Here's our other chapter.

The Great Gates Part Three:

The team entered the colourful forests. "Best we walk here," Carol suggested. Pyrrah and Thaisan gently walked, still carrying their riders. Snap! They growled.

"Halt," Carol raised her hand and landed on the ground, wielding her spear.

"Carol," Raylan jumped beside her and pulled out his butterfly blades.

"I can handle myself," she didn't look at him.

"Might as well lend an extra hand," Soren leapt between them and pulled out his sword. Raylan rolled her eyes. Ezran bit his lip. Bait croaked. They could tell very well there was tension going on.

The bushes shook. Carol's eyes enlarged. "Wait here," she stepped carefully forward.

"Carol," Raylan was stopped by Soren again.

"She can handle herself," Soren argued.

"I am trying to protect her,".

"Oh, will you two just stop it?!" Carol snapped. She heard a growl and spun around as a giant green bear leapt out of the bushes. She rolled away. "Aspiro Frigis!". The bear's paw was stuck in the ice.

"I'll get you someday," the green bear cursed.

"But not today," Carol burst out laughing and so did the bear who glowed green revealing …

"Tua?" Soren asked.

"Tua!" Carol was engulfed by the ecstatic girl who spun her around. Willow and Ezran with hilarious laughs dismounted Pyrrah and ran to greet her.

"It's so good to see you guys again," Tua greeted.

"Impressive bear disguise. Was it an illusion?" Soren asked.

She frowned. "No, it was not an illusion. I'm not a Moonshadow elf,".

Soren smacked himself. "Of course. Of course. Then how …".

"It's Deep magic. Some of us are born to have very unique abilities and in my case, it's turning into animals of all sorts like …". She turned into a bear. Then a deer, a bird, a mouse and a large snake. Stella screamed and hid behind Raylan afraid it would eat her.

"You're scaring her," Raylan retorted.

"Relax heartbreaker. I'm not gonna eat your monkey. I don't even eat meat,". Tua turned back into an elf again.

"Impressive," Willow praised.

Tua whispered into Carol's ear. "What's he still doing here?". She pointed at Raylan. Thaisan growled, not liking her attitude towards his rider.

"He's helping us," Carol answered. Raylan smiled a little, knowing she'd never say anything against him.

Tua spoke out loud again. "What happened at the Spire?".

Carol hung her head. "Ibis is dead,".

Tua gasped. "Oh my. I am so sorry," she hugged Carol again and the weeping girl hugged her back.

"Every Skywing elf left to the Spire was killed," Willow informed.

"It was my sister," Soren added in. "She stole my father's evil staff and now they and the Cult who sent the riders to kidnap Carol are on their way here to Umber Tor to get a clue about Aaravos's prison from Rex Igneous,".

"Good gracious," Tua breathed. "Did you speak to him?".

"Yes, but the stubborn Archdragon wouldn't trust us," Ezran complained. He dared not to say anything about dark magic tainting his sister. He knew Tua was a friend but Carol preferred nobody to know. "Now we have to complete a set of trials to prove ourselves and to do that we need to find a secret entrance to his lair,".

"Do you know where it is?" Willow asked.

"The only one who does know is the chief of the village. But it is not safe tonight. There are Drakeriders on the other side of the forest and they are more dangerous at night,".

"She's right. I searched these woods before and they are so dangerous, especially at night,". Eyes stared at Raylan. "What?"

"You intruded on my people's territory?" Tua intimidated.

"I was here tracking the Cult and Claudia and I couldn't risk Lord Moono finding out where I was by coming into contact with anyone here. I wasn't going to put your village in danger,".

"I will take you all to my village," Tua said to everyone. "And you will be our honoured guests,".

"Thank you, Tua," Ezran said gratefully.

"Follow me," Tua guided them deeper into the forest, to a lower, hidden valley sheltered by thick trees and large colourful leaves. As they trailed her, Soren noticed Carol pursing her lips and fidgeting with her fingers. She was very tense whilst eying her friend. Green and brown-haired elves with antler horns walked around the huts carved into the deep trunks, using glowing crystals as their lanterns. Everyone eyed the new arrivals.

"It's alright, everyone," Tua raised her hands. "These are our guests,".

"Is that the human mage?" an ecstatic child asked eagerly. Five children crowded Carol's legs.

"Hello there," she greeted awkwardly.

"That's her," Tua smiled. "This is the mage I was telling you about. The team require an audience with the chief,".

Instantly after she said that a tall elf with long brown hair in braids marched out of the biggest hut, carrying a tall staff of the strongest wood with crystals spiked out of the top. His eyes were amber and he was shrouded in embroidered robes of earthly green.

"Chief Aspen," Tua bowed her head and her friends followed suit.

"Tua, I see you have brought friends here. And I take it this is your human friend?" he glanced intriguingly at Carol.

"It is,". She nodded.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Chief Aspen," Carol bowed again.

"Trees to meet you, High Mage Caroline. Tua has talked very fondly of you. And these are your friends and family?".

"These are my siblings King Ezran and Lady Willow of Katolis," she introduced. They bowed and so did Bait, Serena and Pyrrah.

"And these are our friends are Soren, Benji, Pliph, Raylan and Stella," Ezran introduced.

"We have never had a human king in our forest before. Welcome your Highnesses," the chief bowed.

"Please don't bow," the teen king said. "We are but humble strangers in your village. Chief, we have here because your lands are in grave danger. The Cult of the Fallen Star: Aaravos are coming here to get information about his prison from Rex Igneous,".

The people were scared. The dragons were shocked. The chief was disturbed.

"They killed Skywing elves at the Spire," Raylan spoke up. "And they are teaming up with dark mages who killed the Dragon King and stole the Dragon Prince's egg more than two years ago. They will do whatever it takes to get that information from the Dragon of Earth,".

"When Avizandum died, fear shrouded Xadia. And now after all these centuries, the Fallen Star awaits to be freed,". Aspen said grimly.

"Zubeia is guarding the mountain right now," Ezran promised. "But she cannot defend it alone,".

"She won't,".

"Chief, you may not like this but we need you to take us to the secret entrance to Umber Tor," Willow requested.

The chief's gaze iced. "I swore an oath to Rex's late mate Gaia and I intend to keep it. I will not allow anyone to know this secret entrance,".

"It's what we need to prove our worth of knowing the knowledge of where Aaravos's prison,".

"And he told you this?".

"Yes!" they all said together.

"Your Chiefness, we wouldn't be doing this if there were any other choice," Soren argued. "It is what the Dragon Queen: Zubeia commands. The fate of the world is at stake,".

Aspen went into deep thought, stroking his braided beard. "Chief, I trust my friends," Tua said faithfully. "And I trust Carol too. They wouldn't be here if it were so important,". The chief turned his back and closed his eyes drifting into deep thought.

"Do we have to go?" Benji asked sadly. Pliph purred in his arms.

Tua shushed him gently. Carol held Benji's hand. The chief rotated again. "Tua, please escort them to their rooms and everyone set up perimeters around the forest and towards the mountains,".

"I will,". She bowed.

"As of tonight ..," he turned back around. " … you guys are our honoured guests,".

"So, you'll help us?" Benji asked, getting all excited again.

"I trust Tua. She has become like a daughter to me since I took her us," he smiled affectionately at the talented skin-changer. "So, I will take you to the entrance tomorrow. Tonight, it will not be safe,".

"We understand," Ezran accepted.

"I will take you all to your rooms," Tua led them to another area of the village towards a large tree with five built rooms and a staircase carved into the bark. "There are only five spare rooms in this tree,".

Stella chittered and cocked her head to Carol. Raylan saw a chance. "Well then perhaps …,".

"How about Benji shares a room with Carol?" Soren suggested quickly.

"That's a wonderful idea, Soren," Carol gleefully accepted.

"Really?" the ecstatic kid cheered. "I can share a room with you, my hero. If it's no trouble at all?".

"Not at all. Besides, I'll know you're safe knowing you're sharing a room with me tonight,". Carol hugged the boy. Pliph licked her face and played around with Ghost.

"Yes. That's the best way to keep him safe," Raylan's comment was ignored much to his discomfort.

"Thank you. Thank you. I promise I won't be annoying at all,". Benji promised. Carol and her companions escorted him and Pliph up the stairs to the first room.

"Your dragons can perch on that large tree over there," Tua pointed to another large tree with landing platforms. "There'll be plenty of food for them,".

"Thank you, Tua," Willow said, gratefully. She scratched her tired red dragon. "You go and rest girl,".

See you later. Pyrrah licked her and flew off.

So did Thaisan who affectionately nuzzled Raylan's face. Don't give up, Raylan.

"Bait, you wanna keep Willow company tonight?" Ezran asked.

Yes, please. He croaked.

Ezran handed the glowtoad to Willow and they went up to their rooms, the Star Swan flying after Ezran. Soren walked inside to his own room leaving Raylan alone outside with just Stella and Tua.

"No way was I gonna let you share a room with Carol. Be grateful I didn't tell the chief you intruded in our forest," Tua marched off.

Raylan huffed. "When will they get over it?".

In Carol and Benji's room, Carol laid out the covers on their beds whilst Benji looked through her sketchbook, Pliph, Felix, Ghost and the Adoraburrs looking through with him. "I love your artwork," he beamed.

"Thank you Benji. And well done for spotting Victoria and her goons earlier,".

"Why are they so horrible to you?".

"Being the adoptive daughter of the king doesn't mean you'll get the same amount of respect as your other siblings who are born royal. I wasn't exactly princess material before I discovered magic. I was just different,".

"My dad once told me, our differences are what make us special. And that no one should teased or bullied for it,".

Carol smiled. "He sounds like he was a wise man,".

"You're so lucky to be your dad's daughter. If anything, those clotpots are just being jealous for no reason,". Benji came to another page. It showed Raylan. "Is that Raylan? When he was younger?".

Carol paused. "Yes. I quite liked his hair when it was shorter,".

"But do you like his new hair look now?". Benji inquired.

"I suppose so. He reminds me of another elf I first encountered a long time ago,".

Knock. Knock.

"Come in!".

Soren came in. "Hey. I just wanted to check in to see if you're okay,".

"Yes. I'm fine," she assured. "Just laying out the rugs,".

"We need to talk about something," he said seriously. "Hey Benji, do you think you could ah give us some alone time?".

"You can go and play outside if you'd like," Carol offered.

"Sure. I'd love to meet them. and so would Pliph," his dragon chirped.

"Don't wander far from the tree," she warned. "Ghost, will you go with them?". Her dragon chirped.

"I won't go far," Benji promised, leaving the room, and taking the dragons with him.

Carol invited Soren to sit down. Felix and the Adoraburrs sat on her lap and shoulders. "So, what did you want to talk about?".

"Carol, when we were following Tua, I noticed you were fidgeting, you were like really tense. Is there something you haven't told her?".

She sighed and nodded. "Remember how I said an elf helped Claudia and Castor kill Ibis?" Soren nodded. "That elf … was Tua's brother. Terrestrius,".

The group were sitting down for a much-needed rest. "That wasn't a lizard in a hat," Tellus explained. "That was the symbol of Rex Igneous, the Archdragon of the Earth,".

"So this dragon has information about Aaravos," Claudia figured out.

"As it was the Archdragons who imprisoned Aaravos, only they will have the information we need to free him," said Castor.

"That's wonderful. You guys discovered something and so did I," Terry pulled out the goo. "The funniest substance to man or elf," he stretched the substance and made funny shapes with it. "I call it goofy goo,".

The Being started playing with it but Castor remained stubborn as a moody owl. And so did Viren.

Soren and Carol talked about Terrestris. "That's just awful. How are you gonna tell her?".

"I don't know how. If I do, it will break her heart,".

"She will need to know the truth sooner or later. Perhaps I could talk to her for you,".

"No. I couldn't ask you to do that,".

"I know how to. But let's not tell her for the moment. Let's at least find the secret entrance and then if it comes to it, we'll tell her,".

"Thank you,".

"Do you wanna talk about Raylan?".

"Not really. This mission has to come first before everything else,".

Behind the other side of the slight door, Raylan had eavesdropped on them. Stella chittered as his heart broke and he leapt out of the window and climbed up the tree.

"Even before your feelings?" Soren's question made his best friend turn away. "Look, I know how bad it hurts when someone you love completely lets you down,".

"This is different,"

"No. It's no different at all. Claudia let me down when she didn't listen to me about Viren. And dad looked down on me no matter how hard I tried to please him. I know exactly what you're going through. You have every right to be mad at Raylan for leaving you. But don't let that destroy your love for him,"

Caroline sighed. "I don't even know how to talk or look at him, after everything that's happened,"

Soren clasped her shoulder. "Listen, Caroline. When I saw you two together on the Storm Spire two years ago, I had never seen you happier with anyone than Raylan. You found confidence within yourself, because of him. You felt truly accepted, because of him. And you helped him feel like that too. You both were meant to meet one another. If you neglect that, you'll never feel that way again,"

The Adoraburrs chittered and nuzzled her neck. "Just think about it," Soren walked out of the room back to his own.

Meanwhile, Raylan was sitting on the biggest branch with Thaisan and Stella. Pyrrah flew up and perched beside the white dragon; Willow and Ezran were on her. Raylan sighed. "Here comes the sibling talk,".

"Raylan, we need to talk," Willow said bitterly.

"Easy, Willow," Ezran soothed. "Let's just be calm,".

"I know what you're gonna say," Raylan didn't want to look at them. "I know leaving Caroline hurt her a lot. But I was hoping that when I came back, things wouldn't be so hard to fix. Now she wants nothing to do with me,".

"Well, what can you expect?" snapped Willow. "You just disappear and then come back and pretend everything is all good when it isn't?". Raylan was lost for words. "You hurt her really bad,"

"I know I did. But I had to. I had to protect Carol and Ethari from my people and find Viren. What if I lost her to him like I lost my parents?".

"We understand why you felt that way. But why didn't you write to her? Or send something to let her know that you were still alive?" Ezran asked.

"Because she would have come looking for me, and that would have put her in danger. It would have put all of you in danger. I promised your father I would keep your guys safe. My people were going to do anything to capture me. If I stayed in Katolis, I would have condemned you all to possible death,".

Ezran sympathised but still Willow remained angry. "I understand," the brother king said solemnly. "I think I would have done the same thing too. Look Raylan, I am certain things are going to get better between you both,".

"But they won't if you keep being jealous of Soren," Willow said seriously.

The elf twisted his head. "Wait? What?".

"You don't think we've watched you two bicker all the time? He and Carol are just friends and he was told by his Spirit Guide he has to protect her at all costs. But she'll never want to talk to you again if you treat her like something to fight over,".

Carol laid on her bed with Felix the Adoraburrs, nesting on her stomach or around her head. "What is wrong with me?".

"Nothing is wrong with you," spooked a voice. Murtagh appeared and instantly Carol sat up and with an overjoyed smile embraced him.

"Thank you, Murtagh. You saved me,".

"My allegiance is with you as it shall always be. But tell me, what is troubling you, young mage?" Murtagh asked sympathetically.

Carol invited him down to sit down. "Rex wouldn't give us the knowledge about the location of Aaravos's prison because he smelt dark magic on me. And now because of me, we have to brave a series of trials to prove ourselves to get this information. And I am worried there is every chance we will not make it through,".

"You are not to blame Caroline,".

"But who else is? I'm the one who used a simple dark magic spell. Even when there was no other choice,".

"You did what you thought was right at the time. And that shows great courage. But using that simple spell has made you vulnerable to the Startouch elf. You must avoid using it again at all costs. I will do what I can to guide you through those challenges and so will the Spirit Guides of all your loved ones,".

"Thank you. And that's not all. I hate Claudia now more than ever because she played a role in my Sky tutor's death and is working with the same men who tried to kidnap me. But I don't know how I can fight her. She was the only friend I had for a long time. I wanted to believe that she could change like Soren did, that we were still the same,".

"In some ways you are. And in some ways, you are not. But some fates cannot be avoided for now, both hers and yours are forever entwined. She is the darkness to your light, the hatred to your love. As is Aaravos.

As Carol wanted to deny it, she knew deep down Murtagh was right. Claudia had many chances to change before but after all she had done now, it was impossible to believe that good would triumph. She had to protect her loved ones and stop her no matter the cost. "Aaravos told me when I spoke to him that he was doing all of this because of a great wrong that was done to someone he loved centuries ago,".

"It is true," Murtagh acknowledged. "Whilst you chose to find peace with your losses, Aaravos chose to pursue a path of vengeance. One that would eradicate the cosmic order,".

"Who did he lose? And why?".

"My oath to Aaeseris prevents me from saying more,".

"I won't force you. But that won't stop me from finding out why Aaravos is doing all of this,".

"Be careful with what you do, young mage. You must now focus on completing those trials with your friends. And do not ignore what your heart tells you,".

"What do you mean?".

"You will see,". Murtagh disappeared back into the shadows and Carol decided to go back outside and sit at a fire with Tua and some of her elf friends. They watched all of Tua's dragon friends playing ball with Benji, Pliph and Ghost. It was quite a touching scene. Carol smiled seeing the dear boy having the time of his life. He reminded her so much of herself when she was so young and full of a desire for wonder.

"Benji truly is a lover of dragons," Tua smiled.

"He sure is,".

"And apparently, you're his hero,".

"I don't call myself a hero, Tua. And I didn't do it alone. It took teamwork, effort and friendship to return Zym to his mother,".

The jingling of crystals rattled the air. It was time for the feast. All the village members gathered around a fire and sat down on logs. Carol sat between her siblings. And Raylan was between Benji and Soren. Food was offered to everyone, all sprinkled with herbs.

"This is so good," Soren scoffed a little piggishly. Tua cleared her throat. He realised everyone was looking at me. "Sorry. I was just so hungry,". The feast proceeded, and to honour the guests, the village members adored with flower crowns, danced around in pairs to the sound of plucking guitars and harps and banging drums.

All the dragons including Pyrrah and Thaisan were allowed to sit down and watch. Benji decided to play fetch with Pliph and to his amusement, Ghost swiped the ball in mid-air and hid it somewhere for the little berry dragon to find.

Felix was eating some more meat when Stella opened a portal and swiped it. "Stella, what did I tell you about stealing other people's food?" her person criticised.

Sorry. The monkey gave it back to the fox.

Ezran pulled his sisters into the dance and they danced around in a circle just like they used to do when they were kids. "Remember we did this on our birthdays with Dad?".

"Absolutely," Carol closed her eyes, imagining their father playing with them. "Those were our golden child years,".

The feast came to an end and everyone started heading into their huts. "We will be safe here,". The chief said. "We are well-camouflaged by our tree tarps and have premises around the village,".

"Chief, I would like to volunteer to go out on a patrol," Raylan stood up ready.

"That is kind of you but that is not necessary, young Moonshadow elf. You must stay here and rest with your friends,".

"I have to. I'm used to being on the lookout for night threats. And I made a promise to a human king years ago I would protect his children and I wish to uphold that promise,".

"Let him go, chief," Soren said. "He's a Moonshadow elf so patrolling at night is kind of his thing. I mean it's kind of my thing too,".

"Then I suppose you wouldn't mind accompanying him?" the chief asked.

"Mm, wouldn't mind," Soren realised what he had just said. "Wait. what?".

"Done. You two night guards have permission to do a patrol of the perimeter together,".

"What?". They clearly didn't want to work together.

"With all due respect, Chief, I think perhaps Carol and I should go together," Raylan requested. "She has magic so …,".

"Nope," Tua interjected. "She is staying in the village where it's safe,".

Raylan tried to argue but Carol interjected too. "I've got a lot on my mind and I need an early night," She yawned.

"It is settled then," the Chief said. "Go now you two whilst the night hours are early. And don't take your dragons. The Drakerider's dragons are very good at sensing other dragons and your scents will confuse them. But I am warning you both, do not engage,".

"Got it," Raylan obliged.

"Come on Raylan. Let's get this over with," Soren walked off. Raylan tried to look out to Carol but she was already walking back towards the tree of rooms. Ezran and Willow sent him sympathetic faces and trailed after her.

Raylan sliced through the vines and the flowers. Soren walked behind him, letting him do the work. "I know you're jealous of me and Carol,".

"Nope,". A blade pointed at him "…we are not talking about this,".

Yeah. So, you be quiet. Stella chittered.

"Yes, we are. Because I can't seem to have fun with her without you staring down my back every second,".

"I do what I do to protect her. Now, either focus on the mission or go back to the village,".

"At least I've been there for her Raylan. What did you do for her? Uh? Aside from leaving her on her birthday and causing her heartbreak for the past two years?" Soren kept challenging, taking no regard for how emotional and tearful Raylan was becoming.

He turned around, cutting vines to vent his anger. "Look, when you left. It hurt her real bad,".

"Stop,".

"She was miserable. She cried for weeks. You know I had to talk to her about attending magic lessons,".

"Just stop it, Soren. You are not making anything easier,". He turned his back on him.

"Look, you guys are just gonna have to work the weird until this tense stage passes,".

Raylan was close to losing his temper. "Oh, will you just …".

Loud dragon screeches filled the air. Like something was in pain. Raylan leapt from trunk to trunk whilst Soren was trailing behind him on legs. They looked over a ridge and saw a hefty elf with goat horns and long orange hair swinging a glowing bola in the air. Close by a much shorter brown-haired elf hid behind a rock. "Here's how's it done,".

Carol came into Ezran's room to check on him. "You comfortable?".

"This'll be perfect for the night,". Ezran stroked Serena. "Are you guys comfortable?".

"Absolutely," Willow came inside, carrying a tray of warm herbal brew in a pot. "Tua came by with these. She thought it would soothing," they poured it into cups and sucked it down.

"That is so tasty," Ezran licked his lips. His enjoyment died down when he saw Carol was slipping very slowly. "Are you okay?".

"I can't get it out of my head. Whenever I close my eyes, I'm back in that moment. It was awful,".

"I'm sure Raylan doesn't mean to make you feel that way,". Ezran consoled.

"No. I'm talking about Aaravos. When he took over my body and used me like a puppet,".

"Sis, that was not your fault," Willow consoled.

"I impulsively looked at the looking glass alone and then he chattered it so we couldn't spy on him,".

"We will stop him," their brother said. "And is there something you wanna talk about?"

Willow elbowed him. "Ez," she hissed.

"What?".

"I don't know how to feel about Raylan either,". Carol confessed.

"He's been trying to get things back like they were,".

"But things aren't like they weren't. And he messed them up. When he came back, I was so happy but so mad at the same time. I wish I could just forgive him but it's so hard. And I barely do that if he and Soren keep fighting all the time,".

"Lots of things are hard Carol. Like magic," Ezran pointed out.

"Ez, this is very different," Willow stated validly.

"That's enough talk guys," Carol stood up. "I just want to go to bed now. Hopefully Soren and Raylan will be arriving back any moment now. We must get some rest,".

"Goodnight!".

The sisters went back to their rooms and in her own, Carol saw Benji already asleep in his bed with Pliph in his arms. She smiled and pulled the blanket further over him. "Good night Benji,".

She sat on a bed, curling up with all her animal companions.

"Who is that?" Soren asked.

"That's Warlon," Raylan explained. "Leader of the Drakeriders. He's very vicious,". They watched as the cruel elf whipped at a screeching wyvern dragon of green with horns. "It screamed in pain.

Soren tried to jump in Raylan pulled him back. "We have to do something,".

"We can't risk being seen. It's too dangerous. Let's go,".

"But it's an innocent dragon and he's hurting," Soren argued. "What about you being the Last Dragonguard? Does that not mean anything to you now?".

"It still does. But we can't save anyone, Soren. There's too much at stake and the chief not to engage. I'm going back to the village and you'd better be right behind me,". He marched on.

"That's right. Run away and be a coward! But I'm gonna do something about it,". Soren swung out his sword and charged into battle.

"No! Soren!" Raylan cursed. He growled. "Get back here,". He charged after the Crownguard who was already leaping into action. He jumped between the Earthblood whipper and the dragon.

"Hey! Pick on someone your own size!".

"This dragon's much bigger than me! Also, who are you?".

"I'm Soren. And you're the first villain in my adventure," he bore his blade.

The earth scoffed. He swiped his bola at the Crownguard but Soren defended his attacks until the rope weapon was thrown and he was disarmed of his own weapon.

Raylan smacked his forehead. "He hasn't changed one bit,". Stella chittered. "Why should I help him? He didn't listen to me,".

She gave him the look. He huffed. "You're right. A dummy as he is, he's important to them, to Carol," he pulled out his blades.

Warlon sent a flying fist to Soren's face and he went flying back. He picked up his sword and prepared to end his life but Raylan came somersaulting through the air and slash! He fought the hefty hair, Stella clinging tightly to his shoulder but Warlon was bigger and stronger and Raylan was knocked off his feet. Then all of a sudden squash! Warlon faceplanted on the ground, his head covered in a fruit goo. Soren had a gourd in his hand. "Elf down,".

"I had it under control," Raylan sheathed his weapons.

"A simple 'thank you' would be appreciated. First I'll thank you for not running away and abandoning this poor dragon,". The green dragon did a squeaky roar.

"Thank you," Raylan picked up Soren's sword and tossed it to him. "But I didn't do it for you. I did it for Carol. As much as an impulsive idiot you are, you're her friend,".

"I'll take that as a compliment," Soren faced the dragon they had saved and reached his hand forward. It purred and stroked his palm. "You're safe. Go, be free," the dragon took flight and shot off.

"I'm glad the dragon is safe, but we must get back to the village before …," Earthblood elves with swinging bolas surrounded them. "Oh great," Raylan cursed. The two bared their blades, preparing to fight their enemies.

That's another chapter done. Hope you all enjoyed it. A note to say I am trying to include as many ideas as I can. And sometimes I wait until the right episodes to use them.

What did you all think of this new ending for the Great Gates instead? Just thought I might do something a bit different for a change.

By the way, do you all think there'll be an Arc 3? Some ideas for Season 7 may or may not go ahead, depending on whether Arc 3 will happen or not and we don't know until the next comic meeting in June or beforehand. Please let me know what you all think.

Encanto 2 will come up next week. Bye for now.