Trails of magic

Chapter 23: The Dragon's Lair

I took a deep breath, steeling myself for what lay ahead. I nodded, and the stranger led us into the temple.

As we walked, the air grew thick with the scent of smoke and ash. I could hear the distant sound of roaring flames, and I knew that we were getting close to the dragon's lair.

The stranger stopped suddenly, his hand raised in a gesture of caution. "Wait," he whispered. "Do you hear that?"

I listened, and soon I heard it too - the sound of scuttling claws, the rustle of scales against stone.

The dragon was coming.

The stranger nodded, a fierce glint in his eye. "Get ready," he whispered. "We're about to face the guardian of the first temple."

As he spoke, a blast of flame illuminated the dark passageway, and I saw the dragon for the first time.

It was enormous, its scales as black as coal, its eyes glowing like embers. It regarded us with a cold, calculating gaze, its claws flexing as it prepared to strike.

I felt a surge of fear, but the stranger's voice was steady and calm. "Don't worry," he said. "I have a plan. Just follow my lead."

I nodded, my heart pounding in my chest. I was ready to face the dragon, no matter what lay ahead.