I look down at the map, and then at the place I've stopped in front of. It's a cave, surrounded by an abundance of greenery, the mouth of the cave covered in long hanging vines.
"This is the place alright," I mutter, ducking as I enter the cave's mouth. I hear the soft voice of someone, singing some kind of song. The pungent stench of many different herbs and other plants assaults my nose, and I sneeze. Instantly, the singing stops.
"Galangal?" A shadow stretches across the wall, and a figure greets me. The figure is small and slight, with very long hair, the color of dirt. He smiles at me, revealing small, sharp teeth.
"Toadstool?" I blink in surprise. "It can't be! You look exactly the same as you did 60 years ago!" Toadstool only grins in response.
"Oh, but it is. Come," He grabs my hand, leading me deeper into the cave. "You need something from me, don't you?"
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"...And then, His Majesty disbands the council!" I scowl, and Toadstool nods, prompting me to continue. "He returns after being thought dead, and what does he do? Disbands the council!" Toadstool regards me curiously.
"His Majesty sounds very cruel," He comments, and I nod, sipping at the teacup that sat in front of me.
"He is cruel," I reply. "King Bergamot is draconic in his cruelty." I sniff, and Toadstool smiles, weaving a string through large, blood-red jewel. I watch him warily.
"What's that?" I ask, watching as Toadstool grabs a long, brown cloak that is hanging on the cave wall. "A gift for the king," He replies. "If His Majesty is as 'draconic in his cruelty,' as you say, is it not fitting that he becomes such?" I nod, realizing what Toadstool plans to do.
"Dragons are a warring race," He continues, drawing the hood of the cloak over his face. "And if His Majesty becomes a dragon, it's only natural he'll want to conquer and expand his territory...and wage war with nearby kingdoms. Especially the human kingdoms." I nod again, and he leaves the cave, setting off towards the castle.
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