Chapter Thirteen
Evil One

Globin strode forward, towards Lord Eldor. " My friend, I don't think you even know Spud. How can you make such ridiculous accusations ? I for one have spent many days with the cotchit's. True they are small in stature but they more than make up for it with courage and bravery. " Globin was interrupted by Gryzor. " AYE ! It's true. I have known none braver than these little folks, save for my own dwarves of course ! Still I don't like your words and I feel you owe the lad an apology !.. When he's here. " Said Gryzor in a threatening manner. " Is there any need of this ? We have a much greater foe to fight without fighting among ourselves. I think it is time to move on. I can feel an eerie presence and I'm sure the Dark One watches over us at this very moment. " Said Teedol finally. A silence fell over the band which was broken by the gruff voice of Gryzor. " You heard Lord Teedol. TO HORSE MEN ! TO HORSE ! " Barked the dwarf.

Spud had managed to slip away unseen, climbing over the edge of the ravine with great care. He was a good climber but all of his previous experience had been gained by climbing trees. Upon his back was a rucksack which contained two lengths of rope. As yet he had found no suitable place to use it, the holds were poor and not good enough to secure anything to. By the time he had descended twelve feet, his friends above had moved on, his absence unnoticed. The going was painfully slow but at least progress had been made. Spud was relieved to eventually find a small ledge with a large rock jutting from it. He paused to catch his breath and rest. He was now glad he had refilled his flask, pouring himself a hot drink he carefully sat down on the ledge. He studied the rock jutting out just above him. It appeared solid and strong, he would look at it closer and make sure when he had rested for a while longer... It seemed so peaceful, the skies were clear with only a light breeze. He was grateful for the rest as the climb had been more difficult than he thought, but it was now time to move on. Returning the flask to his rucksack, he took out the rope and took a closer look at the jutting rock. It was as he first thought, good and solid. Spud tied a loop in one ends of one of the ropes. Checking it was secure, he then slipped the looped end over the rock. He then tested it once more. When he was sure it would hold his weight, he slid over the edge of the ledge. As he slid gently down the rope, he could not help thinking this was going to be easier than he first thought. The rope dropped some forty or fifty feet from the ledge and some five or six feet past another ledge which was larger than the last one...

Finally Spud landed upon the larger ledge. From here, it looked as if it would be a lot easier to find hand and toe holds as the rock appeared more jagged than nearer the top. Still he expected there to be one or two places where it would not be so easy. He stood upon the ledge inspecting the rock face. He was looking for the best place to start his next descent. He had slung his sword across his back which, until now, had been fine, though it was starting to get uncomfortable. He thought of leaving it upon the ledge for a moment, until he looked down and saw the dense thicket.

Spud had only twenty or so feet to go, before he would be on the ground once more. He sighed with relief, above him a dark shadow appeared. He gave little thought to it at first, until he heard the sound of flapping wings...

In the distance Castle Doom was finally in sight, large plumes of black smoke ascending from it's central turret. Strangely Teedol felt some relief at the sight. Perhaps it was because he knew the terrible conflict would soon be over, one way or another, he knew it would either be the demise of himself or the Evil One, either way, it would be soon... Globin spurred his horse on. trying to get closer to his cotchit friend.

" Teedol, I cannot help thinking about Spud. Where can he be ? " Asked Globin. " I'm not sure, but I think he is alright. I have given a lot of thought to this and I know Spud is no coward. Are you sure he said nothing to you ? " Asked Teedol. Globin thought a moment before answering. " No ! I am certain he said nothing. I must admit though, he has been acting a little strange since the little girl incident. You know ? " It was more of a question than a statement. " Er ! Yes I know. It seems to me that no-one remains the same after a war, even the most friendly of people change. It would be nice to think the change could be for the better, or better still, if there were no wars at all. "

Teedol's mind wandered off, back to the hill above Manap. The peace and beauty still seemed so real. Once more he could see Pippa running through the tall grass in the meadows. He recalled the time when Bobo fell out of a tree, in doing so he disturbed a wasp's nest. Teedol smiled to himself... " Teedol ! Teedol ! Are you alright ? " Asked Globin.

" Oh yes I'm fine. I was just remembering something and right now I miss Bobo and Pippa. We did have some good fun, but it's as if it were a hundred years ago. " Replied Teedol with remorse. " I know how you feel my friend. Hopefully it will be the same again.. Soon ! " Replied the dwarf. " I would like to think so my friend but I cannot see how things will ever be the same. Not now, not now I have this. " Said Teedol as he held up the amulet. Globin paused a moment.

" Er ! Yes, I see what you mean, but still, if it were not for the amulet and you, the people of Earth would have no chance at all. We must be grateful for any and all chances we have...... Oh yes ! I have been thinking about Golaf, he is a strange one. I for one thought he would help more than he seems to be. " Added Globin. Teedol paused this time as he contemplated his reply.

" Erm, yes I must admit he is a bit odd. Mind you, he always has been but you are right, he did say he would help me as much as he can. Since then I have seen him very little. I'm sure there is a good reason for it. He must be helping from another vantage point. " Teedol paused. " Well he may be ! " Teedol paused again. " I was puzzled by the appearance of Mytor, now he was strange. What did you make of him ? " Asked Teedol. " That's a good question. I can only agree with you from what you have said. I only wished I had seen him for myself ! I for one have not even heard of him. " Replied Globin. " He says he is the head of the Wizard's Greater Council. The way he went on was mighty suspicious to say the least. He seemed intent on getting the amulet. " Replied Teedol. " If you are right my friend we will have to watch him in the future. " Said Globin. " Since his appearance I have seen the Evil One, but he hid his face behind a mask but there was something familiar about him.

" There ! Lord Teedol, there way off. Can you see the Black Tower ? " Asked King Torem. " Yes Torem, I see it. I think we will be there within the next two hours. " Replied Teedol. " You are right my friend, about two hours and we will be there. Still I expect something else to happen before then. Who ever the Evil One is will not give in so easily. " Interjected Gryzor. " I fear you are right. We must be on our guard even more so than before. We are so close to the Dark One, he must try something else to stop us. " Added Globin. Eldor, who had remained silent since his accusation of Spud, coughed as if to speak.

" Lord Eldor you wish to say something ? " Asked Teedol. Eldor stuttered and stammered at first, uncertain whether he should speak or not. " Er, erm, ah, erm yes. I would like to say something. Firstly I would like to apologize for what I said about your friend and companion Spud. I would not blame you if you do not believe me, but I did not mean to say anything like that. The words just came out, I.. " He was interrupted. " Lord Eldor, you do not need to explain. It was the Dark One trying to make us fight between ourselves. He is seeking the weakest link in our defence. I have no doubt he will try something else like that again. He will stop at nothing. " Said Gryzor with kindness and understanding. " Lord Gryzor, you have taken the words out of my mouth, I could not have said it any better ! " Interjected Teedol.

Another silence fell upon the band as they led the army onward, ever nearer to their goal. As they rode, each and every one pondered, wondering if this day would be their last, hoping beyond hope they would return to their families, homes and lands. All around the trees grew in numbers and yet, not enough to call it a woods. The castle no longer stood as a silhouette, yet it was still far enough away to give time for thought... Without warning it started to rain, at first it was water just as rain should be but then it changed...

Spud looked up, still high above, swooping at increasing speed was a harpy. It was heading straight for him. Luckily he was still standing on the wide ledge. He scrambled for his sword, in doing so his rucksack sailed through the air, only to land in the torrent of white water, never to be seen again. The harpy had now slowed down into a hovering position, it's talons reaching out in an attempt to grasp at the cotchit. Spud had by now gained a grip upon his sword and was about to swing at the harpy. Just in time he remembered what happened to Teedol. He knew he must be careful not to be splashed with the harpy's blood. Turning his sword blade flat side on, he swung as hard as he could at the beast's legs.

There was an almighty screech as the blade made contact with the harpy's lightly scaled flesh. The gruesome beast flapped it's wings hard and fast, taking the unhappy creature backwards in the air in an attempt to retreat...

This was only a momentary action as the it moved forward again. This time it's attack was more guarded, but with the same result as before. The harpy retreated once again. Harpies are not the brightest of beast's, but they are persistent and quite cunning, so this time the it tried flapping as hard as it could. The idea was to knock Spud off balance. To further this, the harpy would flick a wing, or it's tail in a bid to catch the cotchit. Sometimes thrusting forward with it's beak. Spud found this very difficult to deal with as he was in a confined space which was like being attacked from all sides at once. It will never be known if it was more luck than judgment for as the cotchit sw ung wildly at the beast, there was a sudden loud squawk as a ringing sound was heard. The blade struck squarely on top of the harpy's head, which, in turn sent the beast into a dive smashing it's head upon the rocks before it fell into the raging torrent, following the same course as the rucksack. Harpies do not like water for the simple reason they cannot swim. The beast would never be seen again... Spud slung the sword across his back once more. The rope still hung from above, alas he had lost his rucksack containing his flask, but then, it was no great loss. He turned to face the rock. Reaching across he slipped his hand into a large crack, then a foot, followed by his other hand and then finally his other foot. The rest of the climb was much easier and took only a short time.

The thick undergrowth was not easy to make progress through, truthfully he did not even know if the search was worthwhile. It could just be a waste of time. Did the horn fall into the ravine or did it disappear for all eternity with the dragon ?

The cotchit drew his faithful sword and began hacking his way through the brush. The water's edge was some twenty five feet away, with a further drop of six feet to the surface of the torrent. As far as Spud could tell by looking up at the bridge, he was in the right place. Providing of course the horn fell straight down. He continued to hack and chop at the undergrowth, it seemed as if he were getting nowhere. Spud now thought the climb much easier than all of this chopping, still he continued to search for another two hours. By this time he was getting so thirsty he wished the rucksack had not been lost. He had become so accustomed to the sound of running water he had not noticed it. He decided to sit down to take a rest. He lay down beneath some shrubs and closed his eyes for a few moments.

Slowly he began to drift off into a light but pleasant sleep. The tranquillity was so restful, even reassuring. So peaceful, so quiet, only the gentle sound of running water.. " RUNNING WATER ! " Thought Spud. He could hardly contain himself as he scrambled to his feet, hacking and chopping his way like a madman towards the sound. The sweet refreshing sound of water. Time no longer had a meaning. Finally he reached the edge of the bank. He looked down and there was the most beautiful sight in the entire world. The thing he wanted more than anything...

Sticking out of the gravel was a golden horn, glittering like jewels in a crown. In his impatience, he almost fell down the last six foot to edge of the water. His joy, his excitement, his enthusiasm was so overwhelming he began jumping up and down, waving his hands and arms about with such vigour, had anyone seen him they would have thought him quite mad. He forgot where he was for a few brief moments. At long last he picked up the horn, cleaning off the grit which had stuck to it. Spud could not help himself, he raised the horn to his lips and kissed it with such passion...

Having lost his rucksack, he tucked the horn into his waistband. Luckily there were many roots sticking out of the bank which made it easy for him to climb back up to the place where he had previously rested. In his eagerness to return to the top of the ravine he left his sword on the edge of the bank. Spud was not quite sure why but it seemed as if it took only a fraction of the time to climb back up the rock face. He was almost at the top, his feelings of elation had still not subsided. In fact his jubilation was growing as he was now so close to returning Tor's horn to the once magnificent steed...

Finally he placed his right hand over the top of the ravine. Then his left, pulling himself up as he did so. Before he knew it, he was on all fours on top of the precipice. He remained in this position for a few moments, to regain his breath. Slowly he started to rise to his feet.

He had almost stood up straight when... All the air in his body was ejected with the force of a hurricane. A tightening of his abdomen made movement difficult. He was being crushed, his eyes closed as he winced. Slowly he opened them again. The grip around his mid-section lessened, but only enough to allow him to breath. The sight which befell his eyes brought terror, even panic to the cotchit. He was being held in the crab like claw of a GIANT BLACK BEETLE. Upon the beetle's back sat a giant Troll which let out a hideous shriek...

The horn was trapped between Spud's body and the beetle's claw which caused more pain than he would have felt. He could not remember where his sword was, not that it would have done any good. The troll began to cackle in a strange and hideous way. Spud was a prisoner and could do nothing about it. Frantically he wriggled and kicked to no avail. Spud looked around in vain. He could see no sign of the dwarves, or of Tor's body. All he could see was several of the giant black beetles. The troll issued what seemed like a command to the beetle holding Spud. Suddenly and without warning the beetle was airborne winging it's way northward towards Castle Doom...

Strangely there was an exhilaration deep within Spud, coupled with fear, as the air rushed past his face, almost taking his breath away. Far below the world whizzed by as Spud held on tightly, though this was unnecessary as the beetle would not let go of it's captive. Spud heard excited cries from the trolls who were riding upon the backs of the other beetles. He saw them point below. To his surprise, he could see the still advancing army which stretched on for what seemed like for-ever. The beetles continued their flight until eventually Spud could see Teedol and the others. He tried to cry out but in vain. The rushing air merely stifled his words. The troll in the lead gave a command, though not in words but in a high pitched screech. The beetles circled around the leading group of the army below. The next thing Spud heard was a strange cackle which he knew to be laughter, from his captors...

The rain changed from water to a thick gooey substance which came down in small globules that spread out like beads of treacle, joining one with another. The ground became like a great lake of glutinous goo. High above strange looking beetles could be seen flying around in circles. A horrible cackle penetrated the ears of the army, causing their mounts to panic, but their hooves began to stick. One or two of the riders fell from their horses, they too were stuck in the horrible goo. Struggle as they may, they could not free themselves.

The air filled with the smell of wood-sap. The sticky substance was expelled from glands on the underside of the giant beetles. Most of the army looked on helplessly as their commanders fell foul of the glutenous substance. All with the exception of Teedol. The substance seemed to bounce away from him. The whole scene was one of chaos with the horrible sticky stuff seeping everywhere. Teedol, his mind racing for a solution raised his staff reciting an incantation as he did so. The air was filled with feathers, tickly little feathers. Upon the ground piles of feathers gathered. They were everywhere like a heavy fall of snow. The smell of sap had gone, the men began to laugh. The trolls however were very displeased, even angry...

" Hey look ! That looks like your friend Spud ! " Shouted a voice.

Teedol, as did the others, looked around expecting to see the young cotchit.

" NO ! NO ! UP THERE ! " Shouted the voice again. All eyes turned upwards, towards the sky and then towards the beetles now heading towards Castle Doom. " THERE ! THERE IN THE LEAD BEETLE'S CLAW ! " Shouted the voice. Sure enough, there was Spud kicking and waving his arms frantically. All too soon he was out of sight. Teedol and the others continued to watch as they rode onward. Unable to help Spud in anyway as they watched the beetles spiral down until they disappeared within the castle walls.

The dwarves who were left to guard Tor's body had seen the beetle's approach from far away. This had given then time to hide Tor's body and themselves. They knew it was pointless to try to take on the beetles and trolls. They were so few while the vile creatures were so many..... The army was within three miles of Castle Doom, at the edge of the woods which surrounded it. Gryzor halted the advance and camp was made. Elfin archers were placed to watch for anyone or anything trying to leave the woods or castle. Teedol and Gryzor called a meeting of all the Kings, Lords, commanders and chiefs. Plans were made in secret. They were certain the woods were full of all manner of vile unthinkable creatures, waiting in ambush. Even the skies were watched, great care had to be taken. Nothing must go wrong, they must not get caught off guard, not now they had got so close to their goal...

Night fell. Deep within the forest a thousand torches flickered like a myriad of fireflies. It was strangely beautiful to watch, but within the beauty was certain death. Each of the lights was held by an enemy who stood between freedom and the end of life. Being this side of the flame meant possible death. This gave the night an eeriness which was uncomfortable.

Teedol had been so busy he did not have the chance to think of Spud and what he could have been doing in that predicament. He managed to slip away from the main throng. Arguments had been going on between the lower chiefs as each vied for a more glorious position within the planned battle. Teedol did not interfere, leaving it mainly to Gryzor and Eldor to sort out. Still the opportunity for a little peace proved too great a temptation to miss. He sat down on a large log and looked skyward. He imagined that there was not a cloud to be seen. A myriad twinkling jewels glittered like dewdrops in the early morning sun. The sight was almost to beautiful too contemplate when one remembered where they were and yet...
Teedol shut out the thoughts which followed, he did not want to spoil the peace and beauty with horrible reminders of what was to come...

" Ah ! There you are Teedol. I wondered where you had gone. I'm not spoiling anything am I ? " Asked Globin.

" No, no.. I was just admiring the stars. " Replied Teedol in a dreamy sort of way. " Stars ! What stars Teedol ? All I can see is the blackness of the cloud. " Answered a puzzled Globin. " I know my friend I know. Beauty is where you make it, at least that is true right now. " Answered a philosophical cotchit. " Oh ! I see, I'm sorry my friend. I did not understand, I - I... " Globin was lost for words. " It's alright my friend besides I wanted to talk of Spud. At least I think it was Spud.. " Replied Teedol. " It was Spud and I know how he came to be in the claws of that flying THING ! " Answered the dwarf. " You know, but how ? " Asked the cotchit. " Well my friend I have some news for you. A dwarf guard has returned. They told of how Spud climbed down the ravine and retrieved the horn only to be captured upon his triumphant return. " Globin told Teedol the rest of the story as it had been recited to him by the dwarves.
" I remember the beetles from Manap Wood but I'm sure they were different. All we can hope is that Spud comes to no harm in the castle. " Answered Teedol. Globin was about to speak when he was interrupted by a dull thud, followed by yet another. The last noise heard came from directly in front of him. He looked down. There, sticking out of the ground was an orc's arrow. It had been deflected away by the Amulet. The sound of another arrow followed, then another and yet another. Just in time Teedol stood in Globin's way. Another arrow struck the ground. " Quick, we must warn Gryzor. WE ARE UNDER ATTACK ! " Shouted the cotchit. The two friends ran back to the main group. As yet no-one else was aware that arrows had been fired at the camp.

The army surrounded the forest and beyond. Nothing could be seen under the cover of darkness. Still arrows sped through the dead of night. More by luck than skill no-one was hit. The army remained on alert throughout the night...

Day light, the magic of a thousand fire-flies died with the dawn. It was a sombre day, as was now usual. Strange noises filled the air, it was the sound of creatures from deep within the forest. It had been decided to send a group of elves into the forest, after all they were the swiftest of foot as well as being creatures of the woods. King Torem's people were to join the elves as they could seemingly disappear at will. Fairies or Wood Nymphs as they preferred to be called could shrink to a size smaller than a pea, or to a height greater than the largest troll.

A heavy volley of arrows was sent into the woods, keeping down the heads of whatever was in there. The scouts entered the woods after the third volley was fired...

The occasional stifled cry could be heard from within the dank dark trees. No-one knew who the cry was from, but all hoped it was from the enemy within. Thirty minutes or so passed, no clear indication could be seen as to what was happening. A fire-fly darted swiftly from within the trees heading towards the waiting army. A nymph appeared before Teedol and the others.

" It was as thought, the woods are heavy with the enemy. There are ghedi, trolls, dark elves, wolves and spidell's. They number many, but we have captured a dark elf. He is being brought now. " Said the nymph. Teedol had a puzzled look on his face.

" What is a Spidell ? " He asked. " I do not wonder why you ask Lord Teedol, until now they had only been heard of. They are part man, part spider and huge. The forest is an excellent place for them to hide. " Answered King Torem. " How did they get their name ? " Asked the cotchit. " No one could name them, but they are said to resurrected from Hades from beyond the grave, spiders from Hell ! " Replied Torem. " How do they deal with their enemies ? " Asked Globin. " They have huge fangs which inject a venom into their victim, after they have paralysed their victim they spin them into a cocoon eating them at their leisure. There is no known antidote to their bite. " King Torem was interrupted by the arrival of several elves and their captive.

The dark elf was made to kneel before his peers. Gryzor stepped forward to interrogate the prisoner. Lord Eldor stepped forward and spoke. " Lord Gryzor, I do not doubt your ability to question prisoners, but he is of my race. I'm sure I could do better. " Gryzor merely smiled and stood aside. Eldor's face changed as he stood in front of the dark elf. He spoke in the elfin tongue which only the elves and Teedol understood.

" What is he saying ? I don't understand. " Complained Gryzor. Teedol muttered some strange words, all at once those stood around could understand.

" WHO IS YOUR MASTER ? " Asked Eldor. The dark elf spat in the face of his interrogator. Eldor removed his dagger. The dark elf struggled in vain, he was held tightly on either side.

" I will remove your elfin ears if you do not answer. " Barked Eldor. The elves were proud of their pointed ears for it was that very feature which separated them from other races. If you did not have pointed ears, you were not one of the creator's chosen people, or so thought some elves.

" No ! No ! SIRE ! YOU CANNOT, YOU MUST NOT ! " Screamed the captive. " If you wish to keep your ears speak or LOOSE them ! " Replied Eldor. " Sire, I do not know who my master is. He always wears a mask. " Pleaded the dark elf. Eldor grabbed the elf's right ear, putting the blade behind it. " NO ! NO ! SIRE ! Please I speak the truth. I DO NOT KNOW HIS NAME. I DO NOT ! " Pleaded the elf with tears in his eyes. Eldor released him.

" Take him away, he does not know. " Said Eldor as he slid his dagger away. During the interrogation the remaining elves and nymphs had returned from their foray in the woods. " My Lords there are too many things hidden within the woods. We cannot find an easy way through. " Said the leader. " We have no alternative, we must burn the whole area. We cannot go around, nor can we go through. " Interjected Gryzor. Eldor protested for he loved the woods and forests for they were to him as is home. " I understand your reluctance my friend, but the forest will grow again. If we do not defeat the Dark One, all will be lost, even life as we know it. " Interjected King Torem. There was a short lived silence.

" You are right, let's not talk further. LET BATTLE COMMENCE !

" Cried Eldor. Archers lit arrows, firing them high into the air. They fell deep into the forest. The trees were dry and burned easily, many of the creatures within, fell back toward the castle. Those who were cut off by the spreading fire were forced forward towards the waiting army. It was still surprising the number of creatures which fled. Fights broke out here and there. Great black clouds billowed up from the forest fire and joined the evil darkness. It was hard to tell one cloud from the other... Even after several hours, when the forest fire had almost burnt out, fights still broke out here and there. Slowly the army began to move forward, heading towards the castle. All around were smouldering stumps, the ground scorched black, red fire worms still eating charred embers. Strangely enough it was pleasant to watch the embers being eaten by those little red sparks which looked like fire worms, even hypnotic. It was like a new life born from the old and the colour was not black, everything else was...

Or so it seemed. Gryzor, Globin, King Torem, Lord Eldor and all the others were now in battle. Teedol was casting enemies from here and there, casting beasts of many kinds into the Abyss of Darkness. One of the Spidells had ventured his way. It too ! Was cast immediately back from where it came before it could do any great harm. The air was filled with screams and shouts. The sound of grinding bones and cracking skulls echoed from everywhere. The ground began to turn dark red as blood mixed with charred embers. Globin was about to lose his head from behind, luckily Teedol was quicker than the orc. It vanished without trace. It was then that Teedol had an idea brought about by Golaf. He recalled the bubble of protection Golaf had him create what seemed like an eternity ago. It dawned on the cotchit he could hide his whereabouts from the Evil One, as well as keep secret his thoughts. This he also remembered from the wise words of Golaf. He recalled the spell and cast it again. The bubble appeared with the cotchit enclosed within. He found it much easier to control now, rising above the battle. Teedol started the bubble travelling towards the castle twelve feet above the ground. The view was good and he was able to cast a few of the enemy into the Abyss of Darkness. There was a legion of ghedi headed towards the main battle, but as yet they were two or three hundred yards away, the cotchit could not resist, the legion marched straight into the Abyss. Below the scene was bloody. Bodies from both sides lay strewn all around. Still the battle raged on.. From Teedol's vantage point it looked as if Gryzor's army had the edge, but now was the time to find the Evil One...

The bubble travelled onward, maintaining it's height above the ground. In through the portcullis, over the courtyard, toward the central tower and up the steps to the main door, then round and around the spiral stairway.

Eventually Teedol came to a thick solid wooden door which was locked. The cotchit wizard dispelled the bubble of protection. His mind filled with chaos, the noise was unbearable...

He took in a deep breath, focusing his mind upon his own thoughts. Slowly he regained control of his mind. The noise was reduced to a quiet din. Teedol took hold of the door handle while uttering some strange words. Still the door refused to open. Casting yet another spell a large battering ram appeared, held by invisible hands it charged the door. Again and again the loud banging rang through the once proud walls. Still the door refused to open. Teedol, not perturbed, cast a fireball at the door. Almost as quickly as the spell was cast, the fireball faded into obscurity. Nothing more than a wisp of smoke was left. It became clear to Teedol the door was being held in place by magic. He thought if he could not go through the door, he must find another way to get to the other side... " THAT is the answer ! " Thought Teedol. " I will think myself through the door. "

The chamber on the other side was dark and dreary, though there was some light from a dwindling fire in the centre of the room. Many symbols were placed here and there, maps and charts hung from the walls. Strange shapes poked from eerie shadows.. SUDDENLY Teedol's head was filled with pain, it was not pain of being struck. It was, as before, inside his head. Teedol shrieked as he grabbed his ears dancing round like a madman.. His mind was filled with the vision of the Lady Galana, peace reigned once more within the cotchit's head. Though Teedol's mind was no match for the Evil One, THE AMULET WAS ! For the best part Teedol would have to do battle with the Dark One. He had to prove he was worthy to be The Chosen One and that his intentions were of the purest...

Teedol's eyes were now adjusting to the low level of light, his vision sharpened. Deep within the corner of the room Teedol could see piercing eyes glaring at him. They looked like the eyes of a demon. Slowly the dark shadow came forward. Stood before the cotchit wizard was a figure clad in black, upon his face was a mask of the devil himself. The Dark figure made no sound. Teedol was uneasy as he remembered the vision from his dream. There was something familiar about the dark figure, but still he could not place it.

" Who are you ? Why do you wish to do this to the people of Earth ? " Demanded Teedol. The dark figure still did not speak, but instead made a deep guttural sound. The Dark One wretched, spitting an obnoxious splurge of green slime upon the floor. As the mess hit the floor, vapour began to rise. A hissing sound could be heard as a transformation took place. The slime grew in size, changing in shape and form as it did so, rising to a height of six feet. As it solidified, a skeleton appeared with sword and shield. A loud malevolent laugh rang through the chamber as the Evil One spoke. " Here is a playmate for you cotchit ! " Said the taunting voice. Teedol's mind was racing, he had to find away to counter the Evil One's attack. The skeleton started to advance upon the cotchit, waving it's sword in a menacing manner. Black eyeless sockets glared down upon Teedol. With a flash of inspiration the cotchit conjured up a large boulder which was suspended above the skeletal abomination. All at once there was a sickening sound of grinding bones as the rock fell crushing the skeleton. Green smoke filtered from beneath the boulder, only to engulf it. The rock started a transformation, sprouting arms and legs. It was now a rock monster which advanced upon the cotchit in a menacing way as had the skeleton. The whole tower shook and trembled as the creature m ade it's way slowly forward. Teedol wasted no time as he cast a spell. The ground beneath the rock monster opened wide. Loud screams rang out as the beast fell into eternity. The ground closed again cutting of the sound and stopping the enemy's return.

" Not bad my little cotchit friend, not bad. BUT NOW ! I HAVE A SURPRISE FOR YOU ! ! Not so much a playmate, more of a FRIEND ! " Taunted the voice. " I'm not afraid of you, nor of anything you care to send. I am The CHOSEN ONE and I will BEAT YOU IN THE END ! " Replied Teedol not really knowing what to say. The voice merely laughed. " Here is a friend for you and look he brought me a PRESENT ! " Said the voice as a black hand held up a unicorn's horn. " NO ! NO ! " Screamed Teedol as Spud appeared. " SPUD ! What are you doing here ! " Asked Teedol. Spud leered at Teedol. " I'm here to do my master's bidding. " He replied in a taunting voice. " No Spud NO ! YOU ARE MY FRIEND YOU CAME TO HELP ME RID THE LAND OF Earth OF THIS VILE MENACE ! " Shouted Teedol...

Link to Chapter Fourteen

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