The huge muscles of the amazon's bronzed chest bulged as he pulled hard on the oars of the small vessel. The ship he had be on now lay at the bottom of the ocean after a blue othlorx dragon attacked the ship and her crew about ten miles off the shore of Southern Ergoth.

The Willow, a huge Ergothian galley, had been blown off coarse by a strange storm and happened upon the continent of Taladas. It was there on the northeastern tip of the fabled continent that the ship docked in a small fishing community called Salamirth.

Even with the wondrous discovery of Taladas the captain of the willow- a large Ergothian man in his own right- had decided to offer passage aboard his ship to make money off the otherwise unprofitable venture. Few in the poor community could except the offer but there was one among them who did so earnestly.

Mal-in, or Thorne as his name translated to in common was the chieftain's son of a small tribal community living in a secluded valley within the Shining Lands. The same blue othlorx dragon that had destroyed the ship had waged war against his village months earlier.

Another stroke brought the boat that much closer to the lands of Ergoth. Thorne looked over his shoulder at the sandy beach in the distance. His squinting brown eyes could see small figures running around on the distant shore. He bowed his head once again and began rowing, reflecting on the past few months as he did so.

****

The coming of age celebration among the Throng-kin tribe was a joyous one. Even more so when the celebration was for the chieftain's son. Today the son of Summar, Chieftain of the Throng-kin, would officially be declared successor to his father.

For weeks the women of the tribe had been preparing a great feast in honor of their future leader. Now, amongst the huge palm trees and grassing jungle floor sat huge glass slabs that were to be the dining tables. The slabs had been carried to the small village by two brass othlorx dragons named Mirasata and Polythramus.

The dragons had been friends of the tribe for over fifty years and delighted in socializing with the Throng-kin. In fact, Mirasata had taken Thorne in under her wing so to speak, teaching him several languages including common.

Thorne now sat at the head chair of one of the glassy tables listening to stories of his youth as custom demanded. Although outwardly he showed all the respect due to his fellow tribesman, his thoughts were looming over his father whom had been gone for well over a week.

Just as one of the funnier tales of Thorne's childhood came to a conclusion a large ovation from one of the other tables caught Thorne's attention. Swiftly gazing at the table the young heir saw the source of the applause. Standing amid the giant palm trees that shaded the small village on the outskirts of the party stood his father holding a beautiful axe.

Quickly rising to greet his father, the son of Summar engulfed the man in a huge bear hug. Then, standing back, the two scrutinized each other. Such was the resemblance between father and son that many of the Throng-kin often mistook one for the other.

Both stood well over six feet, long blond hair sweeping down past their shoulders grazing their huge muscular backs. Their arms were the size of tree trunks and their handsome genial faces made them the most sought after men in all the Shining Lands.

"Welcome father!" came Thorne's joyous greeting. "Where did your travels take you to be gone from the village for over a week?" His eyes lingered on the axe he had seen his father carry in and a slight throb in his heart gave him the answer even before his father spoke.

"This is where my travels took me son," extending the axe out to Thorne the chieftain smiled. "This is your coming of age gift." Summar patted his son on the back then tossed the axe across to Thorne.

Looking down at the beautiful weapon Thorne felt tears come to his eyes. He was speechless for the moment so he did the only thing he could to show his pleasure. He raised the ancient axe in the air and chanted a war chant that was joined by half the village and one of the brass dragons.

Mirasata gazed fondly at her beloved student before her mate nipped at her tale. Drawing her gaze away from the boy who was proudly displaying his gift in the air, the brass regarded her companion. "Where have your manners gone?" she reprimanded Polythramus sternly.

The male brass, undeterred nipped her tail again until he had her full attention. "Do you not recognize that axe my love?" A slight quiver in the dragon's voice brought Mirasata to stand next to him.

"No I don't I've seen many axes my dear. Why we have over a dozen in our treasure trove." The brass flicked her tail playingly.

"That is the Bloodletter!" Polythramus continued when his mate's expression told him she had never heard of it. "It was the axe forged by the Highfather and given it to the Great King as a gift for his loyal service and worship."

"The axe was thought to be lost but I have heard from others of our kind that it fell into the corrupt hands of Rhezhorax!" The males voice hit such a pitch that everyone's attention was now firmly held.

Mirasata had heard of this blue. Although not a othlorx dragon as many believed him to be, Rhezhorax had still decided to call Taladas his home. If the axe had indeed been taken from his lair by Summar, the blue may have already taken flight to retrieve his axe.

Summar didn't like the look the two brass dragons were giving him. They had the most perplexing beliefs as far as one's property was concerned and the chieftain was certain they new where he had "found" the axe. Just as he was about to explain how he had obtained the axe a large shadow fell over the festivities. Summar cast his gaze up only to tear it away in horror.

His soul trembled as his son ran to stand next to him. Mirasata's reptilian shriek could be heard above the cries of the amazons, "Razorwind has come!"

****

The craft hit hard against the shore bringing Thorne out of his daydream. He looked around confused until the realization that he had finally struck land came to him. He jumped out of the boat and waded to shore. With axe in hand the amazon crawled onto the beach and collapsed in an exhausted heap.

He had been lying there for about five minutes when he heard deep resonate shouts from across the beach. Slowly rising, Thorne turned his head toward the direction of the noise and brushed his long blond hair out of his eyes.

Almost immediately he recognized the tiny figures as being the same he'd seen earlier. Grudgingly he rose to meet whomever had taken such an interest in him. He walked across the beach all the while bringing to mind stories he had heard of Ansalon. He didn't want to let on the he was a foreigner to these people.

So entangled in his own thoughts, Thorne never realized that the men that had been approaching him were no more than three feet away until he slammed into a bare chest that may as well of been a steel shield. Cheeks burning red, the embarrassed amazon backed away and sheltered his eyes with his hand to get a better view of the large man he had stumbled into.

"I....." Thorne stopped short, finally catching a glimpse of the beast in front of him. The man he had stumbled into was no man at all. Standing at well over seven feet tall and muscles that even the strongest of the Throng-kin would envy, the minotaur grunted in approval thinking much the same thing of the human that stood before him.

Accompanying him were five others which seemed to look more or less like their leader. All were brown furred with slight variations of coloring and build. All were armed to the teeth and looked like they could have waged a small war on the rest of Krynn.

Minotaur did live in Taladas. But to the Throng-kin they were beings of legend. Only once before had Thorne seen a minotaur. When he was about four he remembered travelling to a city with his father whom was participating in an annual bout the city had held for years. Summar had made it to the final round, his young son was sure he'd win. But the chieftain was no match for the reigning champion, Kleft the red furred minotaur. Cleft had defeated Summar with such ease that Thorne had left the city thinking the race to be gods.

Seeing six of the great beast before him Thorne lowered himself to on knee and introduced himself as customary among his tribe in an introduction between warriors. "I am Mal-in, chieftain's son of the Throng-kin amazons." Thorne, his head bowed heard a snort of contempt and then felt a tremendous blow to his face. Sprawled on the sand, mouth and nose covered in blood, the young man passed out as the six minotaur surrounded him.

****

Eiber Thitsledown awoke to a low mumbling barely detectable to his keen kender ears. Quickly glancing around the campsite he noted that both Grey and Lokki's bedrolls were empty. The kender sighed in exasperation already guessing what happened. "Why can't those two just get along?" Sighing a sigh that came from the tips of his toes the middle aged kender walked over in the direction the noise was coming from.

Slunking behind a oak tree Eiber saw his suspicions were correct. He could see the young warrior and the burgundy robed mage around their slowly dying campfire. Grey seemed to be very excited by the speed at which he was talking but he couldn't see Lokki because Grey was blocking his view. Quietly Eiber slipped into a bush, not disturbing even a branch as he did so- and saw for the first time what Grey had been so excited about. The Staff of Souls was in Lokki's hands.

Forgetting that he was suppose to be hiding the kender exploded out of the bushes. "Lokki! How did the staff come back? Oh my look it has a small dragon on top instead of a harp!" The kender would have continued until a third cataclysm hit Krynn but Grey stamped on his foot and explained the staff's appearance while Lokki polished its oaken shaft lovingly.

"One minute we were discussing where we should travel to next," Grey pointed at a map of the local countryside that had several possible routes scratched on it, "when all of the sudden, POOF! it appeared in Lokki's hands!" As if to emphasize his words, the dragons eyes atop the staff lit a strange color then dimmed again. Eiber had to look twice and then thought he had just imagined it.

"Did you two see that?" The kender went over to sit in front of Lokki and stared at the staff in wonder. "The dragon's eyes lit up like it was alive!"

The two obviously hadn't seen it and from the look Lokki was giving him Eiber imagined the mage was already thinking of new places to hide the staff while the three slept. With his question answered Eiber posed yet another one. "Well what do you suppose the staff is doing back? I thought it had fulfilled its purpose with you Lokki."

For the first time during the brief exchange Lokki's gaze looked troubled instead of elated. His words were but a whisper and left a funny feeling in the kender's tummy.

"Perhaps my soul is not as healed as I thought it to be Eiber." Ever since Gaias died the kender had to admit that Lokki had been in a very foul mood. He argued with Grey, whom was as stubborn as they came it seemed, over things Lokki would have let go just two weeks before.

With all three sitting silently around the campfire staring intently into the reflections of their own thoughts, a cloud passed over the pale white moon and a great gust of wind blew out their fire putting the group into darkness...

****

"Split up!" Thorne heard Mirasata's voice above the mayhem and saw the two brass dragons take off with two of the three othlorx dragons in hot pursuit. The dragon's diversion left one blue for the village. Larger and much more vicious than the others, the blue othlorx was creating havoc in the middle of the small village.

Thorne rushed to stand by his father just as a large bolt of dragon breath struck a nearby hut hurtling the two into the jungle. Groggily, Thorne got to his knees and leaned over his unconscious father. He shielded him as yet another blast of dragon breath shook the ground.

The warriors of the Throng-kin were used to vicious attacks at the hands of blue othlorx dragons. The second the attack struck, man and woman rushed to their homes and retrieved their weapons while the children and elders fled. Hoisting shield and spear, bow and arrow, the warriors charged into the melee at full force.

Thorne watched as the dragon cornered two elders against a glass slab. He shut his eyes and turned his head away from the horror while crunching noises of the couple's bones could be heard even from where he stood. He cast a worried glance to his unconscious father then another at the battle. His decision made, Thorne raised his axe and charged madly at the hated blue in the village's center.

"Damn you!" Razorwind reeled in pain as a spear struck his right flank. Lashing out he caught the tribesman responsible with his barbed tail disemboweling the man where he stood. His well ordered plans had gone astray thanks to those two blasted brass othlorx dragons!

To make matters worse he had lost track of the huge man carrying the Bloodletter. Adding injury to insult, the amazons of the Throng-kin tribe were extremely fierce warriors. Attacking the blue with no regard for themselves when they should have been fleeing the great wyrm in terror!

Razorwind caught a tribesman that had come in too close with his spear with his talon slicing the man in half. Then turning in mid stride he caught another man that had been dragging the body of a injured woman to safety with his barbed tail. The man, impaled by a large spike, flailed wildly and screamed in torment as he was flicked off the barb like a tick and went crashing into a hut while the woman he had tried to save lay on the ground dead, her throat slit.

Thwart, the sound of a bowstring being released caught the dragon's attention just before he felt the arrows pierce the soft membrane of his wing. Rearing back in pain the dragon left his flank unguarded. Two black haired males rushed in with spears driving them deep into his body. In outrage Razorwind lashed out with his snout catching one of the fleeing men in his jaw. He clamped his snout shut hearing, as he did so, the sound of the human snapping in twain.

Thud, an arrow struck the dragon's snout followed by one that hit his temple, although neither pierced his scales very far he was beginning to get tired (and a little alarmed) of whomever it was that was assailing him under this constant barrage. Quickly scanning his surroundings, keeping a few pesky warriors at bay with his tail, Razorwind spotted the duo that had been giving him the most considerable assault of the bowmen.

Crouched down behind the farthest glass table to the dragon's left were a male and female amazon. Each conserving their arrows for moments when the dragon was most vulnerable. Risking a glance above the slab, the woman's eyes met those of the ferocious blue.

Razorwind smiled cruelly then sucked in a large breath. Seeing death before their eyes the couple stood fierce against certain doom and held hands until the ferocious beast unleashed his breath weapon. All that was left of the duo was a smoking crater. Feeling intense satisfaction, Razorwind soon felt even more intense pain as a blade bit deep into his unguarded flank.

To his great astonishment the large amazon with the axe was pounding away savagely at the dragon's side with his axe. The enormous blue slashed out with his large talon hoping to end the battle quickly only to pull it back just as fast when Thorne swung the axe hard in a vicious arc.

Thorne swung the axe again and again in a blaze of steel and dragon blood. The amazon ducked under another claw only to see a large barbed tail whipping toward his head at an alarming speed. Stepping back by instinct, the amazon slipped in a pool of Razorwind's blood and watched in horror as the tail whipped right past his head missing him by a hair.

His forehead dripping blood, Thorne could only watch as Razorwind whipped around and finished a small group of five men that had been sneaking up behind the dragon. Now the dragon loomed over him.

Dropping the axe, he closed his eyes against the awesome sight. He could hear the intake of breath and gave a startled shout when he heard the unearthly scream of Razorwind instead of the explosion of his dragon breath. Opening his eyes, Thorne nearly lost his balance fell. Still unsure of his footing and becoming more and more light headed Thorne gazed up at Razorwind and gave a cry of triumph.

On the dragon's back, clawing and biting like a rabid dog was a blood covered Mirasata. The brass tore at Razorwind's neck while the blue slashed frantically trying to shake the smaller dragon off. Finally wresting himself free, the blue leaped onto a nearby glass slab and then again into the air. Hot currents of air caught his wings and sent him flying away. The dragon turned and stared at Thorne, both of their eyes meeting in hatred.

Razorwind turned his gaze from that of the huge amazon and slowly flew in the direction of his layer. The brass was in no condition to follow the blue thought dully. But oh how he would pay for losing the Bloodletter! Grendal would not be pleased.

Thorne watched as the dragon disappeared into the horizon then ran over to where Mirasata lay. "Are you in much pain?" Thorne looked at the battle weary dragon earnestly. Her reptilian eye opened ever so slightly and Thorne could detect a small trace of the smile that always use to lighten his heart.

"I am fine young one," the dragon broke into a fit of coughing before continuing. "I managed to get the upper hand and defeat the blue dragon following me," the dragons eyes looked sad now, the spark in her twin golden orbs faded and her smile vanished, "The last I saw of Polythramus and his attacker, they were grappling in the sky."

Thorne gave the dragon his best wished and rubbed her snout before setting out in search of his father. He found the man lying down in one of the few remaining huts in the village still unconscious. The young amazon grabbed his father's shoulder and gently shook him. "Wake up father!"

"Wake up!" Nothing, Thorne began to worry. "Wake up....."

****

"Wake up weakling." A deep resonant voice thundered in his head like a thousand crashing waves. Thorne rose groggily while rubbing his face where he knew his eye was swollen shut. He gazed at his captor and saw, in his hand, the axe given to him by his father. Smiling grimly Thorne propped his back against a large stone and continued to survey the area. He was in the middle of a small cave located near the ocean shore. Apparently the minotaurs had found his small lifeboat, various items that Thorne had brought with him were sitting at the cave's entrance.

The amazon then turned his attention to the minotaur sitting across from him. Smaller than the one that had struck him, Thorne decided the lean looking bull-man to be a youth of his race, the vacant look in the minotaur's eyes brought the image of a grazing cow to his grim thoughts. The minotaur didn't seem to be paying any attention to the amazon at all and Thorne for the first time realized that he wasn't even tied up! Apparently this race was so pompous they figured a youth of their people could keep such an enormous warrior as Thorne in line. Smiling to himself he lied his back down.

"Where am I?" Thorne needed to collect his thoughts.

Still ignoring the amazon as if he didn't exist the minotaur began fingering the Bloodletter. He's afraid! The sudden realization gave Thorne an idea.

"Who are you? You're not the stupid cow that struck me! You're much to small." Thorne managed to grab a rock in his hand and subtly re positioned himself for what would come next.

Eyes glazed red, the minotaur rose so quickly Thorne had absolutely no time to react. In a swift practiced motion the youth brought the butt end of the axe down on the amazon's temple sending stars into Thorne's already poor vision. Struggling to stay conscious he fought through the layers of black that were swiftly overcoming him. With a final struggle he broke free of the darkness and saw the minotaur had his back turned on him thinking the battle was over before it had begun.

Still clasping the rock Thorne got to his feet somewhat shakily and brought the rock down on the skull of the brown furred youth. The blow would have killed a man, but to Thorne's surprise it only caused the minotaur to stumble and and take a few steps forward. Charging at his enemy, Thorne clasped the huge wrist just as the minotaur whirled around ready to deal the insolent amazon a death blow.

The two mammoths struggled. The young one was not the inexperienced fighter Thorne thought him to be. In fact he was quickly beginning to gain the upper hand on the already battered amazon. In a desperation move, Thorne suddenly let loose his grip causing the minotaur to lose balance and topple forward. Moving swiftly from his crouching position, Thorne managed to get the huge beast lengthways on his shoulders the way some inn keeps carried barrels of ale.

In an incredible feat of strength, Thorne pi vetted on his right heel while slamming the minotaur down on the ground breaking one of the beast's lean horns in the process. Breathing heavily, Thorne watched as the minotaur made one last valiant effort to pull himself to his feat before losing consciousness. Sweat trickled down the side of his face as the amazon tried to rise to his own feet. Standing up to quickly Thorne realized his mistake and paid for it.

His head swimming from exertion and loss of blood, the blond haired son of Summar collapsed on the floor in a heap of exhaustion.

****

Grendal sat atop his crumbling throne in the midst of his hidden laboratory. Once wonderful sites could have been seen here, phantasms and unicorns would have soared among the rotting rafters. Portals between worlds would have opened lighting the laboratory up in a multitude of wonderful colors and shades, now the only light came from the lich's fiery eyes. The ageless lich emitted such a sense of foreboding that the one who now stood in his presence, trembled beneath his smouldering gaze.

The lich inclined his cracked skeletal head toward his guest. Axel Slategranite of the disir or "Scorned Ones" stood at the foot of the throne's dais eyeing the arched exit longingly. One of the few of his people to return to the outside world after several decades of seclusion, the dwarf was a truly remarkable specimen. Axel delighted in crooked politics, assassinations, and illegal trade. The dwarf had his hands into every major power's coffers and didn't mind sharing what he stole as long as there was something in it for him. He was truly a worthy ally, and a deadlier foe.

The lich reached out and grabbed the collar of the dwarf's filthy shirt. Tendons snapped and cobwebs were torn (the mage didn't get out much). Taking the shaking dwarf in an iron grip beguiling for such a puny frame, the fire laden eyes dimmed for a moment leaving only embers. It seemed to the dwarf that the eyes were actually sucking light out of the already dreary room. Axel tried to speak but his words were mixed and made no sense. The lich's face became animated. A hollow noise emitted from Grendal that made the dwarf scream in terror, the lich was laughing.

"Do not worry my little pet," his voice as soothing as a mother talking to her child, Grendal continued. "We await Razorwind my pet, and then I shall charge you with a mission of great importance."

Still trembling the dwarf muttered something about seeing Reorx in the Abyss first but Grendal chose to overlook the obscene comment. When he finally gathered his courage the disir began acting like himself. "And what's in it for me your highness?" The dwarf's tone didn't exactly match his complementary words.

"Do not question me slime!" The mage's eyes lit once again consuming the room in an inferno of rage. Axel fell to his knees and prostrated himself before the lich. "Do not forget my power or what will happen to you if you should choose to cross me!" His speech would have continued but he could feel the approach of the one he had been awaiting.

"Razorwind approaches."

Axel followed the lich's gaze across the room. When it finally came to rest upon the archway the dwarf at first thought Grendal to be mistaken. After several minutes of staring at the archway the dwarf was about to give up the vigil and question the lich about his assignment. It was just as he was turning that he caught movement out of the corner of his dark-pooled eye.

The light from Grendal's eyes reflected off the metallic blue scale. As Axel turned to get a better look he realized the dragon was wounded. The lich spoke his thoughts.

"Who did this Razorwind?" The eternal voice shook with a fury that even made the dragon flinch as he came to rest beside the fear-struck dwarf. Now Grendal's smouldering eyes lit the bleak room so completely that the full scale of the dragon's injuries could be seen.

His snout was a bloodied mess, arrows protruded from his flanks and back while his wings were torn asunder. He limped badly and favored his right side. But it wasn't the injuries that concerned the lich.

"Where is my axe Razorwind?" Now the dwarf and dragon huddled together. It would have been a ridiculous site had anyone had the chance to see it. Grendal however, expected to generate this kind of fear. He basked in it, revelled in the two's terror. "Where is the Bloodletter?"

****

Eiber sat with Grey in the Reversing Squall, a large, prosperous inn located two days north of Daltigoth on a well travelled road. Grey, whom was not used to the group's little routines stirred uncomfortably while the kender slammed back yet another mug of ale.

Lokki had dropped the two off while he travelled farther up the road to see if any travellers had seen or heard anything about Pyrothraxus and where he might be. The two he'd left behind were to question the inn's patrons. Eiber was exceptional at this but Grey instantly realized he was a subtle as a bugbear raging through a picnic.

Grey took his gaze from his sword -which hadn't been getting along with the Staff of Souls, but that's a story for another time- and looked around the inn.

Once one entered the Reversing Squall, they were immediately struck by its beauty. The main lounging room was two levels. The first was where the bar, fire pit and kitchen were located. The second floor was half the size of the bottom making the top floor like a balcony. The second floor was where musicians and bards went about their professions.

Tonight the bard was telling a story of Raistlin and Caramon Majere and their travels through time. Grey snorted, "What nonsense." Continuing his inspection of the inn his eyes fell upon a black haired barmaid whom was having serious problems with a particularly drunk nobleman.

Grey's father had always given strict lessons to his boy in regards of chivalry and honor. Thus Grey was by the woman's side in a matter of moments.

The street smart kender, whom had been watching the events with same curiosity that often got his race into heaps of trouble instantly realized that a fight was coming. Rising somewhat shakily, the kender decided to try and stop Grey before he got them both in trouble.

Standing atop their table the kender hurriedly re positioned his pouches for better maneuverability and prepared to leap on the warrior-mage's back. Unfortunately where there had been one Grey just seconds before, there now stood three.

The confused kender stepped back to ponder this a second spilling his mug of ale which in turn poured on the boot of a grizzled old man. The man's wrinkled face turned an ugly red and he went to snatch the kender at the same moment that Eiber had decided that jumping on any of three was just as good as another.

The man went flying over the table crashing into a booth where several sea mariners had been playing a game of bones. They quickly deposited the man through a glass window. Deciding that a fight was more interesting than a game of bones the mariners began a fight with a group of dwarfs that had come to repair the castle of the very same nobleman that was now in a heated argument with Grey.

Eiber, whom had picked the wrong Grey, went crashing into the bar where a furious innkeeper grabbed his collar and gave him a sound blow to the face sending the befuddled and very drunk kender flying across the room.

Standing in the middle of the mayhem was Grey, the nobleman and the waitress in distress. Oblivious to what was happening around them the two men began to argue vehemently.

"Apologize to the woman right now!" Grey had loosened the sword from his scabbard and had thrown his black cape over his shoulder revealing not only his sword, but his large muscular chest and his black leather cloak - much to the pleasure of the waitress whom was now pressed firmly against her new hero.

The nobleman was not to be outdone however. Handsome in his own right, aside from his red splotched drunken face, he stood and loosened his own scabbard. "Then it is a dual!"

Pale blue eyes darkened, muscles tensed, and young blood burned with desire- the barmaid was now playing with his purplish hair and whispering words that even the most hardened campaigner would blush at. Just as Grey was about to pull his sword on the insolent drunk, a stout black bearded dwarf came crashing into him.

The fight was on, Grey was now securely planted in a headlock while the nobleman that had been laughing at first found himself stuck fast in a table. A mariner had firmly power slammed the foolish man headfirst into the table which he now couldn't get out of.

Just as the fight reached its climax, Lokki walked in the door. He stared in open mouthed wonder at what he saw. The dwarves had established themselves in a corner of the bar taking on all comers and swearing oaths that this was by far the best inn they'd ever been in.

His gaze then turned to Grey whom was duking it out with two burly mariners. The two dark skinned men seemed to be having problems with the quicker Grey, but just as it seemed Grey would make quick work of the two, he tripped over the leg of a unconscious nobleman -with a table secured around his head!- and fell to a black fisted blow.

The mariners which were shaking hands and laughing were in for a nasty shock when a beautiful young girl bashed each of them over the head with a woodwn tray. The girl then proceeded to drag the unconscious warrior-mage to safety.

Lokki's grey eyed gaze then fell upon the unlikely duo of the bard and innkeeper. He could hear a high pitched voice and looked up on the balcony just in time to see the incredibly drunk Eiber leap off the second floor and land foot first, on the back of the innkeeper giving him a "sound" blow to the head in return.

Unfortunately the kender's victory was short lived. The bard, finding himself without a partner, took his frustration out on the chirping kender bashing him over the head with his fiddle.

The last pockets of the battle were finally coming to an end, the bard had received a chair to the back courtesy of the last mariner standing. The mariner was then dealt his final blow by a thick, black bearded dwarf. The dwarf then turned his gaze to the only other person standing, Lokki, and charged yelling a wild battle cry.

The strong dwarf soon found himself fast asleep thanks to a sleep spell. All Lokki could do was stare around the inn in astonishment. The second floor's railing was dangling down to the ground finding support against the utterly destroyed bar. Not a chair, table or even a window escaped the battle unscathed and it appeared to Lokki that even the cooks had participated in the fight by the looks of the kitchen.

Still baffled, movement caught Lokki's eyes. He turned to see the final combatant to remain conscious. Eiber Thistledown stood in the center of the inn's common room with a destroyed fiddle hanging limply from his top knot. The intoxicated kender saw Lokki and immediately fell into their old routine.

The kender spoke the words which were suppose to empty the inn of all its occupants. "I'm bored," and with that final effort the kender passed out, blond and brown hair fluttering on their short trip to the ground.

Silence followed, then, the silence was broken by Lokki's boisterous laughter.

****

Thorne arose at the very same time a fight was raging in an inn not far from where he sat. He was surprised to find himself covered by a blanket and a piece of frozen steak covering his eye and keeping the swelling down.

He rose, somewhat shakily, and walked toward a small campfire located on the beach not far from the cave he had been held prisoner in. There was no sign of the minotaur he had fought and he had the feeling that the young one was going to jump out at him any second.

As he got nearer the campfire he realized that it was his captors that were sitting comfortably around the fire. Too late he thought of escaping for the group had already cut short their conversation and were staring at him. Throne had no delusions of outrunning six healthy minotaurs in his condition so he approached the group.

Surprisingly, the largest minotaur, and the one that had struck Thorne rose to his feet and offered the amazon a seat. Even more startling was the treatment he received when he sat down.

"Would you like a piece of fish warrior?" asked a large minotaur with a scar on his face leaving one eye blinded.

"Yes that would be nice," replied Thorne somewhat suspiciously. These same six minotaurs had taken him hostage only this mourning and now they were treating him like a brother!

Thorne's suspicions did not go unnoticed. The leader of the group laughed a deep throated, guttural laugh then spoke to Thorne.

"Do not fear warrior, the fish will not bite you!" still smiling the minotaur rose and then sat back down next to the weary amazon. "Samak over there," the leader pointed at the young minotaur with the broken horn Thorne had battled earlier that day. "told us of your battle." The minotaur's eyes shone.

"It would have been glorious to see!" There was undisguised enthusiasm in the leaders voice then he turned and looked directly into Thorne's brown eyes. "When we first met on the beach you introduced yourself as Mal-in. My name is Othlorg son of Kleft."

The minotaur then proceeded to introduce the others but Thorne paid little attention to that. He was trying to seize a half remembered memory.

"That's it!" His sudden announcement startled the minotaurs but he paid no head and looked anxiously at Othlorg. "Our fathers battled in a great tournament in Taladas! My father's name was Summar, they fought in the finals!" Thorne watched as recognition dawned on the minotaurs face.

"I was at that battle! my father came out victorious but he swore he'd never fought a braver man in his life! That battle was sung about among my father's crew for years!" Now Thorne realized why the minotaurs were treating him so nicely. When he had fought and defeated the young minotaur he had earned the group's respect. They no longer considered him an outsider or a weakling.

Interrupting his thought Othlorg continued. "So what brings you off the lost continent Mal-in?"

Thorne regaled them with the story of his village's demise. He gained many snorts of approval when he spoke of his battle with Razorwind and each minotaur was held in awe when he spoke of Mirasata sweeping to save him. He concluded his story with news of his father's death. This gained many hollers of outrage and disappointment. When he was finished the group was silent for long moments.

The silence ended when Othlorg stood, everyone staring at him he reached down and clasped Thorne's hand. Pulling the amazon to his feet he spoke. "We travel to Daltigoth Mal-in. My ship sits there in waiting. We will sail for Taladas and avenge you tribe." There was no scorn in the minotaur's voice. Thorne's story had gained even more respect from the group, now the minotaurs looked at him as on of their own. The group set out immediately for Daltigoth.

****

"Now this would have been a glorious fight!" The group of seven stood in the inn's doorway. Each minotaur's eyes were filled with regret and longing.

The inn's patrons had all agreed readily to help rebuild and pay for all the damages that occurred during the fight. First however, they all needed to have a fine mug of ale to ease their pain. Thus everyone now lay passed out on the inn's floor except for Lokki and Eiber Thistledown whom were sitting in a booth next to the entrance.

Lokki eyed the group and stomped on Eiber's foot reminding him to keep his mouth shut. A large blond man carrying an axe approached them and Lokki immediately felt the magical aura of the weapon. Curiosity overcoming him he spoke.

"Pardon me good sir but where did you come across that wonderful weapon?" Lokki didn't think the huge man was going to respond by the look on his face but then he realized the man wasn't angered by the question, just by the memory the question arose. He was all to familiar with that feeling.

"It was a gift from my father. Chieftain of my tribe located in the Shining Lands in Taladas." The man had given Lokki more information than he had ever expected. It must have been the way of his tribe to be honest and forthright. Then he suddenly remembered what had been said. "Taladas," he barely whispered the word before Eiber exploded into a frenzy of questions.

"Taladas! Oh how wonderful I've heard so many stories of it! Tell me. Are there dragon overlords over there too? Do you guys have any kender over there? Oh! I bet I'm, related to them! That must have been what happened to my uncle Trapspringer! No one has heard from him in years." The kender was cut short by Thorne's laughing and another ,hard, kick from Lokki.

"To answer ay least one of your questions yes, we have many dragon overlords in Taladas. Too many," his eyes went dull for a moment and Lokki saw a tear slide down his check. Eiber saw it too and kept quiet. "one such beast named Razorwind attacked my tribe and killed my father."

This revelation made Lokki feel as though he had found a long lost brother. Speaking in a soft and friendly voice he offered the amazon a chair. After Thorne was seated and introductions were over with (Grey had just come down from the room where he had spent a lovely evening with the black haired waitress). Lokki told his story.

Lokki regaled the amazon with the story of the Staff of Souls and then of meeting Gaias and Grey. When it was completed he noticed that the minotaurs that had travelled with Thorne were seated in the booth next to them and had been listening in rapt attention.

The largest if the minotaurs whom had introduced himself as Othlorg quickly invited Lokki and the others on their quest to Taladas to fight the blue dragon that had destroyed Thorne's village, Razorwind.

It had taken an hour to finally convince Grey to come with them and then another hour to leave the waitress behind. Dragging his feet in the dust as he walked Grey hadn't spoken a word to anyone afterwards.

The kender had been sent to the back of the line to walk with Grey after nearly being killed by the young minotaur with the broken horn. Lokki and Thorne walked together and talked affectionately.

That night the group made camp. Having already forgotten about his love for the young black haired vixen, Grey became entranced by the minotaur's sense of honor and readily sparred with Samak upon the minotaurs request.

The spar turned into an all out battle. The minotaurs that had been longing for a good fight since meeting Thorne, then trying to pick one after seeing the bar, gathered around the combatants and had a wonderful time. Even Lokki enjoyed watching the fight. Especially when Grey got a friendly kick to the rump.

In the end Grey came out the victor however. In a mighty stroke his sword split the minotaurs trident in two. Then kicking the stunned Samak in the gut, Grey proceeded to beat on the minotaur until he tapped out.

After that the group sat around a bonfire and told each other stories of their past fights.

It was one of the happiest nights both Lokki and Thorne had had in a long time.

****

The trip to Taladas had gone smoothly enough. Aside from Eiber being arrested in Daligoth and Othlorg's first mate being a royal pain in the backside through out the trip it had run quite smoothly indeed.

The group that now travelled through the shining lands consisted of, twelve minotaurs, four amazons from Thorne's tribe they had found wandering the wilderness and Lokki and company.

They had receive reports in Salamirth of a few brasses attacking Razorwind's dwelling but nothing else. The minotaurs, whom had been to Taladas many time were very familiar with the landscaping. With the help of Thorne the group was able to reach the dragon's lair -or what they thought his lair to be- in four days.

Othlorg, Lokki and Thorne now stood at the cave's entrance discussing how they should go about fighting the dragon. Ignoring Othlorg's first mate, Helati, a broad shouldered minotaur female and her advise of simply charging in, the three considered their options.

"I have a spell that can light our way through the cave but neither Grey nor I know of any invisibility or shielding spells." The minotaur captain didn't look at all saddened by the news and even looked a little relieved that he wouldn't have to rely on magic.

"The light spell will come in handy but I doubt there will be any way of shielding such a large group. I say we sneak into the cavern and then challenge the beast. Our number should give us the advantage."

With nothing better in mind the group proceeded. At it's front were Thorne, Grey and Othlorg. They were flanked on both sides two amazon archers on both sides.

Following the first wave was twelve minotaurs in three group of four. Bringing up the rear was Lokki and Eiber. The kender had always loved the small puff ball Lokki used to light their way and had been silent when the mage had cleverly decided to give the kender a puff ball of his own.

Whispering commands to the puff ball the kender wasn't even noticed by the rest of the group.

Winding their way down the dark corridors the group came to a stop at an arched entrance. Lokki came to the front to lead with whatever protection he could give against dragon breath and nearly jumped out of his burgundy robes when a horrible laughter echoed through the hallway.

Feeling that old pain come back to his stomach, the red robed mage closed his eyes and was about to speak when one of the minotaurs yelled.

"Dragons! Everyone turned around to see two blue dragons blocking the group's only exit. Thorne, who was standing beside Lokki immediately recognized Razorwind and let out a bone chilling war cry before charging at the great blue.

The dragon, his head reared back, prepared to let out a breath of lightning that would end the group's hopes of winning when a voice stopped him.

"Enough!" Lokki felt chilled to the core as if the Abyss itself had spoken. Even Thorne stopped and turned to look at the creature which had spoken. Eyes flaring, The chamber lit up and all saw Grendal sitting atop his throne.

"A lich!" Lokki gasped and backed away. Surrounding the throne was Axel along with six of his disir henchmen. The two fiery eyes turned to Lokki.

"Ah a mage. And what a wonderful toy you have there. Its magic prickles my bones even as I sit here. I'm afraid I must ask you to give me that precious weapon sir mage!" Pointing toward the staff, the lich yanked it out of Lokki's grasp with surprising force. The staff then floated up toward the throne until it rested in the clutches of the evil mage.

The dragon atop the staff gleamed wickedly as the light from Grendal's eyes reflected on its surface.

"And I see that you have returned my axe to me! How nice of you. The lich was extending his had toward the axe when a blast of multi-colorred lightning struck him square in the chest. Although by no means dead, the lich was hurt badly. Dropping the staff he clutched his chest. "Kill them!"

The words were spoken and both groups took action. Grey and Thorne led the four amazons toward Razorwind and began assailing him with magical bolts and arrows. Looking to his companion for help, the blue saw the she had her own problems as six minotaurs, led by Helati.

The seven dwarves charged the remaining minotaurs with Axel and Othlorg fighting in the middle. That left only Lokki and Eiber to take on the most powerful of their foes, Grendal.

The lich stood and spoke in fury as Lokki stepped forward to retrieve his staff. "Before I kill you fledgling. I wish to know why you have come here." His reply came when Eiber flung a rock a him using his hoopak staff. The rock came inches from the lich's head before stopping in mid air and then, at the lich's command, dropping to the floor.

Magical lighting and fire filled the air as Lokki and Grendal began their battle. Across the cavern on the other side of the laboratory Grey was struck by Razorwind's tale sending him flying into a cavern wall.

Thorne rushed in to fill the gap while the Throng-kin archers continued their assault. Ignoring the others, Razorwinds focused on the human he had come to hate like no other.

Fienting toward one of the archers, the dragon lashed out a Thorne with a wicked talon. In a desperate move the amazon swung the axe while sidestepping the talon. The only thing that kept the amazon's head on his shoulders was an arrow from a fellow tribesman which found its mark striking Razorwind in the nostril.

His blow faltered and he reared back in pain. Then, turning his gaze toward the one that had hurt him so, the dragon impaled the amazon on his tail and through him against the wall. Just as he was about to strike down yet another tribesman a stream of energy struck him, sending him several feet in the air before landing hard on the ground. Razorwind hoped the others were having better luck.

Indeed Razorwind's mate did seem to be having better luck. She had already killed two of the six minotaurs that had charged her. The first of those to have died had been Helati. The courageous first mate had pushed two of her fellow minotaurs out of the way of the dragon's breath being struck in turn. All that was left of her was her axe which another had picked up to continue the fight.

Affording herself some room the dragon let out another bolt of lightning killing one of the amazons that was running toward Razorwind for the kill. She was relieved when her mate got back to his feet and continued his own battle.

The only lopsided fight had been between the dwarves and minotaurs led by Othlorg. Killing five of the seven almost immediately the other two had fled for their lives under the cover of the lich's powerful magic. Othlorg saw Axel turn his hate filled gaze upon him and new there was a promise in those eyes. Shrugging, he led the rest of his minotaurs into the battle being waged against the dragons.

Thinking she would easily defeat the four remaining minotaurs, Lazoerz was very hard pressed against ten full grown minotaur fighters. Samak and Othlorg proved to be extremely adept at dodging her viscous talons and the blue soon found herself pressed against the cavern wall.

She lashed out with her tail catching two unsuspecting minotaurs in the heads killing them instantly. The blow had been costly however. The blue dragon turned he gaze back toward where most of the minotaurs were standing just in time to see Othlorg's axe strike her skull splitting her head nearly in twain.

"Noooo!" Razorwind let another gust of his dragon breath out killing the two remaining archers before turning on the minotaurs. Ignoring Grey and Thorne's attacks on his flank the dragon rushed over to wear his mate lay dead.

The first minotaur to stand in his way had a scar along his eye. The dragon swooped the beast up with his snout and bit him in two before the minotaur even had time to react.

"Shleati!" yelled a young minotaur with a broken horn. Picking up a trident the young one rose his spear just in time to see the dragon intake another breath. The young one was blown to bits along with another that had come to shield him. Their numbers dwindling, the group retreated.

****

"Arrrghhhh!" Lokki doubled over in pain as he was struck be yet another energy ball. This lich was good! He could hear Eiber calling his name but he didn't care. His head was pounding and his ears hurt horribly. "Perhaps I will go see Heather now." Lying his head down Lokki prepared himself for the deathblow. But first the lich wanted to establish his authority apparently.

"How does it feel to be dying mage? Does it hurt? Are you scared?" his mocking voice echoed throughout the hall. All the minotaurs turned to see Lokki and Grey rushed to stand near the mage. Only Throne and Razorwind were still locked in combat.

The lich spoke the words of magic and then fell back screaming. The very sound made even the minotaurs fall back in horror. Only Eiber remained unaffected. He rushed forward to help Lokki to his feet when he saw the dragon's eyes atop Lokki's staff begin to glow like they had done at the campsite.

"Lokki look!" Eiber pointed at the staff and this time Lokki did see the dragon's eyes. Grey knelt beside the two and they all stared in wonder.

The lich was still screaming in terror when a deep godlike voice spoke throughout the darkness: "I am Swiftgold, keeper of the staff and protector of its secrets," everyone stood in awe and watched as the staff began to float into the air.

"Lokki, you have been chosen as the bearer of this staff. You are hereby charged to restore the balance of Krynn using your skill and intelligence as well as your magical abilities. Thus is the pact you must make to be keeper of this staff."

The lich's screams could still be heard but now the voice soothed the terror-stricken mind and calmed the heart. Only Thorne and Razorwind fought on.

The voice continued: "Do you accept?" and with that came silence. Only faintly did the battle between amazon and dragon register in the minds of those assembled.

Lokki was the only one kneeling before the staff now. The lich's screams turned into sobs. Lokki's answer however made the lich howl in agony. "I do."

And with that the room was illuminated by the shining of the Staff of Souls. The darkness being banished by the light. Then, a bright flash blinded all those who were watching. When Lokki gazed back at where the staff had been, he saw not a oak staff with a gold dragon atop it but a golden dragon!

Swiftgold, an enormous gold dragon climbed the dais and stood before the lich. "Thus we will banish his kind from Krynn. Thus neutrality will reign. This is the word of the gods and the will of the heavens." Now not even Thorne and Razorwind could continue their battle, both were watching the fate of Grendal unfold.

The dragon's great mouth opened and all could hear the intake of breath. Grendal had been able to stand and knowing his fate, dared to defy it by calling a magical spell down upon the dragon.

As the flaming breath was released, the spell was also completed. Two flaming streaks shot at each other. Lokki and Eiber held their breath awaiting the outcome. Swiftgold's column of fire slowly engulfed Grendal's, eventually overcoming it before continuing its corse toward the lich.

Grendal rose his arms in the air preparing a protective spell but it was too late. Consumed by dragon's breath there was nothing left of the lich but ashes. When the dragon sighed the ashes took flight, spreading across the laboratory and finally settling against the ground.

The dragon then turned toward Lokki and spoke, "My vigil will remain atop this staff. I will never interfere in the affairs of mortals again but you may seek my advice when you need it," and with that another flash lit up the room and the Staff of Souls returned to Lokki's hand, the eyes of the dragon flaming bright red.

With that over everyone turned toward the exit prepared to leave when they saw Thorne and Razorwind battling. The minotaurs rushed in to help but were stopped by Othlorg.

The ship's captain spoke with authority and none dared disobey. "Leave him be. This is his fight."

****

Memories of his father flooded Thorne as he battled Razorwind. Both were exhausted and near death but they fought on. Axe and claw couldn't be told apart. The weary group watched on and Lokki had to lay a restraining hand on Grey's shoulder. The young man sighed and looked on.

Wielding the Bloodletter, Throne swung the axe toward the dragon's chest. Razorwind had no time to react as the axe came crashing into his heart. As blood gurgled out of the dragon's mouth he screamed in torment.

The dragon fell dead as did Thorne from exhaustion.

****

The small group stood on the docks in the little town of Salamirth. Lokki and Grey had been able to convince Thorne to travel back to Ansalon with them. Othlorg and the rest of the survivors had offered to join in Lokki's search for Pyrothraxus.

The group held a bonfire along the shore that night telling a heroic story of all that had died that day. When it came time for Eiber to speak, the group hushed. The little kender was crying.

Clutching his hoopak in an iron grip the kender told the group the story of how, in the midst of the battle, Helati had saved his life.

"Oh Lokki I feel just horrible," the mage's gaze softened as he held the trembling kender. "I had made fun of her all along our trip and she saved me in the end! I wish I could have apologized and thanked her!" Even some of the minotaurs wiped "sand" from their eyes as the kender continued.

Lokki and Grey spoke soothing words to the kender and soon after the group went to sleep. The last words spoken that night were from Grey, "I think she new you were joking all along Eiber, go get some sleep."

****

The sun was shining and the wind was blowing most favorably as the Falcon's Claw left port. Lokki leaned upon the railing and watched the land of Taladas disappear below the horizon.

"I wonder if it was worth it," the mage spoke as he regarded Eiber and Grey arguing over who owned a certain black lock of hair neatly tied up by a red ribbon.

"What would you have done differently?" came the deep voice of Swiftgold. The two had conversed quite allot during the past several days.

The mage's eyes swept across the ship and fell upon Othlorg and Thorne, the two were having a wrestling match. Othlorg managed to pin Thorne in five seconds. The crew all laughed and jeered and Thorne and Othlorg hugged each other when it was over.

Lokki brushed a lock of gray air out of his eyes and clasped a pendant he wore around his neck. The pendant was of two dragons, a gold and silver, intertwined. His gaze fell back over his friends before he spoke.

"If I had of known it would hurt so much, losing a friend I mean," Lokki amended. "I may have said no. But," He smiled as Eiber downright refused to let go of the lock of hair. Grey used a levitation spell to turn the kender upside down and empty his pouches out.

"But what?" came the deep voice, silently prompting Lokki.

"But I hadn't known that having friends could feel so good," he returned his pendant to its hiding place beneath his robes and smiled.

"I wouldn't have changed a thing." Smiling Lokki walked across the deck and joined his friends.

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