The End of One Journey and the Start of Many

After a whole night of sailing they finally came to land and saw birds flying high in the sky. These birds were the most wonderfully strange birds ever seen by elf, or man. Bordering the island was a wood of ancient oak trees as old as time itself. Surprisingly there was grass underneath the trees even though no lights reached it. The air was cool with a slight breeze that did not change the temperature at all. The ground was flat until it reached about twenty meters from the gate to a keep. The gate was made or iron bars and about ten meters high.

All this was observed by Marina who could (harmlessly) take a feather off the wing of a bird with a single arrow and split that arrow on it's way down. In short, Maria was the best shot or the elves and rider's there, she was although, matched by Render, who could take out a bear with one shot from fifty meter's away in the dark. William and Leviticus were almost as good, but preferred facing their enemies up close with a sword.

After Marina related all this to the others
Bonnie said, "I think it would be wise if the dragons stayed here."
"To the contrary," replied Leviticus in his usual kind manner, "the dragons may be a great aid in escaping if need be."
"Either way," interrupted Render, "we should ask the dragons."
William said, "What do you think Bladon?"
"I'm game if you are." was his witty reply (Baladon had always bee a bit more human that most dragons).
All the other riders proceeded to ask their dragons and they all approved. They then proceeded into the Forest when William, who always had liked to look up at oak trees said that their branched formed letters. He was right. The words read,
"Ahead lies the Castle of Roncorrin, only the chosen may enter it's gates."
"I hope that means us." said Charity.
They continued on all talking, but feeling very serious after the warning.

They all noticed when they were near the keep because the ground rose into a small hill. Once they reached the gate they started to open it when an axe came over the handle. The owner of the axe was a dwarf about four feet tall with a red beard and red hair.
"Who are you?" asked Flint.
"My name is Alecoric. I was sent here to guard this keep one hundred and seventy-nine years ago. I am only to let in the chosen."
"We are the chosen." said William.
"You must first prove your worth in a duel young Rider." replied the dwarf.
Baladon growled and jets of smoke and flame shot from the sides of his mouth.
"I don't like this William," said Baladon, "it's too risky. You are a new duelist even if your skill excels all humans" "I'll be fine." said William. He drew his sword and faced the dwarf. William dove for the dwarf and the battle had begone.