The Eternal Flame

A floating white orb in the center cast light througout the chamber. There was some battered furniture; a desk, some bookshelves with musty, worn tomes upon them, a large cauldron, and, facing away from her, a chair. In that chair sat a hunched figure. He coughed, clearing his throat, and spoke.

"It's been a long time, Minestus."

"Wha? W-who are you?" Stacy stammered.

"Hmm...?" With seemingly great effort, the figure pulled himself to his feet. Slowly, he turned to face Stacy. He was very old, ancient even, and very frail looking. His long, snow white beard and hair were unkempt. He leaned heavily on his staff for support. But for all his apparent weakness, Stacy could feel his strength, the dormant power within him.

"Belboz the Necromancer, at your service! But who are you, I wonder? You are not Minestus! But yet...you hold his power."

"How do you know that?!" Stacy asked, incredulous.

"I caught the scent of his vile dragon magicks as soon as you entered the cave, my dear. For many long years we shared this cave, Minestus and I. We were not friends, but rather kept to ourselves, and out of each other's affairs. Then, one day, some twenty years ago now, Minestus was slain by a knight of the Great Kingdom. A man who, soon after, went on to become King himself. And now, you are here. But how? and why?"

"I was sent to restore my love, Minestus. Then I will take my place by his side for all time." Stacy said firmly.

Belboz gave Stacy a pitying look, shaking his head bemusedly. "Your love? How ridiculous! Don't be such a fool!"

"What?! How dare you! Minestus truly does love me!" Stacy responded hotly. "He has fulfilled my greatest desires! Given me eternal youth and beauty, and great magical power! We will rule this world toghether, and all others!"

"That wyrm has a keen mind and a silk tounge. Apparently, even in the nether realm he seems quite adept at using them. But, heed my words, girl: Minestus guards his power jealously. Do you truly believe he shared it freely, without conditions?"

"I...um, I have no reason to doubt him." Stacy said lamely.

"Who are you trying to convince of that? Me, or yourself? Don't be so naive. From my experiences, Minesstus usually prefers his women naked and in chains. What do you suppose will happen when he dosen't need you anymore? Don't think for a second that his, ahem, gifts are irrevocable."

Don't listen to him, my love, he is trying to trick you. Stacy nearly jumped out of her shoes as she heard Minestus' voice echo in her head. Surprisingly, Belboz seemed to hear it too, and responded to the air.

"Why don't you come take care of things yourself, rather than involving innocents, dragon? Perhaps beacuse you lack the power to do so?"

Lies, my love. He wants the Flame for himself!

"Enough!" Stacy shouted, holding up the Eternal Flame and pointing it at Belboz threateningly. Despite her words, she trembled with fear and uncertainty.

"Hmm...that is quite a powerful artifact, young lady. T'would make an excellent addition to my personal collection." Belboz mused. "You, however, lack the skill to use it properly. No, let me correct myself. You do have the skill, since Minestus passed his powers on to you. But you don't have the will. You don't belong here! Now, give that to me, and I will return you to your proper place and time." Belboz said impatiently.

Silence, you decrepit old fool! Listen, Stacy my love, you can defeat him. My magicks, that I have gifted unto you, are far more powerful than his. Defeat him, and we will finally be together.

1. Gathering her resolve, Stacy uses the Eternal Flame's power and her newfound magical prowess to defeat Belboz.
2. Stacy fights, but halfheartedly and full of doubt. Belboz defeats her easily.
3. Stacy has a change of heart, and surrenders the jewel to Belboz
4. Overwhelmed, Stacy turns and flees towards the cave entrance.

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