They discovered the small village of Whispering Hollow nestled high in the Sky Reach Mountains. The village was under siege by an army of skeletal warriors and giants. Strangely enough, Muskateer felt a kinship with the leader of the attacking undead force. Somehow there was a connection between the two.
The heroes lent the villagers aid and Muskateer attacked the undead commander directly, defeating him in single combat. The control circlet that enthralled the leader was smashed and the undead army was broken. Muskateer lost consciousness from the explosion of magical energy.
While he slept an ethereal apparition that resembled his beloved Gwendolyne visited him. This ghostly visitor apologized for interfering with his mission, but she desperately needed his help. Agents of the Empress of Darkness had imprisoned the spirits of the sorority of sorceresses to which the Enchantress now belonged. Likewise, the male fighters had all been animated as undead warriors.
Once awake, Muskateer confronted the undead commander who had surrendered after being defeated. His name was Kester and two centuries past he possessed the special abilities that now belonged to Muskateer. Kester spun a fantastic tale on how the magical talents of Tabia and the warrior skills of Leander had been passed down from worthy couples to worthy couples. He explained how they were all linked together and that they needed the current wielders of the inheritance to save them.
Muskateer was skeptical of this incredible story, but there were enough kernels of truth to make it somehow plausible. Kester was freed and joined with Muskateer and the Sorceress on their quest to find the Enchantress. But first, they had to liberate Tabia's Fortress and avenge several old scores...
"I assure you, good lady, that before I died, I had the utmost respect for the Priestesses of Azrella," Kester humbly stated. "Now I find them to be rather annoying! However, I can assure you that I will happily go back to being dead after I complete my mission."
"Look, lady," Muskateer said with a growl in his voice. "I don't have time for this nonsense." With that, Muskateer forced his way past Vestra as gently as he could. In spite of his urgency, he had no desire to cause harm to the elderly woman. Kester quickly followed the sword-wielding Avenger into the shrine.
"My apologizes for the actions of my friends." The Sorceress quickly stepped in to hopefully defuse the situation. "Their need is great and our time short. Our stay shall be brief."
"Men were more respectful back in my day," Vestra snorted. "Were I a younger woman, they wouldn't have gotten past me. Why in my day, a proper young lady would never wear as something as scandalous as that. Manners are wasted on the young!"
Tanya simply smiled and shrugged in response to Vestra's complaints and hurried after the others. This was a whole different world, the Sorceress kept telling herself, a place with different ideals and philosophies. Back on Earth, her heroine costume was among the more sedate and conservative ones.
Led by the strange but somehow familiar sensation he was feeling, Muskateer went down the stairs leading beneath the shrine. Kester followed closely behind. The undead warrior still wore his beaten battle armor. A tattered red cape fluttered out behind him.
"We are close, my brother," Kester announced. "I made this very trek nearly two centuries ago. I see that the priestesses still haven't done any cleaning down here. Too busy terrorizing the unliving I would surmise to worry about such mundane tasks."
Muskateer ignored Kester as he stalked forward. Whatever he was sensing was very close now, just a few feet away. The pair passed down a long chamber with a low ceiling underneath the Shrine of Azrella. Two rows of plain stone posts helped support the chamber. They ended at a large and plain looking stone doorway. A huge metal grab handle was set into the stone.
"I was somehow expecting something grander," Muskateer noted. He shrugged and then grabbed the handle. He gave the handle a healthy tug and the stone door easily swung open. The huge door opened up in complete silence. "Nice security down here. Any yahoo could have opened this thing up."
"On the contrary," Kester countered. "The fact that you can open the portal means that you have been chosen to carry Leander's Legacy. Otherwise, the door would have remained magically sealed. Tabia didn't want just any sell sword wandering in here and stealing this equipment."
"If you say so."
Without further comment, Muskateer passed through the stone portal. Behind the massive door was a small chamber etched into the bedrock. The sole feature of the concealed cavity was a small stone pedestal. Lying on top of the pedestal were several items.
The largest of these items was a sword held in a plain leather sheath with an attached belt. Beside the sword were a metallic bracer, a ring, and a small figurine of some winged beast. All of the items were rather ordinary in appearance.
"I was expecting something...", Muskateer paused, trying to find the right word. "...Something more extravagant somehow."
"Tabia preferred substance over style. While these items may appear plain to the eye, they are very powerful."
"Indeed, they are, Steven," the Sorceress added as she caught up with the men. The heroine could sense the magical energy coursing through the items from a distance. "They are brimming with power. I've spent my life searching for such items and never have I encountered objects this powerful before."
"Ah, I am pleased that you joined us, milady. Your presence brightens these drab chambers." Kester sent what must have been a smile towards the Sorceress. On his undead face, it was not a pretty sight. "In all this excitement, you have yet to tell me your name."
"I am simply known as the Sorceress," the mage of the Superior Six answered.
"How peculiar. There are sorceresses beyond number here. How can you claim to be the definitive one? While I am unfamiliar with your style of dress, I must say that it suits you divinely. You are indeed a most lovely woman. Surely, the bards must sing sonnets to your beauty."
The comment took Tanya aback a bit and her face reddened slightly. "Thank you, milord. You are too kind. Things are much different where Muskateer and I hail from. On our world magic is a rare and unique talent. I can only think of a dozen or so other sorceresses from our world. There are those of use who adopt code names and wear colorful outfits to defend the weak and the innocent."
"I see," Kester replied, understanding coming to the dead man. "So Sorceress is your code name? Just as my brother's is Muskateer? How peculiar."
"That is correct. However, you may call me Tanya, milord, as that is my given name."
"A fitting name for such an exquisite lady."
"I like it!", Muskateer called out, interrupting the conversation between Tanya and Kester. Relieved for the interruption, the Sorceress turned to see what Muskateer was so excited about. While Kester did seem nice and polite, the fact that he was an animated corpse was still quite disconcerting.
Inside the small chamber, Muskateer was waving around the sword from the pedestal. The Avenger slashed the air before him as he tested the magical blade against imaginary foes.
"Very nice," Muskateer continued. "It's light and well balanced. It feels like an extension of my arm, even more comfortable than my regular sword."
"It is far more than that, my brother," Kester proudly stated. "The enchantments of the items react to the wielder, adapting themselves to your particular personality and physical abilities. The sword itself is very powerful and enchanted to cause great harm to your enemies."
Muskateer nodded his understanding as he replaced the blade in its sheath. Then he picked up the sword belt and buckled it around his waist. If this world was indeed magically rich, then the weapon would be most useful in the battles to come. Perhaps even more powerful than his Earth-made sword.
"What's the rest of this stuff do?" Muskateer experimentally examined the remaining items. The function of the arm bracer was obvious and he quickly attached it to his left forearm. Since he was right handed, the bracer could be used almost like a shield for protection, although it seemed too small for that task. Likewise, the ring was meant to be worn. The odd looking figurine remained a mystery, however.
Kester moved closer to the entrance to the hidden chamber. "See the pattern of circles on the top of the bracer?"
Muskateer lifted his forearm up for a closer look. The metallic bracer did seem to be finely crafted. On the topside were a series of circular depressions. There was one depression in the middle near the left hand edge and a series of four others in a gentle arc further to the right and back.
"Yeah. What of them? Never mind, I get it."
Muskateer reached for the bracer with his right hand. He placed his fingers and thumb into the circular depressions. They were perfectly spaced to allow easy insertion.
There was a split second glow from the depressions upon contact. A moment later, bright shiny armor began to 'grow' from the bracer, completely covering Muskateer's body in less than a heartbeat.
"What the--?", was all Muskateer was able to utter before being completely enveloped by the magical armor. Muskateer staggered back a few steps, unable to comprehend what had just happened.
A glow of magical power came over the armor as it molded itself to its new possessor. When the glow ceased, the armor was no longer bright and shiny. Rather its new appearance mimicked that of Muskateer's blue and white costume!
"That was pretty wild," Muskateer noted as he regarded his new attire. This new armor had formed over the old costume. The numerous cuts and slashes his old armor had endured were now sealed. The new armor didn't feel any different from his regular costume, but was somehow sturdier and lighter than the old armor.
"While this was not the style of armor I wore," Kester noted, "it does seem to suit you. As I said earlier, Tabia's gifts adjust themselves to their wearer. You will find the armor affords you more than just protection from physical assaults."
"Handy too," Muskateer agreed. "A lot faster way to get dressed. What sort of surprises does the ring hold?"
"Nothing as spectacular, my brother. The ring is enchanted to heal and mend wounds. It has saved my life on numerous occasions."
Muskateer accepted the explanation with a nod and removed one of his gloves. The ring easily slipped on. It felt warm against Muskateer's bare skin, as if it belonged there. The glove was then replaced.
"Take up the figurine," Kester commanded. "I shall reveal the true nature of its enchantment once we are outside. I think you'll like this last gift in particular. I found it most useful."
The Sorceress seemed to grasp what the undead warrior was getting at, while Muskateer simply shrugged and picked up the figurine. The trio then made their way out of the underground level of Azrella's Temple. Priestess Vestra was relieved to finally have Kester out of her shrine. She closed the door behind the trio with as much force as her elderly body could muster.
"And don't come back," Muskateer muttered to himself. At least he wouldn't have to put up with the elder priestess' complaints any further. He took a dozen steps before turning back to his companions. "All right, let's get this show on the road. Tanya, do your magic flying thing again and we'll be off."
"Certainly, Steven," the Sorceress responded before being interrupted by Kester.
"There is no need for our charming companion to waste her magical talents on such a mundane task," the undead warrior stated. "Bring forth the figurine to summon your personal mount."
Muskateer glanced down at the small statuette he was still holding in his hand. "So what do I do with it?"
"Place it on the ground before you and take four steps back. That will unlock the figurine's power."
Still not sure what Kester was going on about, Muskateer did as the undead warrior directed. He placed the small ornament on the grassy ground before him and took several steps back. Magical energy arced around the figurine and it in the space of a breath it ballooned into something very large and very much alive.
"Holy crap!", Muskateer mouthed as he eyed the huge beast. It now stood at eye level to Muskateer, and was over nine feet in length.
The figurine had transformed into a giant winged beast that combined the features of an eagle with those of a lion. It had tawny golden fur and a lion's body, tail, and paws. The rest of the creature was bird-like in appearance, including a nasty looking razor sharp beak on its eagle-like head and huge wings with golden feathers. The creature wore a modified saddle on its back and had a bridle around its beak. It blinked its eyes as it gazed upon Muskateer.
"Magnificent," the Sorceress said in an awe filled voice. "I believe it is a creature from myth known as a griffon."
"A griffon. Cool." Muskateer was almost beside himself with amazement.
"Havok is no myth, milady," Kester retorted. "He has served as our mount for centuries. Haven't you, old friend?"
Kester reached out to pet his old companion. Havok glared at the undead warrior for a moment, as if trying to recall who he was. The winged creature moved towards Kester in preparation to bite his advancing hand. Suddenly, Havok stopped and a look of recognition came over him. He swiveled his head and allowed Kester to pet him.
"Yes, my old friend, I have seen better days," Kester responded as he gently petted his old mount. "Not even bathing can do anything about the stench of unlife. You have a new master now. Serve him as faithfully as you did me."
Kester grasped the reins and moved them towards Muskateer. Likewise, Havok's head turned towards the swordsman. "Not to worry, my brother, Havok won't bite. At least not you."
Tentatively, Muskateer reached out and offered his hand to Havok. "Whoa, there, big guy. I guess this must be this world's idea of a flying scooter only a whole lot cooler. I like the name Havok."
Havok took a few sniffs of Muskateer's hand and then permitted himself to be petted. Muskateer took in the reigns with his other hand. Havok folded his legs, lowering his main body down to the ground. It would now be easy for Muskateer to mount the griffon.
"Shall we be off?", Kester suggested. "Our day of vengeance is at hand!"
"As a teammate of mine might say, 'Let's mount up and ride'!" With ease, Muskateer swung himself into the saddle. He offered his hand to Kester, who seated himself behind Muskateer. Havok stood up once more and began to rapidly beat his twenty-five foot wide wings. With a spring, Havok leaped into the air and quickly flew off.
"I'm beginning to find this world most charming," the Sorceress commented, a huge grin on her face. With that, Tanya activated the power in her Shadow Cloak and took off in pursuit of Havok and his riders. The caliber of enchanted items found on this world put hers to shame. Perhaps the Sorceress would be able to add to her collection before returning home.
The Sky Reach Mountains lay out below the flying heroes. Here in the daytime they could see the mountain range in its full grandeur. Snow peaked caps still climbed higher up into the sky, while green forests filled the valleys below. The sky was clear and the view magnificent.
It took Muskateer some time to become accustomed to riding Havok. He surmised that riding the winged mount was similar to riding a horse. Now he wished he had more experience on horseback than he had. However, he quickly realized that Havok was more experienced in flight and actually needed very little guidance. The griffon would even respond to vocal commands. It was more a matter of hanging on than skill at this point.
The trio made good time. Havok set a blistering pace that the Sorceress was able to match. The speed she was flying at far outpaced what her magic cloak could travel back home. It, like all things magical, was more powerful on this world.
"What kind of resistance are we going to be facing," Muskateer inquired of his passenger after becoming comfortable riding Havok. "I like to have some idea what I'm going to be up against."
"Numerous skeletons, which should only be an annoyance to you, a score of giants and any other beasts animated by Nysa. The greatest danger will be from our brethren still enthralled by Nysa. They are all skilled warriors, such as myself, and bound by the black bitch's magic."
"I always did like a challenge," Muskateer quipped. "Level with me, Kester. Do you think these spirits of the sorceress will be able to find Gwennie for me?"
"Given the power they possess and how much more sensitive to the link our better halves are, I have no doubt they will be able to locate your sorceress. Worry not, my brother! Nysa's dead body will still be warm when we begun to assist you in your quest!"
The Sorceress flew closer to the mounted warriors, concern marring her lovely features. "Steven! I am sensing something amiss. Danger is close by, but what it is I cannot ascertain."
"Yeah, I feel something weird too."
"Your senses have been enhanced by the legacy," Kester explained. "You are far more in tune with the world that surrounds you. Trust your senses and your instincts. They will not fail you."
Muskateer reached out with his enhanced perceptions. He could feel danger in the wind, but the source continued to elude him. Even Havok was beginning to sense that something was wrong. The mount warily looked around in an attempt to find the source of his uneasiness.
"There!", Muskateer cried out as his senses finally locked in on the impending danger. Muskateer pointed higher up into the sky and directly towards the sun. "It's coming from there!"
Kester and the Sorceress glanced towards where Muskateer was indicating. There was a large black spot before the sun and it was growing larger with each passing moment. Some large creature was diving towards them, using the sun to obscure its presence. Whatever it was, it was huge and moving fast!
"We cannot out run it," Kester called out. "Your best option it to seek shelter on the ground, my brother! Quickly!"
Kester's suggestions went unheeded. Both Muskateer and the Sorceress were entranced by the rapidly closing new arrival. The winged creature emerged from the sun's glare and was fully revealed. It was gleaming silver in color and over one hundred feet in length. Small patches of bone could be seen throughout its body in places where its flesh had fallen away. The beast was lizard-like in appearance, but had large wings granting it flight.
"As I feared," Kester continued. "It is a skeletal dragon. We must flee!"
However, both Muskateer and the Sorceress continued to ignore Kester. The sight of the undead dragon had frozen both in place. Such was the powerful aura of fear generated by such a magical creature. It was unlike anything either hero had ever seen before.
The dragon sliced through the air, moving far faster and with more agility than anything that large should possess. Even worse, it was larger than a jumbo jet! The undead dragon bore down relentlessly on the heroes.
"Move Havok," Kester cried out. "Take us away from here!" The griffon obeyed the command of his former master and attempted to fly to safety. Havok banked and dove to the left, forcing Muskateer's gaze away from the fast moving dragon.
Muskateer involuntarily blinked several times as he regained control of his faculties. He had never experienced anything like that before. It was like being star struck from some famous celebrity. Only much, much worse. Looking back, Muskateer attempted to locate the Sorceress. "Tanya!"
The Sorceress continued to hover in place, unmoving. Fortunately, the dragon had changed course and was homing in on the larger of the two targets: Havok and his riders.
"Here he comes!", Kester warned. "Hold on!"
Suddenly, the dragon streaked past the heroes. The turbulence from its passage sent Havok spiraling out of control. His riders held on for dear life. The world spun wildly around them as Havok plummeted from the sky.
The Sorceress wasn't in much better shape. The dragon hadn't passed as closely, but the effects of its passage were clearly felt. The mage of the Superior Seven was swept away and flung out of control across the sky. The Sorceress was quickly lost from sight.
"What the hell was that?!", Muskateer cried out. The Avenger grasped the reigns tightly and tried to hold on. This was much harder than trying to ride one of those mechanical bulls. Even worse, to fall off at this height meant a certain death.
"As I said, it is a dragon." Kester had almost a death grip on Muskateer's torso. "At least in life it was a dragon."
"You're joking."
"While I was famous for offering a humorous remark upon occasion, this is hardly the time for levity, my brother. Dragons are very real and very dangerous on this world."
"I'll take your word for it."
Finally, Havok regained control of himself. He spread his wings and pulled out of the power dive he had been in. There was plenty of room to spare between the griffon and the mountains below. Rising up into the sky once more, Muskateer scanned the heavens in search of the dragon and of his companion. For the moment, he couldn't spy either.
Remembering his enhanced senses while on this world, Muskateer closed his eyes and tried to concentrate on the task at hand. If he couldn't spot the Sorceress or the dragon visually, perhaps he could some other way. After a moment's concentration, the Avenger started to get a feel on which direction he should go.
"Havok!", Muskateer called out. "That way!" Muskateer pointed off to his left and upwards. Havok instantly obeyed the command and flew off in the indicated direction.
"Surely, you don't intend to battle the dragon?"
"You bet I do, and don't call me Shirley! No overgrown lizard tries to make a snack of me! I don't care if he's alive or dead!"
"Indeed, my brother. Let us save your magnificent companion."
"Yah, mule!", Muskateer added, spurring Havok on. "Yah!"
In response, Havok increased his speed and streaked across the sky. Further ahead, the undead dragon quickly came back into view. The undead monstrosity had banked and was flying back in. This time it wasn't moving as swiftly as before. Now the dragon was determined to devour his prey instead of simply ambushing it.
Further along, the Sorceress hung in the sky, her Shadow Cloak billowing out behind her in the breeze. Tanya was still disoriented from being tossed like a rag doll by the dragon's passage. While she tried to gather her wits about her, the sense of impending danger filled her mind as well. The dragon was bearing down on her once more. The Sorceress' eyes went wide when she saw the massive beast flying directly at her, its cave-like maw wide open!
"It would be most advantageous for me to vacant the vicinity," the Sorceress told herself. By mental command, the Shadow Cloak caused the Sorceress to accelerate away from the approaching dragon. To Tanya dragons were creatures of myth and lore. To actually see one was astonishing. Even worse, it was trying to have her for lunch!
As she fled the area, the Sorceress tried to come up with magic spells that could be used to counter a dragon. Sadly, a situation such as this had not come up during her training drills as a member of the Circle. She would have to inform the Master of that oversight upon her return to Earth.
In spite of her best efforts, the dragon was continuing to gain. The beast drew closer and closer in its approach. The Sorceress could smell the foul breath of the undead dragon as it drew near. It was enough to make Tanya nauseous.
Unexpectedly, the undead dragon let out an ear-shattering roar that startled the Sorceress. Glancing back, she could see Muskateer and Kester astride Havok. The men had caught up with the dragon and Muskateer slashed at its underbelly with his magic sword. Gaining the dragon's attention, it turned and chased after Havok and his riders forgetting about the Sorceress.
The Sorceress turned in her flight and flew after the dragon and her companions. The men would need her help in defeating this beast and one good turn did deserve another. The Sorceress had gone from being pursued to the one in pursuit. It was a much better position to be in.
"Well done, my brother!", Kester complimented with a hearty slap. "You've distracted the beast from the fair maiden! Unfortunately, there is one minor flaw to your plan."
"What's that?"
"The dragon is now chasing us."
"Its always something," Muskateer quipped as he urged Havok to fly faster. "Punch it, Havok!"
Havok had easily caught up with the dragon while it chased the Sorceress. Its current state of undeadness must have dulled its senses, Kester suggested. Otherwise, they should have never gotten this close undetected. Unsheathing his magical blade, Muskateer slashed through the dragon's underbelly, further splitting already torn flesh and rending bone in the process. That got the dragon's attention, perhaps a bit too well.
The griffon surged across the sky, flying as fast as he could. But when it came to the speeds that a dragon could reach, Havok was outclassed. The undead dragon bore down on the winged mount and its riders.
"Any useful suggestions would be appreciated," Muskateer called out. A battle such as this was beyond his experience. What he wouldn't give to face any of those dumb muscle-bound criminals that he had battled before. Where was Ogre when you needed him?
"Dragons are powerful and fearless foes, at least those aligned with the dark forces of the world. No doubt the vile Nysa animated this particular specimen as part of her necromantic undertakings. It is a formidable guardian for Tabia's Fortress."
"You call that useful?"
"A battle with a dragon is typically to the death. If you plan to defeat this monstrosity, then you must kill it."
"How about telling me something I don't know?", Muskateer said in annoyance. So far all he was getting from Kester was double talk! What Muskateer needed was hard tactical data not gibberish!
"I believe the beast is going to breathe."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Muskateer thought about that for a few seconds and then added, "You mean these things really breathe fire too?"
"What else would a dragon breathe?", Kester innocently countered. "Ale?"
"Sorry, I asked," Muskateer grumbled as he looked back. Sure enough, the dragon was inhaling deeply, taking in extra air. Already he could see flames forming at the back of its cave-like maw. "Aw, crud!"
The Sorceress continued in her pursuit. Tanya had to use some of her own magic to boost the speed of her cloak, allowing her to overtake the dragon and the griffon. Even now she was coming up from behind on the dragon, much like Muskateer must have done earlier. Tanya's long and lustrous red hair billowed out wildly behind her.
Having caught up with the dragon, the Sorceress flew over the top of the beast. She had never seen any living creature of this mass before! It was positively monstrous in size. Even worse, Tanya could see that the creature was no longer alive. Its skeleton could be seen though numerous tears and slices in its silvery hide. The dragon must have been magnificent when it was alive, but now it was simply yet another animated corpse seeking to slay the living.
The dragon was inhaling deeply, filling its cavernous lungs with air. Tanya wasn't exactly sure what the dragon was going to do next, but had something of an idea. Those dragons from myth back on Earth had the ability to breathe fire from their mouths. Perhaps this dragon intended to blast his prey out of the sky.
The Sorceress began to cast a spell to protect her companions. It was difficult to articulate the necessary gestures and command words at this fast rate of speed, but the Sorceress had been trained to cast spells under such difficult conditions. In this particular instance, the training she had undergone at the hands of the Master paid off. Upon the completion of the Sorceress' spell, a transparent green colored magical globe of protection formed around Havok and his riders.
A beat later, the dragon breathed, spewing a giant stream of flame across the sky. The discharge completely enveloped the griffon and the men, causing them to vanish under a raging torrent of fire.
"Brace yourself, my brother," Kester cried out in alarm. "Your armor will protect you from some of the dragon's flames, but I fear not even Tabia's enchantment will save you now."
"Never underestimate me, Kester," Muskateer countered. "Many a foe has made that mistake."
The next thing Muskateer knew a globe of greenish energy surrounded him and Havok. It was the signature color of the Sorceress! "All right! Tanya comes through in the clutch! I'm going to owe her big time by the time this is all over with!"
A moment after that, the world outside the magical globe erupted into flame. The dragon breathed and his fiery discharge completely surrounded the small globe. The trio could feel the heat from the flames, but remained unscathed from the blazing assault. Long seconds passed before the flames receded and clear sky could be seen once more. The green globe faded away and the dragon continued to pursue them.
"You've chosen your companion wisely, my brother. Truly, she is a most worthy sorceress. A rare lady of talent and beauty."
"That she is," Muskateer agreed. "But she's not my Gwennie."
"Nor my beloved Idelia," Kester added wistfully. "But she is a most worthy and charming lady."
"All right, let's get this nonsense over with." At Muskateer's command, Havok banked once more and turned in a tight circle. "I've got better things to do than play aerial dogfight with a dead overgrown flying lizard!"
"What is it you plan on doing?"
"I'm just going to follow my instincts and slay me a dragon."
Havok came out of his circular turn and was now pursuing the dragon once more. The griffon had swung around so quickly that the dragon had yet to alter course. Of course, the dragon could have been expecting his prey to be charred beyond recognition at this point as well. Regardless, Havok's maneuver had gone unnoticed.
At Muskateer's direction, Havok flew over the top of the dragon and matched velocity. There was only about ten feet separating the two at this point. The Sorceress flew close by, unsure what Muskateer was attempting to do.
"Here, take these." Muskateer reached back behind him and offered Kester Havok's reigns. "I'll be right back."
Before Kester could respond, Muskateer handed him the reigns. A beat later, he slipped off of Havok's saddle and fell the short distance to the dragon's back. Muskateer landed on his feet and immediately stooped down to protect himself from the wind. With one hand he grabbed a hold of the dragon's back, while he drew the magical blade with his other hand.
At this point, the dragon had become aware that he had an unwanted passenger. The beast twisted and went into a power dive, leaving Havok and the Sorceress far behind. Muskateer stumbled and fell as the world started to spin around him. He held on for dear life while his cape fluttered in the wind behind him. His plumed hat slipped off and blew away into the sky.
"Follow my instincts, he tells me," Muskateer grumbled to himself. "This is the last time I listen to his advice!"
Muskateer raised his magical blade up into the air and slammed it down hard into the dragon's back. The beast bellowed in pain and spurts of fire flew out of its mouth. The blade cut deep into the dragon and gave Muskateer another handhold.
The dragon had fallen several hundred feet through the sky by now and the face of the mountains was growing closer and closer. Individual trees could now be made out in what had been a vast sea of green. Muskateer had a sneaking suspicion what the dragon was up to. All he had to do was beat the giant lizard to the punch.
By this point, the dragon had ceased in his gyrations and was flying level once more. Muskateer withdrew his blade and rose to his feet once more, crouching close to the dragon. The dragon twisted and turned, but was unable to shake Muskateer off as the Avenger climbed closer and closer to the dragon's head. By drawing on his enhanced senses, the Avenger was able to sense what action the dragon was going to take to shake him off and counter it.
Upon reaching the dragon's head, Muskateer sat down on the dragon's neck. Taking the magical sword in both hands, Muskateer drove the blade deep into the dragon's brain! After a few moments, the dragon's wings began to slow in their beating. Finally they stopped all together. The Dragon then began to plummet from the sky.
"It's about time!", Muskateer said to himself in relief. That relief was short-lived as he realized he was facing a new deadly problem. "The dragon may be dead, but now I think I have a new problem!"
The ground was coming up far too rapidly now. The dragon just cleared a mountain peak, knocking off several stones and boulders in the process. The now dead beast glided into a small valley. Its velocity continued to increase and a violent impact with the ground was mere moments away.
Muskateer glanced about, trying to figure a way out of this mess. Looking back, he spotted the Sorceress closing in fast. She waved to him and a moment later greenish energy surrounded the Avenger. "I have you, Steven!"
Muskateer felt himself being lifted up into the air and moved away from the dragon. He waved back towards Tanya. "Thanks for the assist."
"My pleasure," the Sorceress said with a smile. "That was a very brave thing you did."
Turning back, Muskateer watched as the dragon slammed into the ground at full velocity. Numerous trees were thrown up along with rocks and earth. A tremendous boom filled the air that could be heard for many miles away. A cloud of dust filled the small valley, obscuring the sunlight.
The Sorceress landed a safe distance away from the crash sight and released Muskateer from her spell. Muskateer continued to look at the remains of the dragon. The beast had come in-between him and his quest to rescue his beloved and paid the price. It was just another obstacle that he had to overcome.
Muskateer sheathed his magical sword once more. True to Kester's explanation, it was a powerful weapon that caused great damage to his enemies, be they living or undead.
Havok landed a dozen feet away, Kester upon his back. "Well done, my brother! A most interesting solution to the problem of slaying a dragon."
"You told me to follow my instincts, and that's what I did."
"Indeed. The beast has been slain and will terrorize the living no more. But our quest still remains. Our sisters need to be freed from their magical bonds."
"I know, I know," Muskateer grumbled as he approached Havok once more. Havok lowered himself, allowing Muskateer to mount him again. "As I was saying, we've got ourselves a fortress to liberate!"
Havok sprung into the air and took flight, the Sorceress following behind them. The quest to find the Enchantress had been momentarily diverted once more, but was back on track yet again. The next step was to liberate Tabia's Fortress and free the spirits. Through the spirits, Muskateer would be able to find the Enchantress once more. Once he did find his beloved he would find the vile woman who had taken her. Then Muskateer would have his vengeance.
