The castle falls part 3

Carlos's face, appearing in the dark where the shadow stood still, sent a wave of relief over George's shivering bones. He was all drenched with his long, golden hair stuck to his scalp like a wet towel. He clearly wasn't having the best time. With a forced smile, he called, " George, I found him! He'll be here in a few seconds. He can take us to the Golden Valley and back in a blink of an eye. Once I told him we needed a ride, he agreed without hesitation."

" Who are you talking about? You really did find as a winged horse, haven't you?

George was in no mood for humour, but sarcasm was as natural as breathing to him and of course, a hard habit to die overnight.

Carlos, soaking wet under the showers of rain, replied, "He's far better than a winged horse. He's an Anqa! An ancient taveller of worlds! He can..."

The blast of an explosion suddenly tore the peace of a castle like a blade and the ground began to tremble harshly blow their feet. They were both thrown to the ground on all fours in mud and rainwater, trying to clutch at anything to regain their balance. Loud as they shouted at each other, their voices could not reach even a foot further. A strange and blinding light lit up the entire garden and they both turned toward the source of the light.

What they saw was unbelievable. The high towers of the ancient castle of lunarfield were falling to the ground one after the other. Auburn flames flared up around the watchtowers like a hungry snake.

The sound of screaming and walls being shattered, came from all directions. But none of these sounds was as terrifying as the loud roar that came from the top of the Astrology Tower.

George and Carlos hurried to the eastern wall of the garden to find the source of the sound. Right above the highest level of the Astrology Tower, the darkness of that horrible night shrouded the enormous figure of a giant, black serpent.

"Heavens! What is that thing?"

"That's a Speardrake! Its fire can melt mountains, run!"

Carlos yanked George's arm so hard that his shoulder joint made a horrible sound. But the prince was stunned, feeling no pain at all. He was staring blankly into the distance at the large wings of a dragon that was bringing down the last defences of the castle with its fiery breath. He knew that after that, he would be haunted in his dreams by the shadow of what he had seen.

He and Carlos bolted to the northern wall to take refuge. But right before they could reach the glass door, they heard a creature sweeping down towards them from the stormy sky, almost grasping them from behind with its mighty talons.

George's knees gave out in fear.

"We're done for! He caught us!"

For a few moments, he didn't realise a thick branch had just hit him in the face and thrown him to the ground. He could feel warm blood on his lips, but his eyes were filled with mud and a stinging sensation. His ears were ringing hard. He was certain he was going to die.

But as he waited, nothing else happened. Just two strong arms lifting him up toward an empty space. He opened his eyes and saw the garden walls turn into a thin line below his feet. The images in his mind were blurry. There was no smoke and dragonfire anymore. Even the sky seemed peaceful as he soared higher. He could hear nothing but the whispers of the wind in his ears. He was alone, floating freely high above the storm clouds.