Siege of Agregra

[Orlan]

[same world as Final Death, different place.]

 

“Money makes the world go ‘round,” Donaxon said. Yelian eyed the massive man carefully. To Yelian it was a little strange to hear a monk talking about money. He had always thought of monks as quiet, religious men who spend their time meditating and ridding themselves of worldly possession. Because of this he was a little shocked to hear his elders tell him his guard for this trip was made up of a monk and two mercenaries. He thought that was not enough protection for the load of silks he was transporting.

 

The sun shone down onto the Southern Silk Road, heating the four travelers. There were a few smalls hills against the horizon though nothing that could block the sun before it officially set. Large grass waved in a slight wind. The only affectations on the landscape where a few enormous boulders that where placed further down on the road. It was eerily quiet. The only sound was the whisper of voices echoing in the wind.

 

“That seems an odd opinion for a monk,” Yelian said. Donaxon chuckled. The monk was a whole head taller then Yelian, not that Yelian was the tallest of individuals. It was a hot day and Donaxon wore only a loose set of pants as he walked in front of the wagon. His chest was chiseled, his arms like granite. He was an imposing and quite frightening individual, yet Yelian felt at ease when the monk laughed.

 

“We of the Uri-Van are not the type of monks that you hear about in bard’s tales,” Donaxon said, running a hand through his short hair. “And honestly, we’re not really ‘monks’ at all. There’s no real religious basis to the art we teach. We teach art that hones the body and the mind. You can find a god on your own, we don’t need to point you in any direction.”

 

“Well if you’re not a monk then what would you say you are, Mister Donaxon?” Yelian asked. The road was empty and Yelian felt the need for some conversation to while away the hours until they reached their destination.

 

“Just Don is alright,” Donaxon said with a smile. “That’s an interesting question really. I guess I see myself as a student of life really. Though I guess my field of study is a little different then most.” Donaxon gave him a wink and turned back and looked around at the boulders that were strewn about the road. Yelian followed the big man’s gaze and glanced about cautiously.

 

“I don’t like this part,” Yelian said softly. Donaxon picked up the lament and glanced back to the merchant.

 

“Don’t worry, Yelian,” he said, his smile never wavering. “You’re walking with the man nicknamed Jidan Axe. You’re safe.”

 

“What do you mean by ‘Jidan Axe’?”

 

“It’s a name the Uri-Van students have called me since I ascended to the Jidan rank,” Donaxon said. Yelian stared back quite blankly. “Jidan is the title given to the three masters of the Uri-Van. At any time throughout history there have always been three masters of the arts taught by the Uri-Van.”

 

“Why three?” Yelian asked. “I don’t know about monks…I mean about the Uri-Van, but merchants are not ones to share the wealth or power.” Donaxon laughed loudly, his voice echoing across the boulders. Yelian glanced behind him at the other two guards. One of them had an amused smirk across her face while the other had his attention on the boulders.

 

“Each is a master of a specific form. While all of us are proficient in all aspects of the art taught by the Uri-Van, like in life, we excel in different fields. Jidan Ilkren is the oldest of the three masters, being somewhere between sixty and eighty, we’re not quite sure. He is Jidan Xaxian, the master of weaponry. He’s a frightening man, though you would never be able to tell just by looking at him. The next oldest is Jidan Rarua, he’s a little younger then Ilkren, but not anywhere less powerful. He is Jidan Unalin, a master of the art of ‘chi,’ the inner power we all posses. That leaves me, Jidan Liaons, master of hand-to-hand combat. As I hope you can tell, I’m a lot younger then the other two.” Donaxon laughed at himself. “Anyway, once a year one of us goes out and does jobs for pay, that’s how we make money to keep ourselves funded. Money makes the world go ‘round.”

 

“Do you teach anyone who comes to you?” Yelian asked. He thought that any knowledge that would get him to a level more on par with his masters would be welcome. He was a little tired of being a delivery merchant.

 

“Pretty much, those who wish to be taught need to pass a few trials. But if they do then we’ll teach them as much or as little as they wish.”

 

“What kind of trials?”

 

“It depends on the person and they are never all the same. Sometimes it’s a test of wills, sometimes a test of physical strength, sometimes we just ask if this is what you really want. The trials all depend on circumstances.”

 

“Wait a minute,” Yelian said, thinking. “You said that one of the masters, the Jidan, was a master of an inner power. Do you mean like magic?”

 

“In a way,” Donaxon said. “But not really. The magic you refer to is either power borrowed from the gods themselves or power from the factions in nature. What the Uri-Van teach is to utilize the power you have within yourself. You can manifest it in many different ways.”

 

“Like how?”

 

“Hmm,” Donaxon said, turning and looking at the boulders around him. “We’re being followed right now,” Donaxon took on a teacher’s tone and raised his voice a bit. Yelian immediately tensed up when the big man said that.

 

“’Bout five of them,” one of the guards from the back said. Donaxon glanced back and nodded at him.

 

“There are five of them, but there are also two more mages. Well, one mage and one sorcerer though the difference is purely cosmetic. Those two are invisible.” The two guards behind the wagon drew out their swords. The horses they were riding neighed a little bit. “Now, I can tell that because I can feel individuals, while our friends back there knew there where five following us because of signs here and there they picked up. However, the one difference is that I can illuminate those out there, like this.”

 

Donaxon stopped where he was standing and brought his hands up to his chest, placing one hand over the other that was balled into a fist. He closed his eyes and sucked in his breath sharply. Yelian was blasted by a short burst of wind. He raised his arms up to try and block his face. When he lowered them again he was staring at Donaxon who had a smile on his face. Yelian was also surprised to see that a glowing blue line outlined Donaxon’s body. He glanced behind him and the same type of blue line surrounded the other two soldiers. A green line surrounded the horses they rode. The most disturbing part was that Yelian could see outlines of more people through the boulders. They looked like they where on the move as well.

 

“Neat trick,” the female guard said.

 

“They’re coming,” said the other guard.

 

“That they are,” Donaxon said looking to the top of the nearest boulder. Yelian saw an outline at the top of the boulder, and an instant later he saw someone leap from the top of the boulder, his body surrounded by the same blue line. He hit the ground before the wagon, a sword in his hand. The moment he touched the ground Donaxon slammed into him. To Yelian to appeared that Donaxon moved instantaneously. In the blink of an eye the Jidan had knocked the newcomer back into the boulder he just jumped from. The newcomer fell to the ground in a heap and did not look like he would be moving any time soon. A moment later two more men came around the boulders, running at Donaxon and Yelian.

 

“This is the other benefit of ‘chi,’” Donaxon said with a wink to Yelian. The Jidan put his hands together over his head, turned to the men running at him and slammed his fists into the ground. The ground exploded in a line straight at the two men. One of the men was hit by the explosion and blown back thirty feet. The other managed to step to the side enough to avoid the explosion but immediately met with Donaxon’s fist in a blow that sent him rolling. Donaxon turned and glanced back at the other two guards. The female had dispatched her attacker and the man was in the process of running his off. Yelian caught movement out of the corner of his eye and watched two blue outlines start to get smaller against the boulder.

 

“They’re running away!” said the female guard. She sounded more disappointed then outraged.

 

“They obviously know when they’re outclassed,” Donaxon said. He gave Yelian a wicked little grin.

 

“Jidan Axe, indeed,” was all that Yelian managed to say.

 

 

* * *

 

 

“I’m sure that My Lord Avoil will be happy to hear you agreed to the contract, Jidan Donaxon,” Wreit, the house of Zolan’s concierge, said as they crested a hill to view the city of Agregra. The sun was just now setting and the city was starting to light torches along the wall and in the city itself. Around the city in various tents and camps was the army of the House of Zolan. The various troops that surrounded the city were a little distance from the actual walls of the city. They were out of arrow range. “Here are nearly all eight thousand soldiers employed and conscripted by House Zolan.” Donaxon looked out over the soldiers and summoned his chi.

 

“Seven thousand six hundred forty three,” Donaxon corrected the concierge. The older man turned in his horse to look at Donaxon. He had a surprised look on his face as he looked over the Uri-Van master.

 

“I’ll simply trust your opinion on this matter, Jidan Donaxon,” Wreit said. “I can’t begin to tell you how pleased My Lord Avoil will be when you show up. We’ve hit a stalemate in the siege over the past month.”

 

“I thought you said that the siege had only started a month an a half ago,” Donaxon asked.

 

“It did, however we were not expecting the sort of defenses we encountered. This caused us to have to settle in for a full siege to wait for reinforcements.”

 

“What kind of defenses did you encounter?”

 

“The entire city is magically protected,” Wreit began to explain. “The city was built itself as a large magical rune, and there is strong magic that is reinforced into the walls, which means that any magic we try and use against it fails. Since our first attack wave was full of sorcerers and mages we hit a stumbling block right from the beginning.”

 

“What about conventional weapons of war?” Donaxon asked again. “Boulders, catapults, battering rams and such.”

 

“As you can see there’s not much around here except for plains and hills. There is one forest on the far side of the city but it has no boulders big enough to cause a dent into the stone walls. Aside from being reinforced with magic they’re also fairly thick, plus there is an outer wall and an inner wall as well. Even if we were able to muster enough to take down a section of outer wall we would still need the same amount of force to take down the inner wall as well.

 

“Right now however we have people in the southern part of the kingdom gathering boulders and building more catapults, but they are still a month from arriving here, which means we need to make sure they can not get out of the siege.”

 

“What about reinforcements from other Houses? Or from the new Queen? I heard she was laying down new laws.”

 

“Queen Dayane knows about the siege, but she’s been advised to not take sides in the matter. Also Rhalir had recently entered into the disfavor of many houses.” Donaxon wondered about what Rhalir had done wrong to earn the anger in Wreit’s voice.

 

“Halt!” a voice called out. Donaxon watched a handful of Paladins trot up to him on their horses. The Paladins all wore shining armor that reflected what was left of the setting sun. Donaxon clasped his hands in front of him as an unconscious act, an Uri-Van sign to show a lack of hostility. The Paladins, two pairs in standard formation, reined in their horses before Donaxon and his escort. Donaxon heard Wreit sigh. “State your purpose!”

 

“Are you so idiotic that you don’t even recognize your leaders own concierge?” Wreit said, anger rising up in his voice. Donaxon figured if Wreit did not like dealing with normal soldiers.

 

“Ludia’s orders are precise,” one of the Paladins said, looking over Wreit and Donaxon. “Once we get confirmation of who you are we will let you pass, not before.”

 

“Then Ludia will be having a conversation with me later. I am Wreit, concierge to Lord Avoil.”

 

“Who is the man with you, Wreit?” the Paladin pressed. Wreit sighed again.

 

“Who he is fails to be of your concern,” Wreit said. “Now get out of my way before I have you demoted!”

 

“Our orders are precise, Sir,” one of the Paladins said, his voice had indications of uncertainty at the thought of demotion. Donaxon smiled and held up a hand to Wreit before he could reply.

 

“My name is Donaxon. Jidan Donaxon. Do you require any thing else, Sir Paladin?” Donaxon said politely. The Paladin seemed to get over his uncertainty and the air grew less tense.

 

“What reason do you have to be here?” the Paladin inquired.

 

“I have been hired to work as a mercenary for the House of Zolan, Sir Paladin. Is that acceptable?” The Paladin took a glance at Wreit and could tell the concierge was becoming agitated. The Paladin nodded his head and all four of them moved their horses to the side so the two could pass. Wreit immediately sent his horse forward. Donaxon let the concierge go ahead of him and gave the Paladins a slight bow before following. In a few strides he caught up to Wreit.

 

“Ludia’s a problem I probably should have warned you about before I hired you,” Wreit said in a low voice. Donaxon arched his eyebrow at the concierge, a gesture lost in the darkness of the setting sun. “She’s not going to like the fact that you’ve been hired. And the fact that you’re a man will immediately grant you a wonderful seat on her bad side.” Donaxon laughed.

 

“I’ve long since stopped worrying about others opinion of me,” Donaxon said. “Though I’m interested in meeting Ludia. It takes an amazing mastery to compel loyalty like that out of even the most loyal soldier.”

 

“Ludia’s troops are loyal to her, and she’s fanatically loyal to the House Zolan,” Wreit explained. “She is just not a fan of men. Sometimes I think the only reason they follow her is because they’re afraid of her.” Donaxon chuckled a little and then followed Wreit in silence, a grin still across his face. After too long they arrived at a large tent. Two soldiers wielding spears stood on either side of the entrance and there was a small woman wearing a breastplate that was a bit big for her standing by them. She was looking around nervously every once in a while. One of the soldiers nodded to Wreit and stepped forward to pull back one of the flaps of the tent. Wreit slid off his horse and then stepped in, Donaxon followed. Donaxon heard an angry female voice the moment he stepped into the tent.

 

“Why do you continue to not use my archaeon? We’ve been battle ready for a month and yet we’ve never been apart of any of the attacks.” The voice was a high alto, and Donaxon felt it was very musical. There were some silks hanging down from the top of the tent that separated the tent into sections. A large man stood before a pair of black silks where Donaxon heard the voice come from. Donaxon stood behind Wreit, able to look over the short man’s head. The soldier on guard was at eye level for Donaxon.

 

“Tell Lord Avoil that his man Wreit has returned,” Wreit said to the soldier. The soldier nodded and turned, sticking his head through the silks.

 

“I’ve told you before, Ludia,” said a male voice from the other side of the silks. “Your archaeon is being held back for defensive purposes.”

 

“But my Lord!” the female voice started.

 

“Wreit has returned, my lord Avoil,” the soldier announced.

 

“Ah excellent,” Donaxon heard the male voice say. “Let him in, immediately.” The soldier pulled aside one of the silks and then Wreit glanced back at Donaxon. With a nod of his head, Wreit walked through the opening. Donaxon followed right behind the concierge. There were only two people in the section beyond. A man sat at the end of a table. Across the table was strewn various maps and sheets of parchment with writing all over them both. The man that sat at the end of the table was a short man with a neatly trimmed goatee. The man’s hair was cut short and nearly parted down the middle of his head. He wore a chest plate that was inscribed with magical runes that glowed to Donaxon’s sight. This man was obviously Avoil, ruler of the House Zolan.

 

The woman gave Wreit an unfriendly stare that was immediately transferred to Donaxon when she caught sight of him. The woman was well built yet had a little more muscle then Donaxon was used to seeing on an average woman. She wore full plate mail that was buffed to an unbelievable shine. The burnished blue was shiny enough to see the candle reflections. The woman’s face was currently shrewd and, Donaxon felt, unforgiving. She stared down on Donaxon, her blue eyes glowing as much as her armor was. She had her black hair in a braid that went down the front of her armor to the middle of her chest. Donaxon noted that the armor was crafted for someone with an ample chest but he was wise enough not to laugh at that thought.

 

“My Lord Avoil,” Wreit said, walking up to the man and bowing before him.

 

“Wreit, my most trusted advisor, you have been gone too long,” Avoil said with a smile.

 

“You honor me, My Lord,” Wreit said.

 

“And this I assume is the leader of the mercenary group you hired for me?” Avoil said, standing up and walking over to Donaxon. Donaxon was a little surprised with how short Avoil actually was. Avoil held out his hand and the Uri-Van master took hold of it and shook it in a polite grip.

 

“Mercenaries?!” the woman, Ludia, shouted out. “My Lord, you hired mercenaries?” Avoil flashed her a stone cold gaze that silenced her voice. He body was still tensed up in protest.

 

“Not really,” Donaxon said to the woman. “He just hired one mercenary.” Avoil turned from his disciplining gaze unto Ludia to look at Donaxon. He had a surprised look on his face.

 

“You’re not a mercenary leader?” Avoil asked.

 

“That I am not,” Donaxon said.

 

“Wreit, would you mind explaining why you only returned here with one mercenary when I gave you enough gold to hired an entire cadre?” Avoil said, this time through clenched teeth.

 

“Oh he had to use all the gold to hire me,” Donaxon said, this time cracking a smile. He enjoyed opportunities to toy with people sometimes. Avoil blinked once and then turned to Wreit.

 

“Wreit…” Avoil started in a threatening manner. Wreit’s arms came up as if he was warding off an attack.

 

“B-but My Lord,” he managed to finally sputter out. “This is an Uri-Van Master!” Avoil stopped a moment and then glanced back up at Donaxon. Donaxon smiled big.

 

“You’re one of the Jidans?” Avoil asked in a quiet voice. Donaxon nodded. Avoil turned back to Wreit. “My apologies, Wreit. You have brought me something beyond what I would have expected.” Avoil turned back to Donaxon. “My apologies to you as well, Jidan…”

 

“Donaxon. My students call me Jidan Axe for short though,” Donaxon supplied for Avoil.

 

“Jidan Donaxon, as Lord of the House of Zolan I welcome you into our ranks. Seeing as I was going to appoint the mercenary leader as a captain, I think I shall bestow the same title upon you, though by looking at you I think most soldiers will obey you regardless of the title.” Avoil laughed at his own joke while Donaxon gave it a little smirk.

 

“My Lord I must still protest!” Ludia spoke up. Though she was speaking to Avoil, Donaxon found her gaze upon himself. She was apparently none too pleased. “While I understand the practice of hiring mercenaries, I’m appalled with the hiring of just one…man!”

 

“Ludia, you should know better then to doubt your ruler,” Avoil admonished the paladin. “The man standing before us is worth his weight in gold. He’s a thousand times more skilled then any average soldier. You yourself have a student of the Uri-Van in your archaeon and you have seen how skilled he is.”

 

“Of course, My Lord, R’Tearin has amazing skills, but you still will utilize this man before you utilize my archaeon?” Ludia asked, turning her gaze to Avoil. Donaxon was surprised to hear a slight plea in her voice.

 

“A paladin should know to trust her leader in all aspects of war,” Avoil said, taking a final tone. “Now no more of this. I believe the sun has set and we need to get some things set up for Jidan Donaxon, here. Wreit, have another tent set up for him. It’d probably be best to keep him away from the regular soldiers. Do you mind?” Avoil asked Donaxon.

 

“Not at all,” Donaxon replied. Ludia stood tall with her feet together and bowed to Avoil.

 

“My Lord, I’ll take my leave,” Ludia said. Donaxon caught her eyes peek at him as she passed on more time. They were still full of ire.

 

“Good night, Lady Ludia,” Donaxon said as she passed. She said nothing in return as she exited the tent. Donaxon turned back to Avoil. “She’s absolutely charming.” Avoil only sighed.

 

 

* * *

 

 

Ludia stepped out of the tent and the guards immediate snapped to attention. Ludia glanced at them only for a moment and then looked around for Belva, her aide. She saw the young woman shifting uncomfortably in her chest plate. Ludia had told her hundreds of times to just stop wearing the thing entirely but Belva had continued to keep it on.

 

“Belva!” Ludia said sharply. The guards tensed up around her and Belva immediately stopped fidgeting and ran over to Ludia.

 

“Yes, Captain Ludia!” she said.

 

“We’re leaving,” Ludia said, giving the tent an evil glare. “Now.” Ludia took off in a straight line for her tent.

 

“Of course, Captain,” Belva said. She adjusted her short sword on her hip a little bit and then took off after Ludia. Ludia was angry and thus was walking with a little more vehemence then usual. Several soldiers had to nearly dive out of the way to avoid the paladin. Word must have spread quickly and soon a path was formed, giving Ludia and her aide a wide berth. Ludia continued to fume inwardly about Lord Avoil’s refusal to use her archaeon. And to top it all off he went and hired some stupid monk! Belva’s voice broke the inner triad that Ludia was going off on.

 

“Captain, is something the matter?” Belva asked in a small voice. Ludia turned to her side and was surprised to see her aide walking right beside her. The young woman was breathing a little bit more then normal and Ludia stopped and glanced behind her. She did not realize how fast she had been going until she saw that she was so far away from Lord Avoil’s tent. Belva must have had to run to catch up to her side like this. Ludia sighed once, trying to calm herself down. It only worked a little bit.

 

“Yes, Belva, there is,” Ludia said. She started walking again, though this time she was moving slower then she had been before. Belva continued to keep pace at her side. “Lord Avoil continues to overlook our usefulness. And today he hired some mercenary monk to help him out. I don’t understand why My Lord decides to spend money on hiring strangers to fight for him when he has all his subjects who know and love him and are willing to fight for him.” Ludia paused a moment in her speech. Only the sound of her foot steps echoed for that moment. “And the complete arrogance of that man they hired. He’s a complete fool, and so is Wreit for believing him about his prowess.”

 

“Who did she hire, Captain?” Belva asked.

 

“Some Uri-Van,” Ludia said dismissively, waving her hand to add to her tone. “It doesn’t matter. No one would be worth the same as an entire cadre of mercenaries. And no amount of mercenaries would be worth the same as my archaeon.”

 

“Of course, captain. Though maybe we should ask R’Tearin about this person before we pass total judgment off on him. He might know something specific about this man they hired and we might be able to use that against him.” Ludia saw merit in that. She remembered why she kept Belva as closely integrated into her duties as she did. Belva may not be much of a soldier, but every good captain needs someone who can think fast.

 

“That’s a good idea,” Ludia said, easing down on her ire a bit. They had also just stepped into the area that was used by Ludia’s archaeon. Two fully armored paladins greeted their captain with a salute. Ludia acknowledged them with a nod. Belva stopped a moment and sent one of them off to find R’Tearin and bring him to Ludia’s tent as soon as possible. Ludia walked through her soldiers. She was proud of them, men and women alike.

 

Ludia’s archaeon, like all the other archaeons in the army, was comprised of two hundred battle ready soldiers. What set Ludia’s apart from others was the fact that Ludia’s archaeon was almost completely comprised of her fellow paladins. The skill and devotion to achieve the full rank of paladin meant that her archaeon was among the most elite of all of the archaeons. Ludia was a little disappointed that she could not have only paladins, but the House of Zolan always had at least five mages in each archaeon. This had always been the way of the House of Zolan. While Ludia would not back down her in adamancy of an all paladin archaeon, she was not foolish enough to not recognize the help her half dozen mages added to the archaeon.

 

“Anything else, Captain?” Belva asked when they stopped in front of Ludia’s tent. Ludia shook her head and Belva bowed once before setting off to her own tent which was a little further down the way. Ludia glanced once back over her troops. There where torches and lightstones propped up in various places in the camp, yet there was little movement. The night shift was starting to take over. Ludia sighed and stepped into her tent.

 

She was not completely shocked to see Coania sitting in the far corner, peeking out of a small tear in the tent canvas. Coania was normally a small girl, nearly seen as scrawny. The fact that she would never completely stand up straight, or hold her head high never helped that appearance. Coania was one of the half dozen mages that were a part of Ludia’s archaeon. Ludia had requested she be placed in her archaeon ever since she found the girl crying in the stables several years ago.

 

“Why are you here, girl?” Ludia asked as she had asked those few years ago. Coania turned and glanced at her and then turned back to looking out the tear. Silence was what Coania answered with back then as well. Ludia sighed. Coania was an amazing mage, with a great deal of power, yet she suffered from a lack of courage. Coania would never try something unless she was sure that it would succeed. She was too afraid of failure to always put her whole weight behind anything, be it a spell or just her own life. Ludia sighed. “What happened this time, Coania?” she said, losing the strict tone of her first question. Coania continued to look out the tear.

 

“We were reinforcing the wards when I came across a hole in one,” she said. Her voice was soft. It was a beautiful voice, Ludia had heard Coania sing on several occasions, yet it was always soft. It was always soft and meek. “I went about trying to patch the hole, but it required a lot of force. As I was gathering up the force to fix it Ma’aten showed up and yelled at me for making the hole, and sent me away before I could try and fix it, telling me not to help again.” Ludia hated Ma’aten more then she hated any other man in the four kingdoms.

 

“What have I told you about Ma’aten?” Ludia said, taking off her cloak and draping it over a table. “He’s an arrogant fool who wouldn’t know talent it if came up and slapped him in his fat face. He’s not fit to be a teacher.” And yet he was, and that irked Ludia more then anything else. Ma’aten taught all the students who came to the House of Zolan to learn magic. He was also the head mage and an advisor to Lord Avoil. To Ludia, and many others, he was nothing more then a fat slob with little to no talent and a penchant for boot-licking. Unfortunately there was no one else with adequate power who wanted the job. Most mages or sorcerers saw it as a babysitting job.

 

“I know,” Coania said. Ludia was sure she did, since Ludia spent a great deal of time burying that into the little mage’s head.

 

“Then why are you here and not at your own tent?” Ludia asked as she unbuckled her Bless Blade. She held the sheathed sword before her and brought it up to her lips. With a prayer to her goddess Faowind she kissed the sheath. The Bless Blade glowed blue for a moment and then returned to normal. She set the weapon on her weapon rack. Ludia then went about removing her armor.

 

“And get made fun of by the other students?” Coania asked. “I think Ma’aten’s ridicule is enough for one day.” Ludia sighed again. She realized she did that a lot when she dealt with Coania.

 

“Hiding will only make it worse, child. But, I can not fault you for wanting some peace and quiet. However,” Ludia grunted as she undid one of the shoulder straps. “Night has fallen, and you should get your sleep. I need you fresh for the new day in case, Goddess willing, we get called up.” Coania nodded her assent and stood up. Coania only came up to Ludia’s shoulder. Ludia always wondered how the gods put so much power into such a little body. Coania walked over to Ludia and helped her undo the strap that crossed her back. Ludia always had a problem with that one. “You’ll be fine walking on your own; just don’t wander into the other camps. Too many of these soldiers are less then honorable.”

 

“I will,” Coania promised. With that, she left the tent.

 

 

* * *

 

 

Coania stepped out of the tent and immediately was staring at her reflection in an unbelievably shiny breastplate. Coania craned her neck up to see who she almost ran into and received a wonderful treat. R’Tearin smiled down on Coania. While Ludia was only a head taller then her, R’Tearin was nearly two, with the width to match. He was enormous, and he was gorgeous. R’Tearin rarely spoke on his own, and when he did, he was soft spoken, and his answers were short and direct. Coania lost her self in his green eyes for a moment. The paladin then stepped aside and bowed deeply to her, letting her pass.

 

“She’s inside getting naked for you, R’Tearin,” Coania teased him. The Paladin raised his head a bit and winked. Coania continued on her way, sparing a moment to watch R’Terain have to bend down to enter Ludia’s tent. Though Ludia would never admit it, Coania know that she fancied R’Tearin.

 

Coania turned back to watch where she was walking and saw twinkling stars all over the night sky. The torches where too far from her right now to hinder vision of the stars. Coania loved the stars. Night after night they would shine, regardless of if the clouds where out or not. Stars were never wrong. Stars were never afraid. Nobody taunted the stars. Stars just were. Coania wanted to be like the stars.

 

She sighed and continued her trek to her tent. The chances of her becoming like a star were slim to none. Not with her life. Every day she would wake up and tell herself “Today I’m going to become a full mage. This is for my family.” It was what she told herself over and over throughout her entire time in the magic school. Her mother and father worked themselves to the bone to try and gather up the money needed for the entrance fee for the school. They were so happy the moment Coania showed some of the gift of magic. Coania could not let them down.

 

“Nor can I let down Kilea, Grao, Melin or Jue,” Coania said to herself, listing off her siblings. As the oldest she had a duty to take care of them when her mother and father were working. Yet they put Coania into school, which meant that Melin was now in charge. Coania sighed. She should still be home, worrying about her siblings instead of worrying about her magic. She knew that if she could become a great mage she would be able to care for her entire family by herself. Her mother and father could stop working; she could get her siblings a tutor, or teach them herself. If only she became some royal’s head mage, or even a sorcerer.

 

She sighed again. She was daydreaming, as always. If she failed in school her parents would be so disappointed, and all the money they spent to put her here would have been wasted. Because of this Coania refused to put her all into anything. Just in case she failed. If she tried her hardest and failed she would never be able to deal with it, but if she failed without using her all, she had an excuse. As she arrived at her tent she took a look at the city of Agregra, alight with torches. She could see a soldier moving around on top of one of the corner towers, probably keeping watch. With the siege going on, Coania often wondered if the soldiers of the House of Rhalir, the ruling house of Agregra, had wishes too.

 

 

* * *

 

 

Ciran wished the Eyes of the Eagle spell would have lasted a moment longer. He watched the girl walk back to where he assumed her tent was from the corner tower of the city of Agregra. Ciran was keeping an eye on Avoil’s tent when he noticed one of the Lord’s men returned with a frightening looking individual. After a while a female paladin Ciran had seen before stormed out of the tent and tore back to her own tent. After a while again a cute young girl came out of the paladin’s tent. Ciran followed her with the aid of Gluake’s Eyes of the Eagle spell until it finally gave out on him.

 

“Damn,” Ciran said. He walked backwards and leaned against the other side of the tower.

 

“Problems?” Gluake asked in his ear. The metal clip that Ciran wore on his upper ear lobe glowed red with each word Gluake spoke, for Gluake was nowhere near Ciran right now.

 

“Your spell gave out right as she was going into her tent,” Ciran lamented. Gluake chuckled.

 

“The Eyes of the Eagle can only amplify the distance you can see, it can’t see through things. You’ll have to try and catch her naked another time.”

 

“You’re a dirty old man, you know that right?”

 

“Of course,” Gluake replied. “Its how I keep sane down here. You’re shift is over with, you know.” Ciran nodded, even though there was no one around to see.

 

“I know, I was waiting for Kisean to show up, but he probably overslept again,” Ciran said, shaking his head. His ponytail flapped from side to side. “I wonder sometimes about how he became a captain in the first place.”

 

“His way with women,” Gluake teased. Ciran grunted. Kisean always had an edge when they would contest for a barmaid’s affection. Something about his simpleton grin attracted women like bees to sugar.

 

“Har, har,” Ciran said. “I’m going to go get him up.”

 

“After you do you should come join me for some herbal tea, it’s great for the nerves,” Gluake said.

 

“Eh I might, it’s an obnoxious path down to you though,” Ciran said. Gluake was a sorcerer who had been around for several centuries. He was the sorcerer for the House of Rhalir when it was decided to build the city of Agregra. Gluake used a High Magic spell to bind himself to the city. Because of this his body can never leave the city, which is not that bad a situation for a sorcerer since his spirit can go nearly anywhere. Also, because of this, the walls of Agregra were impervious to magic of nearly any kind. Only a few spells could do damage, and nothing that Zolan’s mages could come up with would be able to dent the walls. It was this reason that Agregra was able to ward off the initial attacks from the House of Zolan.

 

Ciran unstrung his bow as he walked down the steps of the tower, into the outer rim of the city. Agregra had two walls, separated by a span of about fifty feet. This was meant as a second defense to hold themselves from attacks. They had had little need for it since this was one of the first sieges the city had ever seen. Most attacks met with the magically enforced walls and then would fall back and not try again. Lord Avoil had brought with him siege equipment and a large enough army to surround the city and blockade it, and that is why the citizens where a little worried. Ciran knew better then that.

 

Agregra had one of the most well trained home guard of all the four kingdoms, and it was because of that fact that the city had remained unharassed. Ciran was arrogant, and he knew that, but that was only because he was one among the more elite of the home guard. He was a captain. As he wandered through the city streets he let his mind drift over the siege. The siege had been going on for about a month now, yet no demands came down from the House of Zolan. There had been a lot of rumor going around about the fact that Lord Avoil wanted something that Lord Phaen possessed, but Ciran could not, for the life of him, figure out what that was.

 

Ciran arrived at the barracks near the center of the city and slipped his way in. Being of slender build came in handy since the hallways of the barracks where, for some reason, quite narrow. Ciran slipped through the barracks to a small cul-de-sac with four doors. Ciran waltzed over to one of them and pounded hard on the door. He leaned against it to try and hear anything. After he heard nothing he pounded again, harder.

 

“I’m up…I’m up,” came a lazy reply. Ciran heard a thump and then some footsteps. Ciran figured that the fool had overslept.

 

 

* * *

 

 

Kisean opened the door a crack to see Ciran’s glittering smile. Kisean had been right, he did oversleep. Ciran was far from the first thing Kisean wanted to see when he woke up, though.

 

“Good morning, Sunshine,” Ciran said. Kisean opened his door all the way, allowing the one hallway torch to shine into his room, illuminating the mess that was his living quarters.

 

“How late am I?” Kisean asked after a yawn.

 

“Not too bad, the usual, really,” Ciran replied.

 

“Anything interesting happen?” Kisean asked, reaching for a tunic and pulling it over his head and on. He ran his fingers through his hair until he had some semblance of organized chaos.

 

“You ever take those things off?” Ciran asked, pointing to Kisean’s arms. Kisean wore his treasured heirlooms: a pair of steel bracers, one etched with a roaring lion and the other etched with a flying hawk. They were some of the last pieces of armor forged by his father, the great blacksmith Naesik. Kisean’s father had been an amazing blacksmith, but a lazy individual which could be seen by his choice of his son’s name. The father’s name spelled backwards was not very original. But as far as Kisean was concerned, it was the only thing not original about his father.

 

“No,” Kisean said, striking them together and creating a spark of red magic. One bracer granted Kisean amazing speed, the other, amazing strength. A father’s legacy to his son. Protect the city. That was Kisean’s motto in life.

 

“Meh, I can understand why,” Ciran shrugged. Kisean and Ciran had been friends for many years, and Kisean had grown accustomed to the archer’s sometimes-strange sense of humor. “And yes something interesting did happen. One of Lord Avoil’s men returned with some large, scary looking man. They went immediately into Avoil’s tent and then a little bit later that female paladin, the one that we see from time to time, with the blue armor, she came storming out of the tent. She cut a path straight to her tent. You might want to keep your eyes open for a possible attack soon.” Kisean stretched his arms up.

 

“You’re the one with the amazing vision, though,” Kisean said with a grin. Ciran rolled his eyes. Kisean went to a small table by his bed and picked up a metal clip and attached it to his ear. The moment he put it on it glowed red and Gluake’s voice sounded in his ear.

 

“You don’t take off the bracers but you take off our main communication device,” Gluake chided him. Ciran’s ear clip flashed red, which meant that Ciran heard Gluake’s comment as well. The clips where individual contact methods between the users and Gluake. They were limited to the four captains, Lord Phaen and his main advisor Ort. Fortunately, everyone could not hear everyone else, so it was somewhat private.

 

“Yeah, yeah, I know,” Kisean said. He reached over and took his halberd off the wall. Kisean’s halberd was specially made by his father when the blacksmith made the bracers. The handle was built tough and reinforced with magic to make it not break whenever Kisean would use his full strength and speed. The blade came out of the side at the top of the halberd and went out a hand length to the side. The blade was about a foot and a half long and always razor sharp. It felt good to have his hands on the weapon.

 

“I’m going to go have some tea with Gluake and then get some sleep, try not to sound any alarms when I’m sleeping, I need my rest.” Ciran grinned at his friend.

 

“I’ll make sure to wake you at least twice,” Kisean said putting the end of the halberd onto the ground. Ciran stepped aside so Kisean could walk out. Kisean used the halberd like a walking stick and trekked his way down the hallway. Ciran gave him a wave and then went about into his own room next door to where Kisean lived.

 

Kisean stepped out onto the street and inhaled deeply, taking in the night air. It smelled good tonight. Kisean was also eager to get to the outer walls to see the person that Ciran had seen. He was not in his own thoughts enough to miss hearing a scream from an alleyway a little ways down. Kisean immediately broke into a superhuman run and made it to the alleyway in no time. When he came into view he saw a woman being held down by two poorly dressed men. One of them had a knife to the woman’s throat and looked like he was teasing her with it.

 

Kisean went for the immediate threat and spun his halberd in an upward arc, deftly cutting the top of the hand of the man with the knife. The strike caused the would-be rapist to drop his knife and flinch back, covering the wound with his other hand. Kisean did not miss his chance and brought the other end of the halberd’s handle up under the wounded man’s chin. The blow knocked him up and back, right into the wall of a building.

 

The other man had the chance to react but he spent that time gawking instead. That was his unfortunate mistake as Kisean slipped his halberd into one hand and slammed his other fist into the man, crushing his nose and knocking him straight out. Kisean twirled his halberd and slammed the bottom end against the cobblestone tiles with a resounding thud. He looked down at the woman.

 

“Are you alright?” he asked, reaching his free hand down to help her up. The shocked woman came out of her trace and took Kisean’s hand, using him to stand up. She immediately hugged him.

 

“Thank you, oh thank you!” she said on the verge of tears. Kisean felt a little awkward all of a sudden as this woman hugged him tightly. He at first did not know where to put his hands, and then resolved to pat her on the back with his free hand.

 

“Uh, there there,” he said, saying the only thing he could think of at that moment. A few seconds later Kisean heard the sound of running footsteps from behind him. He clenched his halberd and spun himself and the woman around so he could face this newcomer. He was relived to see one of his own men suddenly run around the corner into the alleyway. “Polran!” Kisean said, recognizing one of the night watchmen. “Good timing.”

 

“Captain Kisean!” Polran said, skidding to a stop and saluting. “I heard a scream over here and…”

 

“It’s alright,” Kisean said. “I took care of it.” Kisean removed the woman’s arms from his body. She looked up at him sharply and Kisean smiled back down on her. “Don’t worry,” he said. “Polran here will walk you home while I take care of these two men.” With that he literally shoved the woman into Polran, who was instantly wrapped in a tight hug. Polran gave Kisean a look and then started moving away with the woman, asking her where she lived. Kisean turned back to the alleyway.

 

“I’ll be a little bit late, Gluake,” Kisean said.

 

“I figured,” Gluake’s voice said back. Kisean kneeled down and inspected the two bodies. Both were still alive, but with broken bones. Kisean sighed. He knew that these two where professional cutthroats, he had seen them before, but he was positive they where not on the job here tonight. Kisean grabbed one of the men by the neck and tossed him over his shoulder with no trouble. He swapped his halberd to his other hand and grabbed the other man by the collar of his tunic. He then set off for Blackheart Tavern.

 

The tavern was not that far away, set in the seedy part of town, equal distance from the walls and the palace. Kisean was treated to a couple looks of hatred on his way there. Most denizens of this part of the city loathed the home guard. Kisean they were a little more open to then the others, but not by much. While they might not like Kisean, none were stupid enough to attack him.

 

Kisean kicked the door to the tavern open, and it swung open with a loud bang. He stepped in, bumping one of the unconscious men’s head on the doorframe. All eyes in the tavern where on him when he stepped through the doorway. Kisean did not care. He quite calmly walked across the tavern to a door near the back. There was a man leaning against the door, his eyes shrewdly watching as Kisean.

 

“Move,” Kisean ordered the man when he reached the doorway. The man stared defiantly back at Kisean.

 

“Move yourself, Captain,” the man said, putting an inflection on the title. He obviously did not give Kisean credit. Kisean thought that was a poor decision for some lackey to make.

 

“I give you one more chance,” Kisean warned. The man snorted to himself but did not move. Kisean’s arm tensed up and suddenly the unconscious man he was dragging by the collar flew into the man standing in front of the door. Kisean put enough force behind the throw to smash both men through the door. The door lead to a hallway and that hallway in turn lead to another door. The two bodies crashed through the short hallway and then went through the other door at the other end. The good part about this was that the bodies trigged off the various traps that where sent in the hallway. Kisean watched darts and arrows and knives fly from various holes in the walls.

 

When the bodies landed, Kisean walked down the hallway, not worrying about the now defunct traps. He stepped through the door at the other end of the hall and was suddenly facing a pair of crossbows and the end of a rapier. He paid the weapons no heed but instead simply picked up the unconscious man he had walked into the tavern with.

 

“Kisean, my dear friend,” said a sultry voice from behind the weapons. “Boys put your weapons down. Kisean is obviously not here for a fight. You’d be dead if he was.” The three men who had their weapons drawn reluctantly took a few steps back and lowered their weapons. When they moved Kisean was face to face with a stunningly gorgeous blonde who sat at a desk at the far end of the room.

 

“Vasia,” Kisean said, nodding his head at the woman.

 

“What can I do for you?” Vasia asked, spreading her arms wide. She wore a sly grin on her face. Kisean always knew that she was happy to see him when he showed up. Apparently the people she usually dealt with tended to be below an acceptable standard. Kisean always felt sorry for his friend. He thought Vasia deserved better then to be a queen among thieves. To each their own, she would often say.

 

“I found some things that belong to you,” Kisean said, walking to her desk and plopping the two unconscious men who he had dragged with him on top. “You know why they would be raping some woman?”

 

“Hm…” Vasia said, raising an eyebrow at Kisean. She looked over the two men, grabbing one of their heads and moving it around so she could get a clear look at his face. She sighed. “I’ll take care of this, Kisean,” Vasia said in a serious tone. Kisean felt reassured. Vasia was a dangerous foe when she became serious.

 

“Well then if you excuse me, I’m off to my watch then.” Kisean turned to leave. “Oh, also,” Kisean said, stopping and glancing back. “Ciran said that some one new showed up just a little bit before dusk. Ask your people what they can find out for me.” Vasia nodded.

 

“Aye, aye, Captain,” Vasia said, giving Kisean a wink. Kisean flashed a quick grin back and then left the way he came: through the now door less doorway.

 

 

* * *

 

 

Vasia was glad to see Kisean. It was a welcome break that had not happened in the past month. The siege had put everyone on edge, including all the criminals that were under Vasia’s control. Vasia turned to her loyal aide Kitup. The apprentice assassin was not much to look at but he was always there to help if the need presented itself.

 

“Get me Allin,” Vasia said. Kitup nodded and vanished out one of the various trap doors that lead to Vasia’s office. Allin was the cutthroat leader and the men who were unconscious right now on Vasia’s desk were both under his command. Vasia turned to the other two men who were in the room with her. She snapped her fingers at the one she did not immediately recognize and pointed to the two men on her desk. He nodded and grabbed one of them, toting him off through another door. Vasia sighed and turned to the last man in the room.

 

“They’re antsy, Vas,” said Litlo, the assassin leader. He was a short and thin man who tended to wear gray at any and every opportunity. Vasia had to admit that he looked good in it, for a man of his age. Litlo had been the assassin leader since Vasia’s mother was in command of the underside of Agregra. Vasia trusted Litlo more then any other of her advisors. Litlo hated to be a leader, and that made him the best leader possible. He rubbed the stubble on his chin with a thoughtful look on his face. “And I don’t blame them. I would be too if this was the first siege I was in.”

 

“How long do sieges usually last?” Vasia asked as she walked over to a handle on the wall. Litlo paused thoughtfully for a moment.

 

“Depends,” he replied. “We can hold out on our own for a couple years as a city for sure, but many sieges can last upwards of five to twenty.” Vasia was afraid of that. She wondered if she could keep the reins on the underground community for more then another five months. Vasia pulled on the handle and a part of the wall slide open. Vasia stepped through with Litlo a step behind her. The assassin moved silently.

 

The room they walked into was a meeting place that Vasia used when she needed to talk to one of the leaders who reported to her. Right now Vasia was surprised to see Eilize sitting in one of the chairs around the marble table. She was staring thoughtfully into the fire.

 

“Something I can help you with, Liz?” Vasia asked. Eilize turned and looked over Vasia and then Litlo.

 

“It’s the beginning of the month, we need to go over the prices for my girls,” Eilize said. Eilize was the head of the brothels in town. She herself was a brothel girl, yet she had let the power and luxury of her position get to her since she was now ample enough for more then one customer. “Killer,” Eilize nodded her head to Litlo.

 

“Whore,” Litlo responded with a polite nod of his head. Despite the derogatory remarks they were fair friends.

 

“I have the numbers in my desk, one second, Liz,” Vasia said. She turned where she was and saw Allin standing behind her. He had the papers that Vasia was about to go get in his hand.

 

“You summoned me, Lady Leather?” Allin asked in his deep voice. Vasia had gotten the nickname Lady Leather from her penchant for wearing leather. She had been a student of the Uri-Van, and a lesson she had learned was to be able to move freely at all times. Leather wrapped legs were never an obstruction.

 

“I had,” Vasia said taking the papers from him. Allin was a large man, which often confused Vasia as to how he could move so quietly and quickly. Allin pulled out a chair and sat down. Litlo shrugged, mostly to himself and took a chair across from Allin. Vasia handed the papers to Eilize. “I assume you heard about my encounter with Kisean?”

 

“That I did,” Allin said with a sigh. “And I can assure you that I did not condone that action.” Vasia knew he was telling the truth. Allin was a great cutthroat but a lousy liar.

 

“I know you’re all antsy but you need to try and keep a better control over your cutthroats. I can’t have some of them going rouge on me.”

 

“They’re usually not this bad,” Allin admitted. “I think it’s the fact that they can’t leave if they want to, it distorts the mind.”

 

“Tell them to go to a brothel then,” Vasia said pointing her hand at Eilize. “I arranged a half price for anyone of the profession with Liz.”

 

“That’s true,” Eilize said. “Though we have not seen too many more then the regulars of the underground. Unless I’m not being told about some of them.”

 

“I’m sure you’ve been told about all of what’s happened, Liz,” Vasia told her. She turned back to the other two. “What we need to do, and you all need to help me with this, is we need to keep an eye over all of the underground. I don’t like this siege nor do I really care for the House of Rhalir but I still do not want my city taken over and looted unless we’re the ones doing the looting.”

 

“Dear me,” Litlo said with a grin across his scraggly face. “You sound almost patriotic.”

 

“No, I’m just selfish,” Vasia said with a wink.

 

 

* * *

[Orlan]

Donaxon stepped out of his tent and was greeted by the sun, shining down on him. It was warm this morning. Donaxon decided he did not need to wear his tunic today. Today was going to be another day to absorb the world around him. He also had things he wanted to get done today. First thing on his agenda was to go see Ma’aten and ask for the aid of a mage. Donaxon planned on surveying the city’s defenses today and a mage with him would be a welcome help.

 

Donaxon was aware of every single look and glare and curious gaze he received on his walk to Ma’aten’s tent. Donaxon took a moment to shift his eyes into different magical spectrums, enjoying every color that he was greeted with. Walking through a training ground for magic was always a colorful affair. Donaxon shifted his eyes back to the normal spectrum as he arrived at Ma’aten’s tent. One mage stood at the entrance. He was a young man, younger then Donaxon anyway, who was quite shorter then the Jidan.

 

“I’d like to see Ma’aten, please,” Donaxon said politely. The mageling looked up at Donaxon with a skeptical look on his face.

 

“Who should I say is calling?” the mageling asked in a superior tone. Donaxon wondered if anyone in House Zolan felt others were their equals.

 

“Captain Donaxon,” the monk said, stressing the new title he received. This seemed enough to scare the mageling into acting. He disappeared into the tent and a moment later the flap was opened and Donaxon was let in.

 

Sitting at one end of a large table was a boar of a man. He wore a mismatched pink and maroon doublet with a purple cape. He was almost as round as he was tall and none of it looked to be anything other then fat. The man had a bushy black beard with silver stripes in it. The small bit of hair on his head was the same color. Donaxon wished that this man before him was not Ma’aten. Unfortunately Donaxon was wrong.

 

“Ahh, Captain Donaxon,” the fat man said in a loud voice. “Lord Avoil had told me about you last night, mind you he tells his Royal Mage everything, but I was hoping I’d have a chance to meet you. Would you like something to eat?” Ma’aten pointed the chicken leg he had in his hand at the piles of food that littered the table.

 

“No thank you,” Donaxon replied as politely as possible. “I’ve actually come looking for the assistance of a mage for the first half of the day, if I may.” Ma’aten belched and thought a moment.

 

“Well I don’t have any mages I can really spare for you right now,” Ma’aten said. Donaxon knew that as an instant lie. Ma’aten did not lie well. Donaxon figured that Ma’aten did not want to offer over any of his good students for fear they would not be adequate enough. Donaxon could easily see Ma’aten was a man with an inferiority complex.

 

“Are you sure you wouldn’t be able to spare one? Just for a few hours,” Donaxon said. Donaxon became aware of another person entering the tent just then. A small waif of a girl with large glasses walked by Donaxon with a large plate filled with different breads. The girl had some trouble lugging the huge plate but eventually managed to get it on the table. In the process one of the goblets on the table was knocked over and spilled over the table.

 

“Coania!” Ma’aten shouted at the girl. Ma’aten pointed his finger at the goblet and it stood itself back up, and the liquid that was spilled flowed back into it. “Can’t you do anything right, girl?”

 

“Sorry, Master Ma’aten,” the girl replied in a soft voice. She immediately looked down at the ground. Donaxon immediately felt sorry for the girl.

 

“What about her?” Donaxon asked. “She seems more of a pest to you then you need, Master Mage.” Donaxon tried appealing to Ma’aten’s obviously self-indulgent attitude. Ma’aten thought about it for a moment.

 

“I really don’t want to push this nuisance on you Donaxon.” Lie, Donaxon thought to himself. “As I can see you’re a good man.” Threat to my position. “But if you must have a mage you must, even if it’s this third rate one. Coania! Go with Donaxon, and don’t screw anything up.” Donaxon had to resist the urge to reach out and strangle the fat man. Donaxon was not so much appalled by his putting down of the girl, as he was that this was the teacher for all mages in the House of Zolan.

 

“Yes, Master Ma’aten,” Coania replied meekly. She did not lift her head to look at Donaxon for directions but Donaxon could feel her wanting to leave now. Donaxon thought it best to oblige her.

 

“My thanks, Master Mage,” Donaxon said with a nod as he headed out of the tent. He immediately noticed a change in the air as he left the fat mage’s tent. Donaxon made a mental note not to visit Ma’aten any more then he absolutely had to. Donaxon turned to his side and saw Coania next to him, her vision still on the ground. “You see something interesting down there?”

 

“What?” Coania said, looking up at the monk. “I mean no, Sir, nothing.”

 

“Just call me Don, okay?” Donaxon asked. Coania put her gaze back to the ground. Donaxon gathered that she was somewhere in between embarrassment and meekness. He wondered if he made the right choice to ask for a mage’s help. This girl may be more trouble then she was worth. Donaxon hoped otherwise.

 

He decided not to try any more small talk after his first few attempts went by unresponded. Donaxon figured it was because of the fact that they were in the camp still, but even after they were out of the camp she was silent. When they were about a hundred yards from the wall Donaxon focused his attention to the walls of the city. He shifted his eyesight through the magical spectrum, trying to find how the walls were reinforced. All the while Coania walked at his side, silent. Every once and a while she would raise her head and look around, yet most of the time she was staring down.

 

Donaxon heard the twang of the bow before he saw the arrow. It came at him slower then most arrows, but that was to be expected from this distance. It was simple for him to swat it out of the air with his hand. Another three arrows came flying. Donaxon deflected them all with one hand. One of them landed at Coania’s feet and Donaxon was lucky to have been in the magic spectrum so he could see her reaction.

 

Donaxon watched white light fly around her body in thin stripes. The stripes went vertically and horizontally all around her, crisscrossing into squares that an arrow would be hard pressed to be able to get through. The monk was quite surprised to see that level of magical control in someone so young. It took a fine control to be able to make the lines of magic that thin, and it took a massive amount of power to leave open holes big enough for other magic to seep out.

 

“I doubt Ma’aten taught you that,” Donaxon observed to the mage. The arrows seemed to have stopped flying now. Coania looked up at Donaxon surprised, and, quite expectantly, the shielding spell fizzled and vanished. Donaxon let out a little smile.

 

“What? I? That’s just a simple shielding spell. Anyone can do that,” Coania said, convinced it was not a very big deal. Donaxon rethought his earlier idea about Coania not being worth the trouble.

 

“Of course it is,” Donaxon said, not wholly convinced. He continued his walk to the city walls. This time he stepped in front of Coania and led her along. She gave no objections to the human shield. When they were close enough Donaxon shouted out to one of the guards who was on top of the wall with his bow drawn and an arrow pointed at the two of them. “Ho, there.”

 

“You have fast hands, friend,” the guard replied. “How fast can they move?” When he said this ten more guards appeared with their bows drawn. Donaxon stepped back, completely shielding Coania behind his massive bulk. Donaxon could feel the magic of her shield against his body. It was as well defined as he had seen it earlier.

 

“Fast enough for fourteen arrows,” Donaxon said, noticing the two other archers who were trying to stay hidden behind arrow slits. The first guard’s eyes narrowed shrewdly, and then he lowered his bow.

 

“Why are you here?” he asked bluntly.

 

“I’ve come to inspect your fine defenses,” Donaxon said. “But strictly without touching, of course.” The guard signaled to his other companions and they lowered their weapons. The first guard leaned to his companion.

 

“Tell Captain Lorathe about this, and tell the others not to waste their arrows,” he said in a low whisper. Donaxon picked up all of it easily. “Inspect to your heart’s content,” he said to Donaxon. “Just no touching.”

 

“I give you my word that I will not touch a brick of your fine city this day,” Donaxon said honestly. The next day is my discretion, though, Donaxon thought to himself.

 

 

* * *

 

 

Donaxon had told Coania to keep her eyes open for anything unusual in the flow of magic within the walls. Coania wondered what unusual meant. She had been told many times by Ma’aten and the other mages higher up then here that the magic that went into walls was High Magic, and flawless. Honestly, Coania had never been this close to the walls. Now that she was this close she understood why others said the magic was flawless.

 

High Magic shone a golden color to trained eyes, and the latticework that made up the walls was a beauty to behold. The patters where crisscrossed in every direction and in every plane. As far away from the walls as Coania had been the wall looked a solid golden color. From up close she realized that was just her eyes playing tricks on her.

 

Donaxon walked a steady pace, his eyes going over most all of the wall. There was a constant set of guards walking around with him, though they stayed on the wall. They wasted no more arrows on the new captain. Donaxon honored him word and made no approach to the wall. Coania was not trained in the rules of warfare but she assumed this was one of those chivalry ideals that Ludia blabbed on and on about.

 

A small flash of something dark caught Coania’s eyes. She thought the sun was playing tricks on her so she kept walking. A few steps later something began to gnaw at her. She began to wonder about that flash. Donaxon had told her to keep her eyes out for anything unusual, but Coania did not want to bother him about something she was not sure about.

 

It’s just the sun playing tricks with the wall, she said to herself. A few more steps and she began to doubt herself once more. Maybe it was just a trick of the light, but maybe it was not. Coania gathered up some magic and sent it out very slowly at the place where she saw the flash. Coania was a little scared of putting too much power behind this since she might be found out, so she took it slowly.

 

She found the place where she saw the flash and molded a bit of magic like a thread. Then, using skills she picked up from her mother when she was younger, she began to knit.

 

Coania closed her eyes but continued walking. She pushed the thread of magic through the latticework of High Magic. She moved the magic thread around for a bit, going up and down and then back around again. After a minute of very slow movement Coania hit something less tangible. She hit the other side of the wall with her magic thread. She had gotten magic through. Her eyes shot open; she wanted to tell Donaxon about this immediately. She was shocked to not see him walking in front of him. She became frightened for a moment and spun around looking for Donaxon. Fortunately he was standing right next to her.

 

“C-Captain Donaxon,” she began. Donaxon looked down at her with a wink and a smile.

 

“I know,” he said and pursed his lips in a shushing motion. “I noticed that a little while ago. I don’t want the guard to know that we found that though or they might make it disappear.”

 

“Oh,” Coania said, understanding. She turned back forward and continued walking.

 

“Though I think Ma’aten underestimates you,” Donaxon said. “I felt you thread that magic through the hole. That took an immense amount of skill to get through there.” Donaxon laughed a short laugh, his immense frame rippling a little. “I don’t even think Ma’aten would have been able to see that. Though just between you and I, I think Ma’aten has problems seeing anything other then food.” Coania could not help but giggle at that. She liked Donaxon.

 

“Now, remember where that spot is in case I forget and let’s continue looking, we might find someplace better along the way,” Donaxon said, taking his place walking in front of Coania again. Coania turned her attention back to the wall again and continued scanning. After a few moments, though, she began to wonder to herself about how Donaxon knew she thread that magic, because he was not a mage.

 

 

* * *

 

 

“I couldn’t tell what they were talking about at all,” Lorathe, sorceress and captain of the Agregra home guard, said to the gathered company. Kisean sat up in his chair, unconsciously playing with the blade of his halberd. Ciran was next to him, leaning back by tipping in his chair. He kept his feet on the table to balance himself out. Next to Lorathe was the final captain, Grol, a short man who kept twirling his quarterstaff in his one hand.

 

“Why couldn’t you?” asked Lord Phaen asked. The Lord of Agregra sat upon his throne in his royal robes, looking as regal as always. His perfectly parted hair and hairless chin made him look younger then he was. At his side was the ever-present advisor Ort, a balding man with a horrible sweet tooth. Kisean always thought that Ort looked like pig on its hind legs. He did not particularly like Ort, but he did not dislike him either. To Kisean, Ort was always just there.

 

“I was too far away from them to be able to hear them normally, but whenever I tried to enhance my hearing with magic all I heard was the man’s heartbeat.” Lorathe sounded generally stumped, which always concerned Kisean. Of the four captains Lorathe was the most intelligent, hands down. She read all the time, constantly taking in new spells and information. Kisean figured that’s why Ciran never went after her. Lorathe was a fair looking woman with long brown hair and full lips, but she spent most of her free time reading and learning, something Kisean knew was not apart of Ciran’s repartee.

 

“Gluake?” Ciran asked.

 

“I tossed a few spells onto Lorathe to help as well, but she said she could still only hear his heartbeat,” Gluake’s reply came. Everyone in the room was wearing the ear clips so they all heard the reply. “I can’t hear things that go on outside without Spirit Walking out there, and that takes too long to cast to be of any use.”

 

“Did he use magic?” Ort asked. Lorathe shrugged.

 

“I didn’t sense or see anything if he did,” Lorathe replied.

 

“Did we find out anything about this new person that Ciran saw arriving last night?” Phaen asked.

 

“From what Ciran told me, this was the same man, but I haven’t heard anything more substantial,” Lorathe said.

 

“Nothing from me,” Grol said.

 

“Nor us,” Kisean answered for both himself and Ciran. Phaen leaned back in his throne and thought for a moment.

 

“I don’t like this, but I really can’t do anything about it right now knowing what I know,” Phaen said. “Though I’m going to ask that we double up on shifts for the next week. If Avoil has someone this befuddling, then I want to be prepared if he uses him.” Kisean sighed. Doubling up on shifts meant less sleep and more responsibility. Kisean got a bad chill up his spine. Something bad was going to happen.

 

 

* * *

 

 

“A crack?” Avoil asked. Donaxon nodded.

 

“In the simplest of terms, it’s like a crack in the magic,” Donaxon explained. It was later the same day when Donaxon was finally able to see Avoil. Right now it was himself, Avoil, Wreit and Ma’aten inside Avoil’s tent. Donaxon had spent most of the day planning out how he was going to go about and use the crack. After he saw Coania back to her chores he went back to his tent and meditated for a while, planning the next step. After meditating on it for a while he realized that he could break a portion of the wall as well as the magic infused in that portion of the wall.

 

“And you can use that crack to take down a portion of the wall?” Avoil asked. Donaxon nodded.

 

“The only thing I need to do it is time. That’s why I need to ask for a distraction.”

 

“What sort of distraction?” Ma’aten asked.

 

“I need you to attack the other side of the city with a fair sized force,” Donaxon explained. “It will take me a moment to gather up the energy needed to break the wall, and when that happens I will be temporarily vulnerable. Any distractions and the energy will be lost.”

 

“Captain Donaxon,” Wreit interrupted. “As Ma’aten can point out to you, we have thus far been unable to damage any of the wall with any form of magic. What makes you so sure that your spell will be able to break the wall.” Donaxon realized that they were completely missing the point he was trying to make. The big man sighed.

 

“I’m not going to use magic to break the wall,” Donaxon said.

 

“Then how?” Wreit pressed on.

 

“I’m going to break it with my fist,” Donaxon said.

 

“Your fist?” Ma’aten laughed. “No one can break through that much solid rock unaided by magic. And the wall does not distinguish between one magic or another. It stops all magic. You’re telling me that you can destroy a wall with no magic?”

 

“I told you before, I know no magic,” Donaxon said. Ma’aten turned towards Avoil.

 

“My Lord this is ridiculous,” he said. Avoil, on the other hand, looked as if he was honestly considering this option.

 

“Can you guarantee the wall will fall?” Avoil asked. Ma’aten gave Avoil a look and then turned back to Donaxon.

 

“I give you my word that I can break a portion of the wall down,” Donaxon replied. He had no doubt that he could break a hole in the wall; his main concern was that the distraction would not be enough to lessen the guards at that side of the city. He could not bring a large force with him for fear that it would forewarn the guards to see so many soldiers missing from the House of Zolan’s camp. The distraction was just to get enough guards away from the other side of the city so that the small force would be able to capture and hold the opening long enough for reinforcements to arrive.

 

“Then you shall have your distraction,” Avoil said, nodding.

 

“But My Lord!” Ma’aten objected. “Think of the lives you’ll be wasting if this does not work. An attack is sure to cost us greatly.” Avoil reached out and placed his hand on the mage’s fat shoulder.

 

“Ma’aten, do not worry,” Avoil said. “Everyone here is ready to give their life for their lord. Ludia herself wished for more action, and I think she will gladly take on this assignment. You will have your distraction, Captain.” Donaxon nodded his head. Ma’aten seemed less angry all of a sudden. Donaxon was surprised at how quickly the fat mage backed down. He was also surprised at how blasé Avoil was about throwing lives away. He seemed more concerned with the fact that Donaxon might fail then he was about losing soldiers. Donaxon chose not to press that issue.

 

“Oh one more thing,” Donaxon said. “The girl who you sent with me,” Donaxon said to Ma’aten. “I would like it if she were to accompany me.”

 

“Coania?” Ma’aten said, suddenly returning to his normal self. “Absolutely not. Since My Lord Avoil has agreed to this mission, I will not send some fourth rate mage to help. You’ll be taking along one of my prime students. Besides, Coania is one of Ludia’s mages.” Donaxon had to choke down the urge to question Ma’aten’s ability to judge people. Fourth rate mage…whatever.

 

“Of course, Master Mage,” Donaxon said politely. “You should know best.”

 

“Of course I know best,” Ma’aten said. “I didn’t get to where I was by being an idiot.” Donaxon had to choke down that one as well.

 

“When will we do this, Captain Donaxon?” Avoil asked.

 

“Day after tomorrow,” Donaxon replied.

 

“Then you should get to gathering the men you want to take with you,” Avoil said. “I expect to be in Agregra by then.”

 

 

* * *

[Orlan]

Ciran sat atop the wall, staring out at the torches and lightstones that made up the enemy camp. It was quiet tonight, and that always gave Ciran time to think. Tonight, as Ciran stared out on the enemy army, he wondered why the House of Zolan was even out there. He had heard all the rumors that were filtering throughout the city. People say that Zolan wanted to knock Rhalir out of the favor of the other ruling houses. Ciran doubted that.

 

Ciran heard a few old men speaking the other day about the fact that Phaen had gotten a hold of some magical artifact that House Zolan wanted. Ciran doubted that one as well. Lord Phaen was never one who cared much for magical items, or magic in general. He was a strong believer in the strength of the sword and those that use that sword. Physical strength was a virtue in Agregra. Which is why Ciran always wondered about why he was chosen as the fourth captain.

 

Ciran was not the strongest, Kisean held that title by a long shot. Grol was next in line, and Ciran was third for the only reason that Lorathe was never outside enough to gain any strength into her muscles. Magically, Lorathe was the strongest, and smartest, of the bunch. Grol was the oldest and was right up there with Lorathe with intelligence, but he also had the wisdom of age with him. Kisean had that undeniable honor about him that people felt so drawn to.

 

And then there was Ciran. He was a good shot with a bow, he could not deny that, and his vision was impeccable, but that did not seem like enough. The only reason that Ciran had ever been able to come up with was his family. Ciran was born to a noble family. The name of Laredrild had always been synonymous with the City of Agregra. Ciran’s father was an advisor to Lord Phaen, and his father had been an advisor to the Lord before Phaen, and as such for many generations. Ciran hated that legacy. He did not know what he wanted to do, but he knew that he did not want to be an advisor to some ruler.

 

Ciran’s mother was a sorceress, though she was not a particularly good one. Her marriage to Ciran’s father was arranged, but they were able to make it work well enough, and Ciran still thought that they made a nice couple. Ciran inherited a little bit of magical skill from his mother, but he wanted to be a sorcerer even less then he wanted to be an advisor. He did not know what we wanted to do until he met Kisean.

 

Ciran had met Kisean thirteen years ago when he was sent to go get a sword by his father. Ciran, being of noble blood, was able to go to the best blacksmith in the entire city, and possibly in the entire Four Kingdoms. That blacksmith was Naesik, Kisean’s father. Ciran could easily remember that day.

 

He went into the blacksmith’s shop on his thirteenth birthday with money to get a suitable sword. The shop was empty today except for one boy just a bit older then himself. The boy was polishing a piece of armor and only noticed Ciran when he spoke up.

 

“Excuse me,” Ciran had said. The boy turned around and looked Ciran in the face. After a moment he turned around and shouted back through a door in the back.

 

“DAD!” he yelled. “You have a customer!” Out from the door emerged a tall man who was coated in dirt, ash and filth. This man was Naesik, the greatest blacksmith. Ciran remembered wondering if the man who smiled big down on him was actually the great blacksmith or just some fool they hired to replace him.

 

“Ah,” Naesik said, “You must be Ciran. You father told me you’d be in later this week looking for your coming of age sword.” The man’s voice was very kind, but not the most honorific, as Ciran was used to back then. Naesik was not a noble, but he was treated with the respect that all nobles were granted.

 

“Yes, Sir Naesik,” Ciran replied.

 

“Please, please,” Naesik said waving his hand. “No ‘sir’ Ciran. I get enough of that from the older people. Just call me Naesik. Now then, put out your hands, palms up.”

 

“What?” Ciran asked.

 

“Well I have to see what kind of sword you’re going to need, don’t I?” Naesik said with a smile on his dirty face. He let out a little laugh. “Don’t worry, this won’t hurt you in any way.” Ciran slowly lifted up his hands and opened them palms up as instructed. Naesik got a serious look on his face and scanned over the hands. After a moment he opened up his hands and scrapped a finger across it, gathering the dirt and ash onto his finger.

 

Naesik used that dirt to draw a symbol on one of Ciran’s palms. Before Ciran could say anything about it he felt the familiar touch of magic. His mother would often times use magic to cure his ills or put him to sleep at night. Ciran watched as the symbol glowed green for a moment and then it vanished completely. Ciran looked up and was greeted by Naesik’s glowing green eyes. The blacksmith had a big grin on his face.

 

“I have the perfect thing for you, Ciran Laredrild,” he said mysteriously. “Kisean! Go get me Rummtier.” The boy who was polishing the armor stopped and looked at Naesik.

 

“You’re giving him Rummtier?” Kisean said to his father.

 

“Of course,” Naesik said. “I know now that I forged it for him. I thought it was significant that I made it thirteen years ago today.” The blacksmith gave a chuckle as Kisean stopped what he was doing and disappeared into the backroom.

 

“What do you mean you made something for me?” Ciran asked, confused. His hands were still out before him.

 

“The gods gave me an amazing gift, young Laredrild,” Naesik said. “There is nothing different from anything I forge then from anything that any other competent blacksmith forges. True, things I make will have magic in it, but that’s because I have magic in myself. Other blacksmiths have the same ability. The difference is in the user. The gifts the gods gave me was to be able to find the correct wielder for my weapons. One day, the weapons and armor I make will reach their destined hands and when that happens, together they will make a legend.” Naesik winked down on Ciran.

 

“I’ll tell you a secret that not many know. I make weapons that the foolishly rich will spend an endless amount on. Yet those weapons will never be magic or legendary because they are not destined to be together with those people. My prices are inflated for two reasons. The first is that they’re not going to do any more good in the hands of a normal person then any sword you find. I need to find the right people for the right weapons.” Kisean came out from the back room with something wrapped in cloth. It was fairly large for a sword. Ciran did not think that he would be able to wield that.

 

“What’s the other reason?” Ciran asked. Naesik glanced once at Kisean and then back at Ciran.

 

“The boy eats like a horse, I have to pay for all that food somehow.” Kisean punched his father in the shoulder. Ciran laughed. Naesik took the bundle from Kisean and immediately unwrapped it and presented Ciran with it. Ciran was shocked to see that it was not a sword, but rather a bow.

 

“But Naesik,” Ciran said. “My father said I was to get a sword.” Naesik waved his hand, tossing some black slime around.

 

“Bah, your father,” Naesik said. “What does he know about swords, he’s an advisor. Besides, he said he’d leave it to me to arm you. Kisean! Take him out back and let him fire off some arrows, see if he likes Rummtier. Of course he will though. Still, it’s good business.”

 

Ciran sat atop the wall running his finger over the steel bow that sat in his lap. For thirteen years he and Rummtier had been together. That was also the same time that Kisean and he became friends. Kisean was also the reason, much Ciran’s parent’s woes, that Ciran joined the home guard. When Kisean was promoted to captain Ciran was happy for his friend. It came as an utter shock when Phaen announced Ciran’s name as the last new captain. Kisean had told Ciran that Naesik had been pivotal in choosing captains when he was still alive, and that he often mentioned names to Phaen. Kisean was sure that his father had mentioned Ciran’s name. Ciran was always unsure of that.

 

Ciran was snapped from his memories when the torch he had been focusing on went out. Ciran blinked a few times to get his mind back from the past. He looked around at other torches and noticed that there seemed to be fewer torches lit up.

 

“Gluake, can I get the Eyes of the Eagle?” Ciran asked. He felt the familiar touch of magic as his sight increased fivefold. Unfortunately all he could see was blackness anyplace there were no lights. “Do you happen to have something to see through darkness as well?”

 

“I do,” Gluake responded. Ciran waited a moment and felt the touch of magic again. Nothing happened though.

 

“Was that it?” Ciran asked.

 

“That it was,” Gluake said. “Nothing happen?”

 

“No.”

 

“I figured as much,” Gluake said. “I don’t think I have anything that can pierce the wards they put up. Is it that important?”

 

“Not really,” Ciran said, though he had a strange premonition that something was going to happen. “Gluake do me a favor. Check your defenses.”

 

“Why?”

 

“I just have a strange feeling. Though it’s probably nothing.”

 

“I know enough to trust your assumptions, Ciran. I’ll see if I can find any holes.”

 

“Thanks, Gluake,” Ciran said. Ciran made a note to mention this to Kisean and probably also Vasia. He was not sure enough about it to tell anyone other then those two, though. He also did not want to go full shifts with all four captains. He needed his sleep.

 

 

* * *

 

 

Donaxon could hear as well as feel the fighting going on at the other side of the city. At sunlight on the third day Avoil sent four or his archaeons against the city of Agregra. Donaxon could see occasional flares of spells flashing in the sky. He could also feel the lives of those fighting as they went out. Donaxon, however, kept his focus as always. Still, it was unfortunate that so many were dieing.

 

“Jidan Donaxon?”

 

Donaxon turned and saw Misheal standing next to him. She had been a student of his several years ago and was his first choice to lead this attack. She was a fearsome warrior and a good leader. Donaxon felt confident with her.

 

“Just focusing, Misheal,” Donaxon replied. She nodded and turned to look back at the wall that was a hundred feet from the group of seventy soldiers. Ma’aten’s best mage, Jiklan stood beside Misheal. He held in his hand a glowing orb that continued to pulse, indicating that the invisibility spell they had over them was still in place. Jiklan was skeptical of Donaxon, and of this mission. He had told both Donaxon and Misheal on several occasions that he’d rather be fighting then doing espionage like this. Donaxon felt it a waste of his breath to explain how important this could be.

 

“There’s your signal, Monk,” Jiklan said. Donaxon also noticed a total lack of respect from the mage who had probably become a man of age last month. Donaxon had noticed the signal as well. A streak of red flame was launched into the sky and soared high up, becoming too far away for normal sight.

 

“I see it, Jiklan,” Donaxon replied. “I’m leaving, the spell, do not move from this stop or drop the spell until I say so. That is a direct order. What I have to do will break the spell if I stay under it.”

 

“You cannot break my spell,” Jiklan said arrogantly. Donaxon was already focusing and did not answer that. Misheal answered for him.

 

“Shut up, Mage, least I chop you into little bits and feed you to Ma’aten. We will obey your orders, Jidan.” Misheal brought her fist to her chest in salute. Jiklan said no more.

 

Donaxon began walking towards the wall, his steps slow and methodical. He felt when he passed beyond the range of the invisibility spell, but it did not cause him to stop. There were no guards up on the wall at this point, and none where looking his way from further down on either side. Donaxon was free to do what he planned on doing.

 

Donaxon inhaled deeply, letting his surroundings seep into him. He breathed as his own master, Jidan Rarua, taught him. Balance was the key; he needed to release the correct amount of energy from within him. Donaxon felt his senses heightening. He could feel the living creatures around him. Bugs crawled on the ground and birds soared in the air above him. He closed his eyes and opened his other senses to his chi.

 

With each step he felt his chi gathering within himself. He tapped deep into it, breaking a tiny hole in it and letting it filter out quickly. He began meting it out, sending it to every part of his body, letting it gather in pools at his feet and hands. Donaxon pushed away the energy of nature that surrounded him; he needed to focus himself completely.

 

A moment later he was right before the wall, and he opened his eyes and faced the crack that he had seen the other night. It shrunk a little bit, which means that the walls might have been reinforced last night, but the crack was still enough for Donaxon. He took a step back and set himself into a centered stance with one hand outstretched before him and the other at waist level with its palm up. He tapped into the pools of chi he had and started gathering them to his hand that was at his waist. He could feel the chi begin to overload his hand and he was aware of its red glow.

 

Donaxon kept pushing chi into his hand, the energy beginning to be too much. He steadied his breathing and closed his hand into a fist to keep the energy where it was. His hand began to violently shake on it’s own but Donaxon continued to push energy into the fist. Even as focused as he was, Donaxon heard Misheal from behind him.

 

“Keep your eyes open, Jiklan,” she said. “You get to see real power today.” Donaxon could not help but get a small grin on his face. He could feel the second half of the signal as it soared at the other side of the city in the form of a giant fireball. Donaxon waited until it was about to strike the wall. Donaxon stared hard at he crack and then it happened. The fireball hit and the High Magic in the wall wavered for only an instant. That instant was all Donaxon needed, he exploded in movement and slammed his fist into the crack. The world stopped momentarily as Donaxon’s entire chi slammed through his fist and into the crack, spreading out everywhere. Time began again and the wall cracked in a spider web pattern out from where Donaxon hit. A moment later, the part of the wall Donaxon struck fell inwards.

 

 

* * *

 

 

“Kisean,” Gluake said into his ear, “Lord Phaen called for everyone to go to the East side of the city where the fighting was. Why are you on the wrong side?”

 

“It’s a few hundred soldiers right?” Kisean said back as he was trotting along between the inner and outer walls. “Ciran and Lorathe are already there, and they can handle it. Ciran told me about his premonition, I just want to cover all the bases before I go into battle.”

 

Kisean ran by a woman he had seen before. He name was Premian, or something like that, Kisean thought. She was one of the people who volunteered to keep the soldiers on the walls supplied with water, and she was carrying two pails of water at the time. Kisean nodded at her and gave her a nice smile as he passed. She nodded back and continued on her way. Kisean went ten more steps and felt a chill run down his spine. Suddenly the outer wall exploded beside him. Kisean stopped suddenly and watched a large chunk of it topple over at Premian. He did not pause to wonder about the wall, but simply reacted and launched himself at the woman. His bracers flashed red with magic power.

 

 

* * *

 

 

The dust from the falling stone was blown away and Donaxon stared out over the rubble. He managed to break down a fifteen-foot long section of the wall. With the loss of the wall the High Magic vanished. Donaxon could still see it in the wall that was still standing, but it was no longer in front of him. He relaxed his chi and took another deep breath. It worked just as he thought it would. He turned around to see that Jiklan had stopped the invisibility spell and the mage was staring with his jaw dropped. Donaxon enjoyed that sight. He was about to raise his hand and signal the others to move when he heard stone being moved behind him.

 

Donaxon spun around to see an enormous piece of wall slowly being lifted up. One side of it was raised enough to where Donaxon could see people under it. Donaxon immediately summoned his chi again and sent it out in a wave. He saw the outlines of two people, one was a regular person, and the other was outlined in a deep red, meaning he had a large amount of magic about him. Donaxon released the chi and let his vision return to normal.

 

“Jidan!” Misheal yelled out. Donaxon did not turn but held up his hand in a halting gesture. The stone that was being lifted suddenly was pushed up and off of the people, the force causing it to flip in the air a few times before landing many feet away. Donaxon found himself looking straight into the eyes of a younger man with glowing red bracers oh his arms. In his arms he held the limp yet breathing body of a young woman.

 

Before Donaxon could say anything arrows flew from behind him. A dozen arrows soared right at the two people. Donaxon was pleased to see that none of them hit their targets. The man’s free arm moved fast as it deflected each and every one of those arrows. Donaxon turned and faced his soldiers.

 

“Hold your fire!” Donaxon ordered. “I’ll fight him. Do not interfere.”

“Are you sure, Jidan?” Misheal asked. Donaxon turned back to the man and the woman.

 

“If I can’t beat him then I doubt you all can,” Donaxon said. He took a few steps back and waited. The man obviously heard this exchange and lifted the woman into his arms bringing her over to a flat piece of broken wall, setting her on it. He then walked back to where he had been and slammed his fist down into a large piece of wall. Donaxon could not help the smile that crossed his face. This was going to be an interesting fight. With a shower of rocks the man pulled a wicked looking halberd out from under the fallen wall.

 

“Well?” the man asked of Donaxon. Donaxon nodded.

 

“Of course,” Donaxon replied. The man launched himself at Donaxon, covering the distance in an instant, thrusting his halberd. Donaxon knew not to underestimate and sidestepped the blow using the back of his fist to push the halberd off balance. His opponent was unfazed by this and stopped himself, spinning the halberd around at Donaxon. Donaxon ducked under it and jumped back a few feet.

 

The man spun his halberd in his hand and then leveled it at Donaxon again. This time the monk went on the offensive and leapt at the man. He was able to speed by to get behind his opponent quick enough to bring his fist down at an angle, aiming for the man’s neck. Donaxon was not the least bit surprised to find that his fist was caught. His opponent spun his foot up and around, aiming right at Donaxon’s head. The Jidan raised his free hand and caught it, pulling up in the process. The man released Donaxon’s hand and kicked his foot out of the monk’s grasp, flipping himself in the air and away.

 

Donaxon waited until his opponent landed and then took a direct swing at him. He was blocked by one of the bracers. Donaxon launched into a flurry of blows, and each one was met in speed and power by the man’s bracers. Donaxon paused too long after one punch and the other man took advantage of it, swinging his halberd at Donaxon. The monk leaned back and then snapped forward again to strike. He saw the butt end of the halberd’s handle aiming right for his head and he raised his arm to block. The steel handle struck his arm with enough strength to shatter an average person’s arm. The blow caused Donaxon to be knocked to the side.

 

The man followed up his strike with an overhead chop down on Donaxon, the monk summoned up his chi and released it with a roar at the halberd. The chi was enough to knock the halberd to the side and the blade slammed hard into the ground beside Donaxon. Donaxon slammed his fists into his opponent’s stomach, knocking him off his feet and back a bit. When the other man landed Donaxon was already behind him, slamming his elbow into the back of his head in an effort to knock him out. Donaxon put enough chi into jhs elbow to put down a bull. The other man stumbled forward a little but did not collapse.

 

Donaxon was caught off guard with this and almost did not notice the blade of the halberd coming at his head. He summoned chi into his forearm and raised it to meet the blade. The blade struck the chi armor and sparks of yellow scattered everywhere. Donaxon assumed the halberd was as magical as the bracers were. Donaxon wondered if he would be able to defeat this man without killing him like he had originally wanted.

 

Donaxon slammed his other fist into the man’s face, and knocked him back a few feet. This granted Donaxon enough time to properly pool his chi into his fist enough for a Krazent, a crushing blow. It would probably shatter a few of the man’s ribs, but it would definitely put him out of commission. The man spun around, bringing the butt end of his halberd down at Donaxon. Donaxon dodged it and with a yell he slammed his fist into the man’s chest, releasing the Krazent. He felt ribs shatter.

 

 

* * *

 

 

Kisean clenched his teeth as he felt the blow shatter a few ribs. He used the hit to his advantage and immediately swung his halberd around. The blow that had shattered his ribs also blew him back a bit, and Kisean used that momentum to slash at the big man. He felt vindicated when he felt his halberd hit flesh, but was quickly out of range of his opponent. He was able to land on his feet, and through the magic in his bracers he was able to remain standing, though it hurt to no end.

 

Kisean stood himself as straight as possible using the halberd as a cane and faced the big man he was fighting. The big man was bleeding from the stomach and was hunched over slightly. Their eyes met and Kisean felt instant admiration for the big man. This was the first fight in a long time that Kisean had been able to utilize all his skills. He was surprised to see all the similarities of the big man’s fighting ways with Vasia’s. Kisean assumed this man was trained by the Uri-Van at one time or another.

 

A fireball appeared from behind the big man and flew right at Kisean. Kisean heard his opponent yell angrily but there was nothing he could do. Kisean raised his arms before him to protect himself, but he did not think he would be able to take the full force of the blow and survive. A flash of gray caught his eye and suddenly he was behind someone. The fireball slammed hard into the person before him and then suddenly vanished. Kisean looked to see an average man in a gray cloak standing before him. Kisean remembered seeing this man before. He was one of Vasia’s commanders.

 

“Litlo?” Kisean said. He realized that speaking hurt him a whole lot.

 

“I was fine to stand by if it was a one-on-one duel, but I abhor the use of sniping,” Litlo said to the big man who was watching Litlo carefully. “Unless I’m the one doing it, of course.”

 

“Misheal!” the big man shouted out. “Rein in that damn mage!” He stood up to his full height, his shirt was stained in blood but he did not give any indication that he felt it. He looked straight at Litlo. “That was not of my doing.”

 

“I believe you, you have an air of honor around you. However…” Litlo said. Kisean suddenly became aware of several dozen men and women around him. Every one of them had a crossbow out and trained on either the big man who was his opponent or the seventy some soldiers behind him. “We don’t take kindly to guests who come knocking and don’t even bring a gift.”

 

Kisean knew he had to do something. He stood up to his full height, clenching his teeth together tightly to keep from grimacing. He tossed his halberd up a little and grasped it further down and leveled it at the big man. The big man surveyed the scene slowly for a moment, his face a stone mask. Then, quiet unexpectedly, the big man smiled and nodded.

 

“My apologies. Next time I assure you I will bring some honey cakes.” The big man turned and looked at his soldiers. “We’re leaving. No arguments.” Kisean was not surprised when no arguments presented themselves. The group began to slowly walk away, the big man Kisean fought taking up the rear. After a little ways the big man turned around and nodded solemnly to Kisean. Kisean returned the nod. After the big man was out of his eyesight Kisean heard a familiar voice.

 

“Kisean!” Vasia said. Kisean turned and saw her running over to him with a horrified look on her face. He figured he did not look very good right now. Vasia got to within five feet of him and he promptly collapsed.

 

 

* * *

 

 

“KISEAN!” Vasia screamed horrified. Litlo reached out and caught the halberd as it fell from the captain’s hand. Vasia was able to get there in time and catch Kisean. His weight surprised her for a moment and she stumbled to the ground. Vasia was able to keep Kisean from hitting the ground at least. “Litlo what the hell happened?!”

 

“I felt something break when I was scouting along, and I saw Kisean and some beast of a man fighting. Kisean got in one lucky hit, but the other man had a clear advantage. I have never seen anyone move like he did. I definitely would have been hard pressed had I been his opponent.” Litlo looked at the other assassins who he had summoned to him and gestured something at them. Vasia was too busy looking over Kisean to reads what he was signing to them.

 

“He’s got a lot of damage,” Vasia said as the assassins began to melt back into the shadows and the city. Vasia ran her fingers over Kisean’s face; it was cold, surprisingly cold. The clip on Kisean’s ear caught her attention. It was flashing red. Vasia knew that this was a communication device but did not know how it worked. It was a well-kept secret. She reached out to touch it and her head exploded in noise.

 

“Do exactly as I tell you! Do not argue with me at all unless you want Kisean to never be able to move again.” The voice spoke directly into her ear and she reflexively took her hand off of the ear clip, except, her hand would not move. “First thing is keep your hand on his ear,” the voice said.

 

“What…who are you?” she said. Litlo looked at her like she had gone crazy before he realized where her hand was.

 

“It doesn’t matter,” the voice said. “I need you to carry Kisean to me. I’m flooding you with enough magic to be able to carry him, but only you can come. Tell Litlo to stay here and explain what happened. He can use one of the disguises he always uses.” Vasia felt a shiver down her spine as if someone was using magic on her. She felt strengthened.

 

“What do I do?” she asked.

 

“I’ll instruct you where to go. Bring Kisean down that exact path I give you. I need to patch up this wall. Now move quickly!” Vasia decided that Kisean’s life was too important to bother arguing.

[Orlan]

Vasia was surprised how light Kisean was on her back. She knew that it must have been because of the magic but she was unprepared for how effortlessly she lifted him. She guessed this was how light everything else was for Kisean himself.

 

“Now left,” Gluake said into her ear. Vasia had taken the clip off of Kisean’s ear and placed it on her own. She found herself able to talk with whoever this Gluake was freely. Vasia took a left from the cave she was in and started down a somewhat steep decline. Vasia had been following the directions to the letter, winding her way deeper underneath the city of Agregra. She had memorized the path she took thus far, but she idly wondered if she would be able to follow it again.

 

“You’re almost there, take a right,” Gluake said. Vasia did as she was told and was face to face with a wooden door. She was about to put her hand out to try and push the door open but it opened on it’s own. “Hurry in,” Gluake said, this time his voice was coming from in front of her, not her ear. From her position it looked black in the room, yet when she stepped over the threshold of the door she found it to be as bright as it was at noontime.

 

The room she was in was a large dome fashioned in the stone of the earth. The ceiling of the dome was painted with intricate designs and symbols that glowed from the unseen light that filled the room. There was another door at the other end of the room yet it was shut. The room was unfurnished except for a large round rug in the middle. The rug had the same designs and symbols as the ceiling had.

 

“Quickly now,” Vasia heard the voice again, she saw an old man step out from the side of the room. Vasia wondered how she failed to notice him until she noticed he wore a robe that was akin to the rug and ceiling. The man had a worn face and a gray bear that went down just below his chest. His staff looked as if it was made completely out of glass. It reflected light off of it into a rainbow of colors. The last thing Vasia noticed was that he was staring directly at her with two eyes of gold. This man was obviously Gluake.

 

He leveled his staff at Vasia and then Kisean was off her back and floating over the to rug. Gluake eased his staff down and Kisean landed softly on the rug. The entire room began to glow a green color and then most of the light began to gather into Gluake’s staff. The sunlight in the room dimmed but the green light continued to gather making it look like Gluake was wielding a staff of pure green energy. Gluake touched the end of his staff to Kisean’s chest and the green glow flowed from the staff into Kisean’s body.

 

“Excuse me…Gluake?” Vasia said, trying to get his attention. The old man turned to Vasia and gave her a warm smile.

 

“He’ll be fine,” Gluake said. “You did very well bringing him to me this quickly. The faster I can administer the healing magic the faster we can get him back on his feet.” Gluake pointed his staff at Vasia and se felt her added strength leaving her body. She suddenly had a great feeling of loss as the magic left her. Vasia looked back at the old man who was scanning over Kisean carefully. Vasia knew that some sorcerer was bound to the city, protecting it, bur she never really understood it fully. Now, as she was standing next to the actual sorcerer, she began to question if other old tales were this tangible.

 

“So, where are we?” Vasia asked, trying to make some sort of conversation. Gluake did not respond for a moment as he motioned over Kisean for a while, then he turned back to Vasia and gave her a warm smile.

 

“Directly below the center of the city,” he said. “Quite a bit below, but that’s just because I can do more magic down here. Not that anyone ever goes looking for an old sorcerer like myself.” Vasia immediately felt some sort of connection to this old man. He seemed like a grandfather she never had, though the more she thought about it he seemed more like a grandfather to the entire city.

 

“Can you see…or feel…or sense the whole city from down here?” Vasia asked, confused about the question she was trying to ask. Gluake laughed a little and then pointed his staff up at the ceiling. Vasia looked up and saw that the ceiling was now painted to look like a map of the city. Vasia saw white lights begin to appear all over the map.

 

“Those are the people who live in the city,” Gluake said. Vasia was amazed. There were thousands and thousands of lights all littered over the ceiling. Suddenly all the lights vanished and then green lights appeared on the map. “Those are all the soldiers enlisted in the guard.” The green lights vanished and were replaced by four red lights. “That is Grul, Lorathe, Ciran and Kisean, the captains.” Gluake pointed to each one of the lights as he said a name and the light glowed greater momentarily.

 

“Gluake!” said a voice. The voice echoed all around the room. Vasia was sure that she had heard the voice before.

 

“Yes, Lord Phaen,” Gluake replied to the voice.

 

“What happened? Why did the walls fall and what are you doing to stop it?” Phaen’s voice demanded angrily. Gluake sighed.

 

“When the fireball struck the wall it cause the High Magic to gather to that side for an instant to stop the magic. It obviously left the other side open long enough for one of their mages to crack open the wall and then rip it asunder. Kisean was able to stop them from getting through but he’s badly hurt.”

 

“Well then get him unhurt and get him back to his post, I don’t want Avoil capitalizing on this and getting into my city,” Phaen’s voice said.

 

“Of course, Lord Phaen,” Gluake said. The old sorcerer sighed again. “Not even a worry about Kisean,” he said softly to himself. “He’s not himself anymore. This siege is having a bad effect on him.” Gluake put on a smile when he noticed Vasia was still looking at him.

 

“Is this where the ear clips go?” Vasia asked, remembering her own experience with the clip. She took it off the ear clip she wore and walked over to Kisean.

 

“Yes, all of them come straight to me, wherever I am,” Gluake said. Vasia attached the ear clip back onto Kisean’s ear and then touched his forehead. It was warm again. Vasia gave a sigh of relief. When she turned around she noticed that Gluake was staring at her with distant eyes.

 

“Something interesting?” she asked. Gluake smiled a little more deeply.

 

“You remind me of someone I knew,” Gluake said. Vasia laughed a little bit. This was the first time anyone had ever said that she looked like someone they knew. She also laughed because Gluake obviously knew a lot of people.

 

“Who would that be?” Vasia said.

 

“Your mother,” Gluake said. Vasia froze and stared wide-eyed at the sorcerer for a moment.

 

“You knew my mother?” Vasia asked.

 

“I know everyone who has ever set foot in this city,” Gluake said with a wink. “But I also personally met your mother. Shortly after she became leader of the underground she went exploring and stumbled upon my home.” Gluake paused for a moment. “Though I sort of nudged her the last bit of the way. She was nearby and I thought it’d be nice to have tea with another person.”

 

“She never told me about you,” Vasia said.

 

“I asked her not to. Your mother was good at keeping her word,” Gluake said. “She stopping coming for our weekly tea when she found you again. She needed to teach you all the tricks of the trade I suppose.” Gluake turned back to Kisean and leveled his staff over the captain’s body. The green glow from Kisean’s body flowed back into the staff, illuminating the staff and the room once again before going out in a puff. Right now Vasia could do little else but stare. “Alright, Kisean will be fine, though you might want to make yourself comfortable on his chair, it’ll be a day or two before he wakes up.”

 

“On what chair?” Vasia asked. A blinding flash of light flared up and then vanished, leaving Vasia a little disoriented. When she got her senses back she realized that she was now in Kisean’s room in the barracks, a place she had been a few times before. Kisean was lying on his bed now, breathing softly. Vasia looked down from where she was standing and noticed that there was a chair right next to the bed.

 

 

* * *

 

 

Ludia was angry right now. Very angry. She stormed across the camp; blood still caked into her armor. Belva was a pace behind her flanked by R’Tearin. The two of them had to run every once in a while to be able to keep up with their captain. Ludia spared them no time, she was heading for one place and she would be damned if the demons of hell themselves would stop her. She saw Donaxon’s tent, no guards were posted around it. In fact, there were no soldiers anywhere near the tent. Ludia took no pause before stepping into Donaxon’s tent.

 

“You conniving brute!” she said as she stepped in. She was not shocked to see Donaxon sitting cross-legged in the center of the tent; that she had expected. What Ludia was shocked to see was Coania in the tent with Donaxon. The monk had his tunic off and his arms up in the air while Coania had her glowing hands hovering over his abdomen. Ludia did notice the exemplary body that the monk had but quickly pushed that out of her mind so she could keep focus. “Coania! What are you doing here?”

 

“Well that’s good, I thought you were calling Coania a conniving brute, and I think she deserves more respect then that,” Donaxon said with a straight face. Ludia found him contemptible.

 

“You be quiet!” Ludia commanded. R’Tearin and Belva came into the tent right then and stopped suddenly to avoid running into Ludia. “Coania, answer me! Why are you here?” Coania cowed back a little bit. She seemed to be frightened of Ludia right now, and after a moment of thought Ludia did not blame her. The Paladin took in a deep breath and tried to calm herself. It failed to work on her anger but it softened her voice a little. “Coania, why are you here?” she asked in a more steady tone.

 

“Because none of the other mages will help Captain Donaxon,” she said in a quiet voice. Ludia gave her a confused look. Why would the mages not want to help someone who Lord Avoil obviously wanted keep in the best shape? Was that fat idiot Ma’aten planning something?

 

“Why not?” Ludia asked, “Aside from his glowing personality that is.” Donaxon stood up next to Ludia, towering a full head over her. She again noticed that the monk was built like a wall.

 

“Because of how Donaxon treated Ma’aten’s puppy,” Coania said with a little giggle.

 

“His puppy? You mean Jiklan? What did he do to Jiklan?” Ludia spun to Donaxon and glared up at him. “What did you do to Jiklan?”

 

“I did nothing to the mage,” Donaxon said. Coania was still giggling.

 

“He had Misheal break the mage’s fingers,” Coania said, now laughing. Ludia knew who Misheal was; she was one of the commanders in another archaeon that Ludia had worked with. Misheal was a woman who took guff from no one. Ludia liked her. Donaxon gave Coania a little look.

 

“Now, now, I never told her to break fingers, she did that on her own,” Donaxon said. R’Tearin failed to stifle a laugh and Ludia glanced sharply at him. He snapped to attention and stopped laughing but he still had a grin across his face. Ludia turned her gaze back to Donaxon who was smiling back at her. That just infuriated her more.

 

“It doesn’t matter,” Ludia said. “I heard that you were responsible for this battle today.”

 

“That is true,” he responded.

 

“Then you are the one to blame for the misuse of my archaeon!” Ludia shouted at him.

 

“Misuse?” Donaxon asked, seeming befuddled. Ludia figured that he was playing with her.

 

“My archaeon trusts me, you monk, and I have to uphold that trust, yet I can’t do that when I’m used as a decoy,” Ludia said, the anger in her rising once again. She tried to calm herself enough to be able to hold a coherent argument but it was becoming more and more difficult.

 

“What?” Donaxon asked. His whole body seemed to tense as he hunched over a little, suddenly seeming more alert and sharp. Ludia felt a little worried that he was going to fall on top of her.

 

“You know damn well,” Ludia said, easing herself back a little but making sure not to give too much ground. “You duped everyone into attacking the city with the idea that we would be able to break through it. I went full force at that city and lost a fair number of soldiers under me.” Donaxon clenched his fist and his eyes narrowed.

 

“Did Avoil not tell you what the plan was?” Donaxon asked.

 

“Plan? Of course not! I’m sure My Lord didn’t know about your plan himself!” Ludia yelled. As if the mention of his name summoned him, the flap to the tent was opened and Lord Avoil stormed in.

 

“What the hell happened?” Lord Avoil demanded of Donaxon quite loudly. Ludia and R’Tearin immediately moved a step back and saluted. Coania cowered further away like she always did. She had mentioned various times during the siege that she did not like to be in the same room with Lord Avoil. Ludia never got a straight answer why, yet she constantly reminded Coania that Lord Avoil was their leader, and he was always to be treated with the proper respect.

 

“I assume it was one of the four captains of the Home Guard,” Donaxon replied standing himself back up straight. Ludia made a note to explain to the monk about proper etiquette. He obviously did not know how to properly salute a House Lord.

 

“I spent all that money on you just so you can lose to some second rate soldier?” Avoil demanded. At this time Ma’aten waddled himself through the tent door. Ludia immediately threw him a look of the utmost hate and was pleased to see it was returned.

 

“I lost to no one,” Donaxon said. “I won, but by that time their reinforcements had arrived. You would have lost all of those that were with me if there was a battle then.”

 

“Lies!” Ma’aten shouted out. “Jiklan said you turned on him when he was trying to help.”

 

“I saved your mage’s life,” Donaxon said. “The man I fought was protected by magic shields, the attack that Jiklan used, if you can call it an attack,” Donaxon added in what seemed to Ludia as an afterthought, “Would have opened him up for attack from the man. The only reason I fought him alone was that he would have easily killed anyone who fought with me.”

 

“That’s ludicrous thinking, what makes you so sure of what the man would have done?” Ma’aten demanded. Ma’aten was fuming; Ludia had never seen him like this before. She found it to be entertaining.

 

“Because that is what I would have done,” Donaxon said, not breaking his eye contact with Lord Avoil.

 

“This is ridiculous! You first guarantee that you can get us into the city and then fail at it, and then you also injure one of my mages for helping you out. My Lord you can’t let this man go about doing that,” Ma’aten said to Lord Avoil. Ludia relaxed herself from her salute. Ma’aten had said that Donaxon guaranteed that he could break down the wall, and Donaxon had said that there were people with him. Ludia was forced to wonder if Lord Avoil had lied to her when he told her about the battle.

 

“I guaranteed that I could break down a portion of the wall,” Donaxon said. “I never mentioned anything about getting into the city. If you assumed that you did so at your own risk.” Ma’aten looked as if he were about to reply but stopped short of saying anything. Ludia took this moment to turn to Lord Avoil.

 

“My Lord, if you knew about this, why did you not tell me about this plan?” Ludia asked.

 

“You didn’t need to know, and it was better if you didn’t since you would have tried harder and made a more convincing distraction,” Lord Avoil replied, not looking at her but keeping his eyes fixated on Donaxon. The monk returned his gaze calmly.

 

“But My Lord, we could have avoided a great number of deaths if we would have known about this,” Ludia said, her mouth moving of it’s own accord. Ludia was not really sure where this sass was coming from but she was angry. She could not think of any reason why Lord Avoil would do something like this. “I’m sure we could have put up a convincing distraction if we knew.”

 

“The number of deaths would not have changed regardless of the information,” Lord Avoil said, waving his hand dismissively. Ludia was shocked to see him so casually dismiss so many lives as if they were nothing.

 

“Do you not have faith in Captain Ludia’s skills?” Donaxon said all of a sudden. Ludia saw the challenge in his voice and his face and she could also see the anger building up in Lord Avoil.

 

“That is a moot point,” Lord Avoil said to Donaxon. “Regardless, a portion of wall is down, yet I don’t know if I am able to count on results from you anymore, Captain Donaxon, so I will let Ma’aten try his hand.” With that, Avoil spun on his heel and left the tent with Ma’aten waddling after him. Ludia stood, half in shock, half in disgust. She did not like the idea that Ma’aten was going to be able to run things as he wished.

 

“Coania,” Donaxon said, reminding Ludia that there were still people around. “Go back to your tent now.” Ludia turned back to see Coania staring at Donaxon with a confused look on her face.

 

“What? But you’re not fully healed,” she protested.

 

“You’ve done a great job thus far,” Donaxon said, a soft smile forming across her face. “I can easily heal myself from this point, thank you. However,” Donaxon took on a serious tone. “I think it best to know what Ma’aten plans on doing.” Coania stood there for a moment and then understanding dawned on her face and she nodded. She stood up and turned to leave. “Captain Ludia?” Ludia turned and looked at Donaxon but said nothing. “How many died?”

 

“How many what?” Ludia asked, not understanding.

 

“How many soldiers died today?” Donaxon said. The question caught Ludia off guard.

 

“Eighty-seven,” she replied. “Why?”

 

“I’d like to know how many souls I have to apologize to tonight,” he said, turning around and going to a bag in the corner. “Goodnight, Captain.” Ludia felt the urge to leave right now and she turned and followed Coania out, R’Tearin and Belva right on her heels. When she was outside of the tent she turned to R’Tearin. The male paladin shrugged.

 

“I did tell you that Jidan Axe was a very unique individual,” he said, reminding her of the conversation they had when Donaxon had first shown up. Ludia was starting to realize how deep that statement really went.

 

 

* * *

 

 

Kisean awoke in his room. He knew it was his room since his halberd was hanging from the wall across from his bed. He tried to move but found anything to be very painful. His chest ached, but it did not feel like any ribs were broken. He found that to be rather confusing since the last thing he remembered was being struck in the chest by the giant of a man he fought just outside the wall.

 

“Well, well, look who’s finally awake.”

 

Kisean tiled his head to the side and saw Vasia sitting in a chair by his bed, a tome sat in her lap and she looked like she had been reading it for a while.

 

“What are you doing here?” Kisean asked.

 

“You should probably be asking yourself the same question, you know,” Vasia said with a nod at his body. Kisean found himself suddenly aware of the fact that his chest and arms were bandaged up, wrapped tightly in cloth. A moment of concern came over him as he looked at his bandaged arms. “Don’t worry,” Vasia said, seeing his concern. “Gluake kept your bracers on. He said they were probably the main reason you were still alive when he came by and bandaged you up.”

 

“Gluake?” Kisean said, still a little groggy. “You met Gluake?”

 

“I did,” Vasia said with a smile. “He’s an interesting person.”

 

“When did he come by?”

 

“About a day and a half ago,” Vasia said. Kisean’s natural reaction was to sit up in bed but his body screamed at him when he started to move.

 

“A day and a half? How long have I been out?”

 

“Two days,” Vasia said. “Give or take. I haven’t really been out much.”

 

“You’ve been here the whole time?”

 

“More or less,” Vasia shrugged. “Gluake wanted me to make sure you woke up alright.”

 

“You didn’t have to do that,” Kisean said, feeling something in between shame and regret. He did not to have people worry or wait on him. He had been like that since he was little. Vasia, of course, laughed this off.

 

“Of course I did, you fool,” she said, closing the tome. “I owe you and Ciran my life many times over. You two have risked your lives to save mine on numerous occasions.”

 

“I count twice,” Kisean said.

 

“Two is numerous, Kisean,” Vasia said with a smile. She set the tome down on a table next to her and stood up. “Now that you’re awake you’ll be fine in a couple of hours, I know that much about you. I have a lot of work that I need to get done, so I’m going to be heading off now.” She leaned over and kissed Kisean on his forehead. Kisean sighed and closed his eyes. “Don’t do anything stupid.”

 

“I won’t, trust me.”

 

“I do, and that’s why I’m worried.”

 

 

* * *

 

 

Vasia immediately noticed the two when she stepped out of the barracks. They had just jumped from one roof to another and where a long jump away from the palace walls. She immediately looked around for a place to get up to where they were. She had been at Kisean’s bedside for too long if the thieves were thinking of breaking into the palace. Vasia overlooked a great deal of things that happened without her consent in the underground, rape, murder, pillaging, robbery, however, there was one rule she advocated over all else. She would allow no one to steal from the palace. She did not want Phaen to come down hard on the underground. He main worry was that she would have to face Kisean and Ciran, and that thought scared her.

 

She made it to the roof in time to watch the two cloaked burglars float across the street below to the palace wall by magic. This intrigued her, since there were few sorcerers who would deal with the underground, and those that did would want to be involved with whatever was happening.

 

Vasia paused a moment, making sure that the two burglars did not know they were being tailed. After a moment they disappeared down the other side of the wall. Vasia closed her eyes and gathered chi into her feet. The distance was just large enough were you would not be able to jump it without added help. The Uri-Van training that Vasia received came in useful at times like this.

 

Vasia opened her eyes and ran at full speed after her chi was gathered and when she reached the edge of the roof she released it out the bottom of her feet. The added boost let her clear the distance with ease. She landed on the wall and immediately leapt off the far edge, trying to avoid the sight of any guards. The fall was not bad, she gathered chi into her feet again, this time using it to cushion her fall.

 

When she hit the ground she backed herself up against the wall, looking around to see if she could find tracks of the two that just passed through here. She silently wished that she had paid more attention when she was taught to use chi to see into the spectrum of magic. She figured that she would have been able to follow a trail of magic to the two she was following. She had spent most of her time with Jidan Donaxon learning fighting moves and hand-to-hand combat; her skills with chi were limited.

 

Vasia heard a whispered word, and then another. She trained her ears in on where the sound was coming from, and saw an opened door about twenty yards across the grounds from her. The door lead down, and for the first time Vasia realized that she was in the royal cemetery. There were headstones all over the place and the door that was open lead down into an underground mausoleum.

 

She crossed the cemetery and peeked through the opening. On the other side were the two she was chasing, one of them was reaching into their cloak.

 

“No magic until we get there,” said one in a deep voice.

 

“I know, I’m looking for my flint,” said the other. Vasia made a note: they were both males. After a moment a spark and a torch appeared. The torch illuminated the hallway that the two stood in. Vasia noticed that it went down a far way but did not seem to have an end. The two started moving swiftly down the hallway, getting farther and farther away from Vasia. She smiled as she realized that the two men were wearing boots that echoed on the stone floor. They were going to be easy to follow.

 

Vasia started down the hallway after the torch had become dimmer. Her soft leather boots and skilled movements made no sound. Vasia followed the torch until it vanished, and then she took off at a cautious run. The two had obviously turned a corner. Vasia wanted to try and catch up but she also did not want to run into a wall.

 

Vasia did this for a few minutes, going down in a maze, the ground always at a gentle decline. She began to wonder if these two were going after Gluake. Vasia reached a corner where she could still see light from the torch and slowly looked around the corner.

 

The two men were stopped in the middle of the hallway, facing a section of stone wall. They had taken off their hoods and Vasia was a little confused when she realized that she did not know either of these thieves. They were not from her underground, at least. One of them placed his hands on the wall and closed his eyes. Vasia watched in awe as the wall began to waver, and then suddenly it melted away leaving a door in its place.

 

Vasia was certain that she made no sound, and she was sure that she did not move, yet all of a sudden one of the two spun and looked directly at her. Vasia was frozen momentarily as she realized that the man had white eyes.

 

“Get her!” shouted the other. The one looking at Vasia ran at her. Vasia was surprised to see how swiftly he moved, drawing a short sword in the process. Vasia was barely able the draw her daggers from their hidden sheath at the small of her back. The resounding clang of sword on daggers echoed up and down the hallway. The man wasted no time and slashed quickly at Vasia. Vasia was able to deflect one strike with one of her daggers long enough to slash out with her other dagger. The attacked leapt back in response.

 

From behind the attacker the magic used sent out a dozen bolts of fire that arced around his companion and then flew right at Vasia. She knew that she did not have enough time to dodge them all so she gathered chi into her hands and moved forward swiftly. Vasia leaned to one side, avoiding a fair number of the bolts and then she slashed out with her daggers, forcing her chi into the blades of the daggers. Luckily, it was enough to deflect the bolts into the wall.

 

Vasia did not have a moment to catch her breath after that since she found a short sword lunging for her heart. Vasia ducked down low and avoided the strike, the sword striking the wall behind her. Vasia put her hands on the floor behind her and kicked up with both of her legs. She caught the attacker in the chin and sent him flying up into the low ceiling. After he smashed into the ceiling he collapsed to the ground in a heap. Vasia rolled back in time to avoid being lashed by a whip of fire. She rolled to her feet and was frozen for a moment.

 

The man she had just smashed into the ceiling was on his feet and coming at her again with no apparent injuries. Vasia knew that blow she had given him should have at least broke his chin. She came to her senses in time to raise her daggers and catch another slash of the short sword. Another slash came right after the first and Vasia dodged this one by flattening herself against the wall. She flicked out her dagger at the attacker but only caught a little fabric of his cloak. The short sword came back around, causing Vasia to cartwheel along the wall for a moment.

 

She realized too late that she was now between the two men. The man with the sword came at her with an overhand chop and Vasia rushed into him. She slammed her body into his before he could react and she grabbed a hold of his sword arm. The magic user opened his hands and another dozen bolts of fire sped out at Vasia. Without pausing Vasia flipped the man with the sword over her and into the bolts. All the bolts slammed into his body while Vasia turned and started to make a break for it.

 

Before she was able to get near the corner fire erupted from the walls, floor and ceiling in front of her, forming into a wall of fire. Vasia spun around in place and saw the sword user standing and shaking the fire out of his cloak. He picked up his sword where he dropped it and started moving at Vasia. Vasia readied her daggers again, holding them crossed before her.

 

Vasia blocked three slashes of the sword and slashed back with a quick stroke. The man was able to dodge the blow by stepping back a little bit. Vasia saw the magic user’s hands begin to move rapidly. This did not bode well for Vasia. Whatever the magic user was beginning to cast was not going to be a good thing for Vasia.

 

Suddenly the magic user jerked violently once, and then twice. The wall of flame suddenly vanished and Vasia spun to see Ciran running at her, his bow was loaded with another arrow. He let loose the arrow and it flew at the magic user. This time the magic user raised his hands and was suddenly shielded in flame. The arrow struck the flame shield and burnt to a crisp. Ciran skidded to a stop and had another arrow loaded. He pulled the bowstring back and the entire bow glowed for a moment before he shot the arrow. This time the arrow pierced the flame shield and in an instant all the fire in the hallway vanished, save for the torch that was sitting on the ground now. Vasia’s opponent turned to look at his companion who was now lying on the ground, three arrows protruding from his body. The final one was stuck in his forehead.

 

“Hit the head, Vas,” Ciran yelled, he had another arrow nocked and loaded. He fired at the man who was still standing but the man deflected it with his sword. Vasia capitalized on this opportunity and stabbed one of her daggers into the man’s sword wrist. This caused him to drop his sword and Vasia gathered her chi into her free dagger and plunged it into the man’s forehead. It was gruesome but it seemed to do the trick as the man fell limply o the ground. Vasia took a step backwards and reached out a hand to the wall. The fight had taken a lot out of her and she was breathing very heavily.

 

“You alright?” Ciran asked Vasia. He had unstrung his bow and held out his free hand to her. She took it and steadied herself.

 

“I think so,” Vasia replied. She turned and looked at the two bodies on the floor. She then turned to the door that was dimly glowing in the darkness. Ciran kneeled down and picked up the torch from where it was dropped.

 

“What is that?” Ciran said, holding the torch up to the door. The door looked as plain as any other door, aside from the eerily magic glow that was surrounding it right now.

 

“I don’t know,” Vasia replied. She then remembered something. “Ciran, why are you here?” Ciran grinned and tapped his ear clip.

 

“Gluake gated me to the cemetery and told me you were in trouble. I see he was right. I can tell that you’ve never dealt with puppets.”

 

“Puppets?” Vasia asked, confused. Ciran kicked the body closest to him.

 

“The souls of imps imprisoned into bodies of magic,” Ciran explained. “It’s a type of demon summoning. Fortunately the demon’s power is always localized somewhere, and these two had it in their heads.”

 

“How did you tell that?”

 

“Magic runs in the family, a little bit of it anyway,” Ciran said. “I can see magic more then the average person. An imp’s power is hard to miss if you know what you’re looking for.”

 

“Then these things were summoned here?” Vasia asked. Ciran nodded.

 

“From whom though I don’t know,” Ciran said, squatting down to get a better look at the magic user’s body. The bodies suddenly vanished in a flash of light. The light messed up Vasia’s night vision. When she was able to see in the dark hallway again the door was also gone. Vasia moved over to the wall where the door was a moment ago and ran her fingers over it, trying to see if she noticed something.

 

“What was the door then?”

 

“I was hoping you knew,” Ciran admitted. “The door was magical, that’s for sure, but right now I can’t see anything where it was. Gluake, did you see that door just now?” Vasia watched as the ear clip flared red for a few moments. Ciran’s expressions gave away a look of confusion. “But, how did you know she was here?” There was another pause. “Then you saw nothing? That’s not right.”

 

“What’s not right?” Vasia asked, curious at the other side of the conversation.

 

“Gluake didn’t sense the imps, nor did he see a door at all,” Ciran said. Vasia became confused.

 

“Then how did he know that I was in trouble?”

 

“The magic fire. Imp Fire is extremely detectable. Gluake sensed you, the Imp Fire, and gated me here to deal with whatever was happening. He didn’t and still doesn’t see a door anywhere.” Something was not adding up correctly here. Vasia knew Ciran well enough to tell that his mind was also churning out the possibilities.

 

“I think we need to tell Lord Phaen about this,” Ciran said. He did not sound very enthused about the idea. After a moment of thinking, neither did Vasia.

 

“I’d say we should wait. I don’t know what kind of reaction he’ll have to you if you tell him exactly what happened. He doesn’t like me that much as it is.”

 

“You make a convincing point,” Ciran said with a grin to her. “But we should tell Kisean at least. Maybe he could make out more from this then we can. Gluake would you mind keeping this secret for at least a little while?” Ciran’s ear clip flashed red. “Thanks.”

 

“Can we leave then? I don’t like graveyards,” Vasia said.

 

“Neither do I, Lady Leather. Neither do I.”

 

* * *

[Orlan]

Ludia rode her horse into the midst of the battle. She had been ordered to try and take the opening in the wall that was made earlier that week and right now Ludia was fulfilling those orders. Five archaeons were now immersed in battle before the gaping hole in the outer wall of Agregra. They were met with heavy resistance from Agregra’s home guard. The wall was lined with magic users and Ludia had seen that a dozen of them were focusing their powers on simply maintaining a shield over the hole. Ludia was trying to find out a way to disable them.

 

She was not too deep in her thoughts that she missed the Agregra soldier who leapt at her, his sword held ready. Ludia’s Bless Blade was already in her hand as she swatted away the attack giving the soldier a slice down his arm. Before she could follow up he was off again. That was how all these battles had been fought. The home guard soldiers would take a strike at one person after another, trying not to get caught up in a one-on-one fight for any long period of time. It was a strange battle plan, but it was so far effective.

 

A ball of ice was lobbed from the walls at Ludia’s general direction. The paladin pulled back on her horse’s reins to stop her from moving and Ludia held her hand up at the ball of ice. She sent out a prayer to her goddess, Faowind, and was filled with a wonderful feeling of reverence when the goddess answered her prayer. Ludia released her power at the ice ball, halting it in midair. A moment later a fireball slammed into it, melting it into a tiny rain shower. Ludia glanced behind her and saw Rolien, one of the other mages in her archaeon, finish casting the fireball. A circle of six full-fledged paladins surrounded her mages at all times during battles. She had learned her lesson once with that. Another ball of ice soared through the air, this time meeting Coania’s magic that caused a shower of rain to fall on the fighting soldiers beneath the magic.

 

Suddenly Ludia heard a single ring of a bell, the tone very well known to her. Paladins had the ability to ring a bell that only other paladins would be able to hear. This tone was a tone of alarm. Ludia pulled her horse away from the skirmish around her and surveyed the field, trying to locate where the bell was rang. She saw a ghost of an image of a large white bell hovering over one of her Paladins, Wyein. Ludia saw that Wyein stood next to the slaughtered corpse of her horse and that the paladin was currently in battle with some large beast that Ludia had never seen before.

 

The beast looked like an enormous hunched over wolf. There was a huge hump on its back and it was missing patches of fur here and there. Ludia was sure that she saw missing patches of skin in some places as well. The beast was snapping its mighty dog-like maw at Wyein and the paladin was barely able to swat it away with her war mattock. Unfortunately she was not able to avoid being struck by the beast’s claw. The blow knocked Wyein senseless, slamming her hard into the ground.

 

Ludia sent out the prayer immediately and Faowind answered in kind. The beast was struck by a wave of power that Ludia sent out causing the beast to be knocked off from Wyein and blown back a few feet. Almost instantly the thing caught on fire. This was not a good sign since the flames were white in color. The beast was demonic; otherwise the holy fire would not be burning it. Ludia had no time to do anything about this since another of the beasts knocked her from her horse. Ludia easily rolled away from the beast’s claw and got to her feet. The beast snapped at her and Ludia leaned into the attack with her Bless Blade held before her.

 

When the blade came in contact with the beast it shone brightly, becoming engulfed in white-hot flame. The beast exploded into nothingness, tossing white fire everywhere. The fire fell upon Ludia but she was unaffected by the flames.

 

“R’Tearin!” Ludia shouted out. R’Tearin was always close by and came whenever she would call him. Sure enough, a moment later he was beside her, his enormous war hammer was rather bloodied. “These things are demon-spawn! Guard me while I rid ourselves of them!” R’Tearin, loyal as always, gave a salute and then crouched before Ludia in a defensive position.

 

Ludia stood straight up with her heels together and both hands grasping the hilt of her Bless Blade. The blade of the sword pointed up and she rested the blunt side of it against her forehead. She chanted the words of her prayer quietly but quickly. She knew when she left her body the demon-spawn would most likely set their attack on her. Regardless, she needed to do this.

 

Her spirit left her body with the final word the prayer. She immediately felt a pull upwards and began floating upwards to the heavens. She looked down at her body, now vacant. She had been correct in assuming the demon-spawn would be after her, for two immediately altered their courses and headed right at R’Tearin. Ludia felt a great swell of pride as she watched R’Tearin rally up another half dozen paladins to him with a single battle cry. R’Tearin held off the first two beasts while five others surrounded Ludia’s body in a star formation. The sixth paladin ran into the formation and stood back to back with Ludia’s body, chanting a prayer.

 

Ludia’s spirit soared higher and faster. The world around her started to blur into a bright light and for a moment it felt like she was floating in a sea of light. Then suddenly things came to an abrupt halt and Ludia stood before a beautiful woman with long golden hair. She sat upon a throne made out of pure light. Her face was warm, and homely. Ludia instantly felt at ease.

 

“Mother Faowind…” Ludia began. The goddess held up her flawless hand.

 

“I know why you are here, Gentle Ludia, and I grant your request.” Faowind smiled down onto Ludia and everything seemed right. Ludia felt power surging through her spirit, filling her to the brim. “May the faith keep you forever, my child.”

 

Things started rushing around her once again. This time Ludia could feel her spirit being pulled back to her body. It felt like she was slapped back into her body and her eyes opened immediately. The paladins around her were holding off the attacks from a slew of beasts. Ludia immediately placed all the power she was granted into her Bless Blade. The blade exploded in light and a wave of white flame erupted from Ludia and spread out in every direction in a ring around her. While the white flame passed harmlessly through any human, friend or foe, it immediately disintegrated any of the demon-spawn around.

 

This display of power also stopped the fighting for a moment as those in the battle were stunned by the show of power. Ludia heard the arrow too late to react, though. It struck her armor in the shoulder, where there joint was easily pierced through the single thin covering layer jamming itself into her shoulder. She fell with a yell and grasped her shoulder in pain. Her paladins reacted immediately. Two were over her, one of them with his hand on her forehead, easing away the pain, the other was inspecting the wound.

 

“I’m fine!” Ludia said angrily, waving her free arm. “Just get me back onto my horse.”

 

“No,” R’Tearin said. Ludia looked at him sharply. He looked like a stone pillar standing over her like he was.

 

“What?” Ludia asked, outraged.

 

“No,” R’Tearin repeated. “Captain,” he then added after a moment. “You’re wounded, and we don’t know how long those things will be gone for. Right now we’re retreating.” Without waiting for any response from Ludia, R’Tearin swung his war hammer at the air. Midway through his swing he struck something and then a loud bell rang. This tone was for retreating.

 

 

* * *

 

 

“They were demons,” Ciran said. “They looked, smelled, and died like demons. They were demons.” He and Lorathe stood before Lord Phaen and Ort, describing what had happened earlier that day when they repelled an attack. “They started attacking Avoil’s troops immediately, and then they started going after our troops as well.”

 

“But they attacked Avoil’s troops first, correct?” Phaen said. Ciran looked at him and then glanced at Lorathe. The sorceress had the same confused look on her face.

 

“Well, yes, but-”

 

“Then there is nothing to worry about,” Phaen said, a note of finality in his voice. Ciran stared for a moment. He did not get why Phaen just shrugged this off.

 

“But, My Lord, they were demons. It doesn’t matter if they attacked Avoil’s troops first.”

 

“I told you not to worry about it, Ciran,” Phaen said, his ire becoming more apparent. Ciran stood there with his mouth half open. Why could Phaen not see the big issue here? Demons had appeared, for ill or good, and that cannot be allowed to happen.

 

“But, My Lord!” Ciran protested.

 

“Ciran! One more and you’ll find yourself relieved from your position, is that clear?” Phaen had jumped out of his chair, his eyes seemed very wild and for an instant, he seemed not himself, in face or voice. Ciran still did not understand what was going on, but he knew he did not want to be on Phaen’s bad side right now. He simply bowed and turned on his heel, heading for the door. After a moment he heard Lorathe’s footsteps following him. When they left the room and shut the door Ciran looked up at Lorathe, her eyes betrayed her confusion.

 

“What was that?” Lorathe asked. Ciran shook his head.

 

“I don’t know, but something is wrong.” Ciran hoped that was not an understatement.

 

 

* * *

 

 

The arrow had a spade head to it so while it hurt coming out, it tore nothing. R’Tearin had done the honors of removing the arrow while Coania was summoned to help heal the wound. Now, at the orders of Ludia, they all left her and Coania alone in Ludia’s tent. Coania’s hands were glowing as he held them over the wound. Ludia could feel the magic working on her as the wound began closing itself. After a minute Coania removed her hands.

 

“It should be okay for now, though you’ll be a little stiff,” Coania said. She sat back on her heels and was silent for a moment. Ludia could tell the mage had something on her mind. “What were those, Ludia?”

 

“Demon-spawn,” Ludia replied, disgusted at even the word. She grunted as she sat up in her cot. Coania made no attempt to stop her from moving. “Obviously the mages of House Rhalir have resorted to demon summoning.” Ludia, being as devoted to her goddess as she was, abhorred demons and the demon-spawn. They represented the antithesis of everything a Paladin believed in. Plus they smelled horrid, and Ludia liked things clean.

 

“But, then why did the demon-spawn attack their own troops as well?” Coania asked. Ludia paused. She had not seen that happening, but then again she did not pause to think about that. She shook the thought off. They simply were not good at summoning demons properly.

 

“Demon-spawn are cunning in their own right,” Ludia said. “And they take pleasure in the pain of others, regardless of who they are.” Coania looked unconvinced. Ludia would normally dismiss the small girl’s worries since Coania had a tendency to overreact yet something about how Coania was reacting now was different. In the end, Ludia decided to put some more faith in Coania’s opinion on this matter. “I’ll keep my eyes and ears open next time. Maybe something is happening.” Coania smiled up at Ludia.

 

Ludia suddenly felt sick. She swayed side to side once and then leaned forward over her knees. She knew what this feeling was: an immense magical spell was being cast. Ludia was sensitive to the magics, and would become ill if some was used in her direct vicinity. She had trained herself to be able to ignore it in most cases since it was only a slight ache for most average spells. This magic sickness was one of the reasons she chose to become a Paladin. Holy power and magic were completely different, at least to her. Yet, with how sick she was right now, something massive was being cast.

 

“What was that?” Ludia asked, putting a hand on Coania’s shoulder for support as she tried to stand. If Ludia had felt it, Coania most definitely felt it.

 

“It’s summoning magic,” Coania said as she helped Ludia steady herself. “And it’s big.” Ludia felt queasy the moment she stood up, but the urgency of Coania’s voice let her push past the pain. Using her hand to push off of Coania she made her way outside of the tent, pausing only to pick up her treasured Bless Blade. Her armor would just take too long to put on so she went out in her under tunic and breeches.

Outside the tent it became apparent where the disturbance was coming from. Hovering above the mage’s camp was a magic circle. It was glowing bright red and was slowly rotating. From Ludia’s tent she had a vantage point down onto the mage’s camp. Ludia was shocked to see that most of the mages of the entire army were down there. Directly below the magic circle was a ring of mages, all had their hands raised in the air and their eyes closed. Ludia felt sick with the amount of magic in the air but her training helped her through.

 

“What are they summoning?” Ludia asked Coania. Ludia noticed that all the soldiers and workers around her were all gawking at the same thing.

 

“I don’t know. It looks like an elemental but it’s somehow different then what I’m used to seeing.” Ludia looked over to see that Coania had her hand up to try and shield her eyes from the sun and get a better look at the circle. Suddenly the circle began rotating faster and faster. It became so fast that it blurred from a circle into a disc of red light, and then it started floating towards the ground.

 

Ludia had learned enough from Coania to know that a magic circle of that caliber could only be a doorway, and as it floated towards the ground something was coming through that doorway. The shape became apparent after not too long. It was human shaped; yet it looked like it was going to be twice the height of the city walls. However, whatever was coming through the doorway was a being of fire since flames cracked and popped and flared up all over its body.

 

“I think you’re right, that looks like an elemental,” Ludia said, glancing at Coania. When she looked at Coania though, the mage did not have a promising look on her face. Her hands were cupped over her face and here eyes were wide in horror. “Coania? Coania?!” Ludia put her hand on the girl’s shoulder. Coania gave a loud gasp.

 

“That’s not an elemental,” Coania in a small voice. Ludia was suddenly aware of the golden glow that surrounded the mage’s glasses. “That’s a demon.”

 

“What?” Ludia said.

 

“It’s masquerading as a elemental, but it has the same magical aura of those demon-spawn from earlier, only more powerful.”

 

“But shouldn’t someone down there be able to know that? And I thought you said it was an elemental summoning circle.”

 

“I said it looked like one, but it was different, and I’m sure no one is looking at it through my perspective,” Coania said, turning to face Ludia. Ludia saw that the glow was not from the girl’s glasses but rather from her eyes. The paladin knew that chances were no one down there was able to see what Coania could see even if they tried. Sometimes Coania could surprise everyone.

 

“Are you positive that it’s a demon?” Ludia asked. She was unsure of what to do.

 

“I’m sure,” Coania said. “And that means that the demon summoned was unrestrained.” Ludia did not need to hear anymore than that. An unrestrained demon was unforgivable for its terror would be unimaginable. Ludia drew her Bless Blade and slashed at the air in front of her. The Bless Blade struck the bell she formed and it rang with several tones of alarm. With that she took off at a full run, aiming right for the magic circle.

 

The disc continued to fall down, slowly getting closer to the ground. Ludia was rushing her way through the various gawking soldiers, shouting orders now and then to those she recognized. She had to try and get to Ma’aten to stop him from finishing the spell, but when she looked up again, she realized that it was too late. The disc made contact with the ground and everything shook, Ludia had to stop herself so she could remain on her own feet.

 

The moment the circle hit the ground the demon came alive. It raised its claws of flame into the air and let out a painful roar. Ludia looked back down at the circle of mages, and from where she was she could make out Ma’aten chanting and moving his hands quickly. She set off in a run again aiming right at the fat mage.

 

The demon held out one claw of fire before itself and opened it up. A ball of fire appeared and when the thing closed its claw the ball of fire became a staff of flame. One end of it became bloated and then the blade of a scythe popped out of the end. The demon turned its scythe upright and slammed the butt end of it into the ground. The mage under it had no time to even blink. Several of the mages around him broke from their concentration and turned to gawk at their fallen comrade.

 

“Don’t break concentration!” Ludia heard Ma’aten shout out over the commotion. Any gawkers that were not involved began to rapidly move away from the circle of mages. This caused Ludia to avoid getting barreled over by the mob. When Ludia was finally able to get away from the mob she watched all the mages as they all turned at once, facing the wall. She felt sick again as a wave of magic washed over her. She assumed that the mages were trying to move the demon towards the wall. The demon turned once to look at the wall and then turned back to look down upon Ma’aten.

 

Ludia watched as the demon raised its scythe into the air. Its target was clear. Ludia was torn for an instant, thinking that maybe Ma’aten was better off dead, then her vows as a Paladin won over her, and she was bounding at the fat idiot. Ludia prayed to Faowind, this time asking for both her power and her blessing.

 

A sudden thought sprung into her head, and she became worried that if this was not a demon, if it really was an elemental, she would not be able to stop it. She decided to gamble on Coania’s skills and a moment later she was in front of Ma’aten as the demon swung down its scythe. Ludia drew her sword and raised it to meet the enormous blade was that hurtling down at her.

 

The blades struck with a mighty clang and Ludia was shocked for an instant to find herself still in one piece and not obliterated. Her Bless Blade was roaring with white flame, an audible scream of metal on metal was heard. For just an instant Ludia saw the flame of the scythe blade get blow back a tiny bit by her holy fire and reveal a blade made of bone. Coania was right, this thing was a demon.

 

“Ludia! What the hell are you doing?!” Ma’aten shouted out. Ludia did not respond to him but continued to try and fend off the scythe which was quickly becoming heavier and heavier. “I had this under control!” Ludia would have laughed had she the breath. The truth was that she was too afraid to breath because she might stumble and let the demon break through.

 

The demon lifted its scythe once again into the air. The sudden movement made Ludia fall forward. She got a knee under herself and was able to see the scythe coming roaring back down on her. She sent her prayer to Faowind with all the urgency she could muster, and the goddess once again responded in kind. Power flowed through her and Ludia immediately formed a shield around her and those by her.

 

The scythe struck the shield and once again holy fire roared up to meet it. The two powers were soon evenly matched, neither giving ground to the other. Ludia was in excruciating pain right now. Her muscles were aching and her vision was beginning to blur. The combination of queasiness from the magic around her and exhaustion from the amount of power she was putting into the shield were beginning to win over her. Ma’aten was shouting something at Ludia but she could not hear him, though she figured he was not going to be of any help.

 

Ludia dropped her other knee to the ground. She was positive she was not going to be able to walk for a while, her legs felt like they were no longer even there. She held her hands up, trying to keep the power flowing into the shield. The demon was not wavering at all, though, and Ludia was forced to face the truth. She was not going to be able to survive this.

 

Ludia collapsed, the shield fell and Ludia watched the scythe fall down on her. It stopped a foot from her face. Ludia was too weak to so anything but look up at it. She wondered why it stopped, and then she wondered if she was dead and this was just an aftereffect. The demon lifted the mighty scythe and held it upright. Pausing a moment it turned and started its trek towards the walls of Agregra. Ludia had enough strength left to tilt her head to the side and watch it walk away.

 

The demon twitched a little bit. At least Ludia thought it was a twitch. A moment later she saw a ball of fire fly from the back of the demon and soar through the air. Its target was obvious, yet with no strength in her body she could do nothing but watch. The ball of fire flew unmolested, landing right on top of her. Her whole body erupted in flame. She let loose a scream she did not even know she was able to achieve. It felt like every part of her body was filled with pain. Then she felt nothing.

 

 

* * *

 

 

Ciran and Kisean stood staring in wide-eyed shock as the giant being of fire turned and started walking towards the city. Kisean still had bandages on his chest and, despite Ciran’s urgings, was up and about. Ciran realized that if they had to fight that giant that Kisean would probably get killed.

 

“This does not look very good,” Kisean said.

 

“No, no it doesn’t,” Ciran agreed.

 

“What is that?” Kisean asked.

 

“I have no idea,” Ciran said. “Gluake?”

 

“From what’s been described it sounds like an elder fire elemental, but I can’t tell for sure until it comes in contact with the wall,” Gluake replied. “I don’t want to spirit walk to find out for sure since I’ll need to pour most of my energy into stopping whatever it is.”

 

“I’d rather not wait until it reaches the wall,” Kisean replied.

 

“You’re still not in the best shape,” Gluake reminded Kisean. Ciran nodded to add his agreement with Gluake.

 

“Well we need to do something to try and stop it,” Kisean said.

 

“Lorathe’s magic would not be enough, and it’ll take too long to muster up enough extra sorcerers to air her,” Gluake said. Ciran sighed.

 

“There’s always another option,” Ciran said. Kisean turned and looked at him confused for a moment. Ciran patted his bow.

 

“You’re not serious,” Kisean said, his mouth hanging open a little. Ciran nodded. With Rummtier he would be able to at least slow the thing for a long enough time that Lorathe could put up some defense. “You are serious.” Kisean swore for a few seconds and then looked back at Ciran.

 

“You’re the leader of us, I’m not going to do this without your say-so,” Ciran said. His old friend turned and looked from the fire being to Ciran and back again.

 

“Fine, dammit,” Kisean said. “Gluake, get Lorathe here, but tell her to wait for Ciran to act.”

 

“You’re not going to do what I think you’re going to do, are you?” Gluake replied. “He’ll be out for a few days.”

 

“We have little other choice,” Kisean said. He turned to look at Ciran. “Where do you need to be?” Ciran had to be fairly high up to be able to shoot the fire elemental. He turned around and looked over the city once, noting one of the sight towers was fairly close by, and was high enough for a clean shot.

 

“There,” Ciran said pointing at the tower. Kisean turned from the elemental to the tower and back.

 

“Fine, get on my back,” Kisean said a little reluctantly. Ciran knew Kisean did not like this method of traveling but Ciran would not be able to get to the tower in time otherwise. Ciran climbed on Kisean’s back and wrapped his arms around his friend’s neck. Ciran did not really care for this method of travel either.

 

Kisean took a running start and jumped from the top of the outer wall. He cleared the inner wall and slammed into the ground. Without a pause he took off running at his full speed down the street. Things blurred by Ciran as Kisean ran by people and buildings. The tower rapidly became more prominent and when they were almost there Kisean leapt again. This time he jumped to the side of a building and then used that as point to jump at the tower. For Kisean it was no problem to make the distance. A moment later they had made it to the top of the tower.

 

“Is it just me or does it look angry?” Ciran said as he slipped his bow off. Kisean took a good hard look at the monster coming at them.

 

“It’s angry,” Kisean said. Ciran took off the quiver of arrows he wore on his back and set it on the ground. He walked over to the edge of the tower and hopped up onto the ledge. Fortunately it was wide enough to stand on. Ciran stood staring at the behemoth that was coming at the city.

 

“This might knock me out for a week or so,” Ciran said. “I’ll have to put as much power into this as I can, otherwise I doubt I can dent it.” Kisean sighed.

 

“We have little choice,” Kisean said. Ciran reached out his hand and gather the small amount of magic that he possessed into his hand. The hand started to glow. With the other hand he held up Rummtier before him while he lifted the hand surrounded by the green glow and held it out to his side. Using a Soul Arrow was an arduous event. Ciran had read it in a magical tome that Gluake had come across and found out that he had just enough magical ability to make use of the spell.

 

The one problem that Ciran had with using the Soul Arrow was the fact that the spell drew upon all the strength of the caster. The few times before when Ciran had used the spell he had been asleep for three days afterwards. Yet those times he never put all of his strength into the spell. This time was way different.

Ciran reached his glowing hand into the imaginary quiver floating at his side. He pulled out a long arrow that was glowing as green as his hand. He nocked the arrow in Rummtier. The entire bow took on the green glow and then it was transferred over to Ciran’s body as well. The Soul Arrow was a rarely used spell for the single reason that it sucked all the life out of a user but did not return enough of an attack to be worth using.

 

The reason Ciran was able to use it more effectively was because of Rummtier. Rummtier acted as an amplifier and increased the strength of the spell by an obscene amount. While Ciran’s magic abilities were lacking in strength when he used Rummtier he was on par in skill with many sorcerers. Ciran always thought it was a shame that there were not enough spells that utilized a bow.

Ciran started feeding his energy into the Soul Arrow. He could feel himself become more tired yet he fought hard to keep himself awake. He looked out and the behemoth monster was a few steps from the wall and already raising up its scythe to strike at the. The arrow became more volatile all of a sudden, as if it was approaching the limit that could be put into it.

 

“Gluake, if you can spare anything it’d be appreciated,” Ciran whispered. Gluake apparently was able to hear because a moment later Ciran felt a small surge of power flowing into him. It was not a lot, but it was enough to push the arrow to its limit. Ciran steadied his aim on the chest of the fire elemental and let loose the arrow.

 

The arrow took off at an unbelievable speed. It left a streak of green power behind it as it flew, looking like a shooting star in the night sky. Ciran’s aim was true as the arrow slammed into the fire elemental’s chest. Nothing happened for a moment. The fire elemental paused, most likely unsure of what just happened. It tilted its head down, looking as if it was inspecting the damage to its chest. When it looked down its chest erupted in green sparks. The green sparks quickly gathered together and became something akin to water and then began to circle around the fire elemental’s body.

 

With the fire elemental’s size it was not able to move fast enough to avoid becoming trapped within a prison of green liquid. The green liquid formed a box around the fire elemental, and then slowly began to collapse upon itself. Ciran was able to see the fire elemental struggling from within its prison. The fire elemental slammed one if its clawed hands against the side. The first few times it was stopped but the next time it broke through the green a little bit. Ciran was shocked to see the fire elemental’s hand was that of a giant skeleton, all bone.

 

That was the only revelation he was able to have since the power of the Soul Arrow soon overcame whatever was inside, and increased the speed it was collapsing upon itself. It became half the original size it had been and then Ciran hit the limit of his remaining strength and passed out.

 

* * *

[Orlan]

Ludia awoke with a start. Her hands immediately started patting all over her body to get rid of the flames that burned her body. It took her a moment to realize that she was not on fire, and that she was not where she used to be. A look around told her that she was in her own tent, which confused her. The last thing she remembered was the demon dropping a ball of fire on her, and then the pain of her entire body burning had blinded her. By all accounts, she should be dead.

 

The aches that ran through her body told her that she was indeed still alive. She became woozy for a moment and then shook it off. Her body was sore all over; it even hurt to breath. She looked down on her hands. The skin was scarred lightly here and there but it was not as bad as it should have been. She put her hand to her chest and found that her entire torso was wrapped in bandages. She then checked the rest of her body and her arms and legs were also wrapped in bandages. The bandages felt cool and soothing next to her skin. She raised her hands and touched them to her face carefully, a little afraid of what she would find.

 

Her face felt the same, which was good. She reached under her cot and grabbed a mirror that she knew was always there and raised it to face herself. Her face seemed the same, maybe even better then before. She was shocked to see that she looked a little younger then before. Her hair cascaded over her shoulders, as full and rich as ever. Unfortunately this only confused her more.

 

A soft sigh and some movement caught her attention. She turned and looked down to the side of the cot and saw Coania sleeping there. The mage was curled up in a tight ball, goose bumps on her arms giving away how cold she was. Her glasses were askew on her face, as if she had fallen asleep with them on. She was sighing softly with each breath. Ludia leaned over and placed a hand on Coania’s shoulder.

 

“Coania…” she said with a gentle shake. The mage made no response for a moment, but then began to blink herself awake. Coania turned and looked up at Ludia, squinting her eyes as if she was unsure of what was happening.

 

“Ludia?” she said in a confused little voice. It seemed as if everything suddenly dawned on her and she immediately shot up and leapt at Ludia, wrapping her arms around the paladin and immediately sobbing into her chest. “Oh Ludia! You’re all right! You’re alive! He kept saying that you’d wake up but it kept getting later and later and I was beginning to lose hope but it’s true! You’re alive!”

 

Ludia did not react at first; the barrage of emotion from Coania caught her completely off guard. She then resolved to return the hug, rubbing the girl on the back. Coania kept talking rapidly but things became muffled and unintelligible as the girl began sobbing more and more. Ludia decided if she wanted to get any information on what happened she needed to get Coania to become more coherent.

 

“Coania,” Ludia said. The mage made no indication that she heard her. “Coania!” Ludia shouted. This time Coania looked up at her. Her face was beet red from all the crying and her eyes were filled with tears. “Coania I need you to get a hold of yourself for a moment. I need to find out what happened.” Coania sniffled and stared back confused before letting go of Ludia and sitting back onto her heels. Ludia found that she was a little saddened that she was no longer being hugged. “Now, what happened to the demon?” Ludia asked the first question that came to her mind.

 

“It was defeated by the city of Agregra,” Coania said. Ludia’s eyes went wide.

 

“How much damage did it end up doing to the city?”

 

“None, they defeated it before it could attack.”

 

“How?” Ludia asked with a dropped jaw.

 

“I can really say, I only caught a glimpse of it since we were rushing you to your tent but it looked like it became trapped in a prison of magic that just kept collapsing upon itself until it was destroyed.” Coania sniffled once and wiped her eyes and nose on her sleeve.

 

“Alright, maybe I can ask someone else later,” Ludia said. She made a note to ask her other mages later and see what they know about what happened. “Now, what happened to me? The last thing I remembered was the ball of fire landing on me, and then everything blacked out.” Coania suddenly became silent and bowed her head down, sniffling even louder. “Coania?”

 

“It’s my fault,” the mage said, the oncoming tears no longer of happiness. “I tried to stop the ball from falling on you but it cut through my magic shield like it was a cobweb. It’s all because I wasn’t strong enough that you were injured.” That was as far as she was able to get since she started crying once again. Ludia felt sorry for the girl, she was obviously being hasher on herself then she should have been. Ludia slid off of the cot onto the ground next to Coania. She put an arm around the crying girl’s shoulder.

 

“I’m sure it’s not your fault, Coania,” Ludia said in a soothing voice. “A demon’s power is far beyond that of the normal individual. It was not your fault that I was hurt, it was all my own. Only I can make the decision of what I do, and I accept the responsibility.” Coania’s sniffling subsided a little bit as she lifted her head to look at Ludia. The paladin felt a great deal of pity for the mage. She was meek when it came to fully using her powers. This failure when she tried to use all her powers might shy her away from ever using them at full power again. “Now, I need to know what happened after the ball of fire hit me.” Coania wiped away her tears again.

 

“Captain Donaxon saved you,” Coania said. Ludia had trouble swallowing for a moment. At first she refused to believe that Donaxon had saved her; she had accused him of being a fraud and a liar earlier. She did admit that someone had to have saved her, and she had to find out whom.

 

“How?” Ludia asked.

 

“When the fire hit I heard your screams and started to run into the fire to try and help you.” Ludia resisted the urge to chide the girl for doing something so stupid. “Before I could get there Captain Donaxon was next to me and he swatted me back. I then watched him disappear in an instant into the flames. A moment later the flames exploded upward and vanished. Donaxon stood there holding you in his arms. Your body was badly burned and both your clothes and your hair had been incinerated. He looked from you to the demon for a moment and then swore a little and turned back to me. He told me we needed to get you to your tent immediately.”

 

“Was Donaxon hurt?” Ludia interjected. Coania shook her head.

 

“No, he seemed fine. We got you back to your tent and Captain Donaxon got some sort of liquid from his tent. He had me dip bandages in them and then wrapped your entire body in them, from head to toe. He then had me start to try and heal you. I did what he told me but I could not fix the damage done to you by what Captain Donaxon called ‘death fire.’” Ludia resisted the gasp that formed in her throat. Death fire should have instantly destroyed them both. “He told me it was all right, that I just needed to start the healing process. The he put his hand over your heart and closed his eyes. I couldn’t feel or see anything but a moment later the opened his eyes back up and said you’d recover. He told us to have a mage by your side at all times, and Rolien, Maya, Helm, Ailee and myself took turns watching over you.” Ludia recognized the list of names as the mages that were assigned to her archaeon.

 

“You said I was burned badly and my hair was gone?” Ludia asked. Coania nodded. “Why do I look like this?” she asked, touching her full head of hair.

 

“Captain Donaxon returned a few days later and removed the bandages over your head and hands. When he did the burns were gone, your face was clean and your hair had begun to grow back. Since then your hair grew a few inches each day until it became as long as it had been. But, you still would not wake.”

 

“How long have I been out?” Ludia asked.

 

“About ten days,” Coania said. Ludia gawked at Coania.

 

“Ten days?” Ludia repeated.

 

“Captain Donaxon said the liquid he dipped your bandages in would help reconstruct your body but it would take all your energy to do it so you would not wake up for a while, but I was scared after you were out for a week. I didn’t know if you were going to wake up at all, regardless of the fact that you were looking better each day.” Coania had to stop for a moment since she began tearing up again.

 

Ludia slid off of her knees and her backside landed on the floor with a plop. The only reason she did not fall completely over was that she was able to get her hand under her to steady her. She could not believe that she had been asleep for the past ten days. An entire week and a half was gone. An immediate worry came over her.

 

“Who’s been leading my archaeon?” Ludia asked Coania.

 

“R’Tearin has been in command, but Captain Donaxon requested that the archaeon be put on hiatus until you were able to lead it into battle again. I think Lord Avoil agreed to it since we have not been called up for any of the battles lately.” Ludia did not know what to make of Donaxon right now. She was torn between anger at his presumptuous attitude about running her archaeon and gratitude that he did not let anyone else lead her archaeon into battle. R’Tearin was a great soldier but she was very selfish about her archaeon.

 

“How many battles have there been?” Ludia pressed from Coania.

 

“A fair bit, Lord Avoil has been ordering more and more lately,” Coania said. “We mages are getting used often and the wear is starting to show on us all.” Ludia needed to get better answers, but she did not know where to get them. Coania cared little for the upper politics of it all. Ludia needed to know from someone involved, but only one person came to mind.

 

“Where’s Donaxon now?” Ludia asked suddenly.

 

“He went to see Lord Avoil,” Coania replied. Ludia helped herself to he feet with some serious effort. Coania stood up to help her stand.

 

“Get me some clothes I can pull over these bandages, I want to go see Donaxon,” Ludia said.

 

 

* * *

 

 

Donaxon stopped when he heard the voice on the other side of the tent flap. He was a little surprised to find no one guarding Avoil’s tent tonight, but Avoil had been acting differently lately. The voice proved it since it was Avoil’s, agitated and erratic. Donaxon could not make out some mumblings, but he did distinctly hear one thing.

 

“If he thinks he’ll keep me from it, he’s a fool,” Avoil said loudly. Donaxon was leaning forward more to try and get a better listen when a Wreit came up behind him. Donaxon was not surprised at the appearance.

 

“Captain Donaxon?” Wreit asked. Donaxon turned and smiled down on the advisor.

 

“You were looking for me?” Donaxon said. He had come to Avoil’s tent in response to a summons that Wreit had put out. He was working on Ludia when the runner found him. Coania was already out when he had gotten to the tent and he did not think she needed to be woken up from her slumber.

 

“Ah yes, I had gone to your tent to see if I could find you,” Wreit said.

 

“I was at Captain Ludia’s tent,” Donaxon replied. Wreit’s eyes gave away his amazement. He obviously thought that Donaxon did not care about what happened to Ludia. People underestimated Donaxon and great deal of the time.

 

“Ah,” Wreit said, a little lost for words right then. He finally was able to get his act back together after a moment. “Yes, Lord Avoil had requested your appearance, follow me.” Wreit opened up the tent flap and walked in with Donaxon a step behind him. Donaxon waited in the same place he was forced to wait when he first met Avoil as Wreit went in to announce Donaxon. A moment later his voice called to Donaxon. “Come, Captain Donaxon.”

 

Donaxon was only mildly surprised at what he saw when he entered the larger meeting part of the tent. Avoil looked as disheveled as he had sounded a moment earlier. Though it was hard to notice for the average person it was painfully obvious to Donaxon that Avoil was not in good shape. The once proud lord was now hunched over in his chair. His hair was a little more unkempt and his goatee was no longer so nearly trimmed. The dark circles that were beginning to form under his eyes hinted that the lord was starting to struggle with bouts of insomnia. Even as Donaxon shifted his eyes through the spectrums he saw much the same thing.

 

“Ah Captain Donaxon, just the man I wanted to see,” Avoil said. Though his body seemed to be at the edge of faltering, his voice was crisp and clear as always. “I need a favor from you.”

 

“Ask away,” Donaxon said. He did not think that omitting the titles would be that bad. He was right, neither Avoil nor Wreit said anything. This gave Donaxon another indication of how preoccupied both of them were: Wreit with Avoil’s health and Avoil with something completely different.

 

“This fighting has gone on with enough problems for both sides,” Avoil began. “We need to see if we can come to a compromise, yet I don’t see anyway to do this face to face with Phaen. He and I share an old, old animosity. I think we could do more good if we had mediators, someone we could talk to that would find the best solution to our problem.”

 

“You’re going to ask the queen for help then?” Donaxon asked, a little surprised at the thought.

 

“No, no,” Avoil said, waving his hand off with a little laugh. “The queen is just a girl, she would be of little help to us. I see no need to get her involved in this at all. Besides, if she gets involved you can be sure that she’ll have that Royal Sorceress of hers running both our houses in our stead. The last thing I want is to have to deal with Mellara.” Donaxon wondered about that remark. Mellara was reportedly one of the most tactile minds in the entire four kingdoms. If Avoil wanted a mediator he would find none better.

 

“What I want is to offer Phaen to send forth a mediator of his own, and they will talk with our mediator to see if we would be able to come to some sort of agreement about this whole matter.” Avoil seemed pleased with his idea, which confused Donaxon because the monk thought it was utterly stupid. Why would he be offering this at this point, Donaxon wondered. Something did not add up.

 

“And who would be your mediator?” Donaxon asked.

 

“Ma’aten,” Avoil replied. Donaxon nearly choked when that came out.

 

“Ma’aten?” Donaxon asked.

 

“Yes, Ma’aten. He can effectively represent the entire House of Zolan in this,” Avoil said. Now Donaxon knew something was not right. Ma’aten did not even understand what the phrase “interests of others” meant. Something did not smell right and Donaxon decided to give himself a failsafe.

 

“I don’t think that Phaen will be likely to give into your suggestion. I assume you want me to deliver this suggestion then?” Donaxon said.

 

“That is right, we have learned that even though you work for me, they think highly of you for your noble actions when you fought their home guard leader, Kisean.”

 

“Where did you learn this?”

 

“From those we captured, of course,” Avoil said. And tortured, Donaxon put in silently. Something was definitely not right.

 

“Of course, but how do I get them to trust me?” Donaxon asked, fishing for something.

 

“I’m sure just your word would be enough,” Avoil said, a smile across his face. Avoil had erred exactly as Donaxon had wanted him. Donaxon responded with his own smile.

 

“I will immediately carry out your orders, Lord Avoil.”

 

 

* * *

 

 

Lorathe pointed him out to Ciran as he was nearing the castle wall. Ciran immediately halted any arrows that had been nocked. Both Lorathe and Ciran knew that arrows would be a waste on this one. The big man took meaningful strides as he approached the wall where Lorathe and Ciran were. Ciran could see Lorathe gathering magic all around her, puffing up like a peacock to try and scare the big man. Ciran just wondered if it was all for a waste. If the man were not a mage he would not be able to see any of it. The big man stopped within speaking distance and looked up at Lorathe and Ciran.

 

“Good day,” he said in a calm voice.

 

“The same to you,” Ciran replied. “May I help you with something today?” Ciran figured being civil was the best choice. Every encounter with this man had been honorable so far; Ciran figured the man deserved the benefit of the doubt.

 

“I bring news from Lord Avoil, Ruler of the House of Zolan,” he said.

 

“As far as I know, no news from Avoil is good news,” Ciran said. To his surprise the big man grinned a bit at that joke.

 

“True enough, yet this may be a rare occasion that proves that wrong. Lord Avoil requests that a mediator be sent out who will keep the interests of both houses in the highest regard. They will be welcomed to a mediation wherein both sides can find an ending to this siege.” Ciran wondered about this. He did not seem to understand why Avoil would go to the trouble of sieging Agregra if it could have been solved with a mediator in the first place. He still did not even know what the purpose of the siege even was.

 

“You’ll understand if I seem less then enthused about proposing this to Lord Phaen,” Ciran said. The big man smiled and nodded, spreading his arms wide apart in a gesture of openness.

 

“And that is why I have been ordered to guarantee the safety of those who heed this call,” the big man said.

 

“Ordered? That sounds like he plans on using you.”

 

“True again,” the big man said. His face looked up at Ciran and became very serious. Ciran got a chill down his back and fought hard to keep it from affecting his posture.

 

“I swear that whomever steps from your gates with the intention of mediation will come to no harm so long as I am alive.” Ciran immediately knew that to be the truth. The big man had stopped short of killing Kisean, and had saved the lives of others in the same fashion. He seemed to never fight to the death, always preserving life in all the skirmishes he was a part of. Kisean had even said he would trust the man for a fair fight if they met again. Vasia had said to be wary of men like that, that they usually had other agendas at hand. Ciran pushed that thought aside, how could Vasia know if she had never even seen the man. Ciran decided to put faith in the big man.

 

“I will rely that information to Lord Phaen,” Ciran said.

 

“That is all I ask,” the big man said with a bow. With no other words he spun on his foot and started back towards the camp. When he was out of earshot Lorathe let go of the power around her and turned to Ciran with an amused look on her face.

 

“Good job, genius, you didn’t even ask his name,” she said, shaking her head at the archer. Ciran opened his mouth to retort but was stopped short. She was right.

 

“Damn…” Ciran said.

 

 

* * *

 

 

“Ridiculous!” Phaen roared, slamming his hand onto the table. “Avoil is an idiot to think that I would do something so moronic when it’s clear the battles have all been in our favor.”

 

“They have not all been in our favor, my lord,” Ort said. “We have lost many men over the past week to their constant attacks.”

 

“We have plenty more in the city to fill those ranks,” Phaen said. Kisean clenched his fist around his halberd. He had heard those words out of Phaen far too often lately. Something was wrong right now. This siege was having a horribly negative effect on Phaen.

 

“But, my lord, maybe we should send out a mediator to see what Avoil wants?” Ort said.

 

“I know what Avoil wants and he’ll never get it, I will refuse him until the end of time if I must.” Phaen’s voice was getting louder and he was spitting more when he yelled.

 

“But-” Ort began. Phaen reached over and put his hand on the advisor’s arm.

 

“No, Ort,” Phaen said, his voice again low and soothing. The change from the yelling a moment ago felt wrong with Kisean. Ort immediately bowed his head.

 

“Of course, my lord,” Ort said, immediately cowed. Kisean spoke up.

 

“I think Ort has a point, my lord,” Kisean said. Ciran, Grol and Lorathe all turned to him. Ciran agreed with him, Kisean saw it in the archer’s eyes. Lorathe was still torn, as was Grol. Phaen did not like to have his orders questioned and that was exactly what Kisean was doing. To all their surprises Phaen did not yell.

 

“Fine,” he said standing up. “Then one of you go out and mediate with that idiot. Yet refuse everything he offers or when you return I will put you on the rack. Obviously there is some malcontention in the ranks if you feel we should go the coward’s way out and offer peace in a battle we are winning. Now go!” Phaen pointed to the door.

 

Kisean wasted no time in leaving the room. The actions he had just seen were not that of any sane man. Something was not right with all of this, and Kisean needed to get answers.

 

“Do you think it was worth it to bring down his anger on you, Kisean?” Lorathe asked. The four captains of the home guard walked down the hall in a diamond formation with Kisean in the lead and Ciran taking up the rear. The other three had to hurry to keep up with Kisean.

 

“There is something wrong, and I intend to find out what that is,” Kisean said. “We need to get someone into Avoil’s camp and to see what all this is about.”

 

“You need someone who knows what they’re doing then,” Grol said with a grunt. “Were are you going to find someone like that? Ort is the only person I can think of and he cowed up instantly.”

 

“Not, Ort, someone better,” Kisean replied.

 

“Who?” Lorathe asked.

 

“Who?” Grol echoed. Kisean suddenly stopped and turned to Ciran. The leader of the home guard had a grin across his face as he looked at his old friend. Ciran laughed once and shook his head.

 

“Vas,” Ciran said, supplying the name.

 

“Vas,” Kisean said nodding.

 

 

* * *

 

 

Kisean waited at the side gate with Ciran and Lorathe. Kisean wore his bracers and they reflected the light from the full moon above them. They had sent an arrow to the camp, magically shot there with Ciran’s bow since a normal arrow would never make it, with instructions on when they would arrive. A response came back with a runner saying an escort would arrive at the scheduled time. Kisean’s halberd was laced between the back of his neck and his arms and he waited impatiently. He had donned a magical breastplate he was given by Phaen many years ago in response to his excellent service to the House of Rhalir. It was a good breastplate but was more for ornamental value then anything else.

 

“You look highly intimidating,” Ciran noted.

 

“I feel like an idiot,” Kisean grumbled. “I hate this thing.”

 

“Your own damn fault,” Ciran reminded him. “Vasia only agreed to do this if you were there to protect her.”

 

“I know, I know,” Kisean said. It had taken a lot of convincing to get Vasia to agree to this. She was not enthused about this plan, regardless of how much Kisean assured her she would be fine. It came down to two things in the end: Kisean was to guard her and she was to get an ear clip to Gluake. Ciran was more then happy to oblige her on both, much to Kisean’s chagrin.

 

“Will the ear clips even reach out there?” Kisean asked Ciran.

 

“That they will,” Gluake supplied the answer. Kisean grumbled silently. “Don’t fuss, it’s your idea, remember?”

 

“Sometimes I wish I could forget but you all seem to want to jam it down my throat,” Kisean said.

 

“Your mediator is here,” Lorathe interrupted the bickering. Kisean turned to see Vasia walking down the road, a short, thin man at her side. The man was inconsequential when Kisean saw what Vasia was wearing. Vasia was wrapped in a leather dress that dropped to her ankles with slits up the sides to her waist freeing her long, leather-wrapped legs. The top was a form-fitting bodice that seemed to lack fabric down the middle, showing off more skin then most women could even imagine showing. She had her hair tied up to keep it out of the way of the leather straps that were holding the bodice up around her neck. Kisean could not help but stare.

 

“You still sure about this, Ma’am?” the man at Vasia’s side asked.

 

“I’ll be fine, Litlo,” Vasia replied. She tapped the side of her leather boots that came up to mid thigh. “I have my daggers handy at all times. Besides,” she looked up at Kisean and flashed him a gorgeous smile. “I have the strongest man in the city as my own personal protector. I have nothing to worry about.” Kisen was frozen with his jaw open. Ciran smacked him on the back and gave him a big grin.

 

“Lucky bastard,” he said. He removed his ear clip and walked over to Vasia. “Nice breasts,” he said taking his time to look over the ample cleavage that was shown off.

 

“You like them?” Vasia said, posing with a little girl giggle. “They’re a bit cumbersome when fighting but I’ve learned to make due with them.”

 

“But of course, Lady Leather,” Ciran said with a laugh. He handed her his ear clip and she snapped it to her ear. She then turned to Litlo at her side.

 

“You know what to do should anything happen,” Vasia said.

 

“Of course,” Litlo replied with a bow. Vasia turned and straightened herself and then strode with long strides over to Kisean.

 

“I’m sure I’ll be the talk of their camp for a while after this,” Vasia said with a wink. Kisean thought that was the understatement of his lifetime. She was going to be the talk of everywhere forever after this.

 

“Horses approach!” came the cry from the wall above them. Kisean spun his halberd off his shoulder and slammed the butt of it down on the cobblestone. Vasia stood next to him as the gate began to creak itself open. Kisean saw the horses as they came to a halt before the opening gate. There were only three horses and four people. None of them were the man that Kisean had fought with. He felt slightly disappointed for some reason.

 

“I come as an escort from Lord Avoil,” said a beautiful woman in a paladin’s armor. Kisean recognized her as one of the leaders of the army, but she looked much different then she had when he had fought with her troops before. She seemed more vibrant. Her face looked flawless, which Kisean did not remember at all. “Who is going?”

 

“We are,” Vasia spoke up, stepping forward to stand next to Kisean. The woman on the horse gave Vasia a wide-eyed once look over and then regained her composure. She turned to the young girl who was on the back of the horse with her.

 

“Coania?” she asked the girl. The girl took a good look at Kisean and Vasia, adjusting her glasses. Kisean felt like he was being appraised by a gem buyer.

 

“His bracers and halberd…and both their ear clips. Aside from that though she had nothing,” the girl called Coania said. “Well nothing magical anyway,” she said after she apparently realized what Vasia was wearing. A young man on one of the other horses pulled his up to the lead woman. Kisean saw a medal of Faowind around the man’s neck, and noticed the runes on the woman’s armor were of Faowind as well. The man said something quietly to her as he eyed Ciran. The woman turned and looked at Ciran, looking him over. Kisean heard the words “arrow fletching” and the woman’s eyes widened.

 

“You have an amazing shot, my friend,” she said to Ciran. Kisean was confused but Ciran apparently knew what she was talking about.

 

“All armor has the same shoulder joints,” Ciran replied. The woman simply nodded her head. She turned back to Kisean.

 

“Shall we be off then?” the woman asked Kisean. Kisean offered his arm to Vasia and waited for her to take it before he started off, following the two women on their horse. The other two horses took up the rear. Kisean glanced back once to see Ciran nod to him as the gates closed.

 

“You names?” the woman asked.

 

“Kisean Astindwain,” Kisean said.

 

“Vasia Stayblade,” Vasia said. “Yours?”

 

“Ludia Baenwan.”

 

 

* * *

 

 

As Vasia was asked, she turned down every one of the proposals, though in all honesty she did not need to be told to do so. The man she was supposedly “mediating” with was some fat mage with more drool then brains. Vasia kept her eyes and ears open the entire time that she was in the big meeting tent though. There were guards everywhere, though Vasia had no idea if they were around for her protection or for enforcement.

 

Avoil put himself on impressive airs, standing off to the side and not saying much. The puppet strings were obviously there though. The fat mage, Ma’aten, kept glancing over at Avoil when he thought Vasia was not paying attention. Vasia was though. Vasia was constantly paying attention. Ludia, who had escorted them to the tent, and Coania, the mage who was on the horse with Ludia, did not come in with them. Aside from the guards, Ma’aten and Avoil, it was just she and Kisean. Kisean stood by her, holding his halberd before him making himself look impressive.

 

Vasia spent most of the conversation trying to subtly repeat the conversation so that Gluake was able to hear everything. She wanted the sorcerer to know what was going. In the end they wanted money, some of the territory the House of Rhalir ruled over and something else that Phaen possessed. What that was Vasia was unable to find out and she was sure that Ma’aten did not know exactly what was wanted either.

 

Vasia felt a breath on the back of her neck that was Kisean’s signal for them to leave. Vasia agreed with Kisean’s signal. The mediation was going nowhere fast and Ma’aten was becoming more and more agitated with Vasia’s outright refusals. Vasia stood up, made an excuse that she would talk over the proposal with Phaen to see for certain if she was right in refusing the offers and then started out of the tent.

 

When she stepped from the tent she found herself staring at a mob of soldiers, all of them armed. Kisean was a step behind her walking from the tent and when he came out he was suddenly a step in front of her, his halberd held ready. He took a few steps at the mob and they gave a little ground, but they were obviously not here as an escort. A moment later Avoil stepped from the tent with Ma’aten right behind him.

 

“You had no intention of an sort of mediation, did you?” Vasia accused. Avoil snorted.

 

“Of course not, and you’re a fool for even thinking so. No, you see, this is a good way to capture important people and show the rest of Agregra the tortures they’ll be put under if they don’t give up,” Avoil explained.

 

“It figures,” Kisean muttered. Kisean wasted no time in his actions. He wrapped an arm around Vasia’s waist and launched himself at a set of soldiers, his halberd spinning rapidly in a circle. The soldiers in the way were all knocked a fair distance away as Kisean cleared the first line of soldiers. He took a few steps to start a beeline run at the city when Vasia realized it was too late. She tried to stop Kisean before he stepped on to the glowing magic circle but she was not fast enough.

 

Magic flared up from the ground and formed a dome around the two. Kisean skidded to a stop and slammed his halberd into the dome, causing sparks to fly but nothing to break. Vasia’s body stiffened and then stopped moving. She had control over her head but the rest of her body would not move.

 

“You seem to underestimate us,” Ma’aten said, laughing a fat little laugh. Vasia found that laugh to be irritating, though not as irritating as the predicament they were in now. Bowman surrounded them, giving the magic circle some berth.

 

“I think you overestimate yourself, you fat pig,” Vasia said. Ma’aten’s face contorted in anger but Avoil held up a hand to silence the fat man.

 

“Regardless of what happens, don’t fret,” Avoil said. “I have no intention of killing you for several days.” In response the bowman raised their aims at Vasia and Kisean. Vasia desperately wished she could draw her daggers. She did notice that their original escort was riding hard for the group.

 

“Lord Avoil!” Ludia shouted. “What is this?”

 

“None of your concern, Ludia,” Avoil said.

 

“But My Lord we gave them our word and-”

 

“And nothing,” Avoil shouted. “Do you dispute my orders Ludia?” Vasia glanced to her side to see Ludia struggling with the question. What caught Vasia’s attention was Coania on the back of the horse. She was staring intently at the magic circle and Vasia saw the girl’s lips moving. “Of course not,” Avoil answered the question for her. “Fire!”

 

The bowmen all let loose their arrows. Vasia clenched up, channeling her chi into her arms and legs to see if she could free herself. As the bowman shot the magic shield vanished. Vasia suddenly was able to move again when she felt an explosion of chi shock the air all around her. Most of the arrows shattered and Vasia was able to deflect the last few that made their way through.

 

“You!” Vasia heard Kisean’s voice from behind her. She spun around to see a beast of a man standing in front of Kisean, an arrow caught in his hand. Vasia’s jaw nearly dropped off of her chin. She knew this man. She had learned everything she knew about fighting from this man.

 

“Jidan Axe!” Vasia shouted. The big man glanced behind him and Vasia saw that it was indeed her former master. He had not changed in looks since she had last seen him. He was built stronger then the city walls and nearly as high. He wore his black pants and black tunic making himself blend in with at least some of the night. Kisean glanced behind himself to look at Vasia.

 

“You know him?” he asked, backing up a step to shield Vasia.

 

“He’s the Uri-Van who taught me all I know,” Vasia said.

 

“You mean he’s a master of the Uri-Van?” Kisean asked. Vasia nodded. “No wonder I lost.”

 

“Donaxon! What do you think you’re doing?” Avoil shouted out. The aggression that was shown by the soldiers a moment ago now waned visibly. Obviously no one wanted to take on Jidan Axe.

 

“You should be asking yourself the same question,” Donaxon replied.

 

“Are you going to go against my orders?” Avoil said in a threatening manner.

 

“Since they are conflicting order, yes. Yes I am,” the monk replied. “You told me to guarantee their safety and so I gave them my word. Do you intend to have me break my word?” This time is was the Jidan’s turn to threaten.

 

“I told you to get them here, it was your own fault, whatever you did,” Avoil shouted back.

 

“Regardless, I’m going to make sure they are kept safe,” Donaxon’s replied. The monk clenched his hand and the arrow snapped in two. He caught the front half of the arrow in his other hand and sliced the arrow down on his now free hand. Vasia’s mouth dropped and she gasped loudly. She knew what he was doing. A moment later he closed his bleeding hand and instantly a glowing axe appeared in it. The axe was blood red and pulsing with power.

 

“Captain!” came a voice. Vasia watched some paladin wielding a large war hammer run up in front of Ludia and Coania. She watched him slam the hammer into the ground and then place his palms together just below his chest. The stance was the first thing Jidan Donaxon taught any Uri-Van student. It was a defensive stance that gathered one’s entire chi to form a shield around them. The shield was large enough to protect those immediately around them, and it could be strong enough to withstand most attacks if you were strong enough.

 

“R’Tearin! What are you-” Ludia began.

 

“Don’t move, Captain! At all!” R’Tearin shouted back. Vasia thought that was a good idea.

 

“I hope your magic bracers are strong enough to protect us if my defense fails,” Vasia said to Kisean. She too took up the defensive stance and formed her shield, encompassing herself and Kisean.

 

“What?” Kisean asked. Vasia was concentrating too much to respond.

 

“It’s your choice, Avoil,” Donaxon said. “You can let them return to the city, or you can start losing soldiers.” Donaxon paused a moment to glance around. “And you will.” The soldiers took a big step back. Avoil stared at Donaxon for a long time before do anything. Vasia had no doubts that if Avoil did not give in, nobody would be left alive in the sieging army. Wreit whispered something into Avoil’s ear and the house lord’s face became irritated.

 

“Stand down!” Avoil shouted. The soldiers did not need any more encouraging. A path parted immediately towards the city gates. Donaxon glanced at the path and then back to Avoil. His face was emotionless as he opened his hand and the axe disappeared. Vasia relaxed herself and slipped her arm in Kisean’s and started dragging him along with her. She heard Donaxon’s steps a moment later and then suddenly, he was walking next to her.

 

“Something’s not right, Vasia,” he said. Vasia could feel him using his chi to keep his voice from being heard. From Kisean’s reaction then he had also heard. Vasia had enough faith in Kisean for him not to give it away. “I’ll be getting in contact with you once I find things out.” Donaxon glanced around for a moment. “Something just doesn’t smell right.”

 

They arrived at the gates a moment later and Vasia turned to her former master and bowed down low. He returned the bow with a smile this time. It was good to see him smile since the only time he was angry was when things became destroyed.

 

“It’s good to see you again, Jidan Axe,” Vasia said. The big man gave her a grin.

 

“You as well,” he replied. He turned to Kisean and nodded at him. “How are the ribs?”

 

“Better, yours?” Kisean replied.

 

“Healed. We’ll have to do that again some time on our own terms.”

 

“Definitely,” Donaxon said. He turned back to Vasia. The look in his eyes was easy enough for her to read. It quite plainly said, “be careful.” Vasia intended to do just that.

 

 

* * *

[Orlan]

Donaxon was not surprised when he was summoned to Avoil’s tent after he had escorted his former student, Vasia, and her companion, Kisean, back to the city. Donaxon was, in fact, looking forward to talking to Avoil. He needed to get some answers and an angry Avoil would be more susceptible to slip-ups. However, Donaxon was surprised when he arrived in Avoil’s tent to see him there with a smile across his face.

 

“Captain Donaxon! Glad you could show up,” Avoil said. Donaxon immediately went on guard. He did not like the feel of things. Avoil had been acting weird lately but he had at least been predictable. Donaxon was certain that Avoil would be having a fit about what happened; yet right now he was acting cordial to Donaxon.

 

“You had summoned me again?” Donaxon said softly.

 

“Yes, yes,” Avoil said waving his hand for Donaxon to come closer to him. Donaxon obliged only a bit, taking a few more steps towards the ruler. Donaxon, using his own training, spread his chi out in the room where they were, looking for anything that could be considered a trap. He found nothing, but it did not ease his suspicions. Avoil must have sensed Donaxon’s unrest because he gave the monk a big smile. “Don’t worry, I’m not angry at you at all.”

 

“You aren’t?” Donaxon said, a little more confused. Avoil shook his head.

 

“Of course not, I only called you here to apologize,” Avoil said. “I did not mean to put you in such a compromising position. I know how a man of such strong convictions like yourself would feel about giving his word to people.” Donaxon did not feel the need to explain to Avoil that he created that position on purpose because something like that would have happened.

 

“I accept your apology,” Donaxon said, bowing his head slightly. Avoil clapped his hands together, apparently pleased, and then waved Donaxon a little bit closer. Donaxon took another few steps toward Avoil, keeping himself as sharp as possible.

 

“Now then,” Avoil said, talking in a more hushed tone. “I also called you here because I need your help in our next attack, for this time, it will be the last. I plan on going against the city in full force to capture back what was stolen from me.”

 

“What was stolen?” Donaxon asked. Though his tone did not give it away, he was very interested in finding out the reasoning behind this siege. He had not met anyone who could give him a good reason for the siege.

 

“An artifact of great power,” Avoil said in a low voice. Donaxon was only a few steps away from him and had to take another step in so he could hear. For some reason he could not hear Avoil’s voice, even when he used his chi to amplify the sound. “Something that belonged to me for most of my life, but that demon of a beast stole from me just recently.” Donaxon assumed he was speaking of Phaen. “If we made an assault on the city and are able to seize the artifact, then I know we can win. The artifact is a powerful weapon once it is back in my hands.”

 

“And what is this artifact?” Donaxon asked. Avoil glanced around to make sure of something and then reached out his hand and placed it on Donaxon’s shoulder, pulling the big man down to whisper in his ear.

 

“It’s called the Zarz’ah’t’zam,” Avoil whispered. Donaxon was certain that if he did not have his guards up at this moment he would have missed what happened. Donaxon suddenly felt sick to his stomach, and he felt very cold. He heard a voice in the back of his head, and it spoke slowly and softly.

 

“Obey me…Obey me…” the voice said. Donaxon for a moment thought that he would do whatever the voice wished, regardless of his own personal safety. His chi then exploded from within him, shaking his insides. Though externally it looked as if nothing happened, inside, Donaxon gave a roar of power, drowning out the voice and any influence that it might have had. Donaxon knew the voice, he had heard a voice like that before, compelling him to do its bidding. He knew it was the voice of a demon. A demon that right now was staring him in the eyes.

 

The Uri-Van were trained to resist all forms of control in their training. They were trained to be able to be their one and only master. To master this training a demon was summoned before the student and they were to resist the command of the foul beast. The demon that Donaxon had faced so many years ago had used the same tactic that was being applied now. Donaxon focused his mind and followed the voice back to its source, deep within Avoil.

 

With the utmost care Donaxon dove into Avoil’s mind, looking for the source of the voice, and he found it almost instantly. A dark power was deep within him, using its control over him and anyone he touched. Donaxon did not linger long, for if he was discovered he would have to do battle with this demon.

 

“You will retrieve it for me, won’t you?” Avoil asked in a soft voice. The voice was still flooding into Donaxon’s head telling him to obey, but he was ignoring it completely. Donaxon decided to play along.

 

“Of course,” Donaxon replied. Avoil sat up immediately, removing his hand from Donaxon’s shoulder. The voice vanished and the demonic feeling quickly vanished from the room.

 

“Excellent,” Avoil said. “Well then I shall let you go to your planning.” Donaxon did not risk saying anything more; he simply nodded his head and left the tent. Outside the tent he stood for a moment, letting out the deep breath that he had been holding. This was not a good turn of events. If Avoil was possessed by a demon, whatever the artifact he was after was also going to be demonic. Donaxon needed to alert someone to this, but it had to be someone he could trust. Ma’aten was immediately out of it as was Wreit. Both, Donaxon was sure, were under the demon’s control. He needed a mage; though, the only one he would trust would be Coania. Which meant he would have to tell Ludia. That thought did not sit right; still, he knew what had to be done. He did get something positive from the demon. In fact, he was able to get the greatest tool he could in order to battle a demon.

 

He knew its name.

 

 

* * *

 

 

Ludia set her last piece of armor in its proper place on her armor stand. She had just spent the past few hours polishing her armor to a glorious shine, as she always did when she needed to think. What she saw earlier that night had unnerved her far more then it should have. She was always loyal to Lord Avoil, yet he was not acting like he should. She remembered with a deep fondness the way he had personally taught her to use a war mattock, his weapon of choice. He was always a kind man, with no temper and a soft smile eternally etched across his face.

 

The Lord Avoil she had seen last night was not the same one that she knew. He was vicious, and the smile had long gone. He was not the same. Ludia repeated that over and over to herself as she stood up and undid the belt that kept her underclothes against her body. She heard the rustle of the tent flaps a little too late for she had her clothes nearly over her head. She spun on her heel and brought her clothes to the front of her body, trying to shield what she could.

 

“We need to talk, now,” Donaxon said. He stood just inside the flaps of her tent, and was staring directly at her, his face a mask of seriousness. Ludia was outraged at this intrusion. She gave the monk an indignant look.

 

“What, in the name of the Goddess, do you think you are doing?! Get out!” She desperately wished she had something to throw at the big man. The only thing she had was her underclothes, and she was not about to throw those at him.

 

“I said we need to talk,” Donaxon repeated. His voice carried the same serious tone that Ludia also saw in his face, but Ludia could not get past the fact that he had just barged into her tent when she had been changing.

 

“We can talk another day when I have my clothes on you brute!” Ludia screamed. “How dare you come in here and see me like this!” Donaxon looked her up and down once, appearing to not be that interested in the fact that she was naked.

 

“When I saved your life from the fire you were naked,” Donaxon said in a flat tone. His expression did not change to include the irritating smile that Donaxon usually wore. The logic of his words, and the fact that Donaxon did not look like he was playing around struck her hard, though she was still mad at him for barging. In.

 

“Turn around, then!” she yelled at him. He turned without a word and Ludia quickly put her clothes back on, making the belt a little too tight. “Alright then, what is so important that you need to peep on me when I’m changing?” Donaxon turned back and looked her straight in the eyes.

 

“Avoil is possessed by a demon,” he said bluntly. Ludia did not know how to respond to this. The utter lunacy of the sentence was only outweighed by the fact that Donaxon seemed to believe it wholeheartedly. Ludia knew immediately that this was a lie.

 

“Of course he’s not,” she said.

 

“You seem certain,” Donaxon noted.

 

“If there was a demon within ten miles of me I would know about it,” Ludia said confidently. It was true though, if there was even so much of an imp anywhere near her she would be able to sense it. Any competent Paladin would.

 

“Then how do you explain this?” Donaxon asked. He was suddenly standing right in front of her and reached out his hand, placing it on her shoulder. Ludia felt sick to her stomach and a chill ran down her back. She found herself feeling a dark power all around her, its stench unmistakable. This was the power of a demon. Ludia felt another power, a power she knew very well.

 

“No!” Ludia cried out, bringing her arms up and knocking Donaxon’s hand away. The chill and sick feeling went away and she found herself back in her tent, shaking.

 

“That was what I felt from Avoil,” Donaxon said.

 

“You lie!” Ludia yelled, taking a step back.

 

“You know that you felt Avoil in there as well?” Donaxon said, a challenge in his voice.

 

“I felt a demon and I felt Avoil but that doesn’t mean that he’s possessed. How do I know that you are not the demon?” Ludia said, sending her own challenge back out at him. It was true that she felt Avoil in that darkness, yet that did not mean anything for sure.

 

“Strike me down,” Donaxon said.

 

“What?” Ludia said, staring hard at him for a moment.

 

“If I am a demon, strike me with your holy power. I know Paladins excel at the exorcizing of demons, and I know you have more power than any paladin in this camp. If you believe me to be the demon, then strike me down. Yet if I live, then I could be telling you the truth.”

 

Ludia knew what he said was true, if he was a demon, then smiting him with the holy power of Faowind would obliterate him. But if he was a demon, why would he give her that chance? Did he think that she would not take the challenge? Donaxon must be a demon, she thought, and this was just a bluff. He was unhurt after he came out of the Demon’s Fire; only a demon could do that. Lord Avoil was not the demon, it was Donaxon. Ludia decided to call his bluff.

 

She stretched out her arm putting her palm right in front of his face. His eyes stared back at her from between her fingers but she paid them no heed, she simply closed her eyes and sent out her prayer to Faowind. Surely the Goddess of Faith and Mercy would answer her call and blast this demon into nothingness. She would destroy this demon before her.

 

“No.”

 

Ludia was struck frozen. Faowind’s voice carried a level of finality far beyond that of a mortal woman. Ludia felt empty all of a sudden: empty and ill.

 

“But Mother Faowind…!” Ludia sent out her prayer.

 

“The power you asked for shall not be used on a mortal being,” Faowind’s voice sounded in her head. Ludia could not believe it, and for a moment she would not, but she could not disbelieve the words of her Goddess. Her Goddess was the absolute in her life, an eternal stone in the sea of her existence. Yet Ludia knew that the Goddess was only reaffirming what she knew deep down. Donaxon, regardless of how he irritated her, was not a demon.

 

“I take it you’ve found an answer?” Donaxon said. Ludia opened her eyes and stared at him hard. His eyes had lost some of their edge, and they seemed softer to her. She realized he knew what had just happened, and that he pitied her. She did not need his pity right now. Right now she needed answers.

 

“You are not a demon,” Ludia said, her voice quavering. Her hand fell limply to her side. “But neither is Lord Avoil!” she shouted before he could say another word. Donaxon stared hard at her for a moment. She felt as if there was a great weight on her shoulders right now, and it was confounding all of her senses.

 

“Regardless of what you think, I am not telling you this to confuse or hurt you.” Donaxon began. “I need Coania’s help to stop whatever the demon inside of Avoil was doing. Coania is able to make her own decisions, but I know you care deeply for the girl and wish no harm to come to her. I promise you now that none shall. In ten hours I shall return here. If you wish to help, I will welcome your wisdom and skill. If you wish nothing of it, I shall not trouble you again, but if something is going to be done we need to do it soon.” Donaxon sighed for the first time Ludia watched the monk’s emotions show on his face. He looked pained. “I do not envy the soul searching you will have to do tonight, yet soul searching is all any of us can do right now.”

 

Donaxon turned and walked out of the tent. Ludia stood there, staring off after him. She did not know what to think or how to feel. Nothing was right. Everything was skewed. There was only one thing that Ludia knew for certain. Right now, abandoned by her Goddess and possibly the pawn of a demon, she had never felt more alone.

 

 

* * *

 

 

Donaxon was not feeling very pleased with himself as he walked out of Ludia’s tent. Right now he was sure that she was awash in a river or emotions. He felt sorry for her, but he could not help decide this for her, nor could anyone else. This was a decision she needed to make on her own.

 

Donaxon felt the shadow on his heels; it was a presence he had felt before. The steps quickened for a moment and an older soldier was walking beside Donaxon, keeping fluid pace with him with the only sound being his steps. The armor that should be clinking together and making a riot of noise was silent. Donaxon glanced to his side once to make sure this was the same assassin that had broken up the fight he had with Kisean many days ago.

 

“Your armor seems to be lacking noise,” Donaxon said softly and giving not indication that he was talking to the soldier.

 

“Loud armor attracts attention by all, silent armor attracts attention from only a few,” the man replied.

 

“Your name?”

 

“Litlo. I work for Vasia.”

 

“You have impeccable timing, I need you to tell Vasia something for me.” Donaxon stopped and bent down as if he was inspecting the ground.

 

“Of course,” Litlo said, stooping down and acting as if he too was interested in the ground.

 

“Tell her in ten hours we need to meet someplace free from prying eyes and ears,” Donaxon said.

 

“Your numbers?” Donaxon thought for a moment. He decided to put his faith in her.

 

“Three,” Donaxon said. Litlo nodded and then spun on his heel and took off further into the camp, his armor now rattling as he walked. Donaxon stood as well, this time heading off to find Coania.

 

 

* * *

 

 

Coania sat for a long moment, staring at the knapsack she had just packed with a few choice spell books. Donaxon had told her that he trusted the lady named Vasia who Coania had helped the previous night, but also that the mage needed to be prepared for anything during this meeting. Coania was a little scared at everything that Donaxon had thrown out at her ten hours ago. He found her reading about the trap spell that was used to catch Vasia and Kisean earlier that night. Donaxon had seen her break the spell that held the two immobile and told her that she had a lot of power to be able to break the spell without even knowing what it was.

 

Coania had been scared that he was coming to punish her for going against the orders Avoil had put down. She apologized to Donaxon and said she just did not want to see anyone get hurt. Donaxon laughed and reminded her that he was the one who threatened Avoil’s entire army, and the last thing the monk wanted to do was punish Coania for something he would have done anyway.

 

It was after that when Donaxon explained to her about the demon inside of Avoil. Coania could not believe it at first, since it did not make any sense. She did not know how Avoil could have been possessed by a demon and not have anyone know. After Donaxon showed her what he had felt she felt more inclined to believe him, yet she was still uncertain about it all. Unfortunately, she was unable to verify his claim, without exposing herself.

 

She would have to assault Avoil’s mind to see if he was possessed by a demon or not. The problem was that if she assaulted his mind and there was a demon, the demon would be alerted to her presence. If that happened she would not be allowed to live. On the other hand, if there was no demon in Avoil then what Coania was planning on doing would be considered treason and her family would be the ones to suffer because of it.

 

In the end she decided to trust Donaxon. Though she had only known him for a short time, he had shown Coania more respect then most everyone else she had ever met. Donaxon did not care what her social status was, or if she was good at magic. He treated her with a great deal of respect. She decided she trusted Donaxon nearly as much as she did Ludia.

 

Ludia was the other thing he told her about. Coania stood up and slung her knapsack over her shoulder and started off to Ludia’s tent. Donaxon had said he told Ludia about Avoil, and that she did not take it very well. Coania knew Ludia well enough to know that the paladin was very confused right now. She had always been loyal to Avoil, and even more so to her Goddess, Faowind. From what Donaxon had described Ludia had tried and failed to use the Goddess’s power on Donaxon. Coania did not even want to imagine what it would be like to try and fail to use magic. She was scared that Ludia would not be the same.

 

She made good time across the camp and was at Ludia’s tent before she realized it. Donaxon stood there. The sun had risen and, though she thought it was a trick of the light, Donaxon seemed to be surrounded by a glow. He looked down on Coania with a serious look painted across his face. After a moment he turned and looked back at the tent. Coania did the same.

 

“I did say that you didn't have to come with me on this,” Donaxon said.

 

“You also made it sound like you didn’t give me a choice in the matter,” Coania said. Donaxon looked down on her with a little smile.

 

“I know,” he said, “I do that a lot.” Coania flashed him a little smile. Donaxon tuned back and his face became serious again. “I hope she makes the right decision,” he said under his breath. Coania was sure she was meant to hear that. Donaxon reached forward and pulled back the flap to the tent to let Coania in. Donaxon was step behind her as they entered the tent. Coania’s heart leapt when she saw what was inside.

 

Ludia stood in the middle of her tent donned in on her full armor. The armor was burnished to an unbelievable shine, almost mirror-like. It was as if she had spent the last ten hours polishing it, and Coania was sure that she had. Her hair was braided into a single braid that fell over her shoulder and breastplate. She had her Bless Blade strapped to her side and she wore a vibrant blue cape. She was, in all her glory, the strongest paladin in all Zolan.

 

“I take it you believe me?” Donaxon asked.

 

“No,” Ludia said flatly. “I believe in myself.”

 

“Even better,” Donaxon said. They began talking about something but Coania could not find herself able to focus on it since she was certain that there was something else in the tent. She reached out with her magic to see if she could find where the source of it was coming from. She found it after a few moments, on the other side of the tent. She lashed out with her own magic, illuminating the outline of a person in a soft green. She knew that Ludia would not be able to see the light, but from Donaxon’s reaction, he saw the light.

 

“Who are you?” Coania asked, readying her magic on the edges of the outline. Ludia spun around and drew out her Bless Blade, pointing it in the direction that Coania was looking.

 

“I am your escort,” came a voice. The outline of someone slowly became more solid, and soon Coania was staring into the golden eyes of an older man. The old man wore some ancient robes and had a long grey beard. His staff was unlike anything that Coania had ever seen before. It was every color, but also no color. Coania then saw that the man himself was also a light shade of grey. He was not actually here. “Spirit walk,” she breathed. The old man smiled at her and nodded his head.

 

“First you find me with no trouble at all, then you get me to show myself, and at the business end of your spells, and then you even know the high level spell I’m using. I’m surprised we haven’t had more problems from you, young miss. I don’t know how long the sorcerers of Agregra would be able to stand against someone of your caliber.” The old man’s voice was soft but powerful. Coania instantly became embarrassed from the praise and could feel herself turning a deep shade of scarlet.

 

“I…I didn’t…I mean I just read a lot of books…” Coania stammered, her heartbeat loud in her ears and the magic she had prepared fell away into nothingness. The old man continued to smile at her.

 

“If you’re our escort, where are we going?” Donaxon asked.

 

“To my home, deep below the city,” the old man replied without looking at Donaxon.

 

“How?” Donaxon asked.

 

“You should ask this little lady right here,” the old man said pointing his staff at Coania. “She should know.”

 

“Coania?” Donaxon said, turning towards the mage. Coania was embarrassed, but she knew the answer already.

 

“If he can spirit walk, then he can gate us there,” she said, looking suddenly at some extremely interesting speck on the ground. The old man chuckled.

 

“I can indeed,” he said. Light flashed everywhere.

 

 

* * *

 

 

Jiklan followed Coania to Ludia’s tent. He did not care for the pathetic little girl who claimed to be a mage. She knew nothing of how real mages should act. That and she was always helping that idiotic Donaxon. Jiklan felt something happen from within Ludia’s tent and then rushed in. He saw a flash of light but then there was no one in there. Jiklan waited a moment, thinking, before he decided to go report this to Ma’aten. Something was going on in here.

[Orlan]

Kisean watched Vasia’s leg as it bounced up and down over her other knee. She was on her back, staring up at the lights that littered Gluake’s ceiling. Ciran sat not too far from her, staring off into nowhere as he did when he was deep in thought. Kisean knew that Ciran was a little unsure of meeting Donaxon. He had voiced his opinion and Kisean was forced to agree to some of his points. Yet Ciran was not out there to see and hear what happened. Something was not right and Kisean wanted to know what it was.

 

“I don’t know about this,” Ciran said for the fifth time.

 

“It’ll will be fine,” Vasia said.

 

“It could be a trap too,” Ciran said. “Do you really think Donaxon is just coming to talk?”

 

“Yes, I do,” Vasia said without any hesitation. She did not look away from the ceiling. “I trust Jidan Axe implicitly.”

 

“Well, yeah. But weren’t you trained by him like fifteen years ago? Maybe he’s changed,” Ciran said.

 

“He’s still the same as he always has been,” Vasia said.

 

“But what if this is a ploy to-”

 

“It’s not,” Vasia interrupted.

 

“But-”

 

“Listen Ciran, you were watching from the walls, you saw what happened. I can guarantee you that Jidan Axe is serious about this, otherwise he would not have used his axe.” Vasia’s voice had a stubborn tone in it that Kisean had heard many times before. Ciran looked a little cowed but he still had an unsure look across his face. Kisean suddenly remembered something.

 

“Vas, what was that axe?” Kisean asked. Vasia continued her staring up at the ceiling but her leg stopped bouncing.

 

“That was,” Vasia began, “Something I had only seen once before. Jidan Axe never spoke of it regardless of how much we pestered him. We had to ask Jidan Rarua about it to even find out anything. Jidan Rarua told us that Jidan Axe had so much chi throughout his body that his blood was literally ‘on fire’ with it. He did not go into specifics but when Jidan Axe was little he was attacked and his chi reacted to this by merging with his blood. The end result was that axe. It was then that Donaxon was sought out by the Uri-Van, and then two years later he became Jidan Axe. I learned almost exclusively from him.”

 

“He’s earned his position, that’s for sure,” Kisean said, rubbing a hand over his abdomen. Though the pain was long gone thanks to Gluake’s magic, the memory was still there. Kisean rose to his knees and then to his feet and lifted his halberd up over his head, stretching his arms up and then letting them fall back down. The butt end of his halberd hit the ground with a thunk and he turned around. There was a sudden flash of light and Kisean found himself staring at the end of a sword. At the other end of the sword stood Ludia, the paladin who had escorted Vasia and him last night. Kisean found himself too surprised to react properly. “Good Morning to you as well,” he said after a moment.

 

“Sorry,” Ludia said softly. She pulled the weapon out of Kisean’s face and sheathed it quickly. Kisean noticed that Ludia had the beginnings of dark circles under her eyes. When he met her in person just a half day ago she had looked stunning. Right now she looked like she had been awake and worried for the entire half day. Kisean found that easily imaginable. He walked around the city several times after Vasia came to him telling him that Donaxon wanted to meet.

 

Behind Ludia stood Donaxon, as impressive looking as Kisean had ever seen him. Donaxon gave off an aura of power, something that Kisean was able to feel first hand. Kisean took a step back, reaching down a hand to help Vasia to her feet. Vasia took the hand and stood, turning towards her former master. She bowed to him and smiled.

 

“I wish we could have gotten together under better circumstances, Jidan,” Vasia said. The big man’s face brightened for a moment and he smiled at her and returned her bow.

 

“As do I, yet you rarely visit,” Donaxon said. “And by rarely, of course, I mean never.” The big man gave her a wink.

 

“It’s hard to get out when your job keeps you so busy,” Vasia replied. “Now then, just so we’re all on the same page,” Vasia said, looking around at everyone. “Kisean, Ciran, Vasia,” she said, pointing to the named person in turn. Donaxon took his cue well.

 

“Donaxon, Ludia and Coania,” Donaxon said, pointing first to himself, then the paladin and finally to the small girl who was hovering at Donaxon’s side. Coania was among the group who escorted them earlier. Kisean did not pay too much attention to her when he first met her, but then again he was preoccupied with other things. She was a smaller girl, probably in her mid teen years. She had on a sorceress’s robe and large glasses across her face. She nodded to no one in particular when she was named. Kisean heard a rustling from behind him and realized they forgot someone.

 

“And that’s Gluake,” Kisean added, pointing over his shoulder. He heard footsteps as Gluake walked up to stand next to him. Kisean was lucky to be watching Coania when Gluake walked up. Her mouth and eyes slowly opened wide. She stared at Gluake for a long moment as Gluake nodded to both Ludia and Donaxon.

 

“We met,” Gluake said. Kisean glanced back at Gluake and saw him smiling at Coania. “A little brighter in person isn’t it?” he said to the girl. Kisean turned back and saw her nod her agreement to that.

 

“You’re golden,” Coania said softly.

 

“Brimming over with High Magic is what my master called it,” Gluake said with a laugh. “Though that was a long time ago. My aura used to be brighter.” Gluake tapped his staff on the floor and it began glowing with a golden color. “There, that should be easier on your eyes.”

 

“Something you want to share with the rest of us?” Kisean asked. Gluake shook his head.

 

“No reason to,” Gluake said with a smile. Ciran chortled a little from behind him. The archer obviously knew what the joke was which meant it was magical in nature.

 

“Now that we have introductions out of the way, we have some things that need to be discussed,” Donaxon said, steering the conversation back. Vasia nodded her head.

 

“Of course, Jidan Axe,” she said. “You were the one who asked for this meeting.”

 

Donaxon held out his hands gesturing everyone to sit. Everyone did so, though Ludia seemed to pause before she sat, looking to Coania for some indication of what to do. When everyone was situated in a circle on the floor Donaxon took a deep breath and looked around.

 

“While I do not know you two gentlemen very well, I know Vasia well enough,” Donaxon began. “And I know that she does not pick her friends lightly, so I am not going to play with words. This siege is a sham and it’s being orchestrated by a demon that is right now possessing Avoil.”

 

Kisean stared for a moment, making sure that he just heard what he thought he heard. Kisean looked at Ludia to see her reaction but the paladin had her face tilted down and her eyes closed. Kisean could not decide if that was a good sign or a bad sign. Coania was looking at Ludia with concern etched in her face that made Kisean think that those two both believed what Donaxon said.

 

“What?” Vasia asked. Kisean turned and saw Vasia staring hard at Donaxon. She had the same expression that Kisean had. She obviously was confused.

 

“After I escorted you back to the city I was called to Avoil’s tent. While there he touched my arm and I felt the overwhelming urge to obey. There was a voice deep inside of my mind, telling me I wanted to do what I was told to do, and what I was supposed to get.” Donaxon’s face was like stone. He showed no emotion at all when he spoke.

 

“If that’s true then how do we know you’re not under the subtle control of the demon?” Ciran asked.

 

“He’s not,” Ludia spoke up. She had raised her head and her eyes had a fire in them that was not there a moment ago. Kisean wondered if she was defending Donaxon because they were on the same side or because she knew something that others did not. Either way, Kisean was inclined to believe a paladin when it came to the issue of demons.

 

“And I think the word of a paladin would be good enough for most,” Donaxon said, echoing Kisean’s thoughts. “However if you would still require, I offer myself to be checked over by your sorcerer friend over there.” Donaxon nodded his head at Gluake. Kisean had forgotten that Gluake was there. He turned and looked back at the sorcerer. Gluake stood looking down on them all. His eyes were thoughtful as they looked at Donaxon.

 

“I checked everyone out when I spirit walked out to the tent, they’re all clean of any sort of magical tampering,” Gluake said.

 

“If Avoil’s possessed by a demon why are you not telling everyone, or alerting the queen?” Ciran asked.

 

“I have been in contact with the other two Jidans of my order and they have dispatched a messenger to the crown, but it will take them about a day to get there, maybe more, and then they’ll be faced with the bureaucratic battle to speak with the queen. I don’t think we can expect the queen to even react for a few days. But by then it would be too late, I’m afraid.”

 

“What do you mean ‘too late?’” Vasia asked.

 

“Avoil plans to launch a final attack in a little over two days, and he wants me to lead it and retrieve an artifact for him,” Donaxon explained.

 

“An artifact? What artifact?”

 

“Something that gives the user great power, is what he claims,” Donaxon said. “I’m not too sure about it though, my demon knowledge is lacking. I was able to find out more information from the other Jidans, though. From there I was able to get a few more names.”

 

“Demon names?” Kisean asked. Donaxon nodded.

 

“The most effective thing to have against a demon is knowledge of their name. We need to know their name to be able to exorcize them from this world because only by speaking their true name do they have to reveal themselves.”

 

“So then you know the demon’s name inside of Avoil?” Kisean asked.

 

“I do,” Donaxon replied. “I also know the name of the item and a couple other demons who might be associated with the two I know.”

 

“Well then what’re the names?” Ciran asked, a little impatient all of a sudden.

 

“The demon’s name is Zrethet, and the artifact is called the Chalice of Souls, or Zarz’ah’t’zam in the demon’s tongue. From these two I was able to get a few more names. The chalice was originally in the hands of a demon called Grothean who-” Donaxon was unable to finish his thought. Kisean felt the hair on the back of his neck stand on end. He turned around to see Gluake glowing. His body lit up the room like it was high noon. Kisean suddenly became afraid when he saw Gluake’s face, for in there he saw something he had never seen before from the sorcerer. He saw anger.

 

The sorcerer’s face was livid with his ire. His eyes were narrowed and his teeth were grinding together. His eyes started to glow a bright white and his staff took on the same color. Kisean glanced back long enough to see Ludia ushering Coania behind her, and then Donaxon standing and moving in front of Ludia. Ciran had rolled out of the way, obviously sensitive to the magic around the sorcerer. Vasia just stared.

 

“Gluake?” Kisean asked softly. Gluake did not respond, he simply tilted his head up and looked at the map on the ceiling. Kisean followed his gaze and saw a glowing purple light that seemed to be smoking on the ceiling. The light was directly in the center of the palace. “What’s that?”

 

“That is Grothean,” Gluake’s voice echoed through the entire chamber. His voice carried so much power that Kisean cringed in pain. “In Phaen’s body. That damned demon has been in my city and I didn’t even know about it.” Kisean watched as Gluake tightened the grip on his staff, causing both ends of it to erupt in a flood of white light. The light went straight through the people in the room, not affecting them at all, and slammed hard into the walls, causing the room to shake.

 

“Gluake!” Kisean yelled. Gluake said nothing, he continued to stare at the glowing point of light on the ceiling. Kisean did not know what to do right now. Fortunately, Donaxon did.

 

“If you call out the demon in the city, you’ll end up leveling it!” Donaxon yelled. This apparently got through to Gluake since the light that surrounded him suddenly died away. The purple light that spoiled the ceiling map still glowed brightly. Gluake turned to Donaxon. Kisean saw the anger still there, but Gluake had been alive long enough to know when to accept the advice of others.

 

“I want that thing out of my city, and I want it out now,” Gluake said to Donaxon.

 

“And I am happy to oblige you,” Donaxon said, relaxing his stance a bit. “However, I need their help.” Donaxon pointed to Vasia, Ciran and Kisean. Gluake turned to the three of them.

 

“Whatever loyalties you have towards Lord Phaen I understand, but the Lord Phaen that is up there right now is not ours. You loyalties lie with the city of Agregra, and as the city of Agregra I am ordering you to rid our city of that foul demon and whatever artifact he has with him.” Kisean had never heard Gluake give orders like that. They were short, to the point, and there was no way that Kisean was going to refuse them. For everything Gluake said, the sorcerer was the city of Agregra.

 

Kisean looked at Ciran. He knew the archer longer then most people, and he knew that Ciran’s doubts would have been immediately tossed out after what Gluake said. His glance at Vasia was even shorter. It sounded to Kisean that she would follow Donaxon into the bowels of hell. And, Kisean thought, the Uri-Van master would probably walk out without a scratch on him. Kisean turned to Donaxon.

 

“What do you need from us?”

 

 

* * *

 

 

Donaxon laid out his plan before the group and Ludia was amazed at the in depth planning the monk had put into it all. The plan’s overview was simple: lure the demons out by stealing the Chalice of Souls and one by one banish them. This plan relied heavily upon Donaxon’s apparent ability to banish a demon, but Vasia vehemently endorsed of all his claims.

 

When Ludia agreed to come along with Donaxon she was unsure of herself more then she was unsure of what Donaxon would have to say. It had been a horrible feeling to be denied by her goddess. Ludia had never felt anything like that before, and it was something she hoped she never would have to feel again. When Donaxon initially told of his plan, Ludia wondered why she would not be the one to banish the demon. She was, after all, a paladin, and banishing demons was a paladin’s duty. However, after Donaxon explained that his ability to banish demons depended upon her ability to hold the demon in chains, she understood. For any mortal to be able to banish a demon required concentration and time. Two things a demon would not allow any mortal to acquire while around them. Ludia and her archaeon would have an easier time holding down the demon then Donaxon would.

 

Because of that, Ludia now stood waiting for the return of R’Tearin. They were returned to their camp by Gluake and were now making their own preparations. Donaxon had gone to see Lord Avoil.

 

“No,” Ludia said to herself out loud. She reminded herself that was not Lord Avoil Donaxon would be talking to, it was a demon. Donaxon would go lay out his “plan” to the demon, and the demon would immediately agree since Donaxon would spearhead a small attack squad to sneak through during the fighting and steal the artifact it wanted. Gluake was able to pinpoint the artifact and would be able to crack the magic that Phaen had placed around it to the point where Coania would be able to shatter it apart.

 

The attack squad would be Coania, Donaxon, Misheal, R’Tearin and herself. They would sneak in and steal the artifact, encountering Kisean, Ciran and Vasia once in a mock battle for any spying eyes. After they “defeated” the home guard they would go on to get the chalice. Gluake would then urge Phaen to go out after it going beyond the city bounds. Gluake would be able to remove the demon from Phaen when that happened. When Phaen is freed they would try and trick the demons by using Coania’s magic to make it appear that both Kisean and Donaxon had the chalice. Then Donaxon would lead one of the demons into a trap where Ludia and her paladins would be waiting. Kisean would take Coania and avoid the demon for as long as possible before running back to the same place where Donaxon hopefully would have banished the other demon and they would banish this demon. At least, that was the plan.

 

“Captain?” R’Tearin said. He had slipped in when Ludia was going over the plan in her mind once again. She turned to him and he nodded to her. “They’re ready, and, like I told you, they would follow you into hell itself.” R’Tearin gave a small smile and Ludia, uncharacteristically, returned the smile with one of her own. She still hoped and prayed to the goddess that this plan would work. Try as she might, though, she was unable to banish her misgivings.

 

* * *

[Orlan]

The sun fell slowly to the horizon. Kisean thought it was taking extra long time to fully set. He was especially agitated this evening, because tomorrow was going to be the day of the attack. He stood as a silent sentinel, his hand around his halberd, it’s blade pointing up to the sky and the other end planted firmly on the roof of the tower upon which he stood. To his left sat Lorathe, she was transfixed upon the trailing edge of the sun as it dipped beyond the horizon. On the other side of the tower was Grol, lying on the roof with his eyes shut but his ears alert.

 

These two captains had no knowledge of what Kisean, Ciran and Vasia had been up to. Kisean was a little worried about telling them about what he was planning to do for it was treason, no matter how you sliced it. He would rather that Grol and Lorathe know nothing about it so they can still remain captains of the City of Agregra should Kisean fail. Though, as Kisean thought about it more, if he failed, the chances were that the captains of Agregra would not matter anymore.

 

“I have a favor to ask of you two,” Kisean said, not taking his eyes from the sunset.

 

“Of course,” Lorathe said. Grol said nothing but Kisean assumed he agreed.

 

“Today, I want you to do me a favor. Question no order I give you. Simply obey.”

 

“What?” Lorathe asked, a little confused. Kisean turned and looked down at the sorceress. Her staff was set across her crossed legs and she was fingering it, probably unconsciously. She was confused, Kisean saw that in her eyes, but Kisean could only reiterate his point.

 

“I need you to just obey me blindly, just for today,” Kisean said again.

 

“Why?” Lorathe asked.

 

“For your own good, you can’t know,” Kisean said. “Believe me when I say I would like to tell you but that would only cause you more trouble then it would be worth.”

 

“That’s not like you at all Kisean,” Lorathe said. “What’s going to happen today?”

 

“Lorathe, I can’t tell you, you just have to trust me on this,” Kisean said. He really hoped she would agree with this, otherwise he would have added worries as the day progressed.

 

“Kisean, I need to know what-”

 

“Obey with no question,” Grol interrupted, the only indication he moved was the sound of his voice. “Can do that.”

 

“Grol!” Lorathe said. Kisean silently let go a sigh of relief.

 

“Kisean is our leader for a reason Lorathe,” Grol said. “We all accepted this when we became captains. Ours is not to question why, ours is simply to do as we are ordered.”

 

“But-”

 

“No ‘buts,’ Lorathe. Besides, have you ever known Kisean to lead us astray before? I trust Kisean and I intend to obey his orders.” Kisean was so relieved he would have kissed Grol had the man been standing before him. Lorathe sighed softly.

 

“You’re right,” she said. She looked back up at Kisean and he could see in her an apologetic look. “I’m sorry. You have never given me a reason to doubt you before and I will try not to do it in the future.” Kisean wanted to say he was sorry but instead he simply nodded his head and turned back towards the sunset.

 

I hope there will be a future, Kisean added silently.

 

* * *

 

Coania came out of her trance quickly, her breath increasing to catch up on the air she was lacking. The trance often times caused her to forget to breathe for short moments. She took this risk gladly today, for the spells she was preparing were going to be needed. Today the battle was going to be launched and today, with the aid of Donaxon and Ludia, she was intending to stop this siege.

 

She has been up for most of the night, getting a short nap once when she could no longer keep her eyes open enough to read the spells properly. The spells were longer and more complicated then she had remembered them being, though honestly she had only learned the lower versions of them. She could not worry about that now though since the others were depending on her. For once in her life she did not worry about putting her all into the magic. For once she felt more confident about herself then she had ever felt before.

 

She stood up and put her book into one of her bags at the side of her tent. She could see the sun start to shine its light against her tent, and she knew she had to get going. At sunrise everyone was to get to their positions. The shadows, which danced across the side of her tent, told Coania that the soldiers were starting to move now. She needed to get herself to where she was meeting Ludia and Donaxon. She stepped out of the tent and froze when she heard a voice.

 

“Where do you think you’re going? You needed to be at the magic circle before sunrise.” The voice belonged to Jiklan, Ma’aten’s prized puppy. Coania could not even stand to be near him, nonetheless talk to him. Thankfully, she was too confused to become angry with him.

 

“What?”

 

“Master Ma’aten has ordered you to go to the magic circle to aid us upper mages with our assaults against the city.” Coania still did not understand. Donaxon had told her that she was going to be going with Ludia and him. If they wanted the plan to work out like they planned, they would need her there, and Avoil had agreed to their plan already.

 

“I’m supposed to be going in with Captain Ludia,” Coania said. Jiklan cut her off before she could say anymore.

 

“You don’t think that Master Ma’aten was going to leave that job in the hands of a pathetic mage? No, he is going to be going with them himself.” Jiklan had a smug sense of self-satisfactions in his voice when he told Coania this. She could tell he had wanted to let her know of it for a while now. Coania found it particularly heart-wrenching to be told this now. She knew she had to do something.

 

“I have to talk to Captain Ludia and Captain Donaxon about this!” Coania said, grabbing her bag and making as if she was going to leave her tent. Jiklan stepped in front of her to stop her.

 

“You have to do nothing other than to go to the magic circle, those are Master Ma’aten’s orders,” Jiklan said. Coania felt a twitch as Jiklan gathered up his power. Coania knew that if she were to confront him right now things would be found out, and she could not afford that. Her only hope was to try and get in touch with Gluake or Ludia somehow. Coania looked directly into Jiklan’s eyes, not letting any of her anxiety show. She also was not going to give him any satisfaction. She tossed her bag back onto her cot and then walked right by Jiklan heading for the magic circle, and right now she was doing some very quick thinking.

 

* * *

 

Ciran knew it was Litlo standing next to him but he did not let on. Litlo, dressed as a guard, had appeared beside him a few paces before he entered into Phaen’s presence. He started breathing heavily and pulled off a good impression of someone who had just ran full speed. It helped convince Phaen in an instant.

 

“What do you mean they’re amassing?” Phaen demanded, rising in his chair.

 

“They’re getting in battle formation, and they’ve created a magic circle well outside of our archer’s ranges. I am almost certain that they are going to attack,” Ciran said. He watched Phaen twitch a few times. Ciran had to remind himself that was not Phaen that was standing before him, that was a demon.

 

“That bastard,” Phaen said to himself quietly. Ciran was sure that he was not supposed to hear that, or more aptly, to understand that. Though he did. “Sound the alarm, and wake all the guard. If he wants to try and take this from me he has another thing coming!”

 

The other advisors in the room did not question him at all; they simply gave a cheer when he spoke. They simply thought that their leader was going to lead them into a glorious battle to defend their hometown. Ciran silently hoped that their plan would work as he turned and ran from the room, Litlo trailing behind him. They wanted to get to their positions quickly.

 

* * *

 

 

“She’s late,” Ludia said, sounding annoyed. Donaxon smiled at her in his usual way.

 

“She’s not late,” Donaxon said. “If she was late the battle would have begun already.”

 

“I told her to be here well before the beginning of the battle though,” Ludia said. Donaxon heard more anxiousness then annoyance this time. While he shared a little of the anxiousness, he had been around long enough to know that things come as their time arrives.

 

“R’Tearin!” shouted Ludia. The big paladin was standing right behind her when she yelled, though he did not jump. It was almost as if he was expecting the call.

 

“Yes, Captain?” R’Tearin said, stepping into Ludia’s field of vision.

 

“Go get Coania and bring her here,” Ludia said. R’Tearin simply bowed in understanding. The paladin turned to take a step when Donaxon heard a voice.

 

“You have no need to get that girl,” Ma’aten said from behind Donaxon. The big man turned and watched Ma’aten ride a rather pained looking horse up to the top of the hill the group stood on. Donaxon said a silent prayer for the horse because the beast looked as if it was going to need a prayer or two. Walking beside Ma’aten was Jiklan, a smug smile across his face. Donaxon held out his hand in a stopping manner to hold back the anger that Misheal was suddenly brimming over with. She had to do extra work because of Jiklan and she put her resentment where it correctly belonged, on the mage himself.

 

“And why is that, Master Mage?” Donaxon asked, being polite.

 

“Because I would have to be out of my mind to let someone of her level be on a mission of this importance. I’ve sent her back to the magic circle where she can do the same as the other mages and contribute to the magical attacks on the city,” Ma’aten explained. Donaxon held back his own anger this time.

 

“Well then who is going with us? We need a magic user for this,” Donaxon said, speaking before Ludia could. Donaxon was sure the paladin would not be able to hold back her ire as Misheal did. Ma’aten looked down upon Donaxon with a look of arrogance.

 

“Myself of course,” Ma’aten said. “There is no one with enough magical ability to do this but myself.” Donaxon swore loudly in his head. This was not a good thing. In fact this was a horrible thing for Donaxon. However, Donaxon was not going to give anything away. He had sensed something amiss yesterday when he had talked with Ma’aten. The mage knew something that he was not letting on to and that worried Donaxon.

 

“Of course,” Donaxon said. “You make a very good point. This is an important mission and I’d expect nothing less then the best.” That seemed to cow Ma’aten for now. Donaxon turned as if he was looking at the units that were approaching the wall but instead made eye contact with Ludia. She did not give him a positive look but he could do nothing about that right now. “We should get into position then, we’ll be off in a moment.”

 

R’Tearin was mounted on his horse in an instant and Ludia walked over to hers, pausing a moment to look at something on the saddle. Donaxon, who with Misheal would not be using horses, stepped over seemingly to help Ludia.

 

“What the Goddess was that?” Ludia demanded.

 

“He knows something,” Donaxon said in a low voice. “Once I find out about it I’ll do something, but now we just have to go with the flow.”

 

“What about Coania though? We need her for vanquishing the demons.”

 

“I know,” Donaxon said. “I just hope Kisean is smart enough to notice she’s not with us.”

 

“We’ll see.”

 

* * *

 

Kisean ran along the streets heading for the place where the first attack had hit. It was fairly easy to find it too, since lightning struck the wall of the city from a clear sky. Grol and Lorathe were a step behind him as they ran through a nearly empty street. Most people had been evacuated to the inner parts of the city by now. Kisean was nearing the battle site, the sounds getting louder and louder. It was then that he saw the signal he was looking for. A ball of green shot up into the air and then landed hard upon the ground beyond the wall. Everything around them shook violently and a few things fell to the ground. Kisean stopped suddenly and Lorathe and Grol sped by him only to skid themselves to a halt a little bit beyond him.

 

“Kisean? What’s wrong?” Lorathe asked. Her staff was glowing in anticipation for the battle right ahead of them.

 

“Remember what I said last night?” Kisean asked. They both nodded. “Good. Go to the battle, but try to avoid killing too many people. Focus more on defense then offense. Just try and keep them repelled for as long as possible.”

 

“Why?” Lorathe asked. Kisean gave her a small smile.

 

“I asked you to trust me on this…” Kisean began.

 

“And so we shall,” Grol finished, giving Kisean a salute. With a tug he yanked Lorathe with him, sparing only one more look back at Kisean. In an instant they were beyond Kisean’s sight.

 

Kisean inhaled deeply and started counting. As the numbers started growing he began going through different alleyways, moving swiftly. He encountered a group fighting but did not pause to help them. He had to meet them perfectly otherwise it was not going to work. Kisean heard voices and then the galloping of horses. He grinned to himself. He was only going to mock battle with Donaxon but he had to at least make it look real. Kisean grabbed hold of his halberd and crouched low, waiting for the voices to get loud enough on the other side of the building he was facing. With a grunt Kisean launched himself into the building.

[Orlan]

* * *

 

Donaxon felt Kisean before he could see him. The wall of the building before them suddenly exploded into a shower of stone and wood. Donaxon and Misheal stopped instantly while the others reined their horses in quickly. As the dust settled Kisean stood before them, his halberd leveled directly at the group. Donaxon could see a slight smile etched across his face. Donaxon, however, was less then smiling. He needed to find a way to get Kisean to notice that Coania was missing.

 

“Didn’t I ask you to bring a gift with you next time that you came to visit?” Kisean asked of Donaxon. Donaxon met eyes with Kisean and gave him a serious look. Kisean paused for a moment as their eyes met and he looked a little confused. That lasted only for a moment as a fireball arced around Donaxon and slammed into Kisean’s side. The home guard was fast enough to block it with his bracer, but Donaxon lost eye contact with him. Kisean glanced around Donaxon with his eyebrows arched.

 

“You know, every time I run into you, there’s a different mage at your back. Do you go through them like water?” Kisean said. He gave Ma’aten an appraising look. “What happened to the little girl? At least she was more appealing to look at.” Donaxon instantly relaxed and a smile crept across his face.

 

“She’s out with the other mages at the circle,” Donaxon started. Almost as if in response a huge fireball slammed into the magical protection around the city causing everything to shake a little. “Doing that.”

 

“Ah, but of course,” Kisean said. “Well then, shall we start? I’d like to get to the front as quickly as I can so I can stop the rest of the soldiers.”

“Absolutely,” Donaxon said, cracking his knuckles. Donaxon was very relieved that Kisean noticed something was wrong, he now left it up to him to take care of Coania.

 

Donaxon sped at Kisean, swinging high, letting Kisean duck under the punch and roll to the side. When Kisean stopped rolling R’Tearin was there with his war hammer raised high into the air. Kisean easily jumped back, avoiding the hammer as it cracked the street where Kisean used to be. Another fireball flew at Kisean but he batted it away with his halberd. Kisean leapt back far enough so that everyone was in his field of vision.

 

“Now now now,” Kisean said. “Five on one is hardly fair, wouldn’t you say?”

 

“I would,” said a voice. Three arrows streaked through the air and slammed into Ma’aten’s magical shield. Each arrow exploded in a shower of purple sparks. Donaxon glanced up and saw Ciran standing atop of one of the buildings; his bow was loaded and aimed right down at the group.

 

“How about we even up those odds?” Vasia said, stepping out from behind Ciran. With a small hop she leapt from the building to the ground and landed next to Kisean. Donaxon noticed Litlo was suddenly standing behind the group.

 

“I’d say that’s much better,” Kisean said, spinning his halberd from one hand, behind his back, and to the other hand. “Now then, shall we?”

 

“Let’s,” Donaxon said, a smile on his face.

 

* * *

 

Ciran’s focus was simple: take care of the fat man on the horse. Ciran heard the exchange with Kisean and Donaxon and knew that Coania was at the magic circle just outside of the city, which meant that the fat man was not apart of the plan, and thus was the most dangerous of them all. Ciran leapt from the building after Vasia. He let loose another arrow at the mage infusing it with magic. The mage blocked it with no effort, but it served to distract him long enough so Ciran could land.

 

“Gluake, some help would be nice,” Ciran whispered. Ciran did have some magic ability, but not enough to take on a full sorcerer in battle.

 

“I’ll do what I can” Gluake responded.

 

“So you know some magic, eh?” the fat mage said. “Though you’re nowhere near my level.” The fat man lashed out with a whip of magic energy. The whip came careening at Ciran and the archer reacted instinctively, summoning up a simple shield around him. Gluake’s magic flowed into the shield and reinforced it a hundredfold. The whip struck the shield but was dispersed short of Ciran. Ciran nocked another arrow and it exploded into flame when he infused magic into it. Gluake added some more and the fire became green.

 

Ciran launched the arrow at the fat man and it struck the other’s shield. Ciran could see that the fat man was becoming quickly frustrated at the lack of penetration that his spells were having on Gluake’s shield. Ciran, on the other hand, was happy with this. As long as the fat man was frustrated enough at the shield he would keep his attacks focused on Ciran and not anyone else.

 

Ciran just hoped that Gluake’s shield would last long enough for the others to play out their charade.

 

* * *

 

Ludia was off her horse in an instant and Vasia was right there, her leg coming down in an overhead strike. Ludia stepped to the side and drew out her bless blade and swung high at Vasia. Vasia ducked in response and drew her blades out from her sides. She blocked a downward strike from Ludia with her daggers crossed over each other and held it there for a moment.

 

“What happened?” Vasia whispered. Ludia brought her blade down hard, breaking Vasia’s stance and causing her to jump back to avoid the blade. Ludia pulled back for a moment and raised her blade, aiming a lunge at Vasia’s side. Vasia pushed the blade away with one of her daggers and spun around the paladin. Ludia stopped herself from moving forward and brought the blade around again at Vasia’s head. Vasia caught the blade again with her daggers and held it there for a moment.

 

“Don’t know, Coania’s at the magic circle,” Ludia whispered through gritted teeth. Vasia shoved the blade away with her daggers and stepped back a pace. Litlo suddenly snaked around her, a flash of cloak in the side of her eye. Ludia raised the blade in a defensive stance and it met Litlo’s short sword in a clash of steel. Vasia watched as the other woman who was with Donaxon and Ludia leapt at Litlo. The assassin was quick enough to raise his arm and block the kick she aimed at his head but Ludia used that opportunity to stab in with her sword. Litlo fell back, tapping the blade to the side and avoiding it by an inch.

The other woman landed and crouched down in a flash. Vasia could feel the woman gathering her chi into her feet. Vasia decided this woman was of the Uri-Van when she launched a blindingly fast kick that left a boot print on Litlo’s raised arms. The assassin was forced back a few feet from the kick. Vasia used this moment to sheath her daggers and dash at the Uri-Van woman, giving a quick open hand thrust at the woman’s abdomen.

 

When Vasia was studying at the Uri-Van, Jidan Donaxon would always make his students go through mock battles, or Setzu, to train their bodies to be able to react to what was happening around them. Vasia brought her other palm over her head and down at the other woman. Two strikes were in rapid succession and were the first two moves in one of the first Setzu that Donaxon had taught them. What followed was a punch for punch, kick for kick fight between Vasia and the other woman. Vasia had seen enough of these before to know that it looked more like a dance from the outside then a fight. She also knew what her opponent’s next moves were, as her opponent knew what Vasia’s moves were going to be.

 

Vasia had enough time to glance and see Litlo and Ludia clashing weapons. The assassin was much faster then the paladin, despite his age, but Vasia had explained that al he needed to do was to put up a good enough act to convince anyone watching, and he was doing just that.

 

“Litlo!” Kisean’s voice yelled over battle. Vasia broke from the Setzu by taking two steps back. Litlo broke from his fight with Ludia and snaked away, moving swiftly to Kisean’s side. Vasia was once again faced with two opponents. Ludia lunged low and Vasia moved quick enough to step on the top of the blade and use it as leverage to flip over the paladin. She was glad that this was not a real fight when the other woman’s foot tapped her on the back. The blow was not hard, but it was enough to cause her to stumble and roll.

 

* * *

 

Kisean blocked Donaxon’s first punch with his bracer. The second punch he ducked low under and used his position to force his shoulder up at Donaxon. The monk was fast enough to dash to the side. R’Tearin, the other paladin that Kisean had met before, was there suddenly, his war hammer swinging low at Kisean’s legs. Kisean slammed his halberd hard into the street and used it to lift himself up from the ground. The war hammer hit the halberd and bounced off, knocking R’Tearin off balance.

 

Donaxon was suddenly there, his fist slamming into the ground where Kisean’s halberd was. The ground shattered in a circle around the halberd and Kisean lost his own balance, falling awkwardly to the ground. Kisean used his momentum to roll a few steps away and came up from his crouch spinning his halberd over him. Donaxon was there again, as Kisean knew he would be, and he stopped the halberd by catching the staff end of it. Kisean kicked at Donaxon, his foot nicking the edge of the monk’s stomach.

 

R’Tearin was back again; he grabbed the other end of the halberd, avoiding the blade. With his war hammer in his free hand he swung at Kisean’s midsection. Kisean let go of the halberd and jumped back a few paces, keeping the two in his sights. Kisean took a momentary breather and shook out his muscles. R’Tearin spun the halberd in his hand once and then tossed it back at Kisean.

 

Kisean waited in place only long enough to catch the halberd, for Donaxon and R’Tearin were both right behind the weapon. Donaxon reached his arm out to try and catch Kisean in the neck and R’Tearin’s war hammer came in low. Kisean smirked to himself and sprung at the two, and was able to clear R’Tearin’s hammer but also duck under Donaxon’s arm.

 

Kisean was once again on his feet by the time Donaxon was back. The two shared a few blows, none actually doing any damage but looking like they could. Donaxon’s punches actually looked more viscous then anything else, but whenever they hit Kisean they felt padded, like there was no actual strength behind the blows. Kisean appreciated this move on the monk’s end.

 

Dodging a low blow, Kisean spun his halberd around in time to catch R’Tearin’s war hammer with the halberd’s blunt end. Kisean got the blunt end of his halberd under the head of the hammer and pulled hard, sending R’Tearin flying into Donaxon. Kisean stepped back a good distance. That was probably long enough for anyone watching.

 

“Litlo!” he yelled. Kisean was going to have Litlo get Coania for him. Donaxon and R’Tearin stopped moving for a moment to see what was happening. A moment later Litlo was beside Kisean.

 

“Coania’s out at the magic circle, bring her back,” Kisean whispered. Litlo nodded and a moment later his cloak shimmered and he vanished. Kisean stretched his arms up into the air. “How about we wrap this up now eh? I have soldiers I need to stop.” Donaxon smiled back and nodded.

 

“I was thinking the same thing,” Donaxon said. The monk was a blur as he dash at Kisean. Kisean dodged and blocked another blow with his halberd. He spun the halberd down in an arc, aiming down fast and hard. Donaxon stepped to the side and then slammed his fist hard into Kisean’s side. Kisean felt what seemed like a thousand hands suddenly pushing on every part of his body. The sensation, while painless, was a little unnerving. Suddenly he was flying across the street.

 

Kisean managed to spin himself enough so when he slammed into Vasia, who was in his path, she did not take the full brunt of the hit. He wrapped his arms around Vasia tightly and held onto her as they both slammed into the wall of a building. The building quickly collapsed on top of them and Kisean braced himself so that Vasia was well protected under him.

 

“Do you think that we managed to convince the mage with them?” Vasia said after the building finished collapsing and things began to become quiet. Kisean had no problem keeping the pieces of stone from falling but his face was a mask of concentration as he tried to hear if Donaxon and the others had gone.

 

“They’re gone now,” Gluake’s voice said into Kisean’s ear. Kisean grinned to Vasia.

 

“I think we did,” he said. With a grunt Kisean flipped the pieces on his back over and suddenly the sunlight flowed over the two. He reached his hand down to Vasia and helped her up. “Ciran?” Kisean shouted.

 

“I’m here,” Ciran said as he slowly rose out of the ground. Kisean gave him a raised eyebrow. “Gluake dragged me down there in the confusion so they would use the opportunity to continue on.”

 

“Smart move,” Kisean said. He looked down at the rubble at his feet. He could feel his halberd under the stone and he slammed his hand down hard, breaking through the rubble and grasping on to the weapon. He pulled it out with a flourish and spun it a few times to get the dust off of it. “Now then, I think we should get going, don’t you agree?” The other two nodded and in a flash they were off heading to their next positions.

 

* * *

 

Donaxon held out his hand to stop Ma’aten from moving any further into the room. They found the cemetery and the magical door with little problem. Donaxon was not too surprised that Ma’aten was able to break the magical lock on the door. Gluake had obviously been tampering with it earlier to make it easier to deal with. The room that was beyond the door was round, lit by five torches, and had a pedestal in the middle. On top of the pedestal sat the artifact that they had been looking for: the Chalice of Souls. Donaxon could see a demonic glow all over the chalice.

 

“What are you doing?” Ma’aten demanded. Donaxon gave him a look that silenced him instantly.

 

“I am stopping you from going in and getting the chalice,” Donaxon said.

 

“You want it for yourself then?” Ma’aten accused. Donaxon shorted.

 

“What is the use of something that can grant me less power then I currently posses?” Donaxon said, matter-of-factly. He crossed the threshold of the room and took a few steps to the pedestal. When he looked down into the cup he saw nothing, just an empty chalice. Donaxon reached out the touched the edge of the chalice. The moment he did he saw the chalice fill with a gray liquid. Donaxon peered closely at the liquid and could see a face appear in the top of the liquid from time to time. Donaxon quickly realized the full reason it was called the Chalice of Souls.

 

He let go of the chalice and everything vanished from within it. When he touched it again the liquid appeared again. Donaxon could feel the power emanating from the chalice. It was a little bit more then Donaxon was expecting, and he now knew why the two demons were fighting for this thing. Donaxon turned back and found Ludia and Ma’aten staring intently at him.

 

“Let’s get going then before we linger too long,” Donaxon said. Ludia nodded and shoved Ma’aten into walking. The fat mage was in the lead with Ludia and Donaxon right behind him, as they wound their way out of the catacombs. The others in the group were standing guard in the rest of the cemetery. Donaxon suddenly heard a voice.

 

“Captain, hurry up!” R’Tearin yelled from the cemetery. Ludia, spurred on by the voice, took it upon herself to shove at Ma’aten, getting him moving faster. A moment later they were out of the catacombs and staring right at someone who Donaxon knew very well by this point. Litlo held Coania, his arm around her neck and his free hand with a knife to her throat.

 

“I’d return that which you stole if you want her unharmed,” Litlo said. Donaxon silently applauded Kisean in his judgment. Sending Litlo to go get Coania was a great idea. R’Tearin and Misheal were holding their ground, making it seem like they were loathe to move in on Litlo when he had a hostage. Ludia played right along.

 

“Coania!” she gasped. She drew her blade and leveled it at Litlo. Coania was doing her acting as well. Her eyes were wide with terror and became more so when Litlo pressed the dagger against her neck.

 

“I’d not come any closer if I were you, missy,” Litlo threatened. Donaxon stepped beside Ludia and Ma’aten. He glanced over at the fat mage and was very pleased with what he saw. Ma’aten had not even a trace of concern in his face.

 

“Let’s get moving, Lord Avoil will want his victory,” Ma’aten said. Ludia spun on the mage with fire in her eyes like Donaxon had never seen before.

 

“What do you mean ‘let’s get moving?!’ He has Coania!” Ludia shouted. Donaxon was glad he was standing where he was standing for he had a momentary fear that Ludia would strangle Ma’aten where he stood, even if Litlo never would harm the young mage.

 

“I mean she’s more then expendable,” Ma’aten said, not backing down.

 

“What the hell-” Ludia began but Donaxon put a hand on her shoulder. She stopped short.

 

“You think we should just leave the girl and complete our mission then?” he asked Ma’aten. The fat mage nodded.

“There’s plenty more where she came from, and it’s not like she’ll be missed.” Donaxon waited a moment and then turned back to Ludia.

 

“I’m sorry,” he said, though not to Ludia. Donaxon moved in a flash and slammed his fist hard into Ma’aten’s stomach. However, unlike when he struck Kisean, Donaxon focused all his power into his fist and sent Ma’aten flying. The mage struck a large gravestone hard and fell to the ground completely unconscious. Nobody moved for a moment. “Huzzah!” Donaxon suddenly yelled. “That felt good!” The monk let out a good laugh.

 

“Ouch,” Litlo observed as he let go his grip on Coania. He was eyeing the crumbled mound that was Ma’aten. “I was right to stay out of your melee range,” he said to Donaxon. The monk gave him a wink.

 

“I take it that Kisean and the others are in position?” Donaxon asked. Litlo nodded.

 

“Ciran should be getting the demon riled up right about now.”

 

“Wonderful, then we should get going.” Donaxon turned to Ludia who was sheathing her Bless Blade. Ludia caught his look and turned back to face the monk. “Are you ready?” Donaxon asked honestly. Donaxon was depending on Ludia to help him and since her recent run in with her goddess she has been questionable at best.

 

“I am,” Ludia replied. Donaxon nodded to her but silently said a prayer to the paladin’s goddess to help her. He had a feeling she was going to need all she could get.

 

* * *

 

Ciran barged into the throne room with a flourish, slamming open the doors. All eyes were instantly upon him, as he wanted.

 

“My lord!” Ciran shouted. “A small group has broken through our defenses, they were last seen heading towards the royal cemetery but we believe their end goal might be yourself.” Ciran saw the appropriate reaction in the demon that stood in his ruler’s guise. Phaen became wide-eyed for a moment, and then suddenly rage began to show across his face. The demon beyond that face knew exactly what the group was going after, and it was not his life. Phaen turned to Ort who stood right at his side.

 

“Ort! My armor and horse, now!” Phaen demanded. Ort looked flabbergasted for a moment and then he glanced from Ciran to Phaen.

 

“My Lord, surely you are not going to go into battle? That is what we have soldiers for,” Ort said.

 

“He is trying to steal from me what is rightfully mine, and I intend to go out and face him on my own if I have to,” Phaen stated. He stood up and without waiting and stormed off to his chambers, obviously to get himself armed. Ciran watched Ort stare after Phaen and then turn back to Ciran. Ciran just shrugged as if he did not know what to say to the advisor. Ort glanced around one more time and then hurried after Phaen. Ciran let himself risk a small smile.

 

“He took the bait, Gluake,” Ciran whispered.

 

* * *

 

Donaxon and the others reached the outskirts of the city and paused a moment. Donaxon turned to Ludia and R’Tearin.

 

“We part here,” Donaxon said. “Your paladins are waiting for you now, I assume?”

 

“They would have obeyed my orders until the end of time,” Ludia said with confidence.

 

“Good,” Donaxon nodded. Donaxon turned to Misheal and Coania. “Now comes the tricky part. Coania, are you ready for this?”

 

“I am,” the young girl said. It was the first time since Donaxon had met the girl that he could feel that she truly was ready to give her all. Donaxon glanced at Misheal.

 

“When the time comes you grab Avoil and you run like a demon is on your heels, because if something goes wrong, he will be,” Donaxon said with a little smile. Misheal saluted Donaxon and gave him back the same smile. Donaxon then turned to Litlo who had trailed them the whole way. “I have no idea what you’re doing here now, but I thank you for bringing me Coania.” Litlo shrugged.

 

“It’s the job,” Litlo said. He paused for a moment, looking as if he was lost in thought. “On second thought, this is nothing like my job. Assassination and kidnapping are quite different from one another. But as the old saying goes ‘What Lady Leather wants, Lady Leather gets,’”

 

“She definitely has not changed,” Donaxon said. Donaxon took one last glance around and made eye contact with everyone stopping finally upon Ludia. “Faith is the only thing that can get us through this. Faith in others but more importantly, faith in ourselves is essential. Let no one person forget this.” Ludia’s eyes betrayed her stone face, and that in turn gave Donaxon more hope then he had before.

 

“Anything happens to Coania and you will need faith in your own god, Monk,” Ludia said to distract others from her eyes.

 

“Worry not, gentle Paladin,” Donaxon said with an overly flourished bow. “I shall keep her as safe as a newborn.” Donaxon winked and with a turn, two steps and an arm around Coania, he and the mage were gone.

 

* * *

 

Grothean had to resist the urge to burst forth from the puny mortal’s body and take back his precious Zarz’ah’t’zam. When the lackey came and reported that a small group had broken past the defenses and were in the vicinity of the cemetery, Grothean knew what they were up to. A quick check on his magic seals around the room confirmed his greatest anger. Zrethet had stolen Zarz’ah’t’zam from him.

 

Grothean, hidden deep within the body of Phaen, ruler of Agregra, now rode at the head of a group of soldiers. They trampled through the streets as fast as possible, trying desperately to keep up with Grothean’s puppet. The soldiers at the gate ahead of the group were currently opening it up. There was relatively little fighting going on right around there, but Grothean did not concern himself with that, he had only one goal in mind.

 

However, that one-track mind failed to notice a sorcerer standing right by the door. Grothean knew the sorcerer to be Gluake, one of the few mortal Matched of demon kind. Grothean had succeeded fooling the sorcerer for a long time, festering deep within Phaen, a person that Gluake would never dare scan without the ruler’s permission. However, Grothean recognized the fire in the sorcerer’s eyes too late. Gluake knew now. Grothean smelled the trap and tried desperately to halt the horse that Phaen rode. It was to no avail. Gluake had already spoken his name, and Grothean, as hard as he tried, could not resist the call.

 

* * *

 

Gluake’s magic stopped the horses and riders of the entire group short. Phaen had passed through the edge of the barrier, and, as if Phaen’s body had tossed it out, a mass of black and gray mist was ejected from Phaen. The mist flew out of the doorway and hit the ground hard. A flash of fire suddenly burst from the mist and then standing there was the demon Grothean.

 

Grothean was more then twenty feet tall, his head the same as a massive wolf’s. His body was black and bulbous, two arms protruded from the torso and ended in razor sharp claws, each one the size of a horse. His legs were the legs of a bull, enormous and deadly in their own right. The demon immediately turned to Gluake, who stood in the center of the open gate, his staff at his side.

 

“You fool,” Grothean said in a deep, horrible voice. “You dare challenge me?”

 

“I challenge all trash in my city,” Gluake said. Grothean took a few steps closer to Gluake.

 

“I will crush you here and now then,” Grothean threatened, holding out one of his claws in a mimic of crushing a body.

 

“You have no power over me out there, demon,” Gluake said. “If you wish to fight me all you need to do is cross this threshold into my city.” Gluake pointed his staff at a line that suddenly appeared in the ground. Grothean took another step towards Gluake. The sorcerer slammed his staff into the ground and in response the walls of the city began to glow blood red. The ground all around Gluake began to tremble and the air became cold and dank. Gluake began summoning magic from every aspect of the city. From the walls to the people themselves, all forms of magic began to flow within the sorcerer.

 

“Puffing up your chest will not make you more impressive,” Grothean said, taking another step.

 

“Can you afford to underestimate me, demon?” Gluake said. Though his voice was little more then a whisper, everyone in the entire city heard it as if it was spoken right in his or her ear. Gluake’s staff exploded in a golden light and his body pulsed with an aura to match. Grothean paused in his stride, looking for a moment as if he were frightened. “Step over this threshold and you will know why I am one of the Matched,” Gluake said. “And it will be the last thing you will know.”

 

Grothean growled low for a moment, weighing his options. Gluake could see the fear in the demon’s aura. Grothean was no match for Gluake in the city, and both of them knew that. Grothean took a step backwards.

 

“Do not think you have won,” Grothean said.

 

“I do not think that, I know that,” Gluake said. Suddenly Grothean’s head snapped to the side as he heard a loud yell. On the other side of the city there came a terrible howl and in response, Grothean crouched down to all fours and bounded off. Gluake wasted no time and slammed his staff once again into the ground, the walls went from red to gold in an instant and everyone outside of the threshold of the city was locked out. Gluake turned and saw the looks of terror in the soldiers who had been directly behind him. The true Lord Phaen was slouched on his horse, unconscious but alive, and free.

 

Gluake slammed his staff again into the ground. This time, every man, woman and child throughout the city became frozen in place. Nothing moved in Gluake’s city. Nothing except Gluake himself. Gluake’s mind searched out his two first targets and freed Ciran and Vasia from his spell.

 

“The demon is gone,” Gluake said into the minds of everyone in the city. “We can now only put our faith in those outside to rid the world of them.” Gluake slowly became more intangible as he walked. “Vasia and Ciran, I leave the sorting out of mayhem to you.”

 

* * *

 

Ciran felt the spell break and heard Gluake’s words. He knew that he only had a short time before the spell would wear off of everyone. Ciran reached into a pouch at his side and grabbed the glove that lay in there. He slipped it on his hand and immediately felt the power pulse through his body. To his left stood a frozen Lorathe. Ciran touched the gloved hand to her and instantly she could move.

 

“What the hell?” she asked immediately.

 

“No time to explain. Gather up all the weapons that the soldiers have as quickly as you can. Everyone, no exceptions. Then put them somewhere. We need to stop all the fighting within the city walls before Gluake’s spell wears off.”

 

* * *

 

Coania held on to Donaxon’s neck as the monk raced through the fighting soldiers outside of the city. She was amazed at the monk’s speed and agility, even more so then she had previously been. The monk moved effortlessly through all the fighting soldiers, pausing only the briefest moments to render someone unconscious or disarm someone. Coania closed her eyes for only a moment when she felt Donaxon stop. When she opened her eyes they were atop the hill where Coania was supposed to have met them this morning. Donaxon let Coania down and took the Chalice of Souls from his pouch, holding it high for all to see. Avoil was immediately visible, racing towards Donaxon, an entourage right behind him.

 

“Splendid, Master Donaxon!” Avoil cried out. “Now quickly, bring it to me!”

 

“No,” Donaxon said. Avoil pulled his horse to a stop a little ways away from Donaxon, staring down at him.

 

“What do you mean, ‘no?’” Avoil demanded. “Give me that chalice now!”

 

“I refuse,” Donaxon said.

 

“What right do you think you have to refuse me?!” Avoil shouted, foam coming from his mouth.

 

“I have all the right I want,” Donaxon said. “Zrethet.”

 

Avoil’s body tensed up and a mist of black and red suddenly appeared around him. The mist suddenly gathered together and was tossed forward to the ground in front of Donaxon. The mist slowly congealed into a thirty-foot tall demon. Donaxon grabbed Coania and leapt back a fair distance to give the demon a wide berth. The demon had the head of a bull, with sharp, wicked looking horns protruding from its head. The body was almost that of a human, but it was red in color and instead of arms it had two great tentacles of the darkest black.

 

Donaxon did not expect what happened next to happen. Zrethet immediately turned and slammed a tentacle down at Avoil. Fortunately for Donaxon, Misheal had expected that and in an instant she leapt at Avoil, grabbing him and rolling out of harms way as Zrethet’s tentacle crushed the horse instead. Misheal wasted no time and took off with Avoil as fast as she could run. Zrethet turned to pursuer, for a few of his strides could easily match Misheal, but he was stopped short as Kisean slammed his halberd into the ground at Zrethet’s feet. The demon faltered and howled giving Misheal the time she needed to get far enough out of the demon’s range.

 

“Well well well,” Kisean said as he walked down to stand next to Donaxon and Coania. “It seems like people are having a party without me.”

 

“I would never think of doing that, Kisean,” Donaxon said. “In fact you’re just in time to play a game.” Coania inhaled deeply and began to chant the beginnings of a spell.

 

“So what,” Zrethet growled. “You think magic from a little girl can stop me?”

 

“Of course I do,” Donaxon said with a smile. “You’re an insignificant little lesser demon with aspirations to claw your way through the upper realms of hell. I’m surprised that I need to deal with you at all.” The demon became enraged instantly and slammed its tentacles down hard, shaking the ground all around them. Soldiers who saw the demon and felt the trembling suddenly turned tail and ran. Donaxon was pleased. Fewer targets for the demon’s wrath. Kisean steadied Coania as she continued chanting her spell.

 

“You will pay for your disrespect,” Zrethet said.

 

“And how will you extract that payment?” Donaxon asked. “Without your little toy?” Donaxon lowered the chalice down so it was at Coania’s eye level. At once Coania and Kisean reached out and took hold of the chalice. Coania’s spell flared into life as the chalice began glowing in an unholy light. A moment later Kisean and Donaxon pulled on the chalice and each pulled away their own chalice. Donaxon let out a short laugh. The spell had worked. Both chalices were identical. He resisted the urge to hug Coania half to death. Coania finished casting the spell and fell back, exhausted. Kisean caught her.

 

“You think a mere trick can fool my eye?” Zrethet yelled. The demon slammed its tentacles hard into the ground where the three of them stood. Donaxon leapt to the left and Kisean picked up Coania and jumped right, both of them narrowly missing the strike.

 

“I do,” Donaxon said. He glanced at Kisean and nodded his head. Suddenly a horrid howl came from behind the demon. Donaxon saw another demon, one he assume was Grothean, loping towards the other demon at a high speed. “I think we should be leaving right about now,” he said to Kisean.

 

“I concur,” Kisean said. He took off, holding an unconscious Coania under his arm. Donaxon waited a moment. He watched Zrethet spin his massive head around and look at Grothean.

 

“I will take care of you when I get Zarz’ah’t’zam back!” Zrethet roared. Kisean bolted by Grothean and the demon skidded to a stop as he saw them pass. The bait was enough as Grothean turned and started to pursue Kisean. Donaxon let out a laugh to get Zrethet’s head to swing around.

 

“You’ll have to catch it first,” Donaxon said. He took off in an instant with the demon running behind him.

 

* * *

[Orlan]

Donaxon started moving quickly through the soldiers who were around him. A few were still fighting but most had been scared by the demons and were trying desperately to flee. This posed a problem for Donaxon who wanted to avoid large groups enough so that the demon would not be able to attack anyone other then Donaxon. Fortunately, for Donaxon, the demon had a one-track mind. It wanted the Chalice of Souls. Yet the one Donaxon had was a fake, and the demon was heading for a trap. Donaxon glanced back every once and a while to get a glimpse of the demon and make sure the pursuit was still on. Of course Zrethet's howls of fury were indication enough.

 

The demon paid no attention to anything that got in its way, and that caused some unfortunate men and horses to become crushed by the demon’s massive girth of the. Zrethet's tentacles flared around, lashing out as far as possible to try and grab hold of Donaxon. The monk proved much quicker then the demon's appendages, as he was able to dodge each and every strike.

 

Donaxon wound his way around the city of Agregra; his destination was the small grouping of trees a little ways off from the walls. The soldiers he had to run through began to slowly diminish in numbers. There was not as much fighting going on around there and most of that fighting stopped when Donaxon ran by being chased by a giant demon.

 

In no time Donaxon burst through the edge of the trees and straight into the forest. The beginning of the forest was dense with trees. They were large, old, trees, with deep roots. Donaxon moved in-between the trees swiftly, making his way through a lightly marked path. Zrethet, only a little ways behind the Uri-Van master, slammed hard into the trees, its body suddenly becoming engulfed in flames. The demon burned its way through the trees, as if it was wading through a river. All around Donaxon the trees began to fall as the demon tore through the forest.

 

Donaxon wanted to make enough distance between him and the demon so that the trap that was lying in wait would have enough time to be properly sprung. Donaxon gathered his chi all around his body and formed it into a point a few feet before him. The monk crouched low and then leapt with all his strength. Some of the chi around him shot out from his feet and propelled him with amazing speed right at a tree. The point of chi Donaxon had formed before him pierced the tree and then spun, boring a hole through the trunk. With Donaxon's speed and strength he was launched a good distance and through a far bit of trees before he once again touched ground.

 

Luckily for Donaxon, he was a few steps from the clearing he was aiming for. The monk sped across the clearing to the other edge of the trees and stopped, spinning quickly. He could feel Ludia's presence several feet behind him, and slowly he could pick out the other paladins that were hidden in the forest around him. A moment later the demon came crashing into the clearing, the fire that had engulfed its body suddenly vanished. Zrethet slowly took a few steps into the center of the clearing.

 

“Do you mean to stand between me and my prize, mortal?” Zrethet growled. Donaxon held the chalice up in the air before the demon.

 

“You mean this thing?” Donaxon asked, giving the chalice a little shake. Zrethet's eyes went wide for a moment and then narrowed shrewdly. Both its tentacles stretched out to try and make a grab for it but Donaxon was too far away.

 

“Return it to me and I will make your death quick and painless, mortal,” Zrethet said. Donaxon laughed.

 

“If you were looking for your little toy then you followed the wrong person,” Donaxon said. He clenched his hand around the fake chalice, crushing it as it exploded into a shower of magical sparks. Zrethet howled loudly, slamming its tentacles into the ground like a child having a tantrum. “You should be more wary of your movements, Zrethet,” Donaxon said. “If I don’t have the real chalice, then this is obviously a trap, is it not?” Suddenly a bell rang twice, and in answer to that the entire forest became alive with the sound of bells ringing.

 

* * *

 

Ludia’s paladins did just as they were told. When they heard the signal they were to respond in kind, and then trap the demon. From every paladin that was hidden in the forest, a chain made up of large glowing links came flying at the demon. These chains moved swiftly and wrapped themselves around the demon as tightly as possible. Zrethet tried desperately to swat the chains away and succeeded a little but in the end there were too many chains to be able to resist them all. In a few moments the demon was nearly covered in chains.

 

Ludia summoned her power and sent her own chain out, wrapping it around the demon’s neck and pulling the other end hard, toppling the demon over. Donaxon leapt back a few feet so the demon’s muzzle was within a few strides. The demon began writhing every which way in order to try and free itself from the holy chains. Ludia’s paladins slowly began filtering out of the forest moving hand over hand across their chains. Strain was apparent across all their faces as they fought desperately to hold down the fighting demon.

 

“Hold him there for me,” Donaxon said. Without waiting for a reply the monk bowed his head and pressed his hands together in front of him. He then stopped moving. Zrethet looked at Donaxon and then snapped its maw in a desperate attempt to get at the monk. Ludia held fast on her end of the chain and kept the demon from Donaxon.

 

“Hold firm!” R’Tearin shouted. He was at the other side of the demon, pulling hard on his chain that was taut around the demon’s body and tentacles. He was sweating and growling as the demon struggled, but he did not give any ground. The demon let loose a roar and then focused his gaze upon Ludia.

 

The demon’s eyes glowed red for a moment and suddenly the world became silent as a wave of energy washed over Ludia. Ludia felt a horrid perversion of her mind, as if her head was just opened up for all to see. Voices came back a moment later. They were shouts, aimed at Ludia, demanding to know if she was okay. Ludia wavered a moment, almost losing her grip, but then was able to drop to a knee and stabilize herself. The demon laughed.

 

“A pawn of a goddess is all you can ever hope to be,” Zrethet said to Ludia. “And even then your goddess was smart enough to regulate your power. She knows when you don’t deserve that power.” The demon had obviously been into Ludia’s mind, and saw what happened when she tried to use her power on Donaxon, and also knew that she had not been in contact with Faowind as much as she had been. The demon was simply using this to try and make her doubt herself, said a tiny voice inside her. Unfortunately, that voice was drowned out by taunts of the demon.

 

“Silence!” Ludia growled through her gritted teeth. The demon simply laughed and continued it’s struggling.

 

“I only speak the truth and you know it, Pawn,” Zrethet said. Once again his horrid laughter filled Ludia’s mind, drowning out the voice that told her to resist. “You failed to evoke your goddess’s power, and now you realize that maybe you shouldn’t even be a voice for your goddess. Maybe, you goddess chose poorly. No,” the demon said after a moment. “No maybe about it, your goddess did choose poorly. You are not suitable for her voice…. for her power.”

 

Ludia barely became aware of Donaxon who had yet to move. The only perceivable change was that his hands began to glow in a white light. The light began to get brighter and brighter. Ludia knew she only had to hold the demon down a little longer but she found herself slowly losing her strength. She thought for a moment to call out to Faowind.

 

“Yes,” the demon hissed. “Call out to your goddess, feel yourself receive the power from her. But,” the demon paused, “What if she denies you again? What if she deems your poor, faithless soul unworthy of her power?”

 

“Shut UP!” Ludia shouted. She was near tears and could no longer even hear the tiny voice that urged her to resist. All she could hear was the demon’s taunting. She knew it was just trying to get her to falter, but she could not help but think some of what it said was true. The self-doubt that was deep within her slowly started floating to the top, and then, she slipped.

 

The chain slid a few feet in her hands before she was able to grasp it again. The demon struggled hard and was able to move a chain enough to send one of Ludia’s paladins flying. The paladin smashed into another, which freed up two chains. The demon howled and roared, finding a way to free one of its tentacles and, with one swoop, took out another seven paladins. Ludia let out a shout but suddenly the chain in her hands jerked violently as Zrethet moved its massive head.

 

“And you even fail in this!” the demon howled. Its teeth were now covered in saliva and froth was coming out of its mouth. Its eyes glowed in a horrid red as they gazed directly down onto Ludia, piercing deep into her very soul. “You! The voice of your goddess, a warrior of holy ordinance. You cannot even protect yourself or others against a demon! You are pitiful! A disgrace!”

 

“No,” Ludia said to herself, tears streaming down her face. She could feel the chain become hot in her hand suddenly.

 

“Even now your goddess is disappointed in you,” Zrethet yelled. “She now calls back the power she gave unto you.”

 

“No!” Ludia shouted. Despite her vehemence she could feel the chain losing its power, and becoming increasingly hot. She fought with all the power she could, desperately trying to hold on. She could feel her gauntlets begin to melt; the pain on her hands became almost unbearable.

 

“And all you can do is kneel there and try to hold on to the wilting stems of the power that you once knew,” the demon taunted.

 

“NO!” Ludia yelled. The heat against her hands suddenly became too much and Ludia lost her grip. The chain slipped through her hands, tearing skin and metal alike. Ludia screamed in pain as the demon raised its head up and look down at Ludia. Zrethet raised its tentacle up high into the air, the ends of chains hung lifelessly from it.

 

“And now you are completely a failure,” Zrethet said, bringing its tentacle down hard on Ludia. The paladin could do nothing in response. She could feel no power in her body anymore, be it from Faowind or herself. She was completely alone. She had failed in her mission both as a person and as a paladin. She could do nothing. Nothing, except ask for forgiveness.

 

“I have failed, Great Mother,” Ludia whispered. She raised her tear stricken face towards her incoming doom. She could feel the rush of wind as the massive tentacle came down upon her. But it all suddenly stopped. Ludia could feel nothing, could hear nothing, and even with her eyes open, could see nothing. She wondered if this was death.

 

“No my child,” came a soft voice. “You have not failed me. You could never fail me.”

 

Suddenly everything came back to Ludia. She could see the demon’s tentacle only a few feet from her face. It looked as if it was struggling desperately to try and move those last few feet. Ludia saw that the chains that were around the tentacle were now glowing brightly. Ludia looked to her side and, surrounded by an aura of light, stood Faowind, in all her glory. She had a beautiful white dress on and her hair cascaded down her shoulders like a golden waterfall.

 

What amazed Ludia the most was that Faowind held onto one end of a chain that was around the demon’s tentacle. Though the end was waving violently right before the goddess’ hand, she did not look as if she was struggling at all. In fact, her hand looked almost as if she was holding onto a sting rather then a chain. Zrethet howled in fury.

 

“Never have you failed me, Ludia,” Faowind said. As the goddess spoke Ludia felt the dark demonic power that was around her suddenly shatter. She felt herself filled with the warm light of the goddess as her wounds began to heal themselves. “And I for see you never failing me in the future. Your faith is strong, both in yourself and in those around you. As long as you have that, you will never fail me.”

 

Zrethet yelled something in a hideous language that sounded more like guttural roars then anything intelligible. Though she could not make out any words, the voice caused her and the other paladins a great deal of pain.

 

“Silence, demon!” Faowind commanded. Her voice drowned out the demon’s in an instant. The demon growled and swerved its massive head around to face down the goddess.

 

“You dare break the covenant, Faowind?” the demon growled.

 

“I see no breaking of the covenant, Zrethet,” Faowind responded back. “I am not using my power against you directly. I was summoned here by my followers and I only infuse their magiks with my own.”

 

“You were summoned to banish me, and that breaks the covenant. You cannot use your powers directly against us.”

 

“As always, you do not listen. I act through my children, not directly,” Faowind said. “Besides, I should be the least of your worries now. He should warrant the bulk of your concern.” Faowind pointed her free hand at Donaxon who still stood motionless, his hands now glowing a pure white. The demon swung its massive head around once more, looking down on Donaxon. The demon lunged its head down in an attempt to grab Donaxon between its sharp teeth.

 

Ludia moved as quickly as possible, leaping forward at her chain that was still wrapped about the demon’s neck. Ludia grabbed hold of the chain and pulled with all her might, holding on desperately. She could feel the demon pulling hard on her, and she felt her feet begin to slip. She let out a yell as the chain slipped a few feet. Then she suddenly felt no resistance in the chain. She had opened her eyes to see Faowind before her, once again only lightly holding on to the chain. The demon’s neck was motionless against the goddess’ hold.

 

Ludia watched as more incarnations of the goddess appeared around the demon. Each one reached out a hand and took hold of a chain that was wrapped around the demon. Suddenly, the demon was unable to even thrash around. Every paladin bowed with respect and let go of the chain as the incarnation of the goddess took hold. Zrethet howled in fury again.

 

“This will not end here!” the demon yelled. “Banishing me will not stop me.”

 

“Banish you?” Faowind asked, sounding a bit confused. “My dear Zrethet, you are not being banished.” Zrethet’s eyes went wide as Donaxon’s glowing hands pulsed a few times.

 

“What?!” the demon demanded.

 

“You are the ones who refused to see the Uri-Van Masters as Matched,” Faowind said. Ludia saw the look of horror in the demon’s face as Donaxon looked up. Donaxon’s eyes suddenly glowed in a blood red color and the light around his hands took the same color. Donaxon’s hands were a flash as he drew blood with his fingernail. An instant later the same red axe that Ludia had seen him draw out earlier was in his hands.

 

Ludia watched the demon try desperately to flail its arms and free itself from the chains but Faowind would not let it move. Donaxon gave the demon a small little smile.

 

“You should know who you’re dealing with before you make threats of death,” Donaxon said. In a flash Donaxon slammed his axe deep into the heart of the demon. Faowind released the chains and they all instantly shattered. As one, all the incarnations of the goddess spread their arms wide and the demon and Donaxon where surrounded by a column of transparent white that stretched to the clouds.

 

A moment later the demon exploded in a blast of black and red fire. Flame struck the sides of the column hard, but the column gave no way. The flame had no way to go but up, and up it went, shooting high into the sky, forming a pillar of black and red fire. Another incarnation of Faowind appeared at Ludia’s side. She raised her hand and waved it slowly from side to side, as if she was washing grime off a window. The fire in the column vanished as she moved her hand. The other incarnations of the goddess suddenly disappeared, as did the protective shield that they had raised.

 

“Well done, Jidan Donaxon,” Faowind said. The monk was the only thing that was in the shield that was now still alive. He stood in a crater of scorched earth, unscathed. Everything that was previously green was now black or brown. There was even a circular hole in the cloud that was directly above the forest. Donaxon glanced up at Faowind and gave the goddess a little nod.

 

“Praise is always welcome, Great Goddess,” Donaxon said. He let go of the blood red axe and it vanished. Then, quite suddenly, Donaxon fell back onto the ground. He let out a great sigh. “That takes a lot out of you.” Faowind turned to Ludia, a smile still across her face.

 

“The demon was clouding your mind, making your fear your greatest fears,” Faowind said. “But know this, my child, I am never disappointed in you. If you live your life to its fullest, right or wrong, good or evil, I will forever be proud of you.” With that, the goddess vanished. Ludia followed Donaxon’s example and fell, exhausted, onto the ground. One demon gone, one more to go. It was going to be a long day.

 

* * *

[Orlan]

* * *

 

Coania closed her eyes every once and a while so she could keep her bearings. Kisean moved so fluidly and so instantaneously that if she kept her eyes open she found herself unable to focus in on one direction long enough. While she was not too keen on the constant running and shifting, she was very happy that Kisean kept himself outside of the demon’s range. Grothean trailed the two for a few minutes now as Kisean ran a circle around the city. No matter how hard the demon tried he could not seem to close the gap between the two.

 

However, this was not to last. Kisean, though infused with magic both from his bracers and what little magic Coania had left, was slowing down. Some of the stops and sudden turns he was making in order to avoid smashing into other soldiers were beginning to take longer and slowly, Grothean began to close the gap. Every once and a while the demon would launch a fireball at the two, hoping to catch them off guard. Kisean barely proved quicker every time though.

 

“You see anything yet, Coania?” Kisean shouted as they ran. Coania was supposed to be listening for a signal when Donaxon was done with Zrethet, but so far there was nothing. Coania was beginning to get concerned about that. She worried more about Ludia then Donaxon. She somehow felt that Captain Donaxon was safe on his own.

 

“Nothing!” Coania shouted back. Kisean cursed quietly as he sprung into a leap, avoiding another fireball from Grothean. He hit the ground at full speed again, able to further the distance between them and the demon by using the blast of the fireball for an extra push. Coania glanced back at the demon and became horrified.

 

Grothean used all four limbs to move swiftly through the wading soldiers but he gave them no heed. At least no heed more then crushing them as he barreled over them. Coania turned back in time to see an enormous claw come crashing down on a poor solider who tried desperately to get out of the way.

 

Kisean jolted suddenly, snapping Coania’s attention back again to what lie before them. A massive wall of flame shot up from nowhere and Kisean had to stop suddenly to avoid plunging through it and burning himself to a crisp. He changed direction quickly, running along the side of the wall. The wall continuously erupted from the ground, spouting fire as Kisean ran along side of it.

 

Coania had to think fast as she fought to keep concentration long enough to cast a spell. Suddenly the two of them were pushed by a gust of wind, boosting them just ahead of the erupting wall of flame. Kisean took his cue instantly and ran around the wall. Coania could feel the heat of the wall as it nearly hit them. She glanced back and watched Grothean smash through the wall without a concern. Things were not looking well for them right now.

 

The ground before the demon gave an unexpected heave and then erupted in a blast of blue energy. The demon hit the explosion and stumbled, tripping up and rolling a short distance. Coania turned to the side and saw a small circle of mages. She recognized most of them as mages from Ludia’s archaeon, but the mage in the center shocked her. Jiklan stood, his hands aglow in blue flame, facing the demon. Coania never expected this.

 

Grothean shook its head and turned on the mages. The demon howled once and then leveled one of its claws at Kisean and Coania. Once again a wall of flame sprouted up before them a little ways away.

 

“I’m going through it this time, hold on!” Kisean shouted. He raised his halberd before him and began spinning it rapidly in one hand. He was going to try and smash through the wall this time. Coania would have helped him had her mind on him, but she watched in horror as Grothean changed targets and began running at the mages. Coania watched Jiklan shout out orders. The mages around him spread out their arms and suddenly they were surrounded in an azure glow. The demon was bearing down on them rapidly.

 

Coania had a terrifying thought as she looked hard at the mage’s shield. There were a few flaws in the shield and the demon would be able to cut through that like butter. Coania was moving before she even thought about it. She was not going to let any more people die because of her, especially those who, moments ago, were trying to protect her.

 

Coania had a few more spells in reserve and she called upon them now. As Kisean slammed hard into the wall of fire she let go of him, calling the winds around her. The spell almost instantaneously moved her, sending her flying straight at the group of mages. She was able to get there right as Grothean raised a claw to strike. She then dove deep within herself and pulled out all the magic she could muster and formed it into a shield. She then slammed that shield with all her strength into Grothean.

 

 

* * *

 

Kisean noticed it too late. After he burst through the wall of flame and made it a good hundred feet he realized that he was suddenly lighter. He glanced behind himself and saw neither Coania, nor Grothean. His eyes went wide with horror as all he saw was a wall of flame. Kisean took off like a bolt, heading to the end of the wall of flame. Thankfully this wall had stopped growing in length, but something deep within Kisean told him this was going to be his only good news.

 

The seconds ticked by slower then Kisean had ever known time to move as he rounded the edge of the wall. He saw sparks of gold flying everyway. At the center of the torrent of magic was Coania, standing firm against Grothean. The demon’s claws were both above the little girl. All of its strength was trying to force them down and get them past the golden barrier that separated the demon and mage.

 

Coania shuddered and then fell to one knee. Grothean’s claws dropped a few feet closer to her. Kisean would never be able to make the distance in time, and even if he did, to fight fully he would have to have both his hands free. He stopped a moment, hoping the answer would come to him. Unfortunately, Coania dropped to her both knees, her hands shaking violently in the air as Grothean’s claws came closer and closer to her. Kisean swore, very loudly, and dropped the Chalice of Souls to the ground.

 

Kisean slammed his bracers together so hard that they dug into his skin, drawing blood. The blood, rather then dripping down his skin, coated the outside of the bracers and they became an impossibly red color. Kisean spread his feet apart and got himself into a strong stance. He took hold of his halberd in both hands, the staff and blade now glowing in an unholy light, and with a roar he launched it at the demon.

 

The halberd spun through the air, end over end, its aim true. Kisean’s heart fell as he watched Grothean lash out to catch the halberd with one of its claws. The halberd flashed as Grothean caught it in one of its claws, and suddenly the demon’s arm exploded. The demon howled in pain and grabbed at the stump of arm that was now spewing dark green blood everywhere. Kisean watched as Coania shook her head in a daze. The demon was no longer pressing against the young girl’s magic shield.

 

Kisean fell to a knee, exhausted. He fought to stay upright and make sure Coania could get away. Coania was able to get to her feet but then swayed slightly. She turned from the demon and started limping away, moving slowly at first. Kisean watched as Grothean let loose another howl, raising its claw over Coania again.

 

“COANIA!” Kisean shouted at the top of his lungs. The young mage spun around and raised her hands. Grothean’s claw once again struck Coania’s magic shield.

 

* * *

 

Coania cursed herself for not being able to utilize Kisean’s help like the other mages did. She was too woozy to get far enough away, and now she was once again stuck under the massive weight of the demon’s claw. Coania grit her teeth and held her shield high, desperately trying to keep it in tact.

 

“I will have my revenge on you all!” Grothean howled. He was frothing at the mouth and Coania was sure he was mad, if ever a demon could be considered so. Unfortunately, whatever insanity drove the demon now also gave it immense strength. Coania could not see her spell lasting for very long. “You will die!”

 

“I will NOT!” Coania found herself saying. She did not know where she got the strength to be able to speak right now, but she felt compelled to defy the demon.

 

“You cannot escape me!” Grothean screamed, a maniacal laughter now emanating from behind its wild eyes. “I will have your soul!”

 

“Never!” Coania yelled once again. The demon pressed hard and Coania’s shield buckled. She was barely able to keep it from collapsing as the giant claw dropped a few feet closer to her face. The winds around the two began to pick up in speed, and the demon let loose a growl as it forced its head closer to the girl. The mighty maw opened and Grothean let loose a blood-curdling howl. Coania’s glasses cracked and then shattered, sending glass into her left eye.

 

Coania screamed in pain, dropping one of her hands instinctively to cover the wound. The pain was unbearable and she suddenly felt the shield drop again. Through a mixture of blood and tears Coania was able to see the demon’s claw now only a foot from her face. The shield was quickly cracking, and Coania was losing all her strength. She became cold and clammy, and the hand that still held the shield fast began shaking uncontrollably.

 

“You are mine!” Grothean howled and slammed into the shield with its entire body. Coania felt the shield buckle and then shatter. Grothean’s claw came racing down and it was all she could do to knock herself back a few feet with the last bit of magic she had. She barely avoided the claw but the impact on the ground sent her rolling. She stopped rolling and found herself looking skyward, straight at a giant claw. She then only saw black.

 

* * *

 

Kisean howled in fury as Coania’s shield broke. Kisean could not move his legs, and had barely enough strength to stay conscious. He watched in horror as Coania’s body flew and rolled a few feet. The demon was right there on top of her as she rolled to a stop. Kisean had only one option left, and the cost would be his life.

 

Kisean spoke an incantation quickly, breaking the seals on his bracers, letting loose all the magic that was stored within. His body became flooded with magical energies and he glowed in an aura of the most powerful red. Kisean extended his arms before him, putting Grothean between his bracers in his field of vision. With a roar he spread his arms wide and slammed them violently together, ready to sacrifice his very life to obliterate the demon.

 

“Now, now, no need for that,” came a soft voice. Kisean’s body stopped moving, his bracers a few inches away. He watched in horror as Grothean’s claw slammed down hard upon Coania. He tried hard to yell, but his voice would pay him no heed. Coania was dead. “Rilav is better then that,” the voice said again. Kisean felt a hand on his shoulder suddenly draining all the magic from him. Kisean’s bracers hit with a spark, but nothing more.

 

Kisean turned to see a beautiful woman standing next to him. She had on a dress of the deepest violet and a black cloak wrapped around her. She had thick hair that dropped all the way to her feet, bound by a golden circlet just off the ground. She held a glowing staff in her hands.

 

“What are you-” Kisean started to shout. She pointed a hand back at the demon.

 

“I said Rilav was better then that,” she said. Kisean turned back and saw a young man standing over Coania. His staff was glowing a bight red and was shielding himself and Coania from the demon. “I am sorry it took so long to come here but bureaucracy is a harsher mistress then I could ever hope to be.”

 

“Who are you?” Kisean asked. His question was ignored as the woman focused her eyes on Coania.

 

“Rilav, bring her here, I’ll take care of the demon,” she said. The man who stood over Coania bent down and picked her up, disappearing in a flash of light. Kisean was suddenly aware of Coania being laid down next to him. Her body was battered and bloodied but she was at least breathing. The man who was standing over her a moment ago stepped in front of Kisean and Coania and put the end of his staff into the ground.

 

Kisean watched as the woman began to walk at the demon. Grothean turned to look at where his prey had gone and matched eyes with the woman who was now purposefully striding at the demon. The demon’s eyes widened in horror as the woman raised her staff over her head. White light gathered into the woman’s staff and the demon turned to run. In a flash the light erupted from her staff and soared high into the air before slamming hard into the demon, obliterating it and everything within a thirty-foot range. Kisean could not help but stare.

 

“Who is she?” Kisean asked.

 

“She is Lady Mellara,” the man called Rilav said. “The Royal Sorceress.” Kisean stared for a moment. Coania was safe. The demon was gone. Kisean took a deep breath and then passed out.

 

* * *

[Orlan]

Kisean lay in the grass staring up at the few clouds that now littered the sky. The sun was beginning its path down beyond the horizon, coloring the sky a pretty red and violet color. Kisean lay between his halberd and Ciran, who was sitting up and watching people go by. Kisean was still tired. Mellara, the Royal Sorceress, had fixed a great deal of his wounds but he was still mentally exhausted from the day’s activities.

 

“Here comes Vas,” Ciran said. Kisean tilted his head up a little bit, enough to get a glimpse of Vasia walking up the hill. Next to her was Gluake, or at least Gluake’s projection of himself, walking along with her. They were talking quietly until they reached where Ciran and Kisean were.

 

“So how’d it all clean up?” Kisean asked the two newcomers. Vasia looked down on him.

 

“Pretty good,” Vasia said. “By the time Gluake’s spell wore off we got to most of the people we needed to. When the Royal Guard showed up we pretty much didn’t need to do any thing else. They took care of the fighting outside of the city in a snap.”

 

“Yeah, they showed up in the nick of time, that’s for sure,” Kisean said. After Mellara had destroyed the demon, the Royal Guard seemed to appear from nowhere, moving through the soldiers. They disarmed them or knocked them out; anything that would stop the fighting. They also ran into Misheal and Avoil on the way and brought them back.

 

Avoil immediately apologized to Phaen, as Phaen immediately apologized to Avoil. It became a little ridiculous when they kept apologizing to each other over and over again. Fortunately Mellara stopped that after too long and then Avoil and Phaen went about trying to mend the damage that the siege had caused. The Royal Guard lingered around, helping where they could. They were mainly acting as a peacekeeping force more then anything else.

 

“Hey, they saved you and Coania, I’d figure you’d be happy to see them,” Vasia said. Kisean laughed.

 

“Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy they showed up,” Kisean said. “Had they not I’d probably be dead.”

 

“Dead?” Vasia asked, sounding shocked. Apparently she had only heard half the story. Kisean waved his hand non-chalantly.

 

“Don’t worry about it, I’m not dead now,” he said with a grin. Vasia was obviously less then thrilled with that statement.

 

“And apparently you aren’t the only one,” Donaxon said. Kisean tilted his head back and saw Donaxon walking towards the group. Perched on his shoulder sat Coania, looking as good as new. Kisean’s heart jumped. The last time he had seen her she had been unconscious her eye looked terrible. Mellara spent a while with her after she got Kisean back to his feet. Kisean jumped to his feet, grabbing his halberd in the process.

 

“And here I thought you’d at least come out of the deal with a limp or something,” Kisean said to Donaxon. The monk laughed and helped Coania down.

 

“Injured? Me?” Donaxon asked. “I’d never live it down with the other Jidan.” Kisean grinned and then looked at Coania. Her eyes looked as if there were almost back to normal, aside from some scarring around the left. She was, surprisingly enough, not wearing her glasses.

 

“Feeling better?” Kisean asked her. She smiled slightly and nodded. “No glasses anymore?”

 

“No,” she said softly. “Lady Mellara was able to fix me up so that my vision became repaired. Or at least, slightly repaired.”

 

“Wonderful for you,” Kisean said.

 

“And a worthy gift for you as well,” Gluake spoke up. “I watched what happened and was nothing but impressed. It’s been a long time since I’ve see anyone stand up to a demon with as much force as you showed. I am just sorry I had no magic to spare to aid you.” Coania instantly went bright red and looked down at the ground.

 

“Thank you,” she mumbled quietly. Ciran gave a chuckle until Vasia swatted him on the head.

 

“You’re welcome,” Gluake replied. “You on the other hand,” Gluake began, turning his gaze to Donaxon, “Are frighteningly powerful. My respect for the Uri-Van has gone up an immense amount in witnessing your skills.” Donaxon bowed.

 

“I thank you for your praise,” Donaxon said. “And I’ll be sure to relay it to the old men. They’re always suckers for an ego boost.” Donaxon grinned.

 

“That’s all good,” Ciran said. “Now why were we called up here, anyone know?”

 

“That’d be by my request,” came a voice. The group turned to see Mellara and Ludia walking slowly up the hill. Behind the Royal Sorceress was Rilav, the sorcerer that Kisean had met earlier. The three of them got to the top of the hill and Mellara glanced around at everyone.

 

“And?” Ciran asked, waiting.

 

“Patience, first,” she chided Ciran. Mellara turned first to Gluake and spread out her arms, taking the old sorcerer in a big hug that was equally returned.

 

“Ahh, my little Mel comes back to visit,” Gluake said with a smile. “So few and far in-between your visits have been.”

 

“I know,” Mellara said. “And I’m sorry. Things kept coming up, as did my research.”

 

“Anything interesting?” Gluake asked as they broke the hug. Mellara gave a small laugh.

 

“Very interesting, but I’ll talk to you about it later.” Mellara gave the old man a kiss on the cheek and then turned to Kisean. “First things first. The captain of the Royal Guard, Severath, saw you in action, and gladly extends an offer to join the Royal Guard and protect Her Majesty, Queen Dayane.” Ciran gave a low whistle. Kisean was taken a little off guard by this. The Royal Guard were now the most elite of all soldiers in the kingdom. Since Queen Dayane became crowned they had promoted the best to guard her. Through it was intense work, it was also worth the pay. Kisean stared for a moment.

 

“Well…” Kisean started. He looked from Ciran to Vasia. Both had unreadable expressions, which Kisean found interesting. He could usually read his friends fairly well. “I think I’ll have to decline. I’ve lived here my whole life and I think I like the idea of protecting Agregra for the rest of it. I thank you for the offer though.” Mellara smiled at Kisean.

 

“Severath will be inconsolable, but I’ll make him get over it. I respect anyone who wants to protect their home.” Mellara turned and looked down at Coania, her smile washed off of her face. “You, on the other hand, don’t get a choice. You’ll be accompanying Rilav and me back to Anlise when we leave. When there, you will be placed as an apprentice under Rilav and after a few years you will be entered into service as a palace sorceress.”

 

“What?” Coania asked. She seemed a lot confused. “But what about Ludia?”

 

“You think I can’t handle the lack of one mage?” Ludia asked. “You should be worried more about yourself. The palace mages have to be the best at what they do and have confidence in themselves.”

 

“But my family…” Coania began.

 

“Will be taken care of,” Ludia finished. “Lady Mellara sent someone out just moments ago to go get them moved into Anlise.”

 

“Where will they stay?”

 

“I have a place I don’t use anymore,” Mellara said, a smile now back on her face. “Well, the upstairs anyway.” Coania began tearing up, and an instant later she flung herself into Ludia, careful of the armor, and was bawling a moment later. Ludia had a huge smile across her face and was almost beaming in pride.

 

“Maybe Ludia needs a handkerchief?” Ciran whispered to Kisean. Kisean gave a little chuckle. Mellara turn now to Donaxon.

 

“You, I can only assume, are Jidan Donaxon?” she asked him. Donaxon nodded to the sorceress.

 

“Just Don is okay,” Donaxon replied. Mellara smiled at him.

 

“You have my gratitude. Your student apparently ran full speed to get to us but then was delayed by advisors shifting times on her. She gave us quite a fright when she appeared in the baths the other day demanding to see Queen Dayane.”

 

“They must have sent one of the younger students,” Donaxon said with a laugh. “Those of us who get up there in age tend to move slower then that.”

 

“Regardless, I’m happy we were able to get where when we did. Any later and there might have been some trouble.”

 

“That’s true,” Donaxon said with a nod. “But everything’s resolved. Plus, since the Royal Guard are around, I can slip out without worrying about anything.” Donaxon glanced at Kisean and Ciran. “Or anyone.”

 

“Watch yourself, big man,” Kisean tossed back at him. The monk gave Kisean a wink.

 

“I always do.” Donaxon turned and gave Mellara a bow. “It’s not every day I get to meet a Royal Sorceress. I hope I get another chance to have a better conversation with you. You have some Uri-Van at the palace that I always meant to get an update one.” Donaxon held out his hand for the sorceress.

 

“I look forward to that, Don,” Mellara said. Donaxon became serious all of a sudden.

 

“What was that?” he asked her. Mellara looked confused.

 

“I said I’d look forward to that, Don,” Mellara repeated. The big monk moved faster then Kisean could register and a moment later he had Mellara in a big bear hug a few feet off the ground. The monk then gave her a huge kiss on her cheek. Mellara let out a wonderful sounding laugh. “What was that for?”

 

“Since I got here I have been asking everyone to call me Don and not a single one of them has. Is it too much to ask to not be hunted by my titles?” This time, everyone laughed.

 

 

The End.