“C’mon, the Chamber of Cleansing is this way,” Dulgin said, walking through the doorway.
Spilf rolled Lester and Ross back into his leather pouch, hearing them protest the dwarf’s disrespect of their profession. “Grumpy stole our work.”
Bridazak scrunched his face and complained, “It smells weird in here,” and followed his friend.
Abawken, trailing the others into the cold cave, kept a wary eye behind them. As the door magically began to close, he saw Manasseh charging with the frost dwarf king in pursuit. It clanked shut with a loud metallic thud and locked itself once again, just before Manasseh reached the closed entrance. Bridazak heard the rage-filled, muffled scream of Manasseh on the other side of the great door. The dark magic released into the evil human was powerful, and he knew that even the Dwarven door would not hold him back.
The source of the strange aroma revealed itself when the group encountered two carcasses of white dragons.The powerful mandibles of the beasts were clamped into each others’ necks.
“What happened?” Spilf asked.
“I think they didn’t like each other,” quipped Dulgin, as he passed by.
Abawken surmised, “Dragons are territorial, but not usually against themselves. This happened recently.”
“How do you know?” said Bridazak.
“I can see traces of steam from the wounds,” he pointed.
Dulgin’s voice echoed, “I found it. Hurry up, ya blundering fools!”
The others quickly followed and saw the tunnel the dwarf had discovered. Four symbols were etched into the wall. Bridazak delicately traced them with his hand. One was of encircled flames, the next depicted the shape of an open clam with a pearl resting inside. The third resembled a generic faceted outline, perhaps a gem, and the last was clearly the Sky Diamond. Each carving surrounded the symbol of a star in the middle, but none of it made sense.
“What exactly is this Chamber of Cleansing?” he whispered.
“Master Bridazak, let us keep moving. I am afraid the dwarven door will not stop Manasseh for long.”
Manasseh turned around to face the twenty frost dwarves and their King. He scoffed, “You cannot stop me.”
“Aye, but we can slow you down a bit.” King Morthkin projected his hand and a flurry of ice hammers shot out from his open palm. Each weapon slammed and shattered into the chest of the armored human, knocking him back into the sealed door. His brethren took a step forward, brandishing weaponry and shields, but he halted them. “No, I will deal with him alone. Join the others to keep the goblins out of our home.”
Manasseh regained his stance. He pulled his closed-faced helmet off, allowing his jet black hair to cascade to his shoulders. His once steel blue eyes were now glowing gray. Manasseh’s sunken face and pasty white skin revealed the darkness that embodied him.
King Morthkin materialized a two-handed, blue hued hammer within his grasp. “Time to test your power, Manasseh.”
“I look forward to cutting off your head and spiking it for all to see, Dwarf.”
Raina and Xan entered the shadow filled room at the end of the iced tunnel, followed by King El’Korr and his trusted bodyguard. They had arrived at the Chamber of Cleansing, the location to destroy the Dragon Stones by utilizing the four required elements. An arid breeze swirled within the confines of the circular obsidian walls and the domed ceiling went beyond sight. Cautiously, Rozelle peeked inside and felt an overwhelming sense of dread emanating from the gaping pit in the center of the room.
“Where is Trillius?” Rozelle asked, her voice echoing.
“I’m right here.” The three-foot gnome flipped into the air and proudly landed on the center pedestal, his hands were placed on his hips, and he wore a confident smirk. Trillius sat at the edge of the pedestal, dangling his feet over the black and grey smokey whirlpool below. He leaned his chin against one hand and with the other, pulled out the blue stone that harbored the spirit of the mighty ancient dragon, Dal-Draydian.
“Trillius, you can still fight. You must not let it take you over.” Raina said.
“I am afraid Trillius is unavailable right now.”
“Who are we speaking with, then?”
The gnome scoffed, “I know about you mystic-types, always wanting a name so you can do your spell casting afar in your towers and from your tomes. My name will be known shortly, but for now you can call me D.”
Raina turned to the others and whispered, “Take the elements and start placing them into the marked spots.” She addressed Trillius, now controlled by the entity. “You want to be released back into the realm, but for what purpose?”
Dal-Draydian growled, “For domination. For power! You of all people should know about such things and understand an insatiable thirst for more.”
Xan distributed the Stone of Earth to Rondee, the Fire Opal to El’Korr, and he held the Pearl of the Deep. The small group began to slowly skirt the walkway outlining the room.
Raina continued, trying to keep “D” occupied, “And after you take over the realm, what then?”
“You are boring me. Do you take me to be a fool? I am two-thousand years old and yet you treat me like I’m a child. The time of the dragons has returned and those who do not bow to me will be destroyed.”
“I see. You are clearly much more intelligent than I had thought; my apologies. An elder dragon of your status requires worthy social protocol.”
“Don’t mock me, Raina. I do respect your magical prowess, but it is inferior to my own.”
Rozelle scooted past the female elf wizard and surefooted the arched pathway leading to Trillius. The stone footway was no wider than twelve inches and below was the deceptively peaceful-looking swirling smoke.
“Trillius, I know you are in there and I know you care about us, about me. Don’t let this thing take over your mind.”
“You dare call me a ‘thing’,” Dal-Draydian roared. “Trillius willingly let me in and he watched as you betrayed him. I opened his mind to the truth and your controlling ways are now over.”
Rozelle pleaded, “Trillius, I love you.”
There was a sudden lurch in Trillius’ body, now held captive by the creature, and he arched backwards, draping over the pedestal. He flailed about in convulsions and uttered ever so slightly, “Help me, Rozelle.”
She rushed toward him, balancing herself on the narrow path. Her pudgy frame leaned against him and she wiped the sweat from his forehead trying to comfort him. His continued spasms caused Rozelle to gasp with concern.
“I’m right here. I won’t leave you.”
Trillius relaxed, his eyes closed, but suddenly with his free hand he grabbed her throat. “Oh, boo-hoo, I love you,” Dal-Draydian teased. “You are so easy to convince. Raina, this world is full of creatures like this one, weak and useless in their magic compared to us. They will be purged, eradicated, and remembered only to give thanks that they no longer exist.”
He lifted her off her feet and dangled her over the swirling void, then roared with laughter and released his grip. As Rozelle tumbled into the unknown, she flailed her arms. Almost immediately her body polymorphed into a hawk and soared away from the darkness to the far edge and landed.
“Ah, a pathetic druid, you will beg me for mercy soon enough.”
Rozelle screeched in response.
Raina walked quickly to her side, stroked her silky feathers, and whispered, “You will need to be ready to grab Trillius when the time is right.”
Rozelle emitted a few high pitched chirps, beat her wings, and flew to a higher perch.
“Raina, your quaint fondness for animals is refreshing, and might I—”
The elf cut Dal-Draydian off and snapped, “And some animals need to be put down!”
“I like this side of you more, Raina.”
“Enough! You will be defeated by my hand or the next if I should fail.”
“Really? I see one, two, only three elements, but you need a fourth in order to make that happen.”
&n
bsp; “And I see you have only supplied a blue rock, at the hands of a stolen gnome lost in your charades. Still, you are unable to be released without all five stones.”
“Well, it appears we are at a crossroads then.”
The three items were placed into the marked locations equally dispersed around the room. Each of the heroes stood by them, waiting for something to happen, looking at one another to see if there was any indication of a change, but there was nothing.
Raina settled herself and asked, “If you know of the elements then why allow Trillius to give us the Pearl?”
“Ah, good question, Trillius has been very insightful and has informed me on the status of the realm. I am not concerned about your elements, but I needed you to bring me to the Chamber. The Pearl was the key to unlock the door I needed open.”
“You say you are not concerned about the elements, but what if I told you the Sky Diamond was here?”
Dal-Draydian laughed, “What if it was? But what if I could help you with your Horn Kings and swiftly dethrone them?”
“We would only be replacing one evil with another, besides, one King has already fallen.”
“Impressive, but as thousands of innocent people suffer at the remaining three, I could be their salvation.”
“You have already expressed your intent to kill and destroy.”
Trillius’ eyes flared brightly. “Yes, I have, haven’t I? You are right, I am not in the business of saving people. As I said, we are at an impasse, but only for now. I can sense the others growing nearer; it will only be a matter of time.” Dal-Draydian sighed, smirked, and slowly curled himself as he laid down within the bowl of the pedestal, “You all bore me. I might as well get some rest for my upcoming rebirth.”
Raina stood by El’Korr, where the Stone of Earth was positioned. She inspected the pedestal, but found nothing that could help the situation. They needed the final element. She whispered to El’Korr, “Romann de Beaux said the Sky Diamond was here at the Shield.”
He responded, “Perhaps the frost dwarves keep it hidden somewhere else.”
“They were supposed to be guarding this area according to Yasooma’s journal. Something is not right and I am afraid to leave in this predicament.”
“I will go with Rondee and fetch the Diamond. You and Xan can dragon-sit Trouble over there.”
She paused before nodding. El’Korr quickly whistled to alert Rondee and then waved him over. “C’mon, we have a mission.”
Dal-Draydian lazily peeked one eye open and watched from his makeshift podium, “And where do you all think you are going? Off to search for your diamond?”
“None of your business, dragon-brain!” El’Korr countered.
“I don’t think you will get too far, Dwarf.”
El’Korr ignored the dragon spirit and headed out the exit with his trusted sidekick. Seconds later the two dwarves were walking in reverse, backtracking into the Chamber. Raina noticed they were looking at something further down the tunnel.
“What is it?” she asked.
“They smell and look like bad guys to me.”
Veric and two men entered the perimeter of the room. There was a long pause as everyone looked around sizing each other up. Daysho remained hidden using his magical ring of invisibility.
“Let me introduce myself. I am Veric, personal mystic of the West Horn King.”
Veric’s black robes melded into the shadows as he strode into the Chamber of Cleansing. Each step was punctuated with the sharp tap of his jade, ruby-topped, staff. His men, with long swords in hand, maintained positions on either side of the outer walkway. Veric glanced at Trillius and quickly saw the blue and final stone he needed. The power of the other dragons imprisoned inside his magical belt pouch called to him. They were tucked within the confines of an extra-dimensional space, which allowed Veric to distance his mind from the intelligent and calculating entities.
“You must be Dal-Draydian,” Veric scowled.
“Soon to be a god, slave,” the dragon in the gnome countered.
Veric smirked and then switched his focus to the female elf, “Raina, I have heard so much about you. Your reputation lingers even after all these centuries of your absence.”
“I wish I could say the same about you.”
“My reputation?”
“No, your absence.”
He chuckled, “How witty you are.”
El’Korr added, “My hammer is also witty. I can show you if you like.”
“Ah, self-proclaimed, King El’Korr. I guess it is easier to become a king when there are so few of you left. Cuts down on the opposition, don’t you think?”
El’Korr said, “One human kingdom has already fallen. I foresee more.”
“If you are referring to King Manasseh, I assure you he has not fallen, his spirit is quite alive.”
“You are another delusional wizard, just like Manasseh’s mage.”
Veric half-smiled, “That mage was my brother.”
“That explains the familiar stench when you came in,” El’Korr quipped.
“My brother, Vevrin, did not die in vain, however.”
“I am thinking a family reunion is in order on this day, spell-caster.”
Veric stared at each of the heroes. When his eyes rested on the smiling gnome, he smirked.
Dal-Draydian said, “I am quite enjoying this verbal sparring. Please continue.”
Veric asked, “What are your plans once you are released, Dragon?”
“After I feed on your soul, I will then strike the Horn Kings and drive the realm to their knees to bow to me. Yes, that would be a good start.”
Veric raised his eyebrows, “Indeed, a grand start.” The human turned toward Raina, “If we work together, Elf, we can destroy the gnome host body.”
“This gnome is our friend. We will not be harming him.”
“How touching, but he is already dead.”
At that moment, Rozelle, in her hawk form, screeched from above, alerting Veric.
“Ah, there you are, Druid. How sad, your boyfriend is no more. I hope you have said your goodbyes.” Turning sharply toward the elf mystic, he raised his voice, “Raina, if we cannot combine forces, then the Dragon God will be released.”
Raina replied, “I have my own plans to combat that. We are quite aware of your intentions, Veric. If not the gnome host, then you would most certainly choose yourself.”
“Oh, dear, not me. That is why I have brought others,” he pointed at his adjacent guards who stood ready to implement Veric’s commands. “I plan to rule alongside the new deity, not be the deity.”
Dal-Draydian responded, “Really? You think I would need someone as weak as you?”
“I could assist you in your world domination. Be a voice to announce your arrival. You would surely outlive me, so why not grant me favor by allowing me to be your advisor?” Veric bowed, “Every ruler has their minions.”
Dal-Draydian beamed at the thought and sat proudly on his makeshift throne. He could feel the power swelling, and sensed that the other entrapped dragons were eager to be released. The human mystic was a fool, but Dal-Draydian looked forward to manipulating him. The dwarves and elves watched in anticipation while bordering the ringed walkway, and standing next to their precious elements designed to thwart his reign. He couldn’t have brought about a better situation than what stood before him.
“Come to me human, and kiss my hand,” Dal-Draydian beckoned.
Veric, tapped his staff quickly on the floor and in an instant he appeared next to the gnome in the center of the room. Dal-Draydian extended an arm. Veric bent to plant his lips on the back of Trillius’ hand in deference for the dragon deity within, and at the same time took hold of the Blue Dragon Stone. He felt a tingly sensation when he grasped the smooth blue rock.
Veric said, “Thank you, Gnome, for fetching me the fifth and final stone.”
Dal-Draydian retorted, “It is I who is giving thanks today.”
“Oh, and what than
ks is that?” The mage touched the tip of the gemmed staff to Trillius’ chest. Veric’s cocksure grin faded when it went completely through the gnome’s wispy body. He lurched back in surprise as the shimmering illusion subsided. There was no Trillius, nor the blue stone he thought he held. The wizard, unsure of his safety, transported away from his unsatisfactory attempt, and was now back where he started.
“Thank you for bringing my friends to me,” Dal-Draydian said as Trillius’ body materialized suddenly at the center podium once again. He held up Veric’s satchel and the human, motivated by reflexes, reached for the missing item. The gnome now possessed all five. “We have waited far too long for this, my brethren,” Dal-Draydian whispered as he withdrew one colored stone at a time and placed them into the required location. The swirling vortex below increased its speed.
The invisible assassin, Daysho, watched from the opening leading into the Chamber of Cleansing. He studied the body language of all inside, their mannerisms, and their personalities. Three distinct camps resided within the room: Raina’s team, the gnome, now controlled by an egocentric dragon, and Veric with his guards.
Daysho, hidden from them all, made a fourth camp lying in wait for his opportunity to strike. Veric’s back was to him, but it was still too soon. The mage’s powers were strong, and his magical protections were still in place.
Daysho saw through the ruse. Trillius’ true body, manipulated by the dragon, stepped into the same stream of invisibility he walked in now. The dragon-possessed gnome implemented its illusion spell the moment Veric teleported to his platform. The cunning Dal-Draydian spotted the well-hidden Daysho and cockily gave him a wink, then turned his attention back to the idiotic mage, falling for the illusion. Trillius’ thieving finesse came in handy as Dal-Draydian stole the Bag of Holding from Veric, then returned to his place, causing the alarmed mage to transport back to his original location. “Veric, you are draining your power more and more. Keep depleting your magic abilities, and bring me closer to my destiny,” he thought.