Iggy's Problem

Artifacts of the Arcane by Jake Kerr, Book three, The Cup of Jam Sheet, Chapter eight. Iggy's problem. We need to move off this road, Tommy. I looked over at Iggy. He was standing still, looking down on me and Naomi. The Germans have been tracking us, as have the Russians. It would be wise to seek a more discreet path. I couldn't help but agree with Iggy, even as the voice inside me was compelling me to pursue the quickest path to Berlin. I had hoped that the horse drawn wagon would provide some cover, as well as distance between us and those that followed, but I was clearly wrong. Yeah, that's a good idea. I shook Naomi's shoulder. Wake up, Naomi, we need to get off the road. She didn't reply. I looked up at Iggy, but he was already leaning over and reaching for her. I couldn't believe the scene before me. Iggy had gently lifted Naomi against his shoulder while carrying the large, heavy carpet bag in his other hand. He was not tall in his human form, and if I hadn't known that he was in a fret, I would have expected him to stumble and teeter under the awkward and heavy weight in his arms. It looked absurd and awkward, yet he moved with grace and care. Tommy, he glanced back at me. We do need to get off the road, I scrambled to my feet. Of course, should we head north or south? I glanced toward the village to the south, which appeared more welcoming. Just as Iggy started to the north. We need to avoid being seen. There is a forested area to the north and the fields will provide some cover. I picked up the pace and caught up to him. Don't I have a say? I was a little annoyed that Iggy had been quiet for all this time and suddenly was taking charge without stopping. Iggy replied, as he continued to march forward, the only one with any say, Tommy. The answer shocked me. I knew that Iggy respected me, but the tone of his voice wasn't one of respect, but of resignation. Is there a problem? There are lots of problems. We are being chased by Nazis, we are being chased by white Russians. We have little food, not much money, no transportation, and Naomi is badly weakened after the previous attack. I looked at Iggy, but he continued to march forward, not looking at me. No, I mean, do you have a problem with me? Iggy stopped turning to me. His unblinking eyes stared at me. The problem I have, Tommy, is that you are planning on feeing the terrible dragon zay Haack when you recover the cup of jam Sheet. I don't believe you understand what that means, and I am unsure if I'm the one who should be telling you. I didn't know what to say. Of course I was going to free zay Haack. Why won't I What does it mean? You may as well tell me, because it's not like I'm surrounded by magical scholars. Iggy glanced at Naomi but said nothing. Well as you wish, Tommy, The great Dragon Zayak was not enslaved by Jamsheed. He was imprisoned by him. The dragon is the last, oldest and greatest of that magical race. For reasons unknown, Zayak decided to lay waste to earth. He had destroyed large portions of the Great Crescent when Jamsheet defeated him in the muddiest magical battle in history. Jamsheed split his essence in three and imprisoned him in three hidden items that would remain apart for all of history. The artifacts, Iggy nodded, But they contain magic. They're meant to be used. Jamsheed used them, Jemsheed created them. The magic is unintentional. It is simply that Sahak is too powerful to have his magic contains even whind split in three. That's not true. Jamsheet imprisoned Zahak to wield the artifacts for his own pursuit of power. After a short pause as he stared at me, Iggy finally replied, he defeated the dragon, Tommy, why would he meet his magic? Jamsheet is the most powerful magician in history. He had no need of using Zayak's magic. Exactly, there is no need to wield Zahek's magic. The artifacts are no longer necessary. I should free him from his slavery. You are not Jamsheet, Tommy, and zay Hack is not enslaved. The artifacts were only necessary for one thing. Iggy's unlinking eyes continued to stare at thee even as he let the words hang in the air. I paused, not quite believing what I was hearing. Iggy's own race had been imprisoned by humans for centuries. Jin had been enslaved in bottles solely for wishes. The Mighty Merits were enslaved in locomotives to have them travel further and faster. Yet here he was telling me that I should not free one of his magical brethren. You should be ashamed, Iggy. You are supporting the enslavement of magical creatures. I thought you were here to help me do the opposite, and yet you're telling me that I should not free an old dragon that has been not just enslaved, but had his essence cut into three parts. It's obscene. Iggy didn't say anything, but just turned away. As he prepared to take a step. He finally said. Perhaps the dragon's influence is greater than even I imagined. He started marching north. I ran to catch up to him with his quick and steady strides. What did you mean by that? But Iggy remained silent and I didn't push the point. The podcast Alchemy production