The Dragons Savior

Chapter 17~ The Second Mage

William~

'Sorry, sir, to bother you, but, would it be possible for you to bring me to the Dragon Caves?' I asked.

The man had just been standing there, staring out at sea, he had a piece of rope in his hands and was supposedly pulling in his small boat.

'No, not another one of you.' he said, more to himself then to me. 'Did you hear the scream, that place is cursed, they're all going to be Dragon chow. I can't boy, you would lose your life and I would be sent to tethers...'

I nodded, that sounded fair enough.

'Sir, did you bring others to this cave?'

'Yes, I did, just before the moon rose I did. They threatened to curse me, had a witch in their company. Don't like witches.'

'I see, so you won't bring me to the Caves?'

It dawned on me that this was a very stubborn but superstitious man.

'Tethers no, never again. I am a simple fisherman, nothing more.'

It seemed as though he was reashuring himself more than me.

'What if I gave you the chance to be a hero? To save those who you brought over to the Caves?'

For a moment he didn't look at me, I thought he was actually considering it, and then he laughed.

'Do I look like a Dragon fighter to you sonny? 'Chance to save those- Ahahaahahaha! As if!'

I sighed.

'Then you leave me no other choice,' I muttered and ran at the boat.

...

Saoirse~

Beyond the gates was darker then it first seemed when they were closed. Now, I couldn't see David, though I was holding his hand.

'David?' I asked timidly.

No answer came.

Come to think of it, I couldn't hear my own footsteps.

'David!' I screamed.

The unnatural darkness rushed around me and snuffed out the sound that escaped from my mouth.

Suddenly there was a flash of light and, though only for a second, I saw my surroundings. 
I saw a wide cavern full of crystals and huge gem stones. The path ahead was empty, but we were a few steps from an abyss, the only way over was a rope ladder.

It was gone in an instant, replaced by the horrible blackness.

I tugged on David making him slow down.

Just as I was about to pull him to a full stop, he was ripped out of my grip.

'David!' I screamed in despair. No darkness rushed to snuff me out, instead another voice boomed.

'I AM THE SECOND MAGE. I WILL DEFEAT YOU.'

'What?' was all I could say.

'I am your second challenge, you have defeated my brother with your puny words, but you cannot trick me, I am the Second Mage!'

'But we can't see, does that not give you an unfair advantage?' asked David.

Oh thank the Kings! He wasn't hurt!

'No, I'm blind. But I fight as one, and you two will have to fight as one to defeat me. I am your second challenge, beat me and you are free to face your third challenge. Good luck.'

I tugged my sword out of my scabbard and lit it, but the flame was snuffed out before it made light.

I grimaced and held a strong stance. Only to be barrelled over by an unknown force.

The Second Mage boomed with laughter once more.

'Oh, for Kings sake!' I muttered as I got up once more.

I realized then that I could hear the sounds around me.

I took a strong stance and closed my eyes and listened. I heard him. Heavy footsteps approached me fast from behind, I stayed where I was and breathed normally.

He kept coming so I suspected that he hadn't a clue I was ready. Just as the suspence was too much I turned and held my sword high.

The Second Mage howled in pain as I stabbed him but he continued running. Taking my sword with him as he ran.

'He should be dead,' I muttered.

I heard a clash from the other end of the cavern. Following the sound I ran and tripped my way to the battle.

I was close, I knew as much. How close? None could be certain.

I pulled out my dagger and ran headlong through the clattering swords.

I pushed the dagger through the Mage as David threw his sword at him.

All of a sudden the dagger and both swords fell to the ground and the unnatural black was gone and before us stood a large stocky man with empty eye sockets. Around us the cavern was huge. We were on the right side of it and opposite the now locked gates was the abyss and in the middle of that was a rope and plank bridge.

The man in front of us opened his mouth to speak. 'I am the youngest of the Mages,' he said. 'And now my purpose has been filled.'

After those short words, he melted away to dust.

'Right, lets go,' said David. I trudged after him to the Third Mage, if ever there was one.