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Seeing that everyone was in agreement, Addison led the way into the hidden entrance. The four companions have to stoop over to get through the first portion of the entrance, but soon come to the more open part of the tunnel. They are not yet close enough to see the wyrm, but they can feel his presence in the very air. A sense of dread and awe seems to creep into their very bones and they all stand still for a moment.
Addison forces himself to focus on the task at hand and ignore the eerie feeling of doom. He reaches into a large, square pouch at his side and withdraws a silk rope that is much longer than the pouch should be able to hold. As he hands the rope to the other 3, they notice six metal clips hooked around it.
"Clip yourself to the rope so that we don't become separated. As long as you are attached to the rope, you will be within the range of my protection spell and the dragon's acidic breath will not harm you."
The three eagerly comply.
"After I cast the protection spell, I will cast another spell to make us Invisible. The invisibility will last as long as you don't strike at the dragon.
As per Blandamours instructions, I will concentrate on freeing the princess and getting her out of the cave, most likely by coming back this way. Once she is safe, I will return to see if Blandamour needs aid, but somebody will need to stay with the princess and watch over her {He glances briefly at the two sisters. He knows from their thoughts that neither is very anxious to face the dragon}"
Seeing no objections or suggestions to alter the plan, Addison begins. He removes the necessary components from his pouch and begins casting. As he completes the Protection from Breath Weapon spell, a faintly shimmering globe appears and begins to expand outward. After a few feet, the companions can no longer see the shimmering hues in the darkness of the cavern. Next, Addison casts Mass Invisibility. This time, it is the companions themselves that seem to shimmer and then slowly disappear.
"OK, follow my lead" Addison says quietly. "The princess is on the opposite wall. We will go around behind the dragon and stay close to the wall until we are near enough to reach her. Once there, I will wait for Blandamour and Galadria to distract the beast before attempting to free her.
Be wary once we enter the dragon's lair. The sense of dread you feel in the air is the from the aura of fear that all dragons project. DO NOT flee or cry out. That will only alert the him to our presence. If the fear threatens to overwhelm you, try to close your eyes and look away. That will make it easier to overcome. All right - here we go."
The three feel the rope pull taut and follow it's lead. As they enter the cavern, the site of the black dragon causes them all to involuntarily freeze in their tracks. The sheer size of the beast is unbelievable, and the glistening black scales that cover its body hold them momentarily entranced as the light reflects of the powerful muscles underneath the skin. Despite his own warnings, Addison finds it almost impossible to breathe, much less move. It feels as if the very air is being pulled from his lungs by the majestic sight before him. The dragon's head lies near the entrance of the cave. It is only a few dozen feet, but it looks to be over a mile away to the companions.....as does the far wall.
They realize they will have to cross the open area behind the dragon to reach their goal. That thought is more terrifying and seems more impossible than trying to traverse a 1000ft crevasse by walking across a rope. After what seems like an eternity to Legolas (who isn't affected by the Dragon Fear as badly as his colleagues), the rope pulls tight again and they make their way across the cavern, coming within just a few feet of the wyrms giant tail. They then walk along the far wall as quietly as possible.
The princess is not far ahead. Her nude form is manacled to the stone far too close to the dragons head for Addisons comfort. He is extremely thankful for his spell of protection now. Just one look at the dragons reptilian head makes Baz'guul look harmless in comparison.
Once they are close enough to see the princess, Addison notes with surprise that she is half-elven. Perhaps that explains the king's willingness to sacrifice her. Maybe he doesn't consider her worthy to rule because of her mixed heritage. Well, that is a matter for the king and princess to resolve. All Addison and his friends have to do is get her out of this cave and give her a chance to resolve it.
He reaches back, placing a hand on Legolas' chest, signalling him to stop. They will wait here for Blandamour. He also puts his finger to his lips, signalling for them to remain quiet. Then he realizes that they can't see the signal since they are all still invisible. He shakes his head in embarassment and looks towards the entrance - watching for the paladins."
OOC>> I'm going to wait for Blandamour and Galadria to make their move before attempting to rescue the princess.
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