Nicola whispered a quick prayer to Pelor, blessing those in her immediate area. The party immediately spread out even more, in an attempt to avoid the dragon's nastiest attack - a cloud of chlorine vapor.

Nicola couldn't quite get her spell off before the swooping dragon was down almost amongst the party. A barrage of spells went off from Wed and Yodavan, and amazingly both the lightning bolt and the magic missile got through!

Roaring with pain, the dragon belched a thick greenish cloud directly onto Jaron and Little John. Much to Gimar's surprise, the dragon then landed on him and proceeded to claw and bite at Rheaphlyndar, who was desperately trying to find cover.

Dollin drew a special arrow from the clay pot in front of him. The strange ore on the head of the arrow began to smolder and smoke a little. The druid archer aimed for the dragon's mouth, but just missed to one side. The strange ore seemed to react violently with the chlorine, and Dollin began to aim again, this time straight down the dragon's throat.

Most of the party continued to charge as the dragon ignored them, trying to destroy the interloper at the mouth of his lair. An earth elemental began to rise from the ground, just a few yards from where Gimar was still pinned by the dragon's hindquarters.

Wed moved to one side and loosed a barrage of magic missiles, hoping that Little John's staff was not yet in range. However the missiles bounced off the dragon's magically-resistant hide.

Just as the Biscuit's prime warriors arrived at the dragon's scaly side, Rheaphlyndar's unconscious body fell back down into the lair. Dollin took another shot as the wyrm turned, but narrowly missed the snaky head. Little John thumped the turning dragon with the staff, but barely bruised the massive target.

What the dragon failed to consider was the dwarven warrior, who chose his moment to strike. Rolling out from under the moving bulk of the dragon, he spun and brought the battleaxe to bear. Luck was with the dwarf this day, and as the dragon turned he spotted a vulnerable spot just behind the foreleg.

With a mighty slash, Gimar split the dragon's belly in twain. Entrails fell about the dwarven warrior's head and shoulders. The dying dragon managed only a last small puff of chlorine. Gimar cleared the blood and guts from his eyes to spy a huge mound of earth before him.

It didn't take Dollin long to find the constable who had arrested him earlier. In fact, it was even easier since Gimar's summoned elemental trudged along behind him, carrying the huge head of a green dragon. A small crowd stopped and stared at the confrontation.

The druid and a growing crowd of townsfolk continued to the nearby jail. With great haste Mistin was released, carrying Dollin's items, equipment and treasure. After riding a ways into the woods, the younger druid turned to his elder, bowing deeply.

After pawing through the dragon's treasure, the Biscuits followed a large and gaily colored bird through the forest. The bird was Dollin's idea, and occasionally called out "Yodavan hurry up". Jaron kept a wary eye on the avian, and he also kept a polish cloth near the top of his pack.

After making camp once along the way, the Biscuits came to the rushing Nesser river. Two younger druids were waiting with a substantial raft they had crafted from dead snags and other fresh wood. The horses and the paladin were a little skittish, but eventually all were across.

Up a fairly steep bank from the river they came to a small house. An even smaller outbuilding was nearby, and the party could see a slim man working on some sort of drainage system. When he turned and spied the party, he came rushing over.

The party went inside the humble dwelling and found it quite cozy, and tastefully decorated. A woman stood nearby, stirring a thick stew.

Gimar did his best to relay the story of the dragon, and Rheaphlyndar only smiled weakly when his portion was told. The stew was delicious, and Nicola remarked that she could see where Dollin got his cooking talent.

That night the Biscuits bedded down in the main room, even though some of the furniture had to be moved to the stables. The horses were tethered outside, and Golinblagerous set up a sort of shelter for them.

The next morning Tessil told the party that Dollin would be along soon, and the boat not long after. Jaron personally thanked Dollin's parents for taking care of the horses, and Gimar estimate they should be back sometime during the winter, or by early spring at the latest.

Rheaphlyndar was feeling better as Dollin arrived, grinning broadly. He and Gimar talked for a few moments and then both laughed loudly. After a large late breakfast, Dollin escorted the party down the hill to the riverside.

The boat arrived just a little late and soon the party was on its way downstream.

The Green Dragon flew north, crossing into the boundary of the forest. He was anxious to see his mate again, and had found more silvery metal to give her. The party of trolls in the swamp had been almost too anxious to give up their treasure chest.

He spied the clearing ahead, and dove towards it. Something seemed wrong, but he couldn't quite place it. He circled down more slowly, his instincts taking hold now.

When at last he reached the clearing he couldn't believe what he saw. The lifeless, headless body of his mate was lying sprawled in the clearing. A few small animals had run away at his approach, but he knew them to be carrion eaters and scavengers.

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