“Blake… I was so afraid…” Talestria cried. I gently held the back of her head and took several deep breaths. If it wasn’t for the fact that I had been kicked and stomped on, I would feel great. She hugged me tighter to the point to that it was almost painful, “I missed you so much! I am just so happy you are alive!”
I smiled, “I am so happy to see you, too!” Talestria leaned back and stared at me. Her eyes were pink from all the crying, “I love you!” She grabbed part of her dress and rubbed it on my face to clean the dirt and blood off. Talestria smiled and stared at me.
I smiled back at her, “I love you too!” She leaned in and pressed her lips against mine.
I wrapped my arms around her and felt like all the pain just went away and time stopped. There was no doubt in my mind about my feelings about her. I felt nothing but joy as we kissed. Our lips separated and she whispered, “Are you alright?”
I was feeling very lightheaded from all the injuries or the joy or both and just smiled, “Oh, I feel peachy…” She moved back in and we kissed again. We kept at it for a while until Teltar cleared his throat.
Talestria pulled her head away, “Oh… I guess there is work to do?”
Talestria helped me to my feet. Her two iron golems towered behind her and stood there lifelessly. Teltar stood, staring behind me in amazement. I turned around and saw a crater still smoking. “Holy crap!” I exclaimed. All that was left were bones that been charred black. Even the bone constructs were broken!
Talestria giggled, “I might have overdone it…” She staggered a bit.
I rushed over to keep her up, “You okay?”
She took a few deep breaths, “That spell really took a lot out of me…”
One of Talestria’s iron golems hoisted her up onto its shoulder. Talestria rubbed her eyes, “So, where to?”
Teltar looked at me, “We could check out the building that we ran past.”
Talestria smiled, “What’s there?”
I stared in that direction, “Hopefully, the armor.”
Talestria flashed me a warm smile, “Alrighty! Let’s go!” She and her two iron golems marched loudly in that direction.
Teltar turned and looked at me with an actual smile, “You have amazing luck!” I couldn’t help but laugh at that.
We caught up with Talestria who had already come into view of the building. Only two cultists remained in the area and fled as soon they saw her. I guess they either knew who she was, feared the two big iron golems or saw the damage she had done. “Oh, Blakey Poo! Good news!” Talestria shouted cheerfully. Teltar and I ran over and I felt so relieved to see it! The Dragon Armor! The whole suit was laid out a stone table with several candles and books scattered around it. I guess Falstrid was right-they were trying to study it. Talestria hopped off her Iron Golem mount and lifted a section of the armor. She gave me an excited smile, “Here let me help you…”
Talestria and Teltar helped me put the armor back on which took hardly any time at all. I took a few steps and stared at Talestria as she slowly handed me the last piece of the set, the helmet. She smiled at me and gave me a peck on the lips. Afterward, she popped the helmet on my head. Almost instantly, I felt very light. It was almost like the Dragon Spirit picked me up. There was this overwhelming feeling of power flowing through me. The armor felt almost weightless and my wounds felt almost nonexistent. A voice spoke to me, “Well done! Now, to help you defeat Xum’gol.”
The Dragon Spirit spoke again, “I am extremely pleased, but there is still work to be done. Let us hurry!”
Teltar scratched his beard, “So, how do you feel?” I turned and gave him a thumbs-up.
Talestria giggled, “So, I take it you are ready to fight Xum’gol?” I was feeling a huge boost of confidence and smiled from under my helmet, “Let’s go find the others and then get Xum’gol!”
The three of us and the two golems headed toward the central building. Pretty much anyone that would have been on our path had already chased us before or were headed north to fight the main forces. Talestria kept looking back at me with her beautiful copper-colored eyes. I smiled back at her. Even though my face was completely covered by the helmet, I think she knew. Teltar rolled his eyes and kept walking a little ahead of us.
We reached the main temple and saw a few corpses as we got closer. Most of the bodies had major burns or head wounds. It was a clear sign that the others were near. We moved around to the north side of the temple and saw the three of them waiting, certainly tired, by the steps. Jerak’s face lit up, “Blake! You found the armor…” The three of them were clearly surprised to see Talestria and her two golems. “Oh, man! She is here too?!” Jerak exclaimed.
Bolam scratched the back of his head and appeared pleased, “It is great to have you help us Miss Talestria…” Falstrid turned to Bolam and back to her. He almost appeared to have a heart attack.
He sat down on one of the steps, “Clagmir was right…”
Talestria smiled, “It is good to see you guys, as well.”
Falstrid cleaned his glasses, “Uh… yes, it is wonderful to have you on our side.” Talestria glanced at me with the expression asking who this guy was.
I shrugged, “So, let’s go get him!”
Bolam pointed at the large wooden door, “It is locked and braced. It will take some time…” Talestria climbed off of her golem and pointed at the door. The door appeared to be much newer than anything else around here and made to withstand anything short of a battering ram. The iron golems took a few loud clunky steps and started to punch the door. After a few powerful strikes against the heavy door, they began to press against it. We heard a loud cracking sound and the large door swung open. Bolam and Falstrid just stood there with expressions of shock on their faces.
Jerak got up, “Well, let’s go!”
Inside we faced a large, stone stairway with several little torches.It seemed almost too quiet. The torches were lit but the room still appeared dark and creepy. We passed several pillars then marched up the stairs to locked double doors. The iron golems broke it open with one hearty punch. Beyond the door stood one more flight of stairs on the other side of the room blocked by two bone constructs. They stood there guarding the stairway holding large clubs with bits of metal and chain wrapped around them. The two bone constructs came to attention and took a step forward. Talestria folded her arms, “You guys keep going. We will take care of this.” Her two iron golems walked past her and charged the two bone constructs.
They were both around the same height and pressed against each other like titans challenging each other in a contest of strength. There was a clear path in the middle for us to run. The rest of us moved forward to the stairs. Talestria raised her hand, “Wait, Blake!” I stopped and jogged toward her. I lifted off my helmet. She smiled and put her hands on my face and gave me a good kiss on the lips. Talestria stared into my eyes, “Be careful… I love you.”
I stared back at her, “I love you, too.” I popped my helmet back on and met up with my friends.
At the top of the stairs, we were met by a strange stone door. Jerak pulled on a metal ring that hung on the door, “It won’t budge!” Falstrid casually walked over and made a circle gesture at the door and tapped it with his staff. Runes came to life on the door and it made a loud clicking sound.
Falstrid took a deep breath, “Are you ready?” I held my mace with both hands and nodded. Falstrid glanced at each of us and opened the door.
The room looked like a small chapel. There were a few wooden benches along the walls and a small book shelf at the far end beneath a strange stone archway. In the middle of the room were four figures in black robes with their backs turned to us and one dark, armored figure in front of the stone archway. The door closed behind us and a strange unnatural voice greeted us, “We meet again, Falstrid.” The black-armored figure turned to face us. It was no other than Xum’gol!
Falstrid stamped his staff on the floor, “Xum’gol!”
Xum’gol chuckled,
“What? No paladin this time?” His glowing red eyes stared at each of us, “Oh, it looks like you recruited some young ones to die.” Jerak swallowed hard. Xum’gol stared at me, “So, it is true that strange man was able to use the armor…. Very interesting.” I tightened my grip on the mace. Falstrid just stared at Xum’gol as if he were waiting for something. Xum’gol folded his arms, “I, too, have made allies…” Soon the four robed figures turned around and revealed their skeletal appearance. They were liches!
The liches raised their arms and began to cast. The four of us each attacked a lich while Falstrid and Xum’gol stood there watching each other. My lich shot a dark purple beam at me, but it just fizzled as it hit me. I swung as hard as I could and instantly broke the lich’s transparent magical shield. He staggered back and shrieked at me. I guessed he thought he got screwed on his opponent. My second strike with the mace smashed into his skull with ease. His body flailed around as the magic that kept him bound shot out of him. I took a deep breath and was surprised at the amount of power I had. I turned and saw Jerak fly against the wall. His body laid there face down without any movement.
“Jerak!” I shouted then saw Teltar recoil from a surge of lightning that the lich cast at him. Teltar dropped to the ground and remained kneeling. I ran over and broke the magical shield of the lich. The lich turned toward me. Before it could even react, I knocked it’s head clean off. The lich ceased to be, just like the other.
My victory was cut short as Bolam shouted, “A little help?” He was holding off a series of purple-colored lights that were shooting at him. The lich that defeated Jerak moved in and cast a fireball at Bolam. Bolam was barely able to fend off one magical attack; two were too much. Whatever defensive magic Bolam had was broken and he stumbled back and landed on the floor.
Anger surged through me and I charged one of the liches. They both turned their attention to me. My mace shattered one of their protective shields but I suddenly noticed the mace was sustaining damage the whole time. Bits of the mace had chipped away and the handle had a huge crack in it. This still wasn’t enough to stop me! I finished off this lich with one swing. The handle of the mace broke apart and its metal head fell to the floor.
Bolam reached over and tended to Jerak. I stared at the last lich who was already backing away. Xum’gol shouted, “Enough!” Xum’gol lifted his hands and the room jolted. I fell to the ground and felt bits of the ceiling hit my armor. “You see, I came prepared!” Xum’gol explained. I looked behind me. Somehow he had set up some kind of trap. Everyone was on the ground partially buried in rubble. Xum’gol started to laugh, “You all disappointed me…I was hoping for much more from you all!” Falstrid slowly pulled himself back up, “You can’t rid of me that easily…”
Xum’gol shook his head, “You are much too weathered to challenge me.” Falstrid stared him down and began to chant. Xum’gol himself was chanting as well.
I moved out of the way and ran toward Bolam and Jerak. Bolam muttered from under the rubble, “I’m fine… I think. He was really dazed and held his arm. Bolam looked at Jerak, “He is still breathing-just out cold.” I helped Bolam up and moved Jerak. Teltar slowly sat up, holding his head. He shook his head and glanced around. Several flashes of light shot out by both Falstrid and Xum’gol blinded us. The two begin to chant once more.
Teltar slowly walked toward the doorway while pressing a hand along the wall. Bolam dragged Jerak toward the door as well. “Go help Falstrid!” Bolam ordered. I gave him a nod and reached for Jerak’s mace. I was sure he wouldn’t mind me using it now. Another blast of magic from both parties exploded in the center of the room.
Xum’gol turned toward me and pointed at Falstrid, “Enough!” Soon the ground started to shake again. This time, instead of an explosion, a strong gust of wind rushed at us. Teltar was the first to be shoved out the door by it, then Bolam and Jerak.
Falstrid leaned forward, “You can’t stop me with this!” Xum’gol pointed his other hand at Falstrid, “I grow bored with you, old man!” A piece of the tile rose from the floor and flewstraight at Falstrid. Falstrid was so busy trying to fight off the wind that the piece of tile smacked him right in the head. Falstrid fell back then he and his glasses flew out the door.
The door shut itself after Falstrid passed through. The strong gust of wind then ceased. Xum’gol stared at me and for a moment we just glared at each other. He began to laugh, “Now we won’t have any interference. Oh, wait…” He turned to the last standing lich and pressed the palm of his armored hand at him. The lich turned in surprise and then appeared to be in pain. The energy that powered the lich flowed out of it and into Xum’gol. Soon the corpse fell lifeless onto the floor. Xum’gol opened and closed his hand a few times and then looked back at me.
I held Jerak’s mace tightly and took several deep breaths. I lifted it above my head and charged him. Xum’gol casually moved his hand toward me and my body stopped a few feet from him. Shocked, I swung the mace a few times but was too far out of reach. Xum’gol laughed once more, “Confused?” He lifted his hands up and, that instant, my body shot up into the broken ceiling. I stared down as I was somehow floating in the air. Xum’gol appeared to be mildly amused and dropped me back onto the ground. I made a loud thud. I did not know how he was able to do this.
“You really think I would just leave the armor out in the open just for you to use against me?” Xum’gol lectured. He moved his arms toward the wall and I flew against it. He made me fly against the other wall and laughed. “I was part of the creation of that armor! You think you really stood a chance to defeat me?” Xum’gol mocked.
I slowly stood up, “I will try…” Xum’gol caused me to fly against the closed door.
Xum’gol shook his head, “I guess you are too feeble-minded… I placed bands inside of the armor…just to ease your confusion.” He then started to ram me from one side of the wall to the other and back again. Each impact hurt a little more.
Xum’gol lifted me and slammed me hard onto the floor below. The pain was very similar to getting hit by one of those bone constructs. I laid on the ground, hardly able to breathe. Xum’gol stared at me and appeared satisfied, “I fully hoped you would come here…” He turned his back to me and stared at the strange archway.
I muttered, “Why do you want me here?”
Xum’gol kept his back to me, “To open the way into the underworld is quite a feat… to summon a demon even more of a challenge…” I struggled to get up but just fell back onto the floor. Xum’gol continued, “It takes a vast amount of energy to do such a thing…”
I interrupted, “But… why summon a demon if they don’t…”
Xum’gol turned toward me, “I have my reasons to summon one…”
My body was flung against the door. Xum’gol extended his arm toward me and kept me pinned, “I was almost able to achieve my goal, but that blasted paladin meddled with my summoning and you came in its stead. It had taken me years to gather the power for a summoning and to move toward my next step… but I had found a new method…. A better method, even.” He stared at the archway, “The gateways were put here long ago by the Silthrym… Their whole race is a mystery and these gateways are just as mysterious. I recently figured out how to open them and use them, but to my joy I have found a way to use it to even open a way into the underworld itself!”
I tried to say something but felt the pressure of his magic; it was hard enough to breathe, let alone speak. Xum’gol faced me, “The only problem is that I need a source of mana to operate the gateway and bring out a demon.” He paused for a moment and continued, “And since I need to [research] some of my own energy to take control… I need an extra source.” He then shoved me harder against the door, “That is why I hoped to have you and the armor here before me so I can drain your life essence and that of the Dragon Spirit.”
The pressure released and I fell to the floor. “The only annoying thing is your immunity. I was surprised when I first saw you. Now I know all I have to do is bre
ak you down until your body is weak and broken.” He shot my body back up against the stone wall, “Now you and the Dragon Spirit will grant me more than enough energy needed to achieve my goal!” He began to chant to himself. I struggled, but every inch of me felt too weak to even budge. Xum’gol shot out a dark red beam which penetrated my chest. The power of it filled my body. It felt like he was really draining my life away. Xum’gol placed his hand on the gateway and slowly the gateway started to glow. It didn’t take long before my vision began to fade and everything went black.
“Blake! Get up!” a voice spoke to me. I felt so tired… “Blake! You are not defeated yet!” the voice shouted.
I replied back, “But I am…”
The voice spoke, “You are stronger than him! I have chosen you to free me, not because of your mere immunities but because your spirit is strong! Blake, you have great power that only needs to be awakened!” The Dragon Spirit shouted, “Blake… Let us defeat him…” Those words filled my heart… no my very soul! I began to open my eyes.
My body started to burn inside and out, but it wasn’t painful at all. It was actually soothing. The Dragon Spirit spoke to me once more, “Now… this will end…” The armor began to break away from me as if it were disintegrating. My body jolted and I kneeled to the ground. All I could see was a bright light engulfing me, changing me. My body began to grow.
I dug my fingers into the floor and saw that my hands had turned into large claws. The scales were transparent and held a bright glow. I could see the red light trying to drain me but I just placed my hands in front of me and blocked the flow of magic. Xum’gol appeared surprised. I took a step and pushed the magic toward him. My legs were not normal either… talons? I even felt like I had wings and a tail. Had I become a dragon?
“What! How can this be?!” Xum’gol cried out. I pressed his magic closer with each step. My new body felt almost ethereal and stronger than Xum’gol could ever be. Xum’gol stepped back and tried to use more of his power to push me back. I let out a loud roar and marched toward him. “This…!” he cried out as I was finally able to reach him.
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