Melinda held her mother's frail hand.
"Bring me my chest." Her mother spoke more in gasps than formed words.
Melinda retrieved a small travel chest. Two dragons guarded the lock. Their four red eyes rekindled an unease. The same that kept her from prying inside as a child.
Her mother produced a key from around her neck. With shaky hands she slipped the key into the lock, then motioned to Melinda to lift the lid. Terror replaced Melinda's sorrow. Inside, lay a mummified child.
With her last breath she requested "Take care of your brother, my most precious treasure."
