Sir Charles of Bourne slumped to the cavern floor: exhausted, defeated. His shield hung loosely from his left arm. His sword, barely supported by the limp fingers of his right hand, rested on the stone floor. He had fought fiercely, valiantly, but his foe had been stronger and more cunning then he had expected. The stench of sulfur became the stench of death. He had failed. The end was near. He stared across the cavern, his eyes burning, his sight blurred from the sweat which had rolled into them. Cleamet, his adversary, stared back. The long, snake-like neck twisting from side to side, his tail flicking and twitching as he watched Sir Charles. Soon, he would realize this was no ruse and would move in to deliver the final blow. Sir Charles was finding it increasingly difficult to hold his head erect. He lowered his head slowly and preyed. He preyed for salvation. Not his own. He had known the price he might -would- have to pay. He had accepted that when he set out. Rather, he preyed for the salvation of his family, his friends, and his people. Cleamet lived on and that would mean death to many in his village. He preyed for them and their salvation. Cleamet moved. He heard the scraping of scales on the cavern floor. The end was very near at hand. With great effort, Sir Charles gathered his remaining strength. If he were to die, he would do so facing his death eye-to-eye. He forced his head up. Suddenly, the cavern was filled with a brilliant, golden light, which chased the shadows into hiding. Before his eyes, where he expected to see the fierce visage of Cleamet, stood a winged warrior. Beyond the warrior, he heard Cleamet inhale with a low hissing sound. He could hear the gurgle, deep in Cleamet's chest, which was the prelude to a great exhalation of smoke and fire. And, the warrior stood calmly, shield raised to catch the blast, sword ready to defend or attack as needed. The air, hot and stuffy before, became cool, crisp, and clean. Sir Charles' weariness lifted. He was imbued with a new strength, a new energy. He now knew his end would not come today. Models: Michael and Dragon by DAZ 3D Character: Raphael by Catharina Przezak (DAZ 3D) Outfits: Michael's Changing Fantasy Suit by Anton Kisiel (DAZ 3D) Hair: Wonder Wedge by Elizabeth Ippolito (DAZ 3D) Eyes: Real Eyes by cake1 (DAZ 3D) Wings: Angelyna Wings by Sharkey (RMP) Scene: Dwarf Mines by judith and chrisjol (TransPond) (RMP) Dragon's Breath: FX Pak 2 by davidm (RMP)