Chapter 44: Dishonor and a Fall

Fortunately Natar was able to carry them now, so they were quickly on the last leg of their journey, back on the Paths of Stardust. It was a welcome sight, as they knew their journey was almost over, the curse almost broken. But they weren�t as excited as Natar thought they�d be.

: Is something wrong: he asked.

"No," came Dregan's quick reply, but this time Vivi had something to say.

"Yes, something is." All three twisted to look at the Dunedi sitting in back. "Dregan, something is bothering you, badly. Something happened back there that upset you. What was it?"

"It was nothing." They didn't buy it.

"It was the spell wasn�t it?" pressed Zentarou. "That spell you used on the demon."

"It's over! It was just a spell I leaned a long time ago, that brought back some bad memories for me. That's all!" They all were silent, a little stunned by his angry reply, and Vivi feeling just a bit hurt by the glare Dregan sent his way, as if accusing him for starting this conversation. But before anyone could say anything...

: Naterstreyk!:

They looked to see another Twilight Dragon blocking their path. And he didn't look too happy either.

: Malvoratio: Natar replied curtly.

: You slithering serpent! I claim the right of challenge upon you, by right of honor: A couple of others gathered on higher paths to watch this.

: And how have I caused you dishonor, Malvor?: Natar paused to hover, his mental tone bored. To the mages, he added, : This shouldn't take long:

: You insulted my mate! You flew by her, nearly hitting her, and did not apologize.: Now Mater growled.

: I was heavily injured, and could barely fly. I had to rush to get to one of my lairs, or I wouldn've fallen to the Void. If your mate had been paying attention, instead of grooming mid-flight, she might have noticed.:

:Wingless snake!:

:But I will accept your challenge, after I have dropped off my passengers as if cust -: But Malvor wasn�t willing to wait. He charged, roaring. The mages yelled, as Natar veered to dodge the attack. : This is against our code! I have passengers -: But his foe wouldn't listen, pressing the attack even as the other observing dragons shouted and began making their way down to help. : Hold on!: Natar kept on the defensive, backing up and dodging, with the mages holding on as tight as they could. But then Malvor charged, putting all his weight behind it, and crashed into Natar. The impact was so violent and powerful that he knocked Natar into a tumble... and the four mages fell off his back, unable to hold on. They fell, missing the Path completely, and tumbled into the blackness, quickly fading from sight.