CHAPTER 17
"REX'S STORY"

PREVIOUSLY:
Our hero, Lizy, was trapped inside a network of tunnels by Cruel when he met up with none other than Rex Compaq-Summit!

Rex, dressed again in his dark green cloak, led Lizy out of the circle of light and back into the dark caverns. Neither one of them wished to sit in that place where escape was so near, yet still out of reach. They both seated themselves on a pile of rocks in a damp corner and then Rex cleared his throat and began his tale.

"My ancestors made up the famed royal Summit family," Rex started with pride, "They ruled a small kingdom, smaller even than your own Lizard Valley. It was located far to the east of here, and even though it bordered the territory of the barbarians, we lived in peace, unafraid of their raids thanks to our large army of mice! Somewhere along the line, one of the Summits married one of the wealthy Compaqs. Ever since then, we've been known as the renowned Compaq-Summits."

"If you're a member of royalty, what are you doing here as a traveling mercenary?" Lizy challenged, crossing his arms, unconvinced.

"Every thirty-five years, the esteemed Crown of the Summits is passed to the next generation," Rex continued. "My father was to become the twenty-seventh king in the Summit dynasty. But on the day of his coronation, when his father was to hand the crown to him, Cruel decided to drop by for a 'visit.' He took the crown for himself and left the kingdom in ruins to be plundered by the barbarians!"

"You mean... You're a prince!" exclaimed Lizy, somewhat startled and a little more convinced. Rex nodded slowly. "Well, that would explain your grudge against Cruel," replied Lizy, "Go on."

"Why Cruel took the Crown of the Summits, I have never understood," Rex sighed, "Both my grandfather and father tried to win it back, but it was no use. They at last gave up, but I wouldn't give in so easy! I gathered up my three most loyal subjects and trained for two years under the respected swordsman, Ziegfried the Hamster. We Compaq-Summits were already known for our skill with a blade, but I now surpass them all!"

"I take it your three subjects are Number One, Two, and Three?" asked Lizy.

"Yes, and now they're all in Cruel's mines, no doubt!" shouted Rex in a rage, "After nearly a year of searching, I find Cruel, and then I lose my chance!" Rex sighed and then continued again with his head hung low. "I never even got the chance to challenge him. Unprepared and distracted by my short-lived fame, I was forced to retreat to here, and now the only way is being heavily guarded by Cruel's minions."

"You've been down here all this time?" cried Lizy, surprised.

"Yes, unfortunately," Rex replied, "There's plenty of water, but I haven't had a decent meal for ages. Which reminds me, did Number Two reach you with my letter?"

"That he did," Lizy answered, "But as you can see, little good it did me. Cruel's a fiendish foe..."

"But he won't stand a chance this time!" Rex said, standing up with raised spirits. "With the two of us, we stand a change against those guard I mentioned. I saw your skill that day we first met, and I see you've come a long way, catching your sword like that. I'll have my chance against Cruel yet."

"Skill? Me?" Lizy thought aloud.

"Don't underestimate yourself, Lizy!" laughed Rex. "We may have got off on the wrong foot, but I... We can't give. Now's our last chance Lizy! Are you going to throw it away and leave your friends to suffer? What about Sandy?"

Lizy stood up and took his sword in hand. "Cruel can't get away with this," Lizy resolved, "He'll meet his match yet!"

NEXT TIME: "The Reunion"
Lizy and Rex meet up with some unforeseen help.