Return of the Dragon Slayer

Meeting the old Loremaster proved most illuminating. He explained that it had been the plan of Ser Percival’s wizard companion - Merlinius - to conceal the truth about the dragon’s fate and to wait for a new dragon slayer to rise to the challenge.

The Dragon Slayer’s armaments were sealed behind three trials set up by Merlinius. Without those artifacts, one could have no hope of facing the dragon. To pass the trials is to prove one worthy of reclaiming the mantle of the Dragon Slayer.

Since there is no one else, I have agreed to take on the challenge of becoming Merlinius’ champion. The three trials I must tackle are those of Might, Perseverance and Vigilance, and they are located all across Imberthale.

If I consult the old Loremaster in his library - east of the Brinebridge in Thornhill - he will instruct me on where and how to face each trial.

I stood up to all the challenges the ancient wizard had in store and prevailed! And yet... I could scarcely believe it when the Loremaster delivered his news.

Though authentic, some of the Dragon Slayer's artifacts have suffered the decay of time, and cannot serve their old purpose unless restored.

While the book of Merlinius offers knowledge on how to mend their condition, it will no doubt require tremendous skill to source the materials and perform the repairs. Nonetheless, I should approach the Loremaster and hear what the options are.

He continues to reside in his library near the Brinebridge, on the eastern side of the City of Thornhill.

I’ve done all within my power to return the decayed relics of the Dragon Slayer to their original condition.

All that remains is to hear the Loremaster’s judgement on the artifacts’ quality, and whether my efforts have served their purpose.

I passed the Trials of Merlinius, reclaimed the Dragon Slayer’s relics and restored their original condition. The Loremaster of Thornhill has proclaimed me the Dragon Slayer! Yet the greatest challenge still lies ahead of me - I must slay the dragon Vindracaur.

The dragon awaits me in her dungeon, hiding somewhere within the mountain range’s ‘Dragon Peaks’. To reach her, I should return to Amarien’s Foothills and set my course north. Upon nearing the Squallstone Keep, I ought to keep my eyes open for a passage that will lead me deeper into the mountains.

The old Loremaster also told me this is a challenge I should not have to face alone, and he has thus sent word ahead of me to Sara Croft. While she might not be the wizard Merlinius was to Ser Percival, she may still be able to provide useful support and supplies in the mountains.

She’s the one who set me on this quest, and she will help me see it through to the end. I should keep my eyes open for her out in the Dragon Peaks.

Within the Dragon Peaks, I met up with Sara Croft, who’d set up camp at a safe distance from the mouth of the dragon’s lair. Having caught up with her, it’s time I approach the dungeon at the far end of the jagged ridge within the Dragon Peaks.

To lower the wards Merlinius placed to seal the dragon in, all I must do is stand in his rune circle wearing the full armor of the Dragon Slayer.

The way into the dragon's lair stands open. I have come too far now to turn aside. Time I step inside...

Having stepped inside Vindracaur’s Lair deep within the Dragon Peaks of the mountains, caverns filled with curious red crystals stretch before me. Without a doubt Vindracaur awaits in her chambers, somewhere further in...

I’ve observed smaller Spawns of Vindracaur roaming the cavern halls: I might practice my dragon slaying skills on them before facing the great dragon herself.

At long last I stand before Vindracaur, the Red Tempest of old legend - not a tale, but a living embodiment of wrath, flame and terror itself.

If I do not succeed where Ser Percival failed all those years ago, then the realm is surely doomed. I must be the one to slay Vindracaur.

It is done at long last, the great dragon of the mountains is no more. I have vanquished her and her brood, and with that, I may well have destined the dragonkind to the pages of history.

Yet it had to be done. Had she been allowed to go free, the enraged Vindracaur would surely have brought about untold destruction. Nor would it have been proper to continue to cage her.

As I ponder the significance of my actions and prepare to leave Vindracaur’s chambers, my eyes land on something resting in a secluded corner of the cave - the last egg of the great dragon.

I couldn’t simply leave it behind...

From Vindracaur’s Lair, I have taken with me possibly the last thing that remains of dragons - Vindracaur’s very last egg. Outwardly it appears to be in pristine condition, and it seems far too precious to leave behind.

I recall Sara Croft mentioning something about having always had a calling to find an authentic dragon’s egg. I shall bring it to her and thus leave the fate of the dragonkind in her hands.

She no doubt awaits me and news of the dragon’s demise in her camp outside within the Dragon Peaks. Alternatively I may have luck finding her back at her shop.

At long last, the failure of Ser Percival Cinderain has been laid to rest. Vindracaur, the Red Tempest of old legend, is no more and thus a terrible threat to the realm has been lifted.

From the dragon's lair, I carried forth Vindracaur's last egg and entrusted it into Sara Croft's care, leaving the fate of the dragonkind in her hands.

Only time may tell, whether my choice proved to be the right one, but the egg seemed far too precious to let fade into history with the rest of the dragon's kin.