9. The Forge

     "This forge," said Devron, "what was it capable of creating?"
     "Things of great beauty, and also of great power," replied the wizard.  "The forge was imbibed with magic from the dragon's ancient memory, and such power as he wielded then was not to be rivaled even by the elves which pride themselves on the great relics of power they created in the dark days of the fallen ages."
     "So this Malkezdic created traps or something like that to keep you from getting into the dragon tomb then?"
     "Exactly.  This dragon was wise in the ways of the ancient technology of those that were far advance beyond even what we can fathom as amazing today.  He taught some of our great ancestors, and helped those that were seeking enlightenment.  His knowledge was greater than most, and currently I am trying to understand the locked door in which he placed a special code that if I only understood it better, would open without trouble, but has taken men so far three years to figure out."
     "That is a long time, and something I would have given up on many years ago," replied Devron, surprised that the wizard would keep at the problem so long.
     "I have lived more than three hundred and eighty years, son, and I am not about to back down from a challenge from a dead dragon whose only claim to fame was the fact that he could impress a few smart humans," replied Adrius.  "That forge that he created all those years ago could be turned to greater good in the hands of those who know its power and create objects of power that can be used by all people.  We have to unlock the secret of the forge if we are to better the lives of the common folk."