What mage?" Aheam immediately questioned.

"Me, what do you want with me?" Ariston whimpered.

"I have questions!" the red dragon Zaira replied.

"After we discuss the terms with the Earl, and while Aheam looks for the scepter, you may talk to Ariston in my presence!" Tibalt firmly insisted. Tibalt had heard of the red dragons'' deep hatred for mages and he had grown fond of Ariston.

"Ariston''s a mage?" Aheam stated in shock. Ariston had slain a dragon and had performed admirably as a squire for Tibalt, it was turning Aheam''s idea of mages upside down. He actually liked Ariston.

Having lost his parents at a very young age and having his elder sister ripped away from him by the sinister Dark Mages might make anyone lose hope. But the twelve-year-old Ariston isn''t just anyone. Sure living day to day isn''t easy, but he and his two best friends, Elina and Faustus, make do. Their courage, perseverance, and loyalty inspire new friendships-honorable men including the Great Knight of Adar and the mage Pilan the All Powerful. Perhaps it is possible to rescue Ariston''s sister from the clutches of the Dark Mages. After all great friendships lead to great deeds!