The small statue of red agate was familiar to everyone. It was the artifact used by Count Carleil to summon dragons, and its potency was well known to all. Lynn's earlier action of rushing to help Finn was not solely altruistic; securing this formidable weapon was also one of his objectives.
The greatest threat was the red dragon, yet it also represented the greatest opportunity. If he could gain control over this dragon, future endeavors would proceed much more smoothly. Lynn understood this, thus he was determined to seize the red dragon agate at the earliest opportunity.
Seeing the object in his hand, the dwarven warrior tightened his grip on his axe. However, Eirich remained unfazed, showing little reaction. "What of it if you have acquired that statue? Creatures summoned by such magical artifacts are not devoid of intellect. When the red dragon returns, it may choose to cooperate with you, but it could just as easily turn against you. Your chances of survival are but fifty percent—if not less, given the dragon's temperament."
"I am well aware of that," Lynn replied, nodding. He certainly understood that the beings summoned by such statues were not necessarily obedient; he had read similar tales long ago. Relying on a mere trinket to bind a powerful creature was exceedingly difficult, and those who entertained such delusions often met swift ends.
Yet he was also cognizant that possessing the statue would enable him to negotiate with the red dragon—if there was room for negotiation, then there remained hope. Moreover, he perceived this as his best opportunity: he did not believe Eurys's assertion that charging out would yield any significant chance of success.
"I understand what you're saying. However, negotiating with a dragon is far easier than forcing our way out: if I am not mistaken, you must possess some powerful spell scrolls, correct? If we attempt a forceful exit, you would obliterate the passage behind us and entomb us here—am I wrong?"
Eirich nodded at Lynn's inquiry, candidly acknowledging his own thoughts.
"Indeed, I prepared scrolls for the event that I might need to perish alongside the vampires. I have not denied it; I was ready to make the ultimate sacrifice, but I refrained from doing so immediately to avoid burdening too many people. Now that they have all departed, I can act without hesitation."
"Exactly; since we cannot charge out, why not attempt to negotiate with the dragon?" Lynn clapped his hands together, his tone mild. He felt that, aside from the red dragon, a negotiation with Eirich could also be feasible. "However, I genuinely believe my chances of survival are quite high. From what I understand, red dragons do not particularly value the race of their allies; they are far more concerned with profit. As long as I can provide them with something beneficial, we can strike a bargain, can we not?"
"What can you offer a red dragon?" Since he had time to stall, Eirich was not in a hurry. "Red dragons covet vast treasures or exquisite maidens, but you possess neither."
"The future." This time, Lynn's expression became serious. "You asked why I came to Dagger Valley; now I can reveal my intentions: I seek allies to journey northward, to establish a foothold on the Warlord Plains, where I aim to build my own power and secure a future for myself. Our northern lands are a vast expanse, ripe with possibilities, where one can strive for anything they desire. If the red dragon is willing to spare me, I could offer it a generous reward in return."
"So, at present, you have nothing." Eirich scoffed coldly. "You can only promise a distant future, using that to deceive others. If I am not mistaken, your initial plan was to dupe those destitute brigands into heading north, was it not? That could work, for brigands are notoriously dim-witted. But red dragons are astute; they do not fall for such ploys."
"I truly possess nothing but the promise of a future." Lynn nodded in affirmation, taking no offense. "Yet what right do you have to mock me? As a priest of the Lord of Dawn, do you not emphasize looking toward a long-term future and seeking it with optimism? Surely, you would not question his teachings?"
"Heretic! What right have you to discuss the teachings of the Lord of Dawn before me?" Eirich's countenance darkened at those words; death was a trivial concern to him, but questioning his piety ignited his fury.
Nevertheless, Lynn paid no mind to his anger and continued speaking.
"I certainly have the right, for I understand better than you that for many on this continent, possessing a future is already a luxury. On this continent, powerful priests like you are ultimately in the minority; most people resemble the foolish brigands you describe. Their livelihoods are easily shattered: a monster's rampage, an adventurer's folly, or a wayward spell can devastate countless lives—most exist without any semblance of a future."
"The Lord of Dawn teaches us that suffering and failure are fleeting."
"Yet the Lord of Dawn cannot indicate where a hopeful future lies." Lynn retorted immediately. "Of course, the Lord of Dawn has indeed strived for a better tomorrow, making numerous efforts and achieving successes, as well as failures, while tirelessly fighting for it; this is admirable. However, it cannot be denied that the vast majority of people in Faerûn continue to live their lives in a daze, devoid of any prospect for the future…"
At this, Lynn could not help but glance back.
"A titan stole a necklace, altering the continent's climate, even causing the sixth-circle wizards to instantaneously lose their futures. The dust of kings… gods, kings, and the powerful—each speck of dust is a mountain to the common folk, suffocating them beneath its weight."
"Can you offer them a future?" Eirich sneered. "Even the gods are powerless; what can you possibly achieve?"
"The future must be fought for by oneself, not handed to them by me. All I can do is provide some advice within my capabilities and work alongside them to build a home… of course, I may very well fail, but my experiences might offer some guidance to those who come after, instilling in them a greater motivation to change the world."
"Are you attempting to persuade me to surrender?" Eirich fell silent for a moment, then suddenly burst into mocking laughter. "You possess a remarkable talent for seducing minds… Yet in my presence, you speak of striving for the future, while before the dark lord's priest, you would advocate for authoritarian rule? How trustworthy are your words?"
"Do those two concepts truly conflict?"
"So, you wish to establish a dictatorship while also crafting a future for the people?" Eirich seemed to recall something, fixing his gaze on Lynn. "You aspire to create an ideal nation in the North?"
"If it is possible, why not?"
Eirich inhaled deeply, raising his mace to look at Lynn. "Then there is no mistake: I must kill you now—for a better and brighter future!"