The Climax in the Trilogy.
Black onyx doors booming shut behind them, Dragan gasped with wonder as he beheld the massive hall. It was bathed in a soft light that receded in the distance so the exact size of the hall was impossible to discern. The sound of the door closing rebounded and echoed along the hall, becoming louder every second. The scale of the room was too big for Dragan to grasp. He felt like an ant in an ant hill.
And then he noticed the walls. They were covered with carved lines that created an amazing piece of art. Each line was a different hue of the rainbow, which ranged from green to sapphire, all adding to the colourful halo that lighted the room. The floor was made of black onyx, which balanced the colour out, making the room a wonderful piece of craftsmanship. The room smelt of crushed pine leaves and reminded Dragan of the countryside, giving it a rural beauty alongside the complex stone work.
But a sad thought struck Dragan at this moment. "All this beauty", thought Dragan, "gone to waste on the dark king". He looked at his companions and saw the same reactions on their faces. And then he saw the dark throne. Upon it sat the King, smiling at his new guests.
"Welcome to Castle Celebrim, my humble home. I greet you as my guests."
"Save the pleasantries, King Thangar, for they are lost on our ears," replied Oke. Glicir growled in agreement.
"Why so hostile, Oke my friend? You are my guests and I will treat you so. All I ask in turn is that you are polite to me in kind.”
"Why should we be kind to you Thangar, when you have killed countless of our friends and comrades so you may have more power? I say that deed doesn't deserve kindness and politeness," retorted Dragan. It was painful to refer to the death of Kore but he was angry that they were bandying words with the King instead of fighting him.
"Ah, Dragan I almost forgot you. And for your insult my answer is thus. I have killed and I admit it. But have not the Vard also killed many people. And why? So another King or Queen can rule in my stead. But why? What have I done so that I anger you? What have I done wrong? And the answer is nothing. For you fight so that you may be King, Dragan. You fight for power. That is the answer.”
"You lie Thangar. You have done much wrong. You have enslaved dragons, killed innocent people in your own land and above all you have fought to gain more land and more power with war. The answer is one word. This word has controlled you since you enslaved the dragons. This one word is power."
The slither of steel on leather broke the silence that came after Dragan's statement. The King had drawn his black sword. His eyes, which were kind before, were now seething with anger and black with malice.
"How dare you say this too me, your King. Show me some respect, you young swine. I will kill you as easily as breaking a dry twig. I will sweep you away like the powerful storm I have become."
And with that he leapt off his throne and swung at Dragan with his black blade. Dragan brought his sword up just quick enough to block Thangar's blow. But for Dragan it felt like a ton of bricks had fallen on him. The strength of the King was astounding.
"I must use my shield otherwise my sword will not last long" thought Dragan as Thangar came in for another crushing blow. This time Dragan used his shield to block. But still the shock of the blow travelled up through his arm right to his shoulder. But now Dragan was ready. He lifted his shield and struck at the King. But even as fast as Dragan was the King was faster still and parried the blow on his sword. Dragan was shocked by the King reflexes and was starting to think he might die in this fight. His last fight.
The blows were starting to numb Dragan’s arm as Thangar repeatedly bashed down on his shield. But an idea was beginning to form in Dragan’s mind.
“A dangerous plan but it is dangerous times” thought Dragan grimly as Thangar bashed down on his shield for the uptenth time.
While Thangar was preparing for the next blow, Dragan whispered a prayer and got ready to raise his shield. His companions gasped as they saw what he was doing. But while he started to raise his shield Thangar cut into it and yanked it from his grasp. Dragan was now open to any attack. Thangar dropped his sword because of the shield wedged into it and drew his dagger out of his belt. He swiped it down at Dragan’s neck. As he did Dragan raised his arm to shield his neck. Then he realised he had no shield and a black hole loomed inside him as he realised he will die.
All in this registered in Dragan’s mind as the dagger came down. Then it hit his wrist which was shielding his neck. The dagger was sharp and it cut Dragan’s whole hand off. He screamed in agony as his lifeless limb fell to the floor. Thangar stopped and watched as Dragan kneeled over in pain. He had won. But Dragan did not give up yet. He had come too far to fail and now courage and a new sense of persistence gave him hope.
He raised his sword in his left hand and swung it at Thangar. Thangar’s eyes opened in shock as he saw the blade swinging at him. He started to bring his sword up but for once his reflexes failed him. There was a squelching sound as the King’s head fell onto the floor. Then the Company cheered. For their enemy was dead and their Quest was done. But Dragan just slumped on the floor in a pool of his blood, eyes closed.
