Dor and Irene kept practicing until dawn, when their companions awoke. Irene looked out of the main cave, and saw that the sun was a brilliant red color. It comforted those who awoke with
warmth. "It's beautiful, Dor. Come and see!" Irene said. "Okay, coming." He also saw the brilliance of the red sun. "You don't see that very often, do you?" asked Dor. "Never before have I seen it," replied Irene.
"I believe it to be an illusion," said Arnolde as he woke. "What do you mean, Arnolde, my mother never uses her magic anymore," replied Irene. "Not an illusion of magic, but of science.
The red glowing of the sun is the way it hits the atmosphere. If it wasn't at the correct angle at the perfect time, it would look normal gold," Arnolde concluded. "Me no understand, it still look
bland," Smash said as he awoke. "I agree with Gigantus over there," said Grundy. "I find it to be amazing," Chet muttered.
After they all awoke, Smash and Chet set out for hunting. They heard a Gryphon's squall in the distance. "Me kill beast, then we feast."
With that, Chet and Smash went on, looking for their prey. An hour of so later, they found it. The Gryphon also spotted them.Smash rose, towering over the Gryphon. He charged the monster with his gauntleted fist. The monster avoided him, and countered his attack with a savage claw. Smash's arm was slashed, and he could not use it.
Chet then raged into battle against the monster. He charged him with his sword, severing one wing so that it could not fly away. It gave a screech of pain and anger. The monster ran at Chet, who was vulnerable for the moment. Smash intercepted the Gryphon and sent his fist flying toward the creature.
The Gryphon fell, and could not get up, he was beaten. Chet moved in for the final blow. He raised his sword, blade-side down. He struck the beast, they had won. Smash took the front end of the Gryphon while Chet carried the other. They took it back to the caves.
"We're back!" announced Chet. Nobody came. "Hello?" he questioned, still no answer. The warriors set the creature down, and entered the caves. They saw no sign of anyone being there. It was obvious that Vecks, Quartz, and Xerald had departed some time ago. "Perhaps they went to find a spring for fresh water?" asked Chet. They ventured into the caves, and found Grundy lying on the floor.
"They...took them..." mumbled Grundy. "Who take who?" asked Smash. "The warriors...took Arnolde...and Irene..." said Grundy. "I-I don't believe it!" shouted Chet, with anger. "They saved us, then kidnapped them" said Chet. "Yes...betrayed by them...Dor...took off after them..." mumbled Grundy. "We need find Dor, maybe live no more," said Smash. "You're right Smash, we'll search for them."
Smash's arm was hurt, and he grimaced with pain every once in a while. "We need to find a healing spring," said Chet, "We'll need you two in top-shape for the upcoming battle. They veered west, searching for a healing spring. Two hours had passed, and the search continued. "I think I hear the ripples of a small creek, off that way," Chet pointed southward. Soon they were upon the creek, and they spied a friendly face.
"Dor!" shouted Chet. "You found me, I'm so glad," replied Dor, "They took Irene, and Arnolde, we should never have trusted those...those..." started Dor. "Horse-rumps? Hoofheads?" questioned Grundy. He always had to insult someone. "Yeah, no offence Chet," muttered Dor. "None taken. But have you questioned this spring? It is a healer?" asked Chet. "Yes I have, and yes it is."