Chapter 2: The Dragon Rider
The members of the Guild flamed in, which was how they got from place to place with the help of fire, to a large area with a big crystal in the center of the room. Light shone down on it from a hole in the ceiling. A screech was heard as a large, bat creature flew in and landed in the shadows. The Guild ignored it.
"It will take all of our strength to do this," Elvon said.
"Let's get it over with," Zera said, still reluctant to go through with the plan. She was having second thoughts about Elvon.
"What if he gets out of control," Jalvor asked. "Like last time? He could kill us all."
"Then we'll crystallize him like last time," Elvon said.
"This is a horrible plan," Barralack said. "We might not have the power to put him back after using all the energy to take him out."
"You will do as I say," Elvon ordered. "Now, let's do this."
They all formed a circle around the crystal. Though they thought it was a bad idea, the other four Guild members joined Elvon in chant. They were chanting something in some demonic language. As they did this, the crystal started to glow. The bat thing let out a screech as the crystal burst to pieces. As the dust cleared, it revealed a man standing where the crystal was. He wore medieval armor.
"Who is the one that released me?" he roared.
"We did," Zera said. "And you'll do as we say."
"And what is it that you want me to do?"
"Kill the Four Corners," Heru said.
"And if I disobey you?"
"Then we'll send you right back where you started," Jalvor informed.
"Then I shall obey," he said, kneeling and bowing his head. His dragon gave a loud screech that filled the night as the Guild Members smiled beneath their hooded robes.
"What did you say it was?" Millie asked. Charles and Annie had told them what had happened, and Millie was looking through the Book to find out what it was. Robert was standing to the side, silently thinking and listening.
"It was like a giant bat," Charles said.
"It had a long tail with a sharp end," Annie added. "It was a dark green color with red, piercing eyes. It had two horns."
"How big exactly was it?" Robert asked.
"About the size of a horse," Charles said.
"I have an idea of what it is," he said. "But it's impossible."
"What are you thinking?" Millie asked.
"Well, a few centuries ago, the Underworld had a fighter called the Dragon Rider. He fought wars with good and nearly wiped out all witches. But, he became corrupted with power, like many people do, and started killing demons. The Guild, who were new to their throne at the time, banished him. They crystallized him. It is possible that they've released him to kill you four."
"Sounds tough," Charles said. Robert closed his eyes.
"The Elders are summoning me," he said. "I'll ask them what they know." He orbed away.
"I have to go to bed, I'll see you guys later," Charles said. He left Annie and Millie alone in the Altar Room.
"How powerful is he?" Annie asked.
"I don't know," Millie said. "I've only heard stories of him from my grandmother. All she said was that he destroyed a lot of witches."
"That's horrible."
"Yes, it is," Millie said. "But don't you worry about that right now. Get some sleep. We'll worry more about this tomorrow." Annie left for her room. She found that Jordan was in there, waiting for her.
"I heard Charles say something about a dragon to David," she said. "What's that all about?"
"I don't know," Annie said. "There's some Dragon Rider out or something. Your mom told me not to worry about that now though."
"Okay then," Jordan said. "So, how was tonight?"
"It was going good, until we saw a dragon."
"You actually saw a dragon?"
"It flew out of an alley at us."
"That sucks," Jordan said.
"But the rest of the date was great."
"That's good. Is he a good kisser?"
"I don't know, we didn't kiss."
"You didn't kiss?" Jordan asked, shocked. "What's wrong with you two?"
"I think he wanted to, but he was too shy to do it. Plus we were a little interrupted by a flying dragon."
"Oh yeah, that plays a part in it I guess." Annie nodded her head. "Anyways, I'll talk to you later. I'm gonna hit the hay."
"Night," Annie said as Jordan walked through the bathroom to get to her room.
"Millie," Robert said, orbing back into the Altar Room. "I've got some bad news."
"What is it?" Millie asked.
"The Elders can feel a mass of evil. They're pretty sure that it is the Dragon Rider."
"Well, we'll just stop him ourselves."
"It's not that easy though. The Dragon Rider and his dragon are impervious to good magic. Spells and potions are useless. He'll be able to see through Annie's illusions, withstand mind control, and Charles won't be able to foresee any of his attacks. Physical powers, like yours' and Sabrina's will work, but his armor is so strong, it'll do no good."
"How can we stop him then?" Millie asked.
"That's the worst of it," Robert said. "The Elders don't know how you can stop him."