Belboz's Warning

Belboz looked at Jarleth warily. "Young man," he started, speaking in measured and cool syllables, "your intentions may or may not be good - only time can settle that issue. However, the road to Hell is paved with good intentions, as the old proverb goes. I have dwelt in the shadow of the dragon for years - and observed his movements and his ways. To challenge him without knowledge of this land and its history is folly, and may end up creating more sorrow than if you had not undertaken the task. I have seen many go in with high spirits in search of a trophy, to use as a means to winning glory, riches, or love. My storeroom is filled with the remains of such men, to be salvaged for use in the healing and animating arts. I tell you this in part out of concern for your well-being, but in part out of self-interest. I do not want the dragon to ruin the percarious lives of those who live just outside the caves. Battling the great Minestus is not a game. If you want to prove your skill and courage, take part in one of the tournaments, or prove yourself on the field of battle."

"But why did you let Checkers and I go face the dragon?" asked Fred.

"There are some who will not be convinced otherwise, Fred. I knew that I could not pursuade you otherwise. I have lived long - I knew Geoffrey Collenton, who was one of three out of a party of twenty-one who survived a massacre by the mighty beast. I believe in afteryears he was known as the Marshall of Suffex."

"The Marshall! You knew him?" asked Fred with excitement. Here was a direct connection to his mentor, who had passed on the previous summer.

Belboz nodded, and said nothing more. The debacle of the Gartenheim Expedition occured more than forty years ago, but to a dragon / mage who had lived a few hundred years, it was the equivalent of an event that passed just two or three ago. "These mortals pass quickly, and then a new crop of would-be heroes arises." Belboz told himself.

"And Checkers, it occured to me that you really do not have any choice."

Checkers stayed nodded silently, not wishing to explain the reason. That reason involved Glider customs that the others would not readily understand. It never occured to her to ask how Belboz knew that she felt that way; she assumed that her language and action had conveyed that to him, and that he had keen powers of perception.

"And finally, young man, take the case of poor Princess Astra here. It looks like one of her kin from Aqualaria may be in the party. Poor girl! She seemed well-prepared, but when she faced the dragon, she lost her voice, and much of her hold on sanity. I have been trying to nurse her back to health, but the delusions return from time to time. She may even attack you, thinking that you are the dragon.

"So, strangers, having been warned, will you at least consider that an immediate attack on the dragon's lair may be unwise?"

1. From the group of Champions, one answered Belboz's warning.

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