The Path of the Adventurer

Chapter 9

Erion struggled to gain rest that night. He had a strong feeling his final battle was nigh when he learned about Deadeye, the guardian dragon of Mount Scaleburn.

The effects of haunting image could not be dismissed. As he slept fitfully, he dreamed of himself in a mountainous cavern with hundreds of uncanny rock structures. There was no escape or exit to this labyrinth, save for a dark cavern. In front of the dark cave lay the bodies of Magon, Tikana, Huffey, Norder, Carolin, Rith, and Erion's idol, Sir Thomas. A wave of sorrow and guilt blanketed Erion instantly.

"Damn it! Why couldn't I save them?" He cried in the silence of the cave. Suddenly, Erion's head jerked up. He could barely make out the dragon's face in the cave, distorted in the darkness. Before he could react, Deadeye flew toward him, opening his mouth widely. Erion screamed, as he too were to join his fallen comrades in the afterlife.

Erion opened his eyes, panting heavily. He found himself in the middle of his room. Immediately, he bellowed into his pillow.

The next morning as the sun was still rising, the company had a short breakfast of bread, milk and cheese in Rith's dining room. Erion slowly ate his breakfast, disturbed by the thought of facing certain death. He tried to eat, as he did not want to be perceived as a coward, yet his fears bested him. When Erion gathered his provisions, he had to check to see if he had missed anything at least five times. With this new fear, it was nigh-impossible to stay at ease.

Afterwards, Erion and company left the gates of Casthor Keep to head off to Mount Scaleburn. As he and his friends strolled away from the keep, Erion noticed Rith waving upon the balcony. "Farewell, Erion!" Rith exclaimed. "A hundred blessings are with you!"

Erion waved back. "Don't worry, Rith! I promise you I'll make it out alive!" As Erion said this, his hands trembled. "I mustn't back down. I mustn't back down!" Erion whispered as he and his allies advanced from the keep. Before the company took their leave, Norder retrieved Ranger and bought more food for his allies.

"Erion, lad. Ye' don't seem like yerself today." Huffey pointed out as they left the gates of Casthor.

"W-What?"

"You're not scared, are you?" Tikana teased.

"Me? S-Scared? W-What are you talking about, guys? That's pathetic!" Trembled Erion, with a bead of sweat sliding down his left cheek.

"Don't be afraid to show your true feelings," Magon said. "Were you not taught that lesson before?"

"I-I-I..." Erion stammered. He exhaled a heavy sigh. "You are guys are right. Last night, I went up into the attic and saw a frightening tapestry of the Scaleburn dragon. It was large and red, its eyes were threatening, and its teeth were as sharp as knives - No... swords! The dragon's name is Deadeye. The tapestry was quite frightening, but the dragon's power is what bothers me the most. I know that our skills aren't adequate enough to face him."

"Why's that?" Magon asked. "You can tell us."