By Richard LeBlanc
Chapter Three
Moments later the wizard that had confronted the spider mage reappeared in his frozen castle. He had heard rumors of a terrifying mage named Lord Arachnid - but was having a hard time believing that the plainswalker he faced was that man.
"Kind of pathetic. It is a shame that the Mist Dragon finished him off." he said coolly. It was then that the icy floor before him began to bubble and give off steam. He stopped dead in his tracks. He watched as the the floor before him turned boiling water. steam rose up from the water and took on the shape of an inferno of flames. He quickly looked around to ensure that all of his protective wards were in place - much to his confusion - they were.
"What - is this?" he asked hesitantly. Just then - one of the flames of steam wafted up and flickered inches from his face - he watched as the steam toook on the shape of a female.
"Is that anyway to treat a guest?" a soft voice asked. His hands began to shake. he wanted to move - but some greater power held him firmly in place.
"I - I wasn't expecting you mistress. What are you doing here?" he asked.
"Miseorn - when i sent you there - it was under very specific terms." she began.
"I - I know - I didn't forget." he stuttered.
"Did you? Where is my Mist Dragon?" she asked coldly.
"I - I left it to..." he began.
"Where?" she demanded.
"With - with that spider mage." he answered.
"I can no longer feel its presence." she stated.
"That - that would mean..." he began. he quickly took out a shard of ice and looked at one of the flat surfaces. Within seconds it showed the dead body of the powerful dragon. He slowly put the shard back in his pocket and looked over at the angry mist woman.
"You underestimated him - and you cost me my dragon. Underestimate him again - and it will cost you your life. And just so you know - that wasn't a threat - that is a fact. I warned you about this one - don't make me warn you again." she concluded. in the blink of an eye - the water was frozen and there was no trace that the mist woman was ever there.
"He actually beat the dragon. He has more power than i thought. Plus his death magic will make him a difficult foe to deal with. How to deal with him? I know - protective wards. that is a good place to start. That will protect my minions from his creatures and magic." he said to himself as he walked over to an ice sculpture of himself.
"She was right - i did underestimate that commoner. But it won't happen again. Guard!" he shouted out. the doors to the large chamber opened up and a lone guard hurried in and knelt before his master.
"I will be expecting unwelcomed company. I do not know from where or even when he will be arriving - but i know that he is coming. All soldiers are on alert. All knights are now on patrol - all heroes and champions - are now recruting peasants into my army. A call to arms is in effect. We will be ready for this enemy - and we will prevail." "Miseorn instructed. The guard bowed and then hurried out of the chamber to relay the order.
"As powerful as you may be - under the banners of my crusades - my call to arms - your bugs will be powerless against me. Come to me little spider wizard - come and play in my web." Miseorn said to himself with an evil laugh.
At that moment - to the far distant south, Lord Arachnid was camped out alongside of the road that led to a town. although it was only a few hours travel - if that - to get there - the spider wizard desired the company of humans about as much as humans desired the company of spiders.
"My foe is an icy wizard. His colors must be white and or blue. if he a master in the spells of denial - dealing with him will be difficult - especially if he has any knowledge of warding magic." he muttered. His pet spider Nibbles chirped from his hood.
"Hmm? Hungry? Oh sorry. In all the activity it must have slipped my mind." he admitted, he reached into his pouch and pulled out a handful of living insects. he reached back and dropped them into his hood. within seconds - all of the insects were gone. Nibbles chirped some more.
"You are quite welcome. I will only have one recourse in dealing with this man. I don't like it - but it is the only way." he began grimly. Nibbles chirped out some more and crawled up onto his master's shoulder.
"I know that i can bring them back - but that doesn't make it easier. I sense trouble approaching - get back in the hood." he said seriously. the spider scurried into the hood. Arachnid looked at the road he had traveled down - nothing. He then looked at the road that led to the town before him. A small band of official looking soldiers were heading his way.
"You there!" one of them called out. Lord Arachnid looked down at the ground. There was nothing that these pests could possibly say that would interest him.
"Ignoring a hero in Lord Miseorn's Army is a federal offence!" the soldier that had addressed him added. Lord Arachnid slowly looked up at the soldiers.
"We do not tolerate vagrants here. You will be brought to the city under section eight nine seven of the masters code. If you resist - we will take you in by force." the soldier stated.
"By all means boys - try." Lord Arachnid replied as his eyes slowly rose up to meet his accusers.
To be continued...
