After running unchecked, overpowering all in his path, the Great Red Wyrm Qevarris was finally destroyed through the cunning and persistence of two brave knights. Sir Gwaine, and the page Vander tracked down the purest of roses, a bane to the evil beast. The page Vander then courageously attacked the fell beast knowing full well he would die in the effort. However, as he hoped, Qevarris upon slaying him greedily devoured the corpse containing the rose. Death was slow and painful, his last mad thrashings shaking the foundations of the Vale he called home. For his brave efforts, Nadrik himself bestowed upon Vander his personal blessing.

Darius did his best, the weight ever bearing upon him like a boulder falling on a house. His tragic childhood where his father was slain by a Dragon was just the beginning for him. Today, he finally snapped.

"Dragons" he muttered. "There are none good. All are here to plague and pillage. All should be SENT BACK TO THEIR MAKERS!"

Some gypsies pleaded with him. Many others supported his views. Today ends the Gypsy and starts the Dragon Slayers.

"None shall live." Darius declared. "With my dying breath, I will stop them and their destruction. Trust NO dragon. They will be the downfall of all races and everyone's way of life. Join me and save our world. The Dragons have come to reclaim it from us."

The Althainian force made their formations as commanders rode their mounts back and forth checking equipment and answering the newer troops last minute questions.

The signal was given and a line of archers raised their bows and prepared to begin the assault on Dolund'ir. A catapult was loaded and brought to the front.

Above the walls on Dolund'ir crossbow men stood prepared to respond.

Kalaman raised his mace and then sharply brought it downward. Along with the war cries of hundreds of Althainian soldiers a flock of arrows flew through the sky landing over the walls. The catapult was unleashed as a huge boulder crashed into the Dolund'ir wall, cracking it. Kalaman gave the signal again and again the arrows flew and the boulder hit the wall again, inches from where it hit last time. That was the opening Althainia had needed. Crossbowmen and Archers alike lined up towards the wall and begin to take a closer position.

A goblin stood tall and fired his crossbow at an approaching archer, missing widely.

Asuraka released his arrow from his bow. It flew straight into the crossbowmen's neck and his limp body fell from the wall.

A siege tower was placed before the opening of the wall. Shadrael began to cast his protective spells upon several units of infantry and mace men as they began to assault the city itself. A battering was brought forth to the gate and the soldiers prepared for close battle.

Tarion gave the signal and the goblins opened the gates and poured out by the hundreds. Swords and maces collided with swords and cheap hand made weapons from the large militia force gathered by the Goblin leader. Goblin crossbowmen fired their weapons at close range as goblin pikemen defended the gap in the cities walls from climbing Althainia mace men. Blood poured as many of the goblin militia could hear goblin bones break from the maces as they bashed into their bones. Several hundred militias turned around to flee. Only Kahn Tarion's presence kept 70% of the militia from turning and running. The battle ensued with Cetjem and his men defending the wall well as Brudon's unit of infantry fell victim to Kheldan's unit of macemen. Just when all seemed lost, a large Dragon swooped down from the sky. A bolt of lighting left his mouth and struck Shadrael, dropping him to the ground unconscious.

Jormungander grinned and flew by for another swoop. On his next pass he breathed a bolt of lightning from over 200 feet away. It struck Armathor along with 6 other macemen dressed in chain mail. All dropped the ground, Armathor barely breathing and crawling to safety. The dragon landed and swung his massive claws at a group of nearby pikemen, instantly killing most of them.

Xiervence motioned his knights to ride toward the dragon with lances forward. Only a moment before impaling the dragon, several goblin infantry slashed at the knights' horses, giving Jormungander enough notice to turn and leap into flight. An arrow pierced Jormungander's wing which only seemed to enrage the enormous Dragon. A quick swoop produced the dragon's lunch as the archer Asuraka was bitten and dragged into the air and swallowed almost whole by Jormungander. Several archers stood in fright, unable to move. Althainian macemen and infantry continued to push forward as a several militia dropped to their might.

The fight had lasted until nightfall, where both forces seemed content to await daylight before the next battle begins. The goblins fell behind a closed city wall as the Althainian's camped close to the city. The Great Blue dragon sought solace elsewhere, to digest his meal.

Formations were made and just as light came about the goblins stormed out of their gates. The battle continued just as it ended the night before. Furious war cries deafened many as blades, maces, and polearms swung into their enemies.

Above all of the noise was a *crack* of thunder as a lightning bolt slammed into an unsuspecting Althainian maceman, burning his face to a crisp.

A couple of hundred of Althainia militia who had volunteered to travel along days before to help bring their nation a victory against these goblins stood in fear. "We didn't sign up to die, we signed up to win!" shouted one man. The Althainian militia began their retreat towards their home.

The mage Kentanin sent a massive fireball into the air slamming into Jormungander's body. The enormous Blue Dragon came smoking down into the ground crushing a unit of Althainia Macemen. Immediately, Xiervence led his knights on the charge against the stunned Dragon. A unit of Goblin Pikemen quickly surrounded the Dragon and brought down 3 of the 6 knights from their mounts. Others were caught by goblin crossbowmen and knocked clean from their horses.

Xiervence gasped one of his last breaths. He stood, dizzy and his vision blurry. He felt his body get yanked into the air and all went black. "The dragon has me" he thought to himself.

Meanwhile the unit of goblin crossbowmen began an attack on their Althainian rivals. Arball ordered that the crossbowmen stand their ground and exchange fire. Yawg seeing this, ordered his unit of crossbowmen to flank the goblin unit. It took only 11 minutes to rid this battle of goblin crossbow attacks.

Xiervence awoke. He immediately felt his chest and legs surprised to not have dragon teeth marks in him. Florellia, the cleric smiled at him. Xiervence immediately asked what happened, he was sure the dragon had him. Florellia responded "Rowen made a dashing run leaning off his horse and pulling you on to his. You should thank him, his mount caught a pointed arrow immediately afterwards and his leg when the horse fell. But he brought you to me, broken leg and all."

Jormungander rose and blindly swung his claws in anger and pain. His strike took out a group of Goblin militia and a group of Althainian Pikemen before he could see clearly. A sharp painful cut tore into his neck as Armathor slashed his sword at the Great Beast. Blood trickled from Jormunganders neck as he leapt into the air in attempt to escape. He only got 40 feet into the air before he fell back down to earth. The Althainians charged at the Dragon and had him cornered. Looking around Jormungander saw a vast cave and quickly made his escape into it.

Hours upon hours of battle had occurred and many soldiers fought until they dropped from weariness. The Althainians had managed to slay most of the Goblin Infantry and a good portion of the Goblin Militia. Upon darkness, the goblins retreated back within their walls and the Althainians took some much needed rest. Only the catapult remained active this night as Althainia lunged boulders over the walls into the city and the cleric Florellia healed many wounds allowing soldiers some much deserved rest. Soldiers had surrounded the entrance of the cave to prevent an escape from the Dragon, if it still lived.

Kahn Tarion knew his numbers were slimming and pondered his next move. He strolled through the streets of Dolund'ir when he was approached by a green goblin covered in dark cloth. Tarion took an interest since this goblins color seemed different. In one fluent movement the goblin pulled a dagger and lunged for Tarion's throat, nicking him slightly. Tarion removed his sword and beheaded the off balance assassin. Someone wanted him dead but whom?

Midnight came with no events. This battle looked as if it may be decided by one more day.

Blood trickled from the Great Wyrm's neck. Jormungander snarled heavily but soon realized his mistake. With every sound he made a flock of crossbowmen's arrows followed by a fireball entered the dark cave. Jormungander's anger flared but he remained still, pondering his next move.

Dawn appeared and the Althainians prepared for what they hoped would be a final assault. Cormion, a wizard from Althainia had arrived this morning through a magical gate. Kentanin, the other wizard was stationed outside of the cave where the blue dragon had hidden through the night. Crutos, a Knight of Althainia who was second in command of the only remaining macemen division asked calmly "Are the goblins still asleep?" Kalaman shrugged and shouted, "Lets wake them up!" With that command a well aimed boulder was launched into the Dolund'ir wall, rocking its foundation. Kalaman and Crutos both chuckled. The light hearted humor was interrupted by the Shadows of Dragons approaching. "What now??" shouted Kalaman. Tannker ran up to Kalaman's post shouting and waving his arms. "It's a Brass Dragon, sir! It's come to help!"

Paziameira landed and nudged them gently with her snout. She looked around and clicked her teeth in annoyance. "Where is it"? The large Brass Dragon asked.

Kalaman knew who the "it" the large female dragon was referring to. "He has holed himself up in a cave all night. We have it injured." Paziameira made no response and walked over the cave.

(((BAAAM))) A wall of the Dolund'ir city shook with a force so powerful, it knocked Sheng who was leaning on it completely to the ground. Sheng stood up quickly, his head ringing. Jerluk laughed and then spoke without emotion. "Bad place to rest, no?" Sheng muttered and drew his sword. Tarion shouted down the ranks, "Let us go! Remember, we win or we die!"

Cormion approached Kalaman. "Another Dragon approaches, and its that of a green one. Shall I cast a fireball at it?" Kalaman did not pause before he answered. "NO! No one harm the green beast. I have word from the King that this beast came here to slay the Blue, some sort of Chromatic rivalry. Do not harm it!" Crutos smirked and stated quietly "I wonder what the Brass will think about the Green's help."

The gates flung open and the army of Dolund'ir ran towards the Althainians. Battle cries flared and the battle begun. Mostly unnoticed, a goblin Shaman by the name of Chanker turned himself into a coyote and quietly made his way towards the cave. As he approached the cave the coyote changed shape into a small, baby bear. The Althainians watched as the small cub wandere towards the cave.

Yawg, a ranger and leader of the crossbowmen saw the cub approach. "Let it be. The cub probably lives in the cave. I do not know if it has family left there, but we should not interfere with nature". Those under his command knew he meant what he said when it comes to protecting natures beasts. Those without blue scales and 50 foot tails that is.

Once safe inside the cave, Chanker unshifted into his Goblin form. "No be afraid blue one, I come here to heal your wounds."

The brass dragon approached the cave.

(continued in part 2)

Paziameira sniffed the air from within the caves vast opening. The sniff echoed loudly.

"A Metallic! I will not die lying down!" Jormungander stood tall and inhaled a deep breath taking almost a minute to gather as much air as he could. "NO! , DO NOT!" Yell Chanker but his please were too late. A VERY loud thundering sound CRACKED through the cave sending an enormous bolt through the cave to the opening. The Althainian crossbow unit and the wizard both caught the force of this massive bolt sending them to ground.

Kentanin skins flared on fire with only his magic saving him from death. Rowen was not so lucky, all that stood in his place were his boots. Yawg was knocked several feet away and burned severely, but for the moment he was breathing.

Paziameira evaded the blast, using the reflexes her birthright had given her. However, the flash had completely blinded her. The echo from the lighting blast shook the cave and quickly, the cave began to come down.

Chanker screamed "Now you see what you done! Now we both is tr..." A large boulder from the cave crashed down on top of Chanker, completely crushing him. Jormungander tried to make his way towards the entrance but was smashed with one large boulder and then another. Within seconds, he was completely buried under tons of solid rock.

Paziameira turned to exit the cave, but could only rely on her sense of smell. Her too, within seconds, was buried under this massive cave which had suddenly become a mountain.

Kentanin gasped in pain and disbelief. Why had he been the only one to survive? What had the gods had in store for him? A large silver figure stood over him now. "Maybe I am dead."

Xiervanthian stood above him and then he glanced at the cave. Before him were two dying mortals, Kentanin and Yawg. But he knew Paziameira went into that cave. He spotted a cleric earlier at the Althainia camp and he could save these men, but what of Paziameira? This choice was not easy. Xiervanthian moaned in a tone that only a dragon could as he picked up Kentanin and Yawg's near lifeless bodies and carried them back to the Althainian healer.

At the battle field the goblin and Althainian armies clashed. Vejita slashes one goblin infantrymen and then another before being brought down by a hoard of goblin militia.

Tarion brought down his sword into Vejita's chest followed by a strong pike slash from Cetjem, removing Vejita's head.

On the other side of the battlefield, an arrow from Arball found its way into Sheng's neck. Sheng slumped down onto his knees, and then fell over dead.

Smaragdinus enjoyed watching the carnage around him. He turned around and saw another Althainian infantry unit reinforcing the other. Smaragdinus grinned evilly and took in an enormous breath. A cloud of chlorine gas spread amongst the Althainian army may of them gasping for air and dying moments after contact. Smaragdinus leapt into his green cloud of gas and began to claw and bite the Althainian army he had betrayed to death.

Tarion slashed an Althainian infantryman and then shouted some more orders. From behind him came a smashing blow to the back of Tarion's head. Kalaman has gotten a clean hit with his mace to Tarions skull and Tarion lay in a bloodied heap. The goblin army stood in terror as their leader went down. Kalaman immediately turned to face the dragon that was tearing apart his army bit by bit.

Smaragdinus ripped the limbs off an Althainian crossbowman and then slashed his tail across a row of infantrymen sending them to the ground. Kalaman swung his bloody mace into Smaragdinus's side. Smaragdinus grinned at Kalaman and brought the force of his claws down at him. Before contact was made Smaragdinus was swatted by a great silver tail which sent it flying back into some trees.

Xiervanthian pounced on Smaragdinus clawing and biting into the Green Dragons hide. Smaragdinus responded with a cloud of gas all over Xiervanthian, choking the great silver dragon. The silver rose into the air above the poisonous gas and breathed a gas of his own, a cloud of paralyzing gas. Smaragdinus slowly fell, losing control of his muscles. Xiervanthian followed that breath by a cone of cold air making Smaragdinus's muscles go completely numb and the Large Wyrm fell to the ground, completely vulnerable. An Althainian crossbowman and former Slayer stood above the now harmless dragon. Kheldan placed his foot upon the dragons head and shot a lethal arrow right into both of Smaragdinus's eyes, ending this beast's life.

Nightfall had completely taken over and the goblin militia had dragged Tarion's breathing, but motionless body back within the city walls. The goblins retreated and closed themselves in the city as every wondered what the next dawn would bring.

Hours later, a filthy brass hand was found. "She's nute breathen." Bilbanus stated. The Dwarven team unburied the lifeless dragon and through much training in leverage tied and pulled the Great Wyrm's corpse from the cave. Paziameira's lifeless form laid on her stomached, looking as majestic as when she were alive. Gehran gave his orders "Let's fetch the cleric and see whute she cune do." Bilbanus interrupted, "Gehran, she bae dead." With but one glance Bilbanus knew it didn't matter to Gehran.

Florellia approached the Great Wyrms corpse and placed her hands upon the Dragons chest where the heart lied beneath. She prayed for 2 hours straight without any results. An already exhausted Florellia fell asleep with all hope lost.

The dwarves held their head in silence. No one noticed the group of Earth Elementals that entered the cave.

The sun peaked up over the trees and hills waking the army of Althainia. A battalion of Calvary and a handful of knights had arrived this morning and were discussing their orders with Kalaman. The smell of a freshly killed cow took over even the awful stench of Dolund'ir as many men enjoyed what could very well be their last meal. Kalaman thought to himself," If this is our last meal, at least it will be one of fresh meat and not anything dried. That food is for Rangers."

The smell of freshly grilled steak carried over to Florellia, which awoke her. She stood, still very exhausted and tried to open her eyes. She stood in complete shock. "The dragon, its gone!" And then it hit her. Florellia ran towards Kalaman screaming and throwing her hands and cursing. "You animals! You ate the Dragon" Many soldiers' faces turned sour as the spit out the chewed up meat in their mouths. A couple of Dwarven soldiers shook their heads, a few muttering that Dragon meat was not half bad. Kalaman laughed heartedly. "This is cow!" He blared trying to talk in mud laugh. Suddenly, a great gust of wind blew Florellia's hair back and the Brass Dragon landed before her. "Where is it? " asked Paziameira, blinking innocently. Florellia blushed a deep red and muttered something about a long night.

The Althainian force had armored up and prepared for another long day of battle. As it had the days before, the catapult began launching boulders (some supplied by Jormunganders lightning blast) at the Goblin city.

Jerluk readied his troops. The goblins numbers had dwindled, but 2 units of infantry had been gathered from their reserves and a handful of knights had formed. Grozz and Brudon received their orders and left to their units. Gaira eyed the Calvary outside the city and gathered his pikemen, ready to take out the riders. He grinned as he thought to himself what a hero in also killing the horses would make him. The meat would be well met. Cetjem rounded his knights and prepared for battle.

Back in his throne room, Tarion could do nothing but ache. Every breath he took and every word he muttered lit the back of his head on fire he thought. He was comforted by his blurred vision since most units now seemed twice as big.

(Continued in part 2)

Xiervanthian landed and struck a blow at a few infantrymen, killing them instantly. Cetjam and his knights rode full speed with lances lowered and delivered a frightful blow to Xiervanthian's stomached and chest. The great silver dragon roared in pain taking a rider to his death with a quick tail smash that crushed the rider's spine.

Wiervian slashed his sword into a goblin gut, the stench bringing tears to Wiervian's eyes as it had the days before. He slashed another goblin twirling around and catching a passing Goblin knight off guard removing its hand from its arm. Wiervian thought to himself "Shall I live, I will bury this stinking sword 200 feet under the earth." Armathor caught a blade to his right shoulder, blood spilling over his armor. The blade stuck, backing him into a tree. Having no other choice but to bear the pain and strike back, Armathor lunged at the attacking goblin impaling his sword into its neck. The lunge had caused the sword to drive into his shoulder deeper. Armathor knew he was done, and he laid still and watched the rest of the battle, hoping he would live to see the end. The mage Cormion unleashed a lightning bolt into a group of militia, who quickly fled this battle. Tawni led his Althianian Knights into the group of Dolund'ir pikemen, and a vicious battle ensued which was quickly interrupted by a now involved Brass Dragon flying above. Paziameira unleashed a dreadful wave of heat into the rear of the pikemen formation, melting much of their armor to their skin.

An injured blue dragon removed himself from the cave that had entrapped him for more than day. His leg was visible broken, and his scaled were mauled and torn. Every breath Jormungander took sounded like a light shrill. He knew already that at least one lung was punctured. His leathery wings were intact, although a bit charred. Jormungander weakly looked toward the battle. This was not going well but he knew there was little he could do. With a weak and painful leap into the air, Jormungander leaped into the air and flew into the horizon.

The remainder of the battle turned one sided. The pair of Great Wyrms and the Althainian army had defeated the force of Dolund'ir and had marched directly into the home city of the goblins. For this race to survive, a treaty must be formed. Tarion would have one last difficult choice to make.

The army was large, and considering that it was composed of 4 kingdoms only made it more impressive that they moved quickly, orderly, and without hesitations.

"All units halt and prepare for battle!" Vangar shouted. As commander and future potential King of Arkane, Vangar had the burden of stress and responsibility. Regardless, his face showed no worry, only strength.

The armies all re-equipped themselves, the only delay being a few units looking for items the Balifore Archers found interest in.

On command they marched in formation towards the Arkanian Southern gate. The Marauders guards sealed the gate and rang the alarm. From a distance, the Coalition units could see the Marauder troops atop the Southern walls of Arkane. All standing still, all waiting for their arrival.

The battle began with the coalition forces attempting to set up a Catapult only to picked off by marauder sharpshooters. To counter this tactic, the Arkanian and Baliforian archers fired back only with less accuracy. Eventually they were set up and began assaulting the gate with Boulders, launching one in every 3 at surrounding wall to weaken the wall as well. Walls made of lumbered trees were placed as a shield for the catapult team providing them good protection.

Many hours later following a direct hit on the gates edge, part of it fell.

"Battering Ram Team, form up!" Vangar yelled. An Arkanian unit of infantry grabbed the battering ram with one arm while holding a shield with the other. A massive Minotaur who led this unit seemed only mildly annoyed when a Marauder arrow caught his arm. Under a barrage of arrow fire, the ram pounded on the damage gate.

Faelson, a half elven officer, leader of the New Thalos Knights looked into the sky with sudden interest. "By the Gods.... Look at the clouds!" The sky had suddenly turned dark and clouds of black rolled over the city. Lightning shot through the sky at an amazing pace. The wind blew over the Coalitions wood shields that protected the catapults. To make things even worse, Dragon fear overtook the coalition troops and two Great Wyrm Reds circled Arkane.

Getting over the initial fear of the dragons, the coalition forces went into a defensive formation. The battering ram crew went back to work on the gate eventually removing it from its place.

"Hahahaha! We have the gate removed!!!" Fraga shouted back to Vangar.

Just as he finished, a large fireball from above consumed Fraga and most of this unit. Constance stood from behind the gate with a wicked smile, obviously very proud of her fireballs damage.

The mages victory was short lived. One of the Reds swooped down into the gate.

(((CRASH))) Pyros' sides removed several feet of stone surrounding the gate as he flew down hard into Constance. Constance was knocked back unconscious. Pyros watched as the Marauder troops behind her stood in both fear and confusion. A smile crossed the Great Wyrm's face as he violently thrust his great jaws down upon the motionless Constance snapping her body in two pieces. Pyros quickly feasted and then jumped back into the air and resumed flight among the other Great Wyrm Red.

The coalition troops wasted no time charging the gates wide opening. The battle had started with all units engaging from the outside the South gate into well within the city. The surge on the Marauders was working well. The coalition had a red dragon to thank for that oddly enough.

(continued in next history note)

Admiral Douji had volunteered to lead a macemen unit for the Marauders. Feeling embarrassed, he sought to reclaim his honor by fighting viciously in battle. He certainly earned the respect of the men under him. Who knew a sailor could fight on land with such skill and aggressiveness. Douji never seemed to tire.

Wiervian with lance down yelled a battle cry for the Coalition and charged at Douji. Douji stood calmly waiting for the mounted leader of cavalry to approach and with one swift move he ducked and rolled aside forcing Wiervian to miss his charge. Wiervian turned his horse to charge once more on a new target but he received a surprise as his mount turned. Douji had ran to the mount and crushed the side of its head with a swift and powerful mace blow to the side of its neck. The horse fell and Wiervian's leg was stuck under it. Douji grinned and raised his mace high above head preparing to crush Wiervian's skull. From nowhere the co-leader of this Althainian cavalry unit charged Douji. Denis made perfect contact to Douji's chest with his lance knocking him several feet back. Douji had lost his mace in the blow and had received a huge dent to his chest plate armor. The breath had been removed from him and all things blurred in and out. Denis unsheathed his sword and leapt off his mount to strike Douji with a final deathblow. Denis sword came straight down at Douji's heart but missed due to an instinctive reaction by Douji. The blade pierced Douji's left shoulder. Denis violently pulled the blade out and prepared for another strike. Another miss of the heart but again the blade pierced Douji's right shoulder. Denis changed position and swung his blade down in a chopping motion as to remove Douji of his head. His chop was cut short by a flying tackle by Klintauk. The force of this blow made both men drop their weapons.

This hand to hand combat was no contest. Klintauk being a Minotaur had a clear advantage over Denis the human. Within minutes, Klintauk had left Denis bruised, beaten, and unconscious while he went back for his weapon so that he could continue fighting.

The coalitions forced gained the upper hand after a half hour of continuous battle. Almost all of their forces had moved within the city. The dark clouds above moved with an uncanny fury. Something supernatural was above and it seemed only the two great wyrm reds knew exactly what. Gliding in circles the two reds sneered at each other, both wanting to outdo the other but neither came down. It seemed as if they were waiting for a command. Lighting struck in a violent ancient pattern and Sear swooped down. He inhaled a great breath and shot fire from his mouth and nostrils. On the ground a unit of Baliforian archers burned alive. Sear swooped low enough to take 2 Kender up into the air as if to show Pyros his prize. Upon reaching a high enough altitude, Sear bit the heads off both Kenders and shot them then down to the ground ablaze with his fire. Two streaking fiery heads collided with Vangars mounts knocking the Arkanian commander from his mount. Sear roared in delight as Pyros sneered. Swooping down low, Pyros place a single finger over one nostril and blew a stream of fire out the other. He had cut the last few Coalition forces out of Arkane. The Dragons roared in delight.

The black clouds dispersed with a sudden and magical effect and the two dragons flew west towards the ocean and out of the battle.

(part 3 continued in next history)

The cut off units had little time to complain. From the southern forest ran in 2 units of Marauder axe wielders. They wasted no time in slicing through the archers. Pyxen, as all Kender, felt no fear and he approached Cromlek. Pyxen aimed his crossbow at Cromlek with perfect accuracy. With quick reflexes, Cromlek parried the arrow with his great axe. He followed the parry by raising the axe behind his head and lunging it into the skull of Pyxen. This Kender was sent on his final adventure.

The axe wielders defeated the archers and crossbowmen with little resistance. The two units then ganged on the sole Coalition unit remaining outside the city gates, an Arkanian infantry unit led by the Kender Pepe.

Unusual for a Kender, Pepe was skilled with the sword. Many times he narrowly avoided the swipes of axes and countered with skilled thrusts of his blade into the sides of Marauder men. One by one Pepe's unit was falling. Pyros's flame had burned down quite a bit and the battle outside the city walls was visible to the fighting armies inside. Cerias, a marauder axe wielder cornered Pepe with a combination attack of two small axes. Pepe's blade parried the strongest swipe, but his blade shattered into peices. Pepe knew it was his time to die. Without fear he watched the axe of Cerias raise up above him.

The loud neigh of a mount hurdling the flames caught Cerias's attention. His reaction to this event was too late. The New Thalos Knight Faelson had leapt on his mount over the flames. With sword drawn to his side he slashed Cerias in the front middle of his throat. Cerias died choking on his own blood.

The axe wielders surrounded the Knight and Pepe. They could not defend against them all. Luckily for them, Althainian Calvary led by Epyon and Lenith came to the rescue. Aside from a few mounts with missing limps, the Calvary rode through the axe wielders ending their domination.

The forces rejoined the other inside the Arkanian south gate and full battle was restored for many more hours. It wasn't until an hour after nightfall that the Marauders forces were forces to retreat to the northern part of the city. The hurting Coalition did not pursue and both sides made camp well equipped with scouts and guards. For the remainder of the night, this city was to be divided.

Under the night sky, not a cloud was in sight, dark or white. The only thing to be seen was the bright light that seemed to grow brighter from the heavens each day, and a white and red moon.

(End of Day 5)

Many passengers attempted small talk with this tall and handsome young man, but Malachive said little and always ended up walking to a more remote part of the ship. Staring down into the ocean depths Malachive spotted something odd.

"A white Dragon is swimming underneath us. Should I....? No, it will make no commotion. Somehow I feel as if I am being escorted to this icy place."

"Sir? Would you like anything to drink? Perhaps some wine? "

A steward on the ship had found Malachive, but he still was not in the mood for company or pleasantries.

"No thank you!" replied Malachive.

"I understand, sir. Nice day isn't it? Nice and clear from out here from the sea. Sometimes, during the right time of day, the new light from the sky everyone is talking about makes marvelous design on the waters. Sir...?"

Without saying a word, Malachive walks away.

"He has a lot on his mind for such a young man. Must be from Arkane and is fleeing the bloodshed they had. "

The ship had docked on Icewall and just as Malachive's dream had told him to do, he spent 3 days finding the highest peak in Northern Nordmaar. The climb would have surely killed or injured normal men. But alas, he had made it.

"Now what?" Malachive asked out loud.

"I DID AS THE DREAM SAID! I AM HERE!! WHO ARE YOU AND WHAT DO YOU WANT WITH ME??"

Malachive looked around him. Nothing moved and all was quiet. All he could see was a dark ebony castle in the far distance that seemed to almost hide itself in the mountainous regions and the huge ball of light that had sparks everyone's interest since it mysteriously appeared in the sky months ago.

"Do not yell, my son. For I can always hear you," said a voice from behind him.

Malachive turned around and saw a man. This man had gotten to the top of the mountain with no noise and no footprints in the snow. He looked like an Ogre with the exception that this Ogre spoke without his mouth moving and unlike most ogres; he lacked the dull dim witted look. His arms and chest were very well-muscled and his hair was full and black. The Ogre looked noble. "Perhaps a king" Malachive thought to himself.

"Nay, not a King. A god, and your very father. Since you were placed upon this world you have always been blessed. Your mental and physical abilities have always been above anyone you've known. At times, you've made the objects of your imagination appear before you. You've noticed the demons and the dragons watching you with interest. You ARE the son of Necrucifer and you are here to rule this world. "

Again, the voice came with no movement from the Ogre's mouth. Malachive stood in bewilderment. Everything the ogre said was true but Malachive had always assumed he was perhaps a gifted mage, born with stronger abilities than most men.

The voice began again.

"It is time for you to realize your true power. You can change anything about yourself you wish. Your skills and spells will form as often as you wish them. You are a GOD, my son. But upon this world you are also mortal. If you die to the hands of a mortal you are dead for good. Be prepared. Danger will come at you from al directions, even from those you trust. Rule not with empathy or compassion but with MIGHT and WILL. Your time to rule begins today. You will know what to do, the barrier of your human mind will be lifted after today's events. Do well, my son. Everything in my power will be at your command less they wish my wrath upon them. "

The Ogre turns his head towards the great light in the sky and grinned. Malachive looked to the sky only to see the light grow brighter. He turned back to the Ogre only to find him gone, quietly and without any trace.

"This can't be!" Malachive said out loud.

A echoing BOOM from the heavens disturbed his train of thought as the great light erupted into the sky of Algoron. A huge ball of flame flew through the sky leaving dark smoke and particles of debris behind its path. The great meteor roared with a loudness that would drown out even the largest of dragons. As it passed over Malachive the light from its flame lit up the entire land around him.

"Dae'tok! It is heading for Dae'tok!" Malachive said with a self-surprising excitement.

The meteor hit the earth right in the general location of the Dae'tok kingdom. A great wave of light in all directions removed several mountain ranges and shook the earth. A huge mushroom cloud of devastation rose high into the sky.

Days passed but they seemed only like moments for Malachive. As Necrucifer told him, his mind was now free from the limitations of his human form. He understood much about the world and who he was and what was expected at him. The mysteries to the universe were no longer unknown to him. Today was the beginning of his new life and he knew what he must do.

Snarkerl raised his head from the ground and yawned. The Dragon's large pointy teeth were the same size as the Balanx who was trying to wake him.

"You've missed the entire war, or at least the first wave!" Austanis said. "I can't tell you what's to come, but I can tell you what you've missed if you like." He said without any emotion in your voice.

"So some mortals went to war and killed one another. What do I care?" The Green Dragon hissed.

"Not quite" Austanis said, "a bit more than that occurred."

The green dragon yawned. "Didn't you alter something historic by waking me up? Go away!"

Austanis "No, you'll be dead in an hour anyway."

Now the Balanx had the Green Dragon's attention.

Snarkerl changed his expression from careless and tired to serious. "Speak. Or you'll be joining me."

"One day, but not today, my green friend." Austanis replied. "The Gods have started a War with each other."

Snarkerl asked "A full war?"

Austanis nodded his head, "All out war. The Good Gods against the Evil with the Neutral Gods caught in between trying to find peace before the world is destroyed. Many in Algoron are dead, much is destroyed."

"How long did I sleep?" asked Snarkerl.

"Not long, especially for a Dragon. You slept about 3 days." Austanis replied. "But as you know, when the Gods choose the affect the world, it happens quickly. Many Dragons slept, as did many mortals. That was not by choice, but by the protection of some Gods."

"So I slept to be protected only to be killed in 1 hour?" The dragon snarled.

"Yes. Your protection has run out." Austanis said without emotion.

"Wonderful!!" The Dragon said sarcastically. "What else happened? Who's dead?"

"The Dragons who did not sleep launched a full assault on the Slayers keep. Much to the mortal's credit, they fended off the Dragon coalition. Their downfall occurred when a Blue Dragon landed awkwardly on top of the keep. It was crushed under the Great Wyrm's weight."

"The Slayers Doom was the result of a fat Blue Dragon landing on them?" The dragon laughed.

"I wouldn't call him fat, big boned for sure, but he was a Great Wyrm, just as you are. Anyway, other clans fell to the Gods themselves. Armada was destroyed by the Pirates. The Gypsies wagons were burned by the Kingdom of Verminasia as order by Malachive. Malachive, son of Necrucifer single handedly destroyed the Pirates killing many and reducing their hideout to rubble. Malice fell before Nadrik and his Knights while Valor was destroyed by Necrucifer and his knights. Eclipse was terminated from within by Renegade Yinn opposition."

"Knighthood and Shadow took out Malice and Valor?" the dragon asked. "And Malachive? I already refused to join him! I knew he'd destroy the world instead of conquering it!"

"Yes." The Balanx replied. "It seems the honorable factions had the discipline to accomplish their lord's goals quickly. There are a lot of survivors and it's my understanding that those left alive are seeking a place in the newer starting clans. The people are calling these new orders Bloodlust, Wrath of Justice and the Order of the Talon."

"Why are you telling me all of this?" The dragon asked.

"I am here to document your death. I am just passing the time with this story. It feels refreshing to share my knowledge, especially knowing you can do no harm with it."

"I suppose I should feel privileged. Continue." The Dragon said again sarcastically. "What of the rest of the World?"

"The Elves enclosed themselves in the forest avoiding the war, as did the Dwarves who shut the mountain's gates. Both thought it was the rest of the world's problems since they were not attacked. A natural reaction I suppose. The Conclave finally did the inevitable and merged the towers under one ruler. They are the same as they were, except unified as 1 conclave with the 3 factions. They are also building a non-warring faction to teach magic. Sebatis even moved the Red Robe tower out of the main focus of these battles, to Ice Wall.

"The Austinians were destroyed by Goblins who simply sought out loot in the time of turmoil. The survivors are now calling themselves the Gray Church and are opening their doors to anyone without constraints.

"A lot of artifacts and magical items were destroyed in the world. Mages seem to have an awful advantage, for now, as the fighting types tend to figure out how to counter that. They've already starting manufacturing better armor types. The Banks have crumbled as they were looted. Looters ran rampant on those kept sleeping as well. Hundreds have been executed for their part in that. Yes, it appears the first wave of this war is over and order is coming back - for now."

"And what of me? How am to die? And why?" The dragon asked nervously.

"You're going to die by Malachive's hand for not joining him." Austanis said.

"And where is he?" The dragon asked.

"You are speaking to him, idiot." Austanis said.

"What?" The dragon asked as he watched Austanis' form change to Malachive's.

"I hope you've enjoyed today's report. Enjoy yourself in Hell dragon." Malachive said with a smile.

Malachive struck his hand into the dragon's chest and pulled out its enormous still beating heart before the Dragon could react.

The dragon's mouth flew wide open as to yell in pain, but before it made a sound, Malachive threw the heart into the dragon's mouth, forcing it to swallow it whole.

Malachive grinned as he simply said "Heh"

The figure walked out on to balcony, wrapping his robe a little more closely about him, raising his gaze upwards towards the moons. It was near time. All these years.... All his work. A small creeping smile came across his features. Soon they would all see.

He took one last look towards the moons then quickly whirled around and made haste towards his laboratory. An underling ran across him in the hall and with a wave of his hand, quickly fell in to a deep sleep. None would know of this, not yet. Surely they would presume, and some would wish to stop him, but for now none would get in his way. With another wave of his hand the doors to his laboratory flew open and promptly shut behind him. He whirled around the room quickly, searching for the one key thing that he needed to bring all of his years of research and study to the final conclusion, and with a grin he quickly gathered the crystals he required and rushed his way back up to the top of the spire. Waiting patiently for just the right moment of alignment.

He placed the crystals where he needed, drawing an archaic symbol upon the stones around his feet. Now came the true moment that he had waited for. Uttering a few words, the wind swirled and the area before him began to warble. He spoke a few more words and a great flash of lightning struck the ground near to him, but he would not falter. A brilliant light flashed and he quickly guarded his eyes, and as he drew his hand from his face, before him was the portal that would bring him to where he needed to be. The future.

As he stepped in to portal, several strikes of lightning occurred within the near vicinity. Portals opening in random places within his time, drawing individuals through it before they could even react. He took care entering the portal, for the spire where he stood in the past did not exist in the present. He gazed around to see the outlay of the lands before him. Lightning strikes landing within the lands, similar to the one that had opened his own. A slight feeling of concern came over him, but he quickly brushed it away.

*******CURRENT TIME*******

Great flashes of lightning and brilliant lights flashed within the major cities, a space in time shifting and contorting as portals began to arise in them. Citizens quickly screaming in alarm, then ceasing their outcries to stop and gaze on in wonder. Questioning where they had come from, with a bit of trepidation as to what or who may come through them.

Their questions were quickly answered as bewildered people fell through them. Bewildered looks upon their faces as they gazed about, wondering as to what had just occurred. People quickly surrounded them, questioning and asking as to who they were and where they had come from. It was quickly discovered that they were people from the past. The world of Algoron before those of this time knew of it. These 'visitors' from another time, quickly surmised that there was only one person that could have construed and managed such an act. The old Conclave mage, Seanan.

They did not belong here, it was far too risky. Too many things could alter from them being here. Lineages destroyed, the world altered for them. They had to return, there was no question about it. They had to find Seanan, for certainly he had come here as well. For what purpose, they did not know and where to look they had no clue. But perhaps this world had advanced enough that someone amongst them might know the answer.

At that same moment, lightning struck near one of the portals, a figure forming deep within the portal. The citizens of Althainia shrieking and standing back. A great roar echoed through the air, and several people quickly drew their weapons, wondering just what was on the other side. With a mighty gush of wind, several people ducked, as out of the portal flew the largest red dragon any had ever seen. Dwarfing in size even the mightiest of the gods. The dragon swooped across the sky, his roar shaking and trembling the ground. People screaming and rushing to hide within doorways as quickly as they could.

The dragon recognized this world, yet it was somehow different. The lands different than where he had just came from. He made his way across the oceans, his curiosity mounting as he flew in to one of the nearby cities. Soon many came to flock towards him, men and women of the darkened auras. Several in awe of him. He could grow to like this place.

A man named, Reklah Kayen made his way towards him, accompanied by another named Jaerlach Kesepton. They quickly introduced themselves and just as quickly wondered as to who this dragon was. Amidst their conversation, it was quickly learned that the name he went by was Maylstrom and that he too had come from the ancient past. Things were vastly different here, he could feel it... Sense it. This world was much weaker than his own, and he would revel in it.

Word spread quickly across the land of this other arrival, and the other 'visitors' to this world cringed in fear and dread, many around them questioning as to their reaction. They had to warn them, they had to tell them what they needed to know, even if it meant altering what might be. Maylstrom, was no ordinary dragon. He was a god.

The followers of the light, scoffed at such things. A dragon a god? Even if it was true, they would ensure it's death. They were soon to find out otherwise, as armies gathered to fight this new god within their amidst, and falling just as quickly before his might. Even the mightiest of the gods in this time, learned quickly that it was no match for this one. Yes, he would like it here... And he would claim these lands, one by one, for himself and the darkness.

The others quickly gathered with their new acquaintances and made haste and plans to find someway back to their time. If only they could open a rift in time back to where they belong, perhaps Seanan and Maylstrom would be drawn back as well. So they searched for the mightiest of the mages in this time, and the oldest. Sinarous and Nagash. Neither were quick to help mind you, for they thought perhaps this would be quite interesting to see what might occur, but they had soon relented and gathered what was needed. With no guarantee mind you, that it would work at all and send them precisely to where they came from.

They gathered within the Vale, the one place upon these lands that had never altered through out all of time. It was here that some of the oldest magics were the strongest. It was here that the rift needed to be opened.

Word quickly got to Maylstrom, and he set out himself to quickly find a way to prevent himself from leaving this world. This was too good of an opportunity for him. Here his power was great. With the aide of a man named Itamar Schwartz, he quickly found what he needed, then he had but to wait for just the right moment to close the portals and the rift, before he was drawn back within it.

Just as he had predicted, the portals opened once more, drawing everything near it back in to them. All but himself, as he cast the magic he needed to shatter the portal in to small shards of ice He was not going back and to ensure that fact, he had to find Seanan. Seanan was here somewhere, he could feel it. As for the others, they vanished back hopefully to their own time.

(written by Kyri)

"I had not expected all who call themselves good or otherwise to assist. How the world has changed."

Maylstrom flew down into the woods almost landing on a startled traveler. With one effortless motion, he bit the man in half. Looking down at the dead mans face, Maylstrom frowned.

"This world will not fall to force. Yes... I understand now. It will fall to greed."

Maylstrom studied the dead mans face carefully. His massive form shrunk down until it matched every fiber of the dead mans.

"I have a better plan and if I must walk as one of them for a while, then so be it."

The human walked away from the corpse and headed for the city near by.

Maylstrom raised an eyebrow. "You came here alone? Did you not want to endanger the other mages of the towers or did they not like you enough to help? Either way, you've made a grand error, Wizard."

"The only mistake in coming here was yours, Maylstrom. You should have stayed in your own time. As for my mages, this is between us. I'll not let you use their lives as a crutch to distract me from giving you what is due." Seanan yelled back. "But enough banter, this will end here and now."

The mage and the dragon fought for several hours destroying Maylstrom's lair in the process. The Dragon was reluctant to use his fiery breath weapon at first for fear of destroying his experiments, but a lightning blast from Seanan's staff turned his large scale alchemy experiments into mostly ashes and fire. Finally, Maylstrom let loose all of his power and destroyed a good portion of the great forest in which he resided. Smoke and ashes blew into the horizon and was noticed by another red dragon. This one was large for a dragon, even by today's standards but no where near the size of Maylstrom. Soaring through the sky, Galeru saw the smoke rise from miles away. The smoke had a unique darkness to it and Galeru knew that it had come from dragon fire. He headed towards the devastation as quickly as he could fly. A chain of colorful light left Seanan's staff and hit Maylstrom in his wings binding Maylstrom down to the earth where he crashed with am earthshaking thud. Maylstrom roared as his fire breath engulfed Seanan where he stood. Maylstrom groaned as he saw a shield of light surrounding Seanan blocking his fire attacks.

"Face it Maylstrom, this is the end." Seanan said plainly before zapping Maylstrom's legs and arms with some unknown spell. Maylstrom's limbs fell limp and the dragon laid on the earth unable to stand or claw at Seanan.

"If this is the way it must end, then this is the way it must end" Maylstrom said with a sound of defeat in his voice. "Send me back, Seanan. Send me home" he pleaded.

"You know I can't do that and you should know that I wouldn't. This is your end" Seanan replied with almost a look of sadness in his old voice. "You've brought enough pain to this world in our time and in this one. It's over."

Seanan raised his staff and concentrated on the spell he was about to perform. Maylstrom began to mutter a spell of his own and both realized that they were in a war of words. Both spoke quickly, Seanan in an old forgotten language and Maylstrom in his dragon tongue.

Maylstrom seemed to have finished his spell in a very short instant before Seanan did and energy from both beings collided forcing a grand explosion that cleared more than 80 acres of forest. The force of the blast sent Galeru spiraling out of control towards the earth. He regained composure and maintained flight only a few hundreds yards from hitting the ground. He gained altitude and waited for the dust to settle. 30 minutes passed by before Galeru landed.

All around him were various pieces of the former great red dragon. No trees, grass or plants had survived the explosion. All that lay around Galeru were small parts of Maylstrom and the limp corpse like form of Seanan who had somehow managed to remain in one piece, despite his long beard and his robes being burned and tattered. Oddly enough, a sack strapped to Seanan's back remained unmarred.

Galeru reached for the sack only to pull back as if his hand were being sent through excruciating pain. He leaned his head down towards Seanan and saw that this old man was breathing, although barely. "Not all treasures sparkle" Galeru said to himself with a slight smile. Galeru picked up Seanan's limp body in one clawed hand and leapt up into the sky.

His staff and his backpack were gone and his golden robes of the conclave had been replaced by a simple grey cotton shirt and grey cotton pants. His pointy hat and shoes were also gone, but his recently frayed beard was back to normal.

"Am I dead?" Seanan said out loud not expecting any answer. After all, there was nothing but ground as far as his eyes could see.

"Szarveenik!" Seanan said while holding out a hand. Nothing happened. "SZARVEENIK!" Seanan said louder with his hand out stretched. Puzzled, Seanan sat on the ground.

"My magic. Its gone" the old man said sadly.

"You'll find that magic does not work here, especially for the dead" a voice behind him said in a sad tone.

Seanan turned around to see a young noble looking man with long black hair wearing black robes. His skin was pale and his expressions seemed very genuine.

"You will find that nothing of what you were remains. This is what is left of you and this is your destiny for the rest of eternity. To walk this realm alone" the man said, again with sadness in his voice that made Seanan feel as if this news troubles this man as much as it did to Seanan himself.

"Who are you?" Seanan asked. "How did I die? Was I eaten by Galeru? Did that red beast feast upon what was left of me?"

"You died from the wounds you obtained from the incident with Maylstrom. You laid in Galeru's lair for a week and then your body gave out and you died. The Dragon did not eat you." The man said while studying Seanan's face. "Galeru was merely acting to his nature, seeking a few easy jeweled eggs in return for finding you helpless and then returning you your towers, but your mages did not want you back."

"That can not be." Seanan said in disbelief. "They wouldn't."

"They did betray you, Seanan. They did indeed. A few offered the dragon the eggs but only in return for your books and not for you. Others said they would only help if the Gods themselves told them too and even then, they undermined you by stating they wish for the red to eat you and that you were not around the towers enough to baby sit them. They wanted you to die, and so you did. In fact, their leaders stated publicly that they would celebrate your death as if you were a tyrant whom had spent your days razing their villages and killing their families."

Seanan's old eyes grew wide. "But I was there to help them! I taught them the ways of Battle Magic!! I had EIGHT other schools of magic to teach them, not to mention many more spells to within their own schools to show them! Why would they do this to me? After all I have seen and sacrificed to make them better and to prepare them for what is to come? How could they betray me? How?"

The pale man smirked. "Old one, the Conclave is not what it was in your day. They are their own worse enemy. Politics takes the place of common goals and egos take the place of a passion for magic and arrogance takes the place of worship. My mother could go and on about this very topic."

"Your mother?" Seanan asked cautiously.

"Drakkara" stated the man. "My mother is Drakkara. We aren't exactly on the best of terms right now, before you start asking."

"So you are Malachive then?" Seanan asked.

Malachive grinned. "I am. And I came here to see you off. You are one of the most powerful wizards in the history of the world, Seanan, and to be honest I was flattered to learn that you came to this time to defeat me. Unlike those in the Conclave, I recognize and appreciate one who made themselves as powerful as you."

Seanan sat and said nothing. He looked off into the nothingness with a blank stare before uttering "You've no reason to flatter me, Malachive." A single tear fell down the old mans face. "Do not be sad, old one." Malachive said with a look of concern. "I too used to live among the Conclave and I too was unwelcome there, despite my mother's wishes. So now, I live in hiding, slowly planning, slowly building, slowly preparing for what is to come. It is a shame you won't be there to see it."

The words rang through Seanan's head. His pain turned to anger and his face flushed with a bright redness.

"It's a fact, Seanan. I am not saying such things to sting you."

Malachive leaned down and studied Seanan's face. His face was red; his eyes were wide and teary. If Seanan were alive, one would worry that he was having a stroke.

"What are you thinking, old one?" Malachive asked politely.

Seanan turned and looked Malachive eye to eye. "I can't believe this is how it is to end for me, after all I have done! How dare those ungrateful little bastards betray their robes and betray me, the only man who could place them back at their previous glory!! If there is a way out of this realm, I will find it and when I do, I will tear down those towers brick by brick by brick by brick!!!!"

Malachive smiled. "I made the same vow myself, you know. When they unwelcomed me, so I understand your thoughts Seanan. It's a shame too, because like it or not, you are dead. Not even I can restore you to your mortal form."

"My mortal form was weak anyway!" Seanan said, again staring out into the nothing. "Even if I could go back as a powerless small child, I would find a way to get my revenge! Those ungrateful bastards deserve what they have coming to them and I want to not only be there to see it, I want to help!"

"Are you asking me for help?" Malachive said, almost grinning.

"I'm no spring grasshopper." Seanan replied. "I know what I'm getting myself into and I know that I've lost favor with Sebatis over the last year or I wouldn't be stuck in this Abyss. But what I know more than anything else is that those bastards in the towers are going to pay for what they did to me. They deserve everything they are going to get and I am going to make them and the moons pay! If you want my soul for servitude, then you have it! If it's either waste away here shunned by every one that I had dedicated my life for and go seek revenge, then I demand revenge!"

Malachive's grin left his face. Muttering "Mother, forgive me" to himself, he placed his hand on Seanan's shoulder and spoke softly.

"Old one, I did not want to see you robbed of your dignity any way. You and I will walk the world together and I will see that you have your chance to get your revenge. But understand that by placing yourself under my will, you will cease to feel things as you have. You will cease to taste things they way you have and you will have to live with the orders in which I give without regret. A better tomorrow awaits all of us if we are only willing to make the tough choices of today. The world below is vile and ugly and only with strength and control can we make it a better place."

"What's to become of me?" Asked Seanan. "Am I to be transformed into a demon?"

"A demon?" Malachive chuckled. "You confuse me for my father for I control no demons. Just consider yourself an agent of Malachive. "Let us begin our journey."

In a blink, Seanan was in a new place. His clothes had been replaced with long grey robes. At his feet laid his own corpse, along side of it was his backpack and his staff. Reaching down, he picked up his back pack and his staff. He noticed the aches and pains of his normal movements were still completely gone. Physically, he felt young again. Looking around, Seanan realized that he had died in what was an abandoned ruby mine. He made his way to the entrance only to be met at the door by a rather large red dragon.

Galeru stood poised for battle. He swiped a claw at Seanan only to have his entire arm jolt from whatever barrier that was protecting Seanan.

"To kill you now would be to kill a fly, simply for flying." Seanan said. "It is not my job to change the nature of a Red Dragon."

Galeru looked at Seanan perplexed as Seanan walked past him, unconcerned.

Turning as if Seanan had just realized he forgot something, he looked at Galeru.

"However, since we now share some common enemies."

Seanan raised his staff into the air and a blue bolt of energy passed from the staff into Galeru. Galeru's muscles grew and hardened. His claws extended and his fangs grew jagged edges between the teeth.

Galeru looked down at his arms, claws and felt his fangs. He looked back to Seanan, but Seanan was gone. Galeru strolled back into his lair and looked at his reflection in a pool of standing water.

What he saw was something Galeru had never seen before upon his face. A grin.