7 The Gates of the Tower

"Ready to go, young masters?," asked Zornyu, eyeing the Eye of Zicco.

"Yeah, Zornyu. Take it away," Alex replied smiling.

Zornyu smiled back as they clambered onto his back. With a last look at the Mystic's hut, they took off, and headed towards the tower in the distance.

"So Zornyu," Alex said, "is this actually your brother dragon's eye?"

"No."

"Then why is it called the Eye of Zicco?"

"At the very top of the tower, he thought of making a stone with powers beyond imagination so he could not be defeated by dragon slayers. The slayers have given up because my brother is too powerful."

"What does he want the stone back for and why did the Mystic have it?"

"He gave it to the Mystic because he sworn to protect it until the day when you would come and he could finally meet you. He wants the stone back so he can build more towers for dragons to be born in and rule so he can take a last attempt at defeating the Red Dragon colony."

"Why?"

"The Red Dragon's are not the most pleasant of beasts. They roam around using firebreath to destroy forests and small towns. They also conflict against themselves in civil battles. But now that Ouruoh has returned to them, they want to rule the world of Mariol and destroy those who oppose them."

"Ah...who is Ouruoh?"

"You are full of questions, master Alex. Ouruoh is the Lord of Red Dragons. He was originally Zicco's companion, but since Zicco made the Eye he has turned against him after witnessing its power. He wants it for himself so he can rule the world of Mariol."

"Okay."

The chill breeze that whipped through Alex's hair soothed him and he couldn't help but smile. This world was fascinating...

As they neared to tower he could just make out a gate. A large white gate. A white gate to a black tower...weird...

Zornyu landed softly, and as they got off his back, smiled at them.

"Find a way through the gate." He took off and went to the top of the tower.

Alex and Stu approached the gate which was probably twenty-five times bigger than them. He looked around for a handle but there was none. He looked at the gate, and was away to talk to Stu but words shot themselves out of his mouth as if they had a mind of their own.

"Ouveros."

The gate swung open squeaking loudly on the giant hinges.

"Alex...how..."

"I don't know so don't ask..."

They walked in through the gates, and when they reached the path into the tower, they shut behind them...