The Dragon Fang - Quest for the Sword.

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The Dragon Fang

Prologue

Many years ago ... lived the Shamans. The Shamans were powerful beings that held the forces of evil at bay, and in all seven provinces of the land there was peace.

However, during these times there was a Great Dragon. For hundreds of years the Dragon terrorized the seven provinces of the land and the people lived in fear each day, wondering if today would be the day it would attack once again. The Shamans did hold the forces of evil at bay, however; no Shaman could kill a Great Dragon.

So the Shamans came together to decide on a bond that they could forge with the humans to destroy the Dragon and wipe it from the face of the earth forever. The Shamans' finally decided to choose a human warrior from each of the seven provinces; the best warrior each province had to offer. The Grand Shaman, the leader of the Shamans, then appeared to the seven kings' of each province to ask for their best warrior to destroy the Dragon. The Shamans in return would then grant each of these warriors one wish for whatever their heart yearned. To battle the Dragon each of these warriors would be equipped with special weapons and armour to enhance their skills to destroy the beast.

Once the Grand Shaman had delivered this message to the kings', the kings' then wrote letters to all the towns and villages of their provinces. From north to south, east and west, all heard of the bond the Shamans had offered to destroy the Dragon.

Each king of each province then held a Grand Championship to find their province’s greatest warrior. Contests were held to determine strength, speed and stamina and before long each province had found their greatest warrior. These seven warrior’s names were Robert, Ashtan, Lithandra, Nolamtai, Datlan, Dreadon and Destin.

These seven warriors' then made the journey to the Holy City in the far north to receive their special weapons' and armour from the Shamans needed to destroy the Dragon. Each of them chose the weapons and armour of their choice. Once they had then been fitted with their armour, the seven knights' set out to destroy the Dragon.

The warriors travelled many days and nights to the far, far south, and finally they arrived at the lair of the Dragon. Once at the Dragon’s lair, the seven warriors' made their way in through a series of small tunnels until they had found the Dragon’s cave. The warriors fought long and hard until the point of utter exhaustion, but finally the beast fell. The presence of evil they had felt then lifted from the cave as soon as the beast had been slain.

Then just as the presence lifted, in front of the warriors' stood three Shamans, including the Grand Shaman. The warriors were asked of what wish they wanted to be granted as their reward. Robert asked for a higher ranking position in his home province, Ashtan asked for great luck in all he pursued, Lithandra asked for great riches and wealth, and Nolamtai asked for great knowledge. But then just as it came to Datlan’s turn to be granted his wish, he fell to his knees. For during the battle, Datlan had sustained a serious wound not even the enchanted armour could have withheld. Datlan turned to the warrior Destin on his right, and with his dying breath made Destin swear to care for his family, and with that he gave his last breath.

The Shamans then turned to Destin, “This is unfortunate what has unfolded, but it is now your turn to be granted a wish".

Destin pondered on this for a moment, “I wish to forfeit my wish to bring this man back to life.”

This answer surprised the Shamans, and for a moment they turned to one another and conversed with what seemed to be silent whispers. Then as the warriors watched, the Shamans turned to Destin, “Your wish shall be granted.” And with that Datlan’s wound from the Dragon closed up and weaved itself back together, and then with a deep gasp Datlan’s soul returned to his body and his lungs were filled with air once again. The Shamans then once again spoke, “Destin, you are a man true of heart and kind in nature, and this act of kindness has not gone unnoticed.” With this, the Shamans then instructed Destin to remove his weapon, shield and armour, and place them on the ground in front of him. Once Destin had done this, the Shamans then instructed him to take a blade and remove the fallen Dragon’s large center fang. Destin did as they asked and then handed the large fang to the Shamans. Then just as Destin stepped back, the Shamans stepped forward and surrounded the laid out items. The Grand Shaman reached out his arms and held out the fang above the items and there was a bright brilliant flash of light. As the light faded, there on the ground the sword, shield and armour had taken on a new form.

The Shamans turned to Destin, “You are a man true of heart and kind in nature. Within the Dragon’s fang lay the Dragon’s power and with the Dragon’s Fang we have bonded the power the Dragon possessed with your sword, shield and armour. Each of these ‘Dragon Fang pieces’ contain their own unique power but combined these pieces will render the wearer invincible. However, before you don these items you must swear your life as a protector to all the lands. Once you have equipped these items together you shall no longer be known as Destin, you shall be known only as The Dragon Fang.

Destin looked down at this new Dragon Fang armour, shield and sword then back towards the Shamans and with a nod of acceptance Destin began to equip the items. Destin then reaching down picked up the Dragon Fang Helmet, the last of the Dragon Fang pieces. Upon holding this in his hands he turned to the last warrior Dreadon on his right, “You still have a wish too my friend,” said Destin smiling.

With this Dreadon to turned the Shamans. “I wish to be the most powerful warrior in all the lands and be able to defeat all my enemies with a single blow… I wish to hold the power of a Shaman!”

The Shamans looked to the Grand Shaman, and once again conversed with what seemed to be silent whispers. They then turned to face Dreadon and with a nod responded, “Your wish has been granted.” And with this Dreadon felt a power running through his veins like none other before. However Dreadon was also a greedy man and upon seeing this gift of the Shaman’s to Destin he became filled with envy. Dreadon knew that with his wish he’d have nothing to stop him from having all he ever wanted, but only one thing now stood in his way.

Just then as Destin reached up to don the Dragon Fang helmet, to unite all the pieces and become the invincible Dragon Fang, Dreadon ripped his sword from its sheath and ran Destin through with a single blow! The helmet rolled from Destin’s hands with his face in utter shock. Destin fell to the ground dead. Dreadon had gotten his wish and had now just stopped the only thing in his way of utter glory and power.

It was then a small Shaman, known as the White Shaman, stepped forward and froze time. She then spoke into the minds of the other five remaining warriors. “You must take these Dragon Fang pieces far away to all different corners of the earth and hide them so that Dreadon may never find them, for with them he would be unstoppable. I cannot hold him much longer, for I can feel his power and hatred pulsing through his veins. GO NOW!” And with that Dreadon broke free of the Shaman’s hold. Dreadon lunged for the Grand Shaman, but just as his powerful strike came down, the Grand Shaman transported himself, the Shamans and the five warriors each with a part of the Dragon Fang pieces to all different corners of the earth to hide the mystical pieces. This is the story of the Dragon Fang.

Part 1: The Quest for the Sword

Chapter One:  The prophecy begins

Present day

What did you see Shaman!” the dark being screamed, his thumb embedding into the Shaman’s temple, forcing him to kneel to the ground.

The Shaman smiled, ignoring the pain, as the familiar words of the prophecy ran through his head filling him with excitement and pleasure. “If I tell you Dread, that would make you even angrier and I’m not really in a position to madden you …” His voice trailed off, his ironic humor making the warlords thumb embed further into his nerve.

Dread’s thin lips pursed together, as the rage within him became difficult to control. His black cloak flapped in the wind readying to produce a storm. His pale white eyes began to grow slightly darker as his rage grew. “Listen Shaman, I can’t kill you yet. But you WILL tell me what you know!”

The old Shaman ignored him. Dread looked nervous as he fumbled with his words, “Hurry up... Tell me!”

The old Shaman smiled, “I know that you’re running out of time”.

Dread’s knee connected with the Shaman’s head, knocking him to the ground. The old shaman gagged in pain, his mouth filling with fresh blood. “What did you see!" Dread snarled, his patience running even thinner. He grabbed the old Shaman’s white flowing hair and forced him to his feet. Their faces were only inches apart and the Shaman could taste Dread’s foul breath upon his tongue.

The old Shaman’s bushy eyebrows crinkled into a frown, and staring into Dread’s dark eyes, whispered, “Your death!"

Horror crossed Dread’s face and his once strong grasp weakened. Noticing the weakened grasp, the old Shaman muttered quickly to himself and turned his eyes towards a small wooden staff on the ground; the staff flew to his hands, to its master. The old Shaman smiled, and with a swift thrust hit the shocked Dread in the gut, making the Warlord gasp for breath. The Shaman now free from his captors grasp jumped back. “And it gets better Dread,” he sneered, seeing the dark warlords torment, “Your death is at the hands of a child”.

Dread screamed and charged at the wise old Shaman in a careless attempt to silence him. “Lies, blasphemy, all of it!” he roared. Dread grabbed the Shaman’s staff and in one quick motion flung the old Shaman to the ground, and again the tides had turned. Dread revealed a small black dagger from his sheath, and edged slowly over to the downed Shaman. The Shaman bowed his head, he had expected this, he had been told of this battle and his death upon a dark blade.

A voice was suddenly heard, “Grand Shaman, No!”

The two turned towards the voice. The Grand Shaman’s heart was suddenly filled with fear; this was not meant to happen. The prophecies didn't predict this. “Yelana, run!” he begged.  A small Shaman appeared and ignoring her master’s warnings ran to his aide.

“The White Shaman,” Dread sneered in slight bemusement. “I expected a great warrior to behold the title of the Shaman’s prodigy,” he laughed. “But a child?” Dread’s laughter ceased as he recalled what the wise shaman had told him moments before. “A small child?” he repeated. Dread taking no chances of the unpredictable prophecies charged with his dagger outstretched, hungry to rid the world of the menacing Shamans.

Yelana turned to face the oncoming warlord, closed her eyes and using every ounce of her strength muttered a silent whisper. Dread’s fast charge, became a slow walk, as time it’s self was slowed. Yelana turned to her master. “Sir,” she groaned, as the spell she was casting was taking its toll on her small body. “I tried to freeze him, but his strength has increased”.

The Grand Shaman nodded, and quickly replied, “Yelana, you cannot be here, you are a part of a great event that is to come and you must assist in its forthcoming”.

“But Sir,” Yelana rebutted, “I can’t let you die.”

The Grand Shaman nodded and quickly cast a glance at the slowly approaching Dread.

“You have no choice my child, the prophecies predict that a Shamans blood must touch the ground before they are to come true. And we cannot risk them not coming true, humanity depends upon it”.

Tears filled Yelana’s eyes, “I will die then sir, let the prophecy take me.”

The Grand Shaman shook his head, “Dread is all powerful because of me, this is my fault and only I will carry this burden.”

Yelana forced herself to her feet. Her arms outstretched, she turned to her fallen master and sobbed, “I’m sorry I can’t.” And using her remaining strength muttered a reversal spell. The spell instantly broke and Dread continued his charge unaware of the events that had happened.

The blade lunged at Yelana’s gut, ready to spill her out onto the ground when the Grand Shaman pointing his wooden staff at the brave girl shouted and the girl disappeared.Dread tumbled to the ground, as his blade struck nothing but air. He angrily turned towards the Grand Shaman, and stood to his feet.

The Grand Shaman bowed his head and whispered, “So the prophecy begins.”

A painful scream was then heard echoing over the province, flooding the quiet jungle, overshadowing the noise of the busy villages and even reaching the far outskirts of a deserted beach where a young crying Shaman lay. The battle of good and evil had become unbalanced.

         

Chapter Two: I have found you at last!

The dream was always the same. A giant Dragon stood before a small boy. The Dragon was covered entirely in rough red scales. Its nostrils flared with every breath, and as it exhaled, smoke bellowed fourth covering the small boy like a thick fog. The boy stared with wide eyes at the Dragon, never blinking, nor covering his eyes to even shield himself from the smoke. An omniscient shadow approached the boy unbeknown to him. Just before it reached him, he turned as if he could feel its evil presence. He fell to his knees in terror, as the shadow effulged him. It hissed, “I have found you Sam, with your death the legends are void!” The boy’s fear fuelled body was paralysed. Then he remembered. He looked up at the Giant Dragon who was witnessing the commotion, and using intense concentration placed all his fear and unstable emotions in the Dragon’s power. The Dragon roared, arched its back as if it was dry reaching; a large torrent of fire exploded towards the boy and the black demonic shadow. The boy placed his hands up as a useless shield, but as always the fire was harmless to him and the Shadow like every night released a piercing screech as it died and was sucked downwards as if returning to the underworld and like every night Sam awoke, struggling against his sheets and drenched in sweat.



A young boy awoke yawning and rubbed his tired eyes as he lumbered out of his small room; pushing past the cow hide material that gently wavered in the slight wind through his doorway. His mother laughed as she greeted him, “It’s like you don’t sleep Sam.” Sam politely returned the laugh, but grateful his mother had no idea the adventures he unwillingly participated in every night. Slumping himself down on a chair, he thought to himself how the dreams seemed to be worsening and how more realistic the evil presence he felt was becoming. He wished he could speak to his mother about the dreams, but his mother always took things so realistically and with everything that had happened recently… “Don’t get to comfortable Sam,” his mother said, interrupting and cutting into his thoughts. Sam looked at his mother confused and run his hands through his greasy dark brown hair, slicking it back. “But there’s no school today,” he questioned. “I know that Sam,” she scowled, “But its Jax’s knighting ceremony today, and you have to get ready.” “I am ready…” He began, but then stopped as he realized it was useless arguing against his determined mother. His mother handed him a bucket, “Now go get some water from the well, I’m making some soup for the ceremony.” Sam sighed and started walking towards the door before his mother’s voice stopped him again. “And clean yourself up Sam,” she said throwing him a small block of soap. “I don’t want my son being known as the smelly boy of the town!” Sam with bucket and soap in hand stepped out of the small shack and started his walk towards the well.

Sam continued walking down a winding path, his curious eyes scanning the entertainment and festivities that had been setup during the night. “I wonder where Jax is.” He thought to himself as he trudged slowly along the dirty cobblestone path. Sam then passing through the village began his accent up the hill at the side of the village towards the well. He was nearly at the old well, when a scream and a rough voice interrupted his quiet walk. “You took it, I know you did!” Sam’s eyes scanned through the small wood to an opening between the trees to where the angry voice was coming from. A large boy was on top of a smaller child, his hands squeezing the young boy’s neck. “Hey!” Sam screamed and without a thought of his actions and the repercussions the large boy could cause, Sam raced in towards the small clearing and threw his block of soap at the large boy’s head. It hit him straight in the back of the head and the boy screamed a sudden yelp of surprise. He angrily looked up at the culprit who threw the soap and locked eyes with a slightly nervous Sam. “What’d you do that for!” he screamed as he released his hold on the young boy’s neck. “You’re going to pay for that!” The large boy yelled, charging at Sam and tackling him to the ground. Sam pushed franticly at the gigantic boy and he could feel the boy’s large hands wrapping around his neck. Sam franticly started jolting with his whole body, trying to gain leverage away from this insane mammoth when his knee unexpectedly connected with the boy’s groin. The boy yelped in pain and Sam could feel the hands around his neck weaken, and with one last shrug, the boy’s gigantic weight lifted and fell next to Sam. Sam lay their gasping for breath, his heart beating fast, when he realized that the huge boy could recover any moment. Thinking fast, he attempted to make peace. “Listen, I didn’t mean to do that, I just don’t think it was right you hurting a small kid.” The boy didn’t reply. “Come on, I’m trying to apologise, let’s just enjoy the celebration today and forget about it.” Still no reply came. Sam started getting angry. No matter how large the boy was, it didn’t give him the right to ignore his apology he thought to himself. Sam continued to stare at the large boy, waiting for him to no doubt charge again at any moment. But to Sam’s surprise, the boy was lifeless, he lay dead still, just clutching his groin where Sam’s knee had made contact. I didn’t hit him that hard, he thought worried. The boy’s face was in a look of pain and he remained motionless as if the pain had only just happened. Sam slowly got up and looked down the path towards the village, hoping someone could help him and the injured boy on the ground. His eyes could just make out the people, but the once busy village was motionless. Sam turned towards the small boy whose aid he had come to but alas, the small boy was also frozen. I must have hit my head real hard on the ground during that fight Sam thought to himself. Explanation after explanation entered his head, but nothing made sense. Just then a voice made him weak at the knees. “I have found you at last!”



Sam whirled around attempting to catch the culprit of the mysterious voice. “I have found you Sam. It has been a long search, but I must say you are … different from how I… imagined you”. Sam began to edge nervously back towards the safety of his village, while the mysterious voice still criticized him. “I mean … you are much skinner than I had imagined, very much less defined then other males of your kind. This cannot be a mistake; this is the village of Electrus?” Sam stopped edging away unknowing what to do, he slowly nodded his head. “Well at least I am in the right place, are you going to speak, don’t tell me I travelled all this way to find out the hero is a mute!” “I’m not a mute,” he blurted looking about, as the speaker was still not visible. A warm feeling of confidence started to surround him and he began to not fear the new strange events that were unfolding. “Show yourself! Voice,” he said smartly, emphasising the word voice, “It’s rude!” Silence followed, then the voice spoke, this time quite firmly, sending a shiver down Sam’s spine. “Look around boy; and maybe next time you speak you will show me the respect I deserve”. Sam once again glanced at his motionless village, and finally the reality sank in. “Who are you?” he asked, his voice quivering from nerves and excitement. “Who am I?” The voice spoke to the boy, “I am someone that is compared to and respected like the gods. My power to that of a mortal is incomprehensible”. Warmth circulated though his body, and a feeling of peace escalated through his emotions. He looked towards the direction where the voice had once spoken to him, and there standing in front of him was a woman clad in white.

Sam’s breath was taken away, not only by the awesome power and the warmth that projected from the woman’s presence, but by the sight of her beauty. Sam’s eyes fell to a small scar, etched on her face and he wondered how such an amazing creature with such beauty could have received such an ugly scar. The woman spoke, snatching Sam from his thoughts. “I am a Shaman, The White Shaman.” Sam stared, his eyes still bulging from shock. This time the Shaman replied smartly, “You know it may be considered rude to talk when no one knows where you are, but it’s much ruder to stare”. Sam rubbed his eyes, trying to make the Shaman disappear, but that just made his eyes sore and the Shaman was still visible. Sam felt slightly awkward around the Shaman, as he knew he should be terrified, but strangely he felt at peace. Sam cleared his throat, and mumbled, “That’s… impossible.” The Shaman looked at Sam, she expected this. “And why Sam, why do you say this is impossible”. He shook his head in disbelief, as if that was a ridiculous question, “Because Shamans are a myth.”  The Shaman smiled and replied, “Sam I am not surprised you are still doubtful but you are witnessing mythical power as we speak”. Sam noting this paused for a moment and replied, “Then why are you here?” He asked before continuing, “Wait, you said something about travelling all this way to find a hero. Shaman… I think you’ve accidently froze him!” said Sam, pointing in the direction of Jax. The Shaman glared at Sam and her voice became slightly aggravated, “I have NOT made a mistake, Shaman's do not make mistakes!” Sam became silent, as he realized he had hit a sore point. “So why are you here?” he asked. The Shaman held out her hand and a small parchment appeared. It looked worn and quite out of place against the Shaman’s clean pale skin. Sam stared at the parchment for a few moments not sure whether the Shaman wanted him to take it, but he quickly took it when she spoke again with her voice stern and rushed. “Sam! Hurry! Take the parchment, we are running out of time!” Sam looked confused then turned his attention to the parchment and read the few sentences scrawled upon it.

A child shall arise from the village of Electrus. He shall be the one to unite all the pieces of the Dragon Fang and upon wielding the Dragon Fang Sword shall bring defeat to the Warlord Dread. He will be called the Chosen One!

Sam’s eyes darted across the scroll multiple times, reading each word slowly. Finally he stopped reading and slowly looked up at the Shaman smiling. “I get it,” he laughed. “This is some kind of joke. You expect me to believe I’m a … Chosen One”. The Shaman frowned. “This is no joke and…” “No it is, and all the villagers are in on it! And you, I must say for a second you had me going! You’re very good,” he laughed before turning his back on the Shaman. “But I have to go; I have to get ready”. He looked back into the distance and to his delight found the villagers moving once more. “I knew it! …” Sam continued, still trying to convince himself. A scream suddenly came from the village wiping the smile from his face. “Sam…” a weak voice behind him spoke. “He comes. Evil walks towards us!” Sam turned to face the pale woman. Her once prideful stance was wavering. She was using all her strength to stand. Her eyes met his, and she spoke quickly in a raspy voice. “Don’t just stand there, run!” Sam for once in his life, didn’t combat his fear and emotions with humour, he turned and ran. He ran down the path towards a panicked village. Everyone was running towards the church and it was there that Sam too felt he would be safe. As he ran down towards the village he could see demonic looking creatures chasing men, women and children, picking them up and tossing them through the air as they all ran for the safety of the church. The creatures hissed and spat chilling Sam to the bone, but he kept running as he knew this would be his only safe place to hide from this evil. Just then as Sam was nearing the edge of the village he heard a screech coming from behind him. It was one of the creatures! The beast chased Sam like a wolf chasing down its prey. Then just as the creature was right on Sam’s tail, Sam dived into the bushes on the side of the path. The beast took a mighty swing at Sam missing him by inches as it shot past. Sam ducked and dived, tumbled and rolled along the steep ditch down the side of the path. Sam, ducking low and scurrying like a wild animal, found refuge inside the trunk of a small hollowed out tree, just big enough for him to curl his legs up in. He realized from here, he had a clear view of the village through a small bush and could see the last remnants of the town’s folk, including his mother, making it to the church. Sam was terrified now; he would be a main target if he continued his run for the church. Just then, a few trees back, Sam could here branches moving and snapping and a grunting snout, smelling the air for a scent. It was the creature from the path. Sam held his breath waiting for the creatures claws to pull him out from his hole when…”ARRGHHHHH! ARRRGHHHHH!” The large boy who Sam had scuffled with earlier came running down the path. This quickly attracted the creature’s attentions. Snarling, it burst through the bushes tackling the boy to the ground down the gully of the other side of the path. The boy screamed in agony as Sam heard the creature’s snarling grunts and limbs being ripped in different directions. Before Sam even had a chance to plan his next move… “DREAD!!!” A voice called out challengingly to the leader and commander of the vile creatures. “Dread! I command you to leave this village at once!” It was Jax! The saviour and hero of Electrus. After hearing Jax’s heroic voice, Sam began to crawl out from the small hollow, readying himself for a mad dash to the church. “Ah Jax, the ‘almighty’ hero that has vowed to put a stop to me!” Sam noted sarcasm in the leader Dread’s voice. “I am warning you Dread, leave this village now!” “LISTEN TO ME JAX!” returned Dread, “All I want is just one boy, one small insignificant boy. Is it really worth this waste of an entire village just for one pathetic boy!?” Jax drew his sharp sword and pointed it at Dread. “YOU! SHALL NOT EVEN HAVE A SINGLE HAIR OFF ANYONE’S HEAD YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY YET KILLED TODAY! Sam could see Dreads minions getting restless, and itching for a fight. Dread smiled, and placed his left fist up in the air, signalling his minions to hold attack. He then stretched out his right hand towards Jax as if holding a small round object in his palm. Jax backed away slowly, taking a defensive stance, not sure what the Warlord was doing. Dread smiled, showing his teeth. Then as his eyes flashed with burning anger, Dread squeezed his fist together as if crushing a rotten tomato in his palm. Jax fell to the ground screaming, holding his head. Sam stared mortified at the village’s hero, screaming in agony defenceless. Dread’s minions stared at Jax, before Dreads left hand signalling for the creatures to hold dropped. The beasts attacked, ripping and thrashing at the thick armour of the screaming warrior. Sam looked away horrified then once again realising the situation he was in, decided now may be his only remaining chance. Sam charged for the church. “Demons can’t enter the church,” he thought to himself as he ran, he prayed his teachings were correct. Dread looked around at the deserted village now noticing a boy, Sam, charging towards the safety of the church. “Villages and their ridiculous superstitions!” he shouted. He raised his hand at the people packed church, and slowly raising his hands to the air, the church started to crumble. Dread laughed as he heard, screams echoing inside the building. Sam slowed his pace in shock, metres from the church door. Dread screamed and with a sweeping motion of arms, slammed his hands shut. At that moment, the church ripped itself apart, imploding from the inside and then blew itself apart with a massive explosion. The blast of the eruption echoed through the countryside and left nothing but a few smoking stumps and a black burning foundation.

“Master,” one of Dread’s minions screeched. Dread looked over to his minion, to see the boy, Sam, lying on his back with his arm outstretched towards the smoking rubble where his mother had just stood. “Food?” the creature hissed, surprisingly still hungry after the meaty banquet they’d just consumed from Jax. “No, we take him; we will question him about the Chosen One.” The minions snarled disapprovingly as they had hoped to devour the child. And with that two minions grabbed the now unconscious Sam, tied his hands and feet together then strapped him down to one of the horses. Sam awoke briefly, in a sore stupor trying to speak, to tell the creatures they had made a mistake. Only to then pass out a few moments later from shock.

Chapter Three: The Great Battle

Sam’s tired blood shot eyes jolted open as he quickly recalled yesterday’s events.  His eyes slowly scanned his new morbid surroundings. He awoke in a small concrete cell, with bars placed jaggedly across two small windows. A wooden plank was fixed crookedly behind the bars, in a poor attempt to block out the sunshine and the rest of the outside world. In the middle of the cell, there was a large rag that was made into a makeshift bed. Sam suddenly heard a noise in the back of the cell. His eyes nervously landed to a dark shadow fidgeting in the cells darkened corner. “Is there anyone there?” he stuttered. A mumble replied, so faint it was unrecognizable. “Hello?” Sam asked again, hoping his cellmate was friendly. “I said, what’s a kid doing in here?” a now louder voice returned, slowly emphasizing each word as if Sam was simple. “I don’t know,” Sam replied, still unsure of what had happened, as everything had happened so quickly. “I was just getting ready for Jax’s knighting ceremony, and then all of a sudden Dread and his minions were attacking my village and the next thing I know, I’m in a cell talking to you.” He left out the part about the White Shaman appearing and telling him that he was some kind of Chosen One. The voice grunted, “That don’t sound like Dread, normally he only keeps people captive if they are of use to him, or he wants to make an example.” Sam foolishly asked, “What does he do to the rest of the people?” He felt like he already knew the answer to this question. Sam heard shuffling from the back of the cell, before the man behind the voice made himself visible. An old man appeared. His face was wrinkled, and he was sporting a large grey beard. He limped towards Sam, and smiled. Sam looked away as he found it difficult coming from a fairly privileged and sheltered background where hygiene was fairly common, to this new environment where this gentleman clearly hadn’t seen a washcloth in a long time. “If Dread doesn’t need the person, he kills them! And only kills them if they’re lucky.” The old man laughed, enjoying the look of horror on his new companies face. Sam stared at the man, obviously not impressed by the man’s twisted sense of humor. The old man had not enjoyed company in a long time and had obviously become insane over the years. Sam looked away, thinking about everything that happened yesterday and wondering whether the White Shaman even existed or if it was a trick implemented by Dread. He then turned his face to the old man… who was still giggling cynically. Footsteps were suddenly heard coming down from the staircase towards the two captors. Upon hearing this the snickering from the old man abruptly stopped as he quickly scurried back into the cells corner, concealing himself in the dark shadows once again. A large man suddenly appeared at the cells doors. He swung them open with brutish force and lumbered towards the frightened boy. “What’s going on?” Sam screamed. The large man said nothing, grabbed Sam by his hair and dragged him out of the cell.



Sam was thrown roughly onto the ground, skidding for a few moments before landing in a crumpled heap at the centre of a room. He was covered in cuts and scrapes and his knees throbbed from being dragged up the cells stairway. Sam’s eyes were shut, too afraid to open them when a voice made him fear even further for his life. “Who are you?” the voice asked quietly. Sam remained quiet. “Answer me boy, who are you?” Sam answered quietly, “My name is Sam …” “Sam, you come from the village of Electrus? Is that correct?” The voice asked, Sam nodded. “Speak to me boy!” “Yes!” Sam screamed choking on his terror. “Last question,” The voice continued. “What do you know of… the Chosen One?” Sam started crying, “I don’t know anything,” he gasped, as the panic made his breathing difficult. “I don’t believe that…” the voice rebutted. “See you come from Electrus, and the legends state that the Chosen One comes from that village, so I’m assuming that the Chosen One would be a hero in that village if he is supposedly destined to put an end to me.” Sam gasped as it dawned who he was speaking to, Dread! “So,” Dread continued, “I will ask you again, what do you know of the Chosen One?” Sam denied it again. “I don’t know!” he screamed. Sam felt Dread kneel down next to him, as he felt Dread’s hand rest upon his shoulder. “Come on Sam,” He said softly. “I’m not going to hurt you. I just want to know the truth of what you know.” Sam opened his eyes and looked up at Dread. Dread smiled, “I want to know because someone has said he is meant to kill me and I really don’t want to die. I want to sort this misunderstanding out. So please Sam I beg you, please help me out.” Sam forced back a sob. “I just want to go home.” Dread nodded, “You can go home, just answer me this one question. What do you know of the Chosen One?” Sam slowly sat up, and looking at Dread replied, I don’t know much, but… a white lady, a shaman came to me and said, by mistake of course, I was a Chosen One. I don’t understand!” Dread’s hand pulled from Sam’s shoulder as his eyes widened in shock after hearing Sam’s words. A sadistic smile came over Dread’s face as he spoke, “So you are the Chosen One. Guards! Take him; we will execute him tomorrow at dawn! We will kill him in front of the people as an example of what happens when ANYONE defys me!” Sam looked horrified, “But I didn’t do anything!” he protested. But Dread couldn’t hear Sam’s sobbing and denial through his laughter. The same large, brutish guard then grabbed Sam by the hair once again and began dragging him out of the room, through the alleyway, down the stairs and back to the daunting cell.



Sam was thrown back into the closed, morbid cell. He groaned as he hit the floor. The cell door closed and Sam heard shuffling of feet before the old familiar voice spoke again. “Ah your back boy, thought you would be dead.” Sam ignored the old man’s negativity.  Sam looked up at him and wiping his eyes asked, “What happens next?” The old man shrugged, well I have been in here for …” he paused as if thinking really hard, “…for, well I’m not really sure how long I’ve been here, I lost track at 100 years.” Sam frowned in confusion and disbelief, “What?” he asked, “You can’t be more than 100 years old …” The old man laughed, oh but I am lad. Sam looked away, “I don’t believe you, you haven’t been in here that long, but I do think that the time you have been in here has made you crazy…” The man grunted, “If you don’t believe me, let me tell you a story!” Sam leaned against the far brick wall, closed his eyes and began to listen to a farfetched story that didn’t make a lick of sense, but it did help pass the slow ticking time of being stuck in his dark concrete prison.



“We shall win! Dread will feel the wrath of our country against him! He will know that when a country is united, they can do the impossible!” The speaker paused for a moment, staring into the eyes of a few in the numberless crowd before continuing. “Tonight Dread will be crushed into the ground beneath our victorious feet!” The crowd cheered. They began to chant out the speaker’s name, for they could see victory. Queen Julia stood strong looking at them with a forced smile on her face. Her grey hair waved in the wind that seemed to be much stronger as she stood on a high balcony. The sun beamed down on her jewelry through the thick grey clouds making her majestic prowess seem much more influential. She lifted her hands and slowly edged backwards through her castle. The cheering continued, and the praise of their beloved queen was clearly heard. She began to close the blinds, when a high-pitched voice quickly spoke. “Your majesty, I shall close the blinds”. She smiled and signaled for him to be seated. “Leon,” she said with gratitude, “You have done enough for me already.” Leon sat unhappily in a chair upset that his queen did not want his help. Queen Julia then closed the window, blocking out the cheers from the sea of people below. She then walked over and took a seat behind her large beautiful desk. Leon noticing his queen’s unhappiness asked, “My Queen, should you not be happy? Tonight we lead the attack against Dread. He shall not have enough power to destroy our army, and even if he does, the new forged alliances will be unbeatable! We have a guaranteed victory awaiting.” The queen looked at him, her eyes moist. “Leon, my dear Leon. Have you heard of the Dragon Fang Legend?” Leon looked at her curiously. “Of course I have my queen. My father used to speak of it quite regularly. He was a firm believer. Myself, I have my doubts.” The queen looked away. “Yes Leon, we all have our doubts.” She stood to her feet. “I wish to be alone now, I need time to think.” Leon nodded, obeying his queen’s orders, left her room. She walked slowly to her cabinet and reached for a clean piece of paper. She read it many times before calling for her most respected knight. “Robert! Please come to me now!” Footsteps were heard and a worried voice followed. “My queen, are you alright.” He opened the door and looked at her anxiously. She smiled at him and issued an order. “Robert, prepare the horseman. We shall ride into battle and attack Dread at once!” Robert looked at her still worried, “My Queen, you are coming with us? We cannot risk your life.” Queen Julia looked at him sadly. “I must ride Robert, Dread’s defeat rests with me”. Robert looked to his Queen confused, not knowing what she meant. “My queen, I do not think it is wise,” he began again. “Robert I am your queen, and this is my wish.” Robert became silent, and with a bow he replied, “Alright my queen. We shall ride at once. I shall prepare the horses.” He left without saying another word. Queen Julia again looked at the parchment she held and clenching it tightly followed the confused and worried knight. “The prophecy must be completed,” she whispered, already knowing the outcome of the battle.



Screams were heard. Fire and smoke from the burning battlefield caused the exhausted knight to close his sore watering eyes. “The battle is nearly over,” a voice said to him. He opened his eyes and stared at the frail figure that was determined to stand strong. “My queen,” he said, his voice quivering from pain, “Dread’s victory is inevitable; we will not survive the night”. He wiped away the tears that were forming in his eyes. “But we can escape, I can get you to safety and you can live to one day see Dread’s defeat!” Queen Julia looked at him smiling. “I wish it was that easy,” she said quietly. They both became quiet, staring into each other’s eyes. Screams from the battlefield continued as Julia spoke, more in an effort to smother the torment her people were enduring. “Have you heard of the Dragon Fang Legend?” Robert looked at his queen in confusion before saying “Yes my queen, that name is familiar.” She smiled and handed him a piece of paper. As his eyes scanned the parchment she quoted silently the wording as if she had read it many times. He looked up at his queen’s face in horror. “You see my faithful knight,” she said bravely, “That is the reason I must ride in this Great Battle.” Robert began to sob as he clutched on to his beloved queen’s hand, “Please no!” He cried over and over. Julia wiped the tears from his mud filled eyes and drew her sword, “For the Legend!” she yelled. Robert too stood to his feet and forced words to come to his mouth, “For the legend!”



Sam stared at the old man, hanging on to his every word, “I’ve heard that story before, we learnt about it at school,” Sam said. “Queen Julia and the great battle, It makes quite an entertaining story …” The old man stood to his feet angrily, “It’s not a story lad, it’s true!” Sam laughed at the feeble old man, “And how do you know that it’s true, it happened more than 300 years ago!” The old man stopped moving, and fell to the ground. “300 years, that’s how long it’s been?” Sam stared at the old man, “What? You can’t be 300 years old …” The old man looked at him angrily, “Oh but I am, and, I fought in the Great War!” Sam had heard enough, but he thought amusing the old man was the safest way out of this awkward conversation and the old man’s delusions. “Then who are you,” he asked. The old man stood shakily to his feet and proudly proclaimed, “My name is Robert, Sir Robert, Commanding General for Queen Julia!” Sam stared at the old man in bemusement, before warily stating the obvious flaw in the apparent Roberts proclamation, “That’s impossible … The Great Robert is said to have helped defeat the Dragon that terrorized the lands … and that was meant to have happened 500 years ago…” Sam stopped speaking and eyed the old man up and down before rudely saying, “I mean you look old, but not that old!” Robert spat at the ground in disgust, “Watch your manners boy and do not be quick to dismiss what you do not understand. You know of the Great Dragon then, and of the seven warriors chosen to defeat it. Then you also have heard of the special armour the warriors received that enhanced their skills. Well let’s just say the armour didn’t only enhance our skills, it also enhanced our life spans. Something even those Shamans hadn’t expected. After the Great Battle, Dread left mine intact and welded it shut; I was a prisoner not only in this cell but inside my own armour. It was Dread’s long and endless punishment for defying him, and only recently did he bore of this and remove it. I have been on a rapid decrease ever since.” Sam shook his head in disbelief, if a crazy man had of told him this yesterday he would have laughed, but lately with the Shaman and everything else happening in his life lately, he was more open to things that would once bend his reality beyond capacity. “If you know of the warriors, you also know of the warrior Dreadon who betrayed the others and wanted the Dragon Fang pieces for himself?” “Yes,” replied Sam, “And the other warriors hid their pieces away from Dreadon and Dreadon’s descendants have searched for the pieces for 500 years…” Sam then paused as a realization came to him. “Yes,” Robert continued, “Dreadon as he was once known is the very same Dread we know today. No one wants to believe that under that armour he’s the same warrior who lived those 500 years ago. He still wears the armour he was given by the Shamans to defeat the Dragon. Dreadon was given the nickname of Dread as he moved throughout the lands, devastating all the provinces in search of the Dragon Fang pieces. I guess he liked the name so much that it stuck.” Robert slumped to the ground, “But now I’m an old man, to weak to even avenge my Queen’s death… If only she didn’t have false hope for that legend …” Sam gazed at the defeated old man confused, “So you’re not a believer?” The old man angrily snapped, “Of course not, that legend killed my Queen! She died because she believed the words of some false prophet! That some ‘Chosen One’ would bring defeat to Dread.” Silence followed after Robert’s short outburst. Sam looked at the ground, as the negativity from Robert made him doubt his brief encounter with the White Shaman even more. “Maybe he’s right,” he whispered. “Maybe it was created by some person wanting to bring hope to a terrified people…” Sam curled up in the corner and closed his eyes, knowing that in a few hours… he would die. But that night, like every night, his sleep was interrupted again, by Dragons, demons and the same dark voice…



Sam awoke early in the morning to the sound of an opening lock and the same view of the ugly, brutish man that had forcedly handled him yesterday.  The man lumbered over to the small cowering boy, and grabbed him by the hair once again, forcing him to his feet. Sam grimaced in pain, but this time didn’t struggle as any hope he had clung so foolishly too, had all but gone. A pair of beady eyes, from the dark corner watched the two disappear from the cell before saying sadly, “May your death be quick boy…”



The sight was amazing. Thousands of creatures had emerged under a dark and stormy grey sky to see the Chosen One destroyed. When Sam appeared, the crowd cheered, forming a pathway for him to walk down. The Brute from behind him pushed him down the direction of the path. The creatures pulled his hair, kicked and spat at him. Further in front of him was a large device situated near a small case of steps. They were going to hang him. He was pushed further along the corridor of creatures till finally he reached an opening. The crowd’s noise ceased as a loud voice began to speak. “The Chosen One is going to die!” Sam looked up towards a balcony that was situated above the now once again screaming mass of creatures. Then as the screams of the gathered crowds excitement died down the loud voice continued. “The gods thought they could stop me!” Sam looked up, confirming his suspicions of who was speaking. He could make out a victorious smile forming on Dread’s dark blue lips. “They foolishly thought that by putting their faith in a small child, he would somehow destroy the king of darkness!” The crowd broke into laughter and once again began scratching and pulling at the frightened boy’s hair. Dread raised his arms to silence the rioting crowd. “But before we void the legend; let us have some fun as we verify to the gods their foolish mistake!” The crowd cheered as the brute that had walked Sam from his prison cell appeared holding a large leather whip. Sam closed his eyes and prayed. A pain suddenly hit him in the back, slicing into his thoughts and making him stumble forward. He screamed. The whip hit him again and warm blood dripped down his back. The third time the whip hit, he fell to the ground panting, his back feeling cold from the repeated crack of the whip upon his small body. The brute forced him to his feet and punched him in the ribs. Sam released a gasp in an attempt to fill his winded lungs with air. The brute whipped him again; this time across his face; cutting open his face and causing a perminent scar. Blood trickled down his cheek; making the crowd cheer in excitement and throw stones in his direction. The brute slapped him in the face, and Sam once again fell to the ground crying weakly, begging for them to stop. The brute then raised his foot above the boy’s scarred face, ready to bring it crushing down when Dread’s voice made him stop. “Enough! Let us finally prove to the gods that their is NO Chosen One!” Dread paused as he savored his next words, “Execute him!” Sam was dragged to the device and a rough piece of rope was tied around his neck as another creature tied his hands up behind his back, pulling the rope tight, cutting into his wrists. Sam jammed his sore eyes shut and waited for the rope around his neck to tighten. The noises around him echoed in his ears. The crowd cheering, Dread’s heavy panting. Even the blood that dripped from his back made a heavy splash as the drops hit the ground. Then there was silence. After waiting for what felt like a few minutes, Sam started to get agitated at Dread for toying with his life. “Just do it already … please …” he begged silently. Then just as Sam could feel the hatch beneath his feet about to drop, a voice spoke, “Sam… run… now… my power will not hold!” Sam dazed from his beating, argued silently inside of his head. ‘Who is that voice disturbing me? I just want to sleep!’ “Sam don’t be a fool, Escape while you can!” “Go, it’s over!” “I was right, you are no one special, you are weak!” Sam eyes bolted open and looking up towards the balcony stood Dread, frozen, his arms out stretched, that same horrible smirk on his face. He then looked down towards a pale woman amongst the crowd, brought to her knees as if her strength was fading. It was the White Shaman, she mouthed the words, “Run,” And finally taking her advice Sam pulled his arms around to his front, stepping his legs through the loop created by his arms and unhooked the rope from around his neck. Sam tumbled to the ground, his weak legs barely holding his body. Forcing himself to his feet Sam sprinted towards the forest. Each step made the pain in his back burn, but he ignored it. He ran till he could hear no more chanting, until he couldn’t feel the evil aura that illuminated from Dread. Finally when his gut was heaving in and out, and he felt like he was going to spew from the unfamiliar feeling of pain, he reached a grassy ditch and collapsed, meeting the sleep he had longed for. But even in his dreams he was tormented with pain and images of Dread cursing him and vowing the Chosen Ones death.

Chapter Four: Protection

Robert sat in the corner of his dark cell not saying a word, missing the company and the excitement of actually conversing with someone after so many years of silence. He looked to the ground sadly then turned his direction to a lone mouse grooming itself by the far wall of the cell, “Looks like it’s just you and me Whiskers…” his voice trailed off, as if waiting for the rodent to answer him. Robert’s instincts suddenly alerted him to the staircase outside of his cell as a chubby guard dragged a woman to his cell. He opened the door and threw her to the ground, “I still don’t believe that these Shaman things are actually real! Always thought they were fake,” he said, his simple voice drowning out the Shaman’s tight breathing. He turned and plodding back out of the cell, locking the door behind him. Robert waited for the guard to leave, then slowly edged over to the frail woman. “Shaman?” he asked curiously. The White Shaman turned her head and for a second their eyes met before her head hit the hard concrete floor. “It’s you …” Robert mumbled. “The White Shaman, You’re the one that advised us to hide the Dragon Fang pieces all those years ago...” Robert’s shocked face then turned down to an angry scowl, “It’s all your fault! You killed my Queen!” “Robert …” The white Shaman croaked. “Julia knew she must die for the legends to come to pass … we must do exactly as the prophecy says, we can’t risk changing fate…” “ENOUGH” Robert screamed. “YOU SHAMANS FILLED HER HEAD WITH THIS NONSENCE!” The Shaman’s dull glow she had illuminated with as she entered the cell became even more dull, her power was draining. “Robert, please…” she croaked. “Your heart is filled with hatred, I beg of you help me …” Her words trailed off, as Roberts increased hatred made her weaker. “I refuse to help you!” He turned his back on the Shaman and crossed his arms, acting like a stubborn child. A few seconds passed, before curiosity got the best of him, “And besides you’re a Shaman, why would you need my help?” The Shaman using the last remnants of her strength grasped for a small amulet shaped in the form of a Dragon around her neck as she tried to pull herself to her knees before collapsing back to the floor. “…Dread placed this amulet on me it’s draining my power…. Remove it and my power will return.” Robert spat in disgust at the trembling Shaman then turned back towards his corner. The shaman closed her eyes and whispered “Sam, I’m sorry …” before sprawling on the ground. Robert turned back towards the Shaman, “What did you say? Sam … my new friend?” His paranoid eyes darted back and forth and the voices in his heard screamed for him not trust the fading shaman. But in a desperate attempt to help his new friend, Robert knelt to the ground over the Shaman and snatched the amulet from around the Shaman’s neck then scurried back into the shadows. At that moment, the Shamans eyes darted open, her immense power brightened the dark cell, including Robert’s corner safe haven. Robert fell to the ground, obviously not enjoying being so vulnerable and not being able to hide in the dark anymore. The Shaman smiled at him and said “Robert you have hidden for far to long, you are Robert, the greatest warrior that has graced these lands. You are Robert, Commanding General and protector of the late Queen Julia and slayer of the Great Dragon. And now these lands need your help again.” She raised her hand towards the awestruck knight. “Come with me and help Sam…” Robert stood to his feet, “I will come with you,” he said cautiously. “But I do this for the boy, and for my Queen, not the Shamans …” The White Shaman nodded and closed her eyes, the concrete prison that housed the great knight for many years started to tremble and fall around them and within moments the sun was basking them both. Robert fell to the ground as the sun shone down upon him, a feeling he had not felt for many years. The White Shaman then helped him to his feet and led Robert out of his cell. As soon as their feet touched grass, Robert fell to his knees, kissing the ground. The Shaman let him enjoy his freedom for a moment and then gazed across the field before them to the north, “Come Robert, we don’t have much time.” Robert stood to his feet and without saying another word followed the Shaman away from Dread’s fortress across the field and into the shadows of the dark forest. 



Sam eyes shot open as he screamed in fear, awakening from his dream. A dream of yesterday’s torment still fresh in his mind, taking a defensive stance as yesterday’s events were quickly recalled, he scanned his surroundings feeling unsafe in the dark woods he had awoken in after collapsing in exhaustion from the night before. His body was bruised and torn, his skin and bones ached from the beating he had received the previous day. Sam had never felt this alone before and he felt a heavy sadness coming over him, but before he had a chance to even cry for everyone and everything he had lost, Crack! Behind him a small twig snapped against the ground, from the force only a heavy footstep could bring. Sam flung himself around nervously, but before he could do anything a sharp tip touched his neck and sliced through his thoughts. “What have we here? Speak boy, before I separate your head from your body.” “Please don’t sir!” Sam replied defencelessly. Sam panicked and said foolishly without thinking, “They say it is possible to live for three seconds with your head unattached. But I’d much rather live longer then that!" The man paused for a moment and lowered his blade. “You have a sense of humour, something Dread’s minions do not have.” “My name is Albert and what may your name be?” Sam’s heart beat loudly from the shock of nearly acquiring the new title of ‘Headless Sam’, he lowered his hands a little relieved. “My name is Sam.” “What’s a young boy like yourself doing in these parts? Are you not aware of the dangerous creatures that lurk within these woods?” Albert asked inquisitively. Sam chose his next words carefully as this ‘Albert’ could be another follower of Dread just trying to deceive him. “I’m lost,” he replied. “My mother and I were separated while picking berries”. The man looked at Sam unbelievingly, but the grief he saw when the word mother was mentioned persuaded him to believe Sam’s story. “Alright then”, the man replied. “I have a shack not far from here; you’ll find it much safer there than wandering about in these woods. We’ll find your mother, don’t worry, but first I think we should get you cleaned up”. And with that Sam followed the man, cautiously trailing behind him to his shack.

Keeping up to the fast pace of the man was difficult, his strides easily met one to three of Sam’s small steps. Not too soon down the trail as they were walking, Sam heard a rustling in the bushes and the man in front of him stopped dead in his stride, causing Sam to stop abruptly.  “Show yourself!” Albert yelled, his Sword outstretched in front of him. A creature emerged, its eyes were blood red, and it delivered an inhuman speech. “Dread the ruler of mankind orders you to hand over the boy”. Albert looked towards Sam then back to the beast. “And what would Dread want with this boy?” Albert asked, with the same inquisitive but firm voice as earlier. “Dread wants nothing ‘with’ this boy. DREAD WANTS THIS ‘CHOSEN ONE’ DEAD!” Albert’s eyes widened realizing the truth of his new company. Albert then smiled and said cockily, “So Dread sends out a demon like you, to track down a mere boy?” He laughed, “Sounds like Dread is getting scared!” The demon hissed, as the cocky warrior made fun of its master. “But I suppose, the child was destined to kill him. Anyone would be afraid!” Sam gazed at Albert's eyes, and he noted behind the cockiness, a fiery hatred burning inside of him. “But enough talk! If you want him,” he said sternly, “Come get him!” The demon hissed and spreading its wings lunged towards them, scattering both Albert and Sam through the air and on to the hard ground spraying up a cloud of dust, taking both Albert and Sam off guard. Its speed was unmatched and Sam’s faith in Albert’s abilities was dramatically diminished. The creature’s huge red wings made it pick up speed again knocking Albert to the ground once more. He rolled to the side, slashing at the beast wildly, hoping his swings would hit flesh; but the creature was too fast. It charged again towards Albert, as Sam watched in desperation with little he could do. Albert brought his sword up above his head with the blade facing forward in a stabbing motion, poised as if to deliver the final blow to a wounded enemy. As the beast made its next pass with its claws outstretched ready to tear a large hole through Albert’s torso; Albert lunged forward as his sword made heavy contact upon the beast’s underside. His Sword shattered into a million pieces as if he’d attacked the beast using a piece of stalactite, for the creature’s body up to its neck was covered in an iron like scale plating. Albert fell to the ground grasping nothing but the handle of his shattered sword. Upon seeing this, the defenceless Sam was now sure they were done for. “ALBERT!” the creature bellowed. “You fight well, but alas, your skills are nothing compared to the underworld. You have no idea what you and the boy face. Now move aside and I shall claim my prize!” Sam looked horrified as the creature turned its blood red eyes towards him. The beast lunged forward with its sharp mouth open, with an intention of one precise and ending blow. Sam fell to the ground screaming, covering his head while curling up into a cowering ball. He closed his eyes begging for a miracle only to hear a sharp, strong voice. “Demon! I know what we face, and I'm not afraid!” Just then the beast let out an agonizing scream. Sam opened his eyes to his amazement to see the creature with a large thrown dagger sticking out of neck, spraying out blood as the demon clawed for its neck in agony. It fell to the ground swearing and cursing Albert’s name. Sam slowly stood to his feet in shock as the creature gave its last kick. “The Chosen One ay? I don’t like being lied to Sam! If that is even your real name,” said Albert, pulling himself up his feet while patting the dust from himself. Sam stood silent for a moment still in shock as he realized that this Albert was much more than just a humble swordsman. “Well!?” Albert snapped with the firmness of a well-travelled man. “Sam…. yes, Sam is my real name Sir,” Sam replied respectfully, “I’m sorry I lied to you, I was afraid you may have been a follower of Dread.” Albert paused for a moment, still with a stern look upon his face, “Fair enough, let us continue, we should make it back to my shack before nightfall”. Sam had so many questions, but upon looking into Albert's eyes, noting the burning passion of hate, he knew that they both shared the same enemy.

Late in the afternoon Sam and Albert had made it to Albert’s shack. Albert walked up onto the front porch, opened the small door to the shack and stepped inside. Sam cautiously followed Albert stepping inside. To Sams amazement (and slight disappointment) the cabin was neat, but very bland. ‘For a man that handled himself like Albert, I’d expected something a little less humble’, Sam thought to himself. The cabin was nearly empty, apart from a stool, an old bed covered with a single thick blanket, and a large bookshelf with a severe lack of books for its size. A thud made Sam jump, “This is your bed for the night”, interrupted Albert whilst rolling out a bed mat lined with a thick blanket. “We’ll talk about this ‘Chosen One’ stuff in the morning, for now you just worry about getting some rest. You’re going to need it”. And with that Albert walked back out through the shacks small door and took a seat on an old single rickety chair out on the porch. Sam still had so many questions racing through his mind, but after the last two day’s events, he felt it wise to take his new acquaintances’ advice. Sam lay down on the bed mat in the corner of the small shack’s single room and pulled the thick blanket over himself and before long Sam had fallen fast sleep.   

Chapter Five: The boy becomes a man

“Shaman?” Sir Robert asked, “How do we intend to find Sam or ‘the Chosen One’ that you people keep referring to him as?" “The legend speaks for itself”, The White Shaman replied, “He will be on his way to the Dragon Sword; our paths shall cross at that place no doubt where the sword is kept”. Robert nodded as his mind ticked over while he kept walking, “The Dragon Fang Sword, where is it?” The White Shaman then turned to Robert with a stern look upon her face, “You of all people should know that I cannot answer you that question Robert, for you were also entrusted with one of the pieces yourself! Knowing the location of one piece is dangerous enough, let alone two! You know the consequences of what would happen if anyone but the Chosen One claimed all five pieces of the Dragon Fang!” The White Shaman then paused for a moment and then said in a calmer tone, “I’m sorry Robert but that information is too important to not be kept secret”. “Then how far is it before we get there?” he asked. The Shaman smiled at him and continued sternly, “You ask too many questions Sir Robert. Have faith, we will get there in time". The two then both continued in silence.



A flicker of sunlight shone through the window, licking the hard wooden floor and followed across onto a young boy’s face. It was the next morning and Sam awoke squinting into the sunlight that had awoken him. The small cabin was quiet and empty. Sam arose and rubbed his hands through his dirty hair, reminding him of his mother who had always reminded him to keep himself clean. Sam fought his emotions back even though he still hadn’t had time to greave. He strapped on his shoes and walked to the door of the cabin and stepped outside. Just then he saw a figure appearing from the thick trees of the woods, it was Albert carrying with him what looked like two large sticks and a freshly captured rabbit for breakfast. As Albert approached he called out to Sam, “Ahhh, good to see you’re awake boy, I hope you slept well, cause if not, you will tonight!” He said chuckling. This made Sam worry of what the knight had in store for him. Upon getting closer, Sam realized that what Albert was carrying were large sticks, but they’d been fashioned into what looked like two swords. “After yesterday's attack I've realized that you’re going to be a real hindrance for me if we get attacked again. My plan is to have a fighter by my side and not a crutch. Come Sam, step down from the porch.” Continued Albert placing the captured rabbit and newly fashioned wooden swords upon the deck. "Stand up straight Sam, to attention, strong stance.....good, Stick your chest out." Albert stepped around Sam in a circle, and Sam could tell Albert was still planning what he had in store for him. Albert stopped circling and stopped in front of Sam turning to face him. “I'm going to train you Sam; you are destined to face Dread and its part of my path to train you”. Sam was just opening his mouth to speak with a thousand questions as Albert interrupted. “Now Sam, I want you too close your eyes, stay to attention!... Sam, a wise man once quoted ‘The key to a successful knight lies not in the blade, but in the wielder.” Sam nodded and replied, “So that means it’s not how sharp the sword, it’s how you use it, right?” “Yes”, Albert replied chuckling, “That's one way of putting it. Now Sam, the first step of becoming a good blades man is learning how to breathe.” Sam opened his eyes, “But I thought you were going to show me how to wield a blade. I already know how to breathe. I've been doing it since I was born.” “QUIET SAM!” Albert shouted, “Now close your eyes!” Sam quickly did as the firm knight said. “Now Sam, I want you to imagine striking at your enemy in your mind. With each attack I want you to breathe out as you strike with the force of your blade. But always remember to breathe between your attacks and to stay focused. In through the nose and out through the mouth. Now I want you to continue this. Stay to attention and keep your eyes closed, I'll be watching.” Sam didn't see the point of this task but did as the knight said, not wanting to upset him again. Sam then imagined the face of the monster Dread as he imagined himself striking out with a sword, breathing as Albert had said. Albert then while watching Sam, stepped around to the side of the porch while noting the anger in Sam's expressions as he breathed. Sam imagined blocking the evil Dread's attack then stabbing him through the heart as he was off guard. SPLASH! Sam’s eyes shot open as he jumped to see Albert with a half emptied bucket of water, laughing so hard that his armour shook as he did so. “Here Sam, clean yourself up, you look filthy! And those wounds are going to get infected”, Albert continued chuckling. “THAT'S FREEZING!” Shuddered Sam, slightly annoyed from the cold surprise. Sam walked over to the bucket and began to wash his face and clean the wounds on his back. "Sam, I noticed the anger of your face just now. You were thinking of killing Dread weren't you?” “Yes”, said Sam, “That horrible excuse for a man killed my mother, my father died by the hand of his armies and the only reminder I had of my father was lost when Dread took me from my village! Of course I was thinking of him as I imagined striking someone down!” Sam continued to wash his face, angered by the question of the knight. Albert walked towards Sam, taking a seat on the porch beside him as Sam continued to clean his wounds. “Sam, this is a bad way to start thinking. I know he killed your family and like you, I also have great anger towards him. Dread has also caused a lot of pain in my life. But if you begin to act through hate, it's all you'll ever know.  If in the process of defeating a monster you’ve become one yourself, then you have achieved nothing.”  Sam could hold back his tears no longer. “WHY DID THIS HAVE TO HAPPEN TO ME?” He screamed as tears began to run down his face. “I NEVER ASKED FOR THIS! I DON'T WANT TO BE THE CHOSEN ONE! I'VE NEVER WANTED THIS! TAKE IT FROM ME! YOU HEAR ME! TAKE IT!” Sam collapsed to the ground wailing, for he had lost everything to the hands of the monster Dread. A single tear rolled down Albert's face as he placed his firm hand upon Sam's shoulder. “Don't let him defeat you Sam, if you give up now he's already won. You’re the one that must stop this. You can stop this from happening to more families. You have to be strong!” Albert placed one of the wooden swords in Sam's hand. “Now... TRY AND STRIKE ME!” Sam pulled himself to his feet, still wiping the tears from his face and taking an aggressive stance he struck towards Albert as Albert blocked the attack. “Good, now again.” The two continued into the day and over the next few weeks Sam’s wounds healed and he fast became a talented swordsman. He was a natural, and the friendship between Sam and Albert grew. Sam began to look onto Albert as a father; for Albert reminded him of the great knight his mother had spoken of whenever she had told Sam of his father.

Chapter Six: The Shaft

The White Shaman and Sir Robert took a deep breath and gazed in awe at the giant temple that loomed before them. Two stone Dragons with their wings outstretched stood at the bottom of a huge stairwell, as if standing guard to the Temple and announcing that they would destroy any intruder that placed their foot over the threshold. "Let's go!" Sir Robert announced stepping forward just but the White Shaman put her arms up to stop him. "No, not yet, We must wait for Sam!" "But we're here now!" Robert returned, becoming annoyed of the Shaman's constant orders. "I'm getting sick of taking orders from you, just because you believe in some damn prophecy! I've seen where that foolish prophecy lead's people! To their graves!" With this Robert pushed the shaman's arm aside and began trudging towards the large stone stairway. "Stop there Robert." The old man continued his strides towards the stairway, ignoring the shaman. "Stop there Robert!" Repeated the Shaman. The old man kept walking. "I SAID STOP!" The White Shaman lifted her hands towards Robert and froze him solid, just as his foot was about to make contact with the first step. The Shaman lifted Robert lightly from the ground and floated him back to face her. With Robert still frozen the shaman spoke. "I didn't want to have to resort to this Robert but you brought this on yourself. You’re going to have to start trusting me, we're on the same side here! I want to end Dread's reign just as much as you do, but right now that means waiting here till Sam arrives. However long that may be! Now, am I going to be able to trust you if I release you?" asked the Shaman allowing Robert to nod his head slightly. "Good," said the Shaman firmly, releasing Robert from her hold. "We must set up camp now; we have a long wait ahead of us." Robert got to work without saying a word, still angered with the Shaman.



A Dragon stood before Sam; its red eyes calling him, begging for him to awaken them. Its voice sounded like a soft growl as it gently spoke, “Sam, the Dragon Sword is calling you; take it from its pillar of stone, unleash its awesome power upon the evil of the world”. Sam walked towards the Dragon, his hands outstretched wanting to touch the flaming beast, but just as his hands were about to meet contact, the Dragon collapsed in a burnt heap on the floor. It was dying; its power was fading. “Sam. The Dragon Sword needs you now… evil walks towards us… the Sword is in trouble!” A vision flashed through Sam's mind, he saw landmarks, mountains and forests as it flashed through his head.



Sam’s eyes jolted open, sweat covered his body and his thick blanket was sticking to him. He jumped to his feet and ran over to a sleeping Albert, shaking him awake. “We have to go! We have to go now!” “Wait, what's going on Sam? What's wrong?” Albert asked worriedly, peering through the curtains of his bedside window expecting an attack. “The Sword! Dread knows where the Sword is!” For Sam had seen the location of the Sword in his dream, but during his vision he had felt a familiar presence, Dread! “Wait Sam, hold on! How do you know this?” Albert questioned. “I don't know how to explain it”, Sam continued, "I just know that we have to go now!” “Go where!?” asked Albert confused. "The Great Temple of the Dragon!"



Just then some time away far through the dark forest. A deep horrid voice was heard through Dread’s fortress. “Ready my best men! Ready my beast to ride! I have a sword to claim!” Sam was right, Dread was readying a small group of his best men to claim the sword from the Great Temple of the Dragon. Dread did not want to arouse the attention of massing an army to claim his prize. He wanted to move fast and quick. He wanted that sword to be his! 



“Even if this is so Sam, you are far from ready to take on Dread. Let alone brave the journey to the Great Temple of the Dragon!” said Albert, still running across this newly discovered news in his head. “I'm sorry Albert”, said Sam, “But I can't just stay here and let Dread claim the sword”. Albert saw the determination in Sam's eyes, it reminded him of himself at Sam's age when his father had told him of the evil warlord Dread. He was so determined to fight and rid the world of this evil monstrosity. “I would say for you to stay here and allow me to go instead, but I know you would not be able to keep yourself here. You’re too much like me”, said Albert. “So what are you saying?” asked Sam. “We're both going. Start loading up!” Sam raced about the shack as did Albert rolling up their bedrolls and packing rations for the long journey. Before long they had packed all they needed, including the fur coats they had fashioned from the furs of their usual meals of rabbit and deer. “Before we go Sam, there's something I have to show you”. Sam turned to Albert with an inquisitive look on his face. “Come Sam, I'll need some help over here”. Albert walked towards the large bookcase of the small shack. “Grab that side”, Albert instructed. “Help me slide it to the side, PUSH!” The two pushed and heaved as the dusty old bookcase slid bit by bit to the side to reveal a small hidden room, just big enough for a full grown man to stand in. Hanging from the wall was an old thick sheet. Albert stepped forward and pulled down the old sheet causing both himself and Sam to cover their mouths coughing from the dust. As Sam looked he noticed a glimmer. Their two steel swords hung awaiting a wielder. Sam's eyes lit up, he was finally going to wield a real sword. “That's not all Sam”. Albert lifted his leg and smashed down with his heel onto the wooden floor, smashing a hole through the floorboards inside the small hidden room. Then bending down Albert began pulling back the floorboards from the freshly made hole. “What are you doing!?” Sam asked confused. “Just give me a hand here”, Albert instructed. Sam began to help pull back the floorboards, the two had soon ripped back all the floorboard from the small room to reveal a small square trap door, just big enough for one man to fit through. It was then that Albert removed a chain from around his neck holding a key. The key fit perfectly in the keyhole of the trapdoor and answered the turning key with a loud solid ‘CLICK’. “What's down there Albert?” Sam asked, ever so curious of the newly hidden room and trapdoor. “You'll see”, replied Albert with a firm grin upon his face. Albert lifted up the trapdoor as its hinges creaked and groaned, revealing a long deep shaft. Albert then grabbed a long rope from under his bed and tied one end off to his bed post. He then began to rip two long strips from the blanket on his bed. He then rubbed the two strips through some animal fat left over from a fresh kill and picking up two long pieces of floor board wrapped the fatty material around one end of each of the two floorboards. Then with a strike of his dagger to his flint stone he lit the two newly fashioned torches. Then giving a yank on the rope Albert turned to Sam, “After you”. Sam frowned peering down the shaft, “I want to know what's down there first”.  “Like I said, you'll see. You'll be fine I'll lower the torches down to you once you’re down. Trust me”. Sam hesitated for a moment, once again peering down the deep dark shaft. “Alright… lower me down”. Albert then tying the other end of the rope around Sam's waist began to lower him down the shaft. Slowly Sam was lowered down as Albert let him down hand over hand. The further down he went, more and more did the darkness close in around him. Sam’s eyes strained as he peer down the shaft below him seeing nothing but black. Before long his feet touched down onto an old dusty dirt floor. He could see nothing around him but the shaft above as he wiped the cobwebs from his face and untied himself from the rope. “Alright, I'm down, lower down the torches”. Shouted up Sam. “Alright”, called back Albert beginning to pull the rope up. To Sam’s relief Albert then once pulling the rope up began to lower the torches. Sam felt uneasy in the dark room and hated the way the darkness loomed in around him. As the torches made their way down, more and more did his surrounding reveal itself to him. The light revealed a small hand dug underground room, about half the size of the small shack above. Sam untied the torches as Albert then too began to make his way down the long shaft. There was nothing significant about the room, all it was, was a dug out dirt bunker. Albert touched down onto the dirt floor and made his way to the end of the small dug out room. “Here over by the far wall”, Albert motioned to Sam. Sam brought the torches over as Albert pulled a dagger from his belt as began to dig away at the wall. As Albert chipped away, chucks of dirt fell from the wall, revealing and old, thick, dark green sheet. Albert grabbed a hold of the sheet and ripped it from the wall, bringing with it a big chunk of dirt as a large object clunked down onto the dirt floor, wrapped in the sheet. “Where we’re going, I think we’re going to need this”, said Albert as he began to unwrap the large flat object. As Albert folded back the last part of the sheet he threw the sheet aside. Sam’s eyes widened, “The Dragon Fang Shield”, he whispered in shock, “But how did you?” he began. Before Albert cut him off, “We don’t have time Sam, if what you say is true, then Dread is already on his way to the sword and we have a long journey ahead of us”. Sam nodded, his mind burned with so many questions but Albert was right they hadn’t the time now. Before long the two had loaded up with all they needed for the journey ahead. They had to stop him, they had to stop the Mongrel Warlord Dread. 

Chapter Seven: The Villa

Their was a thundering through the forest, chunks of dirt and mud flicked up as six large beasts ridin by six beasts of men raced towards the Dragon Fand Sword. Dread and his  five best men were on their way to the Sword, Dread would not let the Chosen One get his hands upon it. Dread would be the first to claim the sword his.



Meanwhile far through the forest to where the dark forest began to let the sun shine through, two travelers set off on a long journey, equipped with the Dragon Fang Sheild. “I know you think we have a chance of beating Dread to the sword Sam, but on foot we're going to have no chance”, explained Albert to Sam. “We have to get there, we just have to. What about the prophecy! I'm supposed to get there somehow!” Replied Sam. “I know you're thinking that we've got a headstart, but Dread and his men move thick and fast. By now he's already made it half way through the Dark Forest, I know how he moves”. Instructed Albert to Sam. “Then what can we do?” asked Sam angciously, coming to the realisation that their time of reaching the sword was fading fast. “We have to make a stop along our way. Trust me I'll get us there”, reasured Albert.



The two companions travelled through day and night for three long days, stopping to rest only at the point of exhaustion for brief periods and then to continue on. They were headed for a village along their way but this was the only extent of Sam's knowledge of their stop. Upon nearing the village Albert prepared Sam. “Your about to find out alot more about me then you've known Sam. I've kept my story quiet, cause what we're fighting for now is more important and I didn't want the previous path I was on to hinder the one we're on now”. This began to get Sam's mind wondering about the man he had been travelling with, but before he had a chance to ask one of the questions that were begining to fill his head, there up ahead was a village. A small smirk began to rise up in the corners of Albert's cheeks as the two got closer to the village. Just then a head popped up from behind the small wall of the village. “Albert?.........ALBERT!” The head then turned and began shouting out to the rest of the village. “SIR ALBERT! SIR ALBERT HAS RETURNED!” A young boy no older than Sam came bursting out of the large gate of the village while shouting in excitment, “YOU'RE BACK, YOU'RE BACK!” Albert's smirk quickly turned from a then smile to a wild happy laugh and jumping down from his horse with his arms out wide he caught the young boy in his arms. “ Michael! Look how much you've grown!” Albert continued to laugh with joy as his cheeks turned red from his wide smile. People from the village then all came running out to greet the two travellers. The whole village had awoken to the sound of joy and celebration with Albert's return. The large crowd that had formed then led the two travellers inside. “Let's just say I come from a well off family”, explained Albert to Sam. “This village is my familie's Villa. If you could even call it a Villa anymore”. Albert chuckled with happines over the greeting they had just recieved. “Come you must meet my family”. With the crowd following, Albert led Sam up the main path of the village up a hill to a huge mansion overlooking the entire village. “This is my families home”, Albert explained and then swung the huge doors of the mansion open with his strong arms. “Mother! I have returned! It is me Albert!” An elderly lady then came shouting with joy, racing down a large stairwell that led from the top floor of the mansion. “My Son! My Son!"The old woman stood on her tippy toes, kissing Albert multiple times on his cheeks. Albert then motioning towards Sam announced to his mother, “I have someone I'd like you to meet, this is Sam, he is the one the prophecies spoke about. He is the Chosen One”. The old woman's eyes brightened for a moment, only to then dim again and turn back to her son. “So I take it your mission was unsucsessfull then my son?” Albert then turning back to his mother and replied. “No mother, I was getting close, but what this boy represents is too important to put aside. I'll explain more to you later mother but now we need food, previsions and some rest”. The elderly lady then motioned to her servants for assistance and the two travellers were then led upstairs to get cleaned up from their journey.



Later that evening Sam sat at a long table set for a feast with the finest dinner settings he’d even seen. Throughout the day Sam had also met Albert's brothers and sisters and now he eagerly looked upon a large table littered with glorious food. Albert was the eldest of five boys, including the youngest Micheal, his adopted brother. From the girls Albert had an older sister and a younger adopted sister Chloe, the same age as Sam. Over dinner Albert talked of his adventures and of how Sam and himself had come to meet and of their journey to the villa. He then went on to tell of what lay ahead for Sam and himself. “We will leave first thing tomorrow morning, time grows short. We shall need the two finest horses you have to offer mother. Our chances are already slim of making it to the Great Temple of the Dragon before Dread and his men, even with horses”. As Albert talked of their journey ahead to his family, Sam had finally grown enough courage to ask the one question that had been on his thoughts since they had left the shack. “Albert, what was your mission before you found me in the dark forest that day?” Before Albert had a chance to reply, Albert's mother turned to him in shock. "THE DARK FOREST! That must have been the part you left out to me before! Dark Shaman's have been spotted in those parts! Do you know what could have happened to you if you had run into one of those things! What were you thinking! I can't believe y.......” Albert then interupted, “Mother! It's where I'd tracked father to”. Sam looked around the table as everyone’s faces began to grow dim. Albert then turned to Sam, “I think it's time I told you now”. Albert paused for a moment and then began to explain to Sam his mission, “Dread took my father from me when I was only ten years old. I spent my entire childhood years trying to fill the place of my father that Dread had taken from my family. I thought my father was dead for five whole years until one day as I was meditating as part of my training, a vision came to me. I saw my father still alive, but in great torment. I wanted to leave right there and then and I almost did. I was about half a days walk out of the villa when my trainer stopped me and told me I wasn't ready, you can imagine how that went down. My trainer was the one who taught me to meditate and also taught me how to fight. I came to look on him as a father since I'd my father had been taken. I would have kept going that day if I didn't respect him so much, I'd have introduced you to him but mother has told me he's returned to his home province to visit his family for some time. Over the years I trained and became a great fighter and when I'd reached the age I could properly defend myself, I went out in search for clues as to where Dread had taken my father. My search had led me to the outskirts of the dark forest. I was there for some time and each day I extended my search deeper and depper into the dark forest in search for more clues as to my father’s whereabouts. That's when I built the shack and built it over the shaft I had dug to hide the Dragon Fang Shield. I was following up on a tip I had recieved about my father's location which brought me much deeper into the dark forest then I usually ventured when I stumbled onto you. Its another story how I came to be in possession of the shield, I'll explain it to you in time, but now we should finish our dinner and get some rest. We've have a long journey ahead of us”. Sam nodded his head, finished his supper and with many thanks, went to bed.



The next morning the whole village had gathered to farewell the two travellers. Albert's mother had readied two of her best horses for Albert and Sam to depart. Albert's mother kissed and hugged Albert along with his brothers and sisters as they fared him well. Sam looked down at the ground as he saw the love between Albert's family, he had to hold back his emotions after losing the love of his family that he'd never see again. A single tear ran down his face when he felt a hand upon his shoulder. “Keep my brother safe Sam, return him safe to us, and bring yourself back too”. Sam looked up to see Albert’s adopted sister Chloe's smiling face as she embrased him with a warm hug that reminded him of home. Sam whispered a quiet thankyou into Chloe's ear as he wiped the tear from his face. Somehow he knew that she’d felt what he was going through. The two then smiled at eachother as Sam then turned to meet Albert beside the horses. Sam had never riden a horse before and what he felt would just come naturally didn't come quite so. As Sam had just pulled himself up onto the large horse the horse jumped up onto it's back legs, spooked by Sam's accidental spur of his heel into it's side. Sam flipped off the back of the horse and straight onto a fresh pile of manure. All the kids of the village burst out with an uproar of laughter as Sam pulled himself up to his feet covered in horse poo. One of the boys from the village walked over trying to hold his laughter back. “We can't have you travelling like that, here take my coat. Your going to need it more then I will”. The boy handed Sam the coat off his back, still slightly giggling to himself as Sam got rid of his ragged manuered old coat. Sam thanked to boy and then resaddled himself upon the horse, only this time with a tighter grip. The whole village each layed their hand on the two horses as a sign of good luck and then raising their hands cheered as the two travellers set off for The Great Temple of the Dragon.



As the two rode out of the village and along the dirt road, a hooded shadowy figure watched from under the cover of the trees...

Chapter Eight: A Guardian Angel

“How long are we going to wait here?” an angered voice protested. “We’ve been waiting here for days! I can’t see why we just can’t claim the sword ourselves. For all you know Dread and his entire army could be on their way!” “ENOUGH ROBERT!” Shouted the White Shaman. “I don’t need to explain myself to you once again, we’ve been through this already! We must wait till Sam arrives to claim the sword. There’s no other way”. The White Shaman and Sir Robert once again returned to their silence.



Meanwhile many miles away, two travellers on horseback rode towards the Great Temple of the Dragon. “Your picking it up well now Sam”, Albert encouraged. It had been three days since the two travellers had left the Villa and Sam’s horseriding skills had well improved. “Just remember to keep your back straight Sam, It’ll save yourself an aching back at the end of the day”. The two continued to ride as Albert talked, “I don’t know what we’re to expect at the Great Temple of the Dragon Sam. You’ve really proved yourself as a young swordsman but if we are attacked I want you to stay behind me unless your attacked directly.” “I can handle myself Albert”, Sam interupted, “Have you been training me all this time just so you can tell me to keep out of the way? You said yourself you wanted a fighter by your side and not a crutch. Give me a chance to be that fighter!” Albert pulled his horse to a stand still, “Enough Sam!” You have to start listening to what I say and quit with your constant arguing”, Albert paused for a moment, “Do you remember when I told you of how I learnt how to fight and also to meditate?” “Yes?” Sam replied. “That first morning you awoke in the cabin and you saw me coming out of the woods, I hadn’t just gone to get us breakfast and fashion those two wooden swords, I’d gone there to meditate. While I was in the woods I had a vision, I was told that it was my fate to protect you and keep you safe and that I was to be the one to train you. I was told not to make you aware of these things yet but you need to hear this Sam so that you will start listening to me and quit arguing my every instruction”. Albert paused for another moment and then continued, “In the vision I was also told that you would be the one to bring together all of the Dragon Fang pieces Sam, you. That’s why I left my mission to find my father and that’s how I know that you’re the Chosen One Sam. This is why I need to protect you”. Sam pondered on these words for a moment. “If I am the Chosen One then that means I’m also meant to be a great fighter, quit holding me back!” “A GREAT FIGHTER LISTENS TO HIS TRAINER SAM!” Albert snapped sternly. “End of discussion! We don’t have time for this, time is running out. This whole prophecy wasn’t predicted just for you to throw your life away! Come on let’s go”. Just as Albert turned to continue along the road a swift arrow shot through the trees and hit Albert between the plates of his armour going straight through his shoulder blade. Albert fell to the ground from his horse and then yelling to Sam dived behind a cluster of rocks at the side of the road for cover, “Sam! GET DOWN!” Sam dived from his horse and crawled to join Albert behind the rocks at the side of the road. “Where the heck did that come from!?” Shouted Sam in shock. “I’m not sure”, replied Albert while moving over closer to Sam, “I need to get this arrow out, has it come through the other side?” “Yes”, Sam replied, cringing at the bloody wound. “Good, I need you to snap the arrow head off, do it now!” Sam took ahold of the end of the arrow and snapped off the tip as Albert grunted in pain. Albert then with a loud gasp pulled the arrow out from the front of his shoulder, “AAARGH!” Then reaching down to his belt Albert removed his throwing dagger. Slowly Albert proped himself up and peered over the top of the rocks. Another arrow whisped through his hair as Albert jumped back down for cover behind the rocks.

Three strands of hair fell from Albert’s head as Sam screamed in terror, “What are we going to do!?” “Just stay down Sam! I’ll think of somthing”. Albert’s face changed as he remembered the sheild! Albert whistled to his horse to call it towards them. The horses were spooked but in it’s panic it still followed towards Albert’s whistle. Just as the horse neared the rocks the travellers had taken cover behind, another arrow shot through the trees dropping the horse with a single blow, hitting it straight through the heart. Albert propped himself up cringing from the shoulder wound he had recieved. Readying himself Albert made a mad dash and dived in behind the fallen horse. Arrow after arrow wisped past Albert sticking in to the ground all around him and into the fallen horse. Albert reached his arm over as the arrows flew past and began to untie the shield from his fallen horse. Once Albert had untied the shield he pulled it down beside himself and unwrapped it from the sheet it was wrapped it in. Albert then swung the shield around with his good arm and propped it up towards the direction of the fired arrows. Then ducking in behind the shield Albert charged towards the direction of the oncoming arrows, arrow after arrow bounced off the strong shield but just as Albert reached the tree line on the other side of the road an arrow shot straight through his boot and out the other side tripping him up as he ran. The Dragon Fang shield and Albert’s dagger flew from Albert’s hands and were sent scuttling across the dirt road as he fell to the ground. Just as Albert rolled himself over covered in dust awaiting the next arrow, a dark figure jumped down from the trees landing right beside him puffing up a cloud of dust. A large angry looking man looked down at Albert while donning his bow with another arrow. With a shrill, scratchy voice the man looked down towards Albert stretching back his bow string, “Time to die enemy of Dread!” Just as these words had left his mouth another large dark figure jumped down from the trees, landing straight on top of the archer, snapping his bow in two and catching him off guard. The second man’s face was shadowed from the archer underneath a dark hood. The hooded man came down with a heavy fist as he crumpled the angry bowman to the ground. The dark bowman then kicked the hooded man back with his legs, skidding the hooded man across the dirt road. The hooded man then jumped to his feet and faced the dark bowman, speaking with a deep, strong voice, “Your supposed to be one of Dread’s best men Laktam, maybe the feared Laktam is not as great a fighter as has been told”. The Dark Bowman then returned with his shrill, scratchy voice, “Why don’t you take that hood off and put a face to your pathetic words so I may see the life leave your eyes as I CUT IT FROM YOU!” The Dark Bowman Laktam then pulled a long thin blade from his cloak, dropping his cloak to the ground to reveal a hideously scarred body. “Now let’s see if you can put a worthy fight to your pathetic words!” With that the hooded man pulled two curved short swords from under his cloak, “HAVE AT YOU!” The two large men charged towards each other flying sparks back and forth as their blades clashed. As the two men fought, Albert picked up the shield and was about to rush in to the hooded man’s aid when the hooded man turned his shadowed face towards Albert between a blade clash, “Albert! STAY back!” Laktam’s attacks were heavy, quick and precise but this was matched by the hooded man’s talents. The two fought quick and fast, flicking dust up as their feet moved back and forth switching stance. Dread’s man Laktam didn’t just use his long blade to his advantage, as the hooded man stepped back blocking an attack, Laktam pulled an arrow from his sheath, whipping it towards the hooded man’s head from his hand. The hooded man sliced the arrow in half as the tip of the arrow narrowly missed his face. Laktam now took his chance as the hooded man was off balance by the thrown arrow and kicked him square in the chest throwing him to the ground. Laktam stabbed his long blade down towards the hooded man attempting to deliver a final blow, but the hooded man redirected the long blade causing it to stab into the ground right beside his head. The hooded man rolled to the side and just as he was jumping to his feet, Laktam kicked a fist full of dust into the hooded man’s eyes. “You fight well!” Laktam screeched with his scratchy voice, “Now try fighting me blind!” he laughed as he knocked a blade from the hooded man’s hands. The hooded man changed his stance now with his one curved blade. “Come on! Strike me down!” the Dark Bowman laughed, circling around the hooded man. Then to Laktam’s surprise the man in the hood struck precisely towards him, slitting his check open. Laktam let out a scream, cursing and swearing, “I’M GONNA MAKE YOU HURT FOR THAT YOU PATHETIC FOOL!” Laktam struck angrily at the hooded man knocking the other blade from his hands and kicked him down to the ground once again with all his force in a rage. Then bringing his long blade up above his head facing downwards, Laktam screeched at the hooded man, “THIS IS WHERE YOU DIE!” Then just as the blade began its decent, the hooded man’s hand found the handle of Albert’s dagger he had dropped in the dirt. The hooded man flicked his arm up towards Laktam. Laktam’s final delivering blow was halted mid-way as he dropped his long blade beside the hooded man. Laktam stood in shock as the unfamiliar taste of blood filled his mouth. “NO!” Laktam spattered, “DAMN YOU! DAMN YOU!” With that the hooded man delivered an upwards kick throwing Laktam to the ground. Then rising to his feet the hooded man walked over and lent down beside Laktam and with a sharp twist of the short dagger he had thrown hitting Laktam’s heart, the hooded man ended the Dark Bowman Laktam’s life, ceasing his cursing. The man in the hood then offered a silent prayer for the fallen archer and turned to Albert. “The key to a successful knight lies not is the blade….” “But in the wielder”, Returned Albert. “Master, is that you?” Then to Albert’s shock the hooded man slowly removed his hood, “It is indeed and I believe this is your dagger”. The two embraced as a confused Sam emerged from behind the rocks. “Sam”, announced Albert, “I’d like to introduce you to my trainer… Master Ashtan”.

Chapter Nine: The Journey

The sand whipped across the harsh desert landscape as five dark silhouettes appeared on the horizon.  Dread and his four remaining best men had made it to the Desert of Ohraha, halfway to the Great Temple of the Dragon. It was near suicide attempting the journey through the desert. Many feared the tales of the creatures rumored to have existed there. Very few had ever attempted the journey and even less a few had ever made it out alive to tell the tale. But Dread wanted that sword to be his and he was more then willing to claim it at the cost of his best men’s lives. “Dread, we must turn back. We are all going to die out here”. Exclaimed one of Dread’s men Aintyek. Dread stopped his beast in its tracks and dismounted, “Aintyek, dismount!” Aintyek dismounted his beast and faced Dread, bowing his head to the dark warlord. Dread slowly paced towards the bowing man, “Is that weakness I hear pussing from your lips?” Aintyek then quickly replied, “No my Sir I…” SHINK! Dread ran the warrior through with his long sword, dropping him to ground wheezing for breath. Dread then gritted his teeth in anger, “I WILL NOT HAVE WEAKNESS IN ANY OF MY MEN! I WILL SLIT EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOUR THROATS WITHOUT A SECOND THOUGHT IF I HEAR SUCH PATHETIC WORDS SUCH AS THIS AGAIN!” Dread walked up to the wheezing man Aintyek bleeding out on to the sand, as the warrior looked up holding his wound Dread spoke, “You are nothing to me!” As the words left Dread lips he lifted his heavy boot and smashed down onto the man’s leg, breaking it on impact. As Aintyek screamed Dread came down once again with his heavy boot snapping Aintyek’s other leg. With this Dread remounted his beast and continued riding with his men following behind, leaving Aintyek to the heat and sands of the desert.



Meanwhile, some miles away, “What are you doing here Master Ashtan?” asked Albert confused. “What have I told you about calling me Master?” Replied Ashtan with a firmness in his voice, “It’s not our way”. Ashtan’s firmness stuck for a moment and Sam could tell this was a rule that this man Ashtan held high. Ashtan’s firmness then turned to a smile, “It’s good to see you Albert”. The two then embraced and laughed with joy as they had not seen each other for some time. “So what are you doing here besides saving my life?” Asked Albert, “Mother told me you had left the Villa to visit your home province”. “I am sorry Albert,” replied Ashtan, “I instructed your mother to tell you this. I wanted Dread’s men expecting one man and a boy, not two men. I’ve been following you from a distance since the Villa. It’s no doubt Dread’s spies have been watching you and getting word to Dread by hawk. Laktam was one of Dread’s five best men; he must have sent Laktam back along the road to wait for you and Sam to ambush you.” “Wait,” interrupted Albert, “What do you mean ‘back’ along the road?” “I’ll explain,” continued Ashtan, “But first I need some water to clean my eyes.” Albert quickly walked over to his downed horse. “Albert! Your leg?” asked Sam confused. “Ah yes,” replied Albert bending down and pulling the arrow form his boot, “It only scrapped my leg, it just embedded itself into the leather of my boot.” Albert then removed his canteen and brought it to Ashtan. “Here you are Sir”. Ashtan thanked Albert as he began to clean the dirt from his eyes. “Now, you were saying, about Laktam coming ‘back’ down the road to ambush us?” “Yes,” continued Ashtan, still cleaning the dirt from his eyes, “Dread is not the only one with spies, our spies, the resistance’s, have informed me that Dread and his five best men have been on the move for some time now. Up until just recently I have not been sure why until back at the Villa as I was practicing my daily meditation, a vision came to me. A voice spoke to me and I was told that Dread had discovered the location of the Dragon Fang sword and that he was on his way to claim it. I was then instructed that you Albert and a travelling companion were to be arriving at the Villa very shortly and that I was to follow you. Before the voice left it then told me one last thing, it told me that the travelling companion that would be with you Albert would be the one to claim the Dragon Fang sword”. Sam hearing this was encouraged, “Then that means there is still hope, that means that we must make it in time to stop Dread from claiming the sword somehow!” “Don’t get your hopes up just yet Sam”, Albert interrupted, “We’re short a horse now and on foot covering the distance to the Great Temple of the Dragon before Dread and his men will be impossible”. Ashtan then interrupted handing the canteen back to Albert with his eyes now clean from the dirt. “You have little faith Albert, but this is not the foremost in my worries right now. I need you to show me your shoulder wound where the arrow hit you.” “I’m fine Ashtan, the wound will heal”, Albert replied, trying to get back to the topic of their transportation. “Show me now”, Ashtan snapped back sternly, as Albert then frustrated began to remove his armour. As Albert removed his chest plate and pulled his shirt back his eyes widened with shock, “What is this? What’s happening to me?” Their spreading from Albert’s wound was a black infection forking out like black veins from where the arrow had struck his shoulder. “What did that arrow do to me!?” Then pulling off his boot it revealed the same infection spreading from his leg where the other arrow had scraped him. “Just as I thought”, said Ashtan. “Laktam’s arrow was poison tipped; that infection is going to spread painfully and if we don’t treat it in time… you will die”. “What?” replied Albert, “What are we going to do, how long until it spreads?” “Stay calm Albert”, returned Ashtan, “You have three days before the infection fully spreads”. “Stay calm! Stay CALM! Do you even know what he used to do this? What are we going to cure this with? We’re in the middle of nowhere!” “ENOUGH!” shouted Ashtan, “Stay calm Albert! You’re only going to make it spread quicker. Don’t loose your faith yet, follow me”. Albert and Sam followed as Ashtan began to lead them in through the trees of the wood. “What’s back here?” asked Albert pushing though the trees with Sam leading his horse behind. “You’ll see”, called back Ashtan as up ahead they could see him entering into a small clearing. As Sam and Albert walked out into the clearing there stood Laktam’s beast he had ridden on. “What is that thing!?” Sam asked as his eyes set upon the creature. It had a body like a lizard and it’s size was quite large, it had a long head with a snout that resembled a skink’s and it’s ears were like a wolf’s but longer and faced backwards, resting along the creatures neck. Thick scales covered the creatures body from head to tail but around its neck and following along its spine was thick grey hair, almost thick enough to be looked on as fur. In the clearing also stood Ashtan’s horse he had ridden as he had followed Albert and Sam along the road from the Villa. “You think I followed you on foot?” called over Ashtan as in dawned on Albert that he’d overlooked this before. Albert then replied, “Even with your horse Master Ashtan I’m still infected with the arrow’s poison and we’re still short one horse per rider…” Something then occurred to Albert, “Wait, your not planning on riding that thing are you?” He asked questionably pointing towards the large lizard like creature. “That ‘creature’ you refer to is known as a marlack”, returned Ashtan, “Their species is dying out, Dread saves them for his best men and they are quite unpredictable creatures. But if Dread’s men can tame them, so can I and if Laktam carried the poison from the arrow’s tip, he’s bound to have an antidote with him too”. “I don’t think what Dread’s men do to these ‘marlacks’ could be classed as taming. They probably cause these poor creatures so much pain that they just obey. You don’t know how unpredictable this thing could be.” Replied Albert. Ashtan then looking towards the marlack with a crazy look in his eye and then motioned to Albert and Sam, “You and Sam take the horses and tie them by the trees over there; we’re going to tame this marlack”. Once Sam and Albert had tied the horses to a nearby tree. They then walked back over to Ashtan, “So…how are we going to do this?” Albert asked. “I’m just hoping for some luck”. Returned Ashtan as he slowly walked inwards towards the beast. The three of them then slowly edged around the marlack, surrounding it from each side, the marlack snarled as the three stepped in closer and closer. Just as they were within a metre of the creature, Sam’s foot came down on a dry stick causing a loud SNAP! The snarling creature then screeched, RREEE! Kicking its legs back at Sam sending him through the air and down onto the leafy forest floor. The marlack kicked and pulled at the harness and muzzle around its snout, tied to the tree where Laktam had tied it earlier before waiting for his ambush. “Watch its legs!” Shouted Ashtan, running around to the back of the creature. “I need you to distract it Albert!” continued Ashtan, positioning himself ready. “HEY! HEY HEY!” Albert shouted in front of the marlack, waving his arms about to distract the creature. The marlack snarled and grunted bearing its teeth, anticipating an attack. Then just as the marlack zeroed in on Albert, Ashtan leaped and grabbed a hold of a branch above his head, swinging himself up onto the marlack’s back. The marlack bucked and kicked in an attempt to throw Ashtan off, but the strong knight was not about to let go easily. Ashtan grabbed for the reins as the marlack kicked back and forth throwing Ashtan from side to side. Grabbing a hold of the reins Ashtan pulled back tight causing the creature to pull itself back down to the ground. The marlack’s eyes twitched as it expected the ever so familiar crack of a whip across its side which always followed its reigns being pulled back so tight. The marlack then calmed and relaxed as the familiar pain of the sharp whip didn’t come. It turned its head back and forth slowly to look upon Albert and Ashtan. The two men then both noticed an intelligence within the marlack’s eyes, as if it could tell they were not the same as the violent men it had known for most of its painful life. Albert then stepped in slowly towards the creature. He outstretched his hand slowly as if to show the creature he meant no harm. The marlack then still somewhat untrusting began to snarl again as Albert stepped closer. “Easy, easy”, Ashtan spoke softly as he patted the marlack along its fury neck. This confused the marlack as all it had known of humans before is that they were violent creatures who caused excessive pain for small disobediences. But these humans were different so the marlack allowed Albert to move in closer. Ashtan and Albert then began to search the downed bowman Laktam’s saddle bags. “It’s not here”, said Ashtan after completing a thorough search of the bags. “I was sure there would be an antidote”. “What are we going to do now?” replied Albert worriedly. “There is another place we can find an antidote”, answered Ashtan. “There’s a small town located on the edge of the Ohraha Desert; the people there are well practiced in all forms of poisons and their antidotes. There I know we will find a cure. Soon we will reach the desert of Ohraha if we continue along this road you have been travelling. Once we reach the desert all we have to do is heard north, following along its edge and we shall make it to the town, the journey should take us two days; however we are running short on time.” Just as Ashtan had finished talking, an annoyed Sam walked over shaking the leaves from his clothes. “No it’s all right, don’t worry about The Chosen One, he’s not injured”. Then laughing Albert and Ashtan turned to Sam, “Come on Sam, you had a soft landing and we did manage to tame the marlack”. Just as Sam walked towards his companions the Marlack began to snarl once again. “I’m not going near that thing”, protested Sam. Still snickering Ashtan replied, “Don’t worry Sam you won’t have to, I suggest you and Albert mount your horses, when I untie the marlack it’s probably best you’re ready to move quick”. Sam and Albert mounted the horses and gave Ashtan a nod. Noting his companions were mounted, Ashtan hesitantly reached to untie the marlacks harness from around the tree. Ashtan’s legs tightened around the girth of the marlack expecting a sudden movement from the apparently wild beast, but the marlack remained motionless, without even a thought to the unfastened harness. Ashtan’s legs released slightly from around the beasts girth, as the confused rider muttered slowly, “And.. go…”. Ashtan looked confusedly back to his companions, then back at the marlack “Go now?” The marlack then sighed as it was unsure of what its new master wanted, as no whip or loud voice had signaled for it to go. The beast started taking a few small steps forward cautiously unsure of whether this was what its new master wanted when it stepped down onto a tangled log wrapped in  vine, snapping the vine and causing it to flick back, whipping the marlack across its side. The marlack took off through the trees almost knocking Ashtan off its back with his loosened grip. As the marlack re-entered onto the road, Ashtan pulled tightly down on the marlack’s reins to the right, directing the marlack up the road towards their destination with Sam and Albert chasing in tail.



Sometime later along the road… “I think I’m getting the hang of this marlack”, Shouted Ashtan as the three travelers galloped along the road towards the desert of Ohraha. “How far do we have until we reach the Desert?” shouted Albert back to Ashtan. “Soon we shall rest and if we rise early we should make it to the outskirts of the desert by late morning”. The three travelers continued until the late day became night and before long they had set up camp. As the three sat around their camp fire they talked amongst each other, “So I hear you’re a natural when it comes to wielding a blade Sam?” asked Ashtan interestedly. “I’d like to see the skills my old student has taught you, would you mind?” Motioned Ashtan, passing Sam his sword. “Sure”, replied Sam as the two stood to their feet and faced one another. Ashtan drew his sword, “Now if Albert has taught you right, you would know that the most important skill to learn is….”, Ashtan then looked to Sam waiting for his reply, “Ah yes, that would be def….”. But before Sam could finish his reply a mighty swing swooped for his head causing him to drop to the ground to avoid the blow. “Are you nuts! You could have taken my head off!” Blurted out a shocked Sam. Ashtan replied chuckling, “You must always be alert Sam, even around your companions”. Then turning his voice to a more serious tone, “If I’d have wanted to take your head off Sam you’d have been headless by now. If this was Dread you were facing you’d be dead right now. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Now I’m going to attack you again and when I do I want you to use the blow from my blade to direct your blade for your next attack, ready!” Ashtan swooped around with a mighty swing and as Sam blocked the attack his body shuddered from the clash of the two blades, jolting his arms. “Ah!” Sam shouted “That hurt!” Ashtan then adjusted Sam’s hands on his sword, “Your holding the blade all wrong Sam, loosen your grip, if you can see the whites of your knuckles, you’re grasping too tight. Now with my next attack I want you to use the blow of my blade and add its force to yours by swinging around to counter attack me”. Once again Ashtan swooped around with a heavy blow and Sam did as he was shown. As his blade clashed with Ashtan’s he swung himself around spinning his blade backwards and around himself to then counter attack Ashtan. Ashtan then gasped as he brought his sword up to block Sam’s counter attack, narrowly missing his shoulder. “Wow, he certainly is a natural Albert”, remarked Ashtan turning to a now sleeping Albert. “He’s probably got the right idea, we should be doing the same too”, said Albert turning back to Sam. “We’re going to have quite an early morning. You fight well Sam, I look forward to training you along side with Albert. Now come let’s get some sleep”. And with that Sam gave a smile to his new older companion and the two made their way to their beds. Sam’s new companion was still very new to Sam, but he could tell he had a good heart and the wisdom of a man who seemed to have lived for a great many years. These thoughts pondered in Sam’s head as he lay in his bed and he looked forward to getting to know this Sir Ashtan better. Before long the three travelers were all fast asleep.



Meanwhile some miles away… The moon lit the now somewhat less harsh desert landscape as the cool air of the night lightly landed upon the what was now four travelers. The four rode in silence as the sand wisped across the cool desert, but their silence was then broken. REEAAA! REEEA! The four marlacks that Dread and his remaining three men rode began to buck and screech in panic. The four riders brought out their whips across the side of their beasts bringing them back under control. The marlacks still yet grunted and snarled as they seemed to communicate between each other. “What is wrong with these beasts!” Protested one of Dread’s men. “SILENCE YOU FOOL! They sense something”, returned Dread, then tuning his ears to the eerie quietness of the desert. The four then waited in silence for some time, heightening their senses to the silent desert. Then behind them a slow movement through the sand was heard. They each turned their heads towards the sound but there was nothing. Then again to their right what sounded like movement through the sand was heard again. The four then spun their heads back around towards the sound as their marlacks became even more uneasy. Once again there was nothing there and the travelers sat in silence for what felt like a whole minute as the marlacks became more and more uneasy. A rumbling was then felt from underneath them. The rumbling grew louder and louder until the ground began to shake and then from beneath them the desert sands exploded upwards into the air. “MOVE!” Shouted Dread as from the ground giant, suckered, tentacles shot out towards them, trying to rip the four men and their marlacks to the ground. As the four warriors took off across the sands a large creature burst forth from underneath the desert floor in pursuit. The creature was covered in large long tentacles like that of an octopus but had the body of a gigantic worm. It surfaced and dived back through the sand propelling itself along as if swimming though a vast ocean. The creature shot itself back up to the surface right behind the fleeing warriors, shooting out its tentacles and whipping them repeatedly towards the four men and their marlacks. The creature then made contact, grabbing hold of two of the marlacks and throwing two of Dread’s men to the desert floor. The creature then pulled the two marlacks under the sand as they screeched and screamed as if they knew what was to come. The two downed riders then continued running on foot as Dread and his other man continued to flee on their marlacks. The creature then once again shot it’s tentacles beneath the sand underneath the two fleeing men on foot, causing them to dive to the side as the tentacles shot past beneath them, throwing sand up into the air. The creature continued to shoot its tentacles through the sand until it reached Dread and his other man still fleeing on their marlacks. As Dread and his men rode, the creature’s tentacles shot up beside them whipping the marlacks feet from underneath them, breaking the marlack’s legs and flinging Dread and his man down onto the sand as the other men before. The marlacks struggled and screeched trying to pull themselves up on their shattered legs as the creature’s tentacles slowly moved in and snatched them up, ripping them beneath the sand to devour them. Dread and his man pulled themselves to their feet as Dread’s other men had caught up, still fleeing on foot. “DRAW YOUR SWORDS YOU COWARDS!” Dread screeched. Dread and his closer companion drew their swords but the other two still continued to flee. Then just as they went to pass, Dread smashed one of the fleeing men to the ground. “I SAID FIGHT!” With this the other fleeing man stopped in his tracks and faced Dread only to be backhanded his across the face, spraying blood to the ground as Dread broke his nose. “YOU’LL RECEIVE FAR WORSE LATER! NOW FIGHT!” The other man then picked himself up from the ground and the two then also drew their swords. The four then turned and took fighting formation and faced the beast. This was something the sand serpent had never seen, retaliation. The creature drew its great head from the sand and began to reveal its full size as it rose up from the ground. The creature towered above Dread and his men and cast a great shadow across the cold desert floor. The creature’s yellow eyes then focused in on Dread and his men with a stare that seemed to freeze time. For that moment everything went quiet. YYYAAAAAARRRRRRGHH!

A brilliant bright blue flash was then seen from miles away as a shock wave ripped across the desert…



Meanwhile, back some miles away the next morning…

Three travelers awoke to an early, yet risen sun. Sam sat up and greeted his already risen new companion, “Good morning Sir Ashtan”. “Morning Sam”, replied Ashtan, “You hungry?” “As ever!” returned Sam then rising to his feet and rolling up his bed mat ready to leave. Sam then joined his new companion cooking breakfast beside the fire. “That smells great! Where’d you get all this food?” asked Sam shocked. “From the forest, I’ll teach you how to forage and survive in the wilderness one day too Sam. I even found some herbs and plants that may help deaden Albert’s pain he’ll no doubt be feeling from the poison by now. But first breakfast”. Ashtan handed Sam some meat, a small bit of egg and some different strange fruit which Sam had never seen before but which all tasted wonderful as Sam wondered how a meal so tasty could come from a quick forage through the forest. “Time to wake our friend I think”, said Ashtan walking over to Albert still with his blanket up over his head. “Come on Albert rise and shine”, said Ashtan nudging Albert. “Albert, Come On…..”, “You alright Albert?” Ashtan then pulled back Albert’s blanket. The infection had spread, a lot quicker then Ashtan had anticipated. Black vein like lines had formed up along Albert neck. “It hurts, it hurts real bad Ashtan,” came a weak voice from Albert as he gritted his teeth. Sam’s breakfast was then interrupted, “SAM! Quick, bring me those herbs now!” Shouted Ashtan. “Bring me a pot, a pot and some water! Hurry!” Sam then standing to his feet also saw the spread of Albert’s infection. Grabbing the herbs and a pot full of water he then rushed over to Ashtan’s side. “ALBERT! Is he going to be ok!?” “I don’t know yet”, replied Ashtan as he frantically began to mix and crush the herbs into the pot full of water. “The plant, I need the plant too, quick Sam grab it!” Sam raced back over beside the camp fire, “This plant!?” “Yes that’s it”, replied Ashtan, “Quickly, bring it here”. Ashtan now with the plant as well removed its leaves and crushed the stem mixing it in with the water, secreting a dark purple liquid. “Here drink this Albert”. Ashtan then sat Albert up as Albert groaned in pain. Then opening his mouth Albert drank the liquid. “Lllargh! That’s horrible! What is that!?” “It’s a painkiller and hopefully something that will slow the infection”, returned Ashtan, “Sam, I need you to pack everything up while I get Albert up on his horse. I need you to hurry, quick move!” Sam rushed about the camp packing up everything ready to leave as Ashtan helped Albert up. “Come on Albert, this is gonna be painful but we need to get you up”. Ashtan picked Albert up to his feet as he groaned once again in pain. Then lifting Albert up onto his horse and securing him in the saddle, Ashtan quickly helped grab the remainder of whatever was left to pack. As Ashtan then led Albert’s horse the three travelers set off towards the Great Desert of Ohraha, time was fading fast.



The three travelers rode as the sun made its daily journey towards the top of the sky. As the midday sun began to beat down on the travelers, the forest became thinner and the plant life began to change revealing a completely different landscape. Then, on the horizon, there it was, The Desert of Ohraha. “How you feeling Albert?” asked Ashtan then bringing Albert’s horse up beside him. “Better, I still feel really stiff but the pains a lot less. I think I can steer the horse myself now”. “Good to hear, what I gave you was strong stuff, but don’t think the infection won’t keep spreading. We still have to make it to the town I spoke of yesterday. The town is called Paglunas and that is where we shall find our cure. Come, let’s keep moving”. The riders then continued towards the horizon, towards the edge of the desert and before long as the sun had reached it’s full height and just begun to make its daily decent, their the three travelers stood mounted. Before them was the Great Desert of Ohraha. “Still feeling ok Albert?” asked Sam as the three riders had begun to follow the desert’s edge towards the north which would lead them to the town of Paglunas. “The pain’s coming back to me a little now but I’ll be fine, don’t worry Sam”, replied Albert. Sam continued riding in silence, for he knew his friend Albert was just putting on a brave face and didn’t want to upset him. Thoughts of what could happen to his friend flooded Sam’s thoughts but all those thoughts stopped as a shriek was heard close by coming from the direction of the desert. “Quick into the trees!” muffled Ashtan. The three travelers then quickly moved in behind a cluster of close by palm trees as to not be seen. The three waited as another screech came from the desert as a dark hooded figure appeared coming over the top of a dune mounted on top a marlack! “So, Dread’s sent another of his followers back to defeat us”, whispered Ashtan. “Don’t make a sound, wait till he gets closer, I’ll take him by surprise”. Ashtan dismounted his marlack and tied it in behind one of the palm trees. “Here he comes…” Just then as the rider from the desert approached, Ashtan’s marlack let out a screech to the approaching marlack. Immediately the rider drew his sword and turned his attention towards the nearby trees. “Show yourself!” He called with a somewhat weakened voice”. Ashtan then knowing his ambush had been spotted, emerged from behind the trees. “You sound a little weak for one of Dread’s top men!” Ashtan taunted, now noticing a slouched position in the way the rider sat in his saddle. “Just look at you, you can’t even hold yourself up straight!” The rider then called back in anger, “I DO NOT work for that evil man Dread! I… I…” And with that the rider then fell from his horse down onto the hot sand. Ashtan paused for a moment and lowered his sword. “You don’t think I know this could be a trap!?” The hooded rider continued to lie face down in the sand. Ashtan waited for a few moments, listening to the sounds of the desert and then motioned for Sam and Albert to stay hidden. Slowly Ashtan approached the face down man and upon reaching him put his sword to the man’s back. “GET UP!” The man still didn’t move. Ashtan then noticed the man legs, they were both crippled. Albert gave the man another nudge and after no response he rolled the man over, Ashtan’s face changed. “Albert, you need to come over here… now”. Albert and Sam then emerged from the trees and rode over to Ashtan and the downed hooded man. “Who is he?” Asked Albert as he slowly dismounted from his horse clutching his shoulder. Ashtan then removed the man’s hood as Albert stepped back in shock.  “Father?”  “Father!” Albert then dropped down beside the man, clutching him in his arms. “Father what are you doing here?” The man struggled to speak as he clutched his chest where a large wound had stained his clothes the dark color of dried blood. “Albert?... Albert.. my son.. my son! You’ve grown so much! Have I died? It can’t be you can it?” The two embraced as the tears began to roll down their faces. “I never thought I’d get to see you again, where have you been father?” The man’s face then saddened, “I’m not the man I once was my son, I’ve done a many things that I once would have killed a man for. The things I’ve done were for an evil man. I was doing them to protect you, to protect your brothers and sisters and to protect your mother. The man I have done these things for swore to kill you and our entire family unless I obeyed his every command”. “I don’t understand father?…” Asked Albert, but his father stopped him, “Just listen my son, there are things I must explain to you. I have done many bad things, many terrible things. The things I have seen happen to families just like our own… so many families. The question plagues me every moment of my days… if it was all worth it, the things I’ve done… I don’t even deserve to be called your father anymore”. Albert stopped his father, “Don’t ever say that! I still see the same man I know from all those years back in your eyes. You… Grrgh”. Albert was now beginning to feel the poison’s effect once again. It was then that Albert’s father noticed Albert’s neck. “They’ve poisoned you! Those bastards have poisoned you! I.. wait… my saddle bags, check my saddle bags! I was carrying the antidotes. I…” Albert then moved back grunting and once again clutching his shoulder. “How could you have the antidote for this? There’s only one way that you would have the antidote for this. No, NO, that doesn’t make sense, you couldn’t be, you couldn’t”. Albert’s father knew his son had begun to discover what he was trying to tell him. “Please my son, what matters now is that you take the antidote. I don’t work for him anymore, I don’t work for Dre..” “ENOUGH AINTYEK!” Shouted Ashtan. “At least do your son the decency of not saying it”. “What?” questioned Albert, “You mean you knew about this! You knew my father worked for Dread!” It was now that all this confusion made sense to Sam. Dread’s father Aintyek had worked for Dread and was one of his best men, but Ashtan too had known about it. “Listen Albert”, said Ashtan, “Don’t go jumping to any conclusions, yes I knew about this but…” “But WHAT Ashtan! But what! You knew how long I’ve been searching for my father and you didn’t even tell me! You didn’t even…. Even….” Albert collapsed to the ground. The poison had spread, a lot worse then they all had thought. “Albert! Quick the antidote!” Shouted Aintyek, Albert father, “My saddlebag!” Aintyek then called to his marlack and Ashtan removed the antidote from the saddlebag. “Hurry, you must save him, please!” Aintyek then using his remaining strength dragged himself over to his son. Ashtan gave Albert the antidote and as he had done this Aintyek grabbed his arm. “Ashtan my old friend, you must tell my son that I have never stopped loving him and that I am sorry for the things I have done. Please, ask him to forgive me, what makes a good man is forgiveness, don’t let him end up like me….please”. Then just as his grip on Ashtan’s arm weakened, Albert began to come around, “I forgive you father and I’ll never stop loving you”. As Aintyek’s grip became even weaker he smiled. “My last good deed…” As these quiet words left his mouth his arm then dropped only to be caught by his son’s. “I’ll never forget all you taught me father… I’ll never forget.” The three travelers buried Albert’s father that night, remembering him for the man he was during Alberts childhood and the man he was in the end.

Meanwhile some miles away….



A great stench had begun to linger across the desert as a sky full of vultures circled around a huge great carcass. Pieces of rotting flesh littered the landscape as a giant creature lay dead in pieces, as if it had been blown apart. There was no sign of what could have done this apart from one dark dead warrior amongst the carnage and a trail of three sets of footprints leading off out of the desert towards the north, towards the Great Temple of the Dragon.



   

Chapter Ten: The Dragon Temple

Three travelers pushed through the palm trees and overhanging vines and then pushing a large frond aside revealed to them a huge stone temple; but before the travellers could stare in awe at the majestic temple, agitated voices were suddenly heard, ceasing them in their tracks”. If you freeze me ONE MORE TIME Shaman, I’m gonna…I’m GONNA!” “You’re gonna what? Your gonna what Robert?” “Well I’ll… I’LL!” The two then ceased their argument as three figures emerged from the jungle. “Sam?.. You’ve made it! My new friend!” The crazy old man Robert exclaimed. Sam then turned to his saddened friend Albert, “You see, I told you we would make it before Dread”. The three travelers Ashtan, Albert and Sam then rode over to Robert and the White Shaman. But before they had even had a chance to properly greet each other, the White Shaman spoke. “Sam, it is good to see you but our time grows short, I can sense Dread, he is getting close now, too close. You must hurry Sam, you must claim the sword before… wait… the Dragon Fang Shield, it is here? You have it with you? But how did you?” Just a Sam was about to explain, the White Shaman cut across him. “It doesn’t matter there is no time, having the Dragon Fang Shield here is dangerous, but…” The White Shaman paused for a moment and then continued, “Sam a trial awaits you inside the temple, but I am now seeing that the shield being here has something to do with how these next events will unfold”. “What do you mean by a trial?” Sam asked as he and his travelling companions began to dismount. Then as the Shaman was about to continue an agitated Robert cut in. “Enough with all this hocus pocus mumbo jumbo DAMN prophecies! Let’s just go claim this damn thing!” Then grabbing Sam’s hand, Robert turned to begin leading Sam towards the temple. “ROBERT!” Yelled the White Shaman, “To much is resting on these events for you to go blindly charging in to…” “Wait,” interrupted Ashtan, “There’s that name again, Robert?” Robert then stopped in his pace and turned towards Ashtan. “Robert? You are Sir Robert aren’t you?” asked Ashtan. “Sir… Ashtan?” replied Robert confused. “I remember, I remember you… my old friend Ashtan!” “It is you Sir Robert!” Ashtan replied happily but then looking upon his old companion, Ashtan’s face changed, “What has happened to you Robert?” With this Robert face abruptly changed also, “What has happened to me!? More like what has happened to you! I haven’t aged a bit!” With this Robert turned once again still clutching Sam’s hand and continued his traipse towards the temple. But just before his steps brought them across the threshold to the great temple’s stairway, an all too familiar shrill voice was heard coming from the jungle. “The Dragon Fang Sword and the famed ‘Chosen One’ both waiting for me. One for me to claim and the other… to KILL!” Upon this the Dark Warlord stepped out from the trees and upon seeing Dread, the White Shaman lifted her hand up to mutter a time slowing spell. But as she lifted her hand it was only met by a sharp arrow, running her hand straight through. The White Shaman shouted in pain as one of Dreads men stepped out from the jungle and then another on Dread’s right. Now taking this moment Dread lifted his hands, picking up the White Shaman and flung her back through the jungle into the trees. She flew through the air hitting trees and braches only then to come down to a hard crashing fall as she bounced off more branches and was whipped and tangled by the hanging vines. Dread spotting Sam and Robert by the bottom of the great stairway and shot forth a great ball of energy. It exploded behind Sam and Robert as it hit the great steps blowing them back and to the ground away from the stairway. Robert brought himself to his feet quickly and picked up Sam’s sword that had been thrown off in the blast. “I’ve waited a long time for this Dread! A GREAT LONG TIME!” With that the old man charged towards Dread with the speed of a great warrior in his prime. Dread laughed as he was charged by the old man, signaling for his men to take him out. Dread’s men took aim and shot their arrows, but as each arrow wisped in, Robert sliced them clean in half as he continued his charge towards Dread. Dread barely drew his sword as Robert shot past him, flipping himself backwards into the air and bringing his sword past with a precise cutting sweep. As Robert landed behind Dread an unfamiliar feeling burned across Dread’s cheek. He lifted his hand up to his cheek then back down to see the thick red liquid of blood on his hand. Dread paused for a moment as a realization came back to him, that he can still be killed. Ashtan and Albert rushed to Robert’s aid, attacking Dread’s two remaining men. Albert’s fighting skills were well more than back, as his infection had well retracted, making more than an equal match for Dread’s man’s skills. Anger filled Dread as this old man Robert had even dare to face him let alone make a contact on him. Dread lifted his mighty long broad sword and came smashing down upon the old man Robert’s defenses. Repeatedly over and over again Dread came smashing down upon Robert’s sword screaming, as Robert’s weak old arms began to give way. “YOU’LL PAY FOR THAT YOU OLD FOOL HRRRRRRAAAHHH!” Time seemed to slow down for Robert as Dread’s blows came down over and over again. Robert looked over to Sam as the strikes continued to come down upon him. Sam still concussed from the blast turned over towards the fighting warriors as his ears still rang. As Robert and Sam’s eyes met, Robert mouthed to Sam, “Run!” Dread seeing this turned his attentions back towards Sam. Dread turned his back to Robert and began to charge up his energy to obliterate Sam. As a brilliant blue light began to shine from Dread’s cuffed hands he let out a scream, “YYYYYAAAAAAAAAR!” Robert watched as his weak body ached and he could no longer lift his sword. Robert knew the one thing that had to be done. With his last remaining strength he pulled himself to his feet and screamed, “FOR MY QUEEN!” And with this Robert dived in front of Dread pulling Dreads hands in towards himself. Dread’s eyes grew wide as he’d released his energy directly into the old man.



Meanwhile back through the jungle an evanescent bright blue light was seen above the canopy as a shockwave ripped through the trees throwing debris and shaking the White Shaman awake.



Back at the temple Sam’s eyes adjusted as the bright light faded. The trees around the temple had been blown over from the blast and as Sam’s eyes adjusted more, he saw a large figure approaching him. As the figure came closer Sam tried to make out who it was, but the voice gave it away. “That fool old man thought giving his life would stop my inevitable victory. The whole world shall watch as I Dread recover all the pieces of the Dragon Fang and become totally invincible! Now what to do with you boy? Hmm? Oh yes, your going to die, and by MY HAND!” As Dread lifted his sword above Sam to bring his death, faces began to flash through Sam’s mind of his past, his family, his friends and his new companions, what was all this for? Then as Dread’s sick grin began to ride up upon the sides of his cheeks, a voice that brought the present flooding back to Sam spoke. “I THINK NOT DREAD!” Dread was blasted through the air and away from Sam. It was the White Shaman! Dread jumped back to his feet, “DAMN YOU SHAMAN!” Dread shot blasts back towards the White Shaman as he then began to run for the temple, causing the Shaman to duck and dive for cover. As the Shaman brought her hands up to retaliate, one of Dread’s men burst out from the debris, grabbing the White Shaman from behind, pulling his strong arms in to crush her. “White Shaman!” Sam shouted as he pulled himself up still dizzy from the blasts. Dread had now made it to the bottom of the temple’s stairway and crossing the threshold began running up the steps. But as soon as he had crossed the threshold his pace began to slow after the first few steps. A rumbling was heard and the temple grounds began to shake. Dread’s man’s grip loosened as he, the White Shaman and Sam all turned to face the temple. The White Shaman smiled as the shaking had become so fierce that Dread had fallen from his feet and was now clutching the steps. Then as they all watched the two dragon statues at the front of the temple shattered, throwing dust and debris in all directions. As the tremors then died down the travelers watched as from the dust emerged two small dragons, the guardians to the temple! The two dragons from within the statues then turned their long thick long scaled necks around to face Dread to his shock and snarled. The few moments of dead silence were then brought to an abrupt stop as the Dragons screeched and burst forth a torrent of fire towards Dread. Dread ducked and ran continuing up the Great Stairway, shielding himself with his cloak to deflect the torrent blasting forth from the two dragons. Sam now turning his attentions back to the White Shaman, turned to run to her aid from the re-tightened grasp of her captor when bursting out from the rumble came Ashtan, “I’ve got this sorted Sam, you need to stop Dread!” Sam then turned his gaze back to the great temple and he could now see Dread far up the stairway as torrent after torrent was blasted forth towards him, with his cloak set alight. Sam quickly scanned his surroundings for the Dragon Fang Shield, thankfully Dread had been so focused on ending Sam that he had walked straight past it. There it was not far from Sam, still covered by some rubble from the blast. Sam ran over pulling the shield from underneath the debris, then clutching the shield tightly in his hand, Sam took a deep breath and ran towards the temple beginning his ascent of the temple’s stairway. He had to stop Dread, he had to stop him from claiming the sword.



Meanwhile back across from the temple, the White Shaman struggled in the tight grasp of her captor. “Put her down now!” Ashtan warned as he trudged towards Dread man. “Don’t make me warn you again!” Then ripping his sword out, Dread’s man brought it to the Shaman’s throat, “STAY BACK! I’ll do it!” Shouted Dread’s man. Taking this chance the White Shaman spun her leg around behind her captor’s knee, flicking her body around, spinning her captor off and hitting his blade aside as she broke his grasp. Holding his sword up Ashtan pointed it towards Dread’s man, “HAVE AT YOU!” As he began his charge towards his opponent, another man burst out of the debris, tackling Ashtan to the ground and taking him by surprise.



Meanwhile Dread and Sam continued their ascent of the great stairway. By now Dread neared the top of the stairway, his cloak still in flames from the dragons repeated blasts of fire. With the dragons attentions turned towards Dread this gave Sam a chance to ascend the stairway much quicker. Dread now nearing the top awaited the dragon’s next pass. As the next dragon flew in for its attack, Dread burst out from under his flaming cloak and ran up the side of one of the huge pillars that followed along side the great stairway. Then flinging himself into the air above the dragon as it made it’s low pass, Dread’s sharp sword came down on top of the dragon, cutting straight through it’s back and slicing straight through it’s heart, dropping it in an instant. Dread landed firmly back on his feet and dropped his flaming cloak from his shoulders. He then turned to face the remaining dragon as it came in for its attack. The dragon picked up its speed as it ripped in towards Dread, Dread stood silent with his sword in hand staring into the eyes of the beast. Then as the Dragon neared its impact with the Warlord, Dread flung his sword towards the beast as it reached the height of its breath ready to unleash liquid fire. The dragon opened its mouth to smother Dread in fire when Dread’s broad sharp sword shot into its throat, ripping its inside to pieces. The dragon stooped down in the air as its speed brought it crashing into the steps directly in front of Dread. The beast scratched and gagged as Dread grabbed the handle of his sword and ripped it from inside the beast. Then with a swift down stab, Dread run the creature through it’s heart, twisting his sword before he ripped it out again and kicked the beast down the steps with the heel of his boot. Dread then turned and continued up the steps.



Meanwhile back in the clearing before the temple. The White Shaman and her previous captor now fought with sword and staff, swinging and deflecting each others attacks. The two were matched in combat until the shaman muttered a curse, shunting Dread’s man straight in the chest with her staff, blowing him backwards into a still standing tree trunk. Ashtan and his attacker struggled on the ground, then getting his attacker in a headlock Ashtan brought himself up to his knees and threw the fighter away from himself. Ashtan reclaimed his sword as the attacker stood to his feet, revealing his large size and turned to face Ashtan. The man wore a familiar hood, the same hood as all Dread’s best men wore. The man pulled back his hood and dropped his cloak to the ground revealing a shaven scarred head matched by a brute of a man’s jaw. The man clenched his hammerhead fists as a foul grin covered his face. “You’ve never heard of me have you? My name is Vauhnhill, Dread’s second in command!” The brutish large man then reached down and pulled out one of the largest swords Ashtan and the White Shaman had ever seen. “FACE ME!”



Dread had now reached the top of the steps and the entrance to the great temple. Dread’s eyes scanned the great high room before him. The whole temple had been carved out the side of a cliff, straight out of the rock. The temple’s entrance towered above Dread as did the temple itself. As Dread looked through into a great room he could see that one side of room dropped off into a great chasm which must have been discovered as the temple had been carved out of the cliff face. Aside from this the only other main feature of the great temple’s one massive room was a giant stone pillar reaching from the floor to the high ceiling. As Dread looked in through the great entrance into the temple’s dimly lit great room, he saw a glimmer from a carved out hollow in the pillar, The Dragon Fang Sword!



Back in the clearing Ashtan and the White Shaman had quickly discovered Dread’s second in command Vauhnhill was far more then a test of their skills. With each mighty blow, Vauhnhill’s strength was matched by his speed. With every move Ashtan made to get in closer for an attack, Vauhnhill would knock him back with a heavy outward blow of his sword, keeping Ashtan out of striking distance. The White Shaman then moved in ducking and weaving around the warrior’s attacks, but each time she got in close enough for an attack, she was swung at or kicked backwards away from their opponent. Again and again this pattern was repeated as Vauhnhill laughed out loudly to himself, “This is the fight the great White Shaman puts up?! Ha!” With this the White Shaman screamed and charged in with her staff aimed in for Vauhnhill as she began to mutter a curse, but as she closed in the warrior Vauhnhill smashed her across the face with the back of his free hand’s large fist. The White Shaman stumbled as everything began to spin, then grabbing the end of Shaman’s staff, Vauhnhill snapped it in half. Then bringing his knee right up to his mighty chest, Vauhnhill slammed his foot into the White Shaman, kicking her backwards with the large heel of his boot, bringing her smashing to the ground. Taking this open moment, Ashtan charged in and swung his sword around towards the mighty warrior’s throat, but out of no where Vauhnhill swung back around with a mighty swing smashing Ashtan’s sword from his hands. The force of the blow knocked Ashtan of his feet and to the ground. Ashtan reached for his throwing dagger only to realize that it had been knocked free either from the blast earlier or the fight. Vauhnhill’s large figure blotted out the sun as he shadowed over Ashtan and as Vauhnhill raised his mighty sword above his head, Ashtan saw that his luck had run out.



Meanwhile back at the entrance to the temple, Dread stepped in slowly, not wanting to be taken by surprise again. Slowly his steps took him in closer and closer towards to sword as the darkness of the temple moved in around him. Back on the stairway Sam had nearly reached the top. Still with the shield in hand Sam’s legs and arms grew weary as he pulled himself towards the entrance to the temple. But he had to stop Dread, he had to push on. Sam gave all he had and pushed closer and closer towards the top. Then as he reached the last step, Sam’s eyes adjusted to the great room of the darkly lit temple. There he was, Dread had reached the sword! Sam pushed himself up over the last step and ran into the temple towards Dread, “NOOOO!” Dread turned and smiled at Sam with his sick grin, “YOU’RE TO LATE BOY! ALL THE BETTER NOW THAT YOU SEE ME CLAIM THE SWORD BEFORE I KILL YOU!” And with that Dread reached out his hand and pulled the sword from the hollow that held it. As Dread grasped the sword he felt a new power, a great power, better then he had ever imagined running through him as he turned back to Sam, “NOW THIS! Is where you DIE!” Dread held his hand up towards Sam to blow him to pieces, to turn him into a remaining part of the temple. As Sam flinched and held the shield up with his small arms he awaited a blast that never came. Sam slowly let down the shield to see Dread standing there looking perplexed. Again Dread threw up his hand towards Sam to use him as paint for the temple’s walls. Sam squinted and flinched, but once again nothing came. “What’s wrong with me? What’s happened to my power!? What is this trickery!?” Dread then looked back up to Sam in a great rage, “WITH YOUR DEATH THE LEGENDS ARE VOID! AND I CAN STILL KILL YOU WITH THIS SWORD!” As Dread began to march towards Sam, a large outline began to appear from the shadows in the back of the temple from behind Dread. As Dread got closer and closer, more and more did the moving outline begin to reveal itself. Dread began to realize that Sam’s attention had been drawn from him to something else. Keeping a close eye on Sam, Dread slowed his pace and began to turn. An omniscient huge shadow stepped forth from the darkness as the light caught two bright red eyes. The two stood dead still as the shadow inched closer and closer, its eyes lighting up more and more with each step. The giant shadow then took in a huge breath. The air felt like it was being sucked from the temple towards the shadow as it breathed in and the two bright red eyes zeroed in on Dread and Sam, BABOOOOOOOMMMMMM! The great room lit up as a great tunnel of fire blasted towards the both of them. For they had met the true guardian to the temple and the sword, a Great Dragon! Dread dived away from the great torrent as he felt his back burning up from the heat. But as Sam stood there his vision came back to him, it all made sense now, the great pillar, the red eyes longing to be awakened. But there was always the part of Sam’s dreams that had never made sense to him until now. Sam hadn’t just been lifting his hands up towards the fire, he’d been lifting up the shield, it was the shield in his dreams that he couldn’t see. Sam now lifted his hands like he did in his dreams, but with the shield in his hands. The torrent of fire blast past Sam and he was unharmed from his safety behind the power of the Dragon Fang Shield. As the torrent let down, Sam looked up towards the Great Dragon. The Dragon now turned its attention towards the one fleeing with what it had been guarding. Dread was running for his life, trying to find another way out of the temple when he stopped abruptly at the edge of the chasm. Then realizing his only option was to face the Great Dragon, he turned and held up the sword. Sam could see the fury in the Dragon’s eyes as this creature held its treasure. Picking itself up from the ground, the Dragon burst towards Dread with cyclonic speed as the sound of its great wings shook the temple. Its nostrils flared as it began to breathe in once again. Dread began charging towards the Dragon with the Dragon Fang Sword outstretched. The Dragon arched its neck and from its throat exploded its fire towards its oncoming foe. Dread screamed as the fire consumed him but still he continued his charge. Then as the two met, Dread impaled the sword into the beast’s chest, stabbing it through the heart, but the force of the impact ripped the sword from Dreads hands. The beast smashed into Dread as it lost control of its flight and the dragon’s great impact cast itself and Dread down into the great chasm. The chasm exploded in fire, like a great volcano erupting from the deep chasm as fire gripped to the walls and a great flash sparked up from the chasm as Dread, the dragon and the sword fell. Sam now watching Dread, the Dragon and the sword plummet down into the chasm rushed through the temple to the chasms edge. Sam peered nervously over the chasm’s edge in an attempt to see where they had fallen, and more importantly what had happened to the sword. Sam could see the wounded Dragon far beneath him at the bottom of the chasm, still with the sword in its chest. Sam knew his only option was to climb down the deep chasm, he had to claim that sword. Using the light from the slowly diminishing fire that lit the chasm, Sam climbed down slowly. Before too long, Sam had reached the bottom, Dread was nowhere to be seen. He slowly approached the wounded Dragon with hesitation; Sam grabbed the sword and began to pull it out from the beast’s chest. As the swords tip left the Dragon’s body, the chasm lit up once again with a bright white brilliant light. As the light faded, there in the dragons place laid a man, still breathing but very weak. The man spoke, “My power is fading, you must listen to my words if you are the one to defeat the Dark Warlord Dread. My name is Datlan, I was one of the great warriors that defeated the Great Dragon many years ago. I was tasked to protect the Dragon Fang Sword from the one that you now know as Dread. For years I protected this sword you now hold, moving from place to place as Dread and his men pursued me and my family. As the years went by, I watched as my family grew old and yet I did not. It was only after a long time that I realized it was the armour I had been given from the shamans that had made me live for so long. As my family grew old and died, I lost hope in my cause as all my loved ones had out past me and I felt I had nothing to live for. It was around this time that I discovered a great secret of the Shamans and the reason they needed seven human warriors to defeat the Great Dragon those many years ago… Shaman’s powers are diminished in the presence of great dragons, and many years ago when myself and the seven warriors defeated the Great Dragon that plagued the lands, I still hadn’t used my wish and now that my family was gone, I knew what had to be done… I had the Shaman’s turn me into a great Dragon, to forever protect the sword from Dread, so that when he came to claim it, the Shamans power that he possessed would be forfeit. However, you must now allow this secret to be revealed as you may bring about a great enemy in the Shamans. For if they knew you held this secret, they will feel their safety compromised”. The weak man coughed and gasped as his power began to leave him. “You must listen closely boy, find Nolamtai, you must find Nolamtai! He holds a great key to defeating Dread”. As these words left him, so did his spirit. Sam stood there at the bottom of the chasm, shocked by the words he had just heard. Dread was still nowhere to be seen. As the light continued to dim in the chasm, Sam began his climb back to the top of the chasm, with the sword and shield in hand.

Meanwhile back in the temple grounds…

Vauhnhill’s sword posed ready to end Ashtan’s life. As the sword made its descent it was then abruptly stopped in midair as a blade thrust out from Vauhnhill’s chest. Albert stood behind Vauhnhill as he dropped to the ground. Albert reached his hand down to his old trainer and helped him to his feet. Ashtan put his hand on Albert’s shoulders, “I am your trainer no more, we are now equals”. And with that Albert smiled, patting Ashtan across his shoulder. The two now helped the White Shaman to her feet. Their eyes scanned their surroundings littered with debris before resting upon the top of the temples stairway. There stood Sam with the Dragon Fang Shield and the Dragon Fang Sword in hand. On seeing his companions, Sam raised the sword victoriously to the sky.





The Dragon Fang Part II: Hunt for the Gauntlets will be uploaded soon!



*Update* Hunt for the Gauntlets has been uploaded with the first chapter - The civil war. Please read :)



Synopsis



Sam continues his journey to find the rest of the Dragon Fang pieces, but Dread has dissapeared. Has Dread been defeated and the prophecy already been completed? Can the Shamans' and all of Sam's companions be trusted? Where are the gauntlets and who or what must Sam encounter to retrieve them? Follow Sam's journey as he discovers more about himself, his companions, the mysterious Shamans and a prophecy that isn't what it seems!