Chapter Eight
Dragon Lord

They were ushered into a much larger chamber, the vision which befell their eyes was truly breathtaking and magnificent. It was another world, like a magical, wondrous garden. All around could be seen flowers of every kind, with a myriad of colours and splendour. The ground was a plush carpet of the greenest grass ever seen. In truth the sight was too much to behold in but a moment of time...

Running through the centre of the beautiful landscape was a stream the likes of...

Not one member of the trio could put the scene into words suitable for the vision of paradise which now engulfed them. Swimming in the stream were all manner and colour of fish...

Pippa caught sight of a flash of white in the corner of her eye, turning to see if her mind had misread the information, fed to it, in but a fleeting moment. She saw... YES !.. IT WAS !.. A UNICORN ! The picture of beauty and serenity was one only mother nature could produce. The trio were dumbfounded. Yet more beauty was to be seen as another and then another unicorn appeared. Before their eyes were a dozen or more of those magical, mythical, beautiful creatures...

All at once they entered through the door of a large ornate building, which closed again all too quickly behind them leaving them all alone once more. It was only now they could move freely for the first time since being captured. Genty immediately began to look around, but his search was in vain as no other doors or windows could be found.

The large door opened. The friends turned to face it, wondering if they were to be taken somewhere else. But, much to their surprise, Spud and Globin were ushered into the room. The large door closed with a bang.

" What happened to you ? " Asked Teedol.

" I followed the path until I came to a clearing, right in the centre was a ring of stones. I suspect that you know the rest. " Said Spud. " Exactly the same thing happened to me. " Said Globin, before being asked.

" I don't understand why this is happening. These people are pixies. They are supposed to be distant relatives to the elves. Eldor said we would be made welcome by these people. To be truthful, without finding these people you could not succeed in your quest. " Said Genty with a puzzled look. " If this is what you call a welcome, you can keep it. " Moaned Spud. It was not because he had been badly treated that made him so grumpy. Something was bugging him and he could not figure it out. Pippa sat in the corner with Teedol, Genty was not far away. Globin and Spud looked around. " I've already looked for other doors and windows, there are none. " Remarked the elf. The five friends were becoming quite despondent at the sight of their new surroundings. Yet another bout of silence fell.

A short time later the door swung open once more. A single guard entered the room bidding them to follow him, though he did not speak a word. They followed him along several corridors which eventually lead to a throne room. Seated upon the throne was a very small man but his stature and bearing made it evident, he was the king of the many people gathered around. Hung around his neck was a large ornate gold chain of office. Upon his head, a crown of gold. The friends were led to the bottom of the steps which led up to the throne. A line of sentinels ran the full length of the throne room. The guard who brought them from the dingy cell motioned them to kneel before the unquestionable monarch. The King gestured with a hand for them to rise. The sovereign rose and walked to the edge of the top step. " Who are you ? What do you want in my kingdom ? " He asked. " Where are we ? " Asked Teedol.

" I will ask the questions. " Retorted the King, who by this time had walked down the steps and was standing directly in front of him. Teedol tried to answer the King. He only succeeded in stammering.

" Why are you here ? " Asked the King repeating himself. Pippa was becoming quite indignant at the treatment of her friends. She moved forward to challenge the King. He waved his hand while looking at the advancing Pippa. She was stopped dead in her tracks, frozen as if she were a statue. Genty, Globin and Spud moved forward in defence of Pippa. The King merely waved his hand once more, they too were frozen to the spot. The King asked Teedol once more.

" Why are you here ? " Teedol was about to explode when he heard a little voice deep inside his head say.

" Be calm. Take a deep breath and speak, but take care. Do not try to trick or deceive this King before you, for it is sure, he knows the truth. " Teedol knew it was not the voice of Golaf, nor was it his own... The cotchit took a deep breath, pausing a second or two.

" I wish it were the wizard. " Thought Teedol. " I could do with some help right now ! " He took another deep breath.

" LOOK ! I er. I mean we. We don't know where this is. We sort of found it by accident. " Said Teedol as he went on to explain all that had happened so far. He went on to tell about the wizard and seeking the amulet. The King listened intently. " What sort of creature are you ? We usually only capture ghedi, or sometimes the odd tree troll. " Said the King. " I am Teedol, a cotchit from the Manap. This is my cousin Pippa, the other is my friend Spud, he is a cotchit too. As for my other two companions, one is an elf and the other is a dwarf. " Said Teedol finally.

" Ahh ! A dwarf. I have heard of them. They are warlike, fighting and killing all of the time. " Replied the King. " That is true only in part. They fight the same enemy as do we all. Those terrible ghedi who rape the land. Otherwise they care as much about the peoples of Earth as any other race. You may think a single dwarf is little proof of that but Lord Gryzor, chief of all the dwarves is at present marching around the mountains to meet us on the other side, after which we will march to the castle of the Evil One to put an end to this evil he is now releasing over the lands. " Explained Teedol.

" You present a good argument my friend but how do I know what you say is the truth ? " Asked the King.

" I will ask the dwarf a simple question. I know him to be a brave and honourable warrior. As for the rest of what I say, I give you my word even to the point of my life. I have spoken only the truth. " Teedol turned to the dwarf, Globin. " My friend, you know why I ask this question ? Have you or your friends ever killed an innocent person ? " Asked the cotchit.

" My friend I can tell you in truth, none of our kind has ever killed anyone unless he was an enemy of my clan. I know things have not been good between the elves and my people, but we have never hurt any of them. " The King pondered a moment. The expressions upon his face made it difficult to know what he was thinking. He slowly walked back up the steps, towards his throne. Reaching the top step he turned to face the companions.

" Very well, I believe you. You are welcome here. I am King Torem. King of all the pixies or if you prefer, fairies. I welcome you and offer you the freedom of my palace and lands. Further more I will show The Chosen One the doorway to the Amulet he seeks, when the time is right. Now we will prepare a feast for our long awaited guests. " Said King Torem.

All at once the people surrounding the throne room surged forward to welcome the guests in person.

Throughout the secret lands tumultuous shouting and cheering could be heard. The friends were carried by the happy throng into a huge dinning room where they were seated. The King entered by a separate door and sat at the head of the table. Torem still seemed to be thinking something over.

Eventually he stood up and a silence fell about the room.

" I have considered the reasons why you are here and I am worried because I like you. Others have been shown the doorway to the Amulet, they did not return. I assure you those who came before you were much bigger and stronger, still they failed. " Teedol was about to interrupt the King. Torem held up a hand to silence the cotchit before he could speak. " Don't worry my friend, it is written within our Lore.

I must show all who come in search of the Amulet of Galana the doorway. You will not be an exception, as I have said, when the time comes I will show you the path, but for now we will all enjoy ourselves. " Said King Torem. The feast was a joyous and festive affair which went on for a considerable amount of time. When it was over the companions were shown to their quarters. Teedol slept a good many hours, well into the afternoon. The next day by his bedside was a tray of food along with a drink. He sat in silence with only his thoughts for company. Teedol was now becoming restless and found sitting around doing nothing was getting on his nerves. He thought perhaps it was to do with all the festivities, after all his life had changed so much it was unbelievable. Everywhere he went, if nothing was happening it seemed boring. Still he could not help but think the Amulet was near, he could sense it. It was strange, he could not explai n what it was he felt but he knew he felt something.

Teedol now turned his thoughts to Golaf. Why had he not heard from him ? Why did the wizard not give any more help ? Had something happened to him ? Teedol's door opened, he was sure he had not heard a knock on the door or anything else for that matter. King Torem entered the room. " Please forgive my intrusion, but I must speak with you in private. I know you have a great deal of love and respect to and from your friends but what I have to say is for your ears only. The next part of your journey must be made alone. You must not... You cannot take anyone with you. " Said King Torem. "

Why must it be so ? They have been loyal and true friends. I cannot leave them. " Retorted Teedol. " That is as maybe, but I am the keeper of the door and the Lore says Only one may enter. Should more than one enter, all will fail, even if it is the TRUE Chosen One. Believe me I know you face mortal danger, BUT THAT IS THE TEST OF THE CHOSEN ONE ! If you succeed you will see your friends again. I assure you, they will be safe here in my kingdom. " Said King Torem. Teedol gave a sigh. " Very well if that is how it must be. When do I leave ? " Asked Teedol. " You will leave as dusk falls... You must not tell your friends of this. It must remain a secret... I am only sorry I cannot make you believe me, nor can I make you trust me. I beg however, that you do. Not just for your sake, but for the sake of all the people of Earth. I have noticed the mark of The Chosen One. It is the first time a seeker comes with such a mark. I have great hopes for your return my friend ! It is written, one such as you would come in the hour of darkness. The dark powers now at work would be too great for all but the bearer of a greater magic. Should you fail, all of Earth will perish !.. It would be the end of life as we know it...

I will tell you of how we came to live in these secret caves instead of the woods which we love so much. " The King paused giving a slight cough to clear his throat. " Some years ago, just before the War of Terror, it was told to my people, the pixies, that ALL things of beauty would be destroyed if we did not take them into hiding. It was said, if all was not destroyed by the War of Terror, it would be by another upheaval which would follow. In here all the creatures and plants of the woods are safe.

Yes my friend, we knew many years ago about this new evil, but we could not speak of it to anyone. Our existence had to be kept secret from the world, only a few would know or find our hiding place.

In fact the only ones that did find our secret place were those who came in search of the Amulet. None survived, so none left to give away our long kept secret. It was also said if we did not protect the unicorn, they would be killed and the magic contained within the horn would be used against us.

Though it would be far worse because the death of the unicorn would mean the end of spring and summer, no more autumn and winter, which Mother Nature needs to replenish herself. NO !.. It would be perpetual winter. Mother Nature would be choked by the continuous freezing. Birds would no longer sing, the rivers and streams would be frozen. You cannot imagine how bad things would be.

Even if you succeed, we and all the people must be the guardians of the beauty which is our world.

Then and only then will the unicorn be safe to run free once again. We will be able to plant a good many flowers and shrubs back into the woods. The task you are about to undertake will help us in our fight to keep the beauty alive... To keep all of the plants and creatures alive. " Said the King. Teedol did not answer... He could not answer, for this was the first time he had truly understood what was expected of him... AND ! It was very frightening. King Torem spoke in a whisper.

" My friend, I DO understand what you are feeling, but you must be strong. If you doubt yourself, how can you succeed ? The world as you know it needs YOU ! and You need it ! Without either of these things there is nothing... If you are not, We are not... "

A long silence followed...

Teedol seemed far away. His physical body was sitting in front of the King but it was as it were only an empty shell for his mind, his spirit was in another time and place no-one would ever know. Deep within the mind of everyone is a dark secret corner, where they can go to escape the rigours and horrors of the real world. A world they helped to create. The real problem begins when we cannot find the path on which we must return. " Teedol... Teedol, you must not fail us. Before you stands not a King but a simple pixie. Teedol I beg you... You must return. This task must be done to find what you seek.. Can you live with the knowledge that you have destroyed all which once existed. All forms of life and the beauty they held, gone forever ? Your friends will be lost... Must Bobo die for nothing ? "

This was Torem's last hope of bringing Teedol back to reality. " What do you know of Bobo's death. " Snapped Teedol.

" I know many things for I am also the Keeper of Time and Tide. I am more than you see. Trust me, all is not lost, not even your friend Bobo. " Replied the King.

" I... I don't understand... What do you mean ? " Asked Teedol.

" I can tell you no more for the moment. You must trust me. I, as well as the others, will be there to guide you. Even though you may not be able to see us, we will be there in spirit. Will you do as I ask ?

" Said king Torem. Teedol gave the matter a little thought but not for long. Some how all the fear had gone and he was sure he could succeed...

" Tell me your plans. " Said Teedol.

" Very well, listen carefully. In about an hour there will be feast... " Teedol was on his way to the banqueting hall. Pippa was on his left, Globin on his right. Just ahead were Genty and Spud.

" I must admit I am enjoying this welcome break, but I suppose we had better make the best of it, as we will be off in the morning with the first light. I think we have delayed long enough. " Said Teedol.

" I agree with you, as you say it will most likely be the last. " Said Globin.

" I for one will be sad to leave here. The beauty is so stunning. I have only heard of unicorns before. They are so gentle and unafraid. I was taken to see them a short while ago. " Said Pippa.

" I have heard of their gentleness. I will see if I can visit them before I leave. " Added Teedol. By this time they had reached the main hall and were almost the last guests to arrive. Quickly taking their places the festivities soon began. Teedol, Pippa and Genty sat to the right of the king, while Globin and Spud sat on the left.

It was Globin who sat day dreaming this time. It all started with him thinking how strange it was here.

The hospitality of the King, as well as the odd circumstances which led him here. He was brought back to reality by the sound of a fanfare followed by...

" By the grace of good King Torem, we present for your entertainment an evening of festivities. "

The announcement was followed by another fanfare, after which the food was brought in, yet not one ounce of meat was present, Though there were a good many wines which flowed like a river. It was not long before all, with the exception of Teedol were merry. The entertainment was of many varieties but the one which everyone would not forget was the magician. He did a good many tricks and illusions. One in particular will go down in memory for the party of friends. The magician called for a volunteer for his next trick. King Torem suggested Teedol being the guest of honour would like to render his services. A cheer rang around the great hall which grew in amplitude as the cotchit stood up to make his way to the centre of the floor where the magician was performing. The audience were shown an empty cabinet. Teedol was asked if he would be good enough to enter and of course he obliged. A large black cloth was drawn around the cabinet which in turn was spun. Slowly at first so all could see it from every direction. The magician began to spin the cabinet at an increasing speed...

Suddenly the black cloth fell to the ground with no sign of the cabinet or Teedol. The crowd cheered and laughed while clapping wildly. First one person stood up and then another and another. This continued until all were standing and applauding. The magician bowed several times, after which the crowd expected the magician to bring Teedol back. They were in for another surprise. All at once the magician began to spin, with another mighty BANG followed by another great cloud of smoke the magician and his props had also disappeared. The crowd started cheering and clapping all over again.

Teedol's friends were not amused. Globin, Spud and Genty were about to take a hold of the king failing to remember Torem was King of all the pixies and was a user of magic. The king waved his hands. All of the friends were frozen to the spot.

" Listen to me. Your friend is for the moment safe. He is with a friend. You will know this friend as the wizard Golaf. Teedol must go on next part of his quest alone. He goes to find the Amulet of Galana. If he succeeds he will return with the it. If he fails we all must pray for a miracle to defeat the Evil One. I will now release you from this spell. You must trust me, so please sit down and enjoy the merriment. "

Torem waved his hands once more. The three friends slumped back into their seats as the spell was removed. The friends looked at each other, though nothing was said, it was understood that in truth they had no alternative but to trust the King. Globin turned and spoke to the king with a smile.

" We will trust in you. Let us get on with the festivities. " King Torem smiled back. He then ordered the merriment be continued. Teedol found himself standing alone at the bottom of a winding stairway.

He was not surprised by this as it was part of the plan. What happened next did surprise him... There was a loud bang followed by a cloud of smoke. As the smoke cleared Golaf was standing there. " Golaf ! " Exclaimed Teedol.

" Yes it is I my cotchit friend. I am pleased you have managed to get this far in safety. I'm sure you know this is going to be the hardest part of your task. I will come with you as far as the secret door, from there you will have to go on alone. I would suggest you remove your headband now. The star will give you all the light you need. Come now we will begin our climb for it is a long way from here to the secret door. You will be safe until you get beyond the door. We can talk as we go. " The wizard put his hand upon Teedol's shoulder as they started the long climb up the winding steps. The steps went on and on upwards, ever upwards, twisting first this way and then that way. Once or twice the steps gave way to a great cavern or a long corridor. It was at these times Teedol's spirits lifted as he thought it would be the end of the long monotonous climb. Alas he was wrong and it did not take long for him to find out. The climb was not so bad while the cotchit and the wizard talked,
it was when the long periods of silence fell. Teedol's spirits fell as he was overcome by a heaviness he could neither explain or understand. They had been climbing for over two hours by Teedol's reckoning. The cotchit thought his legs would drop off at any moment. The steps seemed endless. It now seemed as if his entire world consisted only of very dark damp steps which led ever onward and upward. Suddenly Golaf stopped.

" At last we've reached the top. " Thought Teedol. Golaf pulled a flask from inside his robe.

" I think a drop of this will do you good. I suspect you are getting tired though you have done well for one so small. " Said the wizard as he handed the flask to Teedol. The cotchit was surprised, not because of the flask but because the wizard did not look or sound tired at all ! Teedol took a long, long drink... " Steady my boy this is not just any drink !. " But before the wizard could continue.

" Wwwwwooowwww ! ! ! "

Teedol's eyes lit up. A warm glow started to spread from his chest through to the tips of his fingers and toes. The best part was the fact he no longer felt tired. The wizard continued.

" This is not just any drink and unfortunately it does not replenish itself. It will give you great strength to carry on. We are about half way to the secret door. " Said Golaf retrieving the flask. The next two hours went by much the same as the first two. Teedol was no longer breathless, in fact he was feeling quite exhilarated. " We are almost there now, it is the end of the climb. " Golaf suddenly said.

The corridor gave way to a cavern with passages leading off in many directions. The ground was level and remained so. Still the wizard walked on in a straight line. All at once they were confronted by a blank wall.

" We can go no further. Where is the door ? " Asked Teedol.

" I told you it was a secret door. If it could be plainly seen, it would not be a secret would it ? " Asked the wizard with a hint of sarcasm in his voice.

" Well no. I suppose you are right. " Replied Teedol feeling a little stupid.
Golaf moved the cotchit to one side as he stood in front of the blank wall. Raising his hands he started a long incantation with many strange words. At first everything seemed to be the same. Teedol was sure he felt the ground move. There it was again. The earth began to rumble more violently as small pieces of rock fell from the roof. Slowly the wall began to tremble and crack. As the wizard recited more of the incantation the bigger the crack became until, it turned into a gap. The gap then widened into a doorway large enough for a man to pass through.

Golaf slowly lowered his hands, as he did he turned to Teedol saying. " Take another drink of this but be sure to save some for later. You will need it. I can tell you no more nor can I help you further. From this point on you are on your own. All I can do now is to wish you luck. I hope we will meet again. " Golaf placed his hand upon Teedol's shoulder to give comfort and reassurance. The cotchit smiled at the wizard who placed his arms around Teedol's waist stooping to do so.
Before Teedol realized it, he was out of the door standing on a very narrow ledge. It was impossible to go down which right at this moment seemed like a very good idea. Moving up could only be done with difficulty. Teedol turned to face the door...

IT WAS GONE ! He could see no sign of where the door had once been nor of Golaf...
It was now that Teedol noticed a chill in the air. If that were not bad enough and if it was not only Teedol's imagination, the wind was getting stronger by the minute... Taking out the flask he drank the last drop of its contents. Already his fingers were beginning to freeze. He tried to replace the flask into his back pocket. It fell from his grasp, sailing away into an ever darkening oblivion far below.
Gritting his teeth he began to climb, finding a finger hold here and a toe hold there.

" Yes. " He thought. " This looks like a good spot. " It was very different from climbing trees though he soon discovered he could get no further than ten feet from where he had started. Slowly he made his way back down to the ledge. Once there he looked hard for another route to start his ascent. Finding one he began to climb once more. By now he had forgotten about the wind and the cold, his mind firmly fixed upon his task.

He found it much easier after he had decided to think of the rocks as trees. Fortunately he had a very vivid imagination which helped him a great deal. It took some time but finally he got to a height thirty feet from the top of the climb. The trouble was he could see no way of getting further. He could with some effort go back but it was not the way he wanted to go. Fumbling first with his left hand and then his right he finally came to the conclusion he must go back, at least part of the way but hopefully not all of the way. Carefully he descended foot by foot.. He had gone down some fifteen feet when he was sure he had found another path, yes a new way up.

" Now this did look rather promising. " He thought. Reaching out as far as he could with his left hand he could nearly reach the hand-hold.

" JUST ANOTHER INCH ! " Thought Teedol trying to stretch his fingers out further.

" I must try harder... Yes. GOT IT ! " As he climbed, he continually checked for weaknesses within the rock-face as he did not wish to descend faster than he had climbed...

" YES it was holding !. There at last.. "

He now felt more confident, enough to shift his whole weight across and up... He had only gained a few inches in height but at least he would be able to reach the ledge which he could see above him.

Teedol had discovered that sometimes to gain an inch, you had to go back a yard. " Still. " He thought to himself. " When you put it into terms of achieving your objective, it is not a loss but a definite gain !

" The true gain came from inner strength and determination. Intestinal fortitude.

He could not explain it but some how, with each step taken, every inch gained, he felt a strangeness building up inside... It gave a sense of power... Not power over others but a real sense of power over himself. It suddenly dawned on Teedol, in truth he was no longer a boy.

He was a full grown COTCHIT ! An ADULT ! OVERNIGHT ! Just like that !.. The adrenaline was flowing, his heart was pumping, though in truth it sounded like some-one beating a big bass-drum in his head. He was climbing in a way he thought quite impossible sometime ago...

Pausing for a few moments, he took in a large gulp of air. Below, he could see nothing through the thick cloud. Yet it was a beautiful sight, like looking down onto rolling hills of pure white snow. Above him, some twenty feet or more, a ledge or overhang which would give him a place to rest. He had no way of knowing it was as high as he could go.

Teedol had forgotten about the star upon his forehead. It was only after he placed his head upon the rock face to rest could see the reflection of it...

It was apparent the star was shinning much brighter now. This spurred him on with renewed vigour...

A short time later he was reaching up with his right hand to take a hold of what he thought to be a ledge. He reached up with his left hand pulling himself onto the ledge. Kicking his legs into thin air to make the final bid to find a secure seat.

" Ahhhh ! " Thought Teedol. " To actually sit down, what a pleasure.. " It seemed as if it were days ago since he last sat down. He wiped his brow as sweat from his efforts rolled down into his eyes.

He sat quietly for a few moments to recover his strength. Still he had not looked around. He turned still not looking up but moving forward about three paces. Then he looked up. As he did so he stepped back, almost too far. Another step and he would have descended the mountain in a hurry... Standing almost directly in front of him was a creature like he had NEVER seen before. Teedol quickly reckoned it was a good ten foot in stature maybe more. Its body was humanoid in shape yet, it was covered in scales. At the end of each finger were claws, which must have been at least eight inches in length. The head was that of a DRAGON !.. Teedol quickly jumped to one side, taking cover behind a large rock. Flames came searing past him.

The heat was intense. Again the flames flashed by him licking at either side of the rock. " How am I supposed to get passed this thing ? " He thought. It stood as an obstacle between him and the entrance to the cave, he could now see in front of him...

He did not have any weapons with which to fight his opponent with... The Dragon Lord leapt from one rock to another, in an attempt to get closer to his victim...

Link to Chapter Nine

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