Dust settled in the aftermath of the fall, covering the archaeologists and the sprites in a layer of grit. Most everyone emerged unscathed, but Merrick and Fern were both unconscious on the cold stone ground. Cassandra knelt beside her work partner and attempted to shake him awake. Meanwhile, Flint managed to free himself from the trap and hurried to Fern’s side. She was already stirring, blinking slowly as she sat upright.

“Your glasses!” Flint said, noticing that Fern had lost them in the tumble. He franticly looked around where they’d landed, eventually spotting the purple spectacles. He wiped the dust from their lenses before gently placing them back onto her face.

Woods stood and dusted himself off as he surveyed the unfamiliar level of the cave. Bones and piles of treasure were scattered everywhere. Matt and the others had already visited this place, but it was new to Woods. He looked around with both his green eye and his purple eye but couldn’t immediately detect any threats. Finally, he turned to the archaeologists. “Do you know if he hit his head when he fell?”

Cassandra regarded Woods and replied shakily, “I’m not sure. I’m not medically trained… so even if he did, there’s nothing I can do to help him.”

Woods checked Merrick’s pulse and nodded upon finding one. While there was no visible bleeding, he couldn’t assess the full extent of the archaeologist’s condition until he regained consciousness. Noticing a shallow gash on Merrick’s scalp, Woods called Reed over.

Shifting into his sprite form, Reed stepped carefully through the rubble and produced a white linen bandage from his bag. Cassandra stared at the sprite who had been a wolf just seconds before. Working together, they securely wrapped Merrick’s head with the bandage.

“He should be fine,” Woods said, straightening, “but there’s a doctor in Sagewood who can assess him when we get out of here.”

Cassandra remained silent as she looked over her work partner.

Flint spoke up a moment later, getting Woods’ attention. “This is the floor where Matt said he saw—”

A thunderous roar boomed through the cave, prompting everyone to pivot toward the source of the deafening sound. Emerging from the oppressive gloom, the dragon appeared, its imposing steps rumbling the cave floor as it drew closer to the group. The creature’s serpentine face featured a pair of yellow eyes that hungrily studied the sprites and humans huddling before it.

“I recognize some of you,” the dragon said. “The others are new to me. Where is Matt Miller? I desire to speak with him about our… arrangement.”

Cassandra was too terrified to speak, and the other sprites were just as quailed by the sight of the enormous monster. That only left Woods with the capacity to respond. He stepped forward and fixed the dragon with his signature stern gaze. “Matt Miller is indisposed,” Woods replied. “You may speak with me, dragon. What is it you want?”

“A sprite?” the dragon sneered. “And one wearing the mark of Corruption. Why would I want to speak with the likes of you?”

“Because I am the farmer’s representative,” Woods said without an ounce of fear in his voice. “So, I ask again: what is it you want?”

The giant reptile considered for a moment before responding. It drummed its claws on the stone like a person drumming their fingers in thought. “I would like to know why he hasn’t started digging me a way out of this infernal cave. He promised to help me escape in exchange for a life crystal.”

“I see.” Woods stroked his chin. He didn’t like dealing with dragons, but he saw no point in trying to deceive the creature. Especially considering that if he were caught in a lie, they would surely all be burned to a crisp. “Matt won’t be able to help you escape,” he said at length. “He’s been captured by the Baron of Sagewood. Like you, he is now a prisoner.”

The dragon’s lips peeled back, revealing rows of razor-sharp teeth. His yellow eyes flashed with anger, and he let out a deep growl that rattled Woods’ bones. “Captured? Prisoner? Curse him!” Fire blazed in the back of the beast’s throat, but it didn’t attack—not yet. “Foolish, weak farmer! I should have known not to trust the spawn of Bartholomew Miller!”

Woods frowned. “You knew Matt’s grandfather?”

“He’s the reason why I’m here,” the dragon snarled. “He stole a magic ring of transportation from me, many years ago, then trapped me in this forsaken place.”

Matt’s ring, Woods thought. I didn’t know that Bartholomew plundered it from a dragon. I’ll have to remember that.

“Rock,” Rock said, coming to stand next to him.

“Rock’s right,” Reed said. “He’s a lot meaner than the last time we were here.”

“Fire and brimstone,” the dragon raged. “For the first time in decades, I had a chance to get out. I had a chance to get revenge on that wicked human, Bartholomew Miller. But now that’s been taken away. How I yearned to feel the wind under my wings again, to taste the flesh of sheep and horse and swine.”

Reed gaped at the huge creature. “But I thought you said you were a vegetarian!”

The monster scoffed. “Who’s ever heard of a vegetarian dragon? Of course that was a lie! And that farmer was fool enough to believe me.” His scorn was palpable, his derision fierce. He slammed a clawed fist against the ground, causing the stone to crack. “I should have eaten him when I had the chance. At least then I would have enjoyed a decent meal.” His eyes turned to regard Cassandra and the unconscious Merrick, and his serpentine face suddenly brightened. “Then again, perhaps that opportunity is not yet lost.”

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The archaeologist woman paled visibly.

Woods crossed his arms, unimpressed by the dragon’s threats. “There won’t be any meals for you today,” he said. “But… maybe another arrangement can be made.”

The dragon glanced back at Woods. “An arrangement? With a sprite? Don’t make me laugh.”

“It isn’t a joke. We may be able to help each other. But I’m going to need some assurances first.”

The fire in the dragon’s throat diminished. His eyes lost much of their animosity and now appeared curious. “What kind of assurances?”

“There may be a way for us to help you out of here after all,” Woods said. “But we’ll need your help rescuing Matt from the Baron. And, of course, an assurance that you’ll leave these lands forever once you’re free.”

The dragon bowed his head. “You have my word.”

“Not good enough. We’ll need you to take a Wizard’s Oath before we’ll consider helping you.”

“A Wizard’s Oath?” The dragon’s expression soured. “Petty human magic? We dragons find such spells demeaning.”

Woods shrugged. “It’s the only way I can trust that you’ll keep your word. If you’re not willing to take a Wizard’s Oath, then you’ll just have to eat us, here and now. Your belly will be full for a time, but then you’ll still be trapped here for centuries. Perhaps even longer.”

The dragon paused for a moment, considering. The others shifted uncomfortably, clearly nervous about Woods’ gambit. But Woods wasn’t worried. He knew that the dragon didn’t have a choice.

Finally, the monster heaved a great, sulfuric sigh. “Very well then, sprite. I’ll agree to take your Wizard’s Oath. What assistance will you need of me?”

“The Baron’s Manor,” Woods said. “It’s heavily guarded, and Matt’s being held prisoner there. Plus, the Baron is in league with Corruption. We’re going to need your help getting past their defenses.”

“Easy,” the dragon said. “My flames are hot enough to melt through steel and stone.”

Woods held up a hand. “I don’t want any unnecessary deaths. You’ll need to use your dragonfire sparingly—the whole point is for Matt to survive this, remember?”

The dragon snorted. “Very well, then. Anything else?”

“We may have to fight Corruption… I’m not sure any of us have the power to defeat him. But with your assistance, we might stand a chance.”

“I fear no god or spirit,” the dragon replied. “If it comes down to a fight, then I shall aid you.”

Woods glanced around at his companions. They still appeared anxious, but they stood resolutely by his side, determined to do whatever it took to rescue their friend. Matt risked much to save me, Woods thought. Multiple times. He’s proven himself a worthy farmer. I’ll do what I must to bring him back safely. “All right,” he said, turning back to face the dragon. “And in return, we’ll find a way to get you out of this cavern. The Cave Spirit probably won’t be too keen on helping you escape, but I believe these humans have something useful in their wagon.”

Cassandra cleared her throat and said in a timid voice, “We… we brought some dynamite with us to help with our excavation.”

“That’ll work,” Woods said. “What should I call you, dragon?”

The monster bared his fangs in what could only be described as a draconic smile. “I am called Tyrannox the Bloodspiller, Maker of Widows and Slayer of Kings. But many refer to me simply as Tyr.”

“Tyr,” Woods repeated, bowing his head respectfully. “My name is Woods. And if the terms I’ve laid out are acceptable, then you have yourself a deal.”

“Your terms are… acceptable.”

“All right, then.” Woods turned to his companions. “Rock, turn back into your moose form. You can carry Merrick out of here. The rest of you—walk back to the surface and get things ready for blasting. I’ll go ahead and track down that wizard.”

He started for the staircase. “Woods,” the dragon rumbled, stopping him in his tracks. “If you don’t keep your word and free me, I shall be most displeased.”

Woods met Tyr’s glowing yellow stare. “I always keep my word,” he replied. “You can count on that. I’ll be back with the wizard.” With that, he started up the steps, followed by the shuffling footfalls of his companions.

***

A while later, Melvin accompanied Woods to the lowest level of the cave. The sprites helped Cassandra set up the dynamite, and the southern sprites even showed up—taking a special interest in the explosives.

Woods had taken Melvin’s notebook away as a precaution, and he was grateful he had. Melvin was prone to distraction, and his bespectacled eyes glimmered with scholarly delight.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve performed a Wizard’s Oath,” Melvin said off-handedly as they descended the staircase. I hope I still remember how to do it.” He seemed to have extra enthusiasm as they neared the lowest level. “I must admit,” he whispered to Woods, “this is the first time I’ve ever seen a dragon.”

“Once you’ve seen one, you’ve pretty much seen them all.” Woods paused as Tyr appeared from the shadows of the cave, his yellow eyes glimmering with impatience. Melvin started at the sight of the large beast, but Woods continued, keeping his voice smooth and raising it slightly so Tyr could hear. “And they’re all difficult to work with. That’s why I’ve brought you here.”

Tyr snorted, appearing amused at the small sprite’s confidence. “What are the exact stipulations of this oath then, sprite?”

“First, you agree to help us rescue Matt. And you can’t kill anyone from Sagewood or the surrounding cities once you’re out of here. Like I said, no unnecessary deaths.”

Tyr nodded, smoke rising from his nostrils as he flared them.

“Second, you can’t take back the ring that Matt inherited from his grandfather.”

Tyr’s eyes narrowed, but he nodded again in agreement. “Anything else?” he growled, his gravelly voice thick with annoyance.

Woods paused, as if choosing his next words carefully. “It’s no secret that I’m corrupted. Last time I was at this particular manor, I…” Woods trailed off, and both Melvin and Tyr seemed to lean in with curiosity. Woods sighed and continued, “Let’s just say, if for some reason I switch sides in the battle, you agree to kill me.”

Tyr’s eyes sparkled with interest, a slow smile spreading across his serpentine face. “How… intriguing,” he said after a few seconds.

Woods took a deep breath. “If you agree to these requirements, then I will help you to escape this cave.”

He turned to Melvin expectantly, and the wizard cleared his throat. “All right, if all the terms are acceptable, I can perform the spell for the Wizard’s Oath.” He turned to Tyr. “If for some reason these terms are broken, you will be bound to Woods for all eternity, unable to resist the dictates of his will. For all intents and purposes, you will become his slave until the day he willingly releases you from his service. Are you willing to accept these terms?”

Tyr bared his fangs, a look of indignation crossing his reptilian features. “Very well,” he rumbled grudgingly. “I accept your terms. And you have your assurance, sprite.” He spat the last word like it was a curse.

Woods nodded in satisfaction. “Very well, then. Let’s get this over with.”