CHAPTER 22
FACE OFF "

PREVIOUSLY:
After a desperate search, Lizy and his friends were able to rescue Sandy and free the prisoners.

I know you're in here, Cruel! Rex shouted into the dark, empty throne room chamber, Show yourself. His voice echoed coldly against the stone walls.

It appears he isn't here, Line admitted as the two walked carefully up to Cruel's empty throne which was set atop a large platform a short height above the rest of the room. But we must keep up our guard.

So true! the menacing voice of Cruel echoed throughout the chamber.

Rex drew his sword and spun around searching the shadows for his foe, but he was nowhere to be seen.

You've come an awful long way, now haven't you, Cruel's voice rang out again, Too bad we can't have this much fun more often.

No more games, Cruel, replied Line, unmoving.

Cruel chuckled to himself as he stepped into the light.

What in Zytrolilex! Rex yelped.

So, young Master Rex, Cruel mocked, How do you like my new attire? After all, I'm not just a simple general anymore, I'm quick on the road to become the supreme ruler of this world! All will kneel before me, for I am Mortimer Cruel - the Emperor of all Zytrolilex

Impossible! Rex snapped, drawing his saber, You've stalled for long enough now! You've got something that belongs to my family and I mean to have it back!

Bad show, Master Rex, Cruel continued, squeezing his war hammer eagerly, And here I am trying to be friendly. You won't even pause for a spot of tea, I suppose?

Enough, Cruel, Line answered calmly, turning around slowly, It's time to do what must be done.

I'd watch my tongue if I were you, Cruel taunted, You can't even produce a decent heir, eh?

Line said nothing. He simply drew his blade from its sheath.

Well then , laughed Cruel. Let's get this over with, shall we?

Fiend, Rex cried in anger, This is between you and me! Saber in hand, the young prince at last achieved his goal, taking on Cruel in single combat. Long I've waited for this moment, he shouted in excitement as, to his mild surprise, he landed blow after blow. Cruel isn't nearly as tough as he made himself out to be, it seemed. Or maybe it's just because I'm so good? Rex thought quietly to himself as he unleashed his most awesome attacks. Soon Cruel had his back to a pillar and was trapped.

Now, Cruel, Rex demanded, What have you done with my crown? Tell me everything!

You're a little lacking in the area of brains, Master Rex, Cruel replied, I sold it to a traveling caravan the very day after I took it!

Rex stopped cold - His years of training and the pursuit of Cruel had been in vain, because Cruel didn't have the crown! The villian gave a delighted laugh and then gave Rex a good solid whack, knocking him across the room.

Line! cried Rex, skidding to a stop on his back. You're our last hope!

The former guardian took Rex's place as he locked weapons with Cruel.

You took it easy on the boy just to crush his spirits like that, Line growled, Now, it is time you made amends for everything you have done to this peaceful valley. Prepare yourself, Mortimer Cruel!

I've waited over thirty years to finish you off, Cruel bellowed, And mark my words, guardian, I won't be so easy on you as I was with your little friend over there!

And thus began the long-awaited duel between Line Lizard and Mortimer Cruel. Rex had seen nothing like it - Line's skill surpassed even that of his old master, Ziegfried. His blows continued to keep Cruel on his feet and he at last began to match the strength and skill of his enemy. But Line's age soon began to catch up with him. He had to give ground up to Cruel as he began to huff and puff and struggle for air.

Rex! Line called. The young prince rushed to take Line's place as the two began a tag-team effort, one taking the other's place to keep their assault on the villain fresh. But despite Rex and Line's failing strength, Cruel didn't seem to get tired at all. At last, in desperation, the two attacked him together.

Why isn't this unfair, Cruel taunted with delight, swinging his mallet to and fro with little effort at all, Two against one. I'll just have to even the odds. And with that, he sent both Rex and Line flying across the room with his hammer. The two smaller lizards hit a solid pillar with a loud, hard THUD!

Now to finish you two off! Cruel laughed.

It was just then that the most unexpected and unlooked-for hero in all of Zytrolilex took a fateful stand which would change the entire history of that world forever. None other than the courageous Guardian of Lizard Valley, Lizy the Lizard, entered the throne room with his dear friend Sandy close behind, and just in the nick of time.

Hold it right there, Mortimer Cruel! called Lizy.

Cruel spun around to face Lizy as a smirk formed across the villian's face.

NEXT TIME: "Lizy's Finest Hour "
The final battle between Lizy the Lizard and Mortimer Cruel begins!