Amos

After hurling themselves into that dark and seemingly bottomless sea, the three heroes finally reached a point. In front of them, a very long staircase opened up, leading directly to this damned labyrinth, complete with a guardian not too keen on having guests, as well as on sociability in general!

<<Well guys, are we going to twiddle our thumbs or are we going to go down? >> Clara stepped in, in a rather hesitant and doubtful tone, since all that separated them from a deep void was a golden staircase, ancient Egyptian pyramid style, without even a handrail. Truly fit for those suffering from vertigo!

<<Man, what ardour, I'm impressed, although maybe you'd be a bit more believable if you weren't shaking so much with your legs. I can even feel the vibrations on the floor.>> Amos retorted, not missing the juicy opportunity to lovingly mock the young woman.

<<Hey, wait till we get out of here and I'll make you regret it, my word!>> She retorted, with Elijah also enjoying himself at his expense, given the amusing little skit they put on every time.

<<We're not even in yet and you're already thinking of going back up...>> But she didn't even have time to finish the sentence, when the ladder turned into a sort of slide at super sonic speed, taking them so by surprise that they didn't even have time to get up in the air! Thus, the three of them ended up sliding directly in front of the imposing and disturbing gateway that Amos seemed to remember having seen before, albeit under unclear circumstances.

<<Well, at least we didn't have to walk down that endless staircase.>> Elijah uttered this time, standing up and going to offer Clara a hand, while Amos went to analyse the symbols on the heavy door more closely.

<<I agree, otherwise you'd have had to break your back to carry her flying, otherwise, with her pace, we wouldn't have made it even by next winter.>> He continued to taunt the girl with a mocking grin.

He loved to rattle her, it had become his favourite pastime; indeed, he loved to see her display all her emotions and expressions. He considered her such a clear and transparent person that he could read her like an open book and that was also one of the things he loved most about her.

<<Ah, ah, after we're done with all your banter, can we look for a way to open this Antechamber of Dante's Inferno? >> The young woman asked, hoping that at least one of them had an idea ready to use!

<<Yeah, I've got the manual of the perfect magical portal breaker right here with me!>> He replied sarcastically.

<<Clara, now stand back. Watch and learn, not many people have the privilege of seeing me at work. Goldilocks, instead of touching up your eyelashes, how about giving me a hand? >> He concluded, turning to his companion.

<<I didn't want to be accused of ousting you and taking away your glory. Besides, didn't you say we were supposed to watch and admire? >> Elijah scoffed at him, complete with Clara's evil giggle in the background.

<<Every now and then I have to make you do something, or, at least, give you the idea of it.>> The Dark dragon retorted. So, the two approached the gate to knock it down, but it was no longer necessary as Amos's touch was enough to make it open wide. The three were all more than astonished.

<<I expected you to at least say "Open sesame" or something like that.>> Clara affirmed, quite convinced of the validity of the formula! After all, how can you blame her in a world where everything seems to be possible?!

The two turned in her direction with a resigned expression.

<<Well, my brave non-young men, in that case, I will turn my back on gallantry and be glad to be preceded by you.>> The girl exclaimed, giving the two of them a flap.

In front of them stretched a maze of tangled brambles and withered roses, victims of the barrenness of their surroundings. Something terrible must have happened to reduce that enchanted fairytale place to an arid desert of thorns and brambles. At the bottom, the ruins of a castle could be seen, while what appeared to be a river bed was now reduced to a dry stretch of land, drained to the last drop. And to top it all off, the sky was an abnormal reddish hue, complete with lightning to boot!

<<Fantastic, almost, it was better to watch the theatrics with your tree fiancée.>> Said Clara, with feigned nonchalance, taking a dirty look from Amos.

Before another one of their mythical brawls took place, a violent whirlwind was unleashed right in front of the three of them, so powerful that Amos and Elijah were forced to drive their swords into the ground and clutch the girl to prevent her from flying away like a leaf at a gust of wind.

<<What the hell is going on? >> Clara asked terrified, clinging like a koala to Amos' biceps.

<<I haven't the faintest idea. In any case, let's be on our guard, I think the reception committee has decided to show up.>> The Moor replied.

Finally, that furious, rushing wind stopped, showing the one who was supposed to be protecting the place.

<<How did you come so far, strangers? No one is allowed to pass through the sacred gates without permission, on pain of death.>> The man armed with a scythe and helmeted hair declared 'warmly', preparing to smash the raiders to smithereens.

Clara managed to erect a barrier; the only thing to do was to hope that it would withstand the fury of their opponent!

<<You have something we need, and I assure you we will not leave without it, by hook or by crook.>> Amos made it clear, drawing his sword from the ground, preparing to counterattack.

<<Say your last prayers bonzo of my boots, for your time has finally come!>> And after such words, the Dark One leapt into the air, preparing his attack.

Unfortunately, they had all underestimated the man, as with just two fingers, he managed to absorb the blow and hurl Amos towards the nearest wall.

<<Amos, don't! >> After witnessing such a scene, Elijah could not refrain from intervening, otherwise they would all have been doomed, and as he moved away from the young man, he rose into the air, emanating a powerful glare. It all happened very quickly, but when Clara opened her eyes again, instead of Elijah, she saw a majestic golden dragon.

<<Well, well, I see this is getting interesting. Apparently, you are also craving to be defeated like your friend.>> Affirmed 'the monster', confidently.

The battle had begun and Amos had not even warmed up his engines yet!