But the bloody shadows never reached their target. Shattered by a barrage of icy sprays, they dissolved into nothingness, revealing to Hadjar’s eyes a scene both bizarre and utterly terrifying. The dragon, perched on a bed of ice, clutched his sword in a grip that betrayed the burgeoning madness in his eyes. With a trembling hand, the beast pointed at Hadjar’s chest.
“What... what is that, mortal?” He demanded, his voice trembling with an unfamiliar fear.
Hadjar followed Gardagrag’s finger to where it pointed and saw the handkerchief, which had unfolded in the heat of battle. Something was nestled within the delicate fabric...
Pain shot through Hadjar’s head, as if some force was trying to keep him from comprehending what lay before him. But with a mighty effort of will, he forced hi
