In the Blade's Hilt |A tale from Triterra|

Chapter 24 - Skeleboss

"Does your snarky comment supply ever run dry?" asked Blue, turning around to face Zandor.  The dark wizard looked up and smiled.

"Said the pot to the kettle" he replied.  Blue scowled.

"Anyway, I grow weary of toying with you.  Since the honorable King Henryn won't give up his third of the kingdom to me willingly, I suppose I'm going to have to kill him and his heir myself" he said.  From the wall, Marianna gave a muffled gasp.

"But" he continued," that will take to much effort.  I've had a long day you see.  I shall send an associate in my place"

A ball of dark energy appeared in his hand.  He strode over to the middle of the room and placed it on the floor.

"You can't do this!" screamed Marianna, struggling against the chains which bound her to the wall.  Zandor simply pointed a pale finger at her.  Her mouth sealed shut.

"Well then" he said, his dark eyes surveying the scene coolly," I leave you in the hands of my friend.  I will ask you to be careful as he doesn't know his own strength"

Zandor thrust his staff out in front of him.  A large hole appeared, seemingly floating in midair.  He stepped through and looked at Blue. 

"Ta-ta" he said as the hole closed.  Blue turned his gaze to the pulsing black-purple energy blob that lay on the floor.  Suddenly, it exploded.  The force violently threw Blue, Jenna and Ty into the wall.  The bones left behind from the previous battle began to get sucked into the purple ball of light that was now floating in place of the blob.  The chains that bound both the king and his daughter were ripped from their foundations and were absorbed by the sphere.  Finally, Marianna's discarded hammer was absorbed.  Their was a bright flash of light.  Everyone was momentarily blinded.  As their vision cleared, they began to make out the monstrous creature that stood before them.

It was huge.  It towered over the occupants of the hall.  It was a skeleton.  In place of a breastbone, it had a large skull, even bigger than its head, held on by rivets.  Its shoulders and kneecaps were spiked.  A long row of metal spikes ran all the way from its skull down its spine.  Its thick legs were scarred and pitted.  In its hands it held a massive hammer.  The hammers handle was made of bone while its head was made of stone.  It looked around the hall with its empty black eye-sockets.  Its sharp teeth opened and let out an almighty roar.