Black Dragon

But Belboz did not lie to the knight. In fact, the wizard's knowledge was, to Fred's amazement, even more comprehensive than Fred's own. But even so, Fred still did not trust him. Not without testing him further and learning more of his tale.

"Amazing!" Fred said when the necromancer had finished. "And here I thought that there was only one kind of dragon and that all it could do was fly and breath fire."

Belboz' face darkened with a deep frown of contempt. "And you call yourself a Dragon Hunter? You're pathetic! Why, I've lived in these caves for over ten years watching the dragon, learning its ways and habits. And before that I traveled the width and breadth of the world tracking other dragons and unearthing ancient lore of the Winged Lizards. You don't stand a chance in your Quest!"

Fred pretended to be both embarrassed and distraught, playing the part of a fool so as to gain the necromancer's confidance. "Oh, truly you are a learned sage, and I would do well to employ not only your power but your knowledge. Tell me more oh Belboz. And tell me, since you are so wise in the ways of dragons, why you have not killed the dragon yourself and ended its reign of terror?"

"Kill it?" Belboz replied, glaring at Fred. "And why would I do that? Your kingdom is nothing to me. The misery and fear of your people are none of my concern. It is the dragon that has brought me to this desolate hole. I want to understand it, to learn its secrets, to marvel at its beauty and power."

"And to control it?" Fred asked. "Is that what you ultimately seek to do?"

"You fool!" Belboz laughed. "You cannot control a dragon anymore than you can control a hurricane or an earthquake."

"Then... if it cannot be controlled, then it must be destroyed," Fred answered him.

"Many have tried," Belboz sneered contemptuously. "Most have failed. The corpses of dragons are few and far between. The corpses of knights are a dime a dozen. But if you still seek to continue with your quest, I will help you. It should be amusing to watch if nothing else."

"Then tell me this, what kind of dragon is the dragon of the Southern Caves?" Fred asked.

"It is a Blue Dragon, a creature of thunder and lightning," Belboz told him.

Fred mulled over everything Belboz had said. It seemed cleared to him now what kind of man the necromancer was. And though he was not a good man, Fred felt confidant that Belboz would use his magic without treachery. "Then use your magic and make me into a Black Dragon," Fred said. "Acid shall overcome lightning. Hunger shall devour thunder."

"As you wish..." Belboz smiled.

1. Belboz prepared Fred in the proper magical fashion and when all was in readiness cast his spell and Fred transformed into a sleek, winged, Black Dragon!

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