A/N: And here's the next chapter! Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I don't own Dungeons and Dragons. I only own my original ideas

Chapter 72: Dracusa

We continued up the path as it climbed steadily into the darkness. Although the path continued, the right-hand side of the cavern wall opened up into another large chamber. This terraced chamber extended at least a few hundred feet to the south and was approximately 70 feet wide. Large, rough-hewn stairs provided access to the four terraced levels. Four massive pillars, each about 10 feet in diameter, one on each terraced level, sported concave faces adorned with flickering fires that cast cast a myriad of shadows. The shadowy illumination revealed numerous stone statues situated in gallery-like formations. The statues were exquisitely detailed and most depicted humanoids in a variety of poses and engaged in varied actions. Most had twisted expressions of dread or fear chisled on their visages. Even a few nonhuman creatures were present, and the centerpiece on the third level appeared to be a dragon.

We bagan searching the chamber, and I spotted a few interesting things among the statues. The largest statue appeared to be depicting a green dragon, snarling in rage. The next largest statue depicted a gold dragon, looking shocked about something. Strangely the statues had no sign of tool marks, it was almost like they were formed like this whole.

I heard a subtle resp of something scaly slithering towards us, putting me on guard. I also noticed that my companions had heard it too. That was our only warning before two arrows lanced throught he air with great precision striking Narcrath and Verrax. The arrow tore straight through Verrax's tiny form, embedding itself in the far wall. Verrax was critically wounded, but still alive.

Xitlalcoatl, still in human form, pointed his staff at Verrax, and spoke a few words in a tounge I didn't know. In an instant, all of Verrax's injuries were healed. Verrax looked towards where the arrows had come from, and grinned. I heard Verrax's voice in the back of my mind: 'Our foe in over there, allow me to assist you in taking it down'. I felt magic enrobe me, and the world around be seemed to be moving in slow motion. I watched Charles hurry over to where the arrows had come from, cutting deep gashes with his greatsword. Our foe quickly began slithering away from us, attempting to reposition for a greater advantage. As it did, I caught sight of what it was: came it had a serpentine lower body, while its upper body what that of an elven woman. Its face was scaly and a large fin surmounted its head… as did a writhing nest of snakes. It looked like some combination of a half dragon and a medusa. Lydratir took aim with his bow, and fired twice in rapid succession. As the arrows left his bow, they transformed into bolts of lightning, striking the half-dragon medusa. I moved towards the medusa, finding that I could move faster than before. Luckily, I had the drop on her due to my increased speed. I tore into her, likely looking like a whirlwind barrage of claws and fangs from an outside perspective, and leaving her in bad shape. Krisyra moved up to Narcrath, healing him from the wounds the medusa had dealt. Narcrath pointed at the medusa, and she seemed wither as the spell did its job, slaying her.

As the adrenaline from the battle wore off and the dust settled, and wave of lethargy washed over me, but it quickly passed. We gathered to figure out what to do next.

"Well, that was a closer call than I'd prefer," said Verrax, "Thank you Xitlalcoatl, for healing me".

"I was only doing my duty," said Xitlalcoatl, "Where do we go next?"

"I suspect that these aren't statues, they were the medusa's victims," I said, "If we were to restore them they could a great help in the battles ahead".

"I've got those scrolls we found," said Krisyra, "I believe I could cure the petrifaction of some of these people".

"I too can assist you with this," said Xitlalcoatl, "together; we could restore these souls to living flesh".

"While you're working on that, the rest of us will search the area; see what might be hidden around here".

Narcrath, Charles, Lydratir, and Verrax moved off to search the area, leaving only three of us to decide who to help.

"Alright, first things first, let's not risk reviving that green dragon over there," I said, "assuming that's not Cholothra, then it's likely his mate… and I doubt she'll be in a civil mood seeing as we've slain her wrymlings and are here to fight her mate. I'd say we should start with the gold dragon over there".

Krisyra stepped up to the petrified gold dragon, pulled out one of the scrolls and read the incantation. The stone began to crack and chip away revealing golden scales beneath. Then, all at once he broke free. He stretched and shook the dust of himself, and then looked towards Krisyra.

"Are you the one who assisted me?" asked the dragon.

"I am," said Krisyra, "well, my traveling companion over there decided to have me set you free".

The gold dragon looked at me, cocked his head, and then turned back to Krisyra.

"Well, in any case, thank you for releasing me," said the gold dragon, "I am known as Zannairth. How long have I been out?"

"In all honesty, I have no clue," said Krisyra, "we only just got here. Question: when you arrived, was there a Couatl caged beneath a glass dome?"

Zannairth considered for a moment, before answering.

"Yes, yes there was," said Zannairth.

"Well, in that case you've been here less than a century." Said Krisyra, "unfortunately, I'm not sure if I can get more exact than that".

"Dose Chlorothra still live?" asked Zannairth.

"Most likely," I said gesturing to the larger petrified dragon, "Unless that's Chlorothra?"

"No, that's Chlorothra's mate," said Zannairth, "who are you?"

"I am Valignatirisk," I said, "my companions and I have been tasked with eliminating Chlorothra. We'd be glad for your aid if you'd be willing to provide it".

"I came for a similar reason," said Zannairth, "I had heard that Chlorothra hadn't been seen in many years and well… even the best of dragonkind can't resist the lure of treasure. While I was trapped here, I could still dimly perceive beyond my prison, apparently the medusa that was residing here was a child of Chlorothra. He apparently fell for an elven woman in his younger days, and sired a Half-Dragon. Dracusa, she called herself. The half dragon eventually tracked him down, and became jealous when she saw him with his mate. Long story short, the half dragon tricked her into drinking a petrification potion. With her last breath before being petrified, and cursed the half dragon into a medusa. I expect you've got quite the story, and I intend to hear it later. For now, I will be glad to aid you in your endeavor".

We moved on, examining more of the statues. A Minotaur, an elf in mage's robes, a kobold in half plate armor...

I paused and glanced at the kobold again. It really was wearing half-pate, and bit was carrying a shield with the holy symbol of Bahamut on it.

"How about this one?" I asked. "If nothing else, I want to hear his story".

Krisyra stepped up the kobold, and pulled out another of the scrolls. After reading the incantation, the kobold was freed. He blinked for a moment, before getting his bearings.

"Ah, thank you for the assistance Milady," said the Kobold, "may the light of Bahamut guide your path".

"Thank you, what are you doing here?" asked Kirsyra.

"I received guidance that my blade would be needed in this place," said the Kobold, "I was not expecting the foul medusa".

"Neither were we." Said Krisyra, "luckily, we managed to take it down".

"Ah, excellent!" said the Kobold who then spotted me, "you certainly keep strange company".

"Let's get this out of the way to avoid questions later," I said, "yes, I'm a red dragon. No, I'm not interested in causing mayhem. In fact, I've spoken in friendly terms with a paladin of Bahamut before. I've never encounter a kobold who worshipped him. How did this come about?"

"My entire clan are his followers," said the Kobold, "we reside within the depths of the World Below, and see out home as a point of light, shining against the darkness".

"Would you be willing to aid us?" I asked, "A green dragon named Chlorothra resides in this place. The medusa which petrified you was one of his offspring. We have been asked to remove him as a threat to the world. Would you be willing to aid us?"

The Kobold placed a hand over the holy symbol he wore as a necklace, and considered for a moment.

"Perhaps that was why I was sent to this place, so far from home," said the Kobold, "Yes; I will lend you my blade. You may call me Uxarix, well met!"

With these new additions to our group we moved on, continuing our search of the area.

A/N: And there we go! The medusa defeated, and some new allies gained. Zannairth the Gold Dragon and Uxarix the Kobold Paladin will remain with the group until they're safely out. On top of that, the party still has the ability to restore life to up to three more of the statues, on top of whatever else they find here. In any case, next time, the adventure continues! See you then!