The trip to the dragon's heart was a silent one.
Jonah and the Headmaster walked past the empty halls of the Grand Cathedral, their footsteps making sounds in the huge space. This was the most holy place in the Golden Dragon Nation, a place of peace and respect.
But Jonah knew it was all a lie. It was a golden cage built on top of a hidden prison.
The Headmaster led the way into a small, hidden door behind the grand altar. He placed his hand on the stone, and a pattern of glowing, golden runes spread out from his touch. With a deep, groaning sound, the door opened. It showed a spiral staircase that went down into total darkness.
"No one has entered this place in over fifty years," the Headmaster said, his voice a low whisper. "What you are about to see, Jonah... it is our nation's greatest triumph, and its greatest shame."
He went down the stairs, and Jonah followed him, feeling scared and worried.
