A Dalboomoo Tale: A Prophecy Fulfilled

By Matt. A. Dixon

A large glass cube floating through the fathoms of space.

Inside this peculiar statistical improbability is a big round ball this isn’t an ordinary ball.
This ball happens to harbour life but not just the simple microbe or two no. This life was
quite obviously sentient and this life was surrounded by land which would span on for
what seemed forever but is more or less a couple hundred miles depending on what
country it was.

On this 'ever expansive' land where these big trundling creatures these sentient beings
called Glormphs which where made entirely out of stone and where like large triangles,
but legend has it that these Glormphs had a secret life of there own. Obviously this is a
load of rubbish but there are things that go on in this world that will be now known as
Dalboomoo, that the sentients don't know about but we will come back to them.
The hub of Dalboomoo's Sentient life is a big city called Darin'ahk'toob and in this city
were exactly 62345 Sentients, each is different well not really, when it comes to the
bottom basics of it they’re all the same but some are just uglier.

Darin'ahk'toob has 5 districts the first is the Poor district where the Sentient's with
the least money live there lives, This district is often described to have an odd smell of
wet Lettuce. The second was the Market district where mostly the residents of the
poor district would come to work for very poor and disappointing wages. The Market
district although filled with poor workers was also full of half-rich owners most of them
tend to be portly bearded men with a slight growth problem who would buy, sell & trade
items and trinkets from around Dalboomoo always making sure to make a clean profit or
a very small loss. The market district also held the lower criminals such as Pick-Pockets
& Alleyway men which many a tourist would loose a healthy sum of gold to.

The next district is quite a ... Unique district it is the MagiK district now this is the
district is where our story begins but we'll come back to that. Now the MagiK district
is a very special place where wonders beyond your wildest dreams would occur, children
would climb up the walls to see if they could catch a mage performing a spell, few where
so lucky. The MagiK district was kept very well clean by its dwarven gardeners and
always looked very beautiful. At the centre of this wonderful place was the Lexicon's
tower which was an odd tower because it branched of like a tree with turrets and
smaller towers sticking out the sides, this is the home of all the mages of
Darin'ahk'toob

The 4th district was the District Overall Commodity & Kelvin supplier or The D.O.C.K.S
now The D.O.C.K.S was where all commodities from around Dalboomoo would arrive ready
to be distributed to the market district, It was also where travellers would park there
ships to let there crew relax and drink up there pay in the local tavern. Many a wonder
was brought to Darin'ahk'toob via the D.O.C.K.S such as T.E.T.T.A (Trolls for the
Ethical Treatment of Trolls Association) and Ponty Mython's Flying circus.

The 5th and Final district of Darin'ahk'toob was the royal district this was where the
real rich people lived. You know those people you pass on the street that will turn and
say ‘Peasant’ if you accidentally on purpose stepped on their smug little foot. This
district is filled with exquisite households that legend has it are painted with gold,

1
another load of rubbish. If even a mere scrap of paper was found in the streets there
would be at least 2 dwarfs going home un-paid that week, after all cleanliness is next to
godliness or is that smugness? At the end of this district is what you would find in all
important cities, a palace and this palace was particularly large it was so large you could
see it from the bottom of the poor district. In this mighty beast of a building was not a
King nor a Queen but a Knight stood in front of the two mahogany thrones with his
sword stood on the floor and his hands perched atop the hilt of this mighty blade, this
Knight currently was ruling the kingdom and as most would say
"Aye he's doin’ a right job'im If only we'ad'im durin’ the old times we'd be'in a better
place'n we’re in now Hick."

Now, Lets start our tale. In the MagiK district, In the Lexicon's tower, in room 4B floor
208 a new device called an alarm clock was fizzing insistently a hand came down on the
alarm and the fizzing stopped
"Bugger." Groaned a voice from under the covers soon after, a head emerged from under
a poorly made pillow, this head was owned by a young man named Matthew Dioxinist,
Matthew was an average height male with very short hair and strangely bright blue eyes
which even his mother couldn’t explain.
Matthew was a student mage at the Lexicon's tower and had been for 15 years since
birth and had always excelled in his lessons in destructive MagiK but when it came to
healing or creation he normally ended up blowing the teacher out of a 100 story window.
"Matthew Get up, I enchanted that clock for a reason." Explained Leigh firthington
Matthews popular and female room mate & close friend. She had long blonde hair that
reached below her shoulders, she was as tall as Matthew but was much thinner and when
she stood straight she looked almost as if her robe was too heavy for her.
"Remind me again why where the only boy girl dorm in the entire school!"
"Because the master said I’m the only one that’s going to help you with your learning."
"Oh cause your the 100% student with all the glam and all the friends?" Rudely stated
Matthew
"Oh shut up you idiot and get dressed we might have been sharing this dorm for 4 years
now but I have made an effort on never having seen you in your all together."
Matthew rolled out of the bed hitting the floor with a thud; he dragged himself to his
dresser climbing into a pair of another new invention called jeans.
"Matthew you’re not allowed to wear those." Pointed out Leigh who was climbing into her
mage robe
"If the teachers don’t like it they can kiss my staff." He said chuckling to himself.
"Heh Half the girls in the school would like to do that."
"There all wannabes that only like me cause I’m what they call 'A rebel'" Matthew
moaned now forcing on a torn mage robe on over his jeans and under shirt, they both
looked at each other and nodded in a strange way to teenagers this means ‘Ok I’m ready
so lets go before we get two months of detention.’ They all seem to have their own
secret language which mostly consists of nodding and saying ‘ugh’ a lot.

Matthew and Leigh hurried down the strange and curvy corridors towards there first
lesson which as always on a Thursday morning, was History, this lesson was normally run
by Mr Weevle a round portly man who had a hearty chuckle and lovable personality.
The lesson regularly consisted of Matthew sat with his head in his book half asleep
whilst Leigh would be sat upright waiting to answer the next question. The room was
pretty similar to all the rooms in the Lexicon’s tower, it was a large room to support the
masses of students in each class and the walls were a very dark yet oaken brown which

2
was succeeded with five hours of drinking and a summoning spell gone wrong, they meant
for a dragon and got a painter.

A loud rap a tap tapping came at the door and then entered two city guards
"We have come for the boy of the name Dioxinist." one of the guards explained
"Um, Yes er Mr Dioxinist could you go with these men please and Miss Firthington could
you go with him to make sure he is safe." Mr Weevle asked with a hint of worry in his
voice.
"Yes, Sir Ill make sure he-"
"What’s that supposed to mean?" Matthew said walking towards the door
"Nothing now just be quiet and follow the guards." Leigh said following on behind.

The guards took both Matthew and Leigh to the Palace they looked up to the top of this
behemoth of a building in awe.
"Why am I wanted by the Knight? I'm a student mage" Demanded Matthew
Leigh elbowed him in the side.
"Shut up you'll get us in trouble for asking questions."
Matthew rubbed his side as the guards led them into the throne room where the Knight
stood straight his hands perched on the hilt of his amazing blade. The room was a
pristine white covered in tapestries telling tales of the past and visions of the future,
the two empty thrones were solid mahogany and seemed to emanate royalty and power,
maybe it is just good at absorbing gasses. The long red carpet led under the Knight’s
feet and ended at the thrones, even though they were both wearing shoes, the carpet
was so comfy and soft you could feel the comfort through anything.
Both Matthew and Leigh bowed with respect to the ruler of there home.
The knight’s armour was a mixture of black and white spiralling markings of red led down
each plate; expertly crafted to suit the mighty warrior that donned this armour the
helmet resembled a dragons head; at least he was always prepared for a costume
festival.
"You may be at ease young ones." The knight’s voice echoed with the need for respect.
"Sir, What is it you ask of me I am only a student mage I'm of no use to a warrior such
as yourself." Asked Matthew rising from the floor, Leigh stood looking at her shoes.
"I need you to go on a journey young one, To Selteab there you will speak with an old
sage he will guide you from there." Explained the knight walking calmly between two
points repeatedly his boots clicking on the marble floor and a sort of mushy sound as he
walked onto the carpet and off it again.
"Wow, I am honoured Sir I will do this as it is your will." Matthew bowed.
Leigh was still staring at her shoes quietly breathing. The Knight glanced at her with a
strange confused look in his eye.
“Is she ill? I do not understand.” He asked.
Matthew laughed "She has fancied you since she was 12 Sir I didn't know she still did."
The knight smiled "Is this true miss?"
Leigh nodded. The Knight got out a small piece of parchment & a pen he scribbled on the
parchment and then handed it to Leigh with a smile.
"I have been told girls your age like this sort of thing."
Leigh looked up and took the parchment with a large grin across her face she thanked
him.
Matthew rolled his eyes "Sir, Can we get back to my journey?"
"Yes, a bag of provisions has been provided and a second one is being prepared for your
companion here if she is joining you?" The Knight asked.

3
 Matthew turned to his friend and asked.
"Well are you?"
Leigh smirked "Of course I’m coming you idiot I’m not missing out on my best friends
destiny." She said walking close to his side and smiling brightly at him.
The knight chuckled "Well then both of you will be going tomorrow morning this journey
may be a very long one you will want to say good bye to any friends or loved ones before
you leave."

***

Up high in the Lexicon's tower in the top room of the top tower -where you could see
the entire city- two mages where discussing something important it was almost as
important as tea time, these where not ordinary mages no these particular mages where
in charge of the hole MagiK district which is a heavy responsibility considering they
where both 50 years old and one had arthritis in his left foot. The room was a large
room that held many bookcases each lined with thousands of books each thick with the
knowledge of Dalboomoo, but the rare few which were a lot less dusty than the others,
had titles like ‘Ten thousand ways to cook a brick’ or ‘Ten thousand more ways to cook a
brick’. Anyway one mage was sat at his desk with his long beard falling of the other end
of his desk and the other paced the floor occasionally picking up a book from one of the
many shelves of this room, glancing through it then putting it back.
"So Rantem the boy has reached the age of the start of his tale and the Knight has
already started him on his quest do you think he is ready for it?" questioned Bantem a
tall skinny mage with a strange glow in his old eyes.
"I do, I trust the boy will do well in what is said to become of him." Replied Rantem in a
confident tone.
"Ah but what about the alternate finale chapter of the book?" Said Bantem throwing a
small book onto the lovely pine desk knocking over a few sweet wrappers as it slid across
to Rantem. Rantem raised his hand and grasped the book and looked up at his Co-worker
"We will have to wait and see old friend we will have to wait and see."

***

Since nothing else interesting happened for the rest of the day, unless you would like to
discuss the two dwarves fighting over who’s beard was more beardy, we will skip on to
tomorrow morning, in room 4B on floor 208 the alarm wasn’t going off Matthew was
stood at the window looking out upon the grounds of the MagiK district and the rest of
the city.
"I’m guessing you’re ready to go?" Asked Leigh coming out of her own little dressing
room. Layuneme-Leigh slept in a completely separate room to Matthew and also had her
own special room to get dressed in, whenever confronted about it she simply replies ‘I
have a lot of clothes’. Girls eh?
Matthew smiled and laughed quietly.
"I guess so." He said with a hint of doubt that he was ready at all.
"Good well our bags are in the map room with the Masters waiting at the door for us
they have some extra supplies and probably some advice for us before we go."
"Ok then lets go." Matthew and Leigh stopped at the door and took one last look at
there room before they went on there journey and slowly closed the door.
"Bye bye room." They both said letting out a sigh.

4
At the bottom of the Lexicon's tower is a large room with a round table in the centre
now this is a MagiK tower so this is a particularly MagiK table, this table is a very large
map of all of Dalboomoo but when a mage's hand comes in contact with this table the
map will jump of the table and become a sphere showing a more accurate viewing of
Dalboomoo's surface if you look closely you can see some of the larger creatures moving
around no mage knows if you can pick them up mainly because no mage has ever tried.

Matthew and Leigh stepped off the spiralling staircase to see the Masters waiting for
them at the door. The Masters seemed always able to beat a student to any location no
matter what and they prided themselves on being on time for any meeting or function,
unless they just happened upon a plate of biscuits and were ... delayed.
"Ah yes Mr'Dioxinist and Miss'Firthington I’m hoping you are well rested and ready for
this journey?" Gleefully asked Rantem
The two students bowed and nodded to the Masters.
"Good, now we have cast a spell on that door there." Said Bantem gesturing to a small
door to the right.
"This door will take you straight to the city gates where a student knight is also going to
accompany you as well." He carried on.
"These bags you will carry on your backs and hold a supply of food for you both a few
emergency only potions and a few other supplies such as flint, a matchbox & you know
travellers pack stuff, now here you are" He said handing the two there bags
"This is a great honour Sir I thank you" Matthew said taking his bag and wrapping the
strap around him.
"Ah my young lad we hope to thank you for it one day, now off you go into the door"
Chuckled Rantem hurrying the two students to the door and opening it. The two stepped
inside cautiously.

Now what happens when someone steps into an enchanted door defies normal thinking. It
isn’t what you would normally guess; a door doesn't appear at the chosen location, a
mystical portal doesn’t either & they don’t spilt into lots of tiny pieces and at the speed
of light travel to the destination and reconstruct into there normal forms. No none of
that it’s actually allot simpler they just become there no one in the area is shocked
because to them it seems as if they where already there because sentients only see
what they can be bothered to see.

Matthew and Leigh appeared in front of the great city gates where a young Knight
blocked there path with a large Pole arm pointed with a silver blade at the top in his
hand and a sack on his back.
"You must be the travellers I’m supposed to accompany to Selteab and wherever the
contact advises" said the young Knight, the young knights face was mostly covered by his
helm but what could be seen of him was that he was a foreigner of some sort possibly an
elvish country, he was quite tall, like Layuneme-Leigh he was roughly the same height as
a Matthew maybe a little taller.
"Er, yeah that’s us before we go anywhere what's your name?" Matthew asked politely.
"I am James Yeungtish, Student Knight of Darin'ahk'toob rank 4 Pole arm class." he
replied quickly
Matthew chuckled.
"Well James why not try talking to us less formal you’re not with your teachers now."
"I shall Matthew; Thanks mate talking like that is a pain in the arse."

5
"Well I guess we should get going then lads ey?" Leigh said chipley with a hint of
excitement. They all nodded and began walking out of the great gates of Darin'ahk'toob
and heading down a long road to the start of a long journey to there destiny.

The road to Selteab wasn't a particularly long one but that was by cart, by foot it was
at least a day long trek and Matthew wasn't much of a long walk on a dusty road person.
"If this is the path to my destiny then the gods must have a great love for long, dry,
dusty, hot & orange roads." Matthew moaned.
"Matthew stop moaning it’s only a road trip; I thought you'd enjoy something like this."
Retorted Leigh a few feet ahead walking along side James.
"I'm guessing you two are close" asked James curiously.
"Oh of course we have been friends for years now we’re like .... What do you mean?"
Questioned Leigh Shocked.
"Oh I’m sorry I just thought since you had decided to come along that you were with
him."
"Eeeeeew no! Matthew?!" Leigh laughed.
"What about me?" Matthew asked from behind.
"Nothing! I mean he is my friend but not in that way I mean he's Matthew."
"Ah, well it was a question to start conversation I guess." Chuckled James
"So tell me James, What about you, tell me about yourself."
"Yeah James tell us about yours-argh" at this point Matthew had fallen over from
standing in a pot hole, now a little dirty he picked himself up and carried on walking now
a little glummer than before.

James' Pole arm's base left marks in the floor with every step he held it in his hand as
if he was always ready for battle.
"Well, I am a student at the Darin'ahk'toob training school for the knights, I wasn't
orphaned like allot of the knights I chose to leave my home and pursue a life of the
warrior to be a defender of the city and once my father told me I would help a great
mage on his destiny & journey with him far and wide across the planet." Explained
James.
Both Leigh and James looked back to see Matthew walking along the road with his hands
in his pockets and his mage's hat hung low bellow his brow They both giggled slightly.
"Obviously, this is not what I expected."
"Oh trust me, Matthew may seem a little strange at some points but he is an amazing
battle mage." Leigh explained with a slight hint in her voice that she was quite proud of
the fact that it was true.
"Battle mage?"
"It’s what I nicknamed it because he is fantastic at destructive magiK and the lot, best
in the school in fact! But he is terrible at creation magiK, that’s one of the reasons I
came along and I can’t miss my friends destiny can I?"
James chuckled "Of course not."
"So James you got any friends rooting you on back at the school?" Leigh asked
James sighed "Not really, my friend was recently transferred to Dalckonik branch for
special training"
"Oh, I’m so sorry"
"I’m not, I am proud to have known someone who got chosen for a higher league of
training" James said proudly he saluted pulling his Pole arm in standing it to his chest

6
Leigh smiled "You’re an amazing friend to him James it’s a great quality you should keep
onto that"

***
Later on that day the sun was hanging on the horizon and Matthew's moaning had finally
made a point and the three had decided to set up camp by the road Leigh and James had
already fallen asleep but Matthew could not. He sat in front of the fire staring into the
flames gently changing colours from the magiKal residue Matthew and all mages gave
off.
He sighed deeply missing the night sounds of Darin'ahk'toob: the late night carriages
trotting along past the tower, the strange whistling sound the walls of his room would
make & he even missed the sound of whoever lived one floor above him passing up and
down all night. As the fire grew close to dying a single tear rolled down Matthew’s cheek
and by a streak of luck the wind blew it into the fire now because mages have magiK in
there veins even there tears are magiKal they’re full of the stuff. The fire grew to its
original beauty, the fire once again danced gracefully in the night filling a small area with
beautiful colours of light for just a few more hours. Matthew Laid his head down on the
ground and stared up at the sky a strange green glowing line travelled through the night
sky this was the lay line, said to lead to the heart of all magiK. His eyes faded to a close
and he fell to sleep.

***

The night mite mean sleep for some but for one man far from Matthew's campsite in a
huge lumbering tower, the night was just a change of scenery. He passed around his
office stroking a very poorly groomed goatee.
"There has to be some way of finding this 'warrior' of destiny and his companions, the
old men at the tower wont tell me and my sources have come up with no-"
Just before the man finished his sentence a large blundering figure burst through the
door.
"Mathtar, I found informathion on the warrior of dethtiny." Said the figure masked in
the darkness of the room
The mysterious man turned in excitement.
"Yes, what have you learned?" He asked eagerly.
"I have found out that he ith a male, and ith traveling with another male who theemth to
be another warrior and altho a girl who jutht theemth to be an ordinary girl."
The man growled in disappointment and slapped the figure with the back of his hand.
"Damn you, you failure of an experiment go clean the halls thery’re getting mouldy again,
and learn why the zombie room is empty."
The lumbering atrocity whimpered out of the room moaning.
The strange man leaned on a table covered in maps and books and sighed deeply.
"How can I the great Bain D'carute, Not be able to find a damn child?" He groaned
throwing the papers onto the floor.
"Well if I cant find him through the help of my stupid counter part" He said raising his
hand, a strange red light bloomed from his hand as fire began to rise to his finger tips
another light came from his palm this time a ball of green flame now burned in the palm
of his hand, he thrust his hand towards the large window sending the flames towards it
resulting in the glass to instantly melt and the brick around in to explode from the
building hurtling to the ground below.

7
"I will take matters totally into my own hands." He said as he walked towards the now
gaping hole in his wall as he neared the edge two stones began to float in front of him,
he put one foot on each and he took of into the night.

***
Leigh and James looked down at Matthew as he slumberd quietly.
"Matthew get up." Leigh said nudging him with her foot. He grunted loudly as he pulled
himself off the floor.
"Why did you wake me so early? Look at the sky its barely past dawn."
"We are almost at Selteab, it should only take us around an hour to get there." James
said packing away the rest of the supplies into his bag. Soon after a short breakfast and
banter they headed on towards Selteab it was in site now or at least its faded
silhouette, it only took half an hour to get there. Its gates were open; Selteab was a
very trusting town always full of glee and very rarely under attack. The people of
Selteab where very different to the people of Darin'ahk'toob, very calm, very few of
them to be seen screaming at the top of there lungs advertising there market goods and
always smiling. Matthew and his companions walked into the town only to be greeted by a
town guard with a long grain plant in his lips bobbing in the wind.
"Ear'e what'sah triple 'o' young'n's travlin on er own to Selteab?" He said in his very
country like accent, Matthew and Leigh where stood jaws dropped from his speech not
knowing whether to apologise or stand for attack luckily James stepped in.
"Oy we're not young'n's we're midl'ns and we're ear'e on business of the noyt and the
mess'ge shouldah been sent to say we're c'min ear'e to speak wi'that old sage eh'yrs."
"Oy'r royt that came throo just go'on in'ere he's waitin for yah" replied the guard
making a slopping sound as he chewed his thin peice of grain plant. Matthew turned to
James baffled.
"What I was bored one weekend and decided to learn how to speak country." James said
feeling judged.
"Ok well just don’t talk like that all the time here, I’d rather not it get logged in my
head forever." Said Leigh.
The three walked towards a small tent with little plumes of smoke rising from the top.
Entering the tent the three were instantly blinded by the fog of smoke.
"Um, excuse me I was sent to talk to a sage. Is that sage here?" Matthew asked wafting
the smoke from his face.
"Yes, I am here Matthew." said an old voice from inside the smoke.
"How did y-"
"I’m a sage remember."
"Ah yes, Well I was sent here by the Knight to speak to you. I don’t really know why."
"You are here to figure out your destiny my young friend; I will tell you where to go next
and what shall lie there."
"Well sage all this would be a lot easier to do if I could see you."
"You can see me I am all around you, can you not see me?"
"Wait you’re the smoke?" Asked Leigh startled.
"Yes young girl I am floating on the astral plane in harmony with the elements."
"But in this plane you appear as smoke?" James asked curiously.
"Well done young sir, now young Matthew you need to strip of your old name because
from here on it can become dangerous to keep it."
"Do you mean people are looking for me?" Matthew asked a little nervous.
"Yes, you shall from here on be known as Matthias Destinweave, Leigh you shall be known
as Layune Featherheart and you James you shall become Hawkbead."

8
"These are strange names sage, why must we sound tribal?" Hawkbead once James
asked.
"Because they would not expect the warriors of light to be from a nomadic tribe would
they?" The sage said.
Matthias wanted to get back to business and asked "Where are we heading next sage?"
"Nowhere."
"Nowhere?"
"Nowhere."
"But you said you would tell us where we should go next."
"And that is nowhere, for now. Stay a while and soak in the culture and where you need
to go will reveal itself to you." the smoke faded as did the sages voice. Matthias sighed a
little disappointed but glad he could rest in a real bed for now.
"I guess we should head to the inn and get a room" Hawkbead stated.
"A room? Don’t you mean two one for me and one for you two?" Layune asked a little
embarrassed.
"We will need to keep guard encase whoever is looking for us finds us, we need to stay
together." He sternly replied.
"C'mon Layune we have shared a room for years now what’s the difference’" Matthias
asked getting used to Leigh’s new name of Layune. Layune blushed a bright red. Matthias
and Hawkbead turned to each other and began to laugh.

The local inn was a very well kept place and was not what the three expected; acquiring
the room key was awkward because only Hawkbead could understand what the landlord
was saying and the only one who could reply. They entered their room throwing there
bags onto the beds with a thud and relaxing on the three arm chairs that sat in the
rooms centre.
A young blonde haired girl wearing a shabby patchwork dress came out another part of
room presumable the bathroom and was shocked to find guests.
"Oh I'm so sorry Sirs and Ma'am I didn’t mean to intrude I was just replacing the
toiletries and such." The girl said nervously.
Matthias laughed "Its ok Miss you don’t have to be so formal with us we aren’t royalty.
What is your name?"
"Uh, Bella sir Bella Steadran I am the Inn's horse keep & I also help with the
blacksmith. Uh, what are your names?"
The three looked at each other unsure what to say but in the end they took the sage's
advice.
"I am Matthias Destinweave, The young lady is Layune Featherheart and that guy over
there is Hawkbead."
"What odd names, you seem foreign to this town."
"So do you, you don’t speak like the others." Hawkbead added.
“My mother ... was from ... a distant place.” Bella explained looking at her shoes.
“Oh.” Said Hawkbead feeling slightly guilty.
"Sorry, But I must be off now I have work to get done." Bella said hurrying out of the
room.
"Now that girl is odd" Matthias said sitting side ways on his chair.
"Matthias don’t be rude, She was just a little nervous I don’t think she is used to guests
at this inn nor is the town used to guests I don’t think." Layune said examining the room.
Matthias rolled of his chair.
"This town is pretty dull but hey I guess I can go make a new friend." He said walking
out the door.

9
Hawkbead chuckled to himself.
"What?" Asked Layune confused.
"Guy thing, I guess Ill have a look at the blacksmith see if we can get some better
weapons and such."
"What, you think we will really have to do some fighting?"
"Of course, why do you think they sent me? Matthias might be as powerful as you say
but that doesn’t mean he can fend for himself."
"Oh I guess I never thought."
"Do you know how lucky we where not to get attacked last night? The odds where
against us, Oh well I guess Ill be off then wont be long" Hawkbead said leaving the room.
Layune sat back in her chair a little taken aback from what she had just heard, she
didn’t really think there would be any danger, and would she really have to fight?

Matthias wondered the inn un-able to find the girl from earlier so he decided to ask the
inn keeper.
"Excuse me sir but does is a girl who works here by the name of Bella anywhere nearby?"
he asked trying to be as polite as possible.
"Woy? What you be wan'in wi moy dau'er?" He asked with a scowl.
"Well, I’m new to the town and she was cleaning our room when we came in and I just
wanted to ask her a few questions about the town since she speaks a little more in a
language I can understand."
The inn keeper let out a thundering roar of laughter with his hands on his round belly
and his beard wiggling.
"Oy loyk you lad your a funny'n don’t get mucha that round'ese parts, she’s round'ah
back ten'in the orses."
"Oh thank you" replied Matthias a little shocked by the inn keeper’s reaction. As
Matthias headed toward the back door he could faintly hear the inn keeper yell
something his way.
"Good luck lad" followed by another laugh.
Matthias opened the back door to a large field and dotted around where a few horses
and sat on an oddly placed bench was Bella, He walked up to the bench feeling strangely
nervous.
"Um, excuse me, Bella?" He said trying not to sound a dunce.
Bella a little startled almost fell off the bench.
"Um, Yes but do I know you?" she asked.
"Not really I just arrived in the village an-"
"Are you the destiny's warrior come to purge the world of a great evil?" she asked
excitedly.
Matthias wasn't the person to brag about something like this but he couldn’t lie to her
for some reason.
"Yeah actually that’s why I've been sent here but for the moment we’re not going
anywhere else until further notice."
"Oh wow I can’t believe I’m sitting next to the warrior of destiny, please if there’s
anything I can do for you just ask."
Matthias laughed "Well you can start by just having a conversation with me."
"Oh wow I get to talk to a future hero."
"And please don’t be so excited I’m just another mage at the moment."
"Ok, Ill try." Bella giggled a little still bubbling with excitement.
"So why do you know such about me?" Matthias asked.

10
"Oh I don’t know that much just that a mighty warrior mastered in the ways of magiK
will one day come to purge Dalboomoo of its evil and bring harmony to the people."
"Wow, where did you learn that?" Matthias asked now slightly nervous of what he had to
live up to.
"I learned as much as I could from the old sage, you should go see him he could tell you
where to go next."
"We already have he was the one who told us to wait here."
Bella looked puzzled at Matthias for a few moments then said "Maybe you are here to
wait for another person to travel along with you?" Matthias could see in Bella's eyes
what she was inclining.
"That may well be the case" He said with a smirk on his face.
"Are the people I saw you with you’re companions?"
"Yes, The girl is Layunem- Uh Layune Featherheart & The other guy is Hawkbead."
Bella chuckled a little and replied "Those are odd names."
"Yes, we are um from a nomadic tribe."
"That sounds a little strange."
"Well, there's much stranger things out in this world."
Bella sighed "I've always wanted to see the rest of the world outside this town you
never know what’s going t-"
At that point a thundering earth shaking sound thundered across the town, Matthias
looked towards the sky and a huge green sphere was crashing down towards the town
hitting the town centre knocking over a large amount of people.
Matthias instantly jumped from the bench and ran towards the inferno Bella following
after him. Matthias reached the town centre to see luckily only a few lifeless figures
lying on the ground, a strange high pitched screech came form the sphere as it began to
rumble and crack forming itself into a large and towering monster blazing in glowing
green fire.
The monster raised its hand high and a stone formed in its hand it set ablaze as it threw
it towards the inn crashing hard into the structure bringing most of it to the ground.
Bella screamed.
"No!" she ran towards the inn and disappeared into the smoke.
"Bella come back be careful." Matthias screamed as Hawkbead ran to his side.
"Matthias Layune is still in that building." he yelled over the screams.
"Damn it I’m going in to get her."
"No Matthias we need to deal with the monster first here take this" Hawkbead handed
Matthias a short sword tinted with a blue glow as soon as it came in contact with
Matthias's hand. Matthias took a deep breath.
"Ok I want you to distract it while I try and get its back these types of monsters are
weakest in the centre of there back." Hawkbead was impressed by Matthias taking
control
"Aye sir." He said as he ran under the beast taking a stab at one of its legs, it let out a
screech and slammed the floor near Hawkbead he luckily dodged it.
Matthias's eyes blazed with fury as he ran towards the monstrosity jumping as high as
he could and grabbing a large protruding rock on its back, gaining his balance he thrust
the sword into the monster's back the flames blazing in fury as the monster let out a
mighty rawr reaching back and grabbing Matthias. It looked at Matthias and said in a
thundering voice.
"You, you will perish by the masters will." It squeezed Matthias he could feel his chest
being crushed. From behind the monster through blurred vision Matthias could see a
shining bright light, the monster turned dropping Matthias to the floor he crawled away

11
with the help of Hawkbead. The light was coming from a figure shining with light its
beautiful wings spanning wider than the inn itself.
"Wait, it can’t be." Matthias said struggling to his feat suddenly feeling his strength
return from basking in this beautiful light. The amazing figure was Layune shining bright
and hovering above the ground.
A calm and soothing voice said "Monster, you will not survive, turn back now or be
doomed."
The monster laughed "You will not defeat me you mere girl." He thrust his fist towards
her but was stopped by a ray of light going through its arm, the monster it wailed.
"Matthias, now vanquish this demon." Layune said.
Matthias raised his sword high once again jumping onto the monsters back lifting his
sword high, the sword shun blue and turned to an icy combination of steel and pure
magiK. He thrust the sword deep into the monster's back. It let out a tremendous
screech as it began to crumble sending Matthias falling to the floor with a thud. The
beautiful glowing figure of Layune faded leaving a tired looking Layune kneeling on the
floor panting. Matthias lifted himself to his feat Hawkbead at is side went to help
Layune.
"Layune are you ok?" Hawkbead asked helping her to stand
"I'm fine, it was all so bright I could barley see a thing." She said almost sobbing.
Matthias walked up to her panting he put his hand on her shoulder.
"Thank you, if you hadn’t have done that I and many of us all would most likely be dead"
He said still panting the blood trickling down the side of his face.

In the ashes of the village laid a few lifeless civilians with there families crying by there
side. In the ruined remains of the inn could be heard sobbing, Matthias, Layune &
Hawkbead walked through the charred area to find Bella holding the inn keeper in her
arms weeping.
"Why couldn't you have helped him?" She asked through the tears.
"Bella, I'm so sorry there was nothing I could have done to prevent this" He said feeling
tired and guilty.
"You, You became an angel why couldn't you have healed him?"
"I never new I could take that form, I had almost no control" Layune said kneeling by
Bella's side.
"He was my father, this was my home, what can I do now?"
Hawkbead turned to look at the burnt village and sighed "These people need to be buried
and given a proper send off."
Matthias turned to Hawkbead and nodded "Inform the people of this and see if you can
help any of the injured."
"Yes sir." Hawkbead saluted and went off to do so.
Matthias looked at the crying Bella and tried to keep himself calm.
"Layune, Stay with Bella I'm going to inspect the remains of that thing and see if it can
lead us anywhere."
Layune nodded; still tired from battle she said "Be careful you don’t know what mite
happen."
Matthias turned and left the two and returned to the rubble that was left behind by the
monster, the flame now gone the rock glew faintly green but the glow slowly faded.
Matthias picked up a piece of the rock it felt hot to the touch and resonated with magiK
energy, Matthias could hear a strange ringing sound from inside the rubble he looked
forward and not far from him was a strange block orb that looked pristine among the
rock. He kneeled down and inspected it looking inside it, it seemed lifeless and empty.

12
Anger grew inside of Matthias his hand began to grip the orb hard and the orb cracked
soon smashing in his hand leaving it cut and bloodied, when the orb smashed a strange
green gas escaped and went straight inside Matthias's mouth, images flashed before his
eyes so many at one time he could not understand them he couldn’t make them clear. His
vision returned to him he panted wildly trying to make sense of what just happened.
Hawkbead kneeled beside him.
"Matthias are you alright I saw what happened what did you see?"
"I don’t know some sort of vision maybe; it was mostly a blur of images."
Hawkbead looked puzzled at Matthias.
"Are there many injured?" Matthias asked.
"Only a few and none too serious, but there a lot more dead than we thought."
"We will have to get these people to evacuate to Darin'ahk'toob for safety, we can only
hope the road back is safe."
"I don't think anywhere is safe but that is there best chance at survival."
"Agreed we will have to tell these people to gather what’s left immediately and head
towards the city."
"But what about the dead?"
Matthias sighed deeply "They will have to leave them as they are."
Hawkbead nodded "I will inform them immediately if that’s what you wish."
"Yes, Help them in any way you can but do not leave the towns borders I need you in
close range encase another arrives."
"Yes sir" Hawkbead said hurrying off and beginning rounding up the survivors letting
them know that there only safety is in Darin'ahk'toob.

The sun had only just began to set when the survivors began the long trek towards
Darin'ahk'toob, Hawkbead waiting at the gate to make sure all where leaving safely and
with enough supplies a quick chat with the sage had gotten Matthias the information he
needed on the strange magiK energies and where they most likely came from, the
mountain city of Dol'canin populated mostly by dwarfs. Matthias now stood at the
northern gate looking towards the cold and harsh mountains of Dal'cranor.
Layune walked to his side.
"I have gotten myself a weapon like you asked Matthias." She said looking at her side to
see a pale blue staff with an orb mounted top.
"Good, where going to need it." He replied
"Matthias are you alright?"
"I've never had to fight a real monster before, I've never seen death, I was so close to
dying."
"But you didn't because you’re destined to go on and help the world Matthias."
"Destiny can always be intervened."
"Matthias, Me and Hawkbead will always be at you’re side in battle we will be pre-paired
next time."
Matthias turned to Layune and smiled.
"Yeah, well we'd best go get Hawkbead so we can set off" He said his regular smile and
cheery glow restoring itself.
"Matthias!" Yelled a voice in the distance, Layune and Matthias turned to see Bella stood
beside Hawkbead wielding a sword and carrying a bag pack on her back.
"I’m coming with you." She yelled
"Are you sure?" He asked
"I will not stand by idly while such things like today happen in the world, I'm coming and
you can’t stop me."

13
"She says she can wield a sword well and we can use all the help we can get Matthias."
Explained Hawkbead
Matthias smiled "Welcome aboard Bella, I hope you’re ready for this."
Layune smiled brightly "OK now I've got another girl to talk to on this walk, lets get
going shall we?"
Both Hawkbead and Matthias yelled "Aye!"
Bella and Layune looked at each other and said. "Men." laughing.

A few miles off from the group in the mountains of Dal'cranor two dwarfs where
travelling towards the small town of
Selteab, their blue cloaks flapping in the harsh winds barley visible in the heavy snowfall.
"Oy Agris, we need to set up camp o'right?" Yelled the one from behind over the roaring
winds.
"Alright, Yeh wee baby." Agris replied reluctantly.
"We need to find a small cave or some'in or where not gonna survive the night."
Agris leaned on his blunderbuss to catch his breath. In the blur of snow a terrifying
howl could be heard Agris quickly held up his gun with both hands and checked the area
around him when he looked behind him his friend was not there, at first he thought the
snow was thicker than he first assumed.
"Gro'gley where are yeh?" He called. There was no reply but another howl. Agris span
around with his gun held up and aiming, his finger held to the trigger the slight click of
the barrel barley audible over the sound of the wind.
From behind Agris he could only just catch the sound of the snow being broken behind
him, he quickly turned pressing the gun into the chest of what ever made the sound and
the last thing Agril ever saw was the terrifying look in its glowing yellow eyes.

The fastest way to the dwarven city of Dol'canin was to traverse through Jenkins' pass;
the pass was the only spot in the mountains that was covered in snow, its puny puddles of
snow where nothing compared to the towering walls of white abyss so it was an easy
choice for the group. Bella being used to the warmer weather was colder than the
hardened three that where used to Darin'Ahk'Toob's ever changing climate she
shivered and quietly moaned as the four walked close together, Hawkbead and Matthias
there hands perched on there weapons ready for anything that may jump out at them.
Layune on the other hand found it necessary to get to know her only female companion
on this quest.
"So Bella, were did you learn to use a sword?" Layune asked curiously.
"Many warriors seeking destiny and glory would pass through my town and over the years
I learned from many different teachers how to perform quite well with a sword." She
replied in a quivering voice.
"Wow that’s amazing, me and Matthias just learned from our teachers but I think
Matthias stayed up late and practiced his magiK sword abilities." Layune laughed quietly.
"MagiK sword abilities?"
"Yes, it is what he has chosen as his mane learning in the school. It is a form of battle
where you use magiKal spells while wielding a sword and sometimes fusing the magiK
abilities into the sword to strike your foes down with incredible power, Matthias
demonstrated this during the fight with the demon."
A gust of wind hit the group sending a scattering of snow there way.
Hawkbead yelled over the roar of the downfall "I thought Jenkins pass was only snowy in
the later months?"
"The weather is changing; the dark forces have confused the world." Matthias replies.

14
"Layune, can you try use your creation magiK to give us some form of shield?" Hawkbead
asks.
"I can try but I’m not sure it will work." Layune began to conjure magiK in her hands and
held them high, a small sphere expanded around each of the four protecting them from
the harsh weather. The four pushed on as quickly as possible until they reached a small
cave.
"Matthias we need to take shelter Layune is tired and can't hold up much longer."
Hawkbead yelled.
The four all turned towards the cave but the shield suddenly began to fade as Layune
fell to the ground from sheer tire.
"Damn the shield is breaking up Hawkbead you help Bella get to the cave and I'll get
Layune in." Matthias yelled as he quickly pulled Layune up into his arms.
"C'mon Layune we can make it." He said struggling but he wouldn’t give up no matter the
circumstances. Layune looked up through faded vision, she could see Matthias's face but
she looked to her side and saw a looming black figure in the distance it looked as if it
was running getting closer, closer, closer still but then her vision faded it all went black.

Back at the dark tower where the evil force Bain resided, He was sat reading a book
peacefully when suddenly a tapping came at the door Bain sighed.
"Come in!" He groaned. His servant came lumbering into the room.
"Mathtar! I bring knewth of the attack on the town where the heroth where rethiding."
"Oh really, something good I hope?"
"Well mathtar, the demon you recruited wath defeated"
"What!!" He raised his arm angrilly his servent quickly held up his arms terrified.
"Don’t hit me mathtar I altho have good newth"
"Oh really what is it?"
"Well mathtar the demon may have been thlayn but thith thows us how powerful thith
warrior of dethtiny ith"
"Ah, yes that is true, well done. Now get out of my site I’m was trying to read"
"My apologiethe mathtar, but what do you plan to do now?"
"Well surely they will be heading to the dwarven city and on the way I may have a plan."
Bain laughed to himself the laughter rise a roar of maniacle cackeling, his servent joined
in laughing along side him. But was quickly smacked hard and he ran out of the room
quickly. Bain sat back down on his chair with his book still quietly chuckling.

When Layune regained consciousness she looked up to see Matthias sat beside her.
"Matthias?" she said in a slightly faded voice. He did not reply his eyes where closed,
somehow Matthias had managed to fall asleep but still manage to sit upright. Layune
smiled then looked round the cave and saw Hawkbead and Bella sat beside a fire, Bella
frightfully close to the fire trying to keep warm, she looked over at the caves entrance
the snow fall had become intense and she could barely see outside.
"He's been sat beside you for a day and a half now." Layune could hear Hawkbead say
over the crackling sounds of the fire.
"He has? What happened?"
"You fainted trying to hold up the shield, Matthias saved you'r life, you should see his
back it is covered in wounds from the hail." Hawkbead said walking over and handing her
a small cup filled with a strange brown brew.
"Thank you, how long has he been sleeping?" She asked sipping from the cup.
"Only a few hours but knowing him he will wake up soon to see if you’re ok, he'll be
thrilled to know you are safe."

15
Layune suddenly felt very guilty for what had happened as she caught a glance of
Matthias back from a tear in his robe, the scars where many and the blood had not
totally been washed away. Matthias opened his eyes to see Layune sat upright and alive,
he was instantly filled with a wave of relief and joy he smiled as Layune turned to look at
him he wrapped his arms around her.
"It's so good to see that you’re ok." He said as tears fell from his eyes. Layune could
feel the cuts and wounds that Matthias had received saving her life which only made her
feel worse.
"Yes, thank you." She said also with teary eyes.

After Matthias and Layune rested the group decided to set back out on track luckily the
snow storm had not snowed over the trail but a slight mist had been left behind which
only made Matthias and Hawkbead even more cautious and battle ready there hands
gently resting on the hilt of there swords, there eyes constantly checking every nook
and cranny of there surroundings. Bella walked close by Layune's side she had never
expected her adventure into the world as terrifying and tiring. Layune tried to ease
Bella's fear.
"Bella don't worry with Matthias and Hawkbead on guard, nothing could possibly surprise
us."
"I know but, this isn't exactly what I expected."
"But if your first view of adventure was the fight at your village then this should be an
easy trip to you."
"I guess you’re right but let’s hope we don’t have another encounter like that anytime
soon."
"Look!" Yelled Hawkbead from the front pointing into the distance where the misty
figure of Dol'cannin could only just be seen.
Even from a distance this city was gigantic and an amazing site.
"Wow so that’s what where heading to?" Matthias asked still not sure.
"I hope so I’m tired of walking and want a real city with nice warm fires and somewhere
there are real beds." Layune replied walking ahead.

As the group neared the path up the hill leading to the city entrance something
happened they where not prepared for.
"Um Matthias what is that?" Bella asked pointing back towards where they had come.
Matthias turned to look and all he could see was a shadowy figure coming towards them,
as it got closer they could see that the figure was leaning on a large gun.
"You don’t think its going to engage us do you?" Hawkbead asked.
"I don’t think so, it looks like a dwarf and it looks ... as if it’s injured quickly go help him."
Matthias replied. Bella & Layune both ran to the dwarf.
"Are you alright sir?" Layune asked in a concerned tone.
"Aye lass, I jus need t'get to the city." Replied the dwarf.
"What happened to you?" Matthias asked helping the dwarf stand.
"I and a friend where travelling to Selteab to get some brews for the festival when a
snow storm hit, we tried to find a cave but something attacked us, mi friend was almost
instantly gone I was on mi own and when I turned, there it was."
"There what was?" Asked Hawkbead.
"Ah, Ah don’t know all I can remember is its yellow eyes those, horrible eyes."
"Well let’s get you to the city you need medical attention, Layune is there anything you
can do to heal his wounds now?"

16
"Well I can try I mean I don’t think it will do much." She said resting her hands on the
dwarf's head. A dazzling light began to shine and the wounds on the dwarf disappeared.
"Wow lass you must be better than ye thought." Said the dwarf his strength returned
and his wounds healed.
"Yeah well either way we'll have a doctor look at you when we get to Dol'cannin to be
sure, come on lets get up there." Hawkbead stated.

The dwarven city of Dol'cannin was said to be built by mighty titens of stone and iron
many years ago and the dwarfs only expanded the city to its huge and magnificent
beauty with there skills in carving and Blacksmithing, It is known all across Dalboomoo
that there are no better weapons or armour than what is crafted by the dwarves but
the dwarves aren’t just smelting, war hungry beer drinking madmen no they are also very
dedicated to learning about there past, all dwarfs have a keen interest in the past of
Dalboomoo and all its races and no other race have gone to the extremes to learn as
much as the dwarves have. There libraries are filled with book upon book explaining
different theories on the dwarven past.

Upon reaching the huge stone gates to Dol’cannin the group was greeted by two armed to
the teeth dwarves, they stood in the path of the group and asked.
“Where d’yeh think yer goin?” Said the one on the right.
“We need to get this dwarf to a priest and a doctor.” Said Hawkbead pointing to the
injured dwarf. The two dwarves where shocked to see this particular dwarf.
“Agris?” Said one.
“Are yeh alright Agris? We wondered where y’ed gotten tee.” Said the other.
“Agris? Wait why did we not ask for his name?” Asked Matthias.
“Does the name mean anything to yeh lad?” Asked the armoured dwarf.
“No” He replied.
“Then it don’t mattah, C’mon Beg’rin go find Bol’rin and Derris, Agris needs some holy
magiK.”
“Wait how can you tell Layune has already healed him to her full extent” Bella said
slightly insulted.
“Where dwarves lass we know magiK and we know when a dwarf is still injured.” Said the
one dwarf that was left after the other ran into the city.
“Well it seems the dwarves are a lot more versatile then most people think.” Hawkbead
stated.
“Aye, most men think where jus drunken blacksmiths bangin our hammers on each
others’eds.” The dwarf said with bias.
“My apologies Master dwarf”
“Its right lad, Most of Man don’t know”
“Excuse me but why are we not going into the city to care for Agris?” Asked Matthias
who was sick of the cold.
“Cause we don’t know your purpose here and we arnt gunie risk our city even if it is a
dwarf like Agris.”
Bella whispered to Layune. “He must be an important dwarf.”
“Shh, we don’t want to annoy them any more.” Layune replied quietly. Two dwarves came
running out of the huge gates of the city one of them dressed in a purple robe and the
other in smart tailored clothes wearing a monocle. The robed one kneeled by Agris’ side
and held his hands over his chest. Light shone from his hands and his face seemed to
look concerned.

17
“Aye, I sense some sort of pain but it duny seem like I can’eel through it.” He said
standing back up.
“I healed most of his wounds sir I did feel a pain still inside him though.” Layune said
making her way to the front.
“Lass? Ye know holy magiK?” He asked curious.
“Yes, I have studied creation magiK but have recently found a power of holy magiK” She
said not too sure on the matter.
“Aye, that be strange lass we’ll be askin yee questions later”
“Derris you can’t be serious in letting these strangers into our fine city? Surly” Said the
finely dressed dwarf smugly.
“Shut’it Bol’rin, They are going to come into the city and we will allow them to stay
because they may have saved Agris’ life, now strangers, what is your purpose here?”
“I am Matthias Destinweaver, I come with my group of travellers because the sage from
Selteab sent us here to find the next lead on our journey.”
“That, doesn’t explain much lad, come t’the tavern and explain there.” Derris said a little
confused.
“Derris this is not a good idea.” Bol’rin said concerned.

The dwarven city of Dol’cannin was a very warm place being so far into the mountains
Dol’cannin had a lot of small rivers of magma, Matthias was amazed by this because they
ran by paths that people would walk by so casually without fear of the danger the magma
presented. They made there way to the tavern and Matthias explained the situation and
what had happened at Selteab.

“This be grave news lad, Selteab held many friends for the dwarves, the sage being one
of them. What be of the sage now?” Derris asked with a large mug of ale in his hands.
“We don’t know, he was not to be found after the destruction of Selteab his home was
completely destroyed.” Matthias replied
“And you say he was in a Meta physical state when you first met him?” Bol’rin asked.
“Yes, we could hear his voice but he was not in the room he was some sort of smoke at
the time.”
“And this orb ye found lad, show me that” Asked both the dwarves.
Matthias produced a small ball of wrapping from his robes.
“After I first touched it I wrapped it in this cloth as not danger myself again” He said
setting it on the table and unwrapping it, its green glow still as bright as faint as before.
“Ah, and you say you had some sort of vision when you first touched it?” Asked Bol’rin.
“Yes, I couldn’t make out most of the vision but what I did see was of death and pain”
“This be strange lad, I sense a strange dark power in this orb, maybe it can be used
some day but for now I say ye best not show anyone it.” Derris stated.
“I just don’t understand what it is and what it’s used for.” Matthias reached to grasp
the orb.
“Lad don’t!” But it was to late Matthias grasped the orb and screamed as his hand was
withered he screamed in pain as all that was left was bone with a small amount of flesh
holding it together. Matthias grasped his hand in pain the orb fell back onto the table
with a thud the faint glow now faded even more.
“Lad that wasn’t wise ye duny know what that thing can duu.” Derris said wrapping the
orb back in its cloth.
“Can’t you heal this?” Matthias pleaded terrified by the site of his now grotesque hand
now blackened.
“Nay lad, this aint of my power.” Derris said holding his hands over Matthias’s

18
“I will go to the library and study this and see if I can’t find an explanation for this.”
Bol’rin said hurrieng out of the tavern.
The strange decay had spread to Matthias’s elbow the remaining flesh was black and
grotesque the ends of his fingers where bone and cold.
“Here lad take this.” Derris said producing a long leather glove. Matthias quickly put it
over the disgusting site, hiding it.
“Now I have never seen anything like that before not even in the books back at the
Lexicon.” Layune said startled.
“You people come from the Lexicon, why did yeh not say this?” Derris asked surprised.
“Why? Does this mean much?” Asked Hawkbead curious.
“It means I know what this here lad is.” He replied pointing at Matthias with a short,
stout finger.
“And ‘what’ am I?”
“You’re the warrior of light lad.” Derris said in a hushed tone. Matthias looked puzzled at
Derris.
“Yes, I seem to get told that a lot.”
“So did the sage give ye any clue to what you’re to do here in Dol’cannin?”
“No, is there anyone of power we can speak to who mite know anything of what we could
do?”
“Aye lad, there is, King Dock’ron Ironbrew he’ll know somethin lad”

The group was led to a huge stone building carved perfectly from the mountain; Bella
looked up at the colossus in awe. The four where lead through a series of hallways until
they reach a massive door.
“Now, King Ironbrew is currently discussing with the elven ambassador on an alliance she
has been travelling to all the races attempting to forge a great alliance just like many
years ago when half of the races of man where allied to fight the other half which had
also allied together.” Derris said almost nostalgic.
“I doubt she shall succeed the races have all become very strong minded and all think
they can cope without the other races.” Bella said doubtfully.
“Aye lass that be true, now let’s get in there.” Derris said single handedly pushing the
huge stone door open. The room was lit by many braziers burning brightly, the king had
not taken any risks with his security, over thirty guards stood around the room armed to
the teeth with weapons and armour.
“Aye lass an alliance sounds like a good idea but it may send a message to the men of
Darin'ahk'toob?” King Ironbrew asked concerned.
“It does not matter what they would assume we need to ally ourselves or the coming
darkness will destroy us all.” The elf said sternly. The elf was very tall much taller than
the king she wore a long dark robe presumably to cover her traditional elf garbs. The
king on the other hand was obviously quite short and clad in shivering metal form head to
toe, his giant hammer leaning against his epic throne.
“King Ironbrew, I bring you the warrior of destiny and his travelling companions” Derris
said kneeling.
Hawkbead whispered to Layune as they kneeled down “What happened to it being
warriors of destiny?” Layune giggled slightly.
“Ye be the warrior of destiny lad?” Ironbrew asked.
Matthias rose to his feet “Yes your highness, I am.”
King Ironbrew let out a bellowing laugh. “You the warrior of destiny? You are a mere
child.”

19
“I may be young but that does not stop me from being a skilled swordsmen and a true
warrior of the light sir” Matthias said trying his hardest to sound mighty and important.
“Aye lad, I only joke with ye but if you say such things I expect a performance of such
skill and might” Ironbrew laughed.
“Guards assemble around this lad, he is goin’ to show us his strength” Ironbrew said
clapping his hands. The guards made a large circle around the group, Derris guided all
but Matthias out of the circle Matthias turned to look at the group and Hawkbead gave
him a nod of confidence Matthias smiled as he took out his sword.
“Bring your strongest and most ready” Matthias said taking a stance.
A large dwarf stood forward his axe double the size he was. He let out a thunderous
roar and banged his axe on the floor charging towards Matthias with the speed of a
raging bull, he raised his axe high and brought it down towards Matthias who held his
sword in the way. The blades clashed, sparks flew Matthias dodged and dived out of the
dwarves blows. When the dwarf came at him again he hit Matthias with huge force with
the side of his axe sending him spiralling across the room he hit the floor with a crash.
“Matthias, get up you’re better than this” Layune shouted over the roar of the dwarf.
Matthias rose to his feet and thrust his sword into the ground he held his hand over the
blade it began to glow a bright orange and multiple blades appeared around Matthias, he
raised his glowing blade and took his stance the dwarf now slightly un-nerved Matthias
pointed his sword to the dwarf and the many blades began flying at the dwarf but as
they where about to slice the dwarf into pieces they stopped mere inches from his face
the many points faded away into mist, Matthias sheathed his sword and bowed to the
dwarf. Silence fell across the room Matthias was nervous to how the dwarves in the
room would react when suddenly the entire room burst into cheer, clapping and drinking
King Ironbrew came to Matthias and patted him hard on the back.
“Aye lad, that was quite a show, I did’ne think you would rise from a blow like that and I
have never seen a duel with such magiK, now, yee have a lot to tell me” Ironbrew said
handing Matthias a large tankard of brew, his friends all surrounded him to congratulate
him.
“Matthias that was an amazing spell when did you learn that?” Layune asked amazed.
“You held up amazing in that battle Matthias we will have to skirmish one time while
we’re here” Hawkbead said bowing in honour.
“Matthias I was so scared when you got hit I didn’t think you would get back up and you
looked so graceful dodging all his attacks” Bella said still clapping.
Once the room had cleared and all that was left was the group, The King, Derris & the
elf ambassador who insisted on staying.
“So lad, Derris has explained the orb and yer hand and also the rest of what happened in
Selteab but what puzzles me is what the sage thought I could tell ye” Ironbrew spoke
his beard still dripping from the recent celebration.
“Should we really have this kind of discussion drunk?” Asked the elf before letting
anyone else continue.
“Aye lass we should there’s no better way to make a decision than with a belly full’a
brew” Ironbrew said laughing.
“Now back to business, Lad did the sage tell ye anything else? Any clue to what you do
next?” Derris asked.
“No we were told to come here to Dol’cannin and speak to the dwarven king.” Matthias
explained to Derris and the king.
“Do you possibly have any problems we could help with?” Layune asked taking incentive.

20
“Well aye, the brew for the festival was supposed to be acquired from Selteab by Agris
but that problem’as already been solved Agris told us he had many a cask of An’kahet
sweet ale in his cellar.” Ironbrew said with a slight smile on his face.
“Well maybe the spirits have smiled on you and your friends Matthias.” The elf said
happily.
“What yee mean lass?” Ironbrew asked slurping another brew.
“I think what she means is we’ve been given an opportunity to relax properly before our
next journey is revealed to us.” Hawkbead said also with a drink in his hand.
Matthias smiled brightly “Sounds good to me.” He rubbed his hands together.
“Matthias don’t you think we should at least figure out what we need and get it before
we start relaxing?” Layune asked concerned that Matthias would become too relaxed and
forget his responsibilities.
“Aye lad, the lass knows what she speaks” Ironbrew said through hazy eyes.
“Ok, Bella see if you can find us some horses for the next journey, Layune you will come
with me to the magiK shop to see if we can’t find us some magiK enhancing robes & Ja- I
mean Hawkbead you go to the armour smith and check if there isn’t something we can
use that is better than our current equipment in fact you go with Bella and when she is
done, get her some real armour” He stated a little tired for breath taking a long swig of
his brew.
“Is that good enough Layune?” He asked laughing.
“Very, now, we can get that done and relax” She said standing from the table.
Everyone hurried out of the room beside Matthias, Layune and the elf.
“Um excuse me Master Dioxinist?” The elf called after the two.
“Yes?” He said turning around.
“Before you go, may I see your hand?” She asked.
“Yes, its no trouble” He said removing the glove revealing a cold decayed hand with
hardly any flesh left and that what was, was black and emanating with an evil aura.
“Astounding, I have never seen such a thing it seems to pulse with evil, I will look into
this with the dwarves.” She said astounded.
“Before you do, what is you’re name? We can’t just call you elf” Layune asked trying to
be polite.
“My name is Finola, Finola Eternal Leaf.” She said bowing and then leaving the room.

Layune and Matthias had reached the MagiK shop which had many shelves covered with
books filled with the writings of past spells and even prophecies of new ones to come.
Layune left Matthias to glance through any book that caught his eye and went to the
counter.
“Excuse me do you have any books on healing magiK?” She asked the strange robed
figure behind the counter.
“Ofcaurse ma’am I will find you the best tome I have, I sense that is what you seek” He
said as he disappeared into a room behind the counter.
“Layune, Look I found the robes, come look while the shop keep is getting your book”
Matthias said from the back of the shop.
“Ok” Layune said rolling her eyes and smiling.
“Look at these things there amazing you can just feel the magiK in them.” Matthias said
staring in awe.
“Why don’t you try one on” Layune said knowing that was exactly what he wanted to do.
Matthias climbed into a robe, the robe was almost completely black accept for the
patterns of red and blue that coursed around the robe.

21
“I like the feel of this one I feel, stronger; I can feel my magiK becoming stronger. I’m
getting this one” Matthias said keeping it on and heading to the counter. Layune stayed
behind and tried on a robe herself her robe was very different from Matthias’s her
robe was white and around all edges there was a pattern of repeating red triangles she
felt strange in this robe, she felt a strange new found power, she liked it.

“So this is everything you want to buy?” The robed figure asked.
“Yes sir, two robes and a tome of holy magiK” Matthias said exited to put his robe back
on.
“Ok that will be 40 gold please” The figure asked holding out a gloved hand, the glove
seemed not completely filled as if the figure was not all there. Layune paid the figure a
little shocked at the price. As soon as the robe was his Matthias ran into the changing
rooms to put on his robe properly, he put his hood over his head and put his hands in his
sleeves.
“Why are you doing that?” Layune asked also in her new robe.
“I don’t want anyone hassling me until the festival tonight” He replied in a hushed tone.
Layune laughed.
“Come to me; come claim me as your own.” A voice said
“Did you say something?” Matthias asked looking at Layune through the darkness of his
robe.
“What? No no, Why? Are you hearing something?” She asked a little concerned.
“I will give you power; I will be your gateway to true strength”
“No, probably just hearing someone walking by” He said now un-nerved.
“You know you want power, come to me and I will bring you what you seek, I am
the key to defeating your enemies.”
Matthias shook away the tainted voice in his head and turned to Layune.
“I’m guessing you like your new robe too since your wearing yours two.” He laughed
“Yes, it’s very comfortable the fabric is so perfectly tailored, I’m surprised the
dwarves could make such a thing.” Layune replied twirling and swirling around as the two
walked the stone city of Dol’cannin.
“To be honest I don’t think the dwarves made this.”
“What do you mean?” Didn’t the shop keep seem a little ... strange to you?”
“Well of course he did but where out in the world now, we’re bound to see strange and
wonderful things.” Layune said chuckling to herself. Matthias smiled
“Yeah I suppose you’re right”

The stables of Dol’cannin where as like everything else was made from stone, strangely
the horses didn’t seem to mind much at all. Hawkbead and Bella walked around the
stables investigating each horse to see which ones they thought would be able to coupe
with an adventure.
“So Hawkbead, Do you like Layune?” Bella asked checking a white horse.
“Of course I do she is a good friend.” He replied confidently.
“No, I mean do you have feelings for her?”
“Excuse me? Isn’t that a slightly personal question?” He asked slightly startled.
“Well, yes but you seem to care for her a lot, you only told her that Matthias was the
one that stayed by her side for so long when it was actually both of you.”
“That’s because I didn’t want to burden her with the thought that I cared for her like
that.”
“That’s a little silly Hawkbead; I think Layune likes you too.”
“Well even if she does a journey like this is not the place for this kind of thing.”

22
Bella laughed. “Hawkbead you don’t know anything about girls do you? You should confess
on the night of the festival, she will find it so romantic” Bella said a slight hopeful look
in her eyes. Hawkbead sighed deeply and went to the small box like room where the
owner was sitting.
“Number 4, 6, 7 & number 10 please.” He told the shop keep.
“Aye lad, they be reserved for you until you take them on your journey.” He replied
taking Hawkbead’s payment. Hawkbead left stables with a glum look on his face Bella
chased after him.
“Hawkbead, where are you going?” She asked panting from running after him.
A smile suddenly arose across Hawkbead’s face.
“We’re off to get you some brand new armour; we can’t have you fighting in some cloth
garments can we?”
Bella laughed “Of course, but nothing too heavy I want light armour I can move around
in”
“Oh of course”

Night had arrived and the four slumbered in their room in the inn, accept for Matthias
who sat on the bed clutching his chest after waking from a tormenting dream & the
dream may have been over, but the voice did not leave him.
“Come to me, come to me, use me, wield me, I will help you vanquish all evil.”
“No, you torment me spirit now do it no longer.” Matthias said putting his head in his
hands.
“You fear you are not powerful enough to fulfil your destiny, well find me and
together we will save the world.”
“Why must it be me that is your wielder, there are many more mighty warriors, why
me?”
“Because you boy, are different, there is a power lurking in you that can be used
for the forces of good and purity you only need to do what is right to save the
world, now come to me, you can feel me, follow that feeling, find me, find me, find
me, find me.” The voice faded and Matthias rose to his feet and left the room. The
braziers had not been extinguished, they burned brightly the city didn’t look much
different in the night accept that there were fewer people walking the streets and the
cold air of the moonlit world creped into the city and gave it an icy chill that cuts to the
bone. Matthias walked the street until a voice pulled him towards the great library. He
walked the many areas of the library lined with book case after book case. He came to
one book case in particular and stood in front of it, he looked at it as if he was looking
right through it. He took one step forward and then another, another, another and one
more. Matthias no longer stood in front of the book case but behind it and what lied
before of him was a long corridor. Matthias held out his hand and fire sprung forth
lighting the way he began walking down the corridor, it seemed as if he was walking for
hours until he came to a large, no, huge room. The room was dark but it could be seen
that the edges of the room where littered with skeletons, warriors once filled with life,
now dead and strewn across the room as if they meant nothing to the world. At the
centre of the room stood a plinth and set atop the plinth was a sword, its hilt was a
skulls head with horns, its horns making up the rest of the hilt. The blade itself was
glimmering and golden its end was flat and not pointed like a normal sword, the blade was
wider and inscribed on it was a message in runic it read ‘With death comes retribution’.
Matthias walked to the plinth but a figure shot up in front of him, it was the robed shop
keep from earlier that day, it stood wielding a beautiful scythe sparkling in the
darkness.

23
“Why do you oppose me?” Matthias asked.
“You do not understand what you are doing boy, go now and never speak of this place
again.” The figure hissed.
“I do not wish to fight you but if that is what I must do then so be it.” Matthias said
unsheathing his sword and taking his stance.
“So be it.” The figure charged at Matthias the scythe raised above its head it swung at
Matthias he blocked it with his blade, the clash of metal left sparks around the room
Matthias grew weary from fighting. The fight seemed to last an eternity and more.
“Enough.” Yelled Matthias swinging his blade for the last time breaking the figures
scythe with an amazing strike.
“Do not do this boy, the blade is cursed I must stop you”
“If so why do you protect it?”
“I am not protecting the blade from you; I am protecting you from it.”
“Enough of this foolishness.” Matthias removed his glove revealing the decayed hand he
had received from the orb, he pointed the hand towards the figure and mumbled
something in a strange demonic tongue, a purple light began to shine from his hand and
the figure fell to the floor and began to fade to dust and the dust was sucked away into
Matthias’s hand. Once the dead was done Matthias sighed deeply and walked to the
plinth, he grasped the sword with his decayed hand, lightning flew from the blade in all
directions as if something was holding it back from Matthias, he pulled with all his mite,
the lighting fired once more and Matthias rose the sword victoriously he lowered it and
read the inscription on the blade.
“With death comes retribution, that shall be this blades name, Retribution!” He yelled
echoing through the chamber.

Layune awoke before everyone else, she sat up on the bed and looked around, and
everyone looked so peaceful. She looked at Matthias, something was different about
him. Layune got up and went to Matthias’s bed and looked at him, she couldn’t put her
finger on it but there was definitely something strange about Matthias.
“What are you doing Layune?” Bella asked yawning.
Layune was a little startled. “Oh Bella you scared me then.” she took a deep breath.
“Nothing it’s just ... no it doesn’t matter” She said sitting back on her bed.
“Well we better get dressed quickly before the boys wake up.” Bella laughed hopping out
of her bed and to her clothes.
Layune giggled. “Yeah that’s wise.”
“So Layune” Bella said struggling into her shirt. “Do you like Matthias?”
Layune sighed deeply.
“What is it?” Bella asked a little concerned.
“Well I used to know for a fact that I didn’t and that he was just my best friend.”
“And now?”
“Now I’m not to sure, seeing the scars he now bares because he saved me... makes me
realise what he would do for me.”
“He seems to care for you very much.”
“Or it could just be the hero in him.” Layune said chuckling.
“Yeah could be.” Bella chuckled half heartedly.

Not long after Layune and Bella finished dressing and went down for breakfast Matthias
and Hawkbead rose from their beds. Both falling of the bed hitting the floor with a
thud. They dragged themselves to their cloths shook their heads and began dressing
themselves.

24
Hawkbead yawned. “So Matthias, do you like Layune?” He asked putting on his trousers
almost falling over in the process.
Matthias chuckled.
“What does that mean? Have you ever asked her out?”
“Once, but she said she just wanted to stay friends.” Matthias sighed.
“Sounds like you really cared for her.”
“I did, and I still do.”
“What do you love her?”
Matthias paused for a moment and thought.
“Nah, it’s just a crush.” He laughed
Hawkbead shook his head and put on his patch work jacket.
“C’mon, the girls will already be downstairs eating breakfast.” Hawkbead said heading out
the room.
“I’m coming I’m coming” Matthias said throwing his new robe on over his clothes ... and
the sword. He sat down on his bed and sighed deeply.
“Just a crush.”

Downstairs the three had already started eating when Matthias sat down at the table;
Layune had already gotten him a plate and piled it with food.
“Wow, now that’s service.” Matthias laughed. He began eating and being the usual
teenage lad he reduced this huge pile of food to a few scraps in mere minutes, he sat
back in satisfaction.
“You better not start belching Matthias.” Layune said still eating.
Matthias moaned “Aw, that’s just taking the fun out of eating.” He chuckled.
Derris walked up to the group and sat down.
“Sorry to interrupt yer mornin’ meal but the king needs teh see yah.” He stated taking a
quick sip from a nearby beer mug.
“Well the king is very rude isn’t he.” Bella said wiping her mouth with a tissue.
“The king will just have to wait until we have finished eating” Said Layune taking a bite
from her fork. Both Hawkbead and Matthias laughed.
“Girls eh” Hawkbead said as both he and Matthias rose from the table.
“We will be happy to join the king, girls we’ll meet you later okay?” Matthias said taking
one last bite from a chicken leg the size of his head.
“Aye, it’s really only the lads the king needs to see nee’way” Derris said leading the two
out of the room.

“Alright lads we need tee discuss somethin’ very important.” King Iron brew said slurping
from a bear mug.
“Why? What is it sir?” Asked Hawkbead.
“It be Agris, He aint well”
“Aye, lads have you ever heard of the Malvorin?” Derris asked in a concerned tone.
“I have, the Malvorin is a race of monsters that is said to look like a wolf crossed with a
man, it is said its howl can be heard for miles. What has this got to do with anything?”
Matthias asked also taking a sip from a mug.
“Well lads we think Agris may have been bitten by the great Malvorin.” Derris said sadly.
“But that was killed hundreds of years ago by Alvin Redbeard, could there have been
another?” Matthias asked shocked.
“No lad, the dwarves have nay told no one but Alvin was bitten too, we hid him away as he
turned into the monster he hunted all his life ... but he escaped and now he has bitten
Agris.” Ironbrew sighed.

25
 “Do you think Agris will turn?” Asked Hawkbead slightly nervous.
“Nay lad it takes months for a dwarf or any man to turn.” Derris reassured.
“But Alvin will come for him, he can feel him, he will come to take him to the other
Malvorin so they can be there when he turns. We need you two to be guarding the
festival and wait for him to come.” Iron brew said taking another guzzle from his mug.
“But what of Agris what can be done for him?” Hawkbead asked.
“There is a sacred ritual that requires a female that can use holy magiK and with your
friend being here we can try it, of course the ritual has never been documented other
than how to do it ... so we’re not to sure if the spell will work lad.” Ironbrew said slightly
saddened by the fact.
Matthias sighed. “Well either way we need to keep the festival safe, we’ll be happy to
guard the festival Ironbrew.” Matthias said rising from his seat.
A small smile broke on Ironbrew’s face. “Aye lad, thank ye, now you’ll excuse me I have
to go say what mite be my last words to Agris.”
“Of course.” Both Matthias and Hawkbead replied.

The festival lights were dazzling and beautiful, the red tint of light in Dol’cannin had
been changed to a medley of enchanting colours, the centre of the stone city was filled
with games and stalls for the town’s folk to visit. Children ran around with sparklers and
adults shared brews. The festival wasn’t just a dwarven festival no this festival was
known all over Dalboomoo and all the races would visit to play the games, sample this
years brew & meet up with long since seen friends. Layune and Bella were un aware of
the current duty of Matthias and Hawkbead and were told to just enjoy themselves
while Matthias & Hawkbead were going to go relax with there brew, but this was a lie,
Matthias and Hawkbead were on constant patrol around the festival along with many
other guards to make sure that when Alvin Redbeard now a fierce Malvorin did not come
to claim Agris, they would be ready to fight him but before we get into the scary bits
lets visit the festival.

“Layune, there there there!” Bella yelled pointing in the corner. A little wooden brew keg
appeared and a small bullet hit it with a clink.
“Yay, Lets see if you can win the big prize.” Bella yelled referring to a collection of small
portraits of ‘Dalboomoo’s sexiest heroes’ all signed by the heroes themselves. It was
agreed that Layune would get the portrait of the Knight and Bella would get the rest.
(Girls eh?) Layune held the fake blunderbuss to her shoulder aiming carefully she only
needed to hit three more kegs to win the portraits, two popped up and Layune hit them
both as quickly as she could.
“Just one more miss and you’ve only got one more shot.” Said the Elvin games master.
Layune concentrated and waited for the next keg, not a few seconds later did the keg
pop up Layune took careful aim and fired but to both the girl’s dismay the bullet missed
by an inch. Bella was on the verge of tears and Layune just laid the gun down
disappointed.
“Oh well Bella maybe there will be something better to win” Layune said walking away
from the stall with Bella teary eyed at her side.
“Y-yeah I guess.” She said sniffling. Girls always seem to be very emotional about things
like this who knows why. The Games master waved them goodbye when an armoured
figure appeared in front of him.
“Excuse me I’d like to buy those portraits please.” Said the figure.
“I’m sorry sir but these figures are not for sa-“ The Games master realised who he was
talking to and quickly handed him the small box of pictures.

26
“Please take them for free sir.” He said humbled. The figure laid a very large amount of
gold on the counter and smiled at him.
Layune and Bella listened to what had just happened.
“Show off I bet he is some pompous idiot that thinks he owns the world, buying it for his
spoiled daughter.” Bella said slightly judgmental.
“Well I don’t own the world, but I do watch over a lot of it.” Said a voice from behind
the two.
Both of them turned around and looked at the figure from head to toe.
“Y-y-y-you’re the K-k-knight.” Bella stuttered while Layune just looked at her feet.
“I am and I believe you deserve these.” He said holding the box out to Layune.
“Thank you sir but why did you buy them?” She asked unable to look up not wanting to
reveal her blushing cheeks.
“Well I couldn’t disappoint my number one fan could I?” The Knight said smiling his
charming smile which was the only part visible from his helmet.
“You’ve met the Knight before?” Bella asked astounded. “Why didn’t you tell me?” She
asked a little upset.
“She was there when I gave Matthias his quest; I also gave her an ... I can’t remember
what they are called.” The Knight explained. Layune produced a smile piece of parchment
from a fold in her robe which had the Knights signature written on it.
Bella gasped. “A real autograph from the Knight!” She said excitedly.
The Knight smiled. “It’s nice to know you kept it safe.” He said with almost a chuckle.
“Of course she would keep it, this is a treasure.” Bella said staring at the autograph.
Layune managed a few words. “W-w-why are you here at the festival sir?”
The Knight’s expression became serious.
“I’m sorry but I cannot tell you that at the moment, could you direct me to Matthias &
um, Hawkbead please?” He asked.
“They went to go for a quiet brew.” Layune said managing to look up at the Knight’s face,
well his head, his face was hidden by the helmet.
“Ah I see well I’ll be off then.” He said removing his helmet, it was a festival after all
there is no need for formalities. The Knight walked away from the two but before he
could leave.
“Um excuse me sir!” Yelled Bella running after him.
“What is it miss?” He asked a little confused by the strange blushing look on her face.
Bella looked at the Knight wide eyed her face blushing red.
“Is there something wrong?” He asked.
“No no it’s just.” Bella took in a deep breath and stood on her tip toes and kissed the
Knight on his cheek running back to Layune triumphantly. The Knight smiled and let out a
small chuckle heading off towards the throne room.
Layune was amazed at what Bella had just dared to do. Layune looked at her in shock.
Bella giggled. “I couldn’t help myself.”

Matthias and Hawkbead were currently patrolling the edge of the festival keeping a
careful eye on the dark corners and anywhere Anvil could leap from.
“Matthias I never noticed that sword!” Hawkbead exclaimed looking at the blade known
as Retribution.
“Oh yeah I got it recently I think it will help a lot in the fight against Anvil.”
“Where did you get it?”
“Oh I bought it from a shop late night when I couldn’t sleep.” Matthias lied.
“It’s beautifully crafted, it must be a dwarven masterpiece.” He said amazed by the
beauty of the blade.

27
“It did cost a fare penny, the Knight provided me with a piece of parchment and he said
if I gave it to any swordsmen they would give me there finest blade or advise me to
another shop.” Matthias said shocked at how quickly he made that up.
“The Knight is a very powerful man.” Said Hawkbead. “I one day want to be as skilled a
warrior as him.” He said hopefully. At that moment a faint ringing could be heard from
Matthias’s robe, he stuffed his gloved hand into a fold in his robe and pulled out a
glowing blue crystal and from that crystal an image of a startled dwarf appeared.
“He’s been sighted lads he’s heading to where you are now, looks like he’s going to want
to go straight through the festival to get Agris.” Said the dwarf. Both Hawkbead and
Matthias saluted and Matthias put away the crystal.
“You ready to bring this thing down?” Matthias asked unsheathing Retribution.
Hawkbead took out his pole-arm and simply said. “Yes.” Off in the distance, a scratching
could be heard and a slight thump, it became louder as it neared the two, and from the
distance could be seen a pitch black figure running towards them on it’s hands and feet.
It roared some sort of croaky roar as it neared them. Both Matthias and Hawkbead took
a stance, behind them the festival seemed to stop and people ran into tents for safety.
The creature lunged at Matthias and he quickly brought it down with a swipe of his
sword, the creature howled and hit the floor, it’s blood seeping onto the stone floor it
moaned in pain & with a quick swipe from Hawkbead the creature was silenced.
“That wasn’t Anvil” explained Hawkbead.
“No that was an ordinary Malvorin.” Matthias said looking around cautiously. More
scratching could be heard but this was not just one but a huge group of Malvorin
charging towards them.

Now normally one Malvorin is a very difficult foe for a normal warrior but Dol’cannin was
placed under a magiKal shield that weakens dangerous creatures but even with that
shield the guards did not stand a chance, Matthias and Hawkbead were really the only
defence for the festival.

The Malvorin attacked without remorse, Matthias and Hawkbead were only just able to
handle the numbers, Hawkbead swung his pole-arm hard and fast tearing many a
Malvorin in two. The blood spread across his face his concentration was pure and un-
rivalled as he forced his weapon through the head of a Malvorin.
“That’s five!” He yelled. Matthias laughed as he kicked away one of the beasts and
quickly slaughtered threw in a sudden burst of attacks.
“Seven.” He yelled over the roar of their foes. A deafening howl was heard and the
group of Malvorin jumped back from the two, guards surrounded them their axes and
hammers held at the ready. From high above the group of Malvorin was Alvin Redbeard
he jumped down and hit the floor with a crash. He was much taller than the average
Malvorin his skinny body was covered in a black fur and his wolf like head held a jaw that
could break stone, he boar his teeth slavering and growling.
“So that’s Alvin.” Matthias said smirking.
“I guess so, he looks tough, think we can take him?” Hawkbead asked.
“Aye lad yee can yer the light warriors yee can do any th-“ The dwarf that was yelling
was silenced as Alvin had him by the neck.
“They may be the light warriors but they will not stop me and you, you are meat.” Alvin
said in a deep growling voice. The fear in the dwarfs eyes could be seen by Hawkbead’s
keen eye, the dwarf was truly terrified by the monster that held its claws against his
throat but then a look of anger came across his face.

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“Do yer worse monster I will die with honour.” Yelled the dwarf as he spat in Alvin’s eye.
The monster growled at him and let out a horrifying roar as he bit the dwarfs head clean
off spitting out the helmet with nothing but a small amount of blood inside. Alvin’s grin
dripped with blood as he threw the dwarfs corpse into the group of Malvorin behind him.
“Feast my children, for tonight we dine at the festival.” He said laughing.
“I think your children will have to deal with me and my friend here first.” Yelled the
Knight with Ironbrew at his side, they jumped straight into the group of monsters and
began to fight, the entire dwarven guard joined in the battled.
“Argh, fine take my children but I have come for Agris and I will take him.” He said
running towards Agris’ location but Matthias and Hawkbead stood in front of him.
“You’re going to have to deal with the warriors of light and the blade Retribution before
you take Agris! You beast.” Said Matthias a serious glare on his face with Hawkbead at
his side ready to fight.
“Fools, you cannot stand against the mite of a great Malvorin!” Alvin said baring his fangs
and drawing his claws.
“We can try.” Matthias said sending a blast of magiK towards him, Alvin made a cross in
front of him with his arms and took the blast, he took down his hands and growled diving
straight towards Hawkbead and punching him hard, he fell onto the floor but quickly got
himself back up and when he looked Matthias and Alvin were already in the full tilt of
fighting. Matthias sent magiK blast after magiK blast at Alvin but he seemed to take it
without fear. Alvin grabbed Matthias by the neck and threw him into the centre of the
festival grounds, people screamed and ran. Matthias pulled himself to his feat as more
Malvorin invaded and began battle with guards defending the city.
“Matthias!” Yelled Bella running to his side, now in a set of armour.
“It’s ok I’m alright, Bella I want you to fight the lesser Malvorin and defend the citizens
with Hawkbead.” He said pulling himself to his feet.
“But you can’t fight him alone!” Bella said terrified for Matthias’s safety.
“I won’t be, Layune I need you to heal me and try and take that form once more if you
can.” He yelled, he knew she was nearby. Alvin burst round the corner and charged at
Matthias.
“Bella go now!” He yelled, she ran away and joined a nearby fight. Alvin hit Matthias in
the stomach and swiped at him, the robe was tearing easily. Matthias sent a surge of
magiK into his fist it began to glow a fiery orange and he hit Alvin hard the beast let out
a howl of pain he jumped back and shoved his claws into the ground pulling up a large
piece stone throwing it towards Matthias, he didn’t falter he quickly brought his sword
threw the stone and destroyed it.
“You insolent child, you will perish!” Screamed Alvin as he charged at Matthias and hit
him hard, Alvin was so fast Matthias had no time to react and before Matthias could
defend himself Alvin had brought his claws into his chest, the blood dripped to the
floor, Matthias couldn’t speak as the light faded. With the little site he had he could see
that Alvin had moved back but some how seemed to have stopped moving, he looked
around him, everyone was still as if time had stopped a light shone above him he looked
up to see the beautiful wings of Layune as she floated in front of him everything was
white.
“Layune?” He asked.
“Matthias you can’t die; you have to fight and destroy Alvin and save Dalboomoo from
the evil that is encroaching.” She said holding his face.
“But Layune the wound is too deep I can’t go on.” He said in pain.
“You can fight Matthias, I know you can.” She said as she looked into his eyes.

29
“But If I we don’t meet again.” She said as a tear fell from her eye she brought her face
close to Matthias’, there lips met and even though time was already at a stand still it
seemed to stop, again. Matthias reached out and grasped Layune’s hand, it was so warm,
he couldn’t help but feel safe with her, Matthias had kissed girls before, he had kissed
many girls before but kissing Layune felt so much more right and perfect. You know they
say that first kiss with the perfect partner, fire works will go off? Well none of that
happened because it’s a load of rubbish but, it felt different to any of the other girls, it
felt, magiK. Layune came away from the kiss and smiled, that single tear on her cheek
fell to the currently glowing white ground, and her wings were dazzling and beautiful
shining so brightly in a world of darkness and fear.
“Layune I-.” He tried to speak but Layune put her hand on his lips.
“It’s time for you to fight.” She said fading away and the world reappeared in front of
Matthias and he could see Alvin was charging at him once more. Matthias drew his blade
and let out a scream as he pushed it forth, it all seemed to go black. When Matthias
opened his eyes he could see his blade running deep into Alvin’s head the blood dripped
off the blade and dripped on to the stone floor. Matthias removed the blade and the
frail corpse of Alvin Redbeard fell to the floor with a thud. The rest of the Malvorin
had been disposed of soon after and they all surrounded Matthias to congratulate him.
He sighed and sheathed his blade as people cheered his name.
“Matthias that was amazing you looked down for the count and you just kept fighting.”
Bella said hugging him, he flinched he was still in a lot of pain.
“Yeah Matthias, You’re going to have to show me how to fight with such passion.”
Hawkbead said slapping him on his back. Did no one realise Matthias was still bleeding?
He looked at his chest and the wound had gone.
“Aye, lad that was fantastic.” Yelled a voice from afar it was Agris. The crowed turned
and looked at Agris.
“Agris? Are you ok?” A dwarf asked.
“Aye, never better, that ritual brought me back from the brink.” He sighed deeply.
“Thanks to that young priestess, where is she?” He asked wanting to thank her.
“I haven’t seen her since the fight.” Matthias said with a sad look in his eye, he needed
to know what that kiss was and what it meant to her and what it meant to him, did she
feel the same way about him that he was beginning to feel about her? He needed to
know.
“Oh well, I’ll see her before you lot leave.” He said with a bearded smile.
“Aye lad, we still have no clue to where you’re going next, maybe that elf lass knows.”
Derris said looking concerned at Matthias.

After the festivities were done with, beer was drank, whimsy was spun, songs were sung
about recent triumphs & dancing was danced the group retired to there rooms except
for Matthias who followed the slightly drunk Derris and the fully recovered and
completely smashed Agris, to where Finola Eternal Leaf or as the dwarves called her
‘That Elf lass’, was staying. Matthias tapped on the door and waited for her to answer.
When the door opened Finola looked down to see the much shorter trio.
“Hello again master Matthias and your dwarven companions, how may I be of service?”
She asked smiling brightly.
“Well hic we need ye lass hic te tell me hic if you would like to ditch these numpties and
spend the night with me? Hic.” Agris said swaying from drunkenness.
Derris head in hand said. “Ignore him miss, we need you to help us with Matthias’s next
destination.” Finola smiled at the two.

30
“Well I would be happy too sirs, please come in.” She said gesturing with her hand for
the three to come in but looking with a slight disdainful and disgusted look at Agris.
Derris turned to Agris and told him. “Now you’re gonna stay out her ladd or I’ll have yer
hide you drunken mess.” Stopping Agris from waddling through the door.
Agris laughed a gurgled laugh. “I’m ne drunk I am completely shober.” He said waving his
hand at Derris which tipped him off balance and sent him rolling down the small set of
stairs in front of the building, Derris smirked a beardy smirk then shut the door.

Finola spoke in a soft and caring tone. “Now please, explain what you need me for.”
“We need yee lass to help us find where Matthias and his group should travel next.”
Derris said sitting on a stool.
“Well why do you think I would know?”
“We’re not sure miss but we know you are & the entire Elvin race are very mystical and
know far more than the mortal beings of Dalboomoo.” Matthias said.
“Well that seems a silly reason to come to me.”
“Why?” Derris was confused.
“Just because we live for hundreds of years doesn’t mean we know the future.”
“But the prophecy has been around for years of many, how can you not have even a clue
of where I must go next?” Matthias demanded.
“Oh yes there is the prophecy.” Both Matthias and Derris looked shocked at the elf as
she went to a satchel and pulled out a huge tome covered in strange markings, she set
the tome down on a table and opened it to a page which featured a beautiful drawing of
a warrior wielding a mighty blade against some sort of mage or warlock.
“The prophecy says that the hero of light will continue to travel across Dalboomoo after
the great battle of the beast and the angel has appeared.” She said reading the strange
language scrolled across the pages.
“Aye, then we wait for the angel.” Derris said slapping his leg.
“No” Matthias said staring at the floor.
“What lad?”
“The angel has already appeared.” He spoke quietly but very clearly.
“When lad?” Agris looked at him with a look of confusion and surprise, that’s a very
unique expression for a dwarf.
“Yes please explain.”
“I can’t” He said rising to his feet. “I have to go.” He said as he ran through the door,
passing a confused Agris on the way toward the town centre.
“Aye lad, wait fer ol’ Agris, why’s there three of yee?” He gurgled he soon feel back to
the floor with a bearded belch and a chuckle masked by ... more beard.

Layune had asked the innkeeper for a room for herself and she sat alone on the bed
knowing that soon Matthias would be coming for answers, she was worried, but also at
peace at the same time. She was right. A tapping came at the door. She turned her head.
She beckoned the knocker inside. Matthias opened the door. He looked at her.
“Are you going to say anything?” She asked. Matthias pushed the door closed and walked
to the bed; sitting beside Layune he rested his head on her shoulder.
“You know what? I don’t think I feel like asking anymore.” He said with a slight chuckle.
Layune smiled; closing her eyes, she also rested her head on his.

Hawkbead was a man of simple tastes, in his free time he would either, sharpen his pole
arm, go fishing or play the lute. He would also read a few books but what else is there to
do on watch duty? Since his blade was already being sharpened to perfection by the

31
amazing dwarven blacksmiths and you couldn’t fish in lava, Hawkbead and bought himself
another lute, he sat at the gates of Dol’cannin where the snow didn’t reach and the
warmth could still be felt and played a beautiful melody that whispered through the
night and into the blizzard.

Bella often wondered if she was suited for the adventuring life, she was good with a
sword but through the whole experience so far she has noticed one thing, she was
terrified. She had wanted so badly to adventure with the warriors of light that she
hadn’t had time to prepare herself for the journey; she was only going for revenge. Bella
was currently laid down in her room in the inn. She stared at the ceiling trying to decide
if she should stay with the group or just head home.

The next morning Hawkbead and Matthias got an early breakfast before the girls and
went to the city gates.
“You sure it’s where we should go next?” Hawkbead asked Matthias.
“Yeah, We’ll head through the mountains to Dalckonik and try and get a lead on where to
find whoever is making these disturbances in the magiK of Dalboomoo.” Matthias said
calmly. The morning air whisking through his robe.
“The mountains are very dangerous, are you sure the girls will be ok to travel them?”
Hawkbead asked with concern his black hair almost dancing in the wind.
“That’s why they are heading to Teslin with the elf.” Matthias sipped from a mug,
something warm bubbled inside.
“Why are they going there?” Hawkbead asked as he drank from his mug, the same
bubbling liquid ... bubbled inside.
“I want Layune to learn some of the elvish magiK and for Bella to learn how to use a
glaive, once Layune and Bella Have done these things the elves will use a portal to get
them to our location at the time.” Matthias explained, he was calm, the sun was rising
gently over the mountains, perhaps the morning air instilled a calming affect on people,
or it was whatever it was they were drinking.
“You’ve thought of everything Matthias, you’re showing to be a good leader.” Hawkbead
chuckled sipping from his broth.
“We need to be prepared; winning that fight with Alvin was mostly luck.” He said
doubtfully. “The mountains will be our training.” He said looking outward to the snow
covered mountains, they looked beautiful as the sun creped over them gently bathing the
two young men in the mornings glow.
“Matthias...”
“Yes?” Matthias turned to Hawkbead, his face was blank but it was not emotionless
somewhere in his eyes a faint glimmer of hope glowed.
“What happened in that fight? One minute you were about to collapse and the next, your
wounds were almost completely healed and you were stronger than ever, what
happened?” He asked with a look that seemed to be concern.
Matthias sighed and once again turned to the mountains. “An angel appeared, she saved
me and she gave me the will to fight on.” He spoke clearly, he did not want to burden
Hawkbead with the fact it was Layune who appeared in front of him, was she really an
angel?
“So have you been able to keep the strength she gave you in battle? We’ll need it in
those mountains.” He said gesturing to the more harsh looking peaks of the dwarven
land.

32
“I think so and I have seen your skills in battle Hawkbead, you may not realise it but you
hold a great strength within you.” Matthias spoke in a mystical but not mocking tone.
Hawkbead let out a slight laugh.
Matthias Has changed, something must have happened, I guess I’ll find out in the
mountains Hawkbead thought to himself.

Once Matthias and Hawkbead informed Layune and Bella of Matthias’s plan, Layune and
Bella packed their things ready for the journey, they would be taken to Teslin via an
escort with the elf Finola, Matthias and Hawkbead would accompany them until they
reached the bottom of the mountains and they would part to begin their own
treacherous journeys on the way to Dalckonik . The hole time Matthias explained this,
neither he nor Layune could look each other in the eye Bella was suspicious of this.

The elvish escorts were armed to the teeth with armour and weapons; one looked at
Matthias’s robe and smirked.
The elvish are separated into two categories in a similar way to the race of man there
are the MagiKal elves and the Non-MagiKal elves, each strives to learn their given
abilities and improve them, the Non-MagiKal elves had a slight distain for the MagiKal
elves but wouldn’t you be a little scornful if one of your friends could turn water into
booze and all you could do was smash rocks?
Matthias looked at the elf smirking at him, his eyes suggested a feeling to the elf that
he did not enjoy, he decided to look away. Bella was being carried by one of the burly
elves the boys had thought she fainted, but Layune knew that she had faked it just to
be carried.

“So Layune are you excited about visiting the elven city?” Hawkbead asked trying to
lighten the seemingly dead mood.
Layune turned to him and smiled. “Yes, I can already tell it’s going to be an amazing
experience.” She said with an honest tone in her voice.
“Yes, there is supposed to be amazing things to learn and some fantastic food to sample
on an evening.” Hawkbead said with a chuckle, his face slightly red from the cold air.
“What about you? Are you nervous about going into the mountains with Matthias for
training?” She asked, she looked concerned, which she was, she didn’t know whether
either of them would make it back out.
Hawkbead laughed and put his fists on his waists and laughed a manly laugh. “I will
triumph the mountains and return stronger than ever!” He yelled.
“But it’s dangerous! I don’t want either of you getting hurt without me there to heal
you.” She explained with a face filled with worry.
“It is a true test of a warrior’s soul to go into battle knowing that they may not return.”
Said an elf walking behind the two. Layune sighed, she was fighting a loosing battle and
she knew it.

When the group came to the cross roads where they would part ways with Matthias and
Hawkbead, Bella and Layune both looked at them with worry in their eyes. Layune stood
in front of Matthias with a few tears running down her cheeks slowly freezing as the
trickled down her soft pale skin.
“Matthias... Please, come back.” She said. Matthias smiled at her.
“Of course I’ll come back, what would you do without me?” He chuckled, he looked into
her warm green eyes, they shone in the crisp snow dazzled light. “I will come back, I
need you.” He said smiling at her. Hawkbead put his hand on Matthias’s shoulder.

33
“You ready to go?” He asked. Matthias wiped a tear from his eye. He turned to Bella and
waved. He turned around and looked at Hawkbead.
“Yeah, let’s go.” He said beginning to walk down the path. He turned once more to catch
one last glance of Layune, her long blonde hair blew slightly in the cold air.

Matthias and Hawkbead had reached the end of the path, there was a sign which read.

Ye who traverse beyond this path

Will be at risk of many a torment
From wither fang trundle bears
To life siphoner gryphons
If you are stupid enough to not head these warnings
Then let your death be quick
Painless
And easy for the monster to clean out of its fur.

“What an odd sign.” Said Hawkbead examining it closer.

“Well, let’s ignore this strange warning and head northeast, straight towards the peak, if
we keep heading roughly towards the peak, we should be able to see the rest of the way
in a few days.” Matthias said walking past the sign; Hawkbead walked along side him
listening intently.

A couple hours travelling and Matthias and Hawkbead now lost complete sight of the
path behind them and where hazy on the path ahead. Both of them had donned their
cloaks from inside their back packs, covering themselves and holding it tight, the cold
wind cut to their bones as the trudged slowly onwards. Matthias who was a few metres
ahead of Hawkbead looked up to check if he could still see the peak, he was unable to
see even a faint image of the mountains peak. He sighed, his frosty breath swirling in
front of his faces, once again because he is a mage and magiK was in his veins his visible
breath in the cold air was a shade of purple and seemed to swirl as if it was alive, it
slowly faded. Matthias turned to Hawkbead.
“Matthias! What are we going to do? We can’t see the peak any more and it looks like
there is going to be a blizzard, or at the least a harsh wind.” Hawkbead asked clutching
his coat his finger tips purple from the cold.
“I don’t know! There is not a cave to be seen!” He said back, both of them had stopped
moving and were already realise that standing still in the cold wasn’t the brightest idea.
“Can’t you use some of your magiK?” Hawkbead asked hopefully. Matthias looked around
worriedly, he turned back to Hawkbead and nodded. He held both his hands foreword, a
small teal light shone in his hands, it grew into an orb, Matthias held it on one of his
palms and looked at Hawkbead.
“What’s that?” Hawkbead asked a little disappointed, he wanted a bigger show.
“Just wait.” Matthias said looking at the orb. The orb began to grow, and when it
reached the size of around a pineapple Matthias threw it onto the ground, a loud smash
could be heard and a bright light burst from where the orb hit the snow, Hawkbead
covered his eyes. When Hawkbead dared to look up, he could see a strange teal coloured
dome around the two of them.
“What is this?” He asked holding out his finger to touch the edges, when he touched it,
it wiggled and jiggled like jelly on Wednesday after it’s been left out for a couple
minutes.

34
“It’s just a barrier, you normally use them to protect you from arrows and magiKal
attacks but I discovered you can use them to keep the cold out.” Matthias chuckled
sitting down on the now snowless ground.
“Does it move with use?” Hawkbead asked staying stood.
“Yes.”
“Great.”
“But it won’t.”
“No?”
“No, we can rest for a while and then carry on travelling.”
“But it what about the cold?”
“This is training Hawkbead, we are only resting, and we need to learn to deal with these
situations.” Matthias said lying on his back and relaxing. Hawkbead almost seemed to
sulk; he sat down and looked out into the distance.

Layune and Bella’s journey had been un eventful so far, they were at least a days travel
from the elven city of Teslin, the elves spoke little & the scenery was dull.
“Layune!” Said Bella nudging her in the ribs, Bella had decided to walk a little, get some
exercise.
“Yes?” She asked turning to her and rubbing her side.
“Do you know anything about the place we’re going?”
“Not much, I know it is a haven for both warriors and mages, their rivers are said to
hold the most delicious waters & that it is very well protected by magiK and artillery.”
She explained trying hard to recall what she had learned in her classes. The Lexicon’s
tower seemed such a distant memory after all that had happened.
“Wow, it sounds like a strange place.” Bella said giggling. Bella suddenly walked into the
back of one of the larger elf. “What’s wrong?” She asked, the elf had a very scared look
on his face. Bella and Layune looked in front of the group, there was a large demonic
looking figure. His horns were long and curled, his body massive, his eyes seemed sewn
shut, his mouth filled with teeth his chest was also host to a mouth, this mouth was
larger covering most of the chest area and dripped with saliva. The tall tan coloured
demon’s wings spread wide, by it’s side were two figures that looked like the race of
man, they wore long robes and each held staffs, there faces where concealed by the
shadows of their hoods.
“We come seeking the one known as Matthias Destinweave” Said the demon in a low but
demanding voice. Layune thought to herself. So they know our new names. This worried
her. She stepped foreword.
“Layune what are you doing?” Bella said grabbing her shoulder.
“Just stay back and ready your sword, we will more than likely have to fight.” She said
quietly, Bella backed up and placed her hand on her blade. Layune stood in front of the
group.
“The one you seek is not here, he is not in our group, he has gone for training in another
location.” She said speaking confidently.
“Tell us now child, where is Matthias Destinweave!” Demanded the demon.
“Even I don’t know that monster!” Layune said glaring at the monster in his sewn up eyes.
He seemed to become angry.
“We do not wish to waist vital energy exterminating you pests, now tell me where he is
or I will be forced to tear your limbs from your body and feed them to the hell hounds
whilst I feast on your still beating heart and listen to your terrified screams.”
Threatened the demon stamping his hoofed foot. Layune held out her arms and
concentrated.

35
“What is this? A display of surrender? Good, now tell me where he is and we will leave
you in peace.”
“D-do you think he will really leave us in peace Mistress Finola?” One of the worried
guards asked, these were the finest of Elvin fighters, but this demon was of a much
higher power than them and they all knew it. Finola stood silent, she turned to the guard
with a sad face.
“I’m sorry, but they will not leave without eliminating the girls and her escorts.” She
sighed, the guard said nothing more, his face turned to concentration, he brandished his
blade along with all the other guards, they would fight to the death to protect the two
warriors of light that were with them.
“Answer me! Where is Matthias Destinweave?” Yelled the demon, the floor around him
seemed to crack.
Layune brought her arms in, they glowed a beautiful yellow and when she brought them
out once more, her beautiful wings spread far, they shone bright the two hooded figures
averted their eyes. Layune rose from the floor glowing brightly.
“Leave now demon and I will not have to hurt you.” She said, her voice echoing.
“Hah! A mere display of magiK will not scare me, you do not stand a chance against one of
Bain’s demons of war, I will destroy you without even using my blade.” The demon laughed
from both mouths, so it was a double laugh, which made it twice as scary and menacing.
Layune pointed to the demon.
“Your servants will not live to see you fall, pity.” She said and once the finale word left
her lips two glowing rays of light shot from her hand and drove straight through the
chests of the robed figures, they dropped their staffs, the blood trickle down their
robes. The light as if solid still ran through their chests and stuck in the ground behind
them. The shadows under their hoods were gone when the veins in their own faces began
to glow brightly, they screamed and light burst from their mouths and eyes. Once the
screams had stopped and the light had faded, their lifeless bodies fell to the floor into
a pool of their own blood. The elves were amazed by this show of power, they were filled
with a sense of power and knew that they had at least a chance to survive, that small
spec of hope is what they were now fighting for.
The demon roared. “How dare you, you maggot, mark my words, your death will be slow
and painful, you will beg for my mercy, but you will receive none for killing my brethren.”
At that moment the elves charged past Layune and began their attack, the demon
grabbed one of the elves and used the other hand to tare him in two. The elves just
became more enraged and stabbed, slashed & thrust even more so at the demon, his
black blood was being spread across the snow. He took out his blade and began swinging;
the elves skilfully dodged his attacks.
“How can this be? You are mere mortals, where would mortals acquire the skill to fight a
demon?” He screamed. A large beam of light shot through one of his arms and stuck in
the floor behind him, it was the same light from earlier. The demon roared, he swung his
blade and knocked back the elves, they hit the floor hard and most of them were
unconscious but a few unlucky ones now seeped their blood into the snow.
“Hah! You fools, you cannot beat me, you never stood a chance.” He laughed.
“Don’t count us out yet monster!” Yelled Bella running fast at the demon with her sword
at the ready. The demon took one look at her and began laughing, but his laughter was
stopped. He looked down at his chest, there was a hole, well there was already a hole
cause it’s also a mouth, but his mouth now dripped his blackened blood, he turned his
head. Behind him, stood Bella, her hair and sword were dripping with his blood. Bella
winked at him.

36
“Too bad it’s over; I wanted to fight a little more.” She chuckled, a devilish grin on her
face.
“How dare you, you insolent mortal.” Yelled the demon breaking the light in his arm and
attempting to walk towards Bella, he stumbled slightly, he held his arm out to grab her
but with a quick movement she threw her sword towards the demon and it ran deep into
his skull. The demon fell to his knees, his arms drooped to the floor and his breathing
was heavy. The elves crowded around the demon, he seemed completely harmless now
that he had been defeated. Bella walked to him, Layune floated down to her side and her
wings faded away and her glow reseeded.
“Demon, will you answer our questions?” Ask Finola walking to the girls’ side.
“Yes...” His voice was deep and it emanated the humiliation he felt.
“Who is your master?” Finola asked.
“My master … is Bain D'carute, he sent me to eliminate Matthias Destinweave, just as he
sent the demon of stone and fire before.”
“So he was the one that sent that thing to my village? He is the one that caused my
fathers death?” Bella began to yell, tears welling in her eyes.
“Yes, I laughed when I heard the demon had been defeated, I never knew … how
powerful mortals could be.” The demon sighed a long deep sigh his blood dripped from
his back and chest, his arm was masked in his black blood.
“Thank you demon, you may return to your master.” Said Finola with a kind and forgiving
smile.
“What?” Yelled Bella. “This monster just killed some of your friends, it is working for
the man that caused my fathers death, it doesn’t deserve to live any longer!” She
screamed with tears streaming down her cheeks.
“If we cannot forgive those who have done wrong, then we are no better than the
demons themselves.” Finola explained with a stern look. The demon removed the sword
with his one good arm and held it out.
“Child, I understand your pain, please you have bested me in battle, finish me … I cannot
return to my master, in my condition the creatures of the night would find me an easy
meal … please, show mercy and finish me.” He pleaded.
“Bella, you mustn’t, this is not mercy, at least give him a chance to return home.” Finola
begged. Bella took the blade from the demon, he lowered his head to receive the finale
blow.
“Mistress please, I know your teachings hold truth, but this girl has gone through many
torments seeking to put right the wrong doing of her fathers passing, at least give her
this justice.” Said one of the guards clutching his wound. Finola sighed.
“Do as you wish.” Said Finola. Bella held the blades point to the demon’s neck ready to
thrust it deep into his throat and end its life.
“Do it please, finish me ... take your vengeance.” Spoke the demon. There was no remorse
in Bella’s eyes, her hands clutched the blade, she knew this was what she wanted and
what should be done. The blade went deep into the demons neck and the blood dripped
off the edge of the blade. The demon collapsed onto the floor, it began to burn away
until there was nothing left but ash, an orb sat in the centre of the ash.
“Is that the same kind of orb that made Matthias’s hand what it is now?” Layune asked
Finola.
“I would assume so, someone please pick it up, but do not use your bare hand, put on a
glove and put it in your back pack and we can examine it at the city and find some cure
for Matthias’s hand.” Said Finola gesturing towards one of the guards. Bella stood
staring into the orb, she had got at least some slight form of vengeance.

37
Rantem looked up from the desk, he looked across at Bantem.
“Did you feel that?” He asked worriedly.
“Yes, Bain is taking no risks at getting what he wants and what he wants is Matthias’s
life.” Bantem replied, he sighed as he looked through another book on the vast shelves
of the room.
“Is there nothing we can do?” Rantem asked feeling completely useless.
“There is not a thing we can do but wait.”

***

Bella and Layune’s group’s pace had quickened since the battle, the warriors were a little
more on edge after seeing some of there closest brethren fall in battle against a demon.
Finola walked with Bella and Layune keeping close watch on Bella, she had seen something
in her when she fought, some form of pleasure & enjoyment, she couldn’t put her finger
on what she had seen, but it worried her.
“Miss Bella that was very impressive back there, it takes a lot to penetrate a demon of
that level’s skin, let alone put a hole body and sword through the chest. Where did you
learn such fighting skills?” Finola asked looking down at the girl.
“I always trained with passing warriors when I could, I learnt how to use a lot of
weapons, I was never very good, but to know that I was being trained by someone who
would one day achieve greatness was enough for me. I have never been able to do
something like that though, I don’t know where it came from, I suddenly felt so stronge
and ready for battle.” She said sighing slightly at the end. Finola looked at Layune who
was keeping her hood up and looking down as she walked.
“Could it have been your angelic presence that sparked a warrior’s soul in Bella, Layune?”
She asked. Layune didn’t look up.
“I don’t know, possibly but it is only an aura of holy magiK that I give out, I wouldn’t
expect it to have such an amazing affect on someone.” Layune explained.
“Can’t you two just accept that I mite be a natural?” Asked Bella feeling a little insulted
and undermined.
Finola giggled. “Yes Bella, I guess you’re right, you must just have a gift, the elven
trainers will be happy to teach you.” She explained smiling at her, Bella smiled back.
“Thank you.”

***
Both of them looked up at the monster that stood before them it’s front feet small and
it’s wings spanning form the tiny front supporting legs, it’s blue scales almost made it
invisible in the snow fall, its long jaw filled with long dangerous teeth, it’s glowing green
eyes the only thing that was easily seen in the drift.
“Matthias, while this is an incredibly rare find, I don’t think we should stay here much
longer.” Said Hawkbead holding his pole-arm at the ready.
Matthias chuckled. “Don’t tell me you are scared Hawkbead.” He laughed while the
monster remained silent, staring at the two with its piercing green eyes.
“Yes I’m bloody scared it’s a damn drake, known to take on whole armies and leave with a
full stomach and a bag of leftovers.” Said Hakwbead not taking his eyes of the drake in
case it moved.
Matthias drew his sword, the drake watched the beautiful blade come form its sheath,
Matthias’s robe flapped in the wind, his hood somehow stayed up while being blown, the

38
long back of the hood stretched far out in the drift to a point and flapped about in the
blowing winds.
“Well, wouldn’t you like to go home and take a drake tooth back to your teachers? Or a
well kept drake scale, beside that, we need to train.” Matthias held the sword at the
ready.
“Yes, that is true, but this is a drake, it’s jaw could turn us into mere fragments in
moments, it may not have front claws like a dragon, but it doesn’t need them with that
jaw.” Hawkbead looked at the tiny front legs it had, up the leg was were it’s wings
sprouted so it’s front legs were for mere standing on they couldn’t swipe, but its wings
could be used as weapons, deadly ones.
Matthias chuckled. “It hasn’t attacked us yet, it must be scared.” The drake let out a
roar which shook the nearby area, the roar finished in a rumble in its throat.
“I don’t think it’s scared, I just think it’s waiting Matthias.” Hawkbead whispered.
“Then let’s not keep it!” Matthias yelled as he lunged towards the drake, it roared a high
pitched roar as it swiped its wings at him; Matthias was hit hard and was sent a couple
metres back.
“Damn it Matthias, we can’t run now you’ve made it angry.” Hawkbead said lunging and
bringing his pole arm down on one of the wings. Matthias got back up and ran towards
the drake it tried to bite him but Matthias slashed with his sword and managed to cut
off a tooth, it roared in pain, it reared up on it’s back feet and fluttered it’s wings, this
wasn’t like a girl fluttering her eye lashes, no this was a huge pair of wings whooshing
back and forth creating gale force winds. Matthias and Hawkbead forced themselves
through the gust. Matthias sent a ball of fire zooming towards the drakes head; it
opened its mouth wide and closed it on the flames. Hawkbead took the opportunity of it
being distracted to lunge at it once more, he brought his weapon down whilst in the air,
he cut a large hole in the drake’s wing and began spinning foreword until he went through
the hole and landed behind the drake, the drake swung it’s tail at Hawkbead, but he was
too quick and swiped his pole arm and cut the end of its tail of. The drake let out a
fearsome roar, it caught Matthias in its site its mouth opened wide and in a matter of
seconds closed around Matthias.
“Matthias!” Screamed Hawkbead, the drake turned to face Hawkbead and brought on of
it’s large back feet down on top of him, he was stuck, his pole arm lay a few feet away,
he gasped for breath clawing at the foot trying to escape. The drake finished swallowing
Matthias, the bulge slowly slid down it’s neck into it’s stomach. The drake brought it’s
mouth close to Hawkbead, faint flares of flame escaped from the side of it’s long mouth.
Hawkbead stopped clawing, he was tired, his vision hazy and his hope, lost.
“Do what you want monster, without Matthias, the hole world is doomed, so just have
your fill and leave the rest of me for the wolves.” Hawkbead spat the words from his
lips, blood coming from his mouth, the pressure on his chest was unbearable but nothing
he had not been trained to take. A long black tongue stretched form between the drakes
sharp and pristine teeth, licking Hawkbead through his helmet. The tongue seemed to
stop moving, the drake made a strange groaning sound, its mouth still close and open
near Hawkbead, blood began to slowly trickle down the tongue and then started to flow
down the entire mouth. The drake groaned once more, its eyes widened there was the
sound of cracking bones as a sword came zooming out of the top of the drakes head. The
head hit hard on the floor, a faint voice could be heard from inside.
“Oi, Hawkbead you going to get me out of this bloody thing then? It’s dead now.”
Matthias’s voice yelled form underneath the drakes jaws.

39
The process of getting from underneath a drakes heavy foot, then having to lift it’s
even heavier upper jaw open with a couple potential broken ribs is not an easy process,
It’s worse than having to lift the grand piano of grand ma at Sunday lunch. Hawkbead
fell back into the snow panting as Matthias stood beside the drake awash with blood, his
black robe now a blood scarlet.
“I’ll bet none of your friends back at the city will never do that!” Matthias chuckled
patting the roof of the drakes still head.
“N-no they ... wont” Hawkbead said still panting. Matthias laughed; he reached into one
of his robe folds and pulled out a large pulsating red object.
“That isn’t what I think it is, is it?” Hawkbead asked with a face of slight disgust.
“Yep, the still beating heart, of a drake.” Matthias said looking at it as it gently beat in
his hand.
“What on Dalboomoo did you get that for?” Hawkbead said as he forced himself to his
feet.
“Tonight’s dinner, there isn’t a single thing on this carcass we can’t use, most of it will be
food mind, so we wont take a lot of it cause we can’t carry it all, but there are scales,
but them on our shoulders for protection, maybe ad a few to your armour for extra
protection, and we can take a few bones, sell them, maybe get a weapon crafted in the
next town and obviously we have to take a tooth back for your master, I’m going to see
if I can’t preserve an eye and get it hardened at Dalckonik , nice souvenir that.”
Matthias chuckled.
“You’re joking right? Please tell me you are joking.” Hawkbead looked at Matthias with an
almost worried expression.
“Nope, everything on that body, we can use and we are going to, just be glad I’m not
telling you to sleep in the thing for the night.” Matthias explained yanking a tooth from
the drake’s jaw.
“Yeah, I’ll count myself lucky.” Said Hawkbead looking away.
“Although it is warm in them things.” Matthias said but soon after Hawkbead punched
him hard in the arm, Matthias laughed. “Well I thought it was funny. Now come on help
me strip this thing.” He said retrieving a skinning knife from the supply bag.

***

The sun was setting on the mountains, it cast a faint blue glow on the pathway in
between it and the other mountain, if the mountain was alive it would have called the
other mountain Charlie, but it isn’t, so it didn’t. The group had decided to set up camp
for the night not far from the path in a cave, these caves were each a mile apart from
the last and the next, they were camping caves that dwarves and elves had dug out for
travellers safety, they even got a bit of labour from T.E.T.T.A, they had to go to a
couple of protests with them and troll protests are hard, since instead of picket lines
they just punch anyone that walks by and scream ‘Stop treating trolls ... Dave what’s the
rest? ... Oh badly!’

The escort elves huddled around a large fire they had built, while Layune, Bella and
Finola all gathered around a much smaller fire, they were all very quiet, what happened
today was very tiring and strange for the three.
“Finola?” Said Bella looking at the elf who was keeping herself warm by the fire.
“Yes? What is it you need?” She asked smiling; her cheeks were rosy from the cold.
“Is there anyway you can tell how Matthias and Hawkbead are doing?” Bella asked with a
worried expression.

40
Finola sighed. “No, I’m sorry, there isn’t a way, I’m sure they are okay.” She said
reassuringly.
Layune stared into the multi coloured fire, as before she is a mage and emanates magiKal
energy just like Matthias. She was worried, she could feel when something was wrong,
she just needed to see Matthias and know he was okay.

***

The night sky loomed over the mountains, casting a strange blue-ish, white-ish light on
the pathway, the light shone on a mound of ash, the ground around it while already
covered in snow now was decayed and burnt. Three circles of purple light appeared
around the ash each one a spire of the same purple light beamed from within. Out of the
circles rose three robed figures holding staves, they looked at one another then down at
the ash.
“The orb has been taken.” Said one of the figures.
“We cannot learn of what happened here.” Said another.
“The master will be most displeased.” Said the finale one.
“He will surely take our lives.”
“Is there no other way?” One asked walking closer to the ash and sifting through it with
the end of his staff.
“We could create another orb from the ashes.” The first said kneeling and putting a
hand in the ash, his hand was thin and seemed to be made only of skin and bone.
“But then one of us must give up his life.”
“Would you rather we all spend an eternity in D’carute’s torcher chamber?” The group all
looked to the floor, none were noble enough to give their life for the friends, they are
evil after all.
“Is there no fair way to decide who of us shall die?”
“You idiots!” Said a voice from inside the ash. “You will not die, you will become part of
me, we will become one and we will be even stronger than before, once the orb is
restored, the master can give me a new body, we will defeat the mortals ... no, forget
the master, the remaining two can also give up their lives to give us a new body, we will
be stronger than the master. We will kill Destinweave ourselves and once we have killed
him, there will be none who could defeat us.” The three robed figures looked at each
other, the prospect of being more powerful than their own master was a tempting offer.
“Give me your answer!” The voice seemed angry and tired of waiting, to think this
demons entire life depended on these lower servants of D’carute, oh the nerve of it.
“Demon, Will we retain our memories?” One of the robed men asked.
“What are you? A man or a modern day teenage boy?” The voice asked disapprovingly.
“It is a fair question ... Will we? Will there be any of us left once the process is over?”
The voice was quiet for a moment. “I am not sure, we will become one, we will have a new
body, a new mind, even I will not have control.” The voice explained.
“Then who will?” The robed figures looked at each other wondering which one of them
will be the one in control.
“The one in control ... will be whatev-” The voice paused. “Whoever we create.” The voice
seemed almost saddened. The robed figures each thought for a moment, at almost the
same moment they all asked.
“What do we do?”
The voice almost chuckled. “You have all done a channelling spell, yes?”

41
“Yes, we each before we can be trained by the master must transfer some of our
energies to him.” The robed figures looked at their hands; a faint purple mark was on
each of their hands.
“Good, well instead of transferring just your energies, transfer everything you have;
your energy, your mind, your body ... your soul.” The voice seemed to sound almost guilty.
The robed figures stepped foreword and held out their hands, a purple glow appeared on
one of their hands, the same hand which held the mark. A beautiful purple light shot
towards the pile of ash. They could feel the pain. The pulling inside them. Their hearts
about to burst from the pure agony. But they carried on.

***

Derris sat at the table, his elbows on the table top and his fingers interweaving. Agris
brought two steins to the table and set them down.
“Yee alright, Derris?” Agris asked looking at him.
“Nay lad, I feel, 42nything42’ is goin’ wrong.” Derris replied looking at Agris with a
worried expression.
“Wrong enough to contact them mages at the tower”? Agris said after swigging some of
his brew. Derris pulled out a little blue vial, it had been sent to him from the Lexicon
with a note that read ‘In case you need to speak with us.’ It was a strange vial, the liquid
inside was glowing blue.
“Yeh might be right lad.” Derris said setting down the vial on the table.
“So how yeh gotta use it?” Asked Agris. Derris looked puzzled for a moment.
“Never said.”
“That’s not very handy is it?”
“Well, the mages are nice lads, so they must’ve made it getting the likins of a dwarf.”
Derris said examining the bottle.
“So we drink it?” Agris asked, a little worried. “I hear drinkin blue stuff makes yeah
loose yer beard.” Derris also looked worried.
“Mix it en with the brew, we’ll be alright.” Derris said pouring half into his stein and half
into Agris’.
“Ey lad, why’s that stuff in my brew?” Agris demanded.
“Cause if I die, I wanna have someone to drink with when I get to the sky tavern.” The
sky tavern is the drawven idea of the place after death, you enter the tavern and you
are greeted by women with huge jugs ... of beer. You are seated at the endless table
were every dead dwarf sits, drinking and eating for all eternity, you can eat anything you
want and not get fat, which is a slight disappointment for the dwarves actually. Agris
picked up his stein and looked at the now glowing brew.
“Cheers lad.” He said quickly guzzling the concoction.
“Blagh that’s awful stuff.” Said Agris spitting it out across the room and on to a pile of
books, which was strange because the last thing you see in a dwarven tavern, or any
tavern for that matter is a pile of books. Agris looked around the room, he knew where
he was.
“Welcome sirs, I see you don’t like the taste of our little mix there.” Rantem said from
behind his desk chuckling a little.
“Nay sir, I guess yee ain’t supposed to mix potions and alcohol, bad for the body.” Derris
said wiping his beard.
“Derris, didn’ee yeh have n’ything42 you wanted to talk to the mages for?” Agris asked.
Derris stood up and brushed himself off. “Aye, that I did.”

42
“I assume you are here because of the strange disturbance, we felt it too.” Presumed
Bantem who was reading a book. Agris had found his way to a book that was entitled.
‘Your beer & your women’.
“Aye sir, what was it? It felt so strange, I didn’ee expect anything like it.” Said Derris.
“We feel that it was something of great power emerging.” Divulged Rantem, he leaned
over and tinkered with a strange device that looks almost like a map of Dalboomoo but in
front of the map was a large panel of glass.
“How do yee know?” Derris said walking to the desk.
“Like he said, that is what we feel it was, not what we know.” Added Bantem sifting
through the pages of another book.
“What a bout that big map in the map room? That thing must be able to show you what
went on there; can’t yee reverse it or n’ything43 and make it show you what happened
when we all got that weird feeling?” Derris asked with a glimmer of hope.
“The map is currently not working.” Rantem sighed.
“Eh? Why not?” Agris asked looking away from the book he was enthralled in.
“Ever since the first attack on Selteab the map has been covered in a haze, only the
peaks of mountains can be seen clearly.” Explained Bantem as he sat down in a chair.
“Can’ee yee just make another?” Agris asked. The sound of a book thudding closed could
be heard near Bantem, you know that sound that kind of goes thup.
“Do you know how long it took to enchant that map? It took us four mages, 1 dwarf and a
troll to just get the incantation going, then we had to chant for 4 hours while standing
on one foot, then a bloody student dropped his book on my head and made me loose
concentration, we had to start all over.” Snipped Bantem with an angry tone.
“Oh, well, is there43nuthin’ we can do?” Pondered Derris.
“Well we are currently going through all our archives to see if we can find the cause, we
want you’re dwarven scholars to do the same.” Explained Rantem, Derris nodded.
“So how are we gettin’ back to Dol’cannin?” Asked Agris slightly sceptical of the whole
situation.
“Use the enchanted door down stairs, it will take you right back to the tavern you came
from. Now go on hurry off now.” Said Bantem, the dwarves both nodded and headed out
the door and toward the map room.

***

It was early afternoon and Layune and her group were on the path, now closing in on the
city of Teslin. They would surely make it there in at least a day maybe even less. Instead
of taking a well deserved rest the night before, they settled for a mere two hours of
sleep and cut a days travel off their time by travelling through the night.
“Do you think this Bain person will send another ambush for us today?” Bella asked
stretching.
Finola chuckled. “Are you eager to fight again Miss Bella?” She asked.
Bella shook her head. “No, well ...” Bella went quiet and looked away.
A guard who was walking close by chimed in. “Do not worry Miss, a lot of warriors do
enjoy the art of battle. I am sure that you are only eager to test your skills once more.”
He said with a smile toward her. Bella nodded at the elf. Layune gazed at the far off
distance; the mountains were still in view. Somewhere in those mountains, Matthias and
Hawkbead were fighting and training themselves, readying themselves to face a power
that could break the world at a whim. ‘Can we really win this battle? We are all mere
teenagers, yes Matthias is powerful. But is it going to be enough?’ She thought to
herself. Finola walked to her side and looked at her.

43
“You are concerned for him aren’t you?” Finola asked with a warm and comforting smile.
“Yes.” She said quietly, nodding. “I just want to know if he is okay.” She said.
“Miss Featherheart ... If I may be so bold to ask you, what are you’re feelings towards
Matthias?” She asked with a strange half smile. Layune looked at her wide eyed and
taken off guard.
“I ... I ... I don’t know.” She said turning back to the floor and sighing. Finola put her
hand on her shoulder.
“Don’t worry, I understand. He will come back to you, if not to save Dalboomoo. Then to
see you.” Finola said with a comforting and caring smile. Layune turned to her, with a nod
and a smile her confidence and mood was improved.

***

Hawkbead let out a long sigh of relief as he fell to the floor to rest.
“If I’m not mistaken, you enjoyed yourself there.” Matthias chuckled.
“What? So now it’s only you that’s allowed to enjoy being on the brink of death in a
fight?” Hawkbead said with a mock serious tone.
“So how many is that?” Matthias asks picking up what seemed to be a claw.
“Four to you and three to me” Hawkbead said gasping for air still tired form the battle.
“Do you think we will find another pack?” Matthias asked looking around.”
“Nah, they were migrating and for such a small group. They must have been lagging
behind.” Hawkbead sighed.
“Well, they were pretty big. So they could have been the matriarchs of the group,
scouting ahead?” A glimmer of hope in Matthias’s eye
Hawkbead pursed his lips and made a sound resembling a woman accepting her husbands
odd Christmas present.
“But that would mean the rest are smaller.”
“Well there is that, but they’d be in larger groups and possibly much more of a
challenge.” Matthias explained throwing the claw of the edge.
“I guess so. So! Do you think that this training has made us stronger?” Hawkbead asks
not too sure on the matter himself.
“Well considering you tore out one of their teeth and shoved it through the roof of
their jaw. While inside their mouth I might add! I would say yes.” Matthias exclaimed
thinking it was obvious.
Hawkbead chuckled. “Or then there is you who cut through one of their necks like it was
dwarven butter.” Matthias nodded. “Then reanimated the head giving a ghostly body and
forced it to attack another one while you cut one from underneath causing it to fall to
the floor and collapse of the cliff.” Matthias laughed. “And by chance it managed to drag
down the two that were fighting, with it.” Matthias nodded once more proudly.
“So what were they called?” Matthias asked turning to Hawkbead curiously.
“Bolgrin.” Hawkbead said with a nod
“Ah.” Matthias replied joining in with the nod that states ‘now I know’. “Any relation to
the Malvorin?” He continued.
“It’s theorised by the dwarven scholars that they could be a close relative.” Hawkbead
explained pulling out a flask and sipping the dark liquid from it then passing it to
Matthias.
“Rare?” He asked taking a sip.
“Not very, they’re commonly seen around the peeks of mountains. Or around parts like
the one we’re in. But they are not in huge numbers.” He explained.
“Why?”

44
“Well because they don’t need to be, did you see them?” Hawkbead laughed.
“True enough.” Matthias nodded.
“So what now?” Hawkbead said turning to Matthias with a relaxed look in his eyes,
considering the fact that they were on a huge mountain and just had a near death battle.
It was beginning to show in both the boys’ eyes that battle was becoming common place
for them.
“Well. Layune, Bella and Finola should reach Teslin soon enough.” Matthias said looking
off into the distance.
“So can we get of the mountain?” Hawkbead asked.
“Well. We will be heading towards Dalckonik .” He said.
“So is that a yes or a no?” He asked sipping the last of whatever was in the flask.
“We’ll be off the mountain ... but we will have to pass through ... a certain, cave to get
there.” Matthias explained with a reluctant look on his face.
Hawkbead sighed. “What’s in this cave?”
“A worm ... A big worm.” He said.
“Is that it.” Hawkbead was on the verge of laughing.
“It’s a Jaurmonger worm cave.” Hawkbead’s smile faded and fell to a look that spoke only
of hitting Matthias hard in the face.
“Are you serious?” Hawkbead glared at him. Matthias nodded.
Hawkbead sighed and stood up. “Well let’s get going, we might as well get this over with
and get to Dalckonik so we can both have a rest in a real bed for a change.
Matthias laughed. They both gathered their things and began the trek.
“I bet you’re looking foreword to it really.” Matthias stated.
“Shut up.”

***

The cave stood tall, a few skeletons were strewn upon the outside of the cave. Mostly
for dramatic effect. Who new worms had a sense of spooky style? Like all ice caves,
stalactites and stalagmites were found on the edges, to make the cave look like the
mouth of the beast itself. The hollowing wind cut to the bone, even through both
Matthias & Hawkbead’s layers of clothing. Matthias looked up at it and placed his hand
firmly on the tip of his glowing blade. Hawkbead looked at him.
“Nervous?” He asked with a grin.
“No, I just wonder how big the thing is.” Matthias explained still staring at the top of
the cave.
“Around the size of a drake, but more ... wormy.” Hawkbead said.
“Oh.” Was Matthias’s only reply. They entered slowly and cautiously, each with their
hand firmly grasping their weapons. The cave was dark, the light from the entrance
slowly faded as the walked deeper into what could be their resting place.
“Matthias, any chance on some light?” Hawkbead asked, soon enough Matthias’s hand was
a beacon of light. Light shone through it and guided their path but what it revealed
chilled both their souls. Corpses, stripped of most of their flesh. Some remained and
covered the surrounding area in blood. The ice was stained with the blood of many a
soldier and traveller alike.
“Why does the blood not fade?” Matthias asked.
“I do not know, lest hope we find out and join these poor souls.” Was a whispered reply
from Hawkbead. A slithering could be heard.
“You heard that too?” Matthias shuddered.
“Yes ... nervous?”

45
“Yes!”
They looked around; the area of the cave they were in was obviously expansive. But their
small circle of light did not cast itself far and slithering could be heard just out of it’s
reach. A grumbling could be heard. Not like a person. No like that sound a lion always
makes when it’s prowling around before it strikes.
“I fear we’re not alone in this cave anymore.” Matthias said drawing his blade.
Hawkbead’s pole arm rang as he drew it from its sheath.
“Nor do I my friend, sounds pretty big.” Hawkbead said. A strange slithering could be
heard above them and in front of them. Matthias’s hand became a beacon of even
brighter light. Their stood in front of them, a huge worm. This wasn’t like an earth
worm, no it had a mouth you could see. Pincers on the front of its mouth that legend told
could break a thousand castles without effort. Drool dripped down its purple belly. It let
out a terrifying shriek.
Matthias turned to Hawkbead. “We’re gonna need a bigger weapon!” He said. The worm
dived down towards them, they both were knocked away from each other. Hawkbead was
now shrouded in darkness; he could see where Matthias was. He was not with the worm.
So where was it?
“Matthias, can’t you light up this hole room?” Hawkbead yelled.
“I think so.” Matthias said holding his hand high, light shot to the roof of the cave and a
ball now glowed brightly bathing the room in a warm light. The worm was now visible.
Neither of them were sure if that was a good thing.
“Matthias, I think this thing’s weakness is the tail.” He yelled.
“How do you know?” Matthias asked dodging yet another dive from the Jaurmonger
worm.
Hawkbead waited for a moment before saying. “I don’t.”
“Great!” Matthias replied charging at the emerging worm, his sword at the ready he
jump to slash the worm. The worm opened its mouth. “Oh no, I’m not getting eaten
again.” He said preparing a spell, he pushed his arms foreword and sent a ball of purple
light into the worm’s mouth. With a bang the worm shrieked and hit the floor. Matthias
landed almost falling over. Hawkbead ran to his side.
“Um ... That was pretty easy.” He said
“Yeah, It must be the training.” Matthias beamed at Hawkbead with a grin.

The two continued down the cave until they reached what looked like the exit.
“Finally, a way out of this place. At least the legendary Jaurmonger worm was no more a
threat than a herd of bumble bees.” Hawkbead laughed. But a rumbled made him sweat.
The hole cave shook.
Matthias looked at Hawkbead unnerved. “Run!” He said sprinting for the light of the
exit. Hawkbead following suit they heard a deafening shriek, ten times worse than the
worm’s they fought. Just as they reached the exit they were thrown into the air by
some unknown force. They looked bellow them to see a heart stopping site. Beside the
fact they were over 100ft in the air, there was now a worm. A much bigger worm than
the first. This worm was about the size of a very large hill. Matthias and Hawkbead
plummeted toward the ground. Matthias grabbed Hawkbead pulling him in close, a purple
sphere appeared around them. Thud! They hit the ground.
“Ouch!” Hawkbead said crawling out of the hole they left but looking up to see the worm
looking down at them.
“Hawkbead, we’re dead now right?” Matthias asked.
“Most likely.” He nodded.

46
“Fire!” Came an unknown voice in the distance as did a large ball of fire which collided
hard with the Jaurmonger. Matthias and Hawkbead took this opportunity to run for
cover.
“Fire!” Yelled the voice again as two more fire balls hit the worm. Blood, huge drops of
blood hit the floor. The worm wavered for a moment before letting out a low pitched
shriek and collapsing to the floor.
“You there!” Echoed a voice. “Behind the rock! What were you doing in the worm’s cave?”
It asked. Matthias and Hawkbead stood up and walked with their hands in the air. They
could see a large force of soldier and catapults as they got closer.
“Wait, it can’t be.” Gasped Hawkbead.
“What?” Matthias asked.
“It’s him.” Hawkbead smiled.
“I asked you a question stranger, what were you doing in the worms’ cave?” The man
spoke loudly; he seemed no older than Matthias and Hawkbead.
“We were attempting a shortcut from the mountains to Dalckonik!” Matthias explained
stepping foreword.
“Well you were foolish, the Jaurmonger worm could have swallowed you whole!” The man
stated sternly.
“Do you not recognize me sir?” Hawkbead asked with a slight hint of hurt in his voice.
“No! Should I?” The man looked at him for a moment. “No ... You can’t be him.” He said in
amazement. “James? Is this an illusion?”
“No old friend, this is not an illusion.” Hawkbead laughed. “It’s strange too, I haven’t
been called James in a long time.” He chuckled.
The man looked at him confused. “Sounds like you have much to tell me! Come we will
catch up in the tavern.” He explained pointing to the town just a short walk away.

***

Matthias, Hawkbead and his old friend Ediath were now in the warm embrace of the
Mary Lue tavern. Her huge roaring fire burned bright and the clientele were abuzz with
joy, the Mary Lue was the only sanctuary they had from the cold, harsh winds of the
mountains.
“So you are saying that this here lad is the warrior of light the prophecy spoke of?”
Ediath asked.
Hawkbead nodded. Shall we just call him James now? I think it would be best.
James nodded. Ediath looked Matthias up and down while Matthias looked back at him
puzzled. He laughed. “Well I am not one to judge a fighter by his appearance my friend,
if you made it here through the mountains you must be a fighter of elite quality.” Ediath
said with a tear in his eye.
“I don’t understand how you don’t know none of what has been going on outside this
town.” Matthias said with a look of unconvinced disbelieve.
Ediath looked as if he had been taken off guard. “Um, We do not have as well a link with
the capital as most cities do.” He said with a strange look in his eye.

***

The city gate of Teslin was a marvellous sight for both Bella and Layune. They stared at
the huge gates in amazement.
“It’s an amazing site I know, but we should get inside and find your teachers.” Finola
explained putting her hands on their backs and pushing them to walk foreword.

47
Now the city of Teslin is a beautiful sight. Its dazzling buildings woven into the huge
trees themselves. Rope bridges spanning across wide distances connecting to another
building. Hundreds of elves walking the surrounding area each more unique than the last.
In their home city they dressed so differently than what you would see outside the
gates. They dressed themselves in what could be described as nature itself. Tight
fitting tanned leather tunics and either leather leggings or gowns depending on their
occupation.

Bella and Layune were walking the cobbled streets of Teslin with Finola. The escort
disappearing the moment they passed the gates.
“This place is so amazing Finola. To think that outside lays the harsh cold of the
mountains. While in here it’s hotter than summer.” Bella stated wiping her forehead.
Finola chuckled. “Teslin is the pride of the elves; the magiK of the area keeps this place
strangely tropical.” She explained.
“Hail Mistress Finola!” Said a tall elf dressed in tanned leather. Sporting large amounts
of jewels hanging from his long ears.
Finola bowed. “Hail to you too Elonie.” She said with a smile.
“How did the journey to the dwarves go?” He chuckled. “Were the dwarves happy with
an alliance? Or are they as stubborn as ever?” He laughed walking up to the group.
Finola nodded. “They agreed. King Ironbrew is wise and knows of the coming darkness.”
“Of course. It’s good to know you are home safe Finola.” The elf said with a smile. He
then noticed the two humans at her side. “What’s this? Humans? Who are these two
Finola?” He asked curious.
“They are two of the four warriors of light.” She said. Elonie looked shocked.
He bowed to the two. “I am humbled by your presence Misses.” He said.
Layune and Bella both bowed. Neither of them was used to being hailed as sovereign.
“They have come to train Elonie.” Finola stated bluntly. “Bella will be going with you to
train in the ways of the blade.” She said. Elonie now looked even more shocked. You know
that kind of shocked when you’re slapped across the face with a dwarves fore arm and
dunked in beer.
Elonie kneeled before Bella. “It is an honour to be teaching one such as you Mistress of
light. I will teach you everything I know.” He said.
Bella bowed again. “Please, it is an honour for myself to be trained by one of the elves.”
She said smiling at the elf as her looked at her.
Finola chuckled. “Elonie take Bella to the armoury and get her a blade. She will learn our
techniques of fighting; make sure you train her to be as fast and as strong as you are.”
She explained.
“You make me seem like a hero Finola.” He laughed. “Come then Bella, we will get you
ready for battle in no time at all.” He said placing a hand on her back and guiding her off
towards the armoury.
Layune looked up at Finola. “Who will be teaching me Finola?” She asked.
“I can think of no better a elf than Delloonai Light Feather.” She chuckled walking down
the path once more with Layune in tow.

Delloonai was not what Layune had expected. She was a young women seeming only a few
years older than Layune herself. Her beautiful features were aligned perfectly on her
face. Her long ears curved towards the end and her hair was short and cut off just
above the shoulder.
“Greetings Dellonai.” Finola said bowing before her. “I trust you are well?” She asked.

48
“Yes Finola I am. How was the meeting with the dwarves?” Dellonai’s beautiful soft voice
ran through Layune’s ears.
“It went well.” Finola chuckled. “The dwarves have agreed to ally with us. They will fight
along side us in any of our endeavours against the darkness. And we will do the same for
them” She explained.
“That is good.” Dellunai soon forgot of the subject when she noticed a human stood by
Finola. “Who is this Finola?” She asked bluntly with an almost threatening tone.
“This is Layune Featherheart. A very powerful healer and a formidable fighter with the
powers of the light.” She announced proudly. “She! Is one of the warriors of the
prophecy.” Finola stated resting a hand on Layune’s shoulder. Dellunai was visibly
shocked. But unlike others that have met with the group she did not bow.
“It is a pleasure to meet you warrior of light. But why is she here Finola?” She asked.
“I brought her here to train along side you.” Finola explained. “She is one of few that
possesses the ability to become an angelic deity. I want you to help her take on this
form permanently.” She paused for a moment to breath. “Or at least command it much
easier. Without it taking so much of her energy.” Finola finished.
Dellunai scowled. “Why should I do this?”
“Because if you don’t it could mean the end of Dalboomoo and your homeland.” Layune
jumped in. “If you don’t then the darkness could consume not only Dalboomoo but
whatever lies outside this realm of existence. All sentients will die” Layune had a serious
look of passion in her eye. Dellunai glared at her for a moment before cracking a thin
smirk.
She nodded. “I’ll help. With my training Layune. You will be a deity like no other.” She
laughed proudly.
Layune smiled. “Thank you.” Layune bowed, as did Dellunai.
“Well!” Finola said. “I’ll leave you too. I’m sure you will get on swimmingly.” She chuckled
walking away. “I need to let our leader know that the dwarves agreed to an alliance.” She
said as she walked down the street and then left Layunes view.
Dellunai look Layune up and down. “So you are a light warrior? Hm?” She asked.
Layune nodded. “Yes, I have journeyed far with my companions and the warrior of
prophecy to save Dalboomoo from the darkness.” Layune explained.
“The warrior of prophecy ey?” She paused for a moment. “Is he attractive?” She asked.
Layune blushed. “Oh ... I get it now.” She laughed.
“What?!” Layune felt as if she had done something embarrassing.
“Nothing!” Dellunai barked. “Now show me your form.” She ordered.
“Now?” Layune was taken of guard. Dellunai nodded. “Okay. Well, I’ll try.”

Layune pressed her hands together in prayer. Light began to shine around her, strange
circles and runes floated around her. A chime could be heard. Her wings burst from her
back. Spreading wide and dazzling the area in a beautiful light. Dellunai stood back as
Layune lifted from the ground and held her hands out. Her eyes opened to reveal a
bright golden light replacing her eyes.
“Show me more!” Dellunai yelled. “Show me the full form!”
Layune concentrated. Her wings grew brighter, strange runes were covering them and
her hair became bleach white. The ponytail in her hair burst and her hair was flowing in
the wind. Her robes began to glow and wrapped around her. They were replaced by a
strange white wrap that covered her body. Wrapping around her chest and waste. The
light faded and Layune returned to her normal state. She fell to the floor and panted.

49
Dellunai was impressed. “Good, that was a very good first attempt. I can see you are
very powerful. But you need to be able to focus the power and stay like that.” She
explained to her. She helped her up.
“You can’t be serious when you say I will stay like that at all times. Are you?” Layune
asked panting.
Dellunai laughed. “Of course I am. Layune” She said placing a hand on her shoulder and
smiling. “When we are done together. You will be a deity one hundred percent of the
time. You will be more powerful than you have ever imagined. And most of all. You will be
ready to fight the darkness.” Dellunai laughed and Layune smiled.

Bella and Elonie reached the armoury and he opened the door for her. Bella entered and
was instantly taken aback by the beautiful weapons and armaments.
“They are so beautiful. So finely crafted.” Bella stated placing a hand on a large glaive
weapon.
Elonie chuckled. “They are. We elves pride ourselves on our weapons and craftsmanship
almost as much as the dwarves do of theirs.” He said picking up a glaive and weighing it
in his hand. “Here. Hold this.” He said handing it to Bella. She grasped the handle and
turned it in her hand, getting used to the weight.
“How does it feel?” He asked.
Bella smirked. “Perfect.” She stated staring at the blade. The blade had a small green
tint to it. The handle was covered in markings of the elves language.
“Good.” Elonie laughed. “This will be your weapon from now on. You will not leave its side.
It will not leave yours. You will not put hands on any other weapon. This weapon will
become as much a part of you as your own beating heart. This weapon is you, you are the
weapon.” He said smiling proudly at her as she caressed the fine steel of the blade.
“Thank you, teacher.” She said kneeling.
“Now come, we cannot have you fighting in villagers clothes. Especially demon blood
stained ones. We will get you some elven armour” He said placing a hand on her back and
leading her down further into the armoury. The armour was made primarily of leather. It
covered most of her upper torso. Leaving her belly exposed along with her shoulders.
Which were soon covered with leather shoulder pads that strapped to her underarms
and were at least 1 inch thick. She was given a short pair of leather breeches. They
reached her knees and were tight at the end as to feel natural when moving.
Bella looked at herself in a mirror. “These seem a little. Um. Revealing?” She said.
Elonie laughed. “You will get used to it. Most of our warriors are male, so this is standard
attire. He slapped her back. “Don’t worry; this armour will serve you well in our style of
combat.”
Bella nodded. “Thank you Elonie, the armour feels perfect. I am ready to learn.”
“You would start learning so soon?” Elonie chuckled. “You must want some rest and a hot
meal?” He asked.
Bella tried to act as if she had not been walking all day. But her stomach gave her away
by growling loudly. She sighed. “Yes, I could use both.” She chuckled.
Elonie smiled. “Just leave the way you came in, someone will show you to our inn. I have a
few things to clean up in here.” He said. Bella headed down back towards the door.

***

The nights in Dalckonik were cold. Even in the safety of the tavern, the cold air seeped
in through the cracks and into Matthias’ bed. A familiar voice whispered in his mind as
he slept.

50
Matthias. You hold my power ... You don’t need to bare the weight of your
quest ... This is foolishness. I have taken care of it all. You could become more
powerful than anything that roams these lands. Why do you feel the need to fight
the so called ‘darkness’ embrace it. Become it. You seek power. You seek strength.
Then embrace that which you fight. There is no point in fighting. You will only
die ... Matthias sat up in his bed clutching at his chest. The voice ran through his mind.
He turned to look at his pile of clothes on the chair beside his bed. The sword lay there,
glowing faintly in the darkness. Retribution. Was its guardian right? Was it cursed?
Matthias asked himself. He pushed the thoughts to the back of his mind and laid back in
his bed. Attempting to sleep once more. But the voice continued to whisper.

***
Dawn rose on the beautiful city of Teslin. All the elves were soon to rise. A lot of them
were farmers, heading straight to the fields to tend to the harvests. Some where
aspiring warriors who trained through the nights to become the greatest. Or to just get
killed because they thought they could take on a Malvorin on their own. The rest of the
early risers where simple citizens that loved to walk in the morning glow. Bella was
snoring in her new bed.
Elonie laughed. “Wake up young warrior.” He said giving the bed a sound kick. “It’s time
for your training to begin.” He said, Bella rubbed her eyes sitting up in her bed.
Bella glared. “You know it is wrong to come into a woman’s room in the morning.” She
stated holding the bed sheet above her chest.
Elonie chuckled “Yes, that is true. But I am your teacher. So I will do what is needed to
get you to train on a morning.” He said tossing her the armour she had been given the
day before.
Bella sighed. “Will you leave so I can put on my armour?” She asked.
Elonie let out a cherry chuckle. “Of course Bella. Meet me outside when you are done.”
He said leaving the room still chuckling. Bella stood up in her room and covered her
bosom with the leather chest piece and pulled up the breaches.
“I still think this is just something perverted for the men to watch.” She said fastening
the shoulder pads to her lower arms. She patted them and adjusted them to stand
perfectly on her shoulders. She picked up her glaive and admired herself in the mirror
before setting off for the training ground.

Layune had not slept that night. After taking that almost perfect form. Her heart was
weary and her mind was tired. But something prevented her from sleeping. Dellunai had
predicted something like this and given her a potion to drink when the sun rose. She
sipped from the bottle and grimaced at the awful taste but forced herself to finish the
bottle. With her strength and energy restored Layune had decided to get dressed and
get something to eat before a hard day of training.

She had been given a small basket of food by the landlord and sat outside munching
contently. Layune looked around at the beautiful city. So many people were already
awake it was strange. Back in Darin’ahk’toob, the city streets would be close to empty at
this time. Barring the odd pickpocket and mass murderer. The quiet chirping of birds
and the rustling leaves calmed Layune’s worried soul.
“Good morning Layune!” Said Dellunai as she rounded the corner.
Layune smiled. “Good morning!” She said with a grin. “Care to join me for breakfast?”
She offered. Dellunai obliged and sat down.

51
“Thank you.” She said taking a piece of bread from the basket. “Are you ready to start
your training today?”
Layune nodded. “Yes, the sooner I can master the form. The sooner I can return to
Matthais and we can continue the quest.” She stated with a depressing tone.
Dellunai chuckled. “That’s the spirit. Do not worry. It shouldn’t take too long.” She
explained wolfing down another piece of bread.
“Do we have any news of Dalckonik?” Layune hoped.
“No. That village is very cut off. I have only heard rumours of its progress and ails. But
it is incredibly well guarded.” She reassured Layune who was looking sadly into her food.

After twenty minutes or so more of eating and idle chatter. Layune and Dellunai were on
their way to a temple which would be Leyune’s training ground for now. The temple was in
ruin. Pillars were strewn about the place and moss crawled up the walls. But Layune could
still feel a strong energy resonating from the entire building. Dellunai had brought a
large satchel with her and refused to tell Layune what was inside. She lay the satchel
down on the floor and sighed with relief.
“Why is this place so special?” Layune asked.
“Can you not tell?” Dellunai asked surprised. “There is an incredible amount of holy
energy in this building. And I have a plan to use it to make your form more powerful and
easier to achieve.
Layune lookedp puzzled. “So what is in the bag?” She asked.
“Holy objects! We will practice on these.” Dellunai said opening the satchel to retrieve a
multitude of holy symbols and small statues.
“Practice what?” Layune asked almost a little scared.
“You are going to absorb the energy of these symbols. Having mastered the technique.
You should have enough power to absorb the entire holy energies of this temple.”
Dellunai said making it sound like child’s play. Layune stood in puzzlement for a few
minutes before nodding and agreeing to try.
“Good, let us begin.” Dellunai said pulling out a random holy symbol and holding it out.
“This is the weakest of them all. You should be able to do this no problem.”
Layune nodded. “But I don’t know what to do.” She said a little embarrassed.
Dellunai chuckled. “Every priestess has their own unique way of doing it. Just do
something that feels natural. The only thing that is the same is the fact that you must
make contact with the item and concentrate only on the sound the holy energy makes.
You must feel the energy against your skin. Then pull it into you.” Dellunai explained with
a serious tone. Layune sighed, she held out her hand and placed the tip of her index
finger against the centre of the holy symbol.
“Okay, good.” Dellunai nodded. “Now concentrate.” Layune closed her eyes, she could
hear the faint sound of the holy energies. A small ding sound that resonated in her mind.
She focused on the sound. It became all that she could hear.
“Feel the energy against the tip of your finger.” Dellunai explained. Layune focused and
could feel the warmth on her finger tip. It felt like small blades of grass curling around
the end of her finger. Refusing to let go. Almost wanting to be pulled inside her. She
could hear the ding. She could feel the warmth. All she had to do was pull the energy
inside her body. Her breathing became slow and her heart rate dropped. The warmth
began to wrap around her entire finger. The ding became more a perfect tone. She could
feel the warmth running into her body. Through her finger. Through her arm. Through
her chest. Into her very soul. The ding fell silent. She opened her eyes to see Dellunai
smiling.

52
“Well done. That was impressive.” She congratulated her. “On your first try. That was
very good. Do you feel any different?” She inclined.
Layune shook her head.
“Well that is no surprise. That was a very small amount of energy. The next one will have
much more. You will surely feel a difference afterwards.” Dellunai chuckled and threw
away the now empty symbol and retrieved another.

In the warriors training ground Elonie waited patiently for Bella to arrive. He glanced
around the area. Although he saw it daily, the beauty of Teslin still warmed his heart.
Bella popped out of a door and waved to her teacher.
“Morning Elonie.” She said with a smile.
Elonie nodded. “Are you ready for you training Bella?” He asked in an almost serious
tone.
“Yes sir.” She announced. “I want to be able to fight like the best of them.” She stated
with a fiery look in her hazel eyes. Elonie chuckled and gestured for her to follow him.
They came to a small ring.
“What’s this?” Bella asked looking around the ring; its fence was only waste high and the
sand inside looked recently disturbed.
“It’s a fighting rink. Now get inside.” Elonie said. Bella looked visibly shocked.
“You can’t be serious, who am I duelling?”
“Me, you are going to learn by doing.” Elonie announced launching himself into the ring
with an astounding jump. Bella was nervous but her fiery spirit was burning inside. She
jumped over the fence and relinquished her glaive she stood firm on both feet and held
the glaive with both hands with it behind her like one would hold an axe.
Elonie quickly darted in for the attacked and soundly thumped Bella in the shoulder
pushing her back a pace or two.
“That was your first mistake.” He pointed at her. “Your stance is wrong; you are not
wielding an axe or a sword Bella. You must lean forward, letting one hand hold your body
weight and hold the glaive close to your chest.” He explained. “Again!” He yelled jumping
back to his original spot. Bella took the stance she was shown. She concentrated. When
Elonie came at her this time she managed to parry his blow. He was sadly too quick and a
knee came swiftly into her side. She coughed and kneeled. Trying to catch her breath.
“Another problem!” He said. “You need to strike while the iron is hot, if you give the
enemy any leeway. They will strike and strike hard. You must do the same.” He said
throwing his weapon to the side.
“What are you doing?” Bella asked.
“I’m going to train you with the wooden glaives; I wouldn’t want to cut you to pieces.” He
smirked. He threw her a wooden glaive and she took her stance.

The fight commenced once more. Elonie was fast, Bella could barely keep up. She parried
one of his blows and used her free elbow to slam down on the incoming knee. She spun
herself putting force into a strong swipe with the glaive.
“You cannot expect to knock someone to the side with a glaive Bella” He told her. He
dashed in slamming his glaive against hers. “You need to use it as if you are punching.
Slam the blade into your enemy. Only use swipes when you have mastered the art.” He
said tripping her with his foot. Sand covered her armour. She looked up at him as he
pressed the wooden glaive end to her neck.
“Again!” . . .

53
Drained symbols lay strewn across the temple grounds. Layune had absorbed every last
one of them. It took extreme effort and she felt slightly tired. But her new found
power was keeping her going. Forcing her to go on, driving her to achieve more.
“Okay.” Said Dellunai sitting down for a moment. “You are doing amazingly well Layune
are you ready for your final test for today?” She asked a little worried Layune was
taking on too much at once.
Layune nodded. “Yes, I can do it.” She said confidently. Dellunai raised herself to a
standing position and cracked a smile.
“This will be tough. I want you to place your hand on any part of this temple. And just do
what we have done before. But this is far more than you have absorbed put together.”
Dellunai warned her. “It may be painful, but you must take it all in.” Layune nodded and
placed both hands on a nearby pillar. She closed her eyes. Once again the world around
her ceased to exist. The humming was all she could hear. The warmth of the pillar was
much more intense than anything she had tried before. Her hands felt like they were
burning. She forced the heat inside her. She could feel it entwining her, almost
engulfing her body. This time it did not feel like a soft fabric caressing her arms. The
heat began to feel like strong wires cutting into her skin and burrowing into her bones.
She let out a pain induced scream.
“Keep going Layune!” A faint voice could be heard. Layune pushed the pain to the back of
her mind. She merely had to think of Matthias and her objective for this to once again
seem worth it. The pain continued and ran through her entire body. She could feel her
blood boiling. Her insides were burning with a strong pain. It was as if her blood had
turned to sharp glass fragments. Cutting her veins to pieces.

Layune opened her eyes. The pain was gone. Around her was nothing but blackness. She
was confused.
“Hello?” She ventured. As the words left her lips she felt a hand on her shoulder. But
she refused to turn out of fear.
“Don’t be scared. We’re here to help you” The spirit said. More spirits appeared around
her and placed their hands on Layune. The pain once again started. She screamed with
shear pain. Her body felt ready to burst, she could feel her skin almost tearing with
pressure. The spirits all seemed to dive inside her. She let out one more scream before
the world flooded back into view. Layune stood frozen, her fingers digging into the pillar.
Some of the stone actually broke from how hard she clenched against it.
“My goodness Layune are you okay? I’m sorry I didn’t expect so much power from this
place, what happened?” Dellunai stood by her side clutching onto her arm with one hand
and the other supporting her back.
“I-I don’t know, something in the temple. Helped me. They were.” She paused. “Spirits.
Spirits live within me.” Layune explained the full encounter and Dellunai listened
carefully.
“I understand. She nodded. “You have absorbed almost thrice the amount of holy
energies I thought even possible. Does your body feel stretched? Weak? Something like
that?”
Layune shook her head. “I could feel the incredible pain. But I feel no pain now. Only the
power within me, it’s like my entire body has been replaced by the holy energy I
absorbed. As if there is no room for anything else.” She recounted.
Dellunai rested her chin in her hands. “So strange. Would you think it possible to take
the form of a Deity?” Dellunai asked.
There was stunned silence for a moment. “Yes.” Was Layune’s only words.

54
The sound of the finely cut wood clashing could be heard over almost all of Teslin. Bella
had been training for hours, her arms were covered in bruises and her hands grew even
more weary every time the two glaives would smack together. Elonie also seemed to have
a look of a broken man. Sweat ran down his neck. His muscles bulged, his veins so thick
with pressure they looked ready to burst. Both his and Bella’s breath had become a pant,
only having time to breath when the other was not attacking. – And with neither
opponent wanting to be the first to crumble wasn’t very much time. - Bella’s exposed
thighs glistened in the light that crept through the leaves of the forest. Sweat jumping
of her slender figure with every shockwave of attack. All thoughts other than to win had
been pushed to the smallest corners of her mind. Attack left. Attack right. Try for a
sweep. Her mind was warped with the lust to win. A passionate fire burned inside her
heart.

Elonie had started out with the upper hand, but the young girl had picked up the
technique to fast he was taken back. She truly was the girl from the prophecy, her
technique was near flawless. She had become a match in ability for him in a mere day.
His muscles were ready to split. His bones ached and his lungs were desperately trying
to keep up with the attack. He saw his chance to end his torment he went in for that
final strike praying in his heart that this would let the battle finally end. He could rest
and let his body calm itself. But his wish was granted in a different way. Bella quickly
dodged the attack and slammed her foot hard onto the wooden weapon, it cracked and
the sound was almost deafening. Bella didn’t stop there, within a nano-second the side of
her glaive cam crashing into Elonie’s chest. He fell to the floor with a thud and a groan.
He looked up to see Bella hunched over and panting, but the look of pride in her eyes was
an amazing sight. Although her mouth was opened wide to breath, she still managed to
smile.
Elonie coughed. “Well” He took in a well deserved breath. “Done.” His head fell back into
the sand and he managed a croaking chuckle. Bella took that clear sign of victory to fall
to her knees. She dropped her weapon and it hit the ground with a fwoomp. Sweat
dropped from her short ponytail. Her cheeks where flushed and her arms were pumping
it felt like the skin was tearing. But she had won. She had won.

***

The night sky was a beautiful sight in Teslin. Bella and Layune had spent hours depicting
in great detail their experiences of the day. Bella was shocked at how powerful Layune
seemed. She seemed to glow; her eyes had a strange golden gleam to them. Layune was
amazed at the strange turn of outlook Bella had received. She was more confident; she
seemed like a true adventurer if there ever was one.
“So have you attempted taken this almighty form for a second time yet?” Bella asked
throwing a stone into the lake they had chosen to sit by. It skipped across the water
several times before sinking into the water with a pathetic ‘glupup’
Layune shook her head. “Dellunai suggested I rest for now. Once I have my energy back,
I will attempt it again.” Her tone was calm and seemed to have less emotion than before.
“I see.” Bella paused for thought. “Will this really be permanent?”
“Yes. I will forever change to an almost goddess-like form.” Layune let out a faint sigh.
“Something the matter?” Bella asked her face turning to Layune with concern. Layune
looked into Bella’s eyes for a brief moment before turning to look at the water.

55
“I guess, I guess I am just used to my own body. Now I look like a normal young woman.
But.” Layune looked at her hands which faintly glowed in the night’s moonlight. “But soon.
This body will be gone and I will no longer be a normal woman.”
Bella let out a chuckle. “Layune.” She said patting her on the shoulder. “You were never a
normal young woman, but you will always be Layune.” She said smiling caringly like a sister
to a sister.
Layune returned the smile. “Thank you. That means a great deal.” Layune looked up at
the sky. There was a parting in the trees’ foliage to shine moonlight on the river. The
stars flickered a hundred colours on the black sheet behind them. “What do you think
you will do after all this is over Bella?” Layune asked curiously and hoping to turn the
subject around.
“I dunno.” She said shrugging. Her bare shoulders were being bathed in nightlight. “I
hope to just go back to Selteab. Rebuild it. Open and inn. Live my life out in peace” The
thought of a peaceful life made Bella’s heart warm. She missed her quiet life, but at the
same time did not want this adventure to end. “What about you?”
“I’m not sure either. I would like to teach at the Lexicon’s tower.” She said making it
sound like a life long passion. “Prepare the students for what may lay ahead for them.
Because we have both learned that the world can be a harsh place. The students need
preparing. I’d like to dedicate my life to teaching them and learning of the past. Reading
every tome I can find.” She let out a small chuckle. “It would be peaceful. Which is what
we are aiming to restore in Dalboomoo.” Layune pondered what her life would be like if
her intentions came to fruition. “Do you intend to marry?” She asked turning the subject
to a more feminine plane of thought.
Bella smirked. “Oh of course. I want my bloodline to span centuries.” She explained using
her arm as a method of saying ‘A long time.’
Layune laughed. “I am not sure what I may do.”
“Oh please. You know how you feel for Matthias.” She slapped Layune across the back.
Layune’s face going red. “Once this is all over, you and him will marry and have a child.
Living your life out in that tower.” She guffawed slapping her on the back again. Layune
remained reddened and silent.

***

A week had passed. With no contact from Matthias or Hawkbead, both girls were
spurred on to train as hard as they could. Both of them excelling at what they were
destined to do. Bella becoming faster than every one of the elves. Beating them in
sparring matches in a minute or two. Layune had been training in new holy magiK. Her
skill in the incantations increasing every day. Now came the time for her final test.

Everyone in Teslin had gathered to see the prophecy be fulfilled. A deity in Teslin. This
was a great event for the elves. Their hearts soared with pride thinking that one of
their own had trained a young girl to become a deity. They all stood in silence staring at
the centre of the commotion where Layune, Dellunai and Bella all stood. Layune turned to
Bella with worry in her eyes.
“What if I can’t do it? So many people have come to see this.” She panicked. Bella
offered a reassuring hand to her shoulder.
“Don’t worry. You’ll be great. Just do what Dellunai tells you. I’ll be watching from the
side lines.” She chuckled. With a winked she walked off to the edge of the crowd to
watch. Layune took a deep breath before turning to her teacher that had guided her
this past week. Dellunai nodded.

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“It’s time to begin!” She bellowed to the crowd. Although it was already silent, it seemed
that even the forest stopped all sound to witness the event. “Layune.” She said quietly.
“Just concentrate on the power, manifest it into one and become a deity.” With that
useless guide for Layune to follow she too moved back.

Layune clasped her hands together and closed her eyes. Her breathing became slow and
all sound around her disappeared. She concentrated on the power she had gathered over
the past week. She forced it into one spot in her body. A bright light shone bellow her
and a gust of wind swept through her blonde hair. As her feet left the ground she
extended her arms out wide. Her eyes opened and her eyes glowed a dazzling gold. As
the power inside her bubbled up it felt like her chest would burst. She could feel her
body changing. The wings burst from her back. The strange golden wings were not at all
attached to her body. They hovered like glass shards. They were almost translucent and
their golden tint almost blinded the people watching. Her hair extended to low down her
back reaching her slender thighs. Her skin became paler and lost all imperfections. She
was a vision of beauty and perfection. The robes she were wearing had twisted and
contorted as if liquid to form a thin robe that was only a few inches away from her skin.
The white fabric looked like it was made form the feathers of angel wings. Even the
grass and trees had been blessed by this event. Their leaves becoming a beautiful white.
They would forever hold a memoir of this day.

Layune slowly floated to the ground, her feet touching down softly against the now
white grass. The crowed roared with cheers and cries of happiness. Hundreds of elves
were celebrating the birth of a Deity. Layune smiled, her heart welling with pride and
happiness. Bella dived on her and squeezed her tight.
“Layune that was amazing!” She stated. “You’re so beautiful.” She laughed. Layune smiled
and laughed along with Bella. But her smile faded and she glanced at Dellunai watching
crossed armed. Her stern face filling Layune’s heart with dread. The thin lips on
Dellunai’s face turned upward and she smiled. She gave Layune a reassuring nod that as
we all know says ‘Well done, I’m proud of you.’ The rest of the evening was filled with
congratulations toward Layune. Every elf in the city wanted to gaze upon the deity.
There was even a special event arranged for Layune to officially congratulate her.

The high elf Teslin –All high elves where named after the city they ruled- stood next to
Layune in the hall of nature.
“This amazing young girl. Has ascended to become a deity. She has journeyed far to save
our home world. She has gone through great pain to succeed. Now she has the power to
defeat the evil, with the help of the three other warriors of the prophecy. She will
banish the evil from Dalboomoo. Making sure to avenge every innocent soul that has died.
With the power of light. She will fight the darkness.” Teslin spoke loudly and bowed
before Layune. Everyone in the hall applauded her. Her face was red, she wasn’t used to
such praise and attention. She could see Bella in the crowd clapping her hands with a
cheek to cheek grin. Once again she could see Dellunai cross armed. She was leaning
against the door to the hall. She nodded with a thin smile and left.

***

The time had come for Layune and Bella to leave. They were informed of a pass through
the mountain that led safely to Dalckonik. Bella had been given a slightly altered version
of her training armour. It was completely black and on the edges of this –a little too

57
revealing- set of clothing. Were very fine hooks that would allow her to tie warmer
clothes to it but shed them in a moments notice to fight. Her new glaive had a stange
tinge of onyx. It hooked onto her back easily and felt weightless. Layune sadly could
wear anything and it transformed like liquid to the same white robe her angelic form
gave her. But she was also given a staff by Dellunai. ‘This is the staff I trained with’ she
had told Layune. A large group of elves had come to see the two off. Some offering to
come with them and others just bowing with tears in their eyes.

“Thank you so much everyone. This past week has been a great boon to us.” Layune said
with a smile.
“Yeah, you’ve done so much for us, so we’ll return the favour by saving our world.” Bella
chuckled. The crowed cheered and the two turned to set off. Both of them felt warmth
in their hearts. The elves were such kind people that they were both reluctant to leave.
The two both held back the urge to turn back and wave. Their journey was not over and
new trials were ahead of them. They needed to be focused and ready for whatever
creatures lurked around the corner. Now they both, could fight back. Their only
objective was to return to Matthais and Hawkbead. They would continue from their to
face the evil. Sadly they had been told. That for demons to be attacking, the enemy
must lay deep in the valley of woe. Even so, they both felt ready for the challenge.

***

“So you say they are on their way master D’carute?” Said a dark figure speaking into a
fine mist.
“Yes.” Echoed the deep voice of Bain D’carute. The man who planned the down bringing of
Dalboomoo. “I have a spy in the city of Teslin.” It sated. “The two girls are now well
trained, they will be at Dalckonik in two days or less.”
“And you will come to destroy all of the warriors of light?” The man asked.
“Yes. And in return, I will grant you all the power you desire, you will no longer lead weak
armies, you will lead the demonic army at my disposal against the humans of this world.”
“I thank you master, you are most kind. I will not disappoint the new ruler of
Dalboomoo.” He chuckled.
“You better not, or else you will meet a painful ending.”
“Yes. I must go now master, the two light warriors that are already here. Have finished
with their sparring.”

“I’m bored.” Stated Matthias with a grumble and a groan. Sitting back down on a rock,
his forehead covered in sweat and his sword on the floor beside him.
“We just spent 3 hours sparring together. How can you be bored?” Asked Hawkbead
leaning on his pole-arm.
“Because we’ve stopped.” He said. “When are Layune and Bella going to get here?” He
asked.
“It can’t be long now, I would assume they are setting off for here soon.”
“And how long will it take for them to arrive?”
“How should I know? I don’t study maps.” Hawkbead let out a chuckled and looked off at
the snowy peaks.
“Well it looks like you two are done?” Ediath asked walking towards the pair. “Shall we go
to the Mary Lue for a quiet drink?” Matthais and Hawkbead chuckled rising to their
feet.

58
“Sure. Why not, there is nothing much to do around here but train and drink.” Matthias
moaned in jest.
“Why do you think our army is so strong?” Ediath said with a grin. “Our soldiers train all
day for they have nothing better to do.”
“What do the women do around here then?” Hawkbead inquired.
“Oh some train. Some stay in their homes and tend to the children they have.” Ediath
explained opening the door to the Mary Lue.
“How dull.” Matthais said with a chuckle. He sat down at a table and so did the others.
“Now tell me my friends.” Ediath began. “Tell me of Darin’ahk’toob. What has the capital
been doing lately?”
Both Hawkbead and Matthais looked at each other. “Well.” They both said.
“Nothing that it hasn’t done for the last century. Expand. Grow in wealth. And not have a
king or queen.” Hawkbead explained as if it was all very droll to him.
“Why has the city not got a monarch?” Ediath asked intrigued.
“Because the last of the line died without children and when the Knight vowed to take
over until new monarchs were chosen. No one said anything.” Hawkbead continued.
“What? The Knight is running the city? Why?” Ediath sounded almost aggravated.
“Because he is doing an amazing job. So no one has stood up to be king or queen.”
“Why has he not been crowned?”
“No one knows. I assume he is waiting for a king to once again rule the city so he can
lead the armies once again. That’s what the tales tell anyway.”
“I see.” The conversation silenced after those two words from Ediath.

***

The pass that took travellers from the city of Teslin to Dalckonik was very rarely used.
A few elves would use it each month. But they would go straight past the almost
forgotten town of Dalckonik. Although the pass was barely used. The small cobbled road
was still visible under the snow. It was almost pristine; each stone had been lovingly
carved and placed together. There were no pot holes or places to trip. The road had a
forebodingly clean affect to it, like when you go into a room and it is so neat and tidy you
dare not sit down. The mountains at each side of the road stretched high into the sky;
their peaks could only be visible to a well trained eye. They loomed over the road and
looked to be watching anyone traversing that silent cobbled road. Each mountain was
home to many a dangerous beast. Each more deadly than the last. This sounds a good
reason to stay away but most of the beasts would not bother come down from their
mountain lairs. The darkness that was brewing did not affect them in the slightest. They
would continue to live on without the sentient races.

This pass was the only way for Layune and Bella to reach Dalckonik quickly. But the
deathly silence seemed louder than the market district of Darin’ahk’toob. They both
wore cloaks to cover who they were; they knew not what spies were in the mountains.

You may be wondering how Layune could wear a cloak. Well her wings are metaphysical.
This means they exist on multiple plains of existence. This means if she wishes it; things
may pass through them, they can even disappear. She had chosen the latter for her
journey. Anyway, back to the story.

Both their cloaks covered their faces and most of their bodies. It was their only source
of warmth in the bone cutting, skin cracking, icy cold.

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“It is so cold. But there is no wind here.” Bella said almost to herself.
“I guess it’s the snow. Dalboomoo is a magiKal place. You could be stood in a volcano and
still be cold. MagiK does strange things to the world.” Layune explained.
“Is it just the temperature it affects?” Bella asked. Conversation was all they had to
stop themselves going mad in the pass.
“No. It can affect the creatures, the plants. Even the people aren’t safe from the
affects of magiK.” Layune said with an almost remorseful tone.
“Don’t you worry that you too could be affected?”
“Not really.” Layune looked up at one of the mountains. “I’ve been brought up with magiK.
It isn’t something I fear.”
Bella sighed. “How much ground have we covered?”
“We will be there by tomorrow evening at this pace.” Layune said. “That is. If we stop to
rest of course.”
“Of course. We can’t be walking out here at night. We’ll have to look for a cave or
something we can shelter in.” It was decided. Once Bella and Layune came across a cave
they would stop for the night and continue their trek in the morning.

The cave they managed to find was small. Snug even. Both Layune and Bella laid sleeping
by a fire, its embers still burning ever so slightly in the cold night. Neither of them
stirred. Both of them had bundled themselves in sheets from their travelling packs. The
only sound to be heard outside was the faint sound of the wind blowing. It made the
snow that fell dance and sway in the air before hitting the floor silently.
“Yargh” Cling Clang The silence was interrupted. Layune rose from sleeping, her eyes
filling with worry. She turned to Bella who had also sat up, her hand moving to the steely
weapon that lay beside her.
“Huargh” Clang Bang Cling . Layune crept to look outside the cave entrance.
“I can’t see a thing. It’s too dark.” She said turning to Bella who had already stripped of
her coverings and stood ready in her leather armour, holding the glaive at the ready.
“Get yourself ready.” She spoke determined. A fiery look in her eye. Layune nodded and
grabbed her staff. Removing all her coverings to leave her robe flowing in the slight
wind. Her face contorted as she felt the cold, diving quickly for the cloak.
“It’s freezing!” Layune stated.
“Shut up and let’s go.” Bella said venturing out of the cave entrance with a torch
strapped to her shoulder. It was tall so it would not burn her hair. She needed both her
hands. Layune hurried after her.

The source of the clanging and ‘huarghing’ could not be found. Layune held her staff
close while attempting a futile effort to cover her cold body with her cloak. Bella was
much more threatening and stood with her weapon at the ready and the torch burning
brightly above her.
“Maybe we should go back inside.” Layune said. “It was probably ju-“ She was interrupted
as Bella tackled her out of the way of what seemed to be a speeding dwarf. He flew past
the two at a great speed. He crashed into the snow with a ‘floomph’ sound. He punched
his hairy fist into the snow.
“You ugly bastard!” He yelled standing back up and brandishing a shiny axe. “I’ll cut yer
throat for that!” A reply was soon heard in the form of an almost deafening screech.
The dwarf –completely oblivious to Layune and Bella’s presence- ran back towards the
area he flew from. He disappeared into the night but was soon shot back. At this point
he realized Layune and Bella were watching dumb struck.

60
“Are yeh gonna help me lass or do I have te’ finish the blighter mi’self?” He asked.
Layune and Bella snapped back to reality and nodded. “Good, now. On me!” He yelled
charging. Bella charged along side him with her weapon at the ready and Layune ran
behind. The monster came into view, a huge scaly creature that stood on two legs. Its
broad shoulders were clad in a black metal and they supported arms that hit the floor.
It’s head was large and sported a long snout which was filled to the brim with teeth.
Also, another dwarf came into view. Doing battle valiantly with the beast. It was Derris.
“Go fer the head lad!” He yelled fending off a swipe form the creature. The other dwarf
nodded at the battle ready Bella. They both charged, the dwarf went straight for the
beast’s ankles. And Bella attempted to attack at the side. Layune. Whom was worried for
both hers and Bella’s safety. Concentrated on healing any wounds that occurred during
the fight. The beast roared realising the odds were no longer in its favour. With a knee
shaking boom it crashed its foot to the floor. Snow flew in all directions revealing a the
stony pathway underneath. Derris was stuck in the snow and Layune was knocked
unconscious with a rock leaving only Bella and the other remaining dwarf to fend for
themselves.
“Yeh bastard!” The dwarf taunted. He jumped up and slashed at the monster’s hand,
removing a few fingers in the process. It screeched and grabbed the dwarf. “Get off me
yeh ugly beast!” He yelled. Bella took the opportunity of the monster being distracted to
end the fight. She was silent as she ran across the ground as if it weren’t there. She
leapt high and latched onto the beast’s free arm. It swung attempting to get her off but
to no avail. The blade Bella held carved through his hand like it was the air itself. She
ran towards its metal covered shoulders. The monster dropped the dwarf and tried to
grab Bella. She was too fast for it. She grabbed hold of one of the shoulder plates.
Using her momentum and strength she swung at a horizontal angle and rammed the glaive
straight into the beast’s skull. Splintering bone could be heard as the cold steel slid
through the creature’s skin, skull and then its brain only to come out its eye. Blood
splattered onto the stone pathway. Bella was not finished. The monster still seemed
alive so she made sure that it wouldn’t last long. With a twist of her hand and the blade
turned and cut across the skull of the lizard like beast. The skull continued to crack
until the top of its head parted with the rest of its body. The huge beast toppled over
and what was left of its brain spilled across the fresh snow that was beginning to cover
the pathway. Bella stood proud over her foe’s bloodied body. Her leather armour now a
mess with blood. Her bare skin was almost invisible through the crimson liquid covering
most of her body. Derris –who had managed to free himself- and his companion both
looked up in awe at the heroin. Their dumb struck faces began to guffaw filling the night
with laughter and applause. Bella bowed graciously.
“Thank you. You are both too kind” She chuckled.
“Aye lass that was amazin’!” The dwarf stated. Derris nodded.
“Aye lass t’was.”
“Yes, but let’s get out the cold.” Layune said rubbing her head. The hole party agreed.

The newly renewed fire burned brightly in the cave. The four fighters all sat around it
gathering what warmth they could.
“So Derris.” Layune began. “Why were you and your friend out in the night battling
against a giant lizard?”
Derris chuckled. “We were in fact lookin’ fer you lass!” He chuckled. “And yer friend of
course.”
“Oh?” Bella spoke as she sipped from a drinking pouch.

61
“Aye!” The dwarf said. “Iron Brew told us tee find yeh! We’re teh help the light warriors
on there quest to defeat the darkness.” He laughed. “We didn’e have no clue where yeh
were until we asked the elves. Then we got a transport to this pass. Then we attempted
to find yeh.”
“Aye.” Derris said. “Now girls. Where are the lads?”
“Well first.” Stated Layune. “Can you tell us the name of your friend?”
The dwarf laughed. “Of course lass. I am Mol’um! Mol’um Stone foot!” He clapped his fist
to his palm in pride.
“E’s here cause he’s the strongest dwarf we have. Aye he is our best fighter.” Derris
explained.
“But nay as good as you lass!” Mol’um announced. “That was some amazin’ work with that
fancy blade ‘o’ yers” He let out a hearty chuckle. Bella bowed her head in appreciation.
“I learnt my technique from an elf back in Teslin.” She said. Mul’um’s expression seemed
to sour.
“Elves? Bah They may ah taught you the tricks but yer the one who made’em useful in a
brawl.” He grumbled. “Still not happy ‘bout joinin’ with them tall, smart ass, tree huggin’,
veg eatin’, long eared elves.” He said turning his head and spitting in disgust.
Derris chuckled. “As yee can see, Mul’um is’nee too fond of the elves. Now Layune.
Where are the lads?” He asked.
“They are both at Dalckonik. That is where we are currently heading towards. Once we
regroup there, we intend to go the fourth valley.” The name was met with a gasp from
both dwarves.
“Why there? No mortal has been there fer years!” Said a raving Mul’um.
“We were informed that if demons are behind the attacks. Then our enemy must lie in
the valley. The elves don’t know much else. Nor do the mages of the Lexicon’s Tower.”
Layune explained, finishing with a sigh.
“So are we gonna be runnin’ in there and fight threw the hordes of demons to get
through?” Derris asked.
“We won’t know where to head when we reach the entrance. So we are waiting on more
information. Hopefully we will receive some before we reach there.” Layune told the
dwarves.
“That did’nee answer mi question lass.” Derris said. “Are we gonna sneak? Or fight?”
Derris said with a stern face.
“We may very well have to fight, the mages hope to find a way for us to keep the
fighting to a minimum.” Layune said reassuringly but it almost seemed to disappoint the
pair of bearded warriors.
“Shame.” Said Mul’um. “Was hopin’ for some real fightin’ Get some blood on mi axe.” The
group chuckled.
“Come now.” Bella spoke with a yawn. “We’re all tired. We can talk in the morning.”
“Aye lass.” Derris smiled. “I’m knackered. Let’s rest. Mul’um, you take the first watch.”
Derris ordered. “Wake me after an hour or so.”
“Aye sir, will the lasses be taken watch tonight too?” Mul’um replied. Derris looked at
the two and they both nodded. “It’s settled then, now let’s get some sleep.” Everyone –
barring Mal’um of course- laid down on the floor under their cloaks. Mul’um threw his axe
over his shoulder and sat at the entrance to the cave. Singing a dwarven melody to
himself quietly.

***

62
With the night behind the group and the snow glistening in the morning sun. They
finished preparing and left the cave.
“So lass.” Mul’um began speaking to Bella as they began walking. “What be yer role in the
group?” He asked.
“You saw me fight, doesn’t that explain my role?” Bella chuckled.
“Well aye! But frem what Derris has told me, Layune is interested in ar’ hero. Hawkbead,
well ‘e is Matthias’ only friend. What be you?” He asked eying her.
“I’m not sure I understand what you’re asking me.” Bella said slightly insulted. She knew
she had a role in all of this. But what was it?
“What’s yer reasnin’ to be ‘ere?” Mul’um continued.
“To help. Do I need to be connected to the ‘hero’ to want to help save Dalboomoo?” She
scoffed.
“Nay lass. You dunni need a reason. But most folk ‘ave one” Mul’um stated with a grin.
“If you must know, my home was burnt to the ground by a demon. Matthias, he saved
some of us. But my father was not one of those people.” She explained.
“Are ye here to get revenge then? Or t’make sure he dusni let any other people die?”
Mul’um rubbed his beard. “D’yeh blame’im? D’yeh think he could’eh done more?”
Bella shook her head. “He could not have done any more than he did, he saved my life so
that I may avenge my fathers. That! Is what I intend to do Mul’um. Not a demon nor
drake is going to get in my way.” Bella said placing a hand on her glaive.
“Ye ever seen a drake?” Mul’um digressed.
“No.” She chuckled. “But I’m sure I could take one on.”
Mul’um let out a heartfelt laugh and slapped her on the back, or as high a dwarf could
slap on a young female human. “A’cen tell am gonna like yeh lass.”
“That’s good to hear.” Bella smiled at him.
“Shall I tell yeh about the time I was surrounded by a pack of wolves?” He asked.
“Of course Mul’um, that sounds like a good story to pass the time.” Bella giggled.
“Well I was walkin’ to a nearby town –” The conversation proceeded but because it was
quite a dull story in comparison to the one you’re reading. We’ll carry on.

While Bella and Mul’um were walking at the back. Layune and Derris were keeping the
front.
“Derris...” Layune began. “Do you think we have a chance? The attacks are worse every
time. We hear news every day of another village burnt to the ground. We don’t even
know exactly what we’re looking for.” She let out a sigh, the cold air dancing out of her
lips. It swirled and twirled slowly fading.
Derris looked up at her. “Listen lass. The matter aint whether we ‘ave a chance or not.
The matter is that we’re fightin’ for it either way!”
“That’s ... That’s a good way of looking at it Derris, thank you.” Layune said with a smile.
“We will be at Dalckonik by late afternoon. You may want to find a way to pass the time.”
She let out a chuckle. Derris and Mul’um looked at each other with a grin.
“You brought some did’ne yeh?” Mul’um asked.
Derris nodded. “I brought enough to last a human a week!” He chuckled pulling out a huge
pouch from the folds of his cloak.
“So ‘n’ hours worth aye?” Mul’um let out a billowing laugh and took a swig of the dwarven
brew.

At first it was just Mul’um and Derris drinking, but Bella had managed to get herself
drunk and joined in the singing. Bella was sat atop Mul’um’s strong shoulders as the two

63
dwarves and Bella sang out loudly. Layune was never one for drinking, so she stayed
sober and made sure the trio knew where they were going.
“Be careful with your singing you three.” Layune started. “We don’t want to attract a
band of ... whatever monsters lurk in the snow.” She said trying to scare them quiet.The
guffaws we not silenced until Mul’um raised his axe.
“Let the bastards come! I’m hankerin’ for a fight!” He yelled.
“Yeah!” Bella joined raising a fist. “They wouldn’t stand a chance against any of us four!
We’ll rip their heads off before they even have chance to snarl at us!” The three
laughed.
“Derris I like this lass! Yeh sure she ain’t a dwarf in disguise?” Mul’um chuckled. Derris
let out a hearty laugh.
“If she is then what?” He asked.
“I’d marry the lass and get drunk with’er every day.” He chuckled.
Bella took a swig from the pouch. “I’ll drink too that!” She yelled, too drunk to fully
understand what they were saying.

The hours passed quickly from that point on, the whole pass was filled with dwarven
songs and even a few human melodies. With the sky turning a pale orange with a ting of
purple on the horizon, Dalckonik was in site. Or at least the watch tower which guarded
Dalckonik could be seen. The drunken trio calmed themselves as they reached the tower.
Since Layune was the only one who could now walk a straight line, she decided to do the
talking.
“Excuse me!” She yelled up to the guard tower. A face appeared.
“What do you want?” It asked, there’s nothing for you beyond this tower!”
“I thought Dalckonik was this way?” Layune asked puzzled. The face disappeared,
thumping of wood could be heard. The guard was soon seen climbing down the ladder
from the tower. The guard stood tall above them all.
“So you know of the town?” He asked. “What’s your purpose here?” His eyes switching
form each member of the group to the next.
“We’re here to meet a man of the name Matthias. Have you heard that name?” Bella
asked, managing the sentence with only one belch.
“Oh.” The guard’s face changed somewhat. “Follow the path.” He said before going back
to his station.
“I guess that means we can go through?” Mul’um asked with confusion. The group nodded
at each other and followed a relatively short path until they reached a large wooden
gate. It stretched from one hill to the other. Which sounds big but was only around
20ft. The group walked to the gate and banged on the wood. A slot opened in front of
them.
“You got past the tower, you slaughter them or did they let you pass?” A pair of eyes
asked.
“They granted us passage to the town.” Layune said.
“Could be lying. I wouldn’t know.” The eyes said cautiously. “What’s your purpose in
Dalckonik?”
“We seek the one called Matthias and his companion.” Derris said. His drunkenness well
hidden by his strong, confident voice. The eyes grumbled and the slot shut with a clank.
More grumbling could be heard from the other side of the gate. After a few curse
words were grumbled and the grumbling ended with a grumble. The gate began to slowly
open. A few people had stopped to watch the gates open, this was something that did
not happen very often.

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“The people here are very different to the people back in Selteab.” Bella whispered to
Layune.

The people wear much blander things in Dalckonik. Their clothes consist usually of
brown, sometimes if they are feeling adventures a sort of grey-ish, blue-ish, brown.
None of the women wore anything a man of Darin’ahk’toob would find remotely
attractive. Unlike the women that do ‘business’ at the D.O.C.K.S. Who tended to wear 3
strips of leather that were around 3 inches wide and 0.03 inches thin. –Allowing for the
cold to reach certain areas- The ladies of Dalckonik wore simple things, like a dress that
covered them from the bottom of their neck, down to their ankles and that’s what the
young ones wear. The older ones tend to wear overalls. Fashioned from any fabric they
can find, which sometimes ends up being a sack for potatoes. But going back to the story
at hand.

“Well be careful what you say on that subject to them. They may take offence.” Layune
whispered back. The group was guided to the tavern. On the way every villager stopped
and stared, mostly at the two dwarves in the group. Mul’um’s maroon armour slightly
peaking out form under his cloak. Derris with his long pipe. Dalckonik was not famous for
it’s dwarven population after all.
The group entered the tavern and thankfully no attention was drawn. Layune looked
around for any signs of Matthias or Hawkbead. She couldn’t see them anywhere in the
smoky den.
“Perhaps they’re not here.” Stated Derris.
“Are you looking for that Matthias guy?” Asked the barkeep. “He’s in the back with
Ediath.” He explained pointing to a door, barely visible through the fog of pipe smoke
and merriment.
“Thank you sir.” Layune replied with a bow of the head.
“No problem miss, just go through the door. I assume they’re expecting you?” The
barkeep asked.
“I would’nee think so!” Mul’um chuckled. “They’re both gun’nee fall over when they see
these two.”
“Is that so?...” The barkeep seemed to drift off back into his work. The group made
their way to the door at the back. Layune grabbed the handle and opened the door it
creaked open and revealed a long corridor. They warily entered and shut the door.
“I dun’nee like this.” Derris said sucking on his pipe. “Somethin’ is’nee right.”
“There’s nothing to fear, come let’s go I think I hear talking at the other end of the
corridor.” Layune said walking down the corridor, the others followed suit. At the end of
the corridor was another door and talking could in fact be heard at the other side.
Mul’um was cautious. He drew his axe and readied himself. Layune casually opened the
door. Inside a dimly lit room were Matthias, Hawkbead and Ediath the three were
playing some sort of card game.
“Matthias...” Layune said with a smile.
“Layune?” He replied rising from the table. He walked to her and embraced her.
Hawkbead walked up the group and smiled. “It’s good to see you again.” Matthias said
with glee. Layune stood back from the embrace and lowered her hood. As did the rest of
the group.
“’Tis good to see you two made it here safe” Hawkbead stated with a smile. “Derris?
What are you doing here? And who is your companion?” He asked.
“We have come to assist you, this’ere is Mul’um the finest warrior of the dwarves.”
Derris explained with a grin, he slapped Mul’um on the shoulder.

65
“Ehem.” Ediath cleared his throat to remind the group of his presence. “I have been
looking foreword to meeting you both. Bella, Matthias tells me you are a very skilled
warrior. I cannot wait to see your skills on the field.” He said with a thin smile. “And
Layune. A mage like no other it seems. My sources tell me you are an expert on healing
magiK. And a dear friend to Matthias and Hawkbead.”Both Bella and Layune Bowed
before Ediath.
“We thank you for keeping both Matthias and Hawkbead safe. It is a great lift for us to
see our friends again.” Layune explained with a sighed of relief.
“Yeah.” Bella spoke with excitement. “We’ve missed them both, but most of all I have
been eager to test my new skills against both Hawkbead and Matthias.” She chuckled.
“Come now. You are weary form your journey. Join us in a night of merriment. Tomorrow
we will contact the mages of the tower and speak of your next move. You all have much
catching up to do before that.” Ediath announced with a grin.
“Aye! Now let’s get some ale in here.” Mul’um bellowed.
“Of course, we will feast and enjoy ourselves tonight.”

The merriment continued for the remainder of the day and evening. The group enjoyed
games of cards and the strange foods of Dalckonik. Mul’um and Bella sang dwarven songs
and the others listened with glee and clapping hands. Hawkbead and Bella arm wrestled
numerous times; the scores continued to tie themselves. The festivities continued till
late where the group grew tired and retired to their rooms in the inn.

The moon glowed in the sky over Dalckonik. Making the snow that covered the streets
glitter and sparkle. In the Mary Lue tavern. The adventurers rested, but one adventurer
stirred. The whispering sword spoke to him in his sleep, haunting his dreams.
‘What is this foolishness? ... You fight a lost cause, you will die like the rest.
Many have fallen to the darkness. Embrace the darkness. Become more powerful
than anything on this world.’
Matthias sat up from bed, he turned to the sword. It was propped up against a dresser.
Glowing. Silent. He stood up from the bed. He threw on his cloak and grabbed the sword.
The tavern was silent as he wondered through it. Walking to the front door and leaving.
The cold snow felt like needles on his bare feet. He continued to walk through the town,
It was nothing like Darin’ahk’toob. No one was awake, everyone slumbered in their beds.
Awaiting the new dawn to come so they may continue their lives. He reached the edge of
the town, the blanket of snow continued out into the mountains. It was as if the town
was an island in the middle of a sea of white. He looked out into the mountains to see a
storm. But a red mist filled the sky where the storm was. Faint clattering could be
heard, un-audible to most.
‘You know what that is, an army of the demons. Some of them powerful, some of
them not so. They are minions of he who guides the downfall of Dalboomoo. They
will be here in mere days. No matter what you do, this town will fall. Even if you
tell them, they will be no more prepared. Nor would they believe you. Go! Join
their ranks. They will accept you willingly with open arms even. All you must do is
continue walking. Become part of the darkness; help the new age of Dalboomoo
begin. Do this, or perish along with this town.’
The voice faded. Matthias continued to stare out at the storm for another our,
unmoving. The sword was silent for the time, allowing him to contemplate. He returned
to his bed chambers silently. His feet making no noise as he tread the snow back to the
tavern. The door not even slightly creaking. He was like a ghost. Leaving no trace he had

66
even left. The sword was returned to its position next to the dresser. Matthias stood at
his window, staring out at the storm. He did not return to his bed.

When the morrow came Layune was the first to awaken. She ventured to Matthias’
chambers and knocked on the door.
“Come in.” A voice said from inside. Layune entered quietly, she saw Matthias standing
fully dressed at the window.
“Honestly, I did not think you would be awake so early.” She said staying stood by the
door. “Did you sleep well?” She asked.
“Yes, the beds here are very comfy. It is a shame that soon we will be back to sleeping
on the ground.” He chuckled, but did not look away from the window. The storm had
faded hours ago; he stayed fixated on where it once was.
“Many taverns build themselves by roads for travellers. Perhaps we will come across one
or two.” Layune said with a grin.
“There is something different about you Layune.” Matthias said, done with small talk. “I
sensed it the moment you arrived. It is the same feeling as when you transform. But
stronger. You look different as well. Fairer, and you wear a new robe. Care to explain?”
He asked, still not moving from the window.
Layune sighed. “In Teslin. I trained my ability to transform and succeeded in becoming a
deity. I have grown in power and it will help us greatly on our quest.”
“I see.” Matthias said. “That’s good; we need all the strength we can get. The odds are
against us. You may go, the others will awaken soon and we will meet for breakfast and
discuss a few things. Then.” He paused. “We will speak to the mages of the tower. Think
of a plan, I have the feeling. Something will present itself that will help us discover
whom we seek. In mere days.”
“Let us hope you are right. Otherwise we may have to go to the valley and pray that that
is where the source is.” Layune sighed and left. Matthias did not turn around; he
continued to watch the mountains.

The meeting took place in the backroom which Matthias, Hawkbead and Ediath originally
used for recreation. There was a large assortment of food which the entire group
barring Matthias dug into feverishly. Mul’um chomped and slurped as if he had not eaten
in a century or seven. Bella was no different from Mul’um yet she had certain finesse in
her eating. Her face was still soaked in gravy mind.
Matthias cleared his throat. “While being in Dalckonik. Myself and Hawkbead have
received word of at least 4 towns being burnt to the ground by some sort of demon.
These towns don’t have a great deal to offer any raiders, yet there was no trace of
anything being taken.” Matthias’ expression changed. “Other than the villagers, from
what we have pieced together from rumours and descriptions from traders. It seems
that there is plenty evidence that villagers were killed but no bodies. Whatever it is we
are fighting is getting more aggressive. They know exactly what they are doing yet we
have no clue where to go next.” Matthias sighed.
“Layune informed me of the mages’ decision to send us into the valley. This is our only
chance at finding something, we have a few options. One is to sneak by and avoid as much
fighting as possible until we find something of significance. The second is to avoid the
valley until we have gathered more information. The third is to form an army and storm
the valley. This in essence will rid Dalboomoo of the valley and find what we are looking
for; loosing a lot of lives in the process. But if the valley has no part to play in this; we
will have simply lost lives for nothing.”

67
“Aye!” Mul’um yelled banging his fist on the table. “I say we gather the men ‘n’ dwarves
of Dalboomoo ‘n’ storm the valley! What we’re lookin’ for must be in there. Lives lost’r
not! That is where we must go; sendin’ in an army is our best chance.”
“Calm yourself Mul’um” Said Derris. “Sendin’ ‘n’ army would leave our cities exposed. If
what we seek is’nee there. Then the demons could attack while we’re defenceless.”
“Well said Derris.” Matthias said. “Ediath, what do you have to add to this discussion?”
Matthias asked turning to Ediath who was sat next to him. He stood up and looked at the
group for a moment.
“I agree with Mul’um.” Ediath said. “Sending an army would be best. The demons would be
forced to return to the valley in the event of an attack. That wo-“
“Then we would be attacked from both sides! We couldn’t hold up against that no matter
how big an army!” Bella interrupted with anger.
“We would have the mages on our side. We could fend them off long enough to continue
moving towards the centre of the valley.” Ediath finished.
“Aye!” Mul’um stated guzzling ale. “We get to the centre, we destroy the source!”
“Those are only myths” Layune said calmly. “The demon source is a mere myth. Though
its existence is likely. If it is not, all the armies of Dalboomoo would be wiped out for no
reason.”
“If it is’nee there we will simply fight our way out.” Mul’um boldly explained. “The demons
could’nee stand against us all.”
“Demons are far more powerful than you could imagine. The demons outside the valley
are a mere fraction in power compared to the ones that dwell inside.” Layune was
beginning to get annoyed. “Facing more than one of these powerful demons would be a
task far too great if we were overwhelmed. Army or not.”
“We can’t know that fer sure! I have faced demons mi’self. I know their strength.”
Mul’um yelled.
“Then you should know that they are relentless and will not hold back.”
“An army is the best choice! We –“
“Silence!” Bellowed Matthias slamming his fist onto the table, a crack could be heard as
one of his knuckles broke. “That is one option of three.” He said calmer. “Once we have
spoken to the mages of the tower. We will have a better idea of what to do.” He sighed.
“Now all of you sit back down and eat!” The angry Mul’um held back the urge to retort
and sat back down. Grumbling he continued to eat. Layune scoffed and sat back down.
“Now! On a finale note. Mul’um, Derris.” Both the dwarves looked up. “We welcome you to
our group, I am sure your fighting skills are unmatched in the dwarves and you will be a
great boon to us.” Both the dwarves nodded at him in thanks. Matthias sat down and
began to eat.

Layune looked at Matthias for a moment, he was acting strange. He had slowly grown
more serious since the start. She was beginning to miss the arrogant, jester like & care
free mage she knew back at the tower. But that boy was slowly disappearing in the wake
of a man. But this man, she did not love. Was this what Matthias would have become,
even at the Lexicon’s tower? Or would he have stayed the same? She sighed and went
back to eating.

“Hawkbead.” Matthias said sternly. The entire table looked up. “Have the town’s soldiers
arm themselves. Sharpen their blades and repair their armours.”
“Why Matthias?” Hawkbead asked.

68
“I did not ask for you to reply. I asked you to tell the men to arm themselves. You will do
so after you have eaten. There is no need for any questions.” Matthias spoke with
authority.
“Of course.” Hawkbead felt emasculated. He went back to eating in silence. Ediath
looked at Matthias from the corner of his eye. Perhaps the boy was wiser than he had
expected.
“Matthias?” Derris said wiping his face. “Who exactly will be attending the meeting with
the mages?” He inquired.
“Myself, Layune and you.” He replied; not looking up from his meal.
“Why me?” He asked.
“You are an ambassador of the dwarves; whatever is discussed there will affect the
dwarves. Thus, you shall be there.”
“Aye.” A simple reply. The room fell silent other than the sound of knives and forks
scraping on metal plates.

After breakfast was over the group dispersed. Each member going off on their own
around town. Some –like Hawkbead- had a destination. Others –like Bella- just wanted to
get away from the others and find somewhere to relax. She managed to find somewhere
just on the edge of the town. A field covered with Croxe.

Croxe, are a large 4 legged creature that the sentients of Dalboomoo use for food and
fur. They are huge compared to the average man. Their backs reach heights of 8ft for
males and 6 for females. Their long thick brown fur reaches their hooves the fur is cut
off and made in to all sorts of clothing. They have 4 bones on their head that form a
crown like shape this is why some refer to them as ‘The Crowned Beast’. Their meat is a
sweet flavour because of the cold, when Croxe are bread in warmer areas it tends to be
a much more sour taste. The first man to discover a Croxe was a Mr... Well, perhaps
another time.

Seeing the Croxe reminded Bella of her home. Selteab, which was gone now. She sighed;
she thought back to the days when she would spend hours tending the Croxe. She was
hit with a sudden wave of home sickness; she turned away from the Croxe in sadness.
“Hey missy!” A manly voice yelled from inside the herd.
Bella turned to see the man. “Yes?” The man was tall and skinny, he wore a hood which
covered all but his mouth and the rest of his body was the typical wear of Dalckonik
“Mind helpin’ me with the Croxe for a bit? I just need someone to guide them to a new
spot while I get myself something to eat.” He explained. “You look like someone up to it,
I thought I’d ask.” He chuckled tapping the bottom of his herder’s staff into the snow.
Bella nodded with a smile. “Of course, I’d be happy to.” She walked up the man and took
the staff with a smile.
“Thanks lass, now about the staff. The Croxe wi-“ Bella stopped him.
“I know, I used to herd them back home. They’ll follow me as long as I hold the staff
properly.” She said.
“That’s right, well I’ll be off. Just guide them a little west, there isn’t many roots
underneath this soil.” He waved and walked away. Bella looked up at the top of the staff,
its shiny greenstone glinting in the early sunlight.
“Hep Hep.” She said and walked away, the entire herd slowly followed her west.

69
Because no one else did anything of particular interest, we’ll move on to the meeting with
the mages. Matthias and Layune waited patiently in the back room of the tavern.
Matthias; leaning against a wall sighed.
“Where is he?” Matthias asked impatiently.
“I am sure he will be here soon Matthias, he has most likely gone for some solitude.”
Layune –Who was sitting at the now cleared table- said calmly.
“What does he require solitude for?”
“Contemplation perhaps, this is a big responsibility he has been asked to shoulder. He
isn’t just helping you decide the fate of this mission. He is also deciding the fate of his
people without his king to guide him.”
Matthias nodded. “Fair enough. Let’s just hope there isn’t more a del-” Before he could
finish his sentence, the door opened and Derris walked in.
“Are you ready Derris?” Layune asked with a reassuring smile.
Derris nodded. “As I’ll ever be, aye. Let’s get crackin’” He clapped his hands together
and smiled his usual beardy smile.

The three stood next to each other, Matthias in the middle. Mumbled an incantation.
The words seemed almost like gibberish, as he spoke the words a green smoke ascended
from the centre of the table and formed a sphere. From inside the circle the faces of
Rantem and Bantem appeared. The group bowed.
“Well hello lad!” Said Rantem wave a keen wave. “It has been so long since we saw you.
We’re glad to see you’re well.” His weary face smiled slightly lifting his glasses on his
cheeks.
“It’s good to see you too again sirs. But we must get down to business.” Matthias said
with half a smile.
“Of course, is it only you three attending this meeting?” Asked Bantem pointing a finger.
“Yes, it would have been two. But we have asked Derris to be here. The dwarven people
have a say in what happens next too.” Matthias explained.
“Quite right, quite right. So on to business.” Rantem began. “We still have no clue who it
is controlling the demons. But we can confirm that they are situated in the valley.”
“What evidence do ye have for this?” Derris asked.
“The orb, which Matthias found. It is made of a material commonly found in the valley.
But there are clear signs that is has been tampered with. With strong magic at that!”
Bantem explained.
“So you are saying it is a mage controlling the demons?” Layune asked.
“Well we knew that from the start. We are unsure of whether it was one of the tower’s
mages.” Rantem nodded pushing his spectacles back up his nose.
“I guess that settles it. We go into the valley.” Matthias sighed.
“Well...” Bantem began. “You have an option to consider.”
“What would that be?” Matthais asked in curiosity.
“The source.”
“The source is a myth sirs. And that is in the centre of the valley.” Layune said slightly
confused.
“Yes, but there is still evidence to its existence.” Rantem said pleased.
“Just tell us what you know.” Matthias interrupted.
“We were getting to that.” Bantem said in a chastising tone. “The evidence to its
existence. Are clearly teleporting circles.”
“Like the door in the tower?” Layune asked.
“Precisely. There are many all over Dalboomoo. If you can get to one, maybe you can
figure out how to activate it.” Explained Rantem.

70
“This sounds foolish t’me.” Derris began. “Though I am willin’ t’take ‘n’ option that dus’nee
involve a blood bath so early.” He admitted.
“Do you have any idea how to activate it?” Matthias asked, rather liking this option.
“A little, but we will research a full hypothesis while you journey there. We will have
another meeting there and I can assure you we will get the portal to work.” Rantem said
but was slightly weary in his tone.
“Is there something wrong?” Layune asked.
“If the source does not exist. The portal will send you to a location even we do not know.
These things are ancient, it’s likely you’ll be sent to a ruin.” Bantem explained.
“How certain are ye that it’ll take us to the source?” Derris asked.
“Very Derris. Very indeed. But there is still a chance we are wrong.” Rantem replied.
Matthias sighed and leaned on the table. “So we have the options of gathering an army
and forcing our way to the source, sending in just our group to sneak past but it will be
unlikely we can leave or we can find one of these portals.” Matthias said, his voice
wrought with worry.
“It is your decision Matthias.” Rantem said.
“No.” Matthias said. “We three gathered here to make this decision. I, Layune and
Derris are the ones to decide.” He said with a hint of confidence. “We are to decide
where we go from here.”
Derris nodded. “The dwarven people thank ye Matthias, I say we search f’this portal it
seems the path with the least bloodshed.” He gave his opinion with a confident look in his
eye. He was certain that this was the right decision.
“I too think the portal is the best idea. We are mages; you are a greater mage than any
of us. Activating the portal will be easy. And I would bet my life that the masters are
right.” Layune said with a warm smile.
“Matthias, you still have the final decision.” Bantem said. “What will it be?” Derris and
Layune looked at Matthias. He stared at the floor; this was the most important decision
of his life. It could not be made lightly.
“Well?” Derris asked placing a hand on his shoulder.
“We go.” He paused. “We go to the portal.” He said turning to the two with a smile. They
too smiled at him and nodded their heads.
“We appreciate your confidence in our theory Matthias. We are sorry we cannot give you
an exact location of one of these portals. But if you ask at trade spots on your way too
the valley. Or even in town. Someone is bound to know the location of one.” Rantem said
with one of those old man smiles that says ‘come here and I’ll tell you a bed time story.’
“Thank you. Thank you for your help, we will speak to you again when we reach the
portal.” Matthias said touching the smoky sphere. It dissipated into the air around it.
“So Matthias lad. Do we set of in the morning?” Derris asked now eager to get going.
“No.” Matthias quickly said. “We will stay a few more days; there are a few things to
clear up first.” He explained.
“Of course lad, take yer time. We’ll all be ready to go one your command.” Derris
explained.
“Good.” Matthias nodded. “Now both of you go tell the others the news. Tell them all to
ask everyone and anyone in town for information on these portals.” He explained. They
both nodded and left the room. Matthias was left alone. “Tomorrow, the attack begins.”
He sighed. “This town will burn; we must be ready to defend it never the less.”

The day was drawing to a close and everyone was ready to lie down in a real bed for
another night. The dwarven pair of Derris and Mul’um stayed in the public area of the
tavern to drink their weight in alcohol. Bella had decided to take an extremely long bath

71
and let herself be a girl for an evening. Hawkbead and gotten into a push the ha’penny
tournament and was aiming for the grand prize of a shield. The shield was not for him to
use, it was more a souvenir to take home. The group were all enjoying themselves in their
own way, their outlook was bleak and their home was in danger. They needed to find time
away from facing eternal peril.

Matthias had placed himself in his quarters for yet more quiet contemplation. He sat
silently in a chair, staring at the sword, willing for it to talk. He knew not how it
communicated with him, so how would he have a hope of communicating with it? It
glowed gently as it stood propped against a wall. It was almost as if it was taunting him.
He sat back in the chair and gave up.

The door knocked and opened. It was Layune.

“Matthias. Why aren’t you downstairs? I thought you would be enjoying yourself with
the others.” She asked standing in the door way.
“I don’t feel like games or drinking.” He said turning back to the sword. He rested his
chin in his hands.
“Matthias.” She said walking inside the room; she laid a hand on his shoulder. “What’s
happened to you? Ever since we came, you have been so distant from everyone unless you
are giving orders or need our opinions.”
“I’m tired; sometimes the quest is too great a burden.” He sighed. “Why must I carry it?
Why must there be no easier options? Every decision I make I know affects someone
gravely. Our outlook is so bleak, there almost seems no point in fighting.” Layune was
shocked by the words coming from Matthais’ mouth. He was normally so confident, even
on this quest. But ever since they met he seemed as if all the zeal and laughter that
made himself, himself had been plucked out of him and left nothing but a cold leader.
“Matthias, you don’t shoulder this burden alone.” She began. “You have friends that are
here to help. We’re all in this together, to save Dalboomoo, to save our lives.” She
grabbed one of his hands. “Matthias ... Matthew, I came with you to help you because
you’re my friend. You’ve been by my side now for years; we’ve grown up along side each
other and grown into the people will be forever. I came because I wanted to be by your
side as you achieved greatness, because I wanted to be with you.” Tears fell from her
face and onto Matthias’ hand. He remained silent, stone, emotionless. Layune couldn’t
bare it; she got up and left for her own room.

The door shut quietly, Matthias didn’t shed a single tear. He walked to the window and
looked out. The sky was dark and night had come, he once again could see the dim flicker
of hundreds of fires. Camp fires, each camp housing a horde of demons.
“Tomorrow.” He said. “When dawn rises.” He grabbed his sword and carefully examined
it. “There will be war.”

***

The serenity of dawn was broken by the sounds of busy footsteps, the clambering sound
metal and panic. Bella looked out of her window to see people hurrying in every direction
and then peaked out the door into an empty hall. Down the hall another door opened and
Hawkbead came out wearing his armour and his pole-arm at his side.
“Hawkbead what’s going on?” She asked rubbing one of her eyes. “Everyone outside
seems panicked.”

72
“There has been sight of an army on its way.” He said. “They will be here in hours so get
ready.” Without a word Bella went back into her room and ran for her leather garbs and
glaive.

When Bella got downstairs the tavern was empty of patrons. Everyone was outside
preparing for the attack. The only people in the tavern were Hawkbead, Derris and
Mul’um each one was clad in their armour and ready for battle.
“Where are Matthias and Layune?” She asked tightening a strap on her chest piece.
“The lad be with’ee soldiers preparin’ them for the attack.” Derris explained throwing
down what was essentially a bucket he had used to drink ale from.
“He says we should make any preparations we need then meet him at the centre of
town.” Hawkbead said putting on his helmet.
“What about Layune?” Bella inquired.
“She be in her room preparin’ fer the battle.” Derris said rising from a chair. “We best
be off, Matthias will be expectin’ us.” Bella nodded and followed suit with the group.

The entire town was in a panic. Soldiers were hurrying to their stations of defence and
anyone who wasn’t fighting was looking for a place to hold up till the battle was over. As
the group neared the centre of town the air of fear only increased. On the look of each
soldier was one of dread. An army of demons was approaching and they were ill prepared.
The odds were against them all.
“We should find Matthias.” Hawkbead said. The all agreed and carried on towards the
centre. When they reached the centre of town Matthias was not hard to see. He was
stood on a stack of crates giving orders for the soldiers while Ediath stood next to him
silently.
“I want a small contingent of troops stationed near the rocky hills on the west in case
the demons are stupid enough to attempt a flank. We have the one advantage that there
is no where for them to go but forward. It would be almost impossible for them to flank
us but if they did we need to be ready. We need to stand our ground and keep knocking
them back. If we have support from our archers they shouldn’t be able to overwhelm us,
I want continues fire from the archers at any of the distant enemies. I want to make
sure that a quarter of a wave is knocked out before they even reach us.

“There are going to be bigger threats out there than the lesser demons. There will be a
few stronger demons attempting to push forward. Archers if you see anything taller
than a house. Focus every last ounce of your fire on them. Soldiers, if you see them. I
want you to prepare for an extra helping of lesser demons because that is going to be a
lot easier than taking on one of the greater demons and a wave of lesser demons on the
side.” He looked upon the soldiers, each ready to die for their home. “Get to the edge of
the village and prepare.” He finished. The soldiers all cheered with a mighty ‘hoe’ and
left. Matthias climbed down from the crates to greet the group.
“Lad we’re ready to fight some demons fer yeh.” Mul’um stated without hesitation.
Matthias laughed. “That’s good to hear because there are a great number of them out
there, each one waiting for your axe.” He explained.
“Is there any specifics you need us to carry out Matthias?” Hawkbead asked.
“Yes, Derris and Mul’um I want you on the eastern group. We are law on men there and
you two there will almost double their strength.” He explained pointing at an area on a
map. “Bella, I want you to stick with Layune on the west with our emergency group. Most
likely those demons will try and flank us and I want you two there to make sure they
don’t get far.” Bella nodded without saying a word she hurried off back to the tavern to

73
get Layune. “Now you two.” He said referring to the dwarves. “Get going and make sure
those men know what they’re up against.” The dwarves cheered and left, Ediath followed
them with a wave to Matthias and Hawkbead.
“Where would you like me sir?” Hawkbead asked saluting.
Matthias chuckled. “Even at battle you don’t need to be formal. I want you at the head
of the army.” He placed a hand on his armoured shoulder. “Along side me. James, I trust
you with my life and this may very well be the end of both of ours. But at least let’s
show them hell first.” He smiled pulling up the hood of his robe and unsheathing his
sword. “You with me?” He asked.
“You are damn certain I am-“ He paused. “Matthew.” James smiled and shook hands with
his friend. “Let’s show them what the race of man can do.” He laughed.

The army had assembled. Everyone was in place. The enemy was minutes away from
firing range. Every single soldier was ready to die and was going to make sure they killed
any demon that raised its weapon against them before they drew that last breath.

The two dwarves held their weapons close and stared on into the distance, they
represented the dwarven race in this fight. They would show the race of man, exactly
what two dwarves could do with their weapons and a bloodlust.

Layune and Bella were slightly nervous, Bella was holding tightly onto her weapon while
Layune attempted to remain calm. She needed to concentrate to heal any wounds the
warriors received and kill the demons that induced the wound in the first place.
“Layune. Are you okay?” Bella asked looking back at her.
She looked at Bella with a tinge of fear in her eyes. “Yes I’m fine just a little nervous.”
She gave Bella a reassuring smile.

At the head of the army were Matthias and Hawkbead. Ediath was nowhere to be seen.
The demon army was a few seconds away from firing range. Matthias raised his hand.
“Archers!” He bellowed. “Ready.” The archers all took aim. Each shot was one step to
saving not only their town, but all of Dalboomoo. “Fire!” Matthias yelled. A wave of
flaming arrows was sent forth streaming through the afternoon sky like migrating
swallows that were on fire. The arrows hit the demons and hit them hard. Killing dozens
of them all falling with a blood filled gargle. “Soldiers!” Matthias signalled the soldiers
to prepare, each one rose arms and prepared for the first wave to hit. Matthias
clenched the pommel of his sword as the first group of the monsters drew near. It
seemed only a split second before his sword came in contact with the first of the
beasts. They were disgusting; their faces mangled and misshapen. They attacked without
mercy and pushed forward. Some getting past only to be quickly dispatched by the
soldiers behind the first row.

As the battle continued the army had spread out more as the monsters had squeezed
their way into the tight nit formation the soldiers had formed. Now soldiers were
spread out into groups fighting every monster that got near. Some were working in
teams while some were fighting alone and doing quiet well to say the least. Archers who
had stationed themselves at the sides were taking out any demons they could get a clear
shot on. There were already several greater demon corpses lying lifeless on the battle
field among the hundreds of lesser demon corpses. Sadly among the demon corpses were
dozens of the soldier’s corpses.

74
Matthias and Hawkbead stuck by each others side, watching each others back and
slaughtering any demon they could get their bloodthirsty weapons near. Out of nowhere
a huge lizard like creature came pummelling its way towards them as if it was targeting
them specifically. Matthias nodded at Hawkbead and they both pushed towards to meet
it. Hawkbead went straight for the legs and gave it a grievous wound. Matthias used his
magiK to jump high and take the beast off guard. The beast screeched as his sword met
with its shoulder. He twisted the blade and removed it; scattering blood across the area.
Hawkbead swung once more at the leg and removed it. It hit the floor with a roar but
was quickly silenced by a stab to the neck from Matthias. They nodded at each other
and continued in their fight.

The eastern force had suffered heavy losses but continued to fight on regardless.
Seeing their comrades fall in battle only made the men even more bloodthirsty. They cut
down every demon in their path until they themselves were brought to their knees. The
two dwarves; Derris and Mul’um were fighting foes that were twice their size but still
managed to be the ones doing most of the slaughter. Mul’um finished hacking a demon to
pieces with gory precision.
“Hah. Watch yerself Mul’um, one of’em might dent yer armour if you spen’ so much time
on’em. Lop their head of and be done with it.” Derris and Mul’um both laughed, a brief
reprise before their faces went back to a stern expression and they continued their
onslaught.

The west was fairing much better than Matthias had expected. Bella’s prowess in battle
was a huge boon to the warriors and the demons thought twice before attempting a
flank. –Though that didn’t stop them attempting anyway- Bella would gracefully chop
their chest plates to pieces then get to work on skewering them for a less then a
second. They would howl, scream and roar in pain and be finished off with a twist of the
blade, cutting an important blood vessel and ending their lives in seconds. –Because
putting a blade through their lungs doesn’t contribute to that at all-

Layune at the back did little fighting and mostly healed the wounds of soldiers and used
protective shielding to save them from an arrows deadly tip. She watched Bella tare the
demons to pieces with her glaive. Her arms and face were covered in a thick layer of
crimson. The blood and gore of this battle was all but a soothing site. It took half her
energy to merely stop herself from vomiting. Her heart raced and sweat poured down
her face.
“Mistress Layune!” A male voice called as a hand grabbed her shoulder. She turned to
see a mortally wounded soldier. “Please, heal me. I cannot die yet, you must help me.” He
said. Which is quiet the effort considering the agonising pain he was in.
“Of course, you have many more demons to slay.” Layune said as she held her hand out
and a dazzling bright light shone on the man’s wounds. “It is not within my power to heal
you completely sir. You must fight on, the bleeding has stopped. But be careful.” She
said with a soothing voice and pointed the man off.
“Thank you mistress, bless you a thousand times!” He yelled as he ran back into battle.
Layune felt pride well up inside her but the warm feeling was taken away as a storm
cloud sent lightning into the battle. The bolt was constant and did not stopped, it almost
seemed as if someone was inside it.
“Impossible, what mage has such power?” She asked the air.

75
At the head of the army of man, the concern was also pointed at the man inside the bolt
of lightning.
“Matthias, what is this?” Hawkbead asked. “Demon magiK?”
“I don’t have a clue” He yelled over the deafening sound of the lightning. “But the man
inside is definitely powerful. We’d best be careful from hear on out.”
“Matthew Dioxinist I presume.” The man sad as the lightning dissipated. He was a tall
man with a goatee. His long black robes could only look blacker if he was stood in a
chapel. His staff held a black gemstone at the top and glowed in a foreboding manner.
“It seems the boy of prophecy was built up a little too much.” He laughed. As the
fighting went on around them Matthias clenched his blade and stared at the foe.
“Who are you?” He asked.
“Me? I am Bain D’carute. The man who leads this orchestra of doom. You seem to be my
only problem.” He said with pride.
“Then you’ve made my job a lot easier. I can kill you now and it all ends.” Matthias
chuckled readying himself to attack.
D’carute laughed. “You think it that easy to defeat the most powerful mage on
Dalboomoo?”
“I think it easy to defeat you, show me the most powerful mage and I will fight him too.”
Cockily replied Matthias.
“Foolish child.” D’carute laughed as he held up his hand. “You know nothing of power.” He
brought his hand down and the skies roared. Huge balls of green flame came from the
sky and crashed into the army of man. Killing many, the screams could already be heard.
“Bastard!” Hawkbead yelled; he rushed past Matthais with his weapon held to strike.
Before he could even touch D’carute, he was brought to his knees by an unseen force.
“Hah, your friend should learn his place.” D’carute said as he walked up to him. He held
his staff like you would if you were playing some crazy sport made in an imaginary
country called Scotland. With a sweeping motion he hit Hawkbead hard in the chest.
Hawkbead collapsed foreword and hit the floor. “With the odds no highly against you
Matthias, I’ll leave you all to burn.” He laughed as he disappeared in another bolt of
lighting and into the clouds. Matthias ran to Hawkbead’s side.
“James!” He yelled. “James get up, we need to find the others.” He pulled him onto his
shoulder.
“Matthew.” Hawkbead groaned. “I’m fine.” He steadied himself and stood on his own.
“Good, we’ll get Derris and Mul’um and then go to Bella and Layune.” He explained. They
both nodded and ran to the east.

“What’s happened? The fire came and now we’re bein’ overwhelmed.” Mul’um complained
as he decapitated a demon.
“I dunno Mul’um, but it looks like this battles lost!” He explained with sadness.
“It is’nee over till I hit the floor.” Mul’um yelled.
“Look! It’s the lad.” Derris pointed. Hawkbead and Matthias ran up to the too and joined
the fight.
“Derris, Mul’um. We need to get to the west we need to get to Bella and Layune.”
Matthias explained.
“What then?” Mul’um argued. “Die together?”
“It’s better than separated.” Hawkbead countered.
“Aye then let’s go.” The group agreed and sped off to the western hills. As they ran
from the east another ball of green fire destroyed the eastern force along with a great
deal of demons.

76
“Bella where are you?” Layune called as a group of demons were surrounding her. All
seemed lost when Bella attacked from almost no where and dispatched the group with
finesse.
“Are you alright? What’s going on?” Bella questioned looking out to the battle field
where green flames burnt and men fought for their lives.
“I don’t know; I hope the others are okay.” Layune said with worry.
“Look Layune.” Bella said “They’re coming.” She said.
“To bad it’s too late.” A voice said. Bella and Layune turned to see Ediath wielding his
sword, but his skin was pale and his armour broken. “It’s time for you to die.” He pointed
the sword at the two.
“You traitor!” Bella yelled as she ran at him. “You won’t lay a finger on us.” She stated
striking at him. But he was too fast; he dodged then brought his knee hard into Bella’s
stomach. She gasped but attempted another strike only to be stopped by Ediath’s elbow
crashing into the back of her head. She fell to her knees panted, she could barely move.
“Foolish girl.” He chuckled as he brought his sword through the side of her stomach. She
screamed with agony and held the wound. “Now for you my dear.” He looked at Layune.
She held her staff at the ready.
“I will not go very easily traitor.” She said.
“Oh I hoped you would say something like that.” He charged. Layune hit him hard with
holy beam. But attack spells were not her forte Ediath was only slowed. “Pathetic!” he
yelled continuing his attack. Layune took a last resort and focused. Bright lights shone
everywhere as she rose form the floor. Beams of light shot from her wings and hit
Ediath in the chest but something was preventing him from harm. He cackled and walked
foreword.

From a distance Matthais could see the fight.

“Layune isn’t going to hold out. I’m going ahead.” He said to Hawkbead as his speed
tripled and he ran to her.
“Matthias be careful!” Hawkbead yelled after him.

“Get back!” Layune yelled. “You will perish.” She said with doubt as the fear was
consuming her she fell to the floor and struggled to stand up again.
“You foolish girl.” Ediath laughed.
“You have not won yet.” She said pointing a hand at Bella. She used what remained of her
magiK to heal Bella. She struggled to the floor and held the wounds.
“Stop!” Matthias yelled holding his sword he continued to charge.
“I bring a message from Bain D’carute!” Bellowed Ediath, the entire battlefield could
hear his call. “You shall all perish! This village will burn; even a deity cannot survive the
darkness!” He yelled. “Now watch as this symbol of light.” He paused and brought
Layunes face to be level with his. “Is snuffed out.” The bones cracked as the sword went
through Layune’s thin body. Matthias stopped in his tracks stunned. Layune gasped for
air.
“M-m-mathias.” She said. “P-please help me.” She begged. But Matthias could only watch
as the sword as brought through her side and her body was dropped. She drew her dying
breaths and stared at Matthias. He looked back in horror as the light in her eyes faded.
Ediath cackled at his victory. Bella was on her knees in tears, she was in no condition to
fight.
“What do you have to say boy? Your mission is pointless! You will all die.” He laughed.
Matthias clenched his blade. Do it. Kill him. Make him pay.

77
“You bastard!” He yelled, Matthias charged at Ediath with his blade at the ready. Ediath
prepared and parried the first blow. But Matthias was filled with intense rage. His
sword began to flame as he struck at Ediath again and again.
“What is this? You’re a mere child!” He yelled.
“Silence. Fight me!” Matthais yelled as he continued the assault of undying fury. He
kicked Ediath’s sword away. He struck Ediath’s arm and it fell to the floor. His shoulder
spat blood as he screamed with pain. Matthias thrust his sword deep into his chest. He
continued to stab him until Ediath was gasping for breath.
“You bastard! Die!” Matthias yelled as he swung his sword at Ediath’s neck. His head flew
off and rolled down the hill. Matthias continued to hack away at the body until there was
nothing left but a bloodied mess. He screamed with rage and began firing bolts of fire
into the horde of demons. Hawkbead and the two dwarves had reached the hill and could
do nothing but watch Matthias as he released his rage. But his magiK could not last
forever and he soon exerted himself too much and collapsed to his knees. Bella struggled
to the group.
“Hawkbead, we need to get out of here.” She stated. “The town is lost.”
“We can’nee just abandon all them people!” Mul’um stated.
“She’s right Mul’um, we cannot save any of them now.” Hawkbead said as he watched the
horde push the army of man back into the village. It was not long until the screams could
be heard; the screams of women and children.
“Aye, fine.” Mul’um sighed.
“Let’s get the lad and find somewhere safe.” Derris said picking Matthias up over his
broad dwarven shoulder.
“Well come on.” Bella said trudging away. “We’ll find a cave and hide out.” The group all
agreed and set off each one of them battered and bruised, some more so than others.

Do you not see it now boy? You need me; you need to join with me. Forget the
darkness; it’s plain to see that is impossible for you. But join with me, take on my
power you need not this simple trinket of a blade! You could create a magiKal blade
form thin air if you joined with me. Come, while you slumber. Just let me take care
of everything.

The snow fell over the battlefield and melted on the still warm corpses. The remnants of
battle were still there, screams could be heard from the village. It was burning, some
people managed to escape in time. Some had left already suspecting the downfall and
few were in a safe hiding place, patiently waiting with food and supplies until the demons
left. Any others were being strung up or eaten. Friends being ripped apart in front of
friends. Families mutilated before a child’s eyes. The horror got worse and worse.
Dalckonik had fallen and now was being picked apart for its valuables and meat.

Away from the torment and slaughter and away from the silent battlefield. In a cave at
the base of a mountain. A fire burnt to warm the occupants of the cave. They were not
scared of attracting anything; at this point they were not concerned about much. Each
of them had seen something tragic: be it the loss of a symbol of hope, the loss of a
friend or the loss of the one they loved. They all saw it. All were sat quietly around the
fire. All but one; Matthias was sat on his own in the back of the cave, sat in front of a
glowing purple fire he made himself. None of the others questioned his wish to be alone.
They understood.
“So what happens now?” Bella asked.

78
“I don’t know, we continue I guess.” Hawkbead said staring into the fire. “It’s up to
Matthias I suppose. But we best not trouble him until morning.” He let out a sigh and the
breath swirled around in front of him.
“Aye, the lad needs his own time to heal.” Derris said.
“Aye, well.” Mul’um began. “Do we have some food?” He asked. “We’re gonna need to eat
soemthin’” He explained.
Bella smiled for a fleeting moment. “Yes.” She said. She pulled out some bread from a
small pouch. “Here Mul’um, you can have my share.”
“Las you still need’ta eat. C’mon, get yer strength back before mornin’” He persuaded.
Bella nodded. Each of the four took a piece of the bread and ate it slowly.

The night went on and none of the group could sleep. They each glanced at each other
from occasion then went back to staring at the fire. There was nothing to say, if there
was they couldn’t bring themselves to say it. The silence was broken when they could
hear Matthias walking towards them they watched as he passed them and walked to the
cave entrance.
“I will be back soon.” Was all he said before he disappeared into the night.
“Where d’you s’pose he is off?” Mul’um asked.
“To go see her.” Bella said. “He wants to say goodbye.”
“Should we follow him? Make sure he’s safe?” Derris asked.
“No.” Hawkbead said emptily. The silence fell once more.

Her eyes flickered shades of red and yellow as the fires in the distance brunt what
remained of the town. Her wings like glass had shattered and pieces of them were
scattered around her. Matthias caressed her lifeless body. His hands ran over the
wound that took her life. He rolled her onto her back and looked into the now soulless
eyes. His face was empty of emotion. He ran a hand over her cheek; it was icy to the
touch. The broken hero picked up the staff and attached it to his belt. Matthias
clenched his teeth as he picked up Layune and carried her to the top of a small hill. This
small hill overlooked the entire battlefield. He sighed and lay her body down and began
to dig with his bare hands. He dug and dug until there was a big enough hole for her to
be buried in. His hands were purple and numb once he had finished. Placing her frail,
empty body into the makeshift grave he began to pile the dirt and snow back on. He
removed the staff from his belt; holding his hand to the small gem at the top it began to
give off a small light, not bright enough to attract attention; bright enough for people to
see when they came to the grave. He held the staff for a moment, staring into the gem.
This staff was hers. He wanted so badly to take it with him, but he knew where it
belonged. He held it up high then thrust it into the ground. With a sigh he turned away
from the grave of his love. She was gone now.

At the bottom of the hill, the shards of Layune’s wings were still scattered. But
Matthias took great care in collecting each one and putting them in a small pouch on his
belt. They would stay with him forever; he would never let them leave his side. He took
one last look at the battlefield, his failure. This would forever be the place that he lost.
He failed. Where he ended. This now was a new beginning. He took out his blade and held
it high. This is it, we shell meld together and become one. A new Matthias, we shall
be much more powerful, ready to face any foe. The blade began to flow a bright
purple, the light began to spread over Matthias. His eyes glowed purple as a strange
violet fog worked its way into his eyes, ears, nose and mouth. The blade shattered and

79
Matthias flew backwards into the snow. He rubbed his head and stood up. He looked
around and then at the battlefield.
“A new beginning.” He stated and headed off back to the cave.

***

Dawn came and changed nothing but how easy it was to see without aid. The group awoke
and got themselves ready only to find Matthias already up and waiting for them at the
cave entrance.
“Are you ready Matthias?” Hawkbead asked.
“Yes, from the information we gathered in the town. We will attempt to find the road
and go west.” He explained from under his hood.
“Sounds like a plan.” Mul’um agreed.
“We’d best be careful, we could be ambushed.” Bella warned them putting her cloak on.

The group set off, each one was ready in their armour. None willing to take any risks
they had their weapons at the ready too.
“How do you know this is the way to the road Matthias?” Bella asked after around 5
minutes of trudging in the snow.
“I had to turn left to get back to the battlefield last night, so in theory the road is
left.” He said.
“That’s a good logic lad.” Mul’um chuckled. The mood was strangely light hearted; but no
one was going to question the fact.
“Wait!” Derris halted. “There’s a demon nearby.”
“How do you know?” Bella asked.
“Old dwarven instinct.” He replied.
“And they smell like boiled eggs wrapped in coal miner sweat.” Mul’um joked taking out
his axe. Matthias stood still like a statue; he seemed the only one not on edge. The snow
rocketed up as a tall, thin and ghoulish demon jumped out from underneath it. The group
all held their weapons at the ready but kept their eyes on Matthias whom while stood
directly in front of the demon showed no fear.
“Urgh” It groaned as it brought its toothy smile to Matthias’ face. “A morning meal.” It
chuckled. It opened its huge mouth which could have probably swallowed Matthias hole.
But in a quick movement he swung his arm. A strange purple gas like sword without a hilt
cut the demon in two. The demon toppled down and began to leak its vital fluids on the
snow while Matthias stood with his hands at his side. Just a few centimetres from the
end of Matthias’ hand was the strange gas like sword that cut the demon in down. It
gently oscillated and swirled yet always held the same shape of a blade.
“Matthias what is that?” Hawkbead asked putting his weapon away. The mist disappeared
with a whistling sound and Matthias pocketed his hands.
“Nothing, let’s move on.” He said stepping over the demon’s corpse and continuing on his
way. The group behind him exchanged glances before following suit.

***

Back in the Lexicon’s tower. Rantem and Bantem were sat talking at their desks with
their morning bowl of easily digested cereal.
“So.” Rantem began. “Our star pupil is dead. Leigh will be missed dearly I am sure.” He
sighed.

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“Yes, we will make a formal announcement of this in the afternoon. The teachers and
students should know.” Bantem said as he chewed on his cereal.
“’Tis a great loss though, she could have discovered so much for magiK and been a
brilliant teacher here.”
“’Tis a loss to us, but think of Matthew.” Bantem said stopping eating for a brief moment
in contemplation.
“We put them together 4 years ago, but they’d been friends long before that.” Rantem
smiled that old man smile that says ‘Ah youth’.
“Hah, yes they were inseparable. But we knew they could achieve so much together.
Sadly it seems that their chance to achieve greatness together has been removed.” Both
the old mages sighed and finished their cereal.
“We’ll put up a monument when all this is over.” Rantem proposed.
“Yes. That sounds perfect. She would like that.” Bantem agreed.

***

The road was finally in site and Mul’um allowed himself to relax. He had been on edge
since Matthias brought down a demon single handed with a strange mist like blade. He
was not accustomed to magiK and seeing something he had no trust for bring down a
demon so easily was not a simple matter to digest. He wasn’t the only dwarf not to like
magiK. Most dwarves that weren’t raised as priests knew little of magiK and thought it
better if it stayed away from them so it couldn’t burn their beard off.

They all stepped onto the road bringing large amounts of snow off their boots with
them. Bella had tightly wrapped her cloak around her to avoid the cold. She looked down
the road and up to where it led. Back one way was a town most likely still burning and the
other way was more of the world she had not yet seen. Matthias was stood a few feet
ahead of the group and was looking at the way ahead. He too had finally decided to put
his cloak on. Even from behind the group could see his aura of sadness.
“Matthias.” Hawkbead said walking behind him and putting a hand on his shoulder. “I
think we should continue on for a mile and find somewhere to sleep. You need a day to
rest, forcing yourself on isn’t healthy.”
“Okay.” Matthias agreed. Hawkbead was a little shocked he agreed. “From asking around
town I found out there is a small outpost almost a mile onward. We can sleep there. Rest
would be good.” He sighed and began to walk.

The outpost was nothing special. It held two large lookout towers and a set of tents. A
fire burnt in the centre of a ring of tents. From what could be seen there were no
women or children around. It was clear this was a military outpost.
“Do y’think we’re welcome here?” Mul’um asked moving his hand to the pummel of his axe.
“Of course, they are not bandits so they’d have no reason to attack us.” Hawkbead
reassured him.
“Let’s get inside.” Matthias said walking ahead. “I’m sick of the snow.” He mumbled to
himself. His cloak was brushing the white laced floor as he walked. It had blackened at
the bottom as if it had been burned.
“Y’think the lad’ll ever be the same?” Mul’um whispered to Derris.
“Dun’nee know’im well enough t’say.” Derris replied also in a hushed tone.
“Aye, does’nee anyone?”
“Layune did.” Bella said walking past them and giving them a look which spoke ill.

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Hawkbead was right and the group was greeted with smiles and handshakes from the
soldiers that occupied the outpost. A hot meal was provided and information was
exchanged. The group informed the soldiers of Dalckonik’s downfall and they were told
there were no demonic sightings recently.
“That doesn’t make any sense. No one could portal an entire army.” Hawkbead said.
“He’ll have been preparing for months.” Matthias pointed out.
“How can he have known we would have been there?” Bella asked.
“We’re not the only target. D’carrute wants to bring darkness to Dalboomoo. We’re just
what’s standing in his way.” Matthias throughout the conversation stared into the
multicoloured fire.
“But why would he put so much effort into taking over a town that hardly even receives
trade from other towns?” Bella questioned.
“Taking Ediath; a man with influence was a major step. Who knows how long he was under
Bain’s hold. Ediath could have changed patrol routes that needn’t be changed. He could
have recalled armies that were on important missions.” Matthias explained.
“He could have moved some of Darin’ahk’toob’s guards to towns that need not
protecting.” Hawkbead realized with a terrified expression. “He’s going to go after the
capital city!” The soldiers that held the outpost were also listening in on the
conversation and all of their hearts sank. Many had family in the capital city: wives,
brothers, sisters and children.
“We need to get to the capital.” Stated one of the soldiers. “We can’t stay here and sit
idly while our loved ones are slaughtered. We must go there and defend them!”
“Shouldn’t we go there and evacuate everyone?” Another questioned.
“No, you need to go to the city and tell the Knight what Ediath may have done in his
time. Then make sure that the entire city is well protected from an attack.” Matthias
ordered.
“Why should take your orders?” Asked a soldier. “You are a boy of 15.”
“Because if you don’t then your families will die. If you try to evacuate then your loved
ones will be slaughtered on the open plains. Or would you rather see that happen?”
Matthias replied angrily.
“How dare you, I’ll kill anyone who says I do not love my family!” The soldiers bellowed
swinging his sword. With a flash of purple mist the soldier was slain. Matthias stood over
his corpse with the same mist like blade floating inches from his wrist.
“You cannot protect them on your own; you need the strength of all of Dalboomoo.
Gather your horses and ride to the elven and dwarven cities. Tell them too to abandon
their cities with all of their people and ride to the capital. The races of Dalboomoo will
hold up there and fight as one.” Matthias walked away. “And it’s 16, my birthday was
yesterday.”

It was late afternoon the same day when the soldiers finished preparing. There were
thirty of them in total and they had split into three groups. One to ride to Teslin,
another to Dol’cannin and the last to go straight for Darin’Ahk’Toob and warn the Knight.
The outpost was cleared of all supplies and any food or water they couldn’t carry was
given to Matthias and his party.
“Ride well soldiers, we hope to see you well on our return.” Hawkbead wished the soldiers
luck and shook some of their hands.
“And you too sir, we will fight until our blades shatter and even then we will fight until
all we have left is harsh language.”
“Here!” The soldiers all bellowed.

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“You may very well be under attack before we reach the source. But just keep fighting
and once the source is destroyed the demons will weakened or destroyed.” Hawkbead
added and allowed them to set off. The outpost –now stripped all its worth while
possessions- was empty of life other than Matthias, Hawkbead, Derris, Mul’um and Bella.
Each knew that the lives of Dalboomoo was resting on their shoulders.
“Rest for today, decide where to go next. We’ll set off in the morning.” Mattias ordered
lighting up another fire as the sun began to set. No one felt like disagreeing. Being able
to rest for more than 4 hours was a luxury they had all grown to treasure.

The night had come and the group had treated themselves not only to the extra food
they couldn’t carry. But also to the booze that they knew –although their dwarven
company disagreed- they couldn’t take with them. The thought of coming up with a plan
had come up once or twice but then the thought that their alcohol glands were dying
took over. The dwarves sang songs and danced around. Hawkbead joined in and was
slightly out of sync. Bella danced around the fire with her blades as if part of some
strange ceremony; the dwarves and Hawkbead watched with red cheeks and grins.

Matthias –who had taken to quiet contemplation at the top of one of the towers- chose
not to join in the merriment. He sat in a meditative position with closed eyes. He had
removed his robe and left the now torn jeans as his only protection against the harsh
cold. He once was a scrawny young man but now his chest was like stone; his arms were
thick and muscular. The journey had changed him more than just physically. He had gone
away from the jolly young man he once was and became a hardy soldier of the light his
stern attitude to the world around him; started by weeks of travelling and terrifying
battles. Now completed by the loss of his only true friend and the only one he felt true
love for. Joining with whatever demon lurked in the sword had now finalized the creation
of this hero and made sure that the boy was now a man. A man of power and strength,
ready to save the world. But as a famous book -in a totally area of space to Dalboomoo
and even several thousand years into the future- once said.
‘What profit is it unto a man, if he gains a kingdom but forfeits his own soul?’

Matthias could hear that the sounds of cheering and singing had died down and had been
replaced by simple talking. A group of three were discussing something but where was
the fourth? Matthias then herd the sound of nimble feet climbing the ladder now
slightly weighted by fatigue from dancing and alcohol from, well alcohol. He knew before
she had reached the top that it was in fact Bella coming to find him. She saw Matthias
sat silently and sat beside him.
“Matthias I’m worried about you.” She said staring at the floor. Her rosy cheeks now
redder from noticing Matthias’ bare chest.
Matthias remained silent.
“You only talk when it is necessary and you don’t talk to any of the group unless you are
giving an order or considering their tactical advice.” She said playing with her hands. “I
know what happened must be hard on you though closing yourself of won’t help anyone.”
His eyes remained closed.
“Matthias you can’t stay closed up.” She said moving in front of him and grasping his arm.
He opened his eyes and stared emptily at her. “When I first met you, you were so happy
and joyful of the opportunity to be on such a noble quest. But throughout this journey
you have changed, your manner has become colder and colder as the weight of this
responsibility increases and burdens you more. Even before the battle you were distant.”

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She moved her hand down and grasped one of his hands. “Talk to people, let them help
you.” She said at him with a sympathetic smile.

Both of them stared at each other for a while, one not knowing what to say and the
other having nothing to stay at all. Bella’s rosy cheeks stood out in the orange light of
the torch Matthias brought up with him. She took a firm grasp of one of his hands and
brought it up to her cheek; pressing the palm of his cold hand against the soft, smooth
skin. She spoke smoothly and soothingly.
“Matthais I can’t replace her, I never could. But I want to try. I want to be there for
you. I want to help you smile again.” She said leaning in; their faces were so close
together that their breath danced and intertwined before their eyes. Bella could see it
in his eyes; Matthias wasn’t completely devoid of emotion. They quivered and glittered in
the torchlight “Matthas.” She said. “I want you to smile.” She brought her lips to meet
his for a brief moment before pulling away and standing up. “I’ll um, I’ll talk to you in the
morning.”

Dawn came and the night sky was burned away by light. The group –although with a
hangover- was going through their plan of action. The first thing they needed to do was
contact the Masters. Matthias was setting up the spell while the others waited
patiently. Within a minute from when he began the green images of the Masters
appeared.
“Matthias, how are you?” They ask solemnly.
“I’ll be much better when D’carute’s head is parted from his body.” He replied.
The Masters looked worried. “Of course, Layune –“ They paused. “Leigh was a great loss
for us all.”
“Yes.” Matthias said turning away for a moment. “Shall we get down to discussing the
portal?” He asked, his expression turning stern.
“Well.” The Masters paused for a moment seeming concerned by Matthias’ demeanour.
“Of course Matthias. We have been looking at the locations of the portal ruins and we
think the one found in the town of Avenshire would be the best option.” Bantem
explained.
“Why there? Avenshire is just a small town north of the valley.” Bella asked.
“True, but our sources there tell us there have been no attacks there yet.” Rantem
stated with a smile.
“That doesn’t make sense; surely they would have been slaughtered or taken into slavery
by now.” Hawkbead said.
“This sounds like a trap.” Matthias concluded.
“It may be, but it is our best bet. If it is a trap then D’carute has an interest in holding
the place which tells us the portal circles surely have some significance. If it has not
been taken and it is safe then there must be a reason behind that.” Bantem pointed out
sounding quite sure of this theory. Matthias thought for a moment and weighed the
possibilities. They had the strength to fight of a town of Avenshire’s size but it was a
great risk. If it was free of any demonic influence then there could be something much
more sinister going on.
“Is there any other options?” Matthias asked.
“There are a few but the trip needed to reach any of those portals would be far too
long.” Rantem replied with a sigh. “Avenshire is only a half-day’s trip away and the portal
is in the centre of the town. Any other portals are out in the open where you would be
easy targets for an archer.” Again Matthias fell into thought and attempted to make a
decision though it seemed there was only one real option.

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“We’ll go to Avenshire. We don’t have time to waste travelling to another portal.” He
decided.
“Good, here is the location.” Rantem said as a map as shown and the location marked.
Matthias marked it on his map. “It shouldn’t take you more than day to get there.
Contact us when you plan to use the portal, we will continue our research and try and
find the best way to activate the portal.” He said with a reassuring smile.
“Thank you.” Matthias said. Each member of the group gave their individual bows and
nods before the image disappeared “We’ll try and make it before the sunsets. Let’s get
going.” Matthias said walking to the –now empty outpost’s- exit.

***

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