With the grief of the loss of the elders fresh on his mind, Edun reached the same enormous oak doors that the group had entered previously. As he, Bram, Ant, and Kain all arrived at the footsteps of the academy, a roar erupted that shook the very foundation of the city. All thoughts of the perished were pushed from his mind, which was now occupied by the echo of the rumble. The question of the creator was quite obvious as a massive shadow eclipsed the sun. Edun gave a startled cry as he leapt from the stairway to the street below. Above them a dragon hovered, its scaly hide reflecting the rays of light.

The serpent crashed onto the slates of Shattermane, collapsing part of the roof in with its razor sharp talons. [b]Mortals,[/b] it began with a piercing scream into the minds of all that surrounded the area. [b]I am Razeth the Clever, consider the denizens of this expanse under my rule from henceforth. Subject yourselves lest you be destroyed.[/b] Razeth snarled with malicious intent. A molten jet of flame erupted from Razeth’s snout, leaving the strong smell of sulfur in its wake. Despite the pain resonating in his head, Edun retorted by unshouldering the yew bow entrusted to him by his parents. He docked an arrow with a loud sneer. “I serve no beast!” He bellowed in response, releasing the projectile which produced a whistling noise as it tore through the air.

Razeth scoffed as he discharged another spout of fire, incinerating the arrow. [b]Then die like one.[/b] It snarled in response, rising in the air with leathery wings. As if to prove a point, Razeth crashed into the rooftop leaving the school in shambles. Shattermane was no more. Edun silently counted the group’s blessing that they had escaped unscathed. Razeth’s talons clenched at the wreckage.

[b]Resistance is futile.[/b]