestus' under-vault; the scrolls, the elixirs, the magical tomes. It all looked very intriguing, whatever it was. And yet you are still not satisfied? I find that most distressing. Perhaps I can help you. What exactly is it that you're looking for?"

"Nothing that you would find useful," Moreau replied curtly.

"Oh, but I think you are wrong there," Sylena said, her smile growing wider. "What do you think Morgithus?" From out of the shadows behind Sylena Morgithus stepped forth. "I think that when a dragon does not take their due from a fallen comrade's hoard, but would rather spend their time searching for an 'item of interest', then that item must be most interesting indeed."

"It is none of your concern," growled Moreau menacingly.

"You speak like Minestus," a voice rumbled from behind. Moreau turned and saw Sythabus emerging from a crumbling archway. "He kept secrets, and woe be to those who challenged him. But you are not Minestus. We challenge you, Moreau. You are of the Circle and to the Circle you are bound. You must answer. Unless, of course, you renounce your oath and leave the Circle. So, what is your secret? What is it that you are searching for?"

Moreau slowly backed away, glancing first at Sythabus and then at Morgithus and Sylena. She felt like a child, caught red-handed. And, far worse, felt like a fool for getting caught empty-handed. And now she was cornered, in more ways than one. She knew they would not touch her as long as she was a member of the Circle, but as such she could not evade their questions. To keep her secret for herself she would have to leave the Circle, but to do so would strip her of its protection. Damned if she did, damned if she didn't.

1. What does Moreau do?

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