Amos

And after the endless goodbyes and embarrassing anecdotes, the three heroes were finally ready getting back on track looking for the remaining holy objects.

Amos, nonetheless would have never revealed it, subjected to the worst torture neither, he must admit he had really enjoyed the moment. At the end, he couldn't affirm of having had many occasions to do it in the course of his long life, in part due to the fact of having grown up in a loveless place, rare moments excepted and then, because during a war there is no time to waste in things like "laughing" or "happiness". There is room only for blood, hate and sadness. At least, this had been one of the pillar of his existence until that red head tornado had barged in his life, dragging him with her in crazy adventures and multidimensional trips with quirky relatives and friends!

There were still a lot of things that he hadn't told her and, honestly, he wasn't sure he would have never had the courage to do it, scared that this could definitely distance himself from her.

Before meeting her he didn't know what joy was and this is ironic considering his age. He didn't care very much for who he fought for since it was advantageous. He had been envying the Golden Dragons race for a long time. They were honest and loyal, constantly fighting against Evil forces, no matter what, defending even Lyria's human people who fought with the power of reason.

When he was a little child he wanted to be one of them, believing that fighting against each other was something stupid and illogic, because joining in forces they could have won. He had never known if his parents died or what could have taken them in leaving the Golden Dragons lineage to join in the Obscure Dragons race, captained by Akam, the founder who had stopped sharing their ideals since a long time. As usual, dissension spark is always there, ready to set fire at the first occasion and, in this case, it took to their exile to the forbidden zone's edges, where already lived the worst criminals and traitors.

Over time, things got worse until getting to the point of no return with the Great Battle who had Elijah and Amos on the opposite sides, even if the first one was unwillingly involved forced to pay a great personal cost, his freedom! On second thought, if anything of it never took place, consequently not being forced to rot in filthy hole for almost a century, he probably would have never met Clara and he would have never started changing, this time for the best.

<<Yes, I am aware that spiced rabbit can definitely be stodgy, especially for dinner and if you are not used eating it, but I didn't think it could put you k.o, otherwise I would have used it on the day we met.>> The young woman explained, distracting him from his thoughts and taking him back to reality.

<<My dear, I don't think the delights of your mother's expert hands are the object of his worrying. If we are of no comfort, we could continue just the two of us to the temple. I would be honored to take Clara on my back...>> Elijah joined in, dodging the incoming hit from the Obscure one!

<<Don't be afraid, no one has questioned you, so you can easily come back to your flowery meadows and nauseating ideals and let adults taking care of the situation.>> Amos talked him back, making them laughing.

<<Right, at least he came to his senses. I was scared I had to use again the portal to take him a digestif since I don't think that this world's grocery stores are well-stocked.>> She realized loudly, leaving them puzzled as usual. Evidently, the young woman had realized it, changing topic instead explaining them digestive's meaning!

Between their bickering, the three had managed reaching their destination, finding pretty and graceful young women ready to escort them to the "meeting room".

<<Those two ladies must be rookies. I have never seen them before. What do you think?>> Clara asked.

<<Oh yes, after centuries of assiduous frequentation is unacceptable that you still don't know all the members.>> Amos replied sarcastically, thinking about what kind of strange mission would have assigned them this time that crackpot priestess!

<<There you are my dear friends.>> The latter greeted them, this time showing her long and voluminous white hair in an elegant chignon which increased her charm even more.

<<I told to these two goats that there was no need to call you back so early, but unfortunately, I must have told them in the wrong ear since they suddenly rushed to you.>> The woman explained, lighting a kind of pipe up. This scene recalled to Clara Alice's meeting with the caterpillar in Alice in Wonderland!

The woman's words made Clara flush who felt herself at the focus of attention.

<<Fantastic, now that you have pleased us with one of your usual short jokes what would you say of explaining us some more details about the mortal risks that we will risk this time, or better, that they will run.>>

Clara flashed him considering that the last time they had saved his life, but the dragon seems to have a short memory!

<<Oh please, before trying killing each other like lions wait at least being out of here. This time your goal will be Ava's statuette, the first priestess who defeated a whole army of monsters.

<<Wow, it doesn't seem very difficult, right? Do we already know where to find it?>> The girl asked.

<<I don't think I will it, right?>> This time Amos joined in, hitting the spot.

<<Your destination is The Maze of memories.>> The woman confessed, all in one breath, maybe hoping that no one had listened to her.

Clara didn't understand, but considering the others'expressions, she realized that it wasn't an ideal place for holidays!