Knowing the dragon must be dealt with, the party prepares what defenses they can, and then proceed cautiously toward his lair. Making use of Mella's owl familiar, they learn the general layout of the lower levels of the ice caves. In one corner, the owl spots two ice trolls; on the opposite end of the cavern, a sharp decrease in temperature warns of the dragon's presence. Having learned what they can, the adventurers descend into the lower caverns themselves. Despite the cold and slippery ice, there are no serious mishaps...just one minor slip by Mella, leading to a fall nicely cushioned by landing on Brin. Tom takes point as they proceed across the cavern, making their way carefully past a ridge of ice toward the dragon. Fog in the cavern limits their vision, forcing each adventurer to move slowly and cautiously, straining to catch sight of the dragon. Suddenly, Brin catches sight of the huge white form...and at the same time a cloud of noxious yellow gas erupts from the floor as he crosses a magical trap line! The sorcerer and cleric helplessly vomit from the gas as the dragon's head snaps around to stare at them! Tom and Mella were far enough away to avoid the gas, and are able to take quick action. The ranger looses two of his arrows of dragon slaying, causing the beast to bellow in pain. He lets loose his freezing breath weapon, catching both the sorcerer and cleric...but their preparations serve them well and their injuries are minor. The bard sends her owl to distract the dragon, which prevents a further attack for the moment, though it does not survive the process. Noram and Brin recover from their gas-induced stomach pains and are able to rejoin the fight. With the entire party engaged, the dragon is soon hard-pressed as Tom fires his remaining magical arrows, Brin unleashes scorching rays, Mella casts spells to penetrate his magical resistance, and Noram seeks to keep everyone on their feet. Despite the cleric's best efforts, the dragon manages to fell Tom with a cloud of freezing fog and vicious claw and tail attacks. But the damage has been done, and the dragon is badly wounded. He raises an ice wall to cut off Noram and Brin, and flies away into the corner of the lair, diving through a hole in the icy floor and into the freezing waters below. Arauthator has been driven away! Tom is brought back to his feet by Noram's healing magic, and the lair is clear!