Ep 3. A Gallant Swordsman
- April 16, 1996
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(49)
As Hitomi acclimates to her new world, she finds herself in the presence of a skilled swordsman named Allen Schezar. Allen is the leader of the White Dragon Clan and he sets out with his crew to fight the Black Dragon Clan, who are rumored to be cloistered within a nearby mountain range. The White Dragons believe that the Black Dragons are responsible for losing the Dragon Armor, which is a powerful weapon that could turn the tide of the war in their favor.
Hitomi is invited to join Allen and his crew on their journey, and they all set out together. While traveling, Hitomi learns that the Dragons are one of the key players in this world, and the Dragon Armors are essential for any attempts to claim a victory in this war. Along the way, Allen and Hitomi encounter Lord Dilandau, a macabre character known for his love of fire and violence. Dilandau is a member of the Black Dragon Clan, and he embodies the evil and violent side of the conflict.
As the White Dragons approach the Black Dragon's mountain stronghold, they are met with a massive wave of Black Dragon soldiers. A massive battle breaks out, where the White Dragons start to feel the weight of their disadvantage, but along the way they also discover a major realization about the true nature of the Dragon Armor. Allen and Hitomi are able to save a crew member, and in doing so, Hitomi has proven to herself that she has what it takes to be a successful traveler in this new world.
Overall, this episode starts to get into the true nature of the war between the two dragons. We start to see the motivations and personalities of each of the characters as they move towards a critical confrontation. The battles are well choreographed and showcase the unique possibilities of the various technology and magic at their disposal. This episode is a good building block towards the climax of the first season of Escaflowne.