The Promise of a Special Power

Anselm said, with remarkable composure, "We had to attack in order to get your attention. After all, if one of the half-drunk elves or riff-raff looking for treasure comes here, a mighty and powerful force of nature such as yourself would not pay attention. The attack is a token of respect."

"What a load of baloney!" the dragon rumbled. Fred was now close enough for a sword stoke to the midsection. By now, he saw that Astra had emerged, and was looking to swing at his neck. Then Fred heard a voice inside his head, as if the dragon were trying to talk to the attackers through some sort of silent speech. "The old man entertains me, though. Pray continue, after the two villeins break their poor weapons against me."

Fred thrust his sword into the dragon's flesh, and pain ran down his arm. It felt like he had jammed his sword against a rock wall, and the pommel of the sword now hung loosely from his hand. The dragon turned around and blew into the air, launching another cloud of noxious gas that forced Astra and Fred to dive into the water for protection.

By the time Fred was able to emerge, the dragon had ambled onto shore, and curled into a circle, with his head resting on his tail, and faced Simon and Anselm. He could hear the voice inside his head, "Yes, indeed I have always wanted that. But why should I believe that you have the power to grant that? After all, if you are both so powerful, why do you not impress me with a sign?"

Anselm explained, "What we can give you is extraordinary, but very special. It took Simon a lifetime to gain this power, and it had to be done in secret. If it were found out, he would be hanged for high treason in Aqualaria. Our abilities in other branches of the arcane arts would not be impressive to someone like you, but I think that you will agree that what do have is impressive enough."

"I am going to need to see some proof of this power."

Simon replied, "Very well."

1. "If you would follow me, I will show you how you can assume human form and rule any of the great monarchies."
2. "If you would be so good as to pluck Princess Astra from the water and set her on that rock pedestal yonder, I will demonstrate."
3. "The power involves a certain device that Anselm and I have worked on."

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