Chapter 3 Ectheldar, the Realm of the Dragons

Mavok and Silver appeared on the side of a mountain within a dense mountain range.

"Ah! Welcome to Ectheldar, the most inhospitable dimension in all of Northank!" Mavok said with mock cheerfulness.

Silver looked around to see the land devoid of any life and covered with flames. He looked up at the sky to see that the sun had been blocked out by a huge cloud of ash.

"Do you really think Blaze is here, Mavok? I doubt anything could survive here for more than a day!" Silver yelled in shock.

"There are many cave systems throughout Ectheldar's mountains. Underground, it is safe enough to live. In fact, I suggest we find a cave to take shelter in before we are caught in a fight." Mavok said as he looked around for any rock formations that might indicate a cave.

"A fight? Between whom?" Silver asked confused.

"Why, the Dragons of course! They're what caused this realm's surface to be destroyed. The Dragons are always at constant war with each other's families. They fight just simply to kill for no gain. It is quite rash, but then again, what else could you expect from such mindless beasts... oh, but don't tell them I said that, they are quite prideful." Mavok explained.

Yes, we are mindless beasts indeed. A voice sounded within Mavok's mind.

Mavok immediately thought that the voice came from Silver, but when he looked at Silver and saw his horrified expression he knew that the voice must have come from a dragon. Mavok turned around to see a very large black dragon flying toward them. The dragon landed on the mountainside, inches away from Mavok. The dragon was at least four times as tall as Mavok and about twenty times his size. The dragon looked quite menacing as its black scales shimmered from the fire light below and its neck was bristled with spikes.

"Well, most of them are anyway. Don't worry, Silver, there is no need to fear! This is Arthbane, my good friend, and the only Dragon in Ectheldar that is willing to communicate with others. You see, Dragons speak telepathically. Arthbane was the one who informed me of a Mobian being within their realm." Mavok explained nervously.

Arthbane growled menacingly.

I would hardly describe our relationship as friendly, but in service of the Warden I am inclined to offer my aid. Your Mobian friend was seen traversing the Ash Mountains in the North. I suggest that you both ride atop me and I will take you there for the path on foot is far too treacherous for such weak beings as yourselves. Arthbane said angrily.

The Dragon then lowered his neck so that Mavok and Silver could get on.

"Wait, Mavok, can't you just teleport us to the place he is talking about?" Silver asked confused.

"Of course I could, but where is the fun in that?" Mavok said as he grabbed Silver by the arm and threw him on Arthbane.

Mavok then mounted the Dragon himself and they flew off. Though Silver was accustomed to flying, flying on the back of a Dragon was a much more intense experience and he immediately began to feel nauseous.

I suggest you hold on Warden and company. There is a battle raging up ahead and I may have to use evasive maneuvers. Arthbane said somewhat happily.

"Nonsense, Arthbane! Let us join the battle! It would be very fun I imagine!" Mavok said excitedly as he drew his sword.

That is one thing I like about you, Warden. You constantly hunger for the thrill of battle just as the Dragons do. Arthbane said amused.

"Mavok, are you insane? You're going to get us killed!" Silver said angrily.

"Perhaps I am a little, but you shouldn't worry, Silver. Arthbane is considered to be a veteran among the Dragons." Mavok said smiling.

Arthbane then dove into a cloud of smoke at the peak of a nearby mountain where several Dragons were engaging each other. Arthbane immediately sunk his teeth into the neck of a blue Dragon and threw him into the fire below. He continued to kill many Dragons to the point that most of them flew away except for one gold colored Dragon that refused to flee.

"That one is mine!" Mavok said excitedly.

As the Dragon flew under them Mavok jumped off of Arthbane's back and landed on the head of the Dragon. He then drove his sword into the creatures skull, killing it instantly. Arthbane then flew down and caught Mavok as he fell.

You have much fervor, Warden. I am surprised to see that your skill in battle is so great after you sat in Northank for centuries. Arthbane said laughing.

"Promise me that we will never do this again, Mavok!" Silver said angrily.

"Of course! If we find your girlfriend here we will never have to return here again." Mavok said as he patted Silver on the back.

After about an hour of flying the three of them finally arrived at the Ash Mountains. Arthbane landed on the peak of one of the mountains and allowed Mavok and Silver to look around for Blaze.

"Strange... I don't see anything around but mountains and fire. Are you certain that you saw a Mobian?" Mavok asked curiously.

Hm, hm, hm. No, I did not. I noticed that you did not have your ring Warden, and so I took the opportunity to trick you so that I could bring you out here and kill you. Now you shall both die! Arthbane yelled in rage.

"You tricked me! You shall pay for your insolence, Arthbane!" Mavok yelled angrily.

Arthbane immediately unleashed a burst of fire from his jaws at Mavok and Silver. Mavok quickly rolled out of the way while Silver used his psychokinesis to raise the ground in front of him so that it shielded him from the fire. Mavok drew his sword, but Arthbane quickly snapped it in two with his mighty jaws. He then swung his spiked tail around and slammed it into Mavok. He toppled backwards with his black blood spewing across his chest. However, Mavok's wounds quickly healed. He then used Arthbane's anger to propel himself forward and punched the Dragon in its left eye. He was immediately blinded and was sent hurling over the side of the mountain. Arthbane quickly spread his wings and began to fly around the mountain. Silver then struggled to lift a giant boulder out of the mountain and prepared to throw the boulder at Arthbane but could not aim at him due to his rapid flying. Mavok then jumped into the air and smashed the boulder sending the fragments toppling onto Arthbane. Mavok and Silver watched as the dragon fell through the air and slammed into the ground.

"I doubt he is actually dead Silver. We should leave now!" Mavok said urgently.

"Yes, we can't waste anymore time here than we already have!" Silver said angrily.

In a flash they had both disappeared.

SILVER AND BLAZE ARE COPYRIGHT BY SEGA