THREE
Trgeuard was speaking to Merlin when Lord Fear intervened.
"It's you, again is it?" hissed Treguard at the sight of Fear.
"I only wish to dispense some useful advise, and you're starting to become more hostile than I am!" replied Fear. "But this time time, I'll let it pass. Now, I have sent Lissard to find any Opposition characters that may be still be remaining after 10 years, I suggest you do likewise with the Powers That Be. I'll be you ready for you though, you and the old codger beside you!" he chuckled.
"I'll make you pay for that, Lord Fear!" cried Merlin.
"Looking forward to it." smirked Fear. "You and Traguard, the dynamic duo - pah! Closing down communications...." And the screen immediately dispersed.
"He still has all that cunning and eveil wit from 10 years ago." said Treguard to Merlin, as they started to set about finding any remaining Poers That Be characters.
A few days later, and misery for Lord Fear. Sylvester Hands was the only Opposition character remaining after all this time but Fear was still inclined to use him, despite his grubby appearance.
However, it was better news for Treguard. Hordriss, his daughter Sidriss and Motley the jester were still around after a decade. The three were introduced to Merlin, Kully, Frego and Jeremy Gaylord. Hordriss however, was rather perplexed when he found out about Jeremy.
"One is rather concerned about the presence of one that has come from modern-day Earth." he deliberated to Treguard and Merlin.
"You are absolutely right, Hordriss!" replied Merlin. "He possesses too much of a risk. Sorry to have to do this, Jeremy old chap!" Before Jeremy Gaylord could even speak, Merlin had turned him into a rabbit.
"That's taken care of him." said Treguard. "Now Merlin, put him somewhere safe, but ideally, somewhere where he can't attempt to breed with other male rabbits."
"Of course" nodded Merlin assuringly.
"Well," said Treguard, gathering his allies round in the antechamber, "it is time for us to join together and lay down the challenge to Lord Fear. Attempting communications...."
The screen in Marb;ehead fizzled into life. Lord Fear, Lissard, Lord Wraith, Morgaine of Evil and Sylvester Hands all turned round to face it. Treguard's face then appeared on the screen.
"Greetings, Lord Fear!" directed the dungeon master. "The Powers That Be are ready to issue you with a challenge and take on all by your side."
"So be it!" replied Fear." We have conjured up an army of slaves that have begun to reconstruct the entire dungeon. Our own Opposition force is still growing, and there'll be more to come."
"Let us duel with each other again soon." said Treguard.
"Yes." grinned Fear. " The Opposition are coming up with ideas no dungeoneer or Powers That Be could overcome. This time the ball's in our court, and we will gain control of yourself and the entire dungeon...."