The enormous dragon laughed at us, but I could sense his approval of my direct manner.
(Personality +5)
Then he flapped his mighty wings and dove directly toward us! He crashed right into Grom, battering down his defenses in a flurry of wings and teeth. Kal tried to circle around Parnaxxus, but the dragon spotted him. He unleashed a great gout of flame, engulfing both the thief and myself. I couldn't cast my magic in time and Rachel was unable to heal me quick enough to get a second chance. The fight was over before it began. My party hadn't been ready for such a difficult battle; they needed more training and equipment. It was a miracle that we all survived to crawl back down the mountainside and return to Tornassa.
(Party Power: 20, Party Power Needed: 25)
Even though we hadn't killed the great dragon, our adventuring days were over. We had made some money over the years and accomplished many amazing deeds. My fellow party members moved out almost right away, eager to begin a normal life. They took all of the extra unused equipment with them. Before I could find a new place to live, however, something historic happened.
Next Chapter
It all began with a summons from the court wizard, Fraledan, to come to the castle immediately. I went right away and was allowed access past all the guards. The castle was a great representation of the kingdom; everything was in disrepair and looked untidy. The inner soldiers were standing outside the throne room doors, and they looked nervous. I approached with some apprehension, but they must have been told I was coming because they stepped aside to let me pass.
I entered the throne room and saw King Gareth sitting on his throne, reloading a crossbow. His hair was more silver than gray, but he was still in excellent physical shape. Prince Eric, his son, stood beside him with a panicked expression on his face. Prince Eric had grown into a handsome man at the age of 20, and he looked like his father. They were both staring across the room, where Prince Travis stood with the royal wizard Fraledan standing in front of him. Prince Travis was 29 years old and looked like his grandfather, the late King Norbert. At his feet, I saw an unmoving bundle of rich clothing with a spreading pool of bright red blood beneath it. It was Princess Emily, dead by the Mad King's own hand.
"This is madness!" Fraledan boomed, his gnarled oak staff gripped tightly in his hand.
King Gareth was giggling as he continued to turn the windlass on his crossbow. Drool ran from the corner of his mouth, and his dark eyes looked slightly out of focus.
"He must die, he'll have babies!" King Gareth said in a high-pitched voice. "Like a litter of rats, they'll come against me and try to take my throne!"
"No, uncle," Prince Travis said, his voice choked with emotion.
"Gareth, you've killed Emily," Fraledan said in a low voice, trying to make the Mad King see what he had done.
"Travis is your nephew, he loves you and supports you. Prince Eric is the rightful heir, there is no threat."
"Kill him!" King Gareth demanded of me. It was an enormous decision and I had no time to think about it.