| Seconds passed while Doirn was held in the air by Crim, but Doirn continued to be silent. "I said," said Crim, "Where is the Dung? While I could hold you up all day, I don't have all day, so spit it out before I decide to destroy your land on a whim after this is all over."
Doirn then smiled, and in a swift motion kicked at Crim, stunning him enough to let Doirn take flight into the air. Before Crim could retaliate, Doirn took a deep breath and breathed heavy flames upon him. Because he had not practiced breathing fire in such a long time, Doirn knew it wasn't enough to hurt Crim, especially a fellow Scorchio. But it was certainly enough of a distraction to give time to fly high into a tree. While Doirn quickly rustled through his bag of potions, Crim growled, "You have no idea how much I'm going to enjoy destroying your homeland."
"That's alright," laughed Doirn, potions in his hands. "You won't be able to enjoy it in either case." Crim scoffed at Doirn's claim and made ready to rush the trees, but was stobbed short by the bright light of a bright flare coming from Brightvale Castle. Growling all the louder, Crim turned back to the smiling Doirn and cried out, "What did you do stupid prince?"
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When it was but only an hour before sunset, Doirn sat outside the last library of Brightvale, exhausted and depressed at finding no book in the libraries of Brightvale about Dung. His quest, and his homeland, were now ruined. He rummaged around in his satchel, hoping to find something which could change the inevitable, when he suddenly did find something. Immediately rushing to Brightvale Castle, he was finally stopped by the guards when he tried to run his way into King Hagan's chamber. "I'm sorry," said a Draik guard, "but King Hagan is currently reading Keeping The Peace and can't be disturbed."
"Tell him Prince Doirn wishes to speak with him, and it's a matter of the security of Brightvale and Meridell," said Doirn, a little out of breath. Taken aback, the guard went into the chambers and escorted Doirn in shortly after. Putting down his book, King Hagan looked to Doirn and said, "Greetings fellow Neopet. I was told by one of my guards you are calling yourself Doirn, the missing prince of Meridell. I hope you have such claims to this."
"I do," said Doirn, quickly pulling out his Royal clothes from his satchel. "While I am in disguise, it would be foolish of me to leave behind the evidence of my departure, as this is my heritage."
"That may be true," said King Hagan as he scratched his beard, "but how can you prove to me you are not simple a kidnapper, and holding the real prince hostage?"
"I'm sure you were informed of the recent arrest and escape of a prisoner in Meridell calling himself Doirn, which I believe you know is no coincedience. And why would I willingly give myself to you as I am, King Hagan?"
"Well played," said King Hagan as he smiled. "But surely you must know I have also been informed of the method the prisoner used to escape Meridell's dungeons. A Scorchio who can burst through solid stone walls doesn't need to worry about capture from my guards."
"That is the danger to Brightvale and Meridell i spoke of," sighed Doirn. "A devious Scorchio named Crim has come to Meridell in search of the Dung, and took me from the prisons upon hearing I was on a similar quest. While my will to find the Dung is for the good of all, I'm sure his intentions are of the most foul. He has asked me to come into Brightvale on his behalf, and I'm to return to him before nightfall, or he will ravage not only this castle, but my lands as well."
"The Dung you say?" said King Hagan with an amused look, walking back to his pile of books and picking one of them up. "It just so happens I have the oldest book speaking of the legend of the Dung in my hand. A one of a kind book nowhere else in Brightvale."
"I would very much like to read from it," said Doirn. "If it has any clues to the location of the Dung, I am that much closer to bringing the dung back to the lands of Meridell." King Hagan turned back to Doirn with cold eyes and said, "Leaving us to deal with the monster you left on your heels?"
Doirn smiled, and said, "No, I expect you to follow me back to where Crim is waiting with your army, as it will take an army to overcome him. Also, send out a flare to call out to your brother, for I think he would like to get his hands on the Scorchio who ruined a good portion of his dungeon."
"You are a wise Neopet, Doirn," laughed King Hagan. "It's a shame we did not meet until now, and do not have the time to share each other's wisdom. I look forward to speaking with you at a future time when you return to Meridell, with or without the Dung."
"May I read from the book then?" asked Doirn with anticipation.
"In a moment. First, I would like to hear some words of wisdom from you. I'm curious to hear what knowledge you have gained in your studies."
"Really?" said Doirn as he scratched his head. "Oh. Um...It’s a sad day when you can no longer trust success are similar to the greed of an blueberry Blooky?"
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Crim stared at Doirn in disbelief, saying, "But that doesn't make any sense!"
Doirn laughed and said, "I know, but King Hagan absorbed it like a sponge." Crim cried out in frustration and rushed the base of the tree Doirn was standing on, smashing it to bits. Doirn took to the air before Crim struck, and threw a Stream of Light and Slippery Floor Potion at Crim, who began to flail in blinded panic, slipping continually. Soon after, a barrage of magical spell bolts began to rain all around them. It's good to see you, Brightvale sorcerers, thought Doirn. I was beginning to wonder when you would show. Now to get out of hear so you don't accidently blast me with Crim. And Doirn took a Potion of Concealment, flying away from the battlefield.
Miles away, Doirn flew to the beaches of Brightvale, where a boat awaited him from a local fisherman. It's good to know my plans can acctually work now and then, thought Doirn as he sighed.
"You will be careful with my boat, won't you," asked the worried Koi fisherman. "I know I'm being given enough Neopoints for an even better boat, but this one has helped me sustain my family for many years."
"I will do my best," said Doirn as he climbed into the boat. "Though it's a long journey to where I go, she is a she boat, and i'm sure she will take me far." He was lying when he said it though. It was an paddle boat which had seen better years, and even though it was stocked with provisions from King Hagan himself, he didn't know if it would be enough. He needed to try though, and the his words reassured the Koi fisherman. "Be sure to give my reguards to King Hagan," said Doirn as he pushed off into the sea, "and tell him there will be plently of Dung for him and his subjects when I return."
And so Doirn sailed into the wild seas with his paddle boat, going northeast in the direction of Dung and adventure.
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