《Highborn (The Stormforth Chronicles)》


 Chapter 1

    The slave slammed onto the ground letting out a cry in pain, the orc standing above him smiling. In a last ditch effort the slave swung his pickaxe with all his might, hoping in some way to do some lasting damage. The orc stomped on the axe immediately halting the swing as he let out a monstrous roar echoing through the chambers of the mines.


    The sword lifted preparing it''s final blow to the human as he was attempting to crawl away begging for his life until he dropped, lifeless. Lodged in his back the sword remained, the orc roaring in victory over his kill. Fellow orcs joining in the victory trading coin for the life which was taken. A game to these creatures.


    Destin looked over at a dwarf carrying tools over his shoulder who also was observing the death of the slave. He rarely had seen the aged dwarf in the year he had been here, but occasionally would sight him repairing the machinery they operated. Seeing the boy staring at him, the dwarf hastily gathered his supplies and dashed off to his work.


    ¡°Three days.¡± Destin muttered to himself in absolute disgust. He turned away from the dead body, nothing more to see continuing to chip away at the mountain side. This was the reality of his world, slaves were lucky to last three weeks. The slave was lucky his death was so quick. How long could one last before being sent back to the Gods?


    His heart rate rose, a cold sweat breaking across his forehead, blue eyes widening. Destin fought mentally to regain control once more. His legs shook uncontrollably feeling as if they were melting beneath him. ¡°Just one more.¡± He reminded himself still short of breath. ¡°One more day! Keep on fighting.¡±


    The death toll the camp witnessed on a daily basis haunted him to his core feeling as if it was an omen to his own limited time in this hell. One day soon it would be his last, and without warning, he too would breathe his last breath before being swallowed up into the ground never again to be remembered.


    Wiping the sweat off his brow he ran his hand through his hair pulling it slightly. He needed to keep working, needed to have no attention brought to him. Survive. He began to calm himself swinging another hit against the mountainside the ping ringing around him. A deep breath finally filled his lungs, returning to normal. Still his hands profusely shook but it was enough to effectively keep working.


    ¡°Another day.¡± Destin told himself. ¡°Three hundred and seventy days conquered. Just one more.¡± Always reassuring and striving to keep his morale high. Seeing what he had survived fueled his fight to keep going. The outside world seemed like only a dream at this point, but a dream which would soon be realized.


    ¡°Area experiences rain storms two to four times a week, overcast otherwise,¡± he whispered to himself as he swung the pick axe, chipping away at the ore before him. ¡°Five orcs guarding us while we work.¡± Another swing rang with a loud clang. ¡°No more than two hundred orcs in this camp.¡± He pulled his blonde hair back from his sweaty face, his entire body covered in the black dust from the mountain.


    Continuing to pick away in the mine, Destin almost rehearsingly mumbled, ¡°Wall has one guard per hundred yards approximately.Though more lie in the towers overhanging the wall. Main gate met with two towers guarding the entrance.¡± He gazed around spotting the surrounding guards. Speaking out loud helped him to see things more fully, as if he wrote it on paper, which he preferred, but was impossible while being enslaved. ¡°One black gate, only be opened by three levers pulled simultaneously.¡±


    ¡°Silence yourself!¡± A worker aggressively whispered under his breath swing his axe again into the mountain keeping pace with the others. Destin looked over in annoyance which quickly dissipated when he saw the desperation of fear in his eyes, forgiving the man for the sudden outbursts.


    Refusing to be phased by the slave, he continued swinging, ¡°Wall has one guard per hundred yards approximately.Though more lie in the towers overhanging the wall. Main gate met with two towers guarding the entrance.¡± He gazed around, spotting the surrounding guards. Speaking out loud helped him to see things more fully, as if he wrote it on paper, which he preferred but was impossible while enslaved. ¡°One black gate, only be opened by three levers pulled simultaneously each needing the strength of an orc each.¡±


    The dimly lit cavern continued to echo with the clanks of the men picking away at the mountain. Time seemed to stand still with no clear way to track it. Counting the swings of your pick did little and losing yourself to the memories of the outside world almost caused men to go mad. Collecting ore had few pleasures, but if it kept him alive, he would do all he could to ensure his survival.


    The orc marching by stopped turning to face the slave. He stood towering above Destin, though he knew the darkness behind him foreshadowed the pain that was sure to follow. ¡°Quiet croul!¡± he commanded, grabbing Destin forcibly by the neck as he was thrown to the ground in front of the other slaves.


    Croul. Orcs described us using that word meaning vermin beneath the earth. Never human, dwarf, elf, not even a creature. Croul! Never more, far less.


    From the ground he looked up, figuring out quickly who the offender was¡­ Druvairurk. Monstrous, vile, there was a proven reason as to why he was captain over his encampment. Downright heartless. An orcs strength greatly outmatched any humans. Like a mountain to a hill, orcs far outmatched humans in every way, their eyes seeming to glow a golden hue. The skin itself appeared to be rotting away, blackness layered with a moldy scales populating throughout the skin. His countenance instantly revoked any hope for mercy. Towering over anyone, he easily matched the strength of five men. No orc dared to oppose him, and neither did Destin.


    Druvairurk snarled, kicking Destin while he was on the ground as a yell of pain was cut short by the absence of air. He followed up with the crack of his whip across Destin¡¯s back opening a wound on his already scarred back. Pain shot through his entire body as the captain walked away, leaving Destin on the cavern floor.


    He felt the trickle of blood run down his back, the rags he wore more tattered now than ever barely absorbing the stream of blood. He always feared infection, he had watched a number of people die from the cuts they received while being whipped.


    A power sturred inside him rapidly building it''s momentum up the more the pain grew. ¡°Not now!¡± He mumbled to himself attempting to calm himself. He knew if he was discovered as a Highborn his life would be terminated. The manifestation of white light emanating from his eyes would give his magical ability away and he could not allow for such a blunder to happen.


    A deep inhale while he closed his eyes finally allowed for him to gain control and through the pain he fought to stand back up, gripping the pickaxe to begin working again. Channeling the power he sent it into the pickaxe, taking a swing as the mountainside shattered with ease.


    The slave beside him was astonished by the sudden outburst of strength. Destin noticed that he just turned and continued to work, allowing it to pass without so much as a glance.


    Destin knew there was a way to fight this, a way to escape. Though few have tried, those who did were immediately tortured, killed, or ultimately hung on display as a statement. There was a mistake every single escape attempt was making, Destin was sure of it. Though the key was hidden so tightly it appeared next to impossible.


    The notes he took daily, schedules of guards, work loads, meals, anything to help him piece together the puzzle even though he had only been there over a fortnight. Again he went over his notes under his breath, ¡°Five orcs guarding us while we work, unbound.¡± An orc slowly walked behind Destin. You never dared to make eye contact, let alone recognize their presence besides when they shouted an order.


    Being unbound and unchained always loomed over Destin as a warning. Considering it a prison but to not be chained invited attempts at escape. Although no one would dare try, and those who did never made it far.


    The orcs patrolled by Destin slowly, while making sure the ten men kept up the pace. Their sense of smell outmatched even the most well trained hounds. He was sure to keep his distance whenever possible. Still, today he was greatly falling short.


    He looked through the chamber where he stood at the men around him. No one here were criminals, Wrong place, wrong time. That was this entire enslavement. Vertrock, a cursed name if there ever was one. The prison camp ensured to break your spirit with no chance of escape.


    The whip cracked sending the echo across the entire cavern as everyone gathered what they had mined and piled it into the steel minecart. The age of it plainly seen it nearly blackened and dented with the amount of ore gathered through the years.


    Another crack sent chills down Destin¡¯s spine his back still wet with his own blood. The flashbacks scattered in uncontrollable of past experiences. The number of scars across Destin¡¯s back were nearly too numerous to count, still he survived, yet the memories haunted him.


    Once the materials were gathered, each of the three carts were hauled out of the cavern in which they were working and moved near the smelter where the real work would begin. The goal was for the orcs here to generate enough to build the weaponry and armor for their army. Something substantial was just over the horizon, but to accurately predict just what that seemed nearly impossible.


    The group of nearly twelve men gathered together in single file and awaited the command to march back to camp. The orcs walked by each line of men carefully checking each for anything he shouldn¡¯t have kept. Even innocent men at this point would be sweating with the pressure looming over them like the beast waiting to pounce on its prey. Did the orcs need a reason? No.


    Towering over each of the men almost like adults to children one stood over a man staring him down, he had chosen his example for today. The orc let out a calamitous roar as the human looked up screaming helplessly as the orc grabbed him by the neck raising him to the orcs level his golden eyes reading deep into the human¡¯s soul.


    The rest of the human¡¯s including Destin watched ahead, daring to pay no heed to the ghastly event taking place next to them. Unable to breathe, the man gasped for air, the orcs hand closing the slave¡¯s windpipe. A smile cracked through the orcs expression as he squeezed a little harder until a snap was distinctly heard the body then released the thump of the corpse echoed through the cavern.


    ¡°Move.¡± Druvairuk commanded to the group of slaves. Without hesitation they immediately obeyed marching forward, the iron doorway lifting up as the orc pulled the lever revealing a thunderstorm. The violent winds pelted the rain against everyone''s body, they moved forward down the switchbacks to the corresponding tents they would be resting in for the night.


    The mountain rested in the valley which was surrounded by sheer cliffs. Destin gazed at the walls which encaged him hoping to find a way up but the slickness of the canyon walls made it impossible. Even if he could climb, his body in this weakened state could barely work a day let alone climb the entire rockface.This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    The rain soaked Destin¡¯s entire body in an instant, bringing a major sigh of relief when he felt the sting of the wound being slowly cleaned. Clenching his teeth from the pain he felt the black soot of the mountain drip down his body.


    For nearly a month Destin believed he had found a way to break out, to finally be free of this prison. The had calculated it out, but the issue was the number of people it would take in order to bring this plan into a reality. Thinking back to anyone who would possibly last long enough.


    The muddy ground below him almost mocked him being trapped in this place. ¡°Just one more day,¡± he reminded himself under his breath. ¡°One more.¡± Seeing how fast his body was deteriorating he was running out of time. Regardless of his situation, he would need to attempt his escape by the end of the month, or accept the fact that Vertrock would be his final resting place before long.


    The ragged, blackened mountains loomed in the distance like judges over the land. The peaks pierced the skies like a row of thorns, the mist haunting like death. Every day it seemed as though the sun would never show the cloud cover ominously watched for our fates to be revealed.


    Tunnels populated the mountain side with steps carved in leading to the entrances Destin walking out of one of them. Orcs stood guard as the enslaved men exited out, walking back to the tents. A dozen or so tattered men, exhausted from the days work in the mines, returned to their tent escorted by the orcs.


    Rain crashed over the slaves while they marched, the rain stirring up the soil around the mines. Every step Destin took sunk him deeper into the ground, until it was up to the slaves shins. It was going to be a rough night for sleep, he predicted that it would rain til the dawn.


    Refuge from the storm was found in the tents, nearly fifty men would find themselves sleeping in the giant cover. Slaves crowded around together inside the ragged tent hoping to endure the storm. Wind howled as it pierced like a sharp blade chilling down to the soul. Water seeped through the cloth floor from the mud.


    A squad of orcs escorted everyone in until the final man entered, the orcs left without so much of a word spoken. The door flaps were swiftly tied together hoping to ensure as little wind as possible would enter. Finally the orcs were gone, and they had some sense of freedom reestablished.


    Fire pits populated around the entire tent the vents stretching past the roof to keep the smoke out. The task of getting the fires going was one that the men generally did joyously. Destin would sit back and watch the excitement which possessed the men as they went to work to warm up.


    ¡°Blast these sackcloths over us they deem worthy of shelter!¡± A worn out slave belted out to his fellow men. ¡°The orcs do just enough to keep us alive!¡± He threw his hands up after overturning a fire pit.


    He was right. Everyone knew the facts, most of the shelters barely were fit for livestock, let alone humans. The foodwas enough to convince a man to end his life early on top of the long work days. Still, the men did their best with what was given.


    The men tried to quickly quiet him down hoping not to bring any attention to the tent. Even with the rain cover the heightened noise had a possibility to have unwanted visitors return. It had happened in the past and those at fault were taken away never to be seen again Destin recalled.


    Sitting on a stump Destin looked around the tent at the flurry of men working around the fire pits and gathering the food. He checked his wound one final time noticing the bleeding completely stopped bringing much needed relief. Now he needed to ensure the kept it out of the mud tonight.


    The fires begun to start around the tent except for two. The dwarf from earlier in the day was hoping to get anything, even smoke, but was without any success. The attempt to make a fire through the damp wood seemed almost futile, the dwarf worked tirelessly striving for the fire to be made. Defeated, the dwarf slammed his hands down in complete rage, ¡°Blast these logs to the inferno! Even a dwarf can¡¯t get a soaked log to light!¡±


    The dwarf quickly stood up, ¡°You try then ya yager! See if you have any luck!¡± He pointed aggressively at the slave and stormed off muttering curses under his breath.


    The man stood in his place for a moment dumbfounded, then to hide the embarrassment pushed his fellow slaves away from himself attempting to gain back any honor he previously possessed before also storming off to find another firepit.


    Destin cracked a smile laughing to himself from what he witnessed and walked over to the pile of logs once the men left to find another already lit fire pit. He checked around for any attention from the others that may be coming his way as he stacked the logs around uniformly. Placing his hand in the middle of the stack, he focused on it intently until the smoke began to rise. He brought his hand away as sparks shot out, instantly igniting the logs. Again, he glanced around making sure no one witnessed anything other than that the fire was warming the room. He admired his work a moment before finding his seat on a stump.


    The dwarf walked over, incredibly dumbfounded by the spectacle of the newfound heat emanating from the center of the tent. He walked over to Destin who was in the process of pulling up a stump to sit by the fire. The dwarf crouched down, looking over at Destin, ¡°I don¡¯t understand boy, there has never been a fire I couldn¡¯t start til this day, yet you seem to get it in the first go?¡±


    The worn out slave sat on a stump, letting out a defeated sigh as he begun to wipe the blackened mud off his face, ¡°You warmed it up for me. Guess you just needed a few more seconds at it!¡±


    Reading the dwarfs face he knew he didn¡¯t buy that story for a second, the wood was soaked to the core, yet somehow Destin managed to create a roaring fire. Still, the dwarf didn¡¯t question it vocally in the slightest which caught Destin off guard. The dwarf rung out his red graying beard of the moisture, the water soaked the ground further.


    With men seeing another fire was ignited they hurriedly gathered around to experience the warmth, the quiet chatter amongst one another blanketed the entire tent. The tension slowly released from the tent as the slaves gained back their humanity from the new found warmth.


    The dwarf turned to the boy as he stoked the fire to keeping it alive. ¡°Thank you for doing that. It was no easy task.¡±The dwarf subtly smiled through his aging beard, ¡°You¡¯re from New Haven, eh boy?¡± Recognizing the subtle shock from Destin, he continued talking regardless while placing another piece of wood on top the fire. ¡°Your accent. Obviously the east coast to the trained ear. The dwarf moved closer to the fire to help himself dry off from the rain. ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡±


    ¡°Destin, and yeah I am from New Haven area, born and raised.¡± He slicked his unkempt, dirt filled, blonde hair away from his face. He gazed into the fire, almost finding solace, ¡°We had storms there that made Vertrock weather look like nothing!¡± Destin¡¯s excitement grew as he grabbed coal from the mud, ¡°You know you could hold this coal to the sky and not be able to tell the difference from the clouds they were so dark!¡±


    ¡°That is, if you were able to look up during the pounding of the rain!¡± The dwarf jested in his rich bass tone of his voice. ¡°I do miss that coast! Downright stunning t¡¯was, especially the stars and the stories they told. I sailed as a merchant nearly fifty years back, New Haven was a common port for us.¡±


    Destin nodded recollecting the hundreds of ships he would see pouring in daily. Whether it was fishing boat, or master trade ships looking to exchange their good, it was always a spectacle to behold. These were the times he could last remember truly being happy almost caused him to choke up a little. ¡°The stunning part was the cliffside on the coast. Overlooking the ocean and city below with the two moons illuminating the night sky.¡± He quietly laughed to himself while reminiscing, though changed the subject to try not to dwell on it too much. ¡°So sir, you have yet to tell me your name.¡±


    Somewhat perplexed, the dwarf plainly responded, ¡°No man has called me sir in a long time¡­¡± He sighed, ¡°A long time. The respect shown to my kind has all but vanished, so I thank you for showing me this kindness.¡± The dwarf glanced around the room, checking his surroundings out of habit, ¡°The name is Goddar. You seem fairly new here, Destin?¡±


    Destin lowered his voice to not be heard from the surrounding men, Goddar leaning in to better hear, ¡°Well, new to this tent. I¡¯ve been in slavery for nearly a year now. Practically second nature!¡± Destin sarcastically joked.


    For Destin sarcasm was one of the few ways he could cope. Although there was little peace to be had in enslavement, the occasional joke appeared to add some light. ¡°How long have you been here Goddar? I will admit I¡¯ve seen you wandering around the mines for the past while including today.¡±


    ¡°Ah correct, you will see me alot like that.¡± His voice quieted, ¡°Well let''s see we have entered the eleventh month of this year and that would mark just short of twenty-two years, so in short, your lifespan! Which is why I have no problem calling you boy!¡± He snarked. He rubbed his hands near the fire, ¡°How have you survived so long?! Seriously, you know how it is around here. I¡¯ve never met another longer than a month!¡± he said in bewilderment.


    Destin leaned back too in amazement. Never thought someone would spent over twenty years of their life in the place and live to tell the tale. That seemed practically impossible. How would that affect someone? How could he still be sociable and not completely mad from dwelling in this place for two decades?


    ¡°How?¡± Was all Destin managed to have escape from his lips.


    ¡°My work is important to the orcs. Making sure the machinery is working up to their standards. Which, mind you, is rather low. Few people know the workings of dwarven mechanics.¡± Goddar informed matter of factly. ¡°But surely Destin, you had bigger dreams than just being enslaved your entire life.¡±


    ¡°Not wrong.¡± Destin answered. You could hear the sadness in his voice with the realization of his predicament weighing in.


    ¡°You¡¯re still young lad, I apologize you have started your life in such a struggle!¡±


    Destin seemed to shrug the compliment off slightly, ¡°Every day. Every single day, they attempt to break your soul. Humans, dwarfs, elves, good people drop dead daily, so much so that we are practically used to it. They¡¯ve tried to break me, and I¡¯ve got the scars to prove it.¡±


    ¡°But you resisted. You held strong. I grew up in these mines. The caverns know me better than I know them, and though I¡¯ve been captive in these walls for twenty years, there¡¯s still a sense of home.¡± Goddar lost focus on Destin for a moment, remembering the past. A sad smile broke through as he realized it''s all changed. ¡°Wish you could have seen this mine and city in its prime lad! The feasts in the grand hall were never forgotten!¡±


    ¡°I can only image Goddar. Now that would be something amazing to witness.¡±


    He looked over at Destin for a moment, ¡°The city is all but destroyed now by the orcs when they captured it¡­ my father was lost in the battle, and I captured and forced to convert this majestic mountain into a prison camp¡­¡± He whispered as to not allow the others around to hear.


    It made sense the secrecy Goddar kept locked away, yet his knowledge and whereabouts of the area was critical and Destin could see that. He was starting to brew ideas. Goddar obviously was a vital resource with potential in finding a way to escape. A feeling of hope serged through Destin as if to electrify his body. He still needed to tread carefully seeing as this was still someone who was practically a stranger, but the dwarf was unique.


    Still, not knowing much about the dwarf made it rather difficult to accurately judge his character. Trapped for twenty years, even if it was the home you were raised in, being in captivity for so long would take its toll. He was difficult to read.


    ¡°Why are you telling me this though?¡± Destin questioned. ¡°I mean, you barely even know me as is.¡±


    Goddar threw his hands in the air, ¡°Honestly, people like us are so few and far between, I figured my story would live on better if said to someone who has proven their survival here compared to the regular slave. You¡¯re different lad, I¡¯ll give ya that. You still have a high spirit, which in this camp, is rather rare.¡± He noted.


    Compliments were never something Destin felt he could take well, so he quickly altered the topic, ¡°Thank you, but also, anything you want to know of the outside world? I¡¯m sure a great deal has changed.¡±


    ¡°True, it has indeed. Yet I find the stories these fellow men provide to be rather accurate and up to date.¡± Which was correct. Destin had been away from the world far longer than these men, and even if he could tell Goddar any news it would be year or older.


    A slave by the fire chimed in to the conversation, ¡°You¡¯re telling me! The High King of Arthemis just had a great battle outside of The Reeves against King Airrick of Stormforth not more than a week ago.¡±


    ¡°The civil war is still going on?¡± Destin said, ¡°Anyone close to a victory yet?¡±


    The man chuckled slightly, ¡°Eh, not really. As you know it''s been nearly a fifteen year war by this point. Absolute madness!¡±


    ¡°What ever happened to the General who was killed over a year ago?¡± Destin inquired.


    ¡°That was a mess. The High King declared that he was a traitor to the crown. His generals were the ones who discovered his treachery and slayed him on the spot.¡± He answered.


    ¡°No not on the spot! You have it all wrong, it was his fellow generals that did it! They found the note to King Airrick revealing the truth!¡±


    Soon the conversation was erupting from amongst the men, ¡°Ha! You¡¯re a fool if you believe that!¡±


    Another slave continued the conversation, ¡°Betray the High King? Madness! You¡¯d be a fool, and that general got what was coming to him! Though you heard his son escaped eh? May the Gods deliver the same fate for such treachery!¡±


    The argument broke out between the men around the fire seeing that some were Stormforth and others for Arthemis. Destin sat with his head down staring at the mud lost in his mind.Traitor. His father¡­ a traitor¡­ In no way was that the case, but at this point there was no point to correct it. A note? No. It was Destin¡¯s fault entirely when he was discovered using his ability¡­ Still, the High King declared it, seeming to cover up the truth of it. Yet, his father would forever be remembered as that traitor of the realm. His heart uncontrollably ached, his father who protected and hid the secret that Destin was a Highborn, his name forever scathed.


    Goddar hit Destin lightly on the arm getting him out of the trance, ¡°This is also why I don''t ask. The useless talk of politics always creeps through.¡± He bellowed a laugh standing up as he was preparing to leave. ¡°You¡¯ve survived far longer than anyone previous lad. Fight on! Your life¡¯s path does not keep you locked in here forever.¡±


    Destin nodded at Goddar wiping the single tear away from his left eye. He continued to sit, still silent not replying to the dwarfs comments. He attempted to shake the news of his father from his mind, but to no avail.


    Goddar grabbed the boy''s attention one final time before departing, ¡°We sometimes do our best to watch out for one another. Keep that in mind, Destin. You¡¯d be amazed who you¡¯ll find reaching out!¡± Goddar walked away as another slave sat next to Destin, stretching his hands out to begin to thaw away the bitter cold.


    He sat there the rest of the night alone surrounded by company. Destin failed to communicate, failed to eat, failed to remove the memories weighing his heart. It was his fault his father died, and he would never forgive himself for that. The storm continued on, and he knew what he needed to do that night.

 Chapter 2

    The orc horn sounded throughout the entire camp as a sudden hush fell over. The fires died down to only embers, everyone welcoming the much needed sleep. The only noise being the patter of the rain breaking against the mountain side and the slushing the muck made while the orcs marched by on patrol. Instantaneously, the slaves were out cold quicker than the lightning that struck around them.


    All except for Destin, he laid on his side awake and alert waiting for the opportune moment to move out. The noise of the mud allowed him to be able to judge the distance and direction of the orcs much easier. The ground of the tent was soaked from the outside world seeping in, the waterproofing long past being effective.


    Once the faintness of the steps dissipated Destin crept through to the outside world through a hole in the side of the tent, moving like a thief through the palace maneuvering directly to his location. Checking corners carefully he hoped there was no lightning that would strike seeing as it would reveal his location far easier. He counted himself lucky realizing his scent was hidden due to the rain, but the footsteps were that much harder to pick up on.


    Against the mountain side the orcs rarely marched near, especially in the night he recalled sliding across hugging as close as he could to the wall. The rain would hide any noises that may echo throughout the cavern. Once Destin made it to the cliffside he follow closely feeling the rigid rock until the crevice revealed itself, barely noticeable to the untrained eye allowed for Destin to hide from the dangers surrounding.


    The rain no longer pelted him entering the cavern. A sigh of relief left him seeing he was safe from being spotted from any orcs. The most difficult part was over, he twisted his shirt to release any trapped water while running his hand through his hair looking around.


    As Destin walked deeper into the cavern running his hand on the rigid wall for guidance. He was enthralled in darkness. Raising his hand he pointed a finger pointed in the air focusing his mind as the power rose inside him before manifesting as a small white orb. He smiled at the accomplishment always admiring the beauty of magic.


    He continued, uniformly moved his hands the orb still hovering in the space in which it was created in exhausted itself and vanished. His hand hovered over one another while he strictly maintained his focus. An orb of light grew slowly at the center lighting the entire room, and once it sustained itself he thrusted his hands outward. The orb instantly divided into five separate orbs illuminating the entire space.


    ¡°Much better.¡± Destin mumbled to himself. He stepped over to the wall and took a seat as a sigh of exhaustion left him. He sat for a moment with his head back still haunted by the events of the day, the death and madness he had witnessed. The dwarf was the saving grace of the days events by far, which allowed him to force out the negative of the day.


    He was growing weaker, Destin noticed. Far weaker than he was realizing, it had been a month since the last time he used his Highborn powers in this very cavern and the initial magic had already drained him to the point of shortness of breath. He wouldn¡¯t be able to do any magic soon with how the days had been, which caused a great fear to enter him.


    When his muscles regained strength he carefully stood up to ensure his body really had. He took his gold ring which was chained around his neck, looking at it, almost as if to study it. The scratches and worness showed it''s years plainly. It was his father''s ring.


    Placing it in his palm he focused on it as it began to rise, hovering in the air. Destin¡¯s eyes began to glow a pale light, the ring equally illuminating the entire room around them with the orbs. Sweat began to form on his brow as the strain became nearly unbearable, he ignored it, forcing his way through the pain.


    The ring hovered away from Destin a number of feet as a ghostly finger began to form into a hand following until it formed an arm. Veins appeared fluctuating light as if a heartbeat was being created each beat causing a small dash of light. A ghostly skin enclosed around the skeleton the figure finding life.


    The strain on Destin caused blood to flow from his reopened wound, but the apparition was near completion, the full body was forming with damaged armor plating the male, the star lit hair flowed past the man''s shoulders and rested properly. His battleworn face relaxed, the pale eyes opening looking directly at Destin. His countenance showed disappointment as he answered, ¡°Son.¡±


    Destin released the connection of the magic from his body, collapsing to the ground, his back hitting the rocky wall with a thud. The pain shook his entire body from the wound on his back. He looked up at his father still exhausted, ¡°Father, I¡¯m sorry!¡±


    The sternness of his stare filled Destin with insurmountable guilt. He instantly recognized it was the last thing his father wished, yet against it all he went through with it anyway. What else could Destin do? He needed something, anything to help him piece together the escape from Vertrock.


    Only a spirit, his metal boots clicked on the rocky floor as he moved closer to Destin. He rested his hand on his son¡¯s shoulder helping him to the ground as they both sat against the wall. ¡°Never again. Yet here we are, after direct orders.¡±


    The harshness of those words seemed to pierce Destin¡¯s to the core, ¡®Sir! Understand I never had the intention of summoning you at this time!¡± He said in defense of justifying his actions. ¡°I needed help¡­¡±


    ¡°Silence!¡± He interrupted raising his voice. Destin¡¯s father was a general wholeheartedly. The military life took over his entire existence changing who he was. For Destin it meant at times not having a father. Nothing seemed to be able to shake his military set mind, still Destin noticed his father caught himself, his face turned apologetic though he never did admit it. ¡°The price is too high for this while your strength is down in Vertrock. It''s got you drained beyond the ability to move currently.¡±


    ¡°And no one knows that better than me; this was my choice!¡± Destin argued.


    ¡°On top of that, if you were ever discovered, especially in this camp, your life would be lost forever!¡± He paused only for a second, ¡°Think about that! You¡¯re the only known Highborn. How?! You are a lost piece of history Destin. When we discovered that gift we didn¡¯t know what it even was!¡± His father calmed down for a moment before continuing, ¡°All I am saying is magic had been all but extinct for who knows how long. No human even knows magic exists in this very world!¡±


    Destin rose from the ground, strength regained, and faced his father, ¡°We have ten minutes together, maybe less. Stop wasting time on the things I already know and help find a way out!¡± He ordered.


    His father showed no sign of offense, only stood to be on the same level as his son. ¡°You are in one of the most heavily fortified slave camps in the entire world, and you are considering escaping.¡± Almost calm, the words still felt their sting. ¡°Even a master Highborn would be lost if ever trying to escape.¡±If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Not allowing for any kind of walk around with this talk, Destin objected, ¡°Stop. You know! I know you know! You have faced greater odds, stronger opposition, and somehow you walked out on top.¡±


    He gazed down at his hands and the pulsating light from inside him, ¡°I¡¯m dead before my time Destin. What does that tell you? You do all you can, calculating the percisness, executing flawlessly, and in the end it isn¡¯t enough.¡±


    ¡°What that tells me is you died defending me, protecting me and I was helpless in being able to save you!¡± The tears flowed down Destin¡¯s eyes. ¡°You have no idea the weight that guilt has even begun to put on me.¡±


    ¡°What will you do? It''s over, Done! You¡¯re dwelling on it as if it is happening right now before you. Move on. You¡¯re helpless then, you¡¯re helpless now as long as you keep tying yourself to your past!¡± He paced away from Destin, ¡°You want to figure out how to escape? You never will with how you tie yourself down. You defeat yourself before the battle has begun.¡±


    Before Destin could begin to respond the ring around his neck began to rise white light emitting again. His father held out his hand, gazing at it while it disappeared back into the ring. In his final moments he faced his son, ¡°Discover that potential.¡± His entire body was about vanished his final words advised, ¡°You are your greatest enemy.¡±


    Destin rested his hand against the wall for support while he tried to recover from the emotions he felt. Wiping his eyes, he slowly gained back his footing. His father was correct in every way. In this moment, he would never be able to escape. The tears ceased from falling, and standing up he decided it was best to return to the tent before being discovered.


    The orbs floating in the room were about to be recalled when he realized that someone was standing in the entrance. Destin froze in his place striving to read who was with him but to no avail.


    Someone was slowly stepping towards him in the dark finding his way to the light. ¡°Oye the amount of drinks I would need to properly comprehend this!¡± Goddar stumbled into the chamber. ¡°Boy, you¡¯re¡­ a¡­ High Born?¡±


    ¡°You¡­ uh, know what that is?¡± Destin wondered. ¡°How?¡±


    ¡°You know our life spans are almost quadruple yours boy! Magic has been long gone, but the stories remain, though more of a legend or bedtime story really.¡± Goddar explained. ¡°I didn¡¯t think much of it honestly, it was an afterthought. I mean, afterall magic? There was no way!¡±


    ¡°Well¡­¡± Destin attempted to articulate the correct words for this situation, ¡°...This might be exactly what it looks like¡­ But out of curiosity, what does it look like?¡±


    Goddar gained his balance back and began to walk towards Destin, ¡°I just said, you¡¯re one of the lost Highborn!¡± He let out in a cheerlike manner, ¡°In all my years never have I witnessed such a marvel. All the lands, all the people, none have been able to do what you do! I thought I¡¯d never see a day where magic returned!¡±


    ¡°Returned?¡± Destin said confusingly. ¡°It never left.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be smart with me boy!¡± Goddar demanded with a deadly glare, ¡°You know what I mean.¡±


    Not quite knowing how to respond to the situation, he could only guess if he needed to be on guard or relaxed. Destin felt loss due to Goddar not knowing if he wanted to turn in Destin to the orcs for his freedom or hug the boy for showing him magic wasn¡¯t lost.


    Goddar broke Destin¡¯s thought process, ¡°By the way, you¡¯re an easy follow! You think you¡¯re clever with your stealth? I heard every footstep and that wasn¡¯t cause I was closer to the ground!¡±


    ¡°I needed to get out, I don¡¯t know how much you heard of that conversation but I needed to talk to my father.¡± Destin said. He figured at this point he should come clean and explain everything. Worse comes to worse he''s dead anyway if turned in.


    ¡°That armor, caught a glimpse of it, looked to be apart of the Royal Army of Arthemis.¡± He connected the dots rather quickly, ¡°Which was why you questioned the news of the general tonight¡­ it was your father¡­¡±


    Destin sat down realizing this was going to take a second to explain, and they had nothing but time, ¡°Yes. When he was killed, he gave me the chance to escape from the soldiers and camp. We were stationed just outside of Galemourne so I fled to Eden¡¯s gulf while they hunted me until I smuggled onto a ship and came to Perdition. I was betrayed by the captain being traded to the orcs.¡±


    ¡°Which brought you here. The Royal Army still looking for you?¡±


    ¡°Ha, doubt it honestly. Vertrock is something even the High King wants to stay away from. In no way would anyone want to oppose a army of orcs. I can only imagine they¡¯ve given up by now.¡± Destin concluded imagining where the generals were now, he almost vowed to kill every last one for what they did to his father, but it was a lost effort at this point.


    ¡°Aye, you¡¯d be right about that lad.¡± Goddar replied, ¡°Now I will admit, I did see your magic trick tonight at the fire! The spark in your hand that ignited the wood. Why did you do it!? Did you think people would just not see?¡±


    ¡°People won¡¯t see what they already believe isn¡¯t there.¡± Destin nonchalauntly replied sensing the change of energy in the room.


    ¡°True, still you don¡¯t risk being discovered by orcs in a prison camp just to light a fire. A small necessity for a day is not worth a lifetime of unimaginable pain.¡± Goddar informed.


    Destin knew Goddar was correct.


    ¡°You can trust me lad no doubt about that, but next to everyone else would turn you in for their gain!¡± He walked closer to Destin lowering his voice, ¡°Now I will say this, we both will escape this hell hole, leave it to me lad, you¡¯ll see the blue skies of the homeland again soon! I promised ye that didn¡¯t I!¡±


    Destin knew the dwarf was right, though the faith in the slaves around the camp seemed to be of little encouragement. Yet initially he felt Goddar¡¯s intentions were pure and strategically thought out, the odds of someone being able to pull off such a feat was slim. A slave was brutally murdered today, yet everyone thought it to be just another day. They had grown numb to the horrors the orcs placed them in. Death was almost welcomed, a blessing!


    Goddar carried on the conversation, ¡°Kid, understand being here as long as I have has allowed me to discover a few secrets of the caverns things the orcs will never know. I grew up here for a good portion of my life.¡± He reminded, ¡°You know that I be the one to work on the machinery.¡± He paused thinking for a second, and Destin could tell he was debating whether or not to share this information with Destin. ¡°We will escape.¡±


    The phrase impacted Destin like a bombshell. Still, on the outside he dared not show the excitement, ¡°How so?¡± he managed to gulp out.


    Goddar cracked a smile of encouragement, ¡°We are not meant to be here, you and I know this. You have been the missing piece in my plan all along, and seeing as we only have one shot at this, how strong are you Highborn?¡±


    ¡°Difficult to say in all honesty. Mostly due to the labor and rations my overall weakness is low. Summoning my father eons easier a year ago when I first attempted it, but now... I maybe could do it once more.¡± The reality of what just came out of his mouth hit like a ton of stone. Until he escaped he would be unable to communicate with his father again.


    ¡°Could you defend yourself?¡±


    ¡°Not practiced in it but yes, enough to get by as long as it''s not extensive.¡± Destin answered.


    ¡°I¡¯ll tell ya what, you will be my new apprentice. I work on the machinery here since I am the only one who knows it really. Obviously I am not young anymore, and you surviving longer than a week proves a great deal. I will ¡®train¡¯ you as well as share my rations to get your strength up. In one weeks time we will be free men my lad!¡± He suggested.


    So far it sounded promising, the time being he would be able to gather up some strength for the obstacles to come. More and more he was welcoming the challenge seeing this ally was here to guide him across everything safely until they were free on the other side.


    Goddar answered for him, ¡°Look my beardless friend, I am going to help you!¡±


    He honestly contemplated what to think about Goddar, though he seemed trustworthy the sanity of a man enslaved for decades seemed to be reasonably questioned. Regardless in his gut he felt Goddar needed to be trusted and at this point his only chance of freedom would come through this dwarf. Though he has only run into dwarfs a few times in his life he seemed to have moderately favorable experiences with them. At this point he really had nothing to lose.


    Smiling with a newfound hope Destin gladly responded ¡°Goddar, I¡¯m in.¡± For Destin it was the first time in a year he felt a rise of faith while trapped in this camp. There was a great battle ahead but for once not being alone allowed him to feel practically on top of the world. They were going to escape, to be on free ground again, never looking back at Vertrock.


    Goddar was ecstatic about these series of revelations letting out a cheer. Destin was almost worried the shouting would be heard outside even over the storm itself. With the paramount of happiness both felt Destin as well let out an exuberant shout of joy, lifting both arms high in the air.


    ¡°Expect that in three months time, we will be free men my lad! Free men!¡± Goddar reassuringly promised.

 Chapter 3

    The morning fog blanketed the ground like a glimpse into the spirit realm, the eminent sense of danger hung over every slave carefully waiting to attack. Something was dreadfully wrong and Destin could sense it the moment he awoke. Silence, not even the crows watched Vertrock from above, nothing stirred. He jumped from fright once the orc¡¯s horn sounded for all to rise and be at attention.


    He hastily rose up to his feet looking for Goddar hoping to see if this fear was all in his head or if there indeed was something to fear. No luck, the fog caused him to only see a few feet in front of him. The slaves quickly rushed out to stand in their lines at attention before the orcs grew restless like they had in the past. The moisture from the fog made it difficult to tell if the beads of sweat on his forehead was his cold sweat from nervousness or only the weather.


    This morning was different, and he knew it. The horn blew a second time, all the men stood at attention staring straight ahead, not budging an inch. Every morning it was the same routine, though this time the orcs materialized as they crossed the fog. The man next to Destin began breathing harder in nervousness causing Destin¡¯s heart rate to rise dramatically almost pounding through his chest.


    Destin knew he needed to quickly calm himself down to not bring any unnecessary attention to himself. He counted himself lucky. He was in the second row meaning there was a good chance of not being spotted. Still at this point, there was a good chance someone in his sector would be chosen either to be made an example of, or worse¡­ He counted five orcs in all, each carried spears, his heart sank once he realized the tallest one in the middle was¡­


    His eyes widened when he realized it was Druvairuk. Everything was confirmed, the hunch he felt was beyond correct and everything in Destin¡¯s body told him to run. To his amazement he still held his ground but felt his legs slightly shaking in the mud. Closing his eyes for a moment he strived to move that fear to the back of his mind, hide it from the world if for anything a few minutes. Just enough to make it past this event, yet he didn¡¯t know if he would last even that long.


    Hearing the orcs footsteps sink in the mud with every step the sloshing growing closer to Destin he opened his eyes carefully watching from the corners of Druvairuk stepping towards him. He managed to conceal all feelings of fears outside of his mind, camouflaged from even the closest observer.


    Druvairuk continued his pacing down the line of men. They were taught to stand four rows back and seven men across, and all in all there were about ten groups of men if Destin counted right. The captain stopped in his tracks, the tension so thick he was sure he could see it. He stood in front of a straggly man, who hunched over slightly with the mountainous orc towering over him. That was all Druvairuk needed. In an instant the slave collapsed to the ground, the pool of blood mixed with the puddle from the previous storm.


    Destin was stunned, missing the movement of the captain who delivered the blow. The orcs statement was made. Yet he feared this was only the beginning. This was a regular occurrence, it was never at this magnitude. Something was wrong, something was thrown off the balance, and the orcs were on edge. Destin saw all the slaves stood wide eyed seeing their comrade¡¯s corpse lifeless. One of the newer men began to tremor helplessly, looking around for any chance of solitude, but would get no such thing.


    Observing with his eyes, Destin pleaded for him to stop moving, stop giving yourself away like that! He needed to stay in control or it was all over, but it was too late. The orc sensed the terror in the man peered over at the slave three rows over from him.


    Without warning, the silence the man held, broke. He screamed with his whole body in pure terror. The eyes wide staring at death itself, the mouth adamant and open, his tattered face cadaverous accepting him in. Instantly, he broke into a stumbled sprint, parting the men behind him to move faster, though little seemed to help. The commander carnivorously roared, lunging the spear as if it was lighter than a feather between the line of slaves, impaling the human through the chest. Dead.


    Not a word, not a muscle moved, everyone watched forward, completely disregarding what just took place. A drop of rain tapped Destin¡¯s shoulder followed by one on his cheek, it slowly trickled down with the slightest itch though he didn¡¯t even bother to flinch. They didn¡¯t have a choice at this point. All they could do is face what was before them and survive. It felt like it was all up to chance in the end, which never was a comforting feeling.


    Druvairuk snarled turning his back on the men walking away from his kill. Destin ran through his mind the innumerable situations on why the orcs carried such aggression. No orc has ever just killed two humans for no reason in recent memory. What could it be? Every time this happened he could not help but feel utterly helpless.


    For Destin he suddenly had the revelation as to what the anger was. Inspection! His heart jumped up pounding through his chest. He was glad the rain fell and hid his cold sweat. An inspection hasn¡¯t happened for around eight months, though he recalled the last one as if it happened just the day before. The commanders searched and inspected the premise for anything and everything to call to order.


    In the end, the orcs would practically torture a select few from each campsite to ensure no chance of escape was possible or planned from anyone. If selected, you were never seen again.


    Rain began to fall consistently blanketing the entire field dismissing the fog around them. The movement of the orcs became almost impossible to follow. In the distance the five began to move towards the slave standing at attention a group over from Destin. The anticipation of what their fate was almost would drive a man mad. The orc¡¯s armor rang with every tap of the rain on the blackened metal.


    They halted in their tracks looking around at the humans wearily standing in the pouring rain. The orcs breath showed through each breath they took. Studying the human¡¯s closely he would inspect them from head to toe seeming to read exactly what they were thinking. He grabbed a man by the jaw, the man practically collapsing in terror. The orc took his thumb and with his finger nail cut across his forehead, the man trembled in pain, yet still stood his ground.


    Two orcs walked up grabbing the man pulling him away from the group as the man began to shout from his lungs, ¡°Wait! Wait!! No!¡± That was all he could get out before the blow to the head from the first orc silenced him, he was dragged away to be taken to the fortress.


    Destin vaguely remembered the fortress at the front of Vertrock. He entered the front gates when he was brought in. The maze of hallways made it difficult to follow once he exited the great hall. He knew it was built by the orcs from the workmanship, but the orcs had occupied it for so long all traces of that lifetime were almost lost. The towers were what he feared, recalling the screams he heard from the victims being tortured while he passed through.


    No sign of Goddar anywhere, which was promising to Destin. This meant that odds are he was in the back of the pack and was not going to get selected. Veterans had a slim chance of being selected mainly due to the orcs recollected them over the months seeing they were so few. This slightly put his heart at ease for the moment.


    Two more men were dragged away from two more orcs. Being smart they made not a sound, but it wouldn¡¯t make much difference seeing their fate sealed in the fortress. Destin pieced together the clues. Knowing they were going to be questioned. Why? Did someone discover their plan of escape and turn Goddar and him in? It seemed unlikely but what else was there?


    Footsteps slowly grew in sound but Destin paid no attention to it. Hoping, praying they would continue walking on by. Druvairuk stood towering over Destin who only starred past him into the distance. Why did he stop here? Unless, there was a chance¡­ Goddar turned him in! His eyes immediately grew wider beyond his control. He couldn¡¯t trust anyone, but he trusted Goddar, the dwarf who had been here longer than anyone. He hunted for the orcs and would turn the men in, that had to be it. It''s why he wasn¡¯t in formation.


    The tug on his arm caused him to rise into a sudden panic as he was being dragged away from two more orcs who had approached without Destin noticing. Unfathomable shock jolted his body filled with a rage unlike any he had felt before. Fight back would not help, whatever his fate was now was not the time to fight. He would need to strategize this correctly and carefully. Being dragged away, regardless of his fate, he vowed to himself silently, ¡°I am going to kill Goddar!¡±


    Dragged into the fortress Destin was maneuvered around the inner workings until he was brought to a spiral staircase. The onyx stone walls twisted upward, he could only assume that this was the tower he constantly observed from the outside, but of the five towers he was unsure which one specifically he was being led up.


    A long flight of stairs carried him into a wide hallway, doors populating the sides. The orcs held their grips on Destin as the doorway at the end of the halls guarded by two orcs. The doors slammed open which revealed a number of prison cells. Looked as if to be a waiting room for the slaves, he assumed, that was confirmed when a scream echoed in the room above him.


    The orcs opened the cell door, forcing Destin in and swiftly left to return to their posts. Destin had a quick look around hoping by some chance of a way to escape. The interrogation was coming but he was unsure of when. Destin rested his arms resting on the bars contemplating the next few moments of his life as screams echoed from the human being interrogated. He counted only two others in the cells around him, realizing he had less time than previously estimated.


    A harrowing scream rang out again. Destin glanced around the room, trying to discover the source of the scream with how close it seemed to sound. A man across from Destin sat in the corner. ¡°Why? Why are we even here? Not like we know anything.¡± The man demeaningly protested. ¡°Congrats, you made it to your last day. A sentence given to us for merely existing!¡±


    Destin ignored him while he continued to think of the possible means of escape. The chance of picking the locks looked promising but the fact that once he opened the door to be greeted by the orcs guarding it, he would be in trouble. Would his abilities as a Highborn be enough to confront orcs? Difficult to say, especially with not knowing how powerful a fatal blow would need to be, let alone just disarming it.


    The sudden outburst of the scream was suddenly silenced. Whoever was up there, was gone from this world. A blessing really considering this wretched prison encaged them until their final day. Destin wasn¡¯t prepared to be the next person to be questioned. Knowing if worse comes to worse he would retaliate, which he would fight to the death! Whether it be ten orcs or a hundred, he would fight until he received his final blow, ending his life.


    The ground from under Destin shook from beneath him for a moment almost causing him to lose his balance. He held onto the rails until the tremors ceased. He looked over at the other man in the cell, ¡°What was that?¡± He wondered.


    ¡°Earthquake, what else? Think before you ask the obvious questions.¡± The slave said condescendingly.


    In all his time here Destin had never felt any such rumble. There was something peculiar about it but inside these four walls behind the cell, he was unable to investigate it further. The only thing he could assume was it being indeed an earthquake seeing as they were in the center of a mountain range in Perdition.


    The door swung open with three orcs moved into the hallway being lead by Druvairuk walking down to the end where the final three slaves waited. They stopped at the cell doorways and observed the two waiting to be taken. Destin moved to the back wall of the cell he was in giving as much distance possible while Druvairuk decided the next slaves fate. He then signaled to the other two which celled to open as they moved to unlock Destin¡¯s door. It opened and in a moment Destin was dragged out of his cell.


    The blood left his face, he turned paler than a fresh coat of winter snow. Destin tensed up in absolute fear realizing this was his end, his vision becoming disfigured. The screams flooded his mind, imagining all the pain the last subject of the torturer put him through, the pain he was about to embrace. No amount of power possessed could save him from his fate.


    The orcs moved him across the hallway and were about out the door when a man quietly laughed, ¡°Knew it would be you. Nice knowing ya kid!¡± he snarkily acknowledged. Everyone stopped. Druvairuk snarled a vociferous growl seeming to almost rumble the walls themselves. Suddenly the fear of a cowardly slave filled the entire room as the footsteps of a single orc were heard approaching his cell.Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.


    Druvairuk braced the slave¡¯s cell door and with a sudden pull managed to unhinge the cell door with ease. The man let out a final scream, the iron cell door was rushed towards the slave until it collided with him against the wall, pinning him in the corner. The orc grabbed the man¡¯s throat, his screams extinguished before his throat was torn out. Leaving the cell door in its place, the man slowly died. Druvairuk walked past the orcs not speaking a single word as the remainder of the blood dripped from his hand.


    Catching a glimpse of the sun rays peering into the window onto the stone stairs Destin accurately estimated that he was in the east tower of the fortress seeing as it was still morning in Vertrock.


    He closely monitored his surroundings but when he entered the chamber Destin was surprised with how it was laid out. He almost expected a wall of devices used to create extreme pain, tools to open, break, burn, but this was far from the case. All that lied in the middle of the room was a bloody chair, and a table with a few minor tools scattered across. There goblin stood in the middle of the room with a devilish slimy grin across his face, welcoming new prey into the room.


    The orange glow of the creatures eyes stared into Destin¡¯s soul as if to observe exactly what would crack his mind into the madness. It''s gray skin moist to the touch, the goblin gently grabbing Destin¡¯s arm to lead him further into the room. ¡°Leave us!¡± his raucous voice commanded. The orcs immediately turned to leave the room, door closing behind them.


    The fact that goblins were here with the orcs caught Destin off guard the most out of the situation. In the year of his occupancy this was the first time that he was seeing such a creature at this camp. The goblin gestured him with malicious intent to have a seat with a grievous grin which caused the fear to become real for him.


    ¡°Welcome, and have a seat.¡± He gazed over noticing the blood splattered across the chair and floor. ¡°Oh, how impolite of me, here let me cover that for you!¡± He gasped draping a ragged cloth over the chair. ¡°I usually have more time to prepare for my work, but you know people keep waltzing on in unexceptionally!¡± His voice was raspy, cricked, yet smooth moving. He gestured out his clammy hands, his dagger like nails as long as his fingers themselves.


    A scraggly cloth dusted the blood soaked seat Destin was about to sit in. The rag did little to change the cleanliness of the chair, but it was more the gesture behind it. Destin ignored it walking by and sitting on the chair. He wouldn¡¯t dare fight the goblin¡¯s wishes, it would merely make his time worse, sooner. Right now he needed to find a way to stall to hope to solve a way out of this. Studying the room only allowed for more despair. It was a near empty room minus the small table of tools.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯ve heard, but from what I can tell it''s all good things.¡± He then tied down Destin¡¯s hands and feet to the bolted down chair. ¡°Now, you¡¯re not in trouble which is probably why you have that much more of a reason to fear.¡± He raised his fillet knife with it''s long, skinny, rusty blade. ¡°I mean don¡¯t get me wrong, if you know anything, then this will to go quicker, but most of all, this is mainly just fun for me.¡±


    Destin finally decided to chime in, ¡°Then why torture anyone?¡±


    His maniacal laugh sounded through the chamber as he rushed over face to face with Destin, his crooked nose pressing against him. ¡°It has nothing to do with a statement, it has everything to do with me!¡±


    His blade scathed across Destin¡¯s forehead at his hairline, lightly cutting him at first. He squinted from the pain as he felt a slight drop of blood trickle down his face. The goblin observed the tolerance of pain and smiled. ¡°I do feel bad, won¡¯t lie. A young kid, barely in adulthood, whole life ahead of him. I do feel bad. You seem to have such high aspirations and to cut them short gives me a great honor.¡±


    ¡°Glad to oblige.¡± Destin felt to read just how secure the restraints were. If it were chains and a lock that would be one thing though rope presented a new challenge.


    The goblin pulled out a jagged dagger from it''s sheath on his side as he inspected Destin¡¯s full body for weak points and possibilities of hidden items. ¡°Oh, hiding something are we?¡± he snarled moving the knife to the chain around Destin¡¯s neck, it slowly rising revealing his father¡¯s ring.


    Destin¡¯s heartbeat tripled in pace, his blood beginning to boil at an alarming rate, but he couldn¡¯t lose his cool outwardly. This was a mental game all around, and to show any signs of weakness was accepting death. The magic within him bellowed inside, building up beyond his control fighting with all his might to keep it suppressed.


    "Huh, well a good find indeed. I¡¯ll admit I am proud you were able to keep an item like this for so long! I may have underestimated you.¡± The goblin boasted with a croaking laugh under his breath. He rubbed his hands together in anticipation of what fun was to come. ¡°Before I start though, is there any information you wish to divulge? Anything I deem useful will bring your death that much more quickly.¡±


    Nothing particularly came to mind for Destin, even if he did have something he wouldn¡¯t dare share it. He thought he knew Goddar well enough yet the event of today quickly proved otherwise. Yet, at this point it would be tempting to improvise facts to speed things up, but he would never stoop so low as to drag others down with him.


    In that moment Destin realized he didn¡¯t need to drag others down with him. He only needed to stall long enough for the ropes to be cut. If he was correct in his assumption, he would be able to cut each rope slowly and obscurely enough to go unnoticed at which time he could then fight back properly. He needed to time this right, too soon and it would possibly pass as giving out information for the sake of giving it out.


    ¡°Eh, very well. You may have nothing yet, and that is fine. You will!¡± He positioned the knife just under the right shoulder. ¡°How about a game? Should a credible statement arise I will reduce your sentence here by five minutes!¡±


    He began to slowly stab into Destin¡¯s shoulder as he let out a scream in pain. ¡°Now usually most last an hour, some maybe two, though that is rare. Humans are such pathetic beings, I¡¯ll be honest! For claiming such high supremacy over all the land you really are quite weak.¡± He twisted the blade slightly before pulling the blade out. ¡°How about it?¡±


    He looked down at his wound monitoring how serious it was. ¡°Unfortunately, I don¡¯t know anything!¡± Destin needed to act fast though, if he was going for more serious hits then the ability to survive quickly diminished. He focused on the ropes around his wrists and ankles until a small stream of light appeared. It slowly cut into the ropes to not bring awareness to the burning smell. Preciseness was everything and the more time he wasted the less of a chance he had making it to the end of the day.


    He slowly sliced the blade on his upper arm with two crossing cuts. ¡°Now that is unfortunate indeed.¡± Turning around he started to returned to his table to select another tool.


    With his back turned Destin quickly attempted to heal himself enough to stop the bleeding but not enough to make the goblin suspicious. A dim light illuminated around the wound on the shoulder stopping the bleeding. The goblin faced Destin narrowly avoiding the glimpse of magic.


    The creature glided over to his tray of gadgets and knives contemplating which one to use, ¡°Hm, too jagged, too quick to bleed out. Something nice and slow.¡± He schemed picking up a thin blade with a devilish smile, his eyes lighting up with excitement. Looking over at Destin he showed the source of his new pain, ¡°Good enough?¡±


    Hesitant to show any fear or resistance Destin dared not to give any reaction of any kind to anyone. Needing to stall he had to come up with something rather quick, any kind of information that was believable to continue questioning. At the same time too quick to divulge information had an opportunity of being suspicious Destin believed.


    ¡°Honestly the knife can work wonders with my subjects. If it does for whatever reason prove ineffective though we can always change it to breaking some bones.¡± He cackled lifting a hammer into the air, ¡°Let''s start with a lost finger and see where that gets us.¡±


    This sick minded freak was downright serious. Destin decided to quickly object, ¡°Wait, wait! You promise a quicker death if I talk correct?!¡± he was beginning to look fearful, anything to believe he had some information. Even with the bands of the rope continuing to be cut he still didn¡¯t like the idea of more pain especially broken bones. ¡°I have information, just please no more!¡±


    The goblin perked up rather giddy sliding over to Destin his hands resting on the boys shoulders. ¡°Make it quick then. Longer you take, the longer the inevitable.¡±


    He knew that was true. Half of the band was sliced, just a little longer. ¡°Goddar, the dwarf who has been here for decades. Plans an escape in the following month. Him and five other men.¡± He added the random men in hoping the numbers would help the call for more detail. ¡°He has found a weakness in this fortress and will exploit it with the explosives to escape.¡±


    ¡°A dwarf?¡± He stepped back in disbelief a confused look flooding his face. ¡°You really have a fool faith in that race if you believe they can do such a thing. Furthermore, no one has nor ever will escape Vertrock.¡±


    Little longer, few more seconds needed. ¡°He grew up in these mines before the orcs captured it. You really think he doesn¡¯t know the in and outs of the place?¡± Destin debated. It was working for the moment, it was odd how to witness the goblin was reacting to the knowledge of Goddar, Destin figured he knew he was already the mole of the camp, but possibly not.


    ¡°You lie croul!¡± He challenged his face becoming sharp with anger, ¡°There is no way a single dwarf could thwart the entire prison of Vertrock!¡±


    Destin smiled confidently realizing the bands of rope were almost cleanly cut, ¡°Then why are you showing doubt in your eyes.¡± The goblin took a step back, eyes widened at the accusation, ¡°You will never harm another here!¡± Pausing a second the final strands being sliced cleanly through, ¡°You will never harm another life ever!¡±


    The bands split, Destin stood tall with his eyes emitting white with pure energy. The goblin¡¯s feet were picked up from under him while he tried to find his footing again. Destin rose his hand higher into the air, the goblin continuing to rise. ¡°What is this!¡± He exclaimed in shock.


    The goblin was thrown back against the wall with Destin thrusting his hand forward the force knocking the wind out of the vile creature. He stepped closer to the pinned goblin, ¡°Vertrock will fall, and you along with the other vile excuse for creatures will never see the light of day again!¡±


    Destin raised his hand as an orb of light encased the knife that was going to be used on him instead hovered over to them resting over the Goblin¡¯s heart. He watch glaring at the goblin in full control of its final moments, ¡°I am a High Borne, one of the last in this world, and I will not be silenced by something as insignificant as a goblin. You have taken your last life.¡±


    The goblin was petrified, Destin assumed in his lifetime he had never seen a High Borne to his knowledge, let alone even assumed magic was real. Still, in its final moments he cracked a smile and looking Destin in the eyes spat in his face, ¡°You may be a High Borne but you will nev¡­¡± Instantly he was cut off, the knife penetrated his heart. His head drooped over as he collapsed on the ground.


    Destin followed in exhaustion for the exertion he displayed. He had done it. He was free from the likes of that creature, but the battle ahead was far more dangerous. Goddar did state he was horrendously terrible with his stealth but at this point it would need to be his main ally.


    He continued to heal his body without draining too much energy. Destin took the time to blockade the door best he could with the table. He armed himself with the best suited dagger he could find. The light flowed through his body as each cut and finger nail grew back into its proper state. ¡°What to do? What to do?¡± He gazed around the room observing all possible outcomes spotting a window.


    He rushed over to the window looking out only to observe no perch to even climb on. He was far above any roof, and hundreds of feet up in the air. Any jump would certainly be his last. His mouth dropped when he looked at the mountain. ¡°What the?¡± he spurted out seeing the mountainside crumbed the mine entrances destroyed and smoking, forever covered by large boulders. Was that the earthquake he felt?


    He down into the field where the tent were seeing hundreds upon hundreds of men rushing and fleeing for their lives. What type of calamity had he missed while in the fortress? Orcs hunted each man slicing through them with their swords. An bloody massacre.


    A sudden explosion sounded from the other side of the doorway. Unsure what the cause was he prepared himself for the worse drawing his knife out. He closed his eyes, beginning to breathe slowly and rhythmically. The only scenario that seemed practical enough for survival at this point was fighting the orcs out of the fortress. He would need to open the double doors in front of him, and face whatever caused the explosion. He opened his eyes the light revealing his source of power, raising his hand in the air, multiple knives began to gleam with a white light surrounding them as they rose into the air above Destin.


    He had to watch himself with the strain magic carried. A budge on the door was heard and when it didn¡¯t immediately open a more aggressive hit followed. Anticipating the breaching of the door he braced himself for the worst. Assuming three or four orcs max. The door again was slammed, then again as the table slid slightly cracking under the pressure. Suddenly a distinct knock was heard at the door. Destin was completely caught off guard by the unexpected gesture.


    A budge on the door was heard, when it didn¡¯t immediately open a more aggressive hit followed. An inhumain scream rang out and was instantly silenced. A few moments passed untila distinct knock was heard at the door. Destin was perplexed by the unexpected gesture. He continued to hold his ground waiting.


    The door discentigrated instantly as dust created a cloud in the doorway. Destin thrusted his hand forward as a knife flew into the dust from his command. ¡°Wait!¡± a familiar voice pleaded.


    Immediately his voice was recognized, Destin pulled back the knives, collapsing them to the ground and returning to normal. The dust dissipated as Goddar stood trembling the hilt of his hammer receiving the blow of the knife fully penetrating almost taking out his eye on the other side. He opened one eye observing the blade next to his face. ¡°Oye, Gods be praised that you are a weak lil¡¯ Highborn! You can¡¯t even properly kill me!¡±


    Destin couldn¡¯t believe his eyes seeing Goddar standing there though he had seen better days from the looks of it. He felt as though Goddar was apart of a great battle, seeing how bruised and battered he was, the clear number of cuts populating his skin. ¡°What happened to you?¡±


    ¡°In short?¡± He stepped behind the doorway and reaching to the side pulled around the slain orc. ¡°It was hard fought, but a promise is a promise and I¡¯m here!¡± Goddar looked to his right to see the goblin face down on the ground, ¡°Though I¡¯ll admit lad, it looks like you don¡¯t even need me to help you escape.¡± He let out a hearty laugh.


    ¡°You¡¯re serious?¡±


    Destin could tell Goddar was annoyed that he questioned him, ¡°Yes! I¡¯d rather not say how many may be dead or dying but that''s not the point. We¡¯ve got a front gate to open and we don''t have much time to be sitting pretty!¡±


    Destin was ashamed at the assumption he had of not trusting Goddar from the moment he was dragged away. He firmly gripped the dagger in his hand with the anger encircling him. In the end, he slowly cracked a smile with a quiet laugh while he lifted his head to look at the dwarf, ¡°But why did you come out of your way to save me Goddar? You had a much better chance of survival without risking to save me.¡±


    ¡°Lad, you don¡¯t get it. A promise is a promise and I¡¯d be damned by the Gods themselves if I didn¡¯t keep my part. You have a destiny much larger than any prison camp can provide and it''s time for you to prove it!¡±

 Chapter 4

    Standing in formation around his fellow men the dwarf watched powerless as his friend, Destin was dragged away by a number of orcs to be taken to the tower. As Goddar knew, at most, his friend would have until the end of day to live, and that was a generous estimate. He clenched his fists as a new found anger swelled through his entire body.


    The dwarf¡¯s plan of escape was going to take a while and multiple people to prepare accurately and he vigorously questioned if he would be able to pull it off single handedly. Knowing magic was real, and seeing possibly one of the last Highborn in the land being taken to the slaughter, he needed to act.


    Knowing the reason for the orcs aggression was due to the inspection. He realized it was a matter of time before they were taken into the mines and back to working, which was exactly where he needed to be to get things in motion. Once the men were taken away to the fortress, the orcs marched the men into the mines to begin their days work. In this rare instance, Goddar was eager to get to work.


    The flashback continuously replayed through his head almost nonstop. An hour had past and in no way was time on his side. Rushing as quick as he could under the watch of the orcs, he moved to the control panel of the machinery in the mines, this one particularly was for the smelters. He reflected on the years he spent rigging it for this very moment, he was going to destroy everything his people had built.


    The dwarf strenuously pulled the levers while pressing the correct buttons to get the plan in motion. After this he would need to go to the main control panel to finalize the mechanics needed for the catastrophic explosion he was about to create. He double and triple checked his work ensuring everything was precise seeing as now was no time for error.


    ¡°Don¡¯t fail me now.¡± He whispered looking up at the molten ore moving down the line to the smelter. The gargantuan cylinders carried the already molten ore, Goddar couldn¡¯t help but recall when his father first showed him this as a child all those years ago. He said one final goodbye resting his hand on the control panel before rushing off to the main control panel.


    The crossed through forgotten paths of the mines that even the orcs only knew little about. He ran past the forgotten statues and workmanship of his people almost feeling as those people, those family members were running beside him.


    He walked up to the main control panel behind the main cavern where the slaves resided. He looked at the machery as the gears and belts worked effortlessly to refine the ore. The entire cavern was filled with machinery of all kinds each meticulously working it''s job to perfection. One of a kind, and Goddar was about to destroy it all.


    He began the final sequence to instate the overload. He checked his back hoping his malicious attempts of sabotaging the entire mine would go undisturbed. ¡°You¡¯ve been faithful to me for years! Now just be faithful enough to let me kill you!¡± He paused a moment realizing the phrase he had just said, still he rested his hand against the machine in solemn memory of the work she had done for the generations. Goddar was trained on every machine by his own father, and this was his moment to say goodbye. He gazed around the entire mine admiring the shafts, the glowing of the smelters, and all the moving parts simultaneously in sync working to create something truly remarkable.


    ¡°You, why are you here!¡± A gravelly voice sounded. Goddar without turning to face his accuser knew immediately it was an orc.


    He carefully turned around in hopes to not have any sudden movements to spur an attack. ¡°Aye, glad you¡¯re here.¡± He casually played off, ¡°Just checking up on the old girl for inspection. Making sure she runnin¡¯ smooth for yer.¡±


    The orc step closed, his metal boots clinking on the rocky surface with every step. He pulled out his sword from the sheath facing Goddar head on. ¡°No, it''s not time. You come with me now!¡± He yelled.


    This was exactly what Goddar was worried about. Being taken away would put a halt to his work and he didn¡¯t have the time to waste. To be taken away from the control panel would mean death to not only him but his friend. Quick on his feet, he responded, ¡°Oye, let me show ya, take a look here.¡±


    He moved to the side of the control panel taking off the side panel to reveal the inner workings where he kept his satchel hidden all these years for a moment like this. ¡°Come over, just look at the gunk that has accumulated since the last clean.¡±


    The orc was growing restless but followed over sword still drawn. Goddar went through his satchel as calmly and normal as he could allow. Until he recovered his small dagger. Wasn¡¯t much but at this point it was better than nothing.


    When the orc was close enough Goddar lept into action, taking the knife and stabbing it into the orcs knee. It swayed to one side roaring in pain when it swung it sword down full force. Goddar¡¯s eyes widened, and instinctively dove under the orc who struggle to turn from the injured leg. Goddar let out his battle cry rushing the giant to tackle him, and with the collision it sent the orc staggering back, it trying to gain footing on the bad leg before ultimately losing his balance and falling over the edge down into the gears.


    Goddar picked himself up off the ground and ran to the edge to peer down at the result of his charge. He volcally laughed running his hand over his bald head realizing that he somehow had just took down an orc, something he never quite imagined he could do. ¡°Ha! And good riddance ya blaggard.¡± He moved back to finalize his work before any more distractions came.


    He grabbed the satchel and finished the correct sequence, again checking his work. He looked around at the machinery one final time. His heart pounded in sorrow knowing the sacrifice he was going to make, at this point the time had come. ¡°Oye ancestors, forgive me!¡± He pulled the a lever to prepare the claticlism that was about to erupt. ¡°I know you would do the same.¡±


    Everything was in order. ¡°So long old friend... May we meet again.¡± He almost couldn¡¯t bring himself to do it. He rested his shaking hand on the crane. ¡°I promise, I will be back, and I will rebuild you to your glory!¡± He shut his eyes unable to look at what his hands were about to do as the lever pulled down to trigger the chain reaction.


    The ground began to shudder, the pressure was building up with a subtle hum. He slowly let go of the handle looking back at the mountainous furnace burning as bright as it always had since he was a child. Knowing there were only minutes to escape, he stepped away with his solemn goodbye.


    Checking his bad the dwarf noted the items he had stowed away for a number of years in secret. ¡°Good, good, flint and stone, six sticks of dynamite.¡± He moved the items around continuing to look, ¡°Hammer, torch and lock pick. Looks to be all there.¡± He said while the ground began to violently shake.


    He gripped his bald forehead in instant regret realizing how fast the pressure built up. Goddar¡¯s pace swiftly changed ¡°Woah, Woah, WOAH!!!! She bitin¡¯ back! She ain¡¯t going down without a fight!¡± He shouted while breaking into a sprint down the cavern as shards of metal and rock flung past him with initial explosions from the pressure. The entire ground convulsed uncontrollably as the radiance of explosions filled the great mine.


    ¡°Hopefully I calculated everything correctly! If so, I should have about five minutes to get outside of this blasted mine!¡± He panted beginning to grow short of breath from the running, ¡°But Alder give me strength, I am out of shape!!¡± He huffed, his hand resting on his knee, holding his arm out hoping to catch his breath. Rocks crashed around him, the clatter causing the other slaves and orcs to panic in the instant the great danger was noticed.


    The tunnels opened up to the cliffside inside the mountain where the elevator slowly rose to the orcs and humans locations. A dozen orcs waited for the elevators as the multitude of humans shouted, fighting for their chance to safely ride down. ¡°This is not good!¡± Goddar whispered to himself looking around for some sort of solution.


    The orcs viciously fought the men back with their swords slaying anyone who got too close. They were claiming the elevator for themselves. It was fight or flight for the slaves, and in this case even if they happened to win this fight, odds are the exit would mark them for death as more orcs lied waiting. Men shouted and pleaded for their lives, to be allowed onto the elevator, but it was all in vain. The orcs boldly roared forcing the men back a few paces with the elevator stopped on their location.


    One man flung a rock across the way scathing the side of an orcs head as black blood gradually trickled down. Without warning the orc pushed the fellow orcs out of the way, his roar echoing above all the noise and explosions. He charged into the crowd of humans slashing them down with his sword as they scattered. He grabbed a human by the neck and lifted him above the orcs head, it was the one who threw the rock. The glare into the human¡¯s eyes terrorized him for his final moments until the grip tightened enough that the neck snapped. The human slumped over and dropped to the ground.


    The slaves quickly realized they never stood a chance as the other orcs flooded in for the attack. Every single human was going to be slaughtered. Goddar realized time was short, still he checked inside his satchel to find what he felt to be a few supplies to help. He darted over to the massacre as fast as his legs could carry him.


    An orc grabbed a human throwing him over the edge as another orc slashed his sword through the gut of another. The slaves could only cry out before their lives were ended. They did their best to retreat but as panic ensued they clumped into a mass chaos of madness.


    Goddar knew the main elevator wasn¡¯t the only exit, but the fastest. The fact remained that it was the only elevator that was currently in operations, but there was one other. He recalled years ago of a cave in that happened before the orcs captured the mines, and in that cavern was a second elevator.


    He saw all the cavern entrances around him and although it had been years since he had even thought of the passageway he was moderately sure he remembered where it was. He booked it down the cavern and began his way to escape.


    As he ran other humans began to join alongside him. He figured it was a human¡¯s survival instinct that kicked in, and he was happy for the help. With the cave in that blocked the elevator he estimated maybe two feet of rubble to get through. Did he have enough time? Goddar imagined he had maybe three minutes, otherwise his fate was sealed.


    The cavern crumbled around them as the explosions from the machinery shook the entire mountainside. Everyone did their best to dodge the falling debris, protecting their own heads the best they could. It would run, he only hoped there wasn¡¯t too much rubble to clear away as they turned the corner facing that very dead end.


    ¡°Ah, well atleast I remembered right where it was.¡± Goddar chuckled. ¡°A¡¯ight men, now it''s time to muster your strength. Clear this, and our way out is secured!¡± Another explosion broke through as the light behind them disappeared instantly with the sudden rock slide. ¡°And regardless now we are trapped, so let''s get moving!¡± He pulled out a torch lighting and thrusting it into the ground as he turned to grab the boulders, thrusting them aside with all his strength.


    The men joined in forming a line to move the rocks from one rock slide to another. Moving as fast as their arms would allow them, they attempted to clear the rocks from the top to bottom. Knowing he was in the final minute Goddar did his best to dig his way through. ¡°Blasted wall! Couldn¡¯t be another foot or fifty!¡± he whispered almost regretting this decision. Did he doom everyone to this fate? Did he really not think it through? His estimations couldn¡¯t be that off. At most it must be maybe three feet max!A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.


    Goddar feared if the dynamite was used that it would only create more of a cave in and it would trap them to their fate. As a last resort he would decide to use them but it was not yet at that point. He continued to dig with his men with all his strength.


    The men began to grow exhausted though their speed never decreased for fear of their lives ending. Goddar was increasingly growing frustrated the longer it took. The main mechanism was about to blow any second now. ¡°Don''t do this to me!¡± He slammed into the wall with no budge his heart sinking more into despair seeing next to no progress had been made. It was a worse cave in than he expected. He slammed it again in anger slightly cutting and brushing his shoulder. He didn¡¯t even notice the pain.


    ¡°We made it! Push!¡± He victoriously shouted pushing as the bolder fell through exposing fresh air into the shaft. The ground shook as the rocks began to crumble down, the men rushing back to give it space. Goddar grabbed the torch waiting for the dust to settle. ¡°Now men the elevator is just beyond here!¡±


    Cheers echoed around the shaft as they began to follow Goddar, a newfound relief sweeping over them all. One more miracle was needed, the main furnace needed to hold out just a second longer. The cavern opened revealing a similar cliffside as they followed closely the metal gears beginning to populate the environment around them. He had found it, the elevator with the hatches opened and ready to go.


    They rushed in as Goddar began to notice the torch slowly going out. The men closed the hatch, pulling the lever to begin their decent. The elevator shook with the rumble of the mountain. He figured it would still be strong enough to hold them for the descent. ¡°Here goes nothing..¡± he mumbled to himself pulling the lever down to begin descent.


    The cranking of the gears let out a screech as the long rested machinery began to function once more. Slowly they descended downward into the darkness. ¡°Once the elevator makes it to ground level, the passage will quickly lead to a doorway for our escape.¡± He informed the men but it was more to attempt to reassure himself.


    Goddar wondered to himself how much further they needed to go. He knew it went to the ground level but seeing as they were now in absolute darkness, knowing where they were was about as impossible to predict as their chances of survival.


    Goddar and the slaves were thrown into the elevator walls. An earthquake erupted from the explosion of the machinery and the elevator violently shook. The men held on to the best of their ability but in the end if the elevator didn¡¯t hold to the cords it wouldn¡¯t matter what they held onto. It slammed into the wall numerous times clanging an echo through the entire chamber. Most of the men let out a panicked scream expecting this to be their doom.


    The elevator suddenly dropped a number of feet as more screaming rang out only to be silenced by the immediate crash onto the ground floor. Goddar and the fellow men lied on the ground a moment groaning in pain from the impact. Observing where the piercing pain points were coming from on his body, he double checked to make sure nothing was broken. To his amazement he was without any major injuries.


    The men were slow to get up, moaning in pain from the fall. Goddar was slow to rise as well but kept his spirit high, ¡°Oye! Few bruises and no new battle scars! Men we have survived!¡± He shouted in victory. The men groaned in response still barely moving to get up. He didn¡¯t have time for the pointless lollygagging, he had a mission and if there was any day to cheat death, today was the day! He relit his torch with the flint in his satchel and charged into the darkness in hopes of finding the forgotten entrance.


    Oddly enough wandering around the darkened cavern he found the entrance with ease. A sigh of relief was felt by everyone especially Goddar as he rested his hand on the doorway before opening it. ¡°The worst of it is over men. We¡¯ve made it.¡±


    The metal door screeched open revealing the gray day with the mass of the slaves fleeing around fighting for dear life, the orcs hunting them down one by one. No one was safe as Goddar just watched in horror. With the great slaughter happening next to the destroyed mountainside all he could do is watch, time seeming to stand still.


    The mass of men ran around with little to no direction as to where to go as the orcs sliced them away like cattle to the slaughter. The archer towers treating it almost like a game with the copious amounts of prey to hunt down. Goddar carefully studied the opposition at hand hoping for a change of luck for his dash to the fortress.


    The men around him witnessing the calamity saw no clear way out, and in turn sprinted into the open field at a chance of survival, the majority being picked off almost instantly. Goddar closed his eyes in pain gripping the mountain wall for stability his legs weak.


    Survive. He needed to survive by any means. Men were falling around him but it would not be his fate, he would not allow it to be that way, even to defy the Gods if they so sealed it as his fate. He rose up with new found determination, his eyes on the fortress guarding the black gates.


    ¡°Few hundred yards. Oddly short legs comparatively. My reward for skipping cardio day for over two decades. What do we got to lose?¡± He reminded himself, although it was obviously apparent his life was at stake. He dropped the dead torch on the ground. Checking his stachel he carefully counted just how many supplies he had left. He gulped, ¡°Here goes nothing¡­¡±


    In hopes of moving as fast as he could Goddar took out four sticks of dynamite with his flint and steel. The satchel dropped to the ground with the hammer. He gulped and dug his feet into the ground to get ready for the sprint. Controlling his breathing to the best of his ability he stared down towards the ground until his heart calmed down.


    The moment he looked up the dwarf broke out into a swift sprint. With all his might he charged to the fortress striving to make it to the front door. Orcs and humans were battling around him as he hoped to go unnoticed. The archers fired arrows all around him, narrowly missing his body as they impacted the ground. He rolled on the ground picking up a steel knife from a fallen orc.


    The orcs fought around him, Goddar diving under swings and using his small stature to his advantage. The men collapsed while he ran, always keeping his eyes on the fortress. The final hundred yards. The majority of the battle behind him. He was going to make it, until he noticed a final roadblock. The doorway was locked shut, or at least he assumed the orcs would do so in attempt of keeping everyone encaged for the slaughter. Vertrock proved to be merciless to its occupants and it was time for the people to show just how unforgiving they were.


    Checking his surroundings, Goddar took out his flint with the stick of dynamite and begun to light it with his steel dagger. Knowing the orcs patterns it was apparent that the door would be locked but behind the door would be a number of orcs guarding incase someone like Goddar broke through. He slide against the wall of the fortress safe. Looking back at the battle surprised he made it cleanly though the majority of the battle still occuring.


    Bracing himself against the wall away from the doorway, he took the stick and tactically threw it towards the doorway. The explosion sounded shaking the ground around him briefly. He looked around seeing if he had drawn any attention to himself.


    The smoke kicked up causing little sight. This was his moment. He lit the second stick of dynamite and waited a second to time the blast correctly before throwing it around the doorway into the room he was about to infiltrate.


    Another explosion followed, Goddar charged in through the smoke hoping to, if anything sneak around the survivors before they realized what was going on. He was correct in assuming a few were instantly killed from the blast but the remaining few were disoriented from the noise and in shock from the explosion. Almost by second nature, he flew around without so much as disturbing the smoke in the room as he entered into the adjacent hallway.


    Covered in soot he wiped the residue from his eyes to better his sight. ¡°One stick left. Better make it count.¡± He gripped it tightly as he continued to navigate his way through the hallways towards what he hoped was Destin. Knowing the layout from previous visits, he predicted that the tower¡¯s chambers would be the best bet.


    Still, there were four different towers one watching each direction, and with his knowledge of the fortress layout, he didn''t know if there was a way to determine which was where his friend was. His guess was as good as any. ¡°East!¡± he said beginning to head that direction. He considered the east to be his favorite direction to travel and didn¡¯t see any argument on where else to go otherwise.


    He walked stealthily knowing that the amount of orcs in the fortress far outnumbered what he could take on by himself. Dagger in hand, he prayed silently that he wouldn¡¯t have to use it any time soon. Sure, he had killed an orc once already, but he didn¡¯t want to press his luck more than was needed.


    Time was still of the essence but this still was out of his control. Minus the doorway he broke past the security of the entire fortress was relatively low but he guess it was that way due to the humans running rampant just below him in the valley. He continued to follow the hallways and stairs to his destination.


    The fortress was strongly constructed and massive in size. The amount of time it took to regularly navigate to where you wanted to go was substantial compared to other fortresses in the land Goddar quickly remembered. The dwarfs wanted to secure the mines for themselves without opposition causing this to span east to west between the canyon opening. Some of the fortress stretched onto the mountain towering above the land below.


    Careful to check the corners he still spotted no one, which was causing him to think he was going to the wrong tower. The sweat on his brow occasionally landed in his eye with a slight sting of irritation, wiping it away he continued to move.


    Like a stone wall the revelation hit Goddar, he was in the wrong place. Looking around sporadically he tried to find any clues to help him. ¡°Ah! Window!¡± He shouted a little louder than he would have liked. He peered out finding each tower in its respective location checking each window for any escape of light until he saw it. The North tower! The glow from the torches in the highest room gave a glow easy to track and with the lights still permeating there was someone there.


    In a heartbeat he reached the tower, the orcs numbers were much more apparent. This was it. Goddar moved from hallway to hallway avoiding any chance of being spotted. Still, less opposition than he previously considered he was going to face. He was cautious now more than ever his footsteps lighter than a feather.


    He had come all this way not to fail now. He would either find his friend or go down trying. A loud clatter echoed through the hallways when Goddar heard orcs running his way. He opened the nearest door, as the orcs charged on by to the noise. The dwarf checked the room with a reluctant sigh seeing no orcs in the room. He thought a moment to consider what the orcs could be charging to when it occurred to him that the humans had broken into the fortress below him.


    He was sure the constant thunder of his racing heart would give away his position but regardless, he pressed forward until arriving at the stairs. It was the only reasonable way to get to the top, but also the most dangerous. If he was caught there would be no flight, only fight.


    ¡°Go!¡± He told himself to muster up enough courage to actually move his feet up each step. The twisting stairway seemed to reach into oblivion never ending. For reference he would glance out each window in passing to see just how much higher he was going. ¡°Almost there!¡± he panted hurriedly growing more exhausted with each step.


    Soon after the dwarf made it to the final steps peering around the corner to see two orcs protecting a doorway. This had to be where they were keeping Destin assuming that he was in the room. If not the cells were near enough that he could make it over without anyone noticing. He lit the final stick of dynamite the light bouncing off the walls in the rotating stairway, giving away his position.


    The orcs moved forward to investigate the mysterious light until the light came to them. The explosion sounded throwing the orcs against the wall and doorway. Goddar peaked around the corner to check if they were dead. They crawled, slow to get up. The dwarf gripped his knife charging in at the orcs.


    Leaping into action he stabbed the one against the wall in the neck, his black blood spraying the wall before his final collapse. The other orc lost his senses in terror getting up banging on the door. Goddar stood in dismay, not believing what he was seeing, an orc in fear! The door failed to budge, a more aggressive hit followed opening the door a crack before being slammed shut.


    Goddar walked up to the orc who was forcing his way through the door but to no avail. He stabbed the orc in the neck, slitting the throat from ear to ear. It gasped for air in its final moments gripping his neck before dying. The dwarf wiped the blade on the orcs pant leg before giving a casual knock on the door.


    ¡°Oye, no answer¡­ No matter,¡± He frankly stated as he stepped away from the door igniting the final stick, ¡°Guess no one cares to answer, not like I¡¯m selling anything!¡± He threw the stick at the door and hid down the stairs waiting for the boom.


    The explosion sounded as he dashed into the dust cloud ready to face whatever waiting on the other side. He dashed in, knife at the ready when he saw a piercing light through the dust cloud. Immediately, he recognized the Highborn shouting out, ¡°Wait!¡±


    He felt the piercing pain of the blade in the tip of his nose. He winced in pain opening one eye to view the damage done. Luckily, he recognized the damage to be minimal at best while a smile cracked, ¡°Oye, Gods be praised that you are a weak lil¡¯ Highborn! You can¡¯t even properly kill me!¡±


    The face Destin held was priceless. The dwarf figured it was due to the complete shock that he had made it that far, and honestly Goddar felt the same way. Dumbfounded, Destin asked, ¡°What happened to you?¡±


    ¡°In short?¡± He stepped behind the doorway and reaching to the side pulled around the slain orc. ¡°It was hard fought, but a promise is a promise and I¡¯m here!¡± Goddar looked to his right to see the goblin face down on the ground, ¡°Though I¡¯ll admit lad, it looks like you don¡¯t even need me to help you escape.¡± He let out a hearty laugh.


    ¡°You¡¯re serious?¡± Destin questioned further. Goddar saw Destin smile slightly while laughing to himself, ¡°But why did you come out of your way to save me Goddar? You had a much better chance of survival without risking to save me?¡± Destin questioned.


    Goddar found his lack of trust to be bothersome, ¡°Lad, you don¡¯t get it. A promise is a promise and I¡¯d be damned by the Gods themselves if I didn¡¯t keep my part. You have a destiny much larger than any prison camp can provide and it''s time for you to prove it!¡±

 Chapter 5

    Goddar and Destin stood in the room for a moment almost seeming to collect themselves from the prior events of the day. The fact that they were both still standing there was realized by both parties as a miracle in and of itself. "As much as I would love to catch up, lets get on the other side of the wall first." Goddar proposed as he motioned for them to move down the hallway. They both began to run down the hallway being sure to pace themselves and check their corners for enemies.


    The maze of hallways in the great fortress caught Destin and Goddar off guard as they continued to warily maneuver through. They had spotted men rushing in the fortress, attacked in an attempt to make it to the front gate. They both knew of the gate, it was fresh in Destin''s memory from when he first entered this prison, with it closing behind him was when he first vowed to escape.


    Goddar moved to the corner of the hallway peering down the adjacent alley. "So how did you manage to kill the goblin?" He questioned.


    "Oh, you know... stuck him with the pointy end..." Destin crossed the hallway seeing it was clear, Goddar quickly followed. "Luckily it didn''t attract too much attention, seeing it was a floating blade, but you handled the rest."


    Goddar looked back at Destin and smiled, "Ah, yes well the fireworks managed to work out well though not going to lie, it wasn''t easy for me." Destin followed Goddar as he turned the corner continuing to move their way towards the exit. "The Gods blessed that I worked in these halls for a number of years. No chance of a single dwarf being able to even open the gate."


    The dwarf brought up a valid point with Destin reflecting on the three levers he saw when entering the keep for the first time. "Yeah... what are we going to do about the gate? Kinda impossible to open with three levers and two people."


    "Ah, yes well..." he paused briefly thinking. "Slight problem, they were made to be opened with the strength of dwarfs. So orcs will have no problem with dat... humans will."


    Turning to the right they dashed down the hallway avoiding the occasional stairs and passageways. They both suddenly stopped in their tracks scathing along the wall listening carefully whispering, "So what, we are just going to hope the orcs will raise the gate saying, ''thanks for visiting, come again?''" Destin wondered.


    "I mean, it would be nice." He gestured, but shook the thought from his mind. "Look, even before that you need to get past the great hall remember?! Their main stronghold will be there lad. Make it past that, then we will worry about three levers."


    Goddar perked up in trepidation listening carefully down the hall, "I hear movement in the distance around the corner." They listened intently as the rush of multiple footsteps grew louder. He motioned Destin with his hand to be at the ready for an attack each with their daggers at the ready.


    The sound grew louder as Destin meditated the next moves carefully, the element of surprise on their side, both their hearts started racing. Almost among them Goddar signaled to stiff up against the wall as they waited. Knowing the numerous steps they heard, it was safe to guess a higher number of men and their survival greatly increased if they just hid hoping the squad to pass unnoticed in the shadows.


    Feeling the build up of power within him Destin looked down to see a mist of magic lightly illuminating from his hand. The fear and anticipation welled up his ability within him, while he closed his hand and focused on subduing the magic back in his core. It dissipated, and Destin hugged the wall again the footsteps seconds away.


    The clamor passed them in a barrage of anonymous humans running like lost kids in the town square. Goddar''s face of reluctance and astonishment showed uncontrollably as he staggered into the hallway behind the men rushing down the corridor. "Aye you bluggards what in the deities names are you doing causing such a clamor?" He confusingly shouted as his shoulders shrugged his hand rubbing his eyes in dismay. He looked over to Destin, "They are before almost a lost hope boy... that is back to the entrance of the camp... from which they came..."


    The men halted and turned around to see Goddar waving his hand in their direction as him and Destin walked in the opposite direction. "What did he say again?" One mumbled to the group of ten other men.


    The rest kinda shrugged confusingly to anything that was spouted from the old dwarf. The same man spoke up again helping to clarify, "Well, he is walking in the opposite direction... Do we follow?"


    "The dwarf?" a raggedy man interjected, "What does he know! I say we keep on going!" he finished nodding in approval of his own words as he turned around to continue walking in their direction though his path was cut off when a squad of orcs turned the corner, swords drawn. His breath immediately escaped his lungs in terror. "Orcs!"


    The men looked over to see the squad of four orcs turning the corner, spotting the flurry of men standing petrified in the hallway. Thirsty for blood and every single man in the group saw their fate flash.. The men began to flee away as nimble as their legs would take them.


    Screams broke out only to be overturned by the roars of the orcs as both parties broke into sprints like a cat and mouse hunt. Goddar and Destin needed no cue to what had transpired behind them already knowing, their sprinting began promptly at the roars of the orcs as the race for their lives were set in motion anew.


    "Follow me, if we are able to make it to the armory we might be able to stand a chance!" Goddar exclaimed bolting down the hall, he opened his pouch checking for what few supplies he had left, though his face showed a rather dismayed expression. "Otherwise we may be in over our heads boy!"


    "I fear we already are." He promptly responded. The magic bellowed, rising from his core again. Wiping the sweat forming on his brow Destin promptly responded, "This is ridiculous!" the anger swelled inside him to harness the magic within. Reading his body, the strain it had already taken was showing, though now was no time to stop. Stopping in his tracks, his eyes glowed white emanating the hall around him as he lifted his hands preparing for his attack.


    Goddar halted his footsteps in time to turn around and catch the show. Still in awe by the ability to witness magic, he was sure to step back knowing what was to come as a breath of wind began to flow through the hall, "Bad draft... or bad news for orcs?"


    Destin still deadlocked on the orcs, one slashed his blade across one of the slaves backs as he let out a final wail. Destin solemnly whispered, "Both." Thrusting his arms forward a beam of light dashed transversely the hallway above the slaves as it sliced into the orcs like a hot knife through wax as each of the orcs collapsed to the ground with no signs of life. Destin''s eyes faded to their normal blue hues collapsing to the ground in exhaustion.


    The slaves stood there comprehending the ability they had witness before their eyes. "So... uh, how are they suddenly gone?" One questioned in shock.


    Goddar rushing to Destin''s rescue helping him rise to his feet, "You live and I''ll tell you! Grab the weaponry and move on! We have a long fight ahead of us!" Goddar allowed for Destin to rest on his shoulders, which almost helped due to the fact that he was a dwarf and barely at Destin''s gut. "Lad, you good?"


    He broke out of the darkness inside his head watching the light of the real world slowly return. "I''ll be fine. Shock to my system was something I''ve never gotten use to. Never had this kind of constant use."


    "Well, don''t push it too hard, we are this close to escaping and if you die that would be plain embarrassing." He joked as they continued down the hallway picking up the pace. Goddar studied the body movements of Destin ensuring he wasn''t exhausting himself. All this was brand new to them, at the same time they had little to no knowledge on the rules of magic, or the cost.


    Surveying his body from the strain the magic had put on it, he recognized his heart struggling to beat while he was almost gasping for each breath, like his body could never received enough air. He was in a weakened state, and never conditioned. Could magic really be used in a way to kill oneself?


    Destin relievingly showed signs of recovery when they climbed down the final flight of stairs ahead of the hallway bringing them to the entrance. His breathing slowed back to a normal pace when his heart calmed down. Relief swept over him. It surprised even Destin the exhaustion he felt, even with communicating with his father he never felt such a drain.


    "We are almost there. This hallway will take us into the grand hall and into the entrance. It is safe to assume we will experience some resistance especially at the gate itself." Goddar cautioned to the group.


    They stealthily moved towards the wooden double doors to the great hall but to the surprise of everyone they heard the clashing of metal echoing throughout. Goddar stood alarmed yet confused turning to the eleven men, "Well from the sounds of it people beat us to it!" he shrugged his shoulders to Destin shaking his head feeling as though he may be crazy. "We may be walking into a losing battle but here goes nothing."


    "To the end Goddar." Destin vowed giving a smile and reassuring nod to Goddar.


    A sudden flurry of courage swelled inside Goddar, "No. To the Beginning." Nodding to Destin as a smile broke through. He stepped over to the doors grabbing the iron handle as it creaked open. The other men followed, three of them grasped the adjacent handle, yet struggled to open the door a crack. The sound reverberated through the hallway where they were standing.


    Destin and two others stood at the doorway wielding their swords ready to defend any opposition. His first gaze onto the other side of the doors instantly sunk his heart. It was the final stand of these humans fighting for their lives in attempt to hold their ground with such brute opposition. He had witnessed battles when traveling with his father but never had it felt so personal. The roars of the orc''s battle cries sent shivers through Destin instantaneously as he watched one orc slash his sword across three men. Carnage.


    The orcs all had blood thirst in their eyes, proving their festering hatred for the humans. The slaves did anything to protect themselves, attacking back, but for one orc that was slain nearly five humans would be dead. The great hall was anything but. The blood painted the scenery around in a crimson spray, the tables and chairs scattered mercilessly. The reek of bloodshed permeated the entire great hall.


    An orc climbed atop a tilted table throwing his hatchet across the room impacting a slave square in his back, unable to scream with the loss of his breath. The orc roared in victory being cut short with a dagger stabbing into his leg, swiftly falling to the ground. Another slave stabbed beneath his neck, barely above the beginning of the armor, until the orc finally fell to the ground, his final breath released.


    The permanent images ingrained into Destin''s memory would haunt him the rest of his days. The evil these orcs committed for nearly a generation was going to be silenced today. Unforgiving rage swelled through Destin''s body as his eyes began to glow white. Without warning he charged into the great hall weapon drawn.


    Goddar watched almost in complete shock at the boy rushing in steadfastly. "What are we waiting for!" he commanded pounding his chest with his right arm letting out a charge of his own stomping towards the enemies. In his pathway a double headed ax was lodged into a human''s chest as he grasped and ran up the tiled table leaping towards a crowd of orcs. Thrusting down with all his vigor the orc was only able to see the dwarf above him in the air, by the time his eyes grew wide enough in fear his head was dislodged rolling on the stone tiled ground.


    The dwarf couldn''t believe what he was witnessing. The boy steadfastly rushing into open battle facing certain death. "What are we waiting for!" he commanded pounding his chest with his right arm letting out a charge of his own stomping towards the enemies. Spotting a double headed ax lodged into a fallen body he darted for it.


    Reaching for the ax, a human grabbed the hilt trying to dislodge it from the body. Goddar intervened, "Aye! That be a dwarfs weapon of choice!" He angrily cried out. His argument swiftly ended when the orc charged in swinging his sword downward. Instinctively, Goddar pushed the slave away, narrowly missing the blade as Goddar lifted the ax into the orcs crotch.Stolen story; please report.


    The orc slumped over, dropping his weapon. Goddar swung the ax across slicing the orcs neck, falling short of the decapitation. "I do feel bad about that cheap shot, but I mean where else would the ax go in such a quick motion." He shrugged his shoulder and looked over at the man still on the ground from his push. The dwarf picked up the sword and tossed it over to the human, "That''s your weapon. Remember that." He ran off into the fight, the man''s expression confused beyond all belief.


    Destin knew he was never much of a fighter choosing to go more with stealth, maneuvering carefully through the calamity befalling him. He went carefully from table to table for cover. He wasn''t going for victory, he was finding a way to the outside world. This was the closest he had been in a year and on the other side of the double doors lied the room where the great gate resided.


    He continued to move towards the great doors hoping to open them to get to the gate on the other side, when a hand grabbed his ankle toppling Destin to the ground. He turned seeing the orc reaching out with a dagger stabbing, when he split his legs apart, the orc slicing the ground. An ax penetrated the head of the orc with a splatter of black blood, "Need some help?" a familiar voice said.


    Goddar stood over Destin with an outstretched hand. Destin graciously accepted the help up to his feet. "For a General''s son, you surely don''t have a natural talent for this." Goddar laughed reaching into his tattered pocket to pull out a surprisingly clean cloth offering it to Destin''s blood covered body.


    He rose to his feet brushing the dust off his clothing, he accepted the cloth cleaning the blood splat on his face. "Wasn''t ever my thing, you know, all this." Destin informed. "We need to get to the exit!"


    Goddar agreed as they ran across the room. They did their best to move through the ongoing battle as orcs and humans continued to enter and fight against one another. Goddar made sure to watch Destin''s back, protecting him like a father to his young son. Destin''s eyes continued to glow preparing for the oncoming attacks.


    An orc charged at them brutally swinging his sword. Destin held out his hand with two fingers pointed out when the blade showed a white aura. It didn''t stop the swing, only slowing it down a great deal though that was enough for Goddar as he swung the ax sinking it into the orcs arm. He swung again slicing the same spot as the bone split, the arm flung cleanly off.


    Destin focused his rage for the moment and punched his hand forward into the orc forcing the orc back tremendously into a wall knocking it unconscious. Destin''s eyes returned to normal after the blow.


    With all their might they rushed to the doorway stepping up a number of stone stairs in front of the double doors. Destin and Goddar each grabbed one iron handle and pulled the doors open to reveal the final gate in the empty chamber. The black gate alluded to a more challenging obstacle to overcome. Three handles before the great gate stood waiting to be lifted.


    Goddar checked the room meticulously from where he stood, "Why is it completely unguarded? This doesn''t sit well in the slightest." He pointed out, his iron grip tightening on his ax.


    "Why would they not guard the one way out?" Destin questioned checking behind him for a second ensuring no orcs were following.


    "The levers... They knew no human would be strong enough to lift these, let alone malnourished slaves..." He dishearteningly revealed. "Only orcs at this point would be strong enough to lift each lever." He fell to his knees completely lost for hope.


    Destin refused to give up, running into the center of the room. He looked around for some resources, maybe leverage, anything that would be enough to amplify his strength, though it was a lost cause. Nothing a room encased in stone. "Goddar at least try!" he insisted attempting to push the lever up with all his force. The lever barely shook, failing to lift. Not even a dent was made in raising that gate.


    "I lead you into a dead end."Goddar admitted. "In no way will that door open by our own accord."


    The unhinged frustration built inside Destin towards Goddar, "Look at yourself, leading us all this way through impossible odds to give up at the last step. Pathetic, truly pathetic" He boldly claimed, "This is impossible, you''re absolutely right, but after everything you''ve seen today, you are an absolute fool if you believe that mean we can''t do it. We''re here, Right now!" He pointed over to the gate, "Of all the things we both have accomplished, we dare stop now?!"


    Goddar stared at the ground blank faced, Destin had no idea if what he had said made an impact. Destin was right. They had defied all odds, through thick and thin they made it to where they are now. Miracle after miracle until they stood ten feet from the outside world. They were soon going to conquer Vertrock.


    He broke his silence, "Gods be good Destin. Who are we to sell our own fates short." He said, lifting himself to his feet with a reassured smile. He walked over to a lever to begin lifting with all his body letting out a grunt. Moments into trying he stopped for a moment to catch his breath, wiping the sweat from his brow. "Though, I will admit... this will be no easy task."


    Destin pondered on the situation, hoping some revelation would enter his mind. While pondering a singular idea did. He looked over to Goddar with a worried look in his eyes, "Stand back." he insisted. Goddar immediately obeyed.


    He closed his eyes, bowing his head, grasping his fist with his left hand while controlling his breathing. A slight breeze entered the room around them, his blonde hair fluctuating. He clenched his jaw tight harnessing the magic he felt inside himself. Orbs of white light began to form around each handle. He opened his eyes as they glowed more brightly than ever. The his father''s ring began to float in front of him, only hanging on by the chain around his neck.


    He moved his fists to the side, the orbs appeared around his hands. He attempted to lifts his hands higher with all the might he possessed. He struggled to lift all three handles at once, his arms not lifting aside from the strain. "Is this even possible?" he questioned silently, "Even if it''s not... Who''s to tell me otherwise?" His armed fluctuated slightly, the handles lifted their way up and held when Destin screamed out in pain.


    He took a bewildered step back "The lad can do it!" Goddar said practically in disbelief at what his eyes were witnessing. "The Highborn will do it!"


    Destin pushed with greater force, his nose beginning to drip with blood. He refused to give up the slightest point of will power. The handles lifted a few inches more as the gate shook beginning to slowly open. He fell to his knees in pain, a drop of blood dripped down his head like sweat. Refusing to give up, he shifted his stance attempting to gain his footing as the lever lifted another few inches lifting the gate higher, yet barely enough for a child to sneak under.


    "You''re doing it lad! Keep going!" Goddar encouraged. "Keep fighting!"


    Destin raised himself to his feet, without warning his breath left him. His eyes instantly returned to their crystal blue iris stumbling back, caught by the mid lever stopping his fall as the piercing sensation intruded on his left shoulder. An arrow fired from across the great hall. Destin couldn''t even let out a cry, his lungs simply wouldn''t allow it though his eyes rapidly made contact with who fired the arrow. "Druvairuk."


    A maniacal smirk from Druvairuk crept out while he lowered his bow. His squad of orcs entered in behind him as the surrounding doors were closed and locked from the outside. The surviving men ceased battling and watched as the four exits were stacked with a multitude of orcs, their numbers out matching what men were left. The orcs were waiting to kill, making their statement about everyone''s fate in their hands.


    Druvairuk stepped forward, "Have the croul suffer. Leave that one for me." he commanded lowering his arm as a flood of arrows flew across the room hitting the men on the front line. The slaves fled in an instant panic attempting to save their own lives. They rushed into the black gates room, another flurry of arrows shooting down a number of men.


    The remaining men struggled to closed the doors, the others scurried to barricade the door anyway they could. The orcs moved forward stepping over the dead bodies in the great hall, a few orcs began slicing into the door with their battle axes. Druvairuk paced across the floor while his squad of orcs stood back from the rest their bows waiting for an opening to fire.


    The doors were ravenously being torn down. Around twenty men held the doors closed to the best of their ability with each blow. Goddar stood next to Destin who was resting against the lever on the ground resting. He grabbed the arrow in Destin''s shoulder and broke the stick tossing it to the side.


    "I''d pull the arrow out, but i''d rather not having you bleed everywhere just yet." Goddar joked. He looked over at the door which was beginning to splinter through slightly.


    Destin smiled before squinting in pain, "Hey, it''s a battle scar now, a good story to tell." he wiped the streak of blood from his forehead with his good arm.


    "That is is lad. That it is..." his voice trailed off worrisome at their predicament. "You almost did it by yourself."


    Destin agreed, "I''m glad he shot me honestly. Didn''t want to take all the credit you know."


    They both had a quiet laugh amongst themselves which surprised the both of them. Even in their last moments, they could still find a moment to smile. Destin felt that was a rare thing in this world, especially through the hell he had been through the past year.


    Almost silently he repeated, "Taking all the credit..." he paused thinking on that one phrase. "All the credit. Wait." Destin struggled but rose to his feet, "Goddar, what would you say the strength of an orc is to men?"


    "Aye, I''d say four to one is a good guess, why?"


    "Because now the gate can be opened!" Destin answered recognizing the amount of men they had.


    Goddar caught on grabbing the attention of the men around him, "Oye! I need your attention, I need the lot of ya to stop what you are doing and help me lift these levers to open the gate out!"


    A man turned his head looking at the dwarf, "You crazy? The orcs would..."


    "Oh quiet!" Cutting him off Goddar insulted mercilessly due to the dire circumstance. "Do you want to live or not? They will break through those doors in a minute, that gate is the only way out." He pointed across the array of men, "You ten, here at the levers, the rest hold the doors!"


    The men obeyed the command rushing over having roughly three each at a lever grabbing hold of the handle. Goddar grabbed the main one, "Now men, push!" With all their might they pushed the handles shaking but not moving in the slightest otherwise.


    "Get yer backs into it you worthless swine!"


    The handles budged slightly but remained in place. Destin felt almost helpless as the door had a crack break through as an arrow fired through hitting one slave guarding the door. Time was running out quickly. Even with his bad arm he wouldn''t sit around helplessly. He again positioned himself center in the room repeating what he had done previously.


    "Don''t give up now, fight!" Goddar yelled hoping for it to be enough to keep on going.


    Another two cracks broke through from the orc''s axes, a sword stabbed through at the men guarding the door. The doors began to show cracks, arrows flying through narrowly missing the men.


    Destin opened his eyes glowing their white hue the orbs around his hands and handles. His arms at his side as he began to lift. The gate began to shake, beginning to opening. The levers were all being lifted higher. With only being able to use his right arm, he lifted with all his force, pushing with the men lifting the levers more as the gate opened at a gradual rate.


    "We''ve done it men!" Goddar rejoiced.


    Another two men fell, arrows killing them both, leaving five left to hold the main doors closed. The men were barely holding their ground, the doors about to give way. Arrows shot through hitting two at the levers, one in the leg and one in the chest. The levers dropped, Destin tried with all his will to catch the gate with his ability but falling short. The gate began to shut.


    The door gave way shattering into splinters, the men thrown back to the ground. The orcs waited for their commander to order the charge in. Druvairuk stood on a table his black steel longbow at the ready, sight straight at Destin. He released his breath slowly preparing to fire the kill shot.


    Seeing the doorway opened and the slaughter that awaited them, Destin without hesitation felt a swell of power emanate from within allowing him to hold the levers steady with a sudden burst of energy. Instinctively he knew what to do.


    The orcs fired their arrows, and Druvairuk did the same, it aimed perfectly for Destin''s skull. The orcs charged up the stairs to begin running through those who broke through the doors. A single beam of light emitted from the gate room towards the great hall. Forcefully impacting the doorway, the blast stopped the orcs in their tracks catching every arrow along with it. With his left arm he thrusted forward allowing a beam to gain strength, lunging the orcs across the room. Arrows impacted a number of orcs while they recovered from the blast.


    A shield formed around the doorway protecting the slaves from any danger. They all watched in amazement at the spectacle of the existence of magic. The orbs held fast to the handles with his right arm beginning to lift slowly the black gate opening at its regular pace.


    Goddar and his men continued to lift. Destin shouted in pain, but refused to give up the strain on his body causing blood to drip from his forehead and nose holding both the doors and the levers themselves. He jabbed into the air, the gate stood open revealing the shrubby gray wasteland on the other side. Freedom.


    "You did it..." in complete astonishment Goddar mumbled. "Two decades... yet here we are..."


    The fresh air blew into the room brushing against Destin''s face as a tear fell down his face. They had done it. The life of the forest was unimaginable, his spirit lifted beyond measure seeing a world waiting for him. A chance to start anew.


    The room spun around him, until he was surrounded in darkness. Strength left instantaneously from Destin''s body, he collapsed to the ground being caught by Goddar. "I gotcha lad!" He sighed in relief, narrowly missed the catch.


    The hold his magic had on the door being lifted. Grumbling intangible sentences Destin slumped over nearly unconscious fighting for his life to come to. The shock to his body shut it down in order to recover yet this was no time for that. His mind still had full activity as though he was awake, tangible of the world around him but completely paralyzed otherwise. "R... un..." Destin managed to whisper.


    "Come on men, help me carry Destin out!" Goddar yelled, but it was too late, the gateway was open. Every last surviving slave rushed into the pass attempting to flee for their lives. "You bloody baggards! He saves their lives yet they only save themselves." Shaking his head in complete disbelief he hurried over to help Destin up. "It''s a good thing you''ve lost weight this year or we may be in more trouble."


    Goddar had no time to grab his weapon nor could he manage to carry the extra weight. Regardless, he lifted the boy onto his back. "I hope you recover sooner rather than later." He said to himself. Checking the shield, he booked it towards the outside world as quickly as his feet could carry them. Still, the shield held out for a little longer, allowing them a little extra head start into the wilderness.


    A few moments later Goddar recognized his feet moving from stony ground to the softness of the lush soil. Sure, they were still in Perdition, but the fact that they had done the impossible and made it to the outside world overwhelmed the dwarf with an unspeakable happiness. He continued to run away from Vertrock and instead of his feet growing tired they felt as if he was walking on air. "Boy, I''m glad you''re out cold." He mumbled to himself, "Otherwise you may see a tear or two.... We did it..."

 Chapter 6

    The ancient trees creaked while the wind blew past. The twigs snapped under Goddar¡¯s feet covered in mud, while he ran away from the trodden path away from Vertrock. He looked up at the trees towering around them. He continued to carry Destin, but fatigue was taking over faster than anticipated. ¡°Not far enough yet¡­¡± He said checking his surroundings, ¡°Gotta keep moving.¡±


    Knowing the orcs would hunt down every last slave who escaped, Goddar estimated he had mere minutes until the orcs picked up their scent. swift movement he needed to hide fast. He remembered the terrain around him from before Vertrock, but the world around had altered beyond recognition. ¡°Wake up, wake up!¡± He pleaded.


    A roar was heard in the distance not too far from them, Goddar froze a moment, estimating exactly how far he believed the orc was by the sound. His guess, though vague, was too close for comfort, causing him to book it further into the wooded area. Being around orcs for as long as he had been allowed him to know just how lethal and quick they were. If nightfall hit, Destin and him were as good as dead.


    They were on the outskirts of the mountain range, and if he had remembered correctly he could travel northeast making it to Orrinshire by the following night. The forest around him confused Goddar¡¯s sense of direction. The trees above him blotting out what little sunlight Vertrock provided.


    He paused for a moment checking his surroundings taking note of the thick foliage. Anything to give them a few extra moments for Destin to recover would be more than gracious. ¡°Think, think! Come on Goddar!¡± he said to himself. He studied the environment until in the distance he noticed a grove of thick bushes. It was better than nothing with how much his energy had been drained. He hobbled over carrying Destin¡¯s body both secluded in the brush, ¡°All I¡¯m saying is if you¡¯re grouchy after your nap, there are going to be problems.¡±


    Destin laid face up motionless, anyone looking at him would believe he was dead. The woodland stood quiet in the overcast of the day not a sound to disturb it''s slumber. Now all they had to do was wait, knowing that if anything the search would commence long into the night. The vendetta the orcs possessed would create such a drive that Destin and Goddar would only be safe outside of Perdition.


    The grass swayed in the wind with a crack of a twig from a distant tree. Goddar shifted his focus eastward near the edge of the brush trying to pinpoint the cause of the break. He watched careful to not disturb the world around him, hidden, appearing as common as dirt. Orc? No couldn¡¯t be they wouldn¡¯t dare be so careless as to give away their position.


    A man stumbled into the grassy field in front of the dwarf, his panicked, sporadic movements causing more noise. Goddar¡¯s anxiety flooded in, begging that the human would stay still, compose himself, anything to not give away his position. The man spoke out in gibberish, his entire body shaking. It was obvious, the man had no idea where he was. He rested against a tree flinching while checking his surroundings.


    The tree cover grew thicker the more you ventured into the forest giving you no true point of reference, the trees practically blocked out the misty sky. This made it nearly impossible to spot orcs, let alone any type of life. Like the serpent about to strike its prey, orcs were nearly indiscernible in the darkness.


    ¡°Not out in the open!¡± Goddar said to himself, ¡°You fool! You¡¯re in the open.¡± His heart pounded knowing the human¡¯s fate was sealed by his own stupidity and panic.


    An arrow flew between the trees, hitting its target in the gut as the man cried out in pain. Goddar realized the orcs had taken their longbows which stretched nearly their entire height. The arrows the bows fired were far thicker than the average bow, and a much more dangerous hit. The man was trapped, and his sentence was set. Death. He knew his fate was sealed screaming out in horror as in the darkness appeared the one who fired the shot with a sinister smile.


    The dwarf could do nothing to help due to giving his position away. All he could do was watch the man clenched his stomach while his hands held in the blood. The orc came plainly into view walking towards his victim, putting the bow away, and unsheathing his sword. All the man could do was squirm and struggle. He tried to break the arrow but with the leverage he had he was unable to.


    Goddar¡¯s breathing became rushed and harsh as he put his head down to not see the finishing blow. The tree trunk shook with the sound of cutting flesh. The leaves fell to the ground around the orc who took another swing at the human¡¯s head, this time fully decapitating the slave. The head rolled to the orcs feet. Picking up his newly acquired prize from the bloodied ground, he let out a roar, raising the severed head high into the air.


    Goddar head rose from the dirt at the result of the carnage when he saw the head was tied around the orcs belt by the hair. ¡°They are claiming them! A game? That would explain the roars. Every roar is a kill.¡±


    Destin shot upright, gasping for air like he had been submerged under water for an eternity. As swiftly as he rose Goddar covered Destin¡¯s mouth to quiet him, but it was far too late. The orc was fixated on their location already charging. His breath appeared through his nose huffing fast as he briskly sprinted towards the bushes. Sword drawn, he thirsted for more blood. In a instant at the foot of the bushes, another orc charged in tackling the first orc while stabbing him in the arm.


    He pushed the enemy away observing the orc¡¯s belt. Two human heads claimed. He pulled the elongated dagger out, showing no signs of pain. He slowly licked the blade with his cerulean tongue while staring down the opposition. With a few beats of his arm against his chest plate he pressed forward, lunging his sword forward before being parried. The clash of metal sounded through the forest, each exchanging blows equal in their ability with the sword. Like two carnivorous animals fighting for the kill these two orcs battled.


    Goddar gritted his teeth at the performance he was witnessing, his heart violently racing on the verge of making him sick. Destin had quieted down breathing normally, slowly regaining function of his body as he begun to move more freely. Remaining absolutely silent, he rolled onto his stomach and observed the fight.


    The orc staggered back with a strong blow from his opponent who continued to wail on him, blow after blow until he relinquished his sword from his grasps. He was bested, and threw his one sword into the ground before giving up the head he had claimed.


    The orc''s fearsome roar claimed victory to the battle receiving the severed head. He added it with the others, admiring the trophies he had. Sheathing his sword, he picked up his knife on the ground, and wiped it on the cloth of the orc¡¯s shoulder, rubbing in the defeat. The other could only kneel, taking it. The knife then stabbed the orc under the jaw, the blood pouring out.


    The knife was firmly in its skull, his final moments were a death stare down to the bush staring directly at Goddar as his world faded to black with death greeting him. His body slumped over and was thrown violently to the ground by the orc. The victorious orc sprinting off for the hunt of more heads.


    Destin and Goddar let out a relieving sign as each rolled onto their backs looking upward. Complete silence. No words could accurately describe the magnitude of what they had been through together. It had began to take its toll. Destin¡¯s eyes couldn¡¯t help but be tearful with the amount of death and horror he had witnessed today. On top of that, the realization of his freedom. No longer would he have to wake up wondering if today was his last day. His life was his again.


    His hands gripped the dirt, tears still falling. Still in danger the brunt of it was over. The cool breeze never quite felt so good. A drop of rain hit Destin¡¯s forehead as a smile broke through. He wiped his tears away from his sapphire eyes the world he once knew now fading away into the darkness forever.


    ¡°You crying boy?¡± The dwarf quietly asked.


    Destin shoved Goddar playfully, ¡°No! I just had a bunch of rain drops hit my eyes.¡±


    Goddar¡¯s countenance brightened like a new bonfire in a great hall. They realized this new moisture would conceal their scent. He let out a quiet laugh his hand resting on his forehead. Destin watched and begun to quietly laugh as well as they sat back allowing themselves to get soaked in the rain.


    They quietly rested for a few hours the rain continuing to pour down. Once Destin was near full strength they both decided to stealthily tread through the forest hoping for some sort of refuge. Managing to hike a number of miles eastward, they hoped to eventually reach Orrinshire. They lost track of the day with the constant cloud cover. Still, Goddar assumed they had traveled roughly three miles away from Vertrock.


    The forest began to develop more towards rugged terrain and though the rain had finally stopped, the sense of danger still weighed over them. ¡°We can¡¯t stop yet. The orcs are more dangerous at night and who knows what lengths they will go to find us. Keep moving!¡± Goddar said assessing the situation. ¡°Just imagine the feast we will have once we are in Orrinshire. I hope the inn is still run by the same lot. Mighty fine meats and brews they have!¡±


    It was a pleasant thought to say the least, but without any money the fact of that said feast to happen was slim to none. Nevertheless, it kept their morale high which was more than needed. Though the strain of long days in the mines conditioned them for this moment. The majority of their energy was used on the fight and seeing as they had no sustenance in some time their energy was greatly diminishing.


    They climbed down a small cliff side continuing to maneuver in the brush of the now woodland. The stream guided their way towards what they believed to be the Arian River which ultimately lead to Orrinshire. The mountainous region mixed with the forest concealed most ways of judging direction, sound would be their best bet.Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    ¡°If anything, for tonight the main river should carry with it fish which would still provide a solid meal.¡± Destin thought out loud.


    Goddar agreed wholeheartedly. Looking back at Destin pointing in front of him, ¡°With how we¡¯ve moved it shouldn¡¯t be much further at all, but we will not make it to any port tonight.¡± He moved a branch higher for the both to safely walk under, ¡°But we will make it by the next night at the latest.¡±


    Rocks toppled down the hillside in the distance as Goddar held back his hand stopping Destin in his tracks. Goddar studied the field around him where he heard the break hoping it was nothing more than an animal. ¡°Back away slowly.¡± He whispered to Destin moving back.


    Attempting to blend into the shadows they leaned against the cliff side they had just climbed down. With no clear picture as to what they were facing, both aimed at striving to stay hidden. The chance of it being an animal was fairly high but no chance was going to be taken.


    Crouched down in the bushes, they peered out reading their field of view. Dead silence, not even the birds or the wind made a sound. All at once an arrow darted through the air landing next to Destin¡¯s head in a tree trunk as he flinched away going instantly into a sprint. ¡°Run!¡± was all he shouted.


    Goddar followed suit though kept some distance from Destin as to not be as easy of a target for whatever hunted them. The brush around them rumbled as they distinctly could hear the ground being kicked up in multiple directions. It wasn¡¯t just one. ¡°Go, keep running! Get to the river!¡±


    Destin battled whether to go back and fight or truly leave as his friend suggested. Without much time to react he directly hastened back to Goddar. Another arrow fired, Destin sensed the danger narrowly dashing behind a tree, the arrow impacting where he hid.


    Goddar felt a presence behind him slowly turning to face it as the orc hovered above him, his sword at the ready for the kill. Another two stepped up. Both saw one was Druvairuk a grimacing smile across his face. Druvairuk knelt down next to Goddar feeling the dust on the ground next to him. ¡°Tracked you for miles. Longer than anyone else has made it.¡± His vile toneless voice mocked. ¡°The Highborn will die as well.¡± he instinctively glanced directly to where Destin was hiding.


    Destin appeared from around the tree trunk he held his hands high slowly stepping towards Druvairuk. Hoping there was some solution to this mess, he scanned their surroundings, but to no avail.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be sure to kill you dwarf, but the Highborn we have something much worse in mind!¡± Druvairuk threatened stabbing Goddar in the shoulder crying out in pain. He twisted the knife further until finally releasing his grip leaving the knife in its place. He stood up keeping a close eye on the Highborn commanding, ¡°Kill the dwarf.¡±


    The orc nodded raising his sword ready for the kill when his head flew back, an arrow lodged in his skull collapsing to the ground. Druvairuk looked around, drawing out his bow and firing where the arrow¡¯s origin was. Nothing fell, no movement was sensed in the area.


    Destin¡¯s eyes flared charging towards the two orcs, another arrow flying through the air hitting into Druvairuk leg, his stability gave way now partway kneeling on the ground. Destin picked up the orcs sword with the help of his magic and swung downward at Druvairuk, when all he could do was attempt to block.


    A clean cut at Druvairuk forearm sliced nearly through the forearm stopping the blade. Druvairuk swung his fist knocking Destin back before grabbing his knife, and finishing the slice through his arm. He was about to throw the knife at Destin when the arrow flew across the captain¡¯s face.


    Another arrow from the west this time dashed through the trees narrowly missing the trunks until finding it''s target in the other orcs back. Struggling to get onto his feet Druvairuk stumbled away disappearing into the woodland again. Destin had to let him go, already being exhausted from that small use of magic.


    ¡°How bad is it?¡± Destin asked approaching Goddar.


    Goddar sat up with some discomfort, ¡°Ultimately, it won¡¯t be the death of me, still whoever shot those arrows odds are will be.¡± He left the dagger in for a moment knowing that once it was removed the healing would need to be done quickly ensuring as little blood loss as possible.


    They looked around the forest without a sound being heard in the trees. The footsteps walked up towards them revealing a cloaked woman standing near them her bow still drawn out. ¡°Why were they tracking you?¡±


    There was a choice to be made on whether to lie or tell the truth, and seeing as she had the ability to kill either one of them Goddar decided the best thing would be just to plainly explain the situation. ¡°We recently escaped from Vertrock, those were the orcs who had captured us.¡±


    She withdrew her bow, and removed her hood, Goddar noticed her silver hair braided back, eyes darkened like an abyss, her pointed ears declared her race. She was dressed for stealth and dead silent movement as she wore nearly all black. ¡°No one has escaped that stronghold.¡± She explained in disbelief resting her bow onto her back.


    ¡°Ah, well¡­ Yes, we are the first apparently, and possibly the last.¡± He decided to ask, ¡°You¡¯re Atyri, from the island Galemourne correct?¡±


    Walking up to Goddar and examining the dagger in his shoulder she answered, ¡°Yes, I am. Now brace yourself this will hurt.¡±


    ¡°I thought Atyri never left Galemourne, you haven¡¯t for hundreds of... ¡± Goddar explanation was cut short with the knife straightway being pulled out. He let out a shrill scream, the blood beginning to flow from the wound. The Atyri searched her satchel for a number of items. She chewed on a herb before spitting it onto her hand and covering the wound. ¡°Nasty.¡± He said in a high voice.


    ¡°It¡¯ll stop the infection and clot the wound, now quiet.¡± She commanded pulling out a needle and string closing up the last of the wound in a quick stitch.


    ¡°And¡­ you are?¡± Goddar asked. Destin was just watching from afar watching while he recovered his energy.


    ¡°I won¡¯t be around long enough for you to remember, now quiet.¡± She abruptly responded still mending the wound. She laid him back onto the ground to help slow the bleeding. Goddar¡¯s first interaction with any kind of female in a number of years was going about as poorly as could be expected in his opinion.


    Goddar watched in complete awe by the workmanship and preciseness she was executing. Questioning internally as to why she was here especially a Atyri. It was understood that the race fully resided in Galemourne. Now to see one in Perdition was exceptionally rare and unusual.


    ¡°You¡¯ll live, though I would recommend you not use it for a good while.¡± She suggested standing up to Destin¡¯s level. Surprisingly, she was about the same height as Destin. It was plainly obvious that he had never seen nor heard of the Atyri.


    The dwarf stood up, dusting off his tattered and bloodstained rags. ¡°Thank you for saving us from the orcs.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t mention it.¡± She sternly replied.


    ¡°Again, thank¡­¡±


    Goddar was instantly cut off, ¡°Seriously. Do not mention seeing me.¡± She checked her surroundings again listening carefully. ¡°I¡¯m not suppose to be here as it were, still it sounds like your orc friend has retreated back, you won¡¯t be seeing him again.¡±


    Turning to Destin with a sigh of relief he said, ¡°Well any more lucky breaks we need to brace ourselves for?¡±


    Cracking a smile Destin just shrugged his shoulders. ¡°Who knows, but we aren¡¯t out of the woods yet.¡± a slight chuckle broke out between them until Destin felt the world spinning around him. Rushes of light bombarded into Destin¡¯s mind as he attempted to clear the images away. With a whirl of energy concaved into Destin¡¯s mind, he lost his footing and collapsed onto the ground unconscious and shaking profusely.


    Goddar in a panic knelt down next to Destin propping his head up as Destin continued violently shook. ¡°Boy? BOY!¡± He broke into a sweat beginning to panic, he grabbed a stick for Destin to bite on, figuring it was a seizure. ¡°Wake up. Anything?¡±


    Destin¡¯s eyes opened with a piercing blind light making the woodland appear like it was noonday. Goddar quickly bolted up to his feet backing away at the marvel. He shielded his eyes to protect them from the blinding light.


    The atyri swooped in from above throwing her dismounted cloak onto Destin¡¯s head partially concealing the light, she drew her daggers out standing in front of Goddar protecting the two, always checking her surroundings. ¡°Explain when this is over.¡± She commanded without even gazing over to Goddar.


    Destin¡¯s mind opened into a vision flooding with images of the environment around him flying above Perdition. He soon found himself hovered above his own body in the sky peering down at his limp body covered by a cloak, Aurella and Goddar protecting his body, though he saw no immediate signs of danger.


    Without warning, the view changed to look at the horizon with the sun just beginning to set as the sky glowed vibrantly the peak of Mount Ezor jagged standing above all other landmarks. Go! The disembodied husky voice echoed in Destin¡¯s mind. He suddenly took flight towards the basin of the tallest mountain in the land finding himself in a hidden cavern concealed by the colossal waterfall. Search for me. Watch for the Signal.


    Destin abruptly woke gasping for air like a dead man finding breath, his eyes again returning to normal. He noticed that he was being helped up almost aggressively by Aurella. ¡°Now. Explain Highborn!¡± Her tone strident as she gripped his shirt as it ripping even further. ¡°Why are you here?¡±


    ¡°Why is it suddenly everyone knows this term in the past two days except me?¡± Destin questioned. Destin looked into her amber eyes distracted slightly by the images of what he had just seen flashing into his mind. Once he was finally able to gather his thoughts together he responded, ¡°You pretty much summed it up. We escaped from Vertrock hours before you found us. As to me being a Highborn, I mean what do you need to know? It''s all new to me.¡±


    The atyri lifted him up to his feet causing Destin a little dizziness from the unexpected rush. ¡°I haven¡¯t seen a Highborn in Perdition or the main land in over a hundred years. You don¡¯t know what happened?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean, what happened to y¡¯all?¡± Goddar intervened, ¡°You¡¯ve been on your island for hundreds of years never so much as leavin¡¯ and now you prancin¡¯ around Perdition?¡±


    Destin knew they both were talking about the history of the land but to him there was nothing odd or in question about it. History was history and it was in the past, and he knew some of it. What they were acting like was a huge part of it was missing.


    ¡°What happened to the Highborn? The Magi Syndicate? Any of this ring a bell?! It was only three hundred years ago for crying out loud!¡± Aurella yelled. With the moment open she fell silent. All Goddar knew is that she seemed like she was going to stick around, to follow Destin to whatever length were possible, that this sight was rare. This opportunity was something her kind had waited centuries for?


    ¡°We need to move. The sun will set any moment, what was the vision? She said.


    ¡°It was me just flying over this island, I went to a mountain that seemed to be the tallest one around. We apparently need to go there.¡± Destin explained.


    Aurella began walking away northward in the forest. Goddar and Destin didn¡¯t quite know how to react to the sudden abandonment. Turning back she looked at Destin and Goddar confused as to why they weren¡¯t taking point just yet, ¡°We are headed to Mount Eznor.¡± she said while they stood there unsure of what she was talking about. She sighed in disappointment, ¡°It''s the tallest peak in Perdition. I figured the dwarf would recognize such a place!¡±


    ¡°Ha! You¡¯d think that, but eh, never much for that sort of geography around here. The mountains all blend in once you begin to live in them.¡± He responded starting to follow Aurella.


    Catching on to this underlying hint he promptly picked up his pace leading the way to the mountain, their ultimate destination. Destin was caught off guard though, wondering what Aurella was still doing here, leading and protecting them towards a mountain from a vision of his. What caused such a change? Still, he felt following her would bring the fastest way of finding out as the three of them marched northward out of the woodland and towards Mount Eznor.

 Chapter 7

    The hour of twilight was among the trio as they trekked through the thickness of the forest being lead by Destin. This surprised him more than anything, that due to his vision he felt like this was second nature to him. The path he walked in that vision, lasting only seconds, was as vivid and real like he had walked this path for years.


    The amount of daylight left gave some uneasiness to Goddar and Destin seeing that they were walking blindly towards a so called vision with the orcs still lurking. ¡°Oye Atyri girl, is it true what they say? That when the dual moons are new your senses are weakest.¡±


    Aurella glared back with her amber eyes piercing into his soul, ¡°First, name is Aurella. Second¡­¡± she hesitated a moment, slightly off put for some reason, ¡°Yes¡­ we are strongest when the two moons are full. Night vision, heightened senses and reactions, and foresight.¡± She picked up her pace some, passing up Destin.


    Goddar¡¯s was astonished, ¡°I never knew you had such an advantage in the moonlight, foresight?¡±


    They were beginning to clear the treeline and overlook the valley below, the sunlight hit her face, ¡°Foresight in the sense of a few seconds ahead is all. Allows us to better predict how you will attack us, and allows us to defend. Which is why you never take on the Atyri in the wake of the full moons.¡±


    Destin and Goddar climbed up the hill reaching Aurella, rising above the treeline. They followed the bend of Mount Eznor as it wrapped around to the grand waterfall emptying into the crystal clear lake below, the vibrancy of life flowed everywhere like it''s own hidden Eden. This was the place.


    Goddar finally crossed around the bend himself but was caught by something else entirely. For the first time in years he was able to witness the sun setting over the horizon. For a single moment he stopped in his tracks and just watched the colors change as the sun slowly fell behind the mountain range. The sun drowned behind the mountains, it''s rays reaching into the darkness of the clouds, the first crimson moon peaked above the stars reaching into the sky.


    Destin peered back at the dwarf to see what was holding him up to see Goddar with a bright smile across his aging face. Looking where the dwarf was, he gently smiled, and walked back to join his friend for a moment. They both rested on a rock, viewing the sunset. Of all the magic they had witnessed, this indeed was the most spectacular.


    Speechless, no words escaped from each other, they only watched. Peace swept over him and for a moment the world and it''s calamities melted away. Nothing else would measure up to these few moments he was able to share. Nothing prepared him for such a moment, dreams, the constant thoughts of the outside world. ¡°Twenty years¡­¡± he let out quietly, ¡°I haven¡¯t seen a sunset in twenty years¡­¡±


    Aurella looked at Destin and Goddar, then the sunset, and back at the two throwing her hands up in the air in disbelief. ¡°So what! You¡¯re holding us up for a..¡±


    She was abruptly cut off by Goddar¡¯s hush. ¡°Shhhhh¡­.¡± his hand raised to emphasize the needed silence, yet his gaze never broke from the horizon. ¡°Little longer.¡± He begged.


    The dusk sky intensified, igniting into a sky of fire, welcoming the Gods of the night, bidding them adieu as they watched over Alluvion below. Their faces aglow with the colors of the evening. They stayed lost in the moment a little while longer.


    She obeyed without speaking a word. For two people who have just been through an actual hell to see them sit for a moment to see something so simple somewhat bewildered her. Aurella calmed down with the let out of a sign, allowing herself a moment''s peace walking over to Goddar and Destin to sit next to him.


    ¡°This is everything I imagined and so much more.¡± Goddar couldn¡¯t help but allow a tear to fall down his face as he stealthily wiped it away in hopes the boy didn¡¯t see. He had seen many sunsets in his days, still none were as rewarding as this one. The sunset sparked a new sense of freedom and purpose like things were about to change forever.


    The cool breeze quietly brushed against the trio, Destin¡¯s blonde hair waving slightly to the cool breeze. He closed his eyes to breathe it in slowly, holding the smell of the pines for a moment before sighing silently among his peers. It was the simple things that he had forgotten, the small moments he never cherished, until now.


    The sun finally hid behind the mountainside the rays still reaching into the skies as the colors became darker greeting the new stars. Destin looked behind at Mt. Eznor and the supposed it was time for the climb. The vision never quite determined where to go from here.


    He scratched his head trying to discover where to go from here. ¡°So, this is the place but I thought, maybe something or someone would actually be here.¡± He checked behind a bush before he threw his hands up, ¡°Who knows.¡±


    Goddar laughed at Destin¡¯s turmoil, ¡°Ah yes¡­ same thing happened to me boy, when I too listened to the voices in my head!¡± He let out a hearty laugh, ¡°Woke up the next morning married to a gnome named Lilfyx. I was a tad furious to be married to that short one, but nothing topped the fury she had towards me!¡± Stormed out she did!¡±


    In light of the moment Destin could help but join in the laughter, while Aurella rolled her eyes at the bewilderment of these two, ¡°You two are pure halfwits!¡± She carried a straight face through the entire conversation. ¡°What did you see? Focus for five second! It''s a miracle you even escaped!


    She had that correct, though she meant it entirely different. Destin cleared his head a moment to look around for clues, this was where he was meant to be, but why. He kicked a rock or two into the water. The falls had to have something to do with it. ¡°Goddar, I¡¯m checking behind the falls, possibility of a cave?¡±


    ¡°Oye, good guess indeed. Check away, it looks like this stump here may have some clues. I will plant myself here and check with extreme precision.¡± He marched over to a nicely sized log, a rather thick branch sticking out looking like a fine backrest. He sat back, getting comfortable, closing his eyes, ¡°So far nothing! But imma keep lookin¡¯¡±


    Aurella scaled the wall of the falls like a seasoned professional while Destin looked behind the falls. He was getting soaked by the spray, but peering behind the falls there was nothing more but the cliff side. Not a single nook or cranny for a cave, nothing.Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    ¡°I¡¯m saying this boy, maybe the Gods threw ya a vision to this place to relax and enjoy yerself a moment, heaven¡¯s know ye need it.¡± Which he had a valid point, but the vision felt more than that, like a key to his past that had always been lost had been found. He just needed to turn the key to discover the truth.


    ¡°Wait¡­¡± Destin walked around the lake back to where they entered the falls. ¡°A key, a key¡­. Something hidden?¡± Sounding a lot like gibberish, he was more so thinking out loud more than anything, hoping to spark an idea.


    Aurella shouted from the peak of the falls, ¡°The moss cover, the ground!¡± She began to climb down in anticipation when Destin ran over the the head of the lake. To his amazement, it wasn¡¯t the ground he expected such as dirt and rock, it was¡­ stone! He observed the moss cover on the ground, thick from years of growing, seeing a slight indent. A marking?


    He knelt to the ground removing the moss discovering a curved carving into the ground below him. ¡°Now what is this?¡± He wondered continuing to uncover more of the moss, scooting around seeing the symbol grow in size. The edge was found, and he began to work his way down. The symbol curved into itself with three circles of equal size in the exact middle. ¡°That''s peculiar.¡±


    Finishing the climb down, she leaped onto the solid ground, running to help uncover the overgrow with Destin, ¡°Hey, lazy dwarf, you going to come help?¡±


    Daring not to open his eyes, he lazily lifted a finger into the air, ¡°I believe I found a clue here on the log, do not disturb me from my work!¡±


    She steamed over the sarcastic wit of the dwarf, responding with a swift throw of a rock which nailed him on the forehead. He shot up shouting curses and accusations at the atyri, ¡°What dwarf? Need to watch out, these waterfalls toss all kinds of things over the cliff side.¡±


    He glared a fearsome glare rubbing the bump on his head continuing to whisper curses at here. He turned slowly over to sleep on his side, away from them in hopes of protection from further items falling from the ¡°waterfall.¡±


    The stone ground was uncovered completely and now the question remained, what to do with the symbol? Destin had a few ideas, but it was such a design that he had never seen it before. Aurella confessed that it was nothing from her kind either, and he feared if there happened to be any words needing to be spoken to open a passage, he would be at a loss. Then again, you would think the voice in his head would say such a thing¡­ right?


    ¡°We can see if trying to activating it as a Highborn does anything?¡± He said trying to sound sure of himself, but still questioning his thought process. ¡°Alright, here goes nothing.¡± He rested his hands together, closing his eyes to bring focus to the fire inside. It felt far spent, but he knew there was an ember which remained, and it was all he needed.


    Destin pointed two fingers into the air when a white orb materialized, hovering above his hands. He guided it carefully down to the center of the symbol in the stone, leading it to the ground while it absorbed into the stone. He ceased his ability, and stood back up waiting for some kind of sign.


    The three circles in the center began to light up sending a surge of energy to the rest of the stone, the curve of the symbol lighting up. The three took a hesitant step back while the mysterious symbol lifted into the air before moving to the falls, spellbinding to the cliff side. The symbol flashed a blinding light, which caused the three to cover their eyes.


    Destin viewed the waterfall with a sudden glance of disillusion, the waterfall was still flowing, yet it ceased to fall over a newly formed cave that had not been there previously. Instead, the falls flowed across the river in a pathway towards them as if to make a bridge.


    Goddar shoved Destin towards the newly formed bridge, ¡°You go first.¡± He moved to the back of the line, ¡°I¡¯m just saying even a lake for children is deep for me as an adult. Test it!¡±


    Hesitant, to say the least, he moved forward to the edge of the lake where the water bridge began. He stuck a foot forward to test the strength, and if it would withstand his weight. Goddar tossed a rock, narrowly missing Destin¡¯s head, it rolling on the water bridge. To Destin¡¯s bewilderment, it rolled as if the surface was solid and smooth.


    ¡°Taking to long lad.¡± Goddar pressed, pushing Destin onto the bridge while he stumbled across, half way terrified he was going to fall through seeing the lake below. A glare was shot back at the dwarf, but regardless, the boy was fine. He walked across still holding onto the grudge when Goddar and Aurella crossed.


    A man walked around the wall of the cave to greet them from their bridge. He stood proud, arms behind his back, patiently waiting. Destin felt the voice in his head from the vision perfectly matched up with how the man appeared. He was rugged, weathered, but still seemed younger, unlike Goddar. The scars across his face concealed the sincereness of his emerald eyes.


    Once Destin set foot inside the cave the man greeted them, ¡°Welcome Highborn¡± His deep raspy voice said, ¡°I am Gideon. Highborn of Aeroguard, last of the Magi Syndicate. You are?¡±


    Destin had hoped that Gideon had not seen the madness of Goddar on the crossing of the bridge. He brushed the thought and responded, ¡°I¡¯m Destin.¡± Instantly, he blanked on what else to say, remembering his appearance was rightfully pathetic with his pale skin and bones, his clothes practically being held together by single threads. ¡°From Davenport up north. Just escaped from Vertrock if you¡¯ve heard of it.¡±


    A small disappointed sigh escaped, and for some reason he studied the rest of the party, ¡°I have not Destin, it does, however, appear like the dwarf too traveled with you in Vertrock.¡± He noticed Aurella, ¡°Greeting Atyri.¡± He gestured with welcomed bow, ¡°Tell me, what year is it?¡±


    Aurella greeted him back, ¡°Highborn, it is 306 A.E. in reference for what you would know, it has been three hundred years since the great Battle of Arthemis.¡±


    Gideon turned away for a moment appearing distraught, though Destin didn¡¯t quite know what it meant considering this great battle that took place three hundred years prior, let alone what that meant for Gideon. Still, it weighed on him, greater than it seemed to weigh on the slaves of Vertrock. He sympathized with Gideon seeing the pain of time lost.


    The ancient Highborn turned to face them, ¡°So long a time¡­ and how? My slumber was to be awakened after a great release of energy from a new Highborn, why so long?¡± It took him a moment to gain his bearings on the situation. ¡°I calculated at most twenty-five years to sense the magic of a new Highborn¡­ not three hundred.¡± A surge of anger and disappointment swelled within him, though it quickly subsided with his regain of control.


    The silence held for a few more moments until Gideon offered, ¡°Then, I believe we have a need to exchange information¡± He plainly put. By this point the day had turned to night, the moonlight shining down. Gideon studied the stars in the night sky, ¡°Come in, I¡¯m afraid we will need to remain in hiding for a moment longer.¡± He offered stretching forth his hand gesturing them into the cave.


    Unsure of how everyone else felt, Destin debated on if he should trust this complete stranger. At this point he knew that Gideon was a Highborn, yet to be proven, but knew of Aurella¡¯s kind, the Atyri. The information and emotions that he displayed felt genuine and real, and in Destin¡¯s heart he felt no immediate danger. It felt like Gideon was sensing a great danger in the general vicinity.


    He lifted his hand up, after the group had entered safely into the cave, and with his hand and eyes glowing green quickly maneuvered his hands to activate the earth around him. The discarded moss and dirt crawled back into the place it had previously rested, covering up the symbol Destin discovered. The stone then sank level onto the ground floor, the symbol vanishing from the stone with no signs of even the smallest scratch.


    The water which connected the land to the cave collapsed into the lake below, the waterfall returning to its full strength, the cave fading it''s doorway to the outside world, ceasing to exist. Anyone walking by would see it as nothing more than a sanctuary from the dangers of the outside world. A mere resting point with no sense of the mysteries that lurked within Mount Eznor.

 Chapter 8

    Vertrock stood in a state of chaos with the destruction of the dwarven mines. The smoke finally settled but the damage was done. The mountain collapsed in on itself in the explosion causing a blockade of boulders from ever allowing anyone in anytime soon. The orcs scurried around in hopes of finding a way in, but to no avail.


    The slaves were either captured or killed on sign. Those who were brave enough not to run, instead were spared and immediately put to work on clearing the rubble. The remaining orcs who were not hunting those who escaped instead were stacking bodies from the calamity of the battle. Though mostly human, the slain bodies all were stacked together and prepared to be burned before the stink grew too much on this overcast, humid day.


    A man strode through the camp, his black boots covered in the mud. He refused to remove the hood while shouting commands to the orcs as to where to go and what to do. Unholy anger swelled within him with what he had witnessed that day, and he was going to make sure of the fact that someone was going to pay.


    An orc approached the cloaked man, ¡°The slaves are clearing the rubble, we will clear a passageway into the mines and begin to rebuild by the end of tomorrow.¡± The creature was hesitant, nervous, even somewhat stuttering his speech in fear. The man could sense this without so much as looking at the orc.


    ¡°If you are unable to find a passage into the mines, kill the remaining slaves.¡± He threatened, ¡°We will have another use for you.¡± He walked off returning to the entrance of the fortress. He reflected on the battle he witnessed from above in the tower, the will these slaves had to escape. It was beyond anything he had seen in a while. The dead goblin in the east tower, and the boy who had caused their victory. ¡°Highborn.¡±


    He moved down the hallway, the orcs sliding to the side of the walls in order to let him through, even with carrying the dead. The man checked the scratches and cuts on the stone walls, seeing the orcs dead on the ground without so much as a sword wound. ¡°So he is proficient with his air ability?¡± He said aloud feeling how deep the cuts were in the walls. ¡°How did he stay hidden so long?¡±


    Orcs marched past the cloaked man each carrying bodies of slaves to the outside, the stench lurking all around. He moved into the great hall where the majority of the battle had taken place. The blood stained the walls, the humidity creating a rotting smell of the dead bodies. Rage continued to flow within him, waiting for any excuse to manifest itself.


    ¡°Lleweller!¡± A grunted voice sounded from the gate entrance. Druvairuk approached the shattered doorway pushing any orc who was in his way, his arm still bleeding from the injuries of the previous battle. He marched down the stairs, toppling a table over with his aggression before staring down the human. His breath steamed through his nose rising around him. ¡°Everything is destroyed!¡±


    Lleweller lifted back his hood revealing a war spent face, his peppered beard long and ragid, but his eyes pierced to your soul, showing no fear. ¡°Druvairuk, this is your doing. Explain how a Highborn was under your nose for so long.¡±


    He silently stood in his place refusing to answer. Lleweller paced around the orc, noticing his arm dripping blood on the ground. ¡°So, I assume that dismemberment was from the Highborn as well?¡±


    Again, no answer as Druvairuk still stared ahead, refusing at this point to make eye contact. Lleweller knew he had him in his grasp. ¡°No excuses? Good.¡± He faced Druvairuk head on heeding every little movement the orc made. ¡°I will inform High King Viran of this misfortune, his say will decide your fate.¡± He gripped the bloodied arm, Druvairuk grimacing in pain. Lleweller¡¯s eyes ignited while smoke rose from the orc¡¯s arm. Druvairuk roared in pain, but held his ground with Lleweller searing his arm to cauterize the wound. ¡°How long.¡± The Highborn demanded, ¡°How long was he here?¡±


    ¡°A year. Maybe more?¡±


    A year? Somehow he had kept his abilities hidden, refusing to use them, or it was such little power he was using that none of the others would sense such a presence. It had even eluded himself, which was reprimandable in and of itself.


    ¡°If you happen to live¡­¡± He paused as Druvairuk¡¯s arm caught fire, ¡°I would imagine that no such event would happen again.¡± Lleweller turned away to exit the great hall, Druvairuk arm still burning, yet he held his ground until Lleweller snapped his fingers, the flames immediately distinguished. A snarl came from Druvairuk the pain finally began to subside.


    Lleweller dashed up the stairs and down the corridor before entering his chambers. He locked the door, lit the fire with a swish of his hand, then yelled out in anger. Lleweller punched a wall, the stone caving in though his fist firmly protected from the aura around him. His violent breathing subsided while he composed himself.


    The fire calmed down to a slow burn when he reached in and took out an ember, holding it in the palm of his hand with absolute composure. It neither burned or cooled on his finger tips. He blew a gently breath on it and it immediately cooled becoming charcoal.


    He tossed the rug aside, the dust from it floating in the air from the impact against the floor and wall, though he ignored it. The area was precisely measured out as he went to work. He drew a perfect circle cirumcircumfrencing the main area of the room next to the fireplace. Drawing three rune symbols in the middle he intertwined them with a triangle, followed by two crescent moons, the tips touching. He added two final runes at each side of the moon, and it was completed. Once completed he stood up checking his work that it was perfect drawing a final rune on the palm of his hand whispering, ¡°Tomos Zilir¡±This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    A gust of wind blew the symbol off from his hand and fell to the ground where the circle lied. It began to light up with blue stream of light lifting into the air around the circle until a connection was established between the worlds. A figure lifted out of the ground materializing before Lleweller, his pride eminating more powerfully than the glow in the entire room. The crown held it''s gold hue in the transfiguration, he gazed down at Lleweller who fell to a bow. ¡°My King.¡±


    ¡°Lleweller, has the Highborn been captured?¡± The king asked.


    He had no news on the issue yet, the only thing he had to report was the shortcomings which in no way was news he wanted to transfer. ¡°The search continues, the trace has been lost and we are unsure as to where he may be. Druvairuk had a run in with him, his arm was lost in the fight.¡± He remained bowed to his king, both fists on the ground.


    ¡°Rise, any idea as to who the Highborn is? Any information on his identity?¡±


    ¡°He had been in the camp nearly a year unnoticed by any thing.¡± He fully stood up, ¡°As to his identity we are still unsure. The orcs never obtained his name.¡±


    He gazed off to the side of him, ¡°There was that boy who escaped over a year ago from our generals during the Civil War. The one whose father was killed.¡±


    Lleweller thought for a second about the incident and all that transpired, ¡°Do you think he could have gone from Alluvion to Perdition, he is barely aging into adulthood. On top of that, how would he be able to survive a year in Vertrock?¡±


    ¡°You know the Highborns are extremely adaptive in spirit, you know that even untrained they have the ability to harness their power to enable a sort of healing process.¡± The High King considered these options, ¡°No others have made themselves manifested yet, he is the only one.¡±


    ¡°Then what must we do Viran?¡± Lleweller said.


    ¡°We know this, Perdition will hunt him until he is brought back here dead or alive. He will need to find a way out of this dreadful land, and there is only one particular place to do so.¡± The High King hinted.


    ¡°Orrinshire. You think he would travel so soon?¡± It seemed like a lost effort if the Highborn would move so quickly in an attempt to escape, almost reckless. Escaping from Vertrock and then running to the one place everyone would suspect you to go is foolish.


    ¡°His scent has died off, either he is hidden, or concealing his power, though I fear it is the latter and he is being assisted.¡±


    ¡°How could he be?¡± Lleweller questioned, ¡°There is no other.¡±


    The animosity on the High King¡¯s face plainly showed, ¡°During the destruction of Vertrock, when we sensed the one, another, more aged spirit, became awoken.¡± He lifted his hand with the map of Perdition appearing, a mountain in the distance being scaled up. ¡°I sense one who survived the great war, one never found.¡±


    ¡°Gideon.¡± Lleweller remembered. ¡°People have been attempting to find his resting place for years, why would he appear now?¡±


    ¡°He remained in a great sleep awaiting for a sign much like us, but instead he was awoken and must have lead the boy to Mount Eznor.¡± He responded, ¡°But it could be any Highborn master, though I have my suspicions it is Gideon.¡±


    Lleweller began to pace around the room thinking out loud, ¡°Then if it is him, what does that mean for us?¡±


    The High King moved closer to Lleweller until he hovered above him, ¡°They must be killed in Orrinshire! Our secrets must never get out, and if they do, and they return to Alluvion alive, your fate will be much worse than either of theirs!¡± He leaned back still yelling, ¡°You will take the remaining orcs, as well as the men you brought, you will wait outside of Orrinshire until their arrival, then destroy the town.¡±


    The High King thrusted his hand forward as Lleweller flew back against the wall with an aggressive thud. ¡°The world must never remember magic existed! We have hidden this very secret for two hundred years and it will not break into the real world. Once the world figures out that magic is real, those gifted creatures will populate all over Alluvion! I will not have it!¡±


    Lleweller began to rise from the ground being dragged up the wall. ¡°The Highborn will not return, everything pertaining to their existence has been destroyed and Gideon will fall and remain lost in the past.¡±


    Helpless, he endured the pain of the compression on his chest, barely able to get any words out Lleweller gasped out, ¡°They will be silenced in Orrinshire my Lord, you have¡­ my word.¡± he was dropped to the ground unable to catch himself with the shortness of breath. He grasped his neck, feeling if air was returning to its proper passage. ¡°No one will discover that which was lost. The civil war will continue for dominance and power, but it will not have magic become involved.¡±


    ¡°See that it''s taken care of.¡± With a sudden flash of blinding light the High King vanished from the room leaving Lleweller to reflect on the words which had been discussed. He sat for a moment regaining his strength. He rose from the ground, knowing full well what to set out for, though he wasn¡¯t going to like hiding for a number of days.


    Lleweller traveled around Vertrock until he located his men and Druvairuk. Those making the trek to Orrinshire all gathered in the middle to await further orders. Lleweller climbed atop the archer tower to overlook the creatures below. ¡°Men, orcs, we march to Orrinshire on orders to camp out and wait for the Highborn. There is rumor of another joining the slave who escaped, who is more powerful than the escapee ever will be. We will hide until our men spot the slaves enter into the town of Orrinshire.¡±


    He raised his voice, ¡°The new moons are upon us, and with that the orcs will be at full strength, giving us the upper hand. We will find them, and slay them on the spot. Furthermore, this shall be the fall of Orrinshire!¡±


    The orcs and men shouting for joy anticipating the upcoming battle. Lleweller watched the multitude cheer from above, with the order given, him and his unit of fifty men would march towards Orrinshire. He waved them away while they gathered their weaponry and armor to prepare for the journey ahead. In two days time, they would be on the outskirts of the port, ready and waiting for the Highborns to arrive.


    Lleweller knew the magnitude of the Highborns roaming free around Perdition. Night fell with the crescent moons rising over Vertrock illuminating the world around them. They all marched out, charging through the woodland northward to Orrinshire, the destruction of the last Highborns on their minds. Whoever would get the kill would be beyond greatly rewarded, something they anticipated now more than ever.

 Chapter 9

    Gideon lead them into the cavern each following closely behind one another. To Destin he his expression seemed lost of hope. He didn¡¯t know what the atyri meant by being three hundred years since the Battle of Arthemis, but it obviously weighed heavily on the ancient Highborn. Whether to comfort or just let be Destin was unsure, seeing as Gideon was an absolute stranger. The fact that he was following him into a hidden cave now covered from the outside world had his conscience screaming at the idiocracy of the idea.


    Regardless, Destin felt the need to make a good impression seeing that he had awoken a man from a three century slumber. To fall short of expectations with the significance this event felt to hold, would destroy Destin¡¯s spirit. His heart pounded hard enough to echo in the tunnel around them, still he did his best to be at peace with the situation.


    No one spoke a word while moving deeper into the mountain, Gideon felt the ridgid cavern walls surrounded by pitch blackness acting as a guide to their destination. Each step carefully being felt on the uneven ground. Destin felt as though to create a light to help guide them through as he had done previously for himself, but as he did Gideon stopped in his tracks.


    Stopping for a moment, Gideon moved his hand above himself reaching to the top of the cavern whispered words unfamiliar to Destin. Symbols slowly lit up around them in an aqua glow, dimly guiding them deeper into the chamber. The shapes and curves of these marking felt almost familiar to him, like a distant memory long forgotten.


    Goddar was caught with his mouth down in awe gazing around at the light guiding their way. It was always curious to Destin to witness someone who had only dreamed of magic, and now was able to see it''s realization. The blessing of faith, like the dwarf had never lost that child-like imagination, always knowing that such things were true, even when the world told otherwise. Destin smiled with a gentle laugh at the thought.


    As to the writings on the wall Destin spoke up in question, ¡°What are these writings on the wall?¡±


    In his deep raspy voice Gideon promptly replied, ¡°These markings are runes or in other words the language of the Gods. In short, they provide a special power in which Highborn¡¯s can harness and command. From the sounds of it, it''s been long forgotten.¡±


    ¡°Aye, even in my life time I have no recollection of seeing such signs.¡± Goddar added still mesmerized by the glow.


    This worried Destin, like a history had been lost or forgotten by the world around him. It didn¡¯t make sense as to why anyone would let such information be lost in time. He felt the need to dig deeper into the problem, but in due time, seeing that it could be better timed.


    ¡°This is how I have stayed hidden while asleep for nearly three centuries to help ensure the High King and his followers would be unable to locate me. You too are also hidden.¡± He turned back looking at Destin, ¡°When you used magic to escape, you released such a great amount of power that for a small time other Highborns were able to pick up on it and track the source, which is how I awoke from my sleep.¡±


    They advanced forward, ¡°Not much further. I have a feeling we can help each other greatly. I hope both our minds can have light shed on them with the events lost in the past.¡± Gideon suggested.


    The runes glowed dimly on the walls, ¡°There are a number of things we will need to cover Highborn.¡± They moved around as the cavern curved and opened into a greater chamber which lit around with jade eternal flames hovering in the air. A number of shelves housed odd bottles, books, and miscellaneous items. The middle of the chamber held an altar, an aged book with nearly worn away pages sat opened, the moonlight shining though a great crack like a spotlight. Towards the west a small pool with rocks outlining the edge. The pool odds are was from an underground passageway connected to the lake.


    Destin and Goddar gazed around in wonder seeing the flames not give off any smoke, but still have the heat and light of a roaring fire. This was where he had stayed hidden for all these years. It was unfathomable to Destin, the knowledge that this Highborn had.


    Gideon welcomed them in, the room was spacious enough to house each of them comfortably, ¡°Tell me, are there others?¡±


    ¡°To my knowledge no. I didn¡¯t even know there was such a thing as to being a Highborn until Goddar told me. Honestly, my father kept this entire thing a secret from everyone as long as he could.¡± Destin was doing his best to piece everything together.


    Gideon sat on a flat rock next to his bedside and invite his new guests with a hand gesture as they obliged each taking their respective seat. ¡°Goddar, what history do you know of?¡±


    The dwarf stared down at the ground, exhaling profusely as he thought back to what he had been taught. ¡°Thinking back, Highborn were never mentioned. I learned about them by accident from one of the elder dwarfs, but that was as a bedtime story. Heck, magic even was nothin¡¯ more than a story, we never thought such things were real.¡±


    They all sat silent for a moment as Gideon thought to himself, ¡°What of the battle the atyri referred to previously, Battle of Arthemis?¡±


    Everyone sat with a blank look on their face not knowing a word of what Gideon was speaking of. A moment passed until Goddar lit up, ¡°Not a lick of that sounds familiar¡­ but you said it was three centuries ago approximately?¡± Gideon nodded, ¡°That was when the new era began if I ¡®member right. 00 A.E. The High King Armonious declared it the Age of Enlightenment, which is about when we had a serge of advancements throughout Alluvion.¡±


    Gideon aggressively shot up from his feat riled, ¡°Age of Enlightenment? An entire people, the Highborns, were decimated, were ripped away from the world. With that, was all of magic!¡± His entire body had an aura around it fading in stronger, ¡°Armonious believes he can erase all traces of magic along with the people sworn to protect the land!¡± He cursed smashing a table to the ground. ¡°If you only knew the cataclysm that happened years back. There was that great battle, that held the existence and knowledge of magic by a string, and we lost. ¡±


    Destin was taken back by the tone Gideon was explaining everything, but it felt justified. He never figured he was in danger, but with all that was being said, if true, would open up Destin¡¯s eyes to the lies of the world. In no way could he accurately fathom the weight of the situation. He would wait and listen to all Gideon had to tell.


    He waved his hand over his head his eyes glowing the map of the continent of Alluvion hovered around them. ¡°Before that final battle the events which lead up were as important as that battle, before the extinction of the Highborns.¡±


    Rising from her seat Aurella began pacing while reading the map from above while Gideon continued, ¡°The Highborn¡¯s were protectors of the land, overseeing the peace and judgement. Even the High King was one of us carefully chosen by the council as to who should serve as the final word, the most just of us. The High King would then pick five counselors from the masters to guide him.¡±


    The map zoomed through the mountain range heading northward focusing on a city near the northern Zamara Gulf. ¡°Here in Andorran was the Magi Syndicate. The center castle in the city rested on the mountain top meant to be a beacon to the entire land, a reminder of the guardianship we honored.¡±


    The magic revealed to them a majestic castle, the workmanship beyond description in the detail it possed in the pillars and stained glass windows their stories, the statues of past Highborn who still watched over the land, even after death. Atop the exalted castle hovered the beacon of the Highborn, half sun rays, with the crescent moon inside, with a golden orb illumination in the center. Each rotated respectively around one another.


    Goddar stepped closer, the map passing though him like it wasn¡¯t even there. He studied the castle in Andorran, the symbol flying above, and poked it, his finger passing though. ¡°Aye, been to Andorran about fifty years ago. Though that mountain range is nothing more than a barren plateau, heck even trees refuse to sprout.¡± He recollected.


    Destin¡¯s eyes widened realizing, ¡°Magic has been completely eradicated from the land. No one knows really of its existence, at least on the human side. Goddar mentioned he only knew of it basically as a bedtime story.¡±


    Aurella spoke up finally facing the Highborn, ¡°You know how it was Gideon, the atyri were banished to Alluvion before this entire movement took place. Armonious threatened war against us, so we left without conflict. Those who would remember and pass down the history seemed to have vanished with time.¡±


    He nodded in agreement, ¡°The lifespan of humans is little in retrospect with orcs, dwarves, and among other intelligent species, those intelligent creatures were banished to Perdition around the same time the atyri vanished. Easy to write your own history when the generations are fifty to eighty years compared to hundreds or a millennia.¡±


    ¡°But why did the atyri not fight? Something this huge would be something an entire race wouldn¡¯t so easily flee right?¡± Destin added leaning forward.


    Aurella snapped back, ¡°The choice was not our own human. Our people were dying out for years, and to go to war would possibly end the atyri, we couldn¡¯t risk it, so we left. I would fight if I could do it all again.¡± her voice trailed off.


    ¡°Mind yourselves.¡± Gideon commanded.


    Goddar looked as though he was at a loss, ¡°Simple to write your own history as the victorious side.¡±


    Gideon added from his last note, ¡°Unfortunately you are correct. Eyes need to be opened to the truth the High King of the past has covered up. Armonious was my close friend and colleague. He betrayed the syndicate and murdered thousands of Highborns before that dreadful battle.¡±


    The map moved to the southern west side of the map revealing the capital of Alluvion, Arthemis. The city around the castle by the shore stretched miles around prospering much more so than any other city at the time. ¡°High King Armonious and his counselors turned against us, framing us for the destruction of the village of Trella. Once that became a reality, he decreed that we were an abhorrence and blasphemous before the Gods claiming Their power as our own turning slowly the people against us until we were forced to flee¡­¡± he paused, staring into the abyss recollecting the memories.


    ¡°The syndicate was attacked and Andorran destroyed by the people we swore to protect.¡± The attack was seen from a distance as the castle was ablaze slowly crumbling with civilians around cheering victoriously. ¡°Great bounties were placed on Highborns to be brought to Arthemis alive to stand trial for their crimes, though they were never seen again.¡±


    The map rotated over the mountain range in Perdition near Destin¡¯s current location. ¡°Many fled to Perdition in hopes to stand a fighting chance. Our efforts were in vain. My father and I now the leaders of what remained met with the remaining masters.¡± The map vanished revealing a flurry of men standing over a table marking out the troops and layout of Arthemis debating amongst one another, moving figures from one spot on the map to another.You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.


    He continued to elaborate, ¡°We determined the only chance for our survival would be that direct attack against Arthemis, to once and for all kill Armonious and his followers and restore justice and order in the land.¡± He clenched his fist, ¡°That choice, almost destroyed magic forever.¡±


    A worried look passed over Gideon¡¯s face by the reality of things, ¡°This Great War was the last stand, Highborn against Arthemis. I will show you.¡± He reached over grabbing charcoal left on the ground as he drew a star like symbol on his temple. ¡°If you will allow me, I will draw the corresponding symbol on your forehead it will temporarily combined our consciousness into one to allow me to show you that final battle from my perspective.¡±


    Destin felt a sudden twinge of shock to his system, his heart rate uncontrollably skyrocketed as he was caught in amazement that it became overwhelming. The events of the day bombarded him suddenly at once and without warning his breathing grew into a shrieked panic. The bloodshed he witnessed, the torturing he endured, the mutilation of humans like animals to the slaughter. Visions and images flooded his mind uncontrollably like a whirlwind. Ultimately, his world caved in when the realization hit that his entire world was a lie.


    His eyes widened, breaking into a cold sweat, his breathing became vocal as his chest tightened like being held underwater with no hope for air. He grabbed his hair sporadically looking around the room attempting to find some sanity to grasp on. Destin¡¯s body froze, petrified as the mind lifted all control from the body.


    Goddar hurriedly realized his friend was in trouble, and quick to action he darted over to slowly lead him to the ground, ¡°Breath lad, it''s ok. You are safe.¡± He wiped the sweat from Destin¡¯s forehead striving to snap him back to the world.


    Gideon rushed over to his dusty wooden shelves blowing off the access of dust from vials until he found an herb. Crushing the glass in his hand he pulled the withered black moss from the broken glass in his palm passing it over to Goddar, ¡°It''s mossbrow.¡±


    Remembering the sedating ability of the blackened moss Goddar rapidly forced Destin¡¯s mouth to open, placing the mossbrow under his tongue it allowed the plant to enter his body. After a few moments passed his breathing calmed, and his eyes grew heavy as he slipped into a secure sleep.


    A sigh of relief swept over Goddar immediately, ¡°Poor boy, if you only knew what we had witnessed today, what we have witnessed this year. He¡¯s one of the strongest humans I¡¯ve ever seen in my days.¡± Goddar rested Destin¡¯s head softly on the ground and rose up to talk to Gideon face to face.


    Gideon stood over the now sleeping Highborn observing him, sensing the troubles that disturbed him. ¡°I had no idea, you are correct.¡± He solemnly agreed. ¡°But the mossbrow will help, it should keep him asleep for a few hours. Looks like he needed it.¡±


    Aurella spoke up, ¡°I saved these two from the orcs, they escaped from Vertrock, an old dwarven mine to the south of here overrun by orcs and turned into a prison camp.¡±


    He walked away from Destin the floating map vanishing back into oblivion. ¡°Then we will rest. We can discuss these things in the morning.¡± Gideon purposed moving to the center altar, ¡°It is late anyway. It may be uncomfortable for sleep but here you are safe.¡±


    Thanking him Goddar found a spot which was moderately comfortable for someone who has slept on the ground for two decades and passed out instantly. Aurella traveled with little on her aside from weapons, but still had some provisions to cover the solid ground.


    Gideon motioned his finger in a rotation as the flames dimmed. The moonlight light peered through the crack in the walls to softly keep the room luminated like a small whisper of light. He sat cross legged on his cot beginning to meditate For how long he had slept, he would not need any sleep for some time, what he needed was answers.


    The morning dawn filled the chamber with an orange hue greeting the day. Destin being the first to awaken sat up in discomfort from the strain of the panic attack. The stone floor failed to annoy his body any further seeing as he was more than used to rough ground from the prison camp. He looked over to see Gideon maintaining his meditation.


    He checked the rest of the room with Goddar snoring, every wheeze created a soft echo in the chamber. Destin rubbed his eyes, but saw that Aurella had vanished without any trace, which puzzled him since he estimated it was barely past dawn. He shrugged it off, assuming that she left, and was more than able to seeing as she didn¡¯t have much reason to stay.


    Destin arose feeling rather dizzy from the throbbing of his head. He stumbled a few steps but ultimately caught himself before toppling over. He ran his hand through his hair to help tame the madness of his morning look. He went to look over at the shelves, wondering what items they contained, and if he had heard of any.


    Each shelf carried four different levels and though one had bottles and vials of miscellaneous assortments, the other carried books, each far older than Destin himself. He checked on Gideon to see if there was any sign of him being awake, but he remained undisturbed. He removed a book from the shelf and carefully opened it, the spine cracking from being so worn.


    He began reading from the middle of the book, the drawings and diagrams containing explanations on the runes and what the symbols pertained to. From the looks of it, the twirl into a triangle would allow for one Highborn to access the ability to slow down time in the general vicinity of those around him. It was peculiar all the things these runes seemed to unlock. He flipped through more pages before being disturbed by Goddar¡¯s outcry in anguish.


    Jumping from the sudden outburst he rushed over to the sleeping dwarf, only to see him motionless, still dreaming. ¡°Nightmare... ¡° Destin could relate. He hoped now that they were on the outside that the nightmares would cease, but time will only tell if that is the case. Once he was sure Goddar was still asleep and calm, he moved to see Gideon still meditating.


    With eyes closed Gideon asked, ¡°What do you desire Destin?¡± The question took him back a step. He knew through his tone it was in no way disrespectful.


    Keeping it to a whisper as to not wake the others he responded, ¡°Gideon, I¡¯m not going to lie this is all overwhelming. I can¡¯t even begin to process all this history.¡± He threw his hands up in the air sitting on the ground resting his back to Gideon¡¯s platform. ¡°I mean, what do I do?¡±


    Gideon¡¯s eyes remained closed as he responded, ¡°Answer the question, What do you desire? You have found your freedom Destin, what is next?¡±


    He tilted his head, eyes widening as he searched his mind for the answer, yet every turn was a dead end. When he was with his father traveling with his battalion, he didn¡¯t know. All he did know is war was not for him and once he came of age to set out on his own he was going to leave to find out what he wanted. It was all cut short, and once captured all Destin dreamed of escaping from Vertrock, but it felt like a fool¡¯s dream. He recognized this prison was not his final resting place, but what after?


    ¡°Before Vertrock I was on the run. I had lost everything, my father was just killed by people we thought we could trust, and I was on the run until I was captured by the orcs in Perdition.¡± Destin was more thinking out loud as the words kept rolling out, ¡°That camp... ¡° He paused emotion bombarding his mind as he held back his tears, ¡°...Proved I had lost everything.¡±


    ¡°Now you have only the world to gain.¡± Gideon said, ¡°Nothing to lose.¡±


    Destin stood up facing Gideon beginning to get defensive, ¡°Yeah? What has the world done for me, huh? It''s done nothing but destroy and take everything I loved. I¡¯ve seen war, I¡¯ve seen death constantly, it''s not giving me much to live for!¡±


    Breaking his meditation Gideon finally opened his eyes turning to look over at Destin, ¡°Give?¡± He stood up to stand face to face with Destin, ¡°The world never gives, only takes. That worth achieving is what is fought for. You create the world in which you wish to live in. You, Destin, have proven that you have the ability to.¡±


    ¡°Let me just go back to Davenport. Heck, I could just be a fisherman! Live hidden and undisturbed in this messed up world and never look back.¡±


    ¡°To fall short of your potential?¡± Gideon rebuffed, ¡°You¡¯ve defeat yourself before you¡¯ve even begun. Why? Shut yourself down before you have any opposition, better yet, shutting yourself down at the first sign of opposition?¡± Gideon defended, ¡°You are as powerful as your belief Destin, that is true for any Highborn.¡±


    Destin didn¡¯t have any words at this point, finding himself getting lectured at practically every turn, every comment. The frustration was building which only meant his mind would begin to run on it''s own unfiltered.


    The dwarf jolted up obnoxiously fighting to remember where he was and what the commotion was, slapping his own face hoping to come to that much quicker but to no avail. He laid back down, staring at the ceiling, waiting until he was fully awake. His ears perked up when he heard the conversation.


    Gideon continued, ¡°You are presented a pathway to greatness, the chance to forever change this world in darkness. To correct history and introduce back magic to all of Alluvion! There is a thirst for knowledge that is lost, but it doesn¡¯t need to be forever!¡± Gideon counseled. ¡°Think of who is affected by this loss. You could have even saved your father.¡±


    Too far. Instantaneously Destin fury was unleashed pointing at Gideon yelling back, ¡°Don¡¯t you dare ever bring up my father! Like you know how that was, watching him get murdered by his fellow generals, his friends. I could only pathetically watch too scared to do anything about it knowing I was next!¡±


    ¡°What could I do Gideon!? You tell me?! Because all I¡¯ve ever done is run and hide! He¡¯s too weak to pick up a sword! He¡¯s not good enough to accurately fire that bow! He¡¯s too pathetic to defend his own father!!!¡± His eyes began to glow white as his rant progressed, ¡°So tell me Highborn! You¡¯ve seen it all apparently. You know how it is! Tell me what difference I can make!¡±


    His voice was also rising quickly as Gideon began to yell, ¡°I tried to fight the High King, I tried to keep the world in order. I watched my friends, my own father, die. You¡¯re not the only victim, the difference is I will keep trying to do something more, something greater than me instead of letting the past define us.¡±


    Destin stared off into the distance a moment allowing Gideon to finish saying everything he was intending. Every word ringing and shaking Destin¡¯s core. ¡°It''s not your fault.¡± He paused a moment longer, ¡°Not your fault that you lost him.¡± He made sure the boy was listening to every word. ¡°Let go of that guilt Destin. Rise up, and allow yourself to become something greater.¡±


    It''s not your fault that you lost him¡­ the words echoed repeatedly through his mind over and over again. His eyes returned to normal and began to water, but he wiped any moisture away with his hand hoping no one would notice or give it any thought.


    ¡°You have this opportunity before you to be trained, to become a true Highborn, the first in three hundred years. Know, it''s an uphill battle, and it will be the hardest trail of your life, far harder than Vertrock ever was, but when it''s over you¡¯re going to be able to look back and see how far you¡¯ve come. You will recognize how the events in your life prepared you.¡±


    Destin had an ultimatum. Could he accurately comprehend the weight with this request, what it entailed? No, there was no way he could even come close to being able to do so. He had been silent during the entirety of this conversation. He looked at Goddar for a moment still in his heart he felt unsure.


    Goddar walked over to Destin patting his back, ¡°Never forget either lad, I¡¯ll be there for ya through the final fight. No need to do it alone. We received our freedom together might as well keep moving forward.¡±


    The words added much needed peace to Destin¡¯s conscience. He Released his clenched fists finally letting go. The weight lifted off his chest. It would still haunt him but it was the first time that he felt the healing begin in his soul as the light again returned. He knelt on the ground picking up that same piece of charcoal, standing back up offered it to Gideon saying, ¡°Show me.¡±


    Gideon smiled and picked up the coal on the ground and walked over again to Destin. ¡°You sure you want to do this?¡± He said hesitantly.


    Seeing the fear in his eyes, he could tell it was from the episode last night, ¡°I need to know the truth.¡± Was all that was said as he turned to the side to have the symbol drawn on his temple.


    The curved mark was made with ease as the muscle memory took over. In an instant the symbol was drawn and Destin was ready.


    ¡°Find a place to lean or lay down, the way this works your consciousness is enthralled completely in the memory leaving your body limp.¡± He moved back to where he meditated, ¡°You will have no control.¡±


    Goddar hesitantly walked over to Gideon and tapped on his left arm to grab his attention, ¡°Aye, would you allow that I come too?¡±


    He nodded in agreement again retrieving the coal as he drew the same symbol as he did with Destin, ¡°Remember this is powerful magic, you will feel the emotions and experience it as I have felt it. ¡± His raspy voice cautioned.


    Gideon sat cross legged completing another symbol in front of him. ¡°It is ready. Prepare yourselves.¡± He warned, his eyes glowing as the magic flowed through his body the runes igniting their green glow.


    Goddar and Destin braced themselves leaned against the wall for support. Looking over at the boy Goddar said under his breath, ¡°Here goes nothin¡¯ lad.¡±


    An orb generated in the center of the three, Gideon watched closely until the orb hover plainly laminating the room. He clasped his hands together raising them just under his mouth whispering, ¡°Blissteir.¡±


    Goddar and Destin¡¯s eyes closed, they fell back the wall continuing to support them. Their consciousness traveled into the orb as the memory was made manifested for the pair as they were transported before the castle of Arthemis.

 Chapter 10

    Gideon stood surrounded by his fellow troops at the city walls of Arthemis. The castle watched over the land and the impending battle that was about to take place as a pillar of fire reached into the night sky from the spire. He passed by his fellow men, soldiers and Highborns alike, all standing in line. He walked up to a weathered man, wise in his years, a general. Gideon gazed up at the magical influx, ¡°Ten thousand, will it be enough?¡± He verbally wondered.


    ¡°I fear It¡¯s too late to wonder son. Regardless of if it is enough, this needs to be enough.¡± He responded facing Gideon with a worried look on his face, ¡°With Revnic controlling the kingdoms if we fail the Highborn¡¯s will fall.¡±


    ¡°Then let us fight this last fight!¡± He motioned assuring his father, he moved away to get into position for the final attack standing next to his battalion. His blood boiled at the reality of the situation, the ultimate betrayal. He recalled the destruction of the syndicate in Andorran, all the families forever shattered. ¡°Tonight, the High King will fall.¡± He solemnly vowed.


    The city bells rang with their low hum, the final breath before the battle. A hush was over the entire field outside the great wall, the catapults loaded and ready to fire. At the walls of Arthemis the soldiers stood ready to nook their arrows on command, unknown of their fates for tonight. The High King watched afar off from the castle balcony overlooking the city below his eyes powerfully resonating crimson like the pillar above.


    Gideon saw the flare of light from his position knowing it was his old friend Revnic, his ultimate destination of the night. If he could help it, he would watch that castle and all the atrocities in it collapse into oblivion. Knowing it was time he watched his fellow men anticipate the attack one final time before raising up his arm announcing his command, ¡°Archers on the ready! Catapults, ready and hold.¡±


    The other nine generals were heard commanding the same to their men, with the sense that all were ready the command was given with the trajectory of iron and stone flying to impact and decimate the city walls. All watched for the initial impact in the dual full moons light. The pillar of fire held strong with each collision revealing an aura of light reaching into the heavens around the city wall.


    Nothing. No effect, in fact the entire city was impenetrable through weaponry alone. Gideon watched every hit fall to the ground outside the city with a thud. His eyes glowed green revealing his Highborn abilities as he charged up. The Highborn around the fields began to light the ground floor with their magic resonating from within.


    The connections to the Highborns were being established as the voice of his father communicating, ¡°Allicane¡¯s Palisade, he dove into darker magic than we previously thought he would go.¡± Gideon¡¯s heart fell when he realized he missed the signs. Allicane, or the God of Death pertained to the darkest of magic in which no Highborn was ever to delve into. ¡°A stalemate it appears.¡±


    ¡°Catapults, reload and hold positions.¡± Gideon commanded waiting for any ideas for a solution. The stance this powerful of magic held needed to be countered with its equivalent. Measuring up for such power seemed practically impossible to him. His anger continued to swell from within building up his energy stronger with absolute control.


    Another general answered, ¡°With such a barricade we would be able to stand as a blockade and starve them out. With these appropriate number it would be possible.¡±


    ¡°Not possible.¡± Gideon¡¯s father countered, ¡°He has many allies which could be marching here now, which would only create a greater obstacle. Tonight is our window, this attack must be concluded tonight.¡±


    No one said a word. Regardless, if there was an opinion needed to be shared. If it was a dead end option it was better left unsaid. Neither side could attack one another. Was it possible to get someone on the inside and have them break the barrier from within? With Allicane¡¯s Barrier up, all portals and such would be disconnected and unable to open. So what then? The Highborn, with all his knowledge, was unable to find this answer.


    A contrite voice chimed in, ¡°There is one way.¡± He paused hesitant to continue, ¡°Once you see the barriers down commence the attack. If I am correct the barrier will be down no longer than a few seconds before it recovers.¡±


    ¡°Grayson, what do you mean? What are you doing?!¡± Gideon demanded watching his fellow general and fellow Highborn march to the wall. ¡°Grayson, it''s not worth it!¡±


    Across the field the general looked past everyone seeing Gideon watching him walk over to the city wall. Only speaking to each other Grayson added, ¡°The price of our sacrifice is worth the chance of Alluvion¡¯s victory.¡±


    Gideon could only watch the general and his fifty Highborn walk next to the walls of Arthemis. Each drew their respective symbol on the ground while meditating to carry out the next steps. Grayson lead each of the fifty volunteers who each knew precisely what to do. Grayson connected with the other Highborn again, ¡°Ready once you are in position.¡±


    ¡°Highborns gather together, prepare for the opening. Our timing is everything.¡± The general commanded with each of the Highborn gathering in the center in the distance behind where the fifty Highborn stood with their runes drawn and prepared. The eight generals stood center while the other human soldiers made room for the Highborns.


    Each general walked an even pace apart as they began to mark on the ground an eight point star. The octagon in the center provided enough space to fit the remaining Highborn. A rune symbol was carefully formed at the peak of each point. The remaining Highborn gathered in the middle of preparing for the jump.


    Gideon and the other generals watched with each of their abilities activating a point on the star, each point glowing it''s respective aura. The intensity magnified with the runes activating sending a piercing light into the night. Gideon¡¯s father lead the commands, ¡°Grayson, it is time.¡±


    With Grayson¡¯s abilities still active he and his men all focused their hands towards the ground, the wind briskly picking up. The world seemed to breathe with them adding life to their endeavor. The runes illuminated pure white light, an orb forming around each of the Highborn¡¯s hands. They simultaneously reached their hands forward towards the blood red barrier fighting back with black electric shocks.


    Grayson and the other men didn¡¯t dare flinch or show weakness as they continued to press forward their hands reaching towards the barriers. Once their hands rested on the barriers the permeating light from their hands were absorbed into the barrier before creating a small slice. Each of the Highborns reached into the cuts of the barrier, their entire bodies now absorbing the impenetrable barrier.


    Alllican¡¯s Barrier burned into their skin causing it to glow brighter than the noon day sun. Each held tight, refusing to give up, though Gideon could hear the screams of pain. The energy caused their entire bodies to begin to deteriorate, their bodies now engulfed in this energy. Grayson¡¯s eyes shot open as he let out a wail of pain the golden light shining out of his mouth and eyes, but he pressed on. The others followed onward.


    Each of the fifty Highborn held strong to the end until the barrier instantly shattered, the shockwave thrusting down the surrounding men from both kingdoms. The pillar of fire in the castle spire fluxated before erasing from existence. The moment had opened the eight generals initiated the star before materializing into pure light, thrusting towards the broken barrier and into the city of Arthemis before arriving in the High Castle.


    The fifty Highborn were gone, dust in the wind in a golden hue floating into the night sky. A star fell to Alluvion over the castle, followed by another twinkling down and fading. Each star fell and faded from existence until each of the fifty who died were accounted for. The men outside the wall watched in awe at the spectacle realizing just how powerful of a sacrifice they had made.


    The portal had worked, each of the Highborns were transfigured into the center of Arthemis¡¯ castle. Once materialized in the grand ballroom each Highborn found himself surrounded by the enemy with an arrow pointed at them. They quickly looked around watching the grand staircase it reaching to the floor above where the soldiers waited for the command to fire.


    Revnic stepped down the staircase his abilities in full force. His five councilmen followed closely behind ready to unleash their powers if prompted to do so. The High King held out his arms welcoming the Highborns to Arthemis, ¡°Masters, arriving in good time. I am impressed, I never anticipated that you would sacrifice yourselves in such a way.¡± He reached the bottom of the steps while hesitantly keeping his distance. ¡°The Highborn way of life is finished.¡±


    Gideon¡¯s father stepped to the front of the group, archers still aimed at them. ¡°Then let us end it now Revnic, you and your five against me and our six masters. Let us not have more bloodshed than necessary.¡± He stepped forward towards Revnic, ¡°This is between us.¡±


    ¡°On my order, these men will fire their arrows and we will kill you.¡± Revnic said, ¡°And mark my words Doriath, you existence will vanish from history.¡±


    Gideon recognized his father, Doriath, knew there was no other way, that bloodshed was inevitable. Observing the room around him, Gideon saw no more than forty archers which they could manage if need be. The fact of the matter is they would need to disarm and relinquish their ability to fight, outside of death.


    ¡°Then may your end be swift, my High King.¡± Doriath insultingly stated. ¡°Your betrayal of this world and Kingdom will not go unpunished.¡± He then launched forward facing Revnic his energy flowing out of his arm attacking the High King.


    The archers released their arrows at the Highborns who reacted by manifesting a white shield around one another. A flurry of Highborn fell with arrows piercing their bodies, too slow to react. Gideon and the other seven masters moved in sync while the others held the shield up. They each drew their respective runes while Gideon dashed towards the High Kings councilmen to defend his father.


    A wave emanated from the masters forcing outward where the archers watched. The sudden impact of energy threw the archers against the wall instantly knocking most of them out cold. Gideon seeing this as a moment to act, he drew his sword charging towards Revnic. Activating his power, he spun around waving his hand at the ground, the dust being picked up with a mighty gust of wind before being aimed at the High King.Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    In an instant Revnic¡¯s eyes shone like lilac, a demonic smile cracked across his face. With a snap of his fingers he vanished. Gideon knew what this kind of power meant, he was accessing the void. He looked back at his father who also realized what had happened. He drew out his sword as well commanding his men to attack the stairway.


    Time was running short, with Gideon recognizing the oncoming assault they would need to stop Revnic before he had a chance to complete the attack. The five councilmen stood ready for the attack, each with their weapons drawn. Brother against brother, the Highborn fought to break through, each clash of the blades equally countered in speed and strength. The masters were evenly matched against the councilmen.


    Though the Highborn held the numbers, they quickly began to fall with the archers firing a few arrows into the backs of the men. A Highborn leaped up to the balcony where the archers shot, and threw his knives into the men. He tried to dodge the arrows either by maneuvering or swaying them away with magic. Ultimately, arrows broke through striking the man his cry of pain cut short from the breath escaping him. A final blast flung at the archers before an arrow lodged in his skull.


    The Highborn and councilmen broke away, ¡°I¡¯m impressed.¡± One of the councilmen said, ¡°But in the end this attack is for nothing.¡± The bells began to ring throughout the entire city of Arthemis. ¡°It''s begun, and before long this room will swarm with troops to finish the lot of you off!¡± He promised.


    They needed to think fast, it was true that they were evenly matched, and with Revnic on the move it was apparent that their end was near. Gideon began regretting the attack at hand, realizing this direct attack on Arthemis was a fool''s blunder. They had served up the Highborn on a silver platter and the High King was taking his sweet time with the kill, bleeding it out for every moment it was worth.


    Doriath drew a rune in the air with his magic when lightning shot from his fingers impacting the ceiling above the men above the stairs. The roof collapsed in on the men, forcing them to separate, one councilman forced a shield above him, but with the impact of a bolder he was instantly crushed.


    Gideon and Doriath bolted towards the stairs seeing it as an opportune moment to break through. The other Highborns protected the two while holding off the scattered Revnic¡¯s followers bombarding them with attacks. They began to be overwhelmed at the overwhelming attack from the four remaining masters.


    They both leapt up the stairs to quicken their movement and retreat from the dissenters below. The tower ominous lurked over the city observing the battle below, catapults and archers still aggressively attacking the barriers. The thunder of each impact was heard in the tower. Gideon and Doriath watched at the top of the stairs as Revnic poured his aura into a crimson crystal in the center of the darkened room.


    His hands maneuvered around the crystal rhythmically the energy passing from one source to another. The vast balcony behind him stretched around the majority of the tower to help gaze down to the battle below. Gideon noted quickly that his men had still made no impact on the magical wall.


    ¡°Gideon, Doriath, this is the strength and might of giving into the void, of allowing that darkness to enter your soul. This is what will bring order, control, to Alluvion.¡± They both separated in order to pace around Revnic better in hopes to attack and overwhelm him. Revnic noticed, but never broke his concentration from the crystal. ¡°This kingdom, this people, will never know this gift I will give them.¡±


    ¡°Enslavement? Death? The only thing you will cause besides order is chaos as the world and its people run around lost.¡± Doriath objected while he activated his powers to prepare for the attack.


    ¡°You¡¯ve killed tens of thousands Revnic. You have given into the madness, and now will be stopped.¡± Gideon said also preparing for the attack, his eyes illuminating.


    Revnic snapped, his voice shouting above all else pointing to Gideon, ¡°You¡¯ve lost your way Gideon! You lost it the day the Highborn began training you, blocking your mind from the possibilities of possessing both good and evil. The clairity it gives the mind is unlike anything.¡± He lifted his hand, clenching his fist as Gideon flew high into the air, bound by an unseen force.


    Doriath bolted toward the High King, but it was too late. Revnic snatched up Gideon¡¯s father trapping him against the wall, unable to budge from a force. He moved his hands to his core drawing a jagged symbol in the air, once his hand ceased their movements, the binding held while he was able to freely move.


    ¡°I do apologize for being so hostile, but you understand why. Especially when my own friend and ally has betrayed me for the last time.¡± He stared down Gideon with a grievous glare that sank into his very soul. It was a look of true betrayal, a sense Gideon had not felt in his lifetime, and he would never forget that stare. ¡°You will not stop the end.¡±


    He shouted as if to guarantee that they both could hear him loud and clear, ¡°This is where we get lost, on our judgement of good and evil. Now watch as your people perish under the might of Allicane.¡± He drew the final symbols under the glowing jewel and took some steps back to prepare for the cataclysmic events which were about to occur.


    The clouds retreated back to the center of Arthemis rotating into a cyclone growing blacker than a moonless night. The symbols activated with the entire tower excessively shaking, the jewel glowing like a molten ember rising into the peak of the tower roof. Gideon brought his attention to the balcony seeing red lightning strike around the city bouncing off the mystical barrier, sporadically shooting into the ground.


    He was sure the building would collapse under him and all three of their lives would be claimed in an instant. A final strike bolted out of the sky hitting the peak of the tower obliterating the roof top above them. The bricks tumbled down around them and the city impacting the ground. Gideon lost sight of his father during the collapse and shielded his eyes while the walls fell. By some miracle he opened his eyes to find himself unscathed, the thickness of the dust caused his lungs to burn.


    Finding movement in his hand, he figured it may be enough to break free, and using the cloud of dust to his advantage he cancelled the hold of Revnic. He fell to the ground landing lightly to not bring attention to himself, quietly sneaking behind debri to better access his situation. He was unable to locate his father, and against his better judgement threw both his hands forward forcing the wind out of the balcony through a mighty gust of wind.


    Revnic walked towards Gideon at an easy pace, ¡°There is no need to fight now Gideon, only to observe. It cannot be reversed now.¡± He saw his father still pinned against the wall, who motioned to his son that he was uninjured. Revnic motioned for Gideon to join him onto the balcony, and seeing as he didn¡¯t have a choice he obliged.


    Gideon noticed the jewel continued to lift further into the night sky over the city. He kept a close eye on the jewel monitoring it''s position. Needing to figure out what intentions were set in motion he would not stand here idle for long. He rested his hands on the stone railing, chunks taken out from the fallen walls. He did his best to not appear hostile.


    ¡°Years ago, when High King Kendro died, the council along with you selected me to lead and guide this land with righteous judgement. It was unanimous, remember? In thunderous applause the Highborn cheered to welcome their new High King, and a new age began.¡± He shrugged swinging his arms out, ¡°What happened Gideon? What happened for you to turn on me when I have done only that which is just?¡±


    Gideon stayed silent for a moment watching the battle unfold below. Revnic carefully watched him gaze down at the battle below. ¡°What light clouded your judgement?¡± Revnic questioned before slapping his hand on the balcony banister, ¡°No matter,¡± he looked into the night sky, the jewel now absorbed into the cyclone. ¡°You will see that what I do for my people is just.¡±


    A beam of light shot from the center of the cyclone resting on the center of the tower, Alluvion¡¯s barrier refracting the light chaotically around while the pillar reached to the outside of the barrier. ¡°What is this!¡± Gideon demanded to know.


    ¡°The end.¡±


    The crimson light turned harsh with black veins cracking from the pinnacle and reaching down to where the light rested on the ground. The pillar stretched outward the veins seeming to breath life into the light. The grass around the city walls caught fire, while growing only to leave behind ash and death. Gideon fell to his knees once he saw his men evaporating once they were caught by the rays. Though it was slow to reach, everyone of the retreating men were caught up and killed.


    Revnic stumbled gripping his shoulder in pain, turning to reveal the knife in his back. Gideon peered behind him to see his father charging in with his sword drawn, ready to strike. Revnic let the knife rest where it stabbed, and instead pulled his own sword out, spinning low to swipe at Doriath¡¯s legs.


    Gideon through the confusion and mayhem was stunned. Watching his people perish, the other side of the pillar resting a quiet snowfall of ash. The lightning struck around them though he gave little attention. His heart sank into the abyss for the loss of those lives he helped orchestrate. He turned his head back to the battle to see Revnic slashing down at Gideon, who had no time to react.


    His father¡¯s blade swiped by his face upward to perry the attack then kicked Revnic back. ¡°Get up son, move!¡± He offered his hand out which Gideon graciously accepted beginning to snap out of his spell.


    Grasping his sword he got his bearing on his surroundings, facing his king with the intention to strike him down. Rotating the blade to loosen his wrist he marched with purpose preparing for the clash which was about to erupt.


    Revnic leapt into action, his left hand immobile from the knife wound. Gideon recognized it gave them the upperhand seeing as he was unable to fight and use any abilities. Still, he lunged forward striking Gideon¡¯s blade who deflected the blow. Doriath swung his blade only to be blocked. Revnic watched each of his foe¡¯s movements carefully to read their attacks. His footwork was precise to help ensure the both of them always stayed in front to not overwhelm himself. Each hit was countered with ease, showing his skills with the blade far outperformed the both of them.


    Gideon failed to let up the barrage of attacks seeing that Revnic would not be able to hold out for long continuously blocking each hit while slowly bleeding out. He would tire, it was only a matter of time. With a left cut from Gideon, Revnic narrowly blocked but it was too late. Doriath planted his feet and pointed as flames lit out from his palm.


    Unable to correct the attack Revnic released the grip on his blade to part the flames around him. Seeing this as his moment, Gideon sliced through the flames, his sword clinging against the stone floor. Doriath ceased the flames to see the High King stepping back to keep his distance. Preparing for their next attack he studied each of their movements, his hand at the ready to deflect any attack.


    Doriath flung the fallen stone at the High King who attentively rose it over himself. Gideon did the same as they eased closer and closer to Revnic until their blades began to attack. Revnic ducked and dodged the slashing blades, while maneuvering them ever so slightly to avoid injury.


    The flames and debri flowed around as Gideon and Doriath rhythmically moved in sync. Revnic received a harsh burn across his leg from Doriath¡¯s attack, and stumbled to the ground. Relentless, the pair fought to barrage him with oncoming attacks, seeing that the moment to strike was upon them.


    Gideon stabbed the blade when Revnic discreetly veered the direction of the blade it sinking into flesh. Blood spilt on the floor creating a small pool, his father looking into his son¡¯s eyes ¡°Son¡­¡± was all Doriath muttered before beginning to collapse. He was held up by Revnic who devilishly tempted Gideon, ¡°The Highborn are the murders Gideon. This is the result of the destructive nature your kind possess.¡±


    Soldiers entered the room surrounding their king. His father¡¯s head slumped over, his dying breath released. Revnic released the body, forcefully falling to the ground on top of the growing blood pool. The disrespect for his father¡¯s body enraged Gideon beyond all belief, as all sense of judgement ceased.


    The soldiers were ready and waiting for the command, and if the Highborn attacked they would fight until the last one fell. Gideon checked the line of men, beginning to back up to the balcony, his space quickly running out. There would be no hope of him climbing down, the archers would pick him off easily. Seeing no other choice, being backed into the banister, he knew he was going to fight till his death.


    A particle of ash landed gently on the center of his hand. he stared at it wondering who or what that ash once was, as morbid as that sounded to him, he couldn¡¯t help but ponder. He looked out into the battlefield, it being covered in ash, a hush over the once deafening battlefield. He turned back to Revnic realizing that this could not be his end. This will not be his end. If only one survived it was enough to keep the fight going.


    He saw his father¡¯s body one final time, saying a solemn goodbye to himself. He would not allow such things to occur again. Gideon braced himself against the banister, closing his eyes, gave one final inhale. He jumped into the air, flipping back, and rotating while falling down to the city below.

 Chapter 11

    He watched as the balcony grew smaller in size, Revnic rushed to the edge to peer over to see one Highborn getting away. The archers rushed to position and began firing a barrage of arrows at Gideon. He felt the wind pulse throughout his body and guiding his hands would glide further away from the tower, avoiding the castle roof below, and prepared to land in the city.


    The arrows whizzed past him as he dodged with ease. The difficult part he needed to focus on would be timing his landing correctly, and seeing as he had never attempted such a jump from this height before, the tension began to grow. To land on the buildings would risk collapsing the roof, and landing on the road would be his best bet recalling that all the people were indoors due to the battle.


    The air fluctuated and guided him nearly to the destination, and with one final push, rotated with both hands out for a final gust to break his fall. He landed harder than he anticipated but continued to roll on the stony road to recover. He finally came to a stop, his body with aches and bruises all around, but in no way could he let up now. Nothing was broken, and that was what was important.


    He stared back at the castle observing the tallest tower missing it''s roof where the battle had occurred. Gideon was somewhat bewildered by the distance he had traveled from the jump. He watched up to the clouds where the crimson jewel caused so much destruction, only to see the spiral of clouds to begin to dissipate with no signs of such jewel.


    Slow to lift himself up, he walked a few steps to better gage the injuries on his body before breaking into a sprint. His biggest worry was not to get out of the city, noticing he could hide successfully in the mammoth city with little effort. He needed to escape from Arthemis, from Alluvion. Gideon needed to get to Perdition.


    The weaving of the streets were like a maze, the brick buildings each with their subtle differences blending into one another. The guards and men who would come to hunt him would not be able to reach him for a number of minutes and it was this time which was crucial. The main gate, as well as the adjacent ones would be sealed for some time. He leapt up to the roof, landing carefully as to not disturb those below him, and saw the city wall in the distance.


    Gideon¡¯s heart lifted perceiving that Allicane¡¯s Barrier had ceased from existence. This was the luck he needed, though now he could sense the soldiers not too far behind. He ran across the rooftops leaping from building to building hoping to save some time in doing so. Gideon feared that it would be far easier to spot him, but at this point it was worth the risk.


    With the walls nearly a block away he jumped from atop the roof into a back alley to better access the situation. Gideon watched the top of the wall to the best of his ability given the angle he was at. The men were there pacing, their numbers higher than what he expected, but that was due to the battle. He looked for the best way up, seeing there was no direct entrance anywhere to be seen. The only solution was to go up.


    According to his location, from what he best recalled, the open field stretched for some time before finally being met by forest. The only thing he would need to worry about is getting out of range of their weaponry, and fast. Gideon walked up to the wall, and with eyes glowing, guided his hand to particular points on the wall. He clenched his fist to secure the point, and as he pulled his hand back the stone ever so slightly pulled out from the wall. Gideon did this a number of times to best pave his way to the wall before leaping up the steps he created.


    He lightly landed on the top of the wall, Artemis'' soldiers all around him looking fairly confused as to how a man in enemy armor landed behind them from the city. Gideon didn¡¯t take this moment lightly still enraged by the death of his father, and used this moment to get out that blind aggression. Each man that approached him met a swift fate. Not one man was adequately trained for taking on a Highborn, let alone regular soldiers. He stopped arrows in their paths, countered multiple peoples blades like it was child''s play, and though his blood thirst was not yet satisfied he still recognized the need to retreat.


    He forced the men back with an indomitable gust of wind, each toppled to the ground. He then dove off the wall, delicately timing his landing as he hit the ground with a cloud of ash kicked up around him. He dashed across the field narrowly avoiding the flurry of arrows darting past him. He would not stop until he was sure there was no chance of catching him.


    Each step sounded with a subtle crunch of ash. The world around him grew silent while Gideon observed the battlefield of his fallen comrades. He walked across the snow white field, ash still falling around him. Charred wood from the catapults still were burning to a crisp while the men¡¯s metal armor still lay intact on the ground.


    Swords, spears, stood frozen in time marking the last moments of their masters. Shadows that remained. Ghosts of those he knew, fought beside, and loved. His body shook overwhelmed from the degree of significance. He held back his need to cry out in anguish, and continued to press forward through the valley of ashes.


    Gideon knelt down picking up a breastplate with the sigil of Ronin, the amarok. Across the breastplate was the charred outline of the man¡¯s arm, odds are in reaction to the oncoming light force. He respectfully sat it back down in the dust and rose up to continue his journey. The flames in the distance still crackled releasing sparks into the night sky.


    He stood on something sharp, though it was no kind of weapon. He kicked away the powder and picked up the object seeing that it was the Magi Syndicate emblem around a electrum chain. He could still feel the heat it absorbed from the blast, and disregarding the heat put the chain around his neck.


    The time for mourning had not yet come, recognizing he remained in danger Gideon sprinted across the field until he was met by the brush of the forest. For hours he ran and maneuvered using the stars as his guide through the night. The stars continuously fell into the morning, as Gideon counted each one, recollecting the Highborn men and women he knew and loved.


    His lungs burned like an unquenched flame. Regardless of how tired his body felt, how much it begged him to stop and rest for a moment, he resisted. He was the last of the Highborn. A way of life now faded into history, soon to be forgotten by the world. It was over, everything the High King had promised had come to pass. Gideon would never forgive the actions of Revnic as long as he lived. That night he vowed to do everything in his power to correct the errors of the High King, if possible, he would kill Revnic.


    Andorran was the center point for the Highborns, and remembering the castle was decimated, there would be no chance to recover the texts and scrolls which remained. The Magi Syndicate foresaw such an event taking place and prepared by hiding such scrolls and books throughout the land. Seeing as he needed to get out of Alluvion the best bet would be to flee to the south, just outside of Blythe. A hidden cavern outside the city held the information needed to pass on their way of life.


    -----


    Gideon released them from the memory returning them to the real world back in the cave. He felt the band around his neck, the magi symbol still chained as it was when he found it. Destin found himself in a cold sweat, exhausted from the experience, and looking over at Goddar saw that he was in the same state. The Highborn stood, overall unwavered from the experience and strain the vision had put on him.


    ¡°So what then happened? You escaped to here I get that, but how?¡± Destin wondered.


    Gideon outreached his hand to help the boy to his feet, ¡°There were complications, in order to avoid the soldiers of Arthemis I needed to travel at night. Gathering the books was not so simple and in my attempt to secure the books, I was only able to secure a few before being discovered. The rest of the texts were destroyed shortly after.¡± Goddar was helped up to his feet by Gideon who continued his story, ¡°Blythe was the easy part, the port alone had a number of ships venturing over to Perdition, it was only a matter of finding the merchant to smuggle me.¡±


    Goddar brushed off the dust of his clothes, ¡°Don¡¯t get me wrong, it''s a lot of information to process in such a short time, but you get what the High King did correct?¡±Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.


    Gideon had an idea, knowing that the dwarf was referring to the events which took place after his sleep. Still, he was unsure of the extent.


    Aurella emerged from the water, ropes around her belt and shoulders, each carrying a fish attached. She removed the fish from her neck walking over to the stone table, resting the fish there. Everyone watched, somewhat shocked that she casually strolled in. She turned around to see them all staring at her. She looked around more confused than they looked, ¡°What? I brought food, figured you all were hungry seeing as it is almost midday now.¡±


    Goddar stuck his nose over the table barely tall enough to see over, ¡°Oh they a beauty indeed!¡± His stomach growled reminding him just how famished he really was. They had not eaten a lick of food since the escape, but with all the events which transpired their bodies all but forgot about it. ¡°Cook em¡¯ up! Let us feast!¡±


    While the both of them prepared the meal, Gideon called Destin over to the bookshelf with a number of books scattered throughout. He picked one from the stack and cracked it open. ¡°These books possess the majority of what I know and understand of our abilities Destin. If you choose I can train you, teach you our ways, this way of life and the strength it provides to the world will not be forgotten.¡±


    ¡°This is more than I ever could imagine, I mean a world hidden. I only thought these gifts I possessed were nothing more than luck and an overactive imagination. Destin said skimming the pages. If only he could absorb all this knowledge.


    ¡°Overactive imagination certainly helps, but there is a greater evil tucked away in the world here Destin, and that is the fact that people like you possess such gifts, and have little to no idea.¡± He pulled out a scroll and began to unravel it, ¡°Understand, that a world which believes no magic exists, creates such a barrier in itself to the very possibility.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m just not ready to go to war.¡± he confessed. ¡°With my father I saw what the battlefield holds, and it''s not for me. I barely even handle a sword.¡±


    Gideon was quiet for a moment thinking, ¡°Understand this, war is the last thing I want. You saw, you felt everything I felt from that battle. I would do all in my power to prevent such things from occurring again. Right now, it is our duty to show the world magic exists, what comes after is out of our control.¡±


    Destin looked at the illustrations on the page, it never was going to be so simple of a path as Gideon made it out to be. This was the only way, what magic, his abilities, had done for himself in helping escape from Vertrock, from seeing his own father, it was a gift Destin always considered a curse, and he regretted believing such things. ¡°Will I be good enough?¡± Destin questioned with serious doubt.


    ¡°To be a legend or a fool is a fate left to you. The paths are presented before you, walk.¡±


    Hating to admit it, the old man was right. Old man only by the fact of his age, despite appearing barely younger than his father. Still, with some doubt weighing down his heart, he agreed to follow Gideon. The path ahead was far from uncertain, but whatever evil hid away such a beautiful endowment from the Gods needed to be corrected.


    ¡°Here.¡± Gideon said handing him a book bound together in leather, the lettering on the cover was foreign to Destin. ¡°This was my father''s work, he compressed all the important writings and knowledge he possessed and made it into a single book. It yours.¡±


    Destin was speechless in receiving such a book. He held it tight to his chest, ¡°Thank you. This and all you¡¯ve done for us will be remembered.¡± Destin thought to himself a moment longer deciding it was time. ¡°Gideon, there is something I need to show you, something you may be able to shed some light on.¡±


    Intrigued, he motioned for Destin to begin when he took a few steps back. Removing the chain around his neck, Destin unbound the ring holding it in his hand. His eyes glowed a ghostly white, as Goddar and Aurelia turned to see where the source of light permeated from.


    The ring rose into the air, floating to the center of the room. A ghostly figure took form, Arthemis¡¯ general armor took shape with Destin¡¯s father looking around the room to discover his new surroundings. Gideon stood in awe speaking under his breath, ¡°The power of the Goddess Valera.¡± He walked closer to observe things closer.


    ¡°What you mean you can¡¯t do this?¡± Destin questioned.


    ¡°No, it is beyond me, and no one has been able to do this for some time. This is a rare gift you possess Destin.¡± Gideon said.


    ¡°So you did it Destin, you escaped Vertrock.¡± His father cracked a smile towards his son, and then looking at the others in the room, ¡°And who might you be?¡± He stepped to Gideon extending a hand out, as they shook.


    ¡°Gideon, a Highborn like your son. Good to meet you.¡± He turned to Destin, ¡°How are you this strongly connected with Valera?¡±


    Destin shrugged his shoulders unsure how to answer, let alone who Valera was. Gideon recognized the unsureness of Destin and explained, ¡°How Allicane is the God of Death, Valera is the Goddess of Life. Each element of magic has it''s accompanied God or Goddess.¡± He turned back to Destin¡¯s father, ¡°But this is at such a level, that I haven¡¯t quite seen this level in my lifetime.¡±


    With his father standing beside him, Destin was still having a difficult time comprehending what Gideon meant by his unique abilities. Seeing as it was never anything he had explored or was able to research, his knowledge on magic was quite limited. ¡°Hopefully that is promising then.¡± Destin said turning to his father, ¡°We escaped Vertrock but are still needing to escape from Perdition. We are on our way to Orrinshire tonight.¡±


    ¡°What is the plan once you get back to Alluvion?¡± His father asked.


    Aurella stepped up to interject her idea, ¡°The reason for my travels was to confirm the movements of High King Viran, pertaining to Perdition and Alluvion, and to return to King Airrick of Stormforth to report my findings. It was my hope to bring the atyri back from their island, and return to the mainland to fight in the war we originally ran from.¡±


    ¡°Oh, now that be a temptin¡¯ plan!¡± Goddar said biting into a fish practically swallowing it whole. ¡°I have not met that king per say, nor any for that matter, so it might be fun.¡±


    Aurella ignored Goddar and continued, ¡°Having two Highborn accompanying me would help the effort, and may be able to bring in other allies.¡±


    ¡°You will need to tread lightly in the meantime. Bringing magic back into the world is a delicate process and needs to be handled as such.¡± Destin¡¯s father stated.


    ¡°I agree, which is precisely what we are going to do.¡± Gideon motioned. ¡°The orcs know that our only logical path of escape is through Orrinshire. It only makes sense that they will be waiting there for you two, and anyone else who survived.¡± He paced around thinking for a moment, ¡°From what I can access, none know of my awakening yet, Revnic¡¯s lineage is still in control of the kingdom, and therefore possess magical abilities, but this crucial information gives us an upper hand.¡±


    Aurella pulled out a note, ¡°I have written a small letter to be delivered to King Airrick, once we get out of the cave I will send it by hawk.¡± Everything felt as though it were falling into place, Destin couldn¡¯t help but be filled with a fire inside as the conversation evolved. ¡°If memory serves me correctly we will be in Stormforth in a day or two once we set sail.¡±


    ¡°You are correct.¡± Destin¡¯s father said, ¡°The winds being swift you can make it in a single day. My worry is with such disconnect from the mainland, you have little sense of the whereabouts of the enemy kingdoms, including over the waters.¡±


    ¡°Valid point, but we shouldn¡¯t need to worry, once we escape Perdition, our direction will be incredibly hard to judge. We should be safe. There are also a number of smugglers in this port.¡± Gideon pointed out. He glanced at Destin¡¯s father, ¡°I do however thank you for your sacrifice. Because of what you did, we now have a chance to renew the land, and bring back the balance that was lost.¡±


    He looked at his son a moment, ¡°I would do it again in an instant. Furthermore, I do have information that would help guide your way seeing as I was one of the generals in the High King¡¯s army. Do you perhaps have a map and quill?¡±


    Gideon went to the shelf and pulled out the aged map laying it across the table weighing it down with a number of small rocks. ¡°Portions of it may be out of date due to this being over three hundred years old.¡±


    His father stepped forward and observed the map, ¡°It is accurate enough. Still, it is to be noted that my information may be slightly outdated, but once the High King had something in order, it rarely changed.¡±


    Destin¡¯s father went on to draw out where the camps, forts, ports, and sail routes of Arthemis. His memory as precise as it had always been. Once he was finished, a clear path shown from Perdition to Stormforth. ¡°From what Destin has told me over the past year, Stormforth is the main opposer of High King Viran. You make it to Alluvion near Davos, you¡¯ll have a straight shot on making it there safely.¡±


    Aurella spoke up, ¡° I will relay the message to King Airrick now. Excuse me.¡± They all nodded as she left the room to again visit the outside world. Gideon studied the map carefully, striving to recall it to memory. Destin watched in awe with how much of a hold the High King held over the land, and though it seemed to be a safe pathway to Stormforth, fear lingered in his heart.


    ¡°Thank you for this, it has greatly helped us.¡± Gideon said reaching to roll up the map.


    He nodded in gratitude and began to shine brighter and vanish from his feet while it slowly rose higher. ¡°This is greater than any of us could comprehend. You and my son are embarking the most important movement of our time. Godspeed.¡± He vanished, the ring returning to Destin when he secured it again around his neck.


    ¡°You are extraordinary Destin. You will do great things, but we can¡¯t do them cooped up in a cave. Let us pack up and head out, we need to cover much ground to reach Orrinshire in time.¡± Gideon said grabbing a satchel to begin filling it with books.


    Destin felt the cover of the book Doriath composed, thumbing the pages in awe by the knowledge the pages contained. He looked around the room to see everyone moving into action to prepare for their adventure. He couldn¡¯t help but crack a smile before heading into motion to travel to Orrinshire.

 Chapter 12

    In the darkness of the night they moved, hiding in the brush of the forest while the new moons shed no light on the land. Gideon gazed up at the night sky allowing Nyfiri, the North Star, to guide him to the port of Orrinshire. Destin was sure to follow closely behind, mimicking each step of Gideon and Goddar to ensure the least amount of noise. A rotting smell filled the air informing each of them that the orcs were lurking nearby as Gideon had predicted.


    They had arrived on the outskirts the hillside they rested on covered in a thicket. Crawling out to the edge of the hill, each of them looked down on the city below observing open field before reaching any side of the city walls.


    The port of Orrinshire was one Destin visited previously while he fled Alluvion. The fires from the lamps populated the town below like the stars of the night sky with an ember flicker. The building never reached higher than a few stories seeing as most of the population who lived their were generally out in the sea for various reasons. The wooden wall reached around the town protecting it from the dangers outside.


    Destin felt wood though was rather pointless when attempting to protect a town, knowing that once it caught fire, it was only a matter of time until there was no wall. Still, the false sense of security it provided odds are helped the townsfolk sleep at night.


    The gulf wrapped around tightly the city populating the entire gulf. The ships all in port, not a single things seemed disturbed in this quiet town. Checking the horizon with the gathered trees, Destin was unable to spot any movement, let alone any sign of the orcs. The enemy was invisible but the danger could be undisputedly sensed like the hush before a great battle.


    Gideon motioned to each of them to listen while he whispered, ¡°We need to reach the wall.¡± A look of annoyance washed across his face while he eyed the open field leading to Orrinshire. ¡°We need a way in without being detected¡­¡± His voice trailed off.


    Destin saw a number of small bushes which lead up to the main road, but ultimately there was no straight path, and even with the new moons out, there was no chance they could sneak in without being spotted. ¡°Gideon, is there any way we can conceal ourselves?¡±


    He shook his head wondering of the solution, ¡°No, not easily.¡± He peered over the to the gulf when his eyes lit up with an idea, ¡°However, there may be a way in yet.¡± He reached into his satchel to bring out a blindfold which he tied around his head to conceal his eyes. ¡°Destin, as Highborn¡¯s we have the ability to use the elements of the earth as our ally¡±


    Gideon focused and sat on the ground to better center himself. ¡°We can take things like dirt, rocks, or, for example, water, and bend them how we need them.¡± He raised his hands in front of him.


    ¡°So why did you cover your eyes then?¡± Destin wondered, ¡°To help you better focus on what element you are trying to harness?¡±


    Gideon shook his head, ¡°No, to conceal the light of our eyes. Watch the shore.¡±


    Destin turned to see the shore as a mist lifted slowly from the water rising into the air creating a wall which crept slowly into the town. The cool sea breeze picked up and blew past Destin and the group as the fog reached across the vast field until finally settling just under their feet at the tree line.


    Gideon closed his hand into a fist and held for a moment before standing up and removing the blindfold. ¡°It will conceal us, though I fear the orcs will recognize this fog was our doing.¡± He packed everything away and began to walk toward the hillside, ¡°We must be swift.¡± He looked up at the night sky, ¡°I have guided the wind to blow against us, to show us the way to Orrinshire. If we get separated, follow the wind.¡± He cautioned.


    They all rose to their feet quickly and followed Gideon, each of them vanishing into the fog. The wind brushed directly against Destin, showing him traveling in the right direction. He could feel the thickness of the fog with his hands as if to almost be able to grasp a handful like a damp cloth. He put his hand over his face, but was unable to make out an outline in the darkness.


    If it were not for the wind, he would be lost beyond all help until the fog cleared. He pressed forward having faith he would eventually meet the wooded outer wall.. If he wavered from the path, the breeze would be felt at his side until corrected. Gideon, Goddar and Aurella were unable to be seen and heard.


    The dew of the grass began to soak the pant leg and shredded shoes Destin walked on, causing a shiver to shock his entire body. His hands remained forward as a safety net in case he were to run into anything or anyone. A bush brushed against his waist, dried up and dead it cracked branches off. He squinted at the noise, hoping it was quiet enough to not give away his position.


    A hand grabbed his shoulder from behind as Destin whirled around punching with his fist. It was grabbed without any hesitation. The voice was immediately recognized, ¡°Stay close. We are almost there¡± Gideon whispered continuing to walk past the boy.


    It was safe to assume the orcs had used this fog to their advantage and also begun to move in towards the town. The odds of running into them was swiftly growing more certain. Destin hoped by some miracle they would be able to escape without the confrontation, but the likelihood of such events coming to pass were slim to none.


    Destin¡¯s hands soon impacted a rough, uneven surface. He carefully felt it before recognizing it as a wood pillar apart of the outer wall. He looked up unable to see the night sky or the top of the wall. He knew it wasn¡¯t all that tall but the thickness of the wall made it seem to stretch into oblivion. The wind ceased at the wall and he followed the curve of it until meeting up with the others at the gateway.


    ¡°Lad, you know how hard it is to find the lot of you in fog at my height?!¡± Goddar complained with a playful jab into Destin¡¯s leg. He laughed quietly under his breath while Gideon guided them to the front gate. Torches lit around them finally allowing them to get a small glimpse of the world around them.


    Destin noticed Aurella pulling her hood over her head, odds are covering her ears seeing that atyri have not been in these parts of the land, or Alluvion for that matter in some time. The less questions needed to be asked the better.


    Gideon dashed back the fog to get a clear view of the doorway and with a firm knock, a small window opened. A timeworn man inspected the area seeing a number of figures standing before the door. ¡°What bidness have ye in Orrinshir¡¯?¡± He asked in a raucous voice.


    Gideon stepped up to face the old man, allowing both to get a better view, ¡°Good evening, we are merchants returning from trade in Perdition and are looking for lodging before returning to Alluvion.¡±


    A moment of silence was held. Destin looked around uncertain such an answer would suffice passage through. Finally, an answer broke the silence, ¡°The ports are closed for the time bein¡¯ due to de fog, if it clears up by daybreak, you may be able to find a captain to bring ya home.¡± He double looked behind him, and motioned for someone to come forward. ¡°I recommend lodging at Krass Inn, warm meals, moderate room, fair price.¡±


    ¡°Appreciate the suggestion, though I feel the fog will clear up in a moments notice.¡± Goddar joked. Gideon sent a glare his way but still focused on the conversation with the old man.


    The old man smiled in disbelief, rolling his eyes. ¡°Sure.¡± He said in disbelief, ¡°Anyway, come on in. Stay quiet as most be sleepin¡¯ at this hour. We early risers in Orrinshir¡¯.¡±


    The doors inched open slowly with the pair of men opening each side. Gideon walked forward as the others followed. He motioned a salute with his thanks and stepped into Orrinshire. The man stepped down from his footstool and walked over to Gideon, barely tall enough to reach his chest. ¡°To get to the inn, go down the street quarter mile, turn left you¡¯ll see the sign lit by the lanterns not to far past that.¡±


    Gideon again thanked the man for his kind gestures and saw them off. The city still covered in fog, they used the lamp posts to help guide their way across the town to their destination. He faced the group giving instructions, ¡°Keep a low profile. No talking, nothing. The less people see us the better. Aurella, Destin, find the inn. Destin you get us the room.¡± Gideon tossed him a small bag full of coins. He caught the bag and looked into the pouch to count a number of coins. ¡°After Goddar and I find a captain to sail us to Alluvion we will come find you, until then, stay out of sight.¡± He motioned to Goddar to move, and walked towards the docks leaving Aurella and Destin behind.


    ¡°Well¡­¡± Destin quietly stated to Aurella, ¡°At least slaves of Vertrock are well dressed and can easily go unnoticed¡­¡± He lifted his hands up stretching and began walking down the street in the direction of the inn. Aurella had a look of disgust but didn¡¯t follow after Destin. He rested his arms at the back of his head, ¡°On the plus side this is a cute little town, though it has grown a lot in the past year.¡±


    No sound behind him, no footsteps, nothing. He hastily turned around to see her vanished from the street, nothing but the lit street lamps in a row. This concerned him slightly beginning to wonder where the atyri would vanish off to so fast. He figured it was out of spite and progressed further down the street.


    He walked for a number of minutes before realizing that he had completely forgotten where he needed to actually turn. The intersection he stood in had a few men walking around him, mainly minding their own business, so he wouldn¡¯t dare to disturb them. He checked his right, gazing down the street wishing he would just see the sign for the inn by some miracle. Could happen, he''s had a number of miracles already in the past.


    Had he gone too far? It was his best guess, especially with this fog, even lurking low to the ground it still caused this town and it''s building to blend together. He scratched his head, and figured the best thing to do would be to turn around and check other streets. He turned around and jumped from surprise finding Aurella standing right there waiting for him to notice.Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!


    ¡°You¡¯re oblivious. Anyone with half a mind could have killed you by now!¡± She pointed out, and she was one hundred percent correct with that motion.


    He shrugged and smiled, ¡°So it''s safe to say you have less than half a mind then since you didn¡¯t?¡± he began to laugh but was abruptly cut off with a heavy cloak slamming into his face. He removed it and held it out, it flowing to the ground. Maybe a little bigger than his size but overall a good fit.


    ¡°Don¡¯t ask, put it on, let''s move.¡± She commanded backtracking since he had indeed gone too far. She was a peculiar one, and Destin had the hardest time figuring her out. He figured he would never fully be able to, but he was grateful for all she had contributed so far. If anything, she had proven that he should never challenge her.


    He swung the cloak around, connecting it around his neck. The hood was draped over his head concealing the view of his peripheral vision, but ultimately it did the job of hiding his disgusting and worn down clothes. First thing when he gets out of this dreadful land, he was going to get some real clothes again. He treasured that moment, seeing as that would be his realization of full freedom, completely putting Vertrock and the atrocity it bound on him for so long, forever in the past.


    As if she knew the city like the back of her hand she maneuvered through the streets. Passing through the back allies and caverns, she did her best to stay elusive. Alley to alley they went, keeping their distance from the lamp posts as much as possible. Destin sensed no immediate danger, but observing Aurella he could tell she sensed something much different.


    Once down the street they came to a sign above the doorway which read Krass Inn. A sigh of relief swept over Destin feeling that he had reached sanctuary. Aurella checked her surroundings while Destin opened the broad doorway both swiftly walking in. They closed the door behind and observed the quiet room.


    Not many were around the tables, a few here or there but the majority, they assumed, were asleep. A few were eating but a number were gathered around the bar, a pint in their hand while passing the time near the roaring fire. Destin was unsure of the time but he had bet it was well into the night and about to be daybreak.


    Aurella snuck Destin a number of coins whispering, ¡°You get us the room, I am scoping out the place.¡± She walked deeper into the room. Destin figured he might as well just let her do her own thing. He looked for the innkeeper believing he would be at the bar serving what few customers he held.


    The floor creaked with every step he took feeling that each step caused more and more to stare at him. Aurella moved silently somehow, why couldn¡¯t he? It almost baffled him, but he reached the bar in a hurry tapping the man on the shoulder.


    ¡°Yes?¡± He grunted, annoyed by the gesture this new customer showed.


    ¡°Ah yes, a room please for the night.¡± Destin said setting the coin on the counter.


    The man counted each one with his eyes before picking one up. ¡°Yeah, few left. See the room to the right by the balcony banister?¡± He pointed directly behind Destin to the second story where Aurella was already perched. Destin turned back and nodded. ¡°Yours. Need anything in the safe, hot bath drawn, food?¡±


    Destin shook his head, and thanked the man for the service. The chatter around him was quiet enough to not disturb anyone, but loud enough for him to overhear. The sounds of the days catch, both good and bad, problems with the family back at home, Destin was back in civilization, the real world, hearing their stories. He walked passed each of them to make his way to the stairs excited by what all he was overhearing.


    He met Aurella who sat on a chair overlooking everyone below. ¡°Good, now we wait for the others. They shouldn¡¯t be too far behind with how close we are to the docks.¡± She pointed with a nod of her head, ¡°This room ours?¡±


    ¡°Yes, good to go.¡± Destin said looking for a seat but only finding the one. Guess he was standing. He leaned back against the wall watching the people down below, imagining what stories they had to tell. Each of their lives were so vastly different, yet here each of them were at this moment in time, together. Something he always did appreciate.


    ¡°I¡¯m hearing footsteps outside.¡± Aurella said.


    His eyebrows perked up amazed that she had such great hearing. He leaned against the railing to watch for who entered the room expecting that it would be Goddar and Gideon. The door cracked open with a thick black glove gripping it. Destin¡¯s face was horrified discerning exactly what glove that was, and dropped against the way. ¡°Hey.¡± Was all he needed to say to get her attention, but she was already focused being perceptive to the danger which entered.


    The room was soundless once the door closed behind the orcs each step echoing through the room. Each person in the room froze in fear, each eyeing the orcs hoping they wouldn¡¯t step closer to them. One grabbed a drink from the bar, sniffing it, and threw it to the ground in disgust.


    Destin shrewdly looked away as inconspicuous as possible him and Aurella still moderately concealing their faces. He knew that none would recognize or care for Aurella yet, but each orc would distinctly remember him. He watched Aurella as she felt down at her waist for a dagger under her cloak, waiting, just in case.


    The steps grew louder towards them, but he refused the check his shoulder. His heart had clean stopped with fear welling up inside him. He gripped his arm harder hoping it would calm him down slightly to no effect. He still heard every single step of their metal boots clacking on the wooden surface. Each pinging of their steps echoed in his mind like a peck. He closed his eyes beginning to panic when he felt a hand on his forearm.


    Aurella stared at him with an assured calmness. Her guard was up, observing every movement in the room, yet she was still composed, ready to leap into battle in a moments notice. The atyri was waiting for the opportune moment knowing there was no chance they would remain undiscovered. She watched Destin almost silently to say that everything was going to be fine. He nodded assured that he was going to be fine.


    Entering the room at this point would only draw attention to them, he knew this. He also recognized that it was a proper escape point if the opportunity called for it, and currently it may. He was nowhere near at the level Aurella probably took note of the room, and regardless of his better judgement he would follow her when the moment called for it.


    They sniffed like a scent had been picked up, something they recognized. Destin gulped when he heard a step sounding from the first step of the stairs. Aurella bowed her head appearing to act as though she was sleeping or passed out. The orcs reached the top of the stairs and one began to walk down towards them.


    Did he move to give them space or continue to stand still? Either way, a look at his face and each would know he was the one they were in search for. He stayed in his spot figuring it was the safest. He counted four total. Two down below, one at the stairs and one coming for him. The creature walked next to him until they stopped in their tracks and stared down. ¡°You.¡± The orc growled.


    Aurella swiped her dagger at the orcs leg, cutting deep. His leg gave way and he collapsed to the ground while she cut up the back of his spine before meeting the dagger to his neck slicing it open while Destin booked it into the room, leaving the door open for Aurella who moved in immediately after closing the door. The orcs body thumped to the ground. The other roared, slamming his fist on the banister shattering the rail like it was a dried twig.


    They didn¡¯t bother barricading the door, not when facing the strength of the orcs. She opened the window which was next to the bed. She checked below, but the drop was too great for Destin in his frail state. She turned to him, ¡°Can you jump?¡±


    ¡°I mean, enough¡­ Why?¡± But right when he began to question it was already too late. She was out the window, when he heard her on the roof running across. He leaned out the window, the heights freezing his muscles which briskly thawed when the orcs slammed through the door. They only being able to see the bottom of his legs out the window and rising to the roof.


    He scurried back on all fours, the moisture of the fog dampening the tiles he was attempting to tread across. The roof exploded in front of him, a fist cleanly punching into the air. He couldn¡¯t help but scream, reaching to the top of the roof and leaping to his feet. The fog mixed with the new moons created a darkness which could barely be read. The lamp posts below highlighted the surrounding roof lines, but only to the point of an educated guess as to where he was leaping.


    Still, he didn¡¯t have much of a choice. He followed after Aurella and with all his might jumped over the alley and landing on the other side slipping but catching himself on the ridge. He got up, and looked back to see black figures moving closer. He couldn¡¯t make out the figures but he didn¡¯t need to, to know what was coming.


    He dashed towards the docks, using each of the buildings as a pathway. An arrow flew past Destin impacting an orc behind him which fell down the roof, smacking on the stone walkway below.


    ¡°Keep running!¡± She ordered firing another arrow at the orcs.


    A horn sounded around the entire city. Destin was unable to trace the source, when another horn blew, followed by another, each at a different point around them¡­ surrounded. Did Gideon know? The docks were far enough away that the horns may not make it. He needed to let them know, to warn them, and if anything receive back up.


    ¡°Come on!¡± Aurella shouted while waving her arm to motion him to the next adjacent roof. He turned back to see that none were following. Her arrows had struck each one, but the chase was far from over. He ran again leaping across the gap almost missing it his arms gripping the edge, preventing him from falling.


    He was lifted to his feet with the assistance of Aurella, when he had an idea. He leaned over the edge of the roof watching the orcs rush down the streets around them by the dozen. The lamp post each had a burning flame, and that was all he needed. He focused in on himself, gathering the energy he needed. His hand reached towards the lamp post, the latch coming unhinged while the flame flowed towards him.


    He gather it at his center, the heat warm to the touch but in no way burning him. Destin built the flame around him until it was a considerable enough size. Lifting his arms above his head he sent the flames high into the air reaching far into the night sky.


    Aurella aggressively shook him knocking the daze of the magic out of him, ¡°You cretin, you just told all the orcs our exact location!¡±


    ¡°And Gideon.¡±


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t matter if we are dead! On top of that he doesn¡¯t need to come to us! We need to go to him!¡± She was right. He may have doomed them all. Aurella¡¯s eyes grew wide, her face lighting up. She pulled Destin down while ducking as a flame passed over them nearly scorching them.


    That wasn¡¯t Gideon. He peeked over the crease of the roof to see a figure cloaked in darkness, the glow of his red eyes revealing his treacherous grin. ¡°Another Highborn?!¡± Destin exclaimed. Since when had there been another here with the orcs? Carefully peering down below, the master rhythmically moved, each flame retreating from its source concentrating around the man.


    The entire street was now encased in darkness and when he collapsed the flames into extinction nothing could be seen. They were helpless and trapped with no senses to guide them. They needed to keep moving, yet any source of light would paint a target on their back.


    A pillar of light lifted into the air in the distance like a newborn star guiding them to their destination. It was the docks. The fog instantly ceased, and they had their destination marked. Aurella faced Destin, ¡°On my mark, we rush to the light. Don¡¯t stop, don¡¯t look back, run.¡± She slung her bow back around herself, and braced for the jump start. ¡°Ready?¡± She asked. Destin nodded when she gave the go ahead.


    Each jumped to their feet and ran with all their might towards the light. The sounds and movements below were ignored to the best of their abilities. No matter what, Destin never detracted his eyes from the starlight. No matter what, he was going to meet back up with Aurella, and each of them were going to safely escape in a ship headed to Alluvion. Without a shadow of a doubt he knew it.

 Chapter 13

    The waves crashed around the undisturbed docks. The wooden dock below their feet strained with each step Gideon and Goddar took. On guard Gideon kept a watchful eye for the dangers that haunted around him. He stood with Goddar speaking with a Captain holding up a lantern, though the conversation faded into the distance with Gideon¡¯s attention elsewhere.


    Gideon turned back to the captain, bringing himself back into reality, ¡°When can you be ready to leave?¡± The man informed him that the crew would be ready by first light, in which Gideon took out the bag of coins and dropped it into the captain¡¯s hands, ¡°Get the men ready now,¡± He commanded checking behind him, ¡°We may need to leave in a moments notice.¡±


    The captain checked inside the back with a look of happy shock, ¡°Right away.¡± He responded running onto his ship behind them to gather the men.


    ¡°We need to find the others now.¡± Gideon warned with worry in his voice, ¡°This doesn¡¯t feel right.¡± He walked down the docks and onto a stone paved road. ¡°You hear that?¡± He questioned holding his ground to pinpoint what he thought he heard. Goddar shrugged unsure, hearing nothing out of the ordinary.


    Goddar jogged a brief moment to catch up to Gideon¡¯s pace, ¡°Eh, I¡¯ll admit, not the best in sensing the whole danger before it happens. Then again, my judgement may be clouded by the rumble of my stomach.¡±


    Drops of water fell from the village roofs while they walked through the lower end of the city, not a soul to disturb them. They still followed closely to the docks until finding the main road to take them to the nearby Inn. ¡°Here.¡± He said pointing down the roadway, ¡°They will be this way.¡± The slight incline of the road lead upwards towards the town on the higher end of the hill.


    Goddar didn¡¯t say much, only followed behind. He watched the distance, and Gideon knew he was imagining the salted pork and warm stew that awaited them. The silence was immediately struck down with a tornado of flames reaching into the heavens from where they were headed. ¡°Destin!¡± Goddar said in worry.


    Without warning Gideon was fired up drawing the symbols on the ground in front of him before igniting it in a pale light as it shot into the air like a flare to signal to Destin their distance apart. He changed his footing around, and in a swift movement brought his hands forward the fog dissipating around them. He turned to Goddar, ¡°Get the Captain, make sure the ship is ready!¡±


    Goddar didn¡¯t question the command, and ran back as fast as his legs could carry him to the ship. Gideon didn¡¯t hesitate a moment, knowing their exact location and bolted down the road to find Aurella and Destin. He knew in that instant that they were in no way inside the inn, but fleeing towards the docks. To miss them passing by would be a major error.


    He closed his eyes, mediating for a moment, harnessing the magic within himself to outreach and locate Destin. An aura appeared in the distance, above himself. He focused while the image cleared up revealing his exact location on the rooftops above him. He was about to move when he noticed another with abilities beside Destin, pursuing him.


    Unsure why there was another Highborn battling with Destin, Gideon ended the meditation and charged towards the battle. Leaping upward from porch to ledge until he reached the roof tops. It was going to be a climb up the city but he was going to locate them. He dashed across, trusting his legs, each jump from rooftop to rooftop strong and precise. His breathing controlled, disregarding the weight he was carrying, there was only one objective.


    He reached the pinnacle of Orrinshire, observing around him to find the whereabouts of Destin and Aurella. Another bolt of green flame rose into the air a block away. Gideon drew out his sword to prepare for the confrontation when the light around him vanished, each lamp post losing it''s light. He knew they were trapped, and whoever was attacking was greatly skilled.


    The town was beginning to sound the alarm recognizing the orc attack taking place in the city. The cries of the women and children were heard while the men gathered to confront the orcs. The torches from the villagers glowed under the town guiding their locations. The light gave off would be enough. Gideon waved his hand across the horizon carefully snatching the flames and igniting again the lamps along the street.


    He couldn¡¯t waste more time, he leapt from building to building reaching his destination with the utmost haste. He hid on the adjacent roof to get a feel for the battle in front of him. The number of orcs around the Highborn was numerous, seeing many also beginning to reach the rooftops near Destin and Aurells who looked unharmed. He checked his weapons on him. Two daggers, and a longsword, hoping it was enough with the support of Aurella, he activated his abilities creating a strong gust of wind up the street.


    The dust kicked up, blinding those below on the streets for a moment, long enough for Gideon to jump down. He stabbed the monstrous orc in the back of the neck, and swinging around sliced another across the gut, ducking under the orcs swing, with a low kick to sweep it''s legs. The orc collapsed to the ground while Gideon pulled out a dagger to stab it in the heart. He retrieved the dagger, throwing it past the enemy Highborn before sinking into the orcs head as it flailed back.


    The cloaked being never flinched, all Gideon could see was his ember glowing eyes with the sound of his jagged blade being unsheathed. He was going in completely blind with no knowledge of his enemy. The enemy took his stance ready for the attack.


    An arrow flew over Gideons shoulder, impacting an orc behind him who was swinging his blade for the attack. He did the finishing blow, grateful someone with such a shot and instinct had his back. He looked up to Aurella and Destin shouting, ¡°Destin, follow the beacon to the docks, find Goddar. Aurella and I will meet you, go now!¡±


    He nodded beginning to move, but was halted when another great flame shot out from the enemy. Gideon swiftly reacting curved the flames with the bolt of wind instantly engulfing the building below. ¡°This is between me and you.¡± Gideon challenged. The orcs gathered around him in an attempt to trap him in. The Highborn had no intention of one on one combat. With a vicious glare Gideon gathered himself, harnessing his power, proclaimed, ¡°So be it.¡±


    A wall of flames erupted around the pair, forcing the orcs to take steps back. Gideon only needed to stall, if only Destin and Goddar could escape then it would be a victory in and of itself. The Highborn commanded, ¡°Stop the ship. Kill all in your sight.¡± The orcs immediately obeyed, retreating and charging towards that same beacon. Gideon peered up at Aurella who witnessed the creatures going on their killing rampage, and unspokenly vowed to stop them, dashing off towards the same docks.


    Gideon turned to face his opponent, each waiting for the other to make a move. Not a sound disturbed their silence beyond the crackling of the flame. The ground shook below them, the enemy had decided his attack as the stone lifted from the ground into the air flinging over towards Gideon. He dodged and evaded the first two while guiding the other stone upwards as he punched the wind towards the ground. He sidestepped with the sharp stone whizzing past his face, his ability ceased its movement, before being flung back at the Highborn.


    He changed his attack, harnessing the flames around him, the Highborn dashed at Gideon, his blade held high ready for his attack. The clash of metal rang loud through the streets, and with his free hand brought a wall of flame at Gideon who held out his hand blocking it, the wave of flames reaching over and around his body.Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!


    He needed to be careful, the fatigue was beginning to wear on him. His supply of power was growing thin, and knowing this was the case he needed to conserve more. This was not the time nor the place to do so. Either he needed to disarm his opponent and retreat back, or overpower. Whatever he would be able to do, he needed to do so before it was too late.


    Destin bolted down the street, his now bare feet smacking the smooth stone roadway. The darkness returned with the ending of the lit street lamps, but the beacon of light still guided his way. He turned to carefully listen to the clatter of metal sounding from behind him, quickly growing in noise. They were coming. A sudden burst of energy gave him the jump start needed to sprint to the docks.


    He could see the numerous ships in the harbor, but he was lost as to which one they needed to get on. He looked and though a few had lanterns lit on them, only one showed exponential movement. ¡°It has to be that one.¡± He said under his breath.


    Turning around, he could see the outlines of the beasts catching him, their speed greatly outweighing his. Weaponless, he would be unable to hold any of them off, his only option was to keep running. He wasn¡¯t too far from the ship. He could make it, and if anything make his stand to fight there.


    It was too little too late, their speed caught up to him. His strength was substantially weaker due to the year in Vertrock. Still, with all his might he ran, hoping by some chance he could make the final distance, hearing Goddar call out to him. A blade slashed down at him, giving him only a second to dive to the ground, receiving a few cuts and bruises as opposed to an entire blade. The orc towered over him, the others catching up to them as well. Destin braced himself for the pain.


    Another arrow hit the orc in his shoulder, not going deep enough for serious damage, but enough to draw his attention away. Aurella swooped in with her bow slung around her, blades drawn, slicing at any enemy she could get her reach. ¡°Get up!¡± She yelled, ¡°And do something!¡±


    With a moments notice, Destin shook the fear of the reality in the world around him. The surge of power pulsed through his body, his eyes luminating with a ghostly white as a mighty wind blew at the creatures, giving even their great strength, difficulty of movement. With his hand out commanding the wind, he rose to his feet with a glowering straight face. The beads of sweat broke across his forehead, but he stepped forward regardless.


    The wind raced around Aurella and him giving each no resistance. Aurella moved behind him, retrieving her bow, and with precision aim shot each orc in her sight. The arrows penetrated through their armor and skin with the newfound strength the wind gave. Those that retreated, fled with a haste of survival, stumbling and falling in the frantic panic. It was the first time Destin had ever witnessed such behavior in the vicious monsters.


    His body was beginning to waiver, giving his whole strength to his tenacious attack. Aurella was yelling at him, but he only heard the sounds of distance whispers. The wave of the attack overtook as the world around him vanished. He tried to gain consciousness, and with one final great stride returned himself to the world falling to his knees, gasping for air.


    ¡°You did well.¡± Aurella said carefully lifting him to his feet. ¡°A little further and you can rest.¡± She carried him onto the docks when Goddar¡¯s voice rang out.


    ¡°Oye! Y¡¯all be causin¡¯ a commotion beyond what this city has ev¡¯r seen!¡± Goddar yelled, ¡°But it''s good to see ya in one piece.¡± The others were racing around the ship to get everything in order for them to depart. Looking into the city they saw the flames rise higher into the air in the town center, the smoke growing thicker.


    The captain ran up to the trio, ¡°We are ready to cast off, where is the other?¡± He asked finally seeing into Orrinshire for the first time, ¡°By the gods¡­¡±


    Gideon parried each hit, avoiding the flames the Highborn commanded. Each attack rained down with a strength greater than he had anticipated. Following each swing of the blade, he watched carefully for the patterns of his attacks, each element of the attack was exact and meticulously timed. Another three swings which Gideon blocked and dodged, followed up with another bolt of lightning, or some form of magical attack.


    His will wore thin, but still continuing to fight he found his opening. A stab was countered as a stone wall from the building aside from them was pulled down. Gideon quickly slid to the right and with a swift movement of his hand removed the stone road from under the enemies feet, the man falling to the ground. Gideon using this as his moment jumped backwards, parting the flames for his escape before closing up the barrier.


    The Highborn¡¯s hood fell off from the fall. Lleweller rose to his feet in a hurry and parted the flames but it was too late, Gideon had already vanished into the night with no trace. ¡°No!¡± Lleweller shouted running down the street to look at the docks. No sight of Gideon, ¡°No! This will not happen!¡± He promised.


    Gideon sprinted in the dark alley away from the main road, sliding and ducking from the obstacles in front of him. He timed every movement, assuring himself the quickest form of travel while staying hidden. With a sudden parting of the buildings, he found himself on the docks. He looked down for their ship, finding it with the sails drawn and beginning to part into the gulf.


    With the ship pulling away, he had just enough time to reach the ship and make the jump. He could hear Destin and Goddar shout at his arrival while the captain commanded to keep going to give some distance from the orcs arriving to stop them. Gideon ran along the outside, hoping that as long as they focused on the ship he would get close enough to reach it.


    The orcs fired their arrows at the men who were readying the sails. One was hit, and fell from atop the beam, into the freezing water below. Destin rose to the back of the ship beginning to deflect to the best of his ability the numerous arrows bombarding the ship. Any moment now the Highborn would be at the docks and in a single attack he would be able to bring down the ship. Gideon would not allow such an attack to happen.


    The sound of his footsteps drew the attention of the orcs, and he knew he had been spotted. With their new target they fired arrows. Gideon pushed down at the docks with all his might leaping high into the air avoiding the arrows. The dock below him crumpled into the ocean below. He landed light on his feet on the final out stretched dock the ship was leaving behind. He had enough distance to make the jump.


    He controlled his breathing as he sprinted down the line his speed gradually increasing. The arrows passed around him, though he gave no heed. He felt the breeze pick up behind him, guiding him to his destination, and when the dock ended he jumped. The height he reached felt strong enough to make the great distance the ship had gained. He saw the back of the ship, able to grip the edge of it if he timed it right.


    Destin raced over to him with an outstretched hand ready to receive Gideon who narrowly hit the edge of the ship, his grip barely enough to hold strong. Destin helped him up onto the deck, the ship now out of range of the arrows. He looked back at the dock to see a red hue from the Highborn he had faced.


    Suddenly, a shot of fire and lighting aimed directly at the ship. Gideon pushed Destin out of the way and with both hands forward parted the flames from around the ship. Another wave of the attack was imminent. Gideon in his last ditch effort looked at Destin, ¡°Follow my lead and focus on the ocean!¡±


    Destin nodded lining up with Gideon and following his movements exactly watched as a wave lifted behind them creating a wall of protection from the orcs and Highborn. It held its height as long as they could maintain it. The sails caught the wind picking up speed leaving the gulf and entering the open ocean. When their distance was finally great enough Gideon and Destin subsided their hold on the ocean and the wave returned.


    Lleweller stared at the ship sailing away at the distance simmering in anger and defeat. His end was becoming more real the further the ship sailed away. In no way was Viran going to allow him to live for this unforgiving failure. Vertrock to Orrinshire he was unable to end the Highborn¡¯s lives and now they were making their way back to Alluvion, there whereabouts unknown.


    The encased rage only build, seething through the cracks of his better judgement. An orc walked behind him with a number of others keeping their distance, ¡°Your orders?¡± It growled. Lleweller didn¡¯t answer, only watched until the ship vanished completely in the distance. He cried out in rage, his eyes igniting in a crimson fury. He turned around facing the orc, and in a sudden slice of his hand the orcs head dislodged with a clean cut, the body falling to the ground.


    The head rolled next to Lleweller who glared into the squad of orcs. He gave only one command, ¡°Burn it.¡±

 Chapter 14

    Orrinshire burned, becoming dust in the wind, no witnesses to behold magic. Destin saw the fiery glow continue to grow the further they retreated from Perdition. He imagined each scream, each life taken, forever silenced to an unmarked grave. He blamed himself for each life lost, though he knew this was not the case.


    Destin watched the island cease from his view, like the scars of his past vanishing into nothing. He felt his back with each memorized scar accounted for. ¡°No more.¡± He said his spirit expounding on true freedom. ¡°Never again.¡± He felt like shouting. A survivor of Perdition? No, a conqueror. Him and Goddar had done it, and by some miracle they could turn to Alluvion and welcome the challenges with open arms.


    The cool ocean breeze brushed against him while he inhaled the smell of the salt. Goddar walked up alongside him the sun beginning to rise. He patted Destin on the back with a grateful smile across his face. No words needed to be said, their expressions had communicated all that needed to be said. They turned their backs to Perdition looking into the sunset to see Alluvion in the horizon.


    A hesitation of fear swept over Destin as he shielded his eyes from the dawn to better looked at the world that awaited them. It had no sense of home, no sense of belonging. The last time he gazed upon the land it was in anger and betrayal with the death of his father. He felt the ring reflecting on the final moments, his father protecting him from the surrounding generals. He silently reflected on the vow he made, to quench the thirst of revenge for the loss of his father.


    Gideon broke the recurring thoughts in Destin¡¯s mind with a forceful toss of items into his stomach. He flitched not knowing what they were, but when it was a soft blow, he looked down to see what he had received. Unfolding the cloth, he felt for the first time in over a year clean clothes. It felt like the greatest gift he had received with a tear trickling down his eye. The gratitude overwhelmed his emotions.


    With another firm toss, Goddar too received his share of new clothes. Destin saw for once in his life Gideon smile with his gesture. ¡°We will be reaching the shore in a few hours, change when you get a moment, you¡¯re approaching royalty today.¡± He reminded the both of them before walking off the deck.


    A new beginning. The ability to start with a clean slate in no way bound by the past, only haunted. Each face of the generals flashed in his head, ingrained in his memory their looks as the three slayed his father in front of him. Destin knew he was coming back to Alluvion with a new purpose, stronger, and no more would stand by to watch himself lose those very people he loved.


    The ship journeyed the remainder of the day until it reached Davos. With the sun beginning to set on the horizon, Destin and the others immediately disembarked by carriage in the night to travel to Stormforth. It was Gideon¡¯s hope that they would have safe travel for the remainder of the trip and reach their destination by the morning. Destin could care less about the method of travel, at this point some much needed rest was more than deserved and needed. The unpaved road was unexpectedly bumpy the entire way but once Destin found an area to rest his head, he was instantly out cold.


    Goddar awoke Destin with a slight nudge to his shoulder to get his attention. He swiped away wishing the dwarf would leave him be to get some sleep. ¡°Lad, I think you¡¯d want to take a look outside.¡± He informed continuing to nudge him. Destin rubbed his eyes to clear his vision before stepping on his seat to peer out atop the carriage roof. He yawned a moment, but all that ceased once he finally beheld Stormforth.


    Goddar sat back in his seat and smiled seeing how far Destin¡¯s jaw dropped. The city stretched around much further than he had imagined. Looked as though you could travel around the entire outer wall for a day before reaching your start point. The center point of the city reached far into the sky as if to greet the clouds as they passed on by. Stormforth appeared to be paved in crystal the pure whiteness of the city reflected off the sunlight like a diamond.


    He looked over to Gideon who traveled near the caravan, he nodded in approval, ¡°Welcome Destin to Stormforth the leader of the rebellion.¡± He waved out his hand pointing towards the city. Destin¡¯s sudden burst of energy made him feel as though he could just leap out of the vehicle and rush on the road to the city. He resisted, but only barely.


    He got out of the carriage with Goddar to walk alongside with Gideon until they reached the city walls. Aurella wore her hood on the adjacent side walking at her own pace, nearly faster than those apart of the carrivan. Gideon studied the entire city, ¡°In three hundred years, it has grown far past expectations.¡± He looked down at Destin, ¡°Last here, it reached only to the inner wall you see now.¡±


    Checking to see just how much of a difference that made, he couldn¡¯t believe it himself. Destin had always been traveling around but since it was with his father the General, it was only as far as Arthemis had reached in the war. He had heard of the beauty Stormforth possessed but it was nowhere near as marvelous now that he beheld it with his own eyes.


    The carrivan reached the wall, checking in with the trade group associated. Aurella lead the way through the doorway past the guards. The opening of the door made the exit of Vertrock looked like it was built for insects. He couldn¡¯t help but observe the detail and craftsmanship of the stone walls. Each carefully carved like a work of art forever to be seen by the public.


    The streets were crowded with the movement of merchants and citizens going about their daily lives. Their group blended in flawlessly while they worked their way through to reach the castle. Destin caught bits and pieces of conversation as they walked on by, hearing tales of adventure, prices of merchandise and goods. Witnessing first hand the everyday lives these people lived, unknowing of the gift they possessed. It slightly worried Destin the fact that it appeared that the majority here lived in a bubble, unaffected and unsure of the events of the outside world.


    Still, the moment of peace he was able to experience was more than welcomed. They walked up the curved street reaching higher into the city making their way into the inner wall. Each building resembled the same idea with unique characteristics, looking as though they were their own person in the city themselves. The signs, wooden beams, stonework, all woven together like a majestic tapestry.


    ¡°Ah, the maze these streets supply never disappoint. Nothing like free entertainment to welcome de mornin¡¯ eh Destin?¡± Goddar joked while he stretched with a loud yawn.


    ¡°Who cares about the maze, this is amazing just to behold.¡± Destin answered back gazing around at the city. Now that they were higher up the city he could easily look down to get an overhead view as to where they had been.


    Aurella cut in for a moment, ¡°Contain yourselves some, we need to reach the castle some time today seeing as they are expecting us.¡± She was right, but at the moment it felt of little significance. Yet, Gideon still agreed with her, keeping an eye on the goal.


    He stayed close, it''s not like he was venturing out on his own or being separated from the group. He figured they were right and calmed it down a moment, figuring he could explore later anyway.


    Goddar pointed to the buildings around them near the inner city walls, ¡°This was apart of the original settlement of Stormforth nearly a thousand years ago. It is said that it was built so high in order to keep the dragons and Arc Spiders out. If you look closely you can see the cuts and gashes they left behind in battles long forgotten.¡±Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    ¡°He¡¯s generally correct with those statements.¡± Aurella confessed, ¡°But that was ages ago, beyond what any human recalls. Fickle creatures, never remember what happened the previous day.¡± She took a minor stab at humans, but Destin didn¡¯t quite seem bothered by it.


    They walked under the inner city walls to reach higher into Stormforth, ¡°I am sure that would have been a spectacle to witness, much like how the first settlers would gaze upon this city now in wonder.¡± Gideon added. ¡°We¡¯re getting close.¡±


    The city kept climbing further above the land below, Destin peered behind him seeing the docks of Stormforth below them, more rambunctious and radiant than the port of Davos ever had. ¡°Why didn¡¯t we port into Stormforth?¡± Destin wondered.


    Immediately Gideon answered, ¡°In anyway we can, we attempt to travel off the trodden path. If by chance we can blend in and go unnoticed, we will.¡± He maneuvered around people, ¡°And so far we have done a horrid job at that.¡±


    Destin shrugged his shoulders before running his hand through his hair, scratching it, ¡°Fair point.¡± He said running to catch up to the group. The rest of the travel to the castle was in silence, ultimately walking at a brisk pace up the steep road to reach their destination. The city streets grew less and less crowded as the building became more and more extravagant.


    Finally, the guards were beginning to populate the streets when they were able to spot the final walls protecting the castle itself. Appearing to be carved out of fine crystal, the castle twisted and wove smoothly. Each spire unique in design like a tribute to the honor of the Gods. In no way could Destin find a flaw in the design itself.


    The group reached the final gate, each being stopped by a guard. The archers at the top of the wall were at the ready in case things went awry. ¡°Sorry, I am going to need to ask you to stop here. State your business.¡± He slammed his spear into the ground, looking like someone who took their job way too seriously considering the pay they probably received.


    Aurella cautiously stepped forward reaching her hands around the hood of her cloak and removing the hood revealing her Atyri lineage. ¡°Men, we are here to discuss with King Airrick important matters, I am of the Atyri from Galemourne.¡± She boldly informed.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care if you are the High King of Arthemis. Where is your letter of summoning?¡± The other guard demanded.


    Aurella had a look of absolute annoyance, Destin guessed it was from them overlooking the fact of her pointed ears, and colored skin was overlooked. Knowing full well it was a race they obviously hadn¡¯t seen previously.


    Her tone had become greatly aggressive, ¡°Allow us in, we have vital information on alliances and the war which will change the very reason for this fight!¡± She poked his armor causing him to stumble back a step.


    The guards made eye contact with each other before bursting out in laughter. ¡°You think I was born yesterday! Let me into the castle, I got important things!¡± He mocked.


    ¡°So important that they don¡¯t have a summoning letter!¡± The other added before joining into the laughter.


    Her patience was long gone, Destin knew someone was bound to die here and now. He only braced himself to not become one of the casualties mixed up in the brawl. Gideon failed in an attempt to calm Aurella down, and appease the guards. He heard a few footsteps coming behind him, causing him to pause and look back at those walking toward him.


    A man proudly marched past him with two of his guards, each carrying scrolls. His smoothed back golden hair with his clean cut presence was easily magnified by the exquisite armor and cape he wore. He heard the commotion which caused a look of worry across his face. ¡°Um, what seemed to be the problem here?¡± His posh voice asked in a way to call for the comotion to move out of the way so he could get back to business.


    ¡°Lord Tillion, my apologize!¡± The senior guard profusely repeated. ¡°Allow me to excuse the manors of these passersby who were just leaving.¡± He said shoving them out of the way.


    The Lord seemed to give no heed to the party, except for the atyri¡¯s silver hair gleaming in the sunlight. He shifted his focus over quickly knowing she was of great importance from how his countenance changed. He ignored the guards words, ¡°Who are you?¡± He stumbled in a slight daze.


    Gideon spoke up, ¡°Lord Tillion, we come from Perdition to speak with your highness King Airrick regarding information to change the tide of this civil war.¡±


    It was obvious that he didn¡¯t like the words civil war, nevertheless he heeded their words carefully while Aurella continued to add, ¡°I send word not two days ago, you can verify if needed.¡±


    He held out his hand responding, ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary. I will escort you all personally to the courts, where you will be able to present this new information to King Airrick himself.¡± He faced the guards who suddenly had a worried look on their faces. Lord Tillion did not need to speak, he merely motioned with his hand for them to part ways to allow the group to follow on through.


    The archers relaxed while the guards stood back, each of the group members stepped past the great doors entering into the castle gardens populated with various flowers and shrubbery. Lord Tillion apologize, ¡°These guards are sometimes all too pretentious. They will not be a bother further.¡± The gardeners worked quietly paying no attention to the passersby.


    Moving through the garden following the main path before coming to the front steps of the castle itself. ¡°Once you are lead to the council chamber, I will enter first to introduce you.¡± He said as the double doors to the front of the castle were opened by the guards, ¡°Once you are in, you will introduce yourselves and state your purpose.¡±


    Aurella stopped for a second, ¡°Wait, I¡¯m sorry but why are you helping us?¡± She asked.


    Lord Tillion turned around to speak to her, ¡°First off you. I have never seen your kind in my life time, let alone know what you are. For you to trek from wherever you are from to our doorstep is intriguing enough to take a chance.¡± His tone grew harsher, ¡°Furthermore, when a dwarf, two humans, and you from Perdition. Now I just received word of the mayhem which took place on that wretched island and I demand answers. Supply them!¡± He ordered picking up his pace now down the hall.


    Following was logical enough and the answers he and the fellow court were justified if they had the answers. The biggest conflict Destin wrestled with is to what degree they trust these noble strangers? The leap of faith they took meant a great deal but at the same time was it forced? He knew that they didn''t have many options, yet here they were trusting Aurella to bridge some ties with the kingdom of Stormforth. The questions stirred around his mind unable to be tamed, yet his heart felt oddly at peace, as if this, beyond all doubt, was the right move.


    Regardless, they were here and now, in a place Destin never thought he would get to see. The marble floor gleaned with pristine care. The art work on the walls proudly displayed the heritage and history of the kingdom. They could spend weeks in this colossal place and still discover new passageways.


    After anxiously following Lord Tillion they had arrived at the double doors which separated them from the council chamber. The two guards stepped to the side bracing the door handles and strenuously opening the door. Tillion slicked back his golden hair and with a dashing smile said, ¡°Wish me luck.¡± While striding on in, the doors shutting behind him.


    There they waited. Quietly for their invite into the chamber itself. He had tried to catch a glimpse inside but to no avail. Gideon paced around anxiously waiting with Goddar sitting down to the side massaging his feet. Aurella waited center of the door way, unmoving from her position. Goddar shattered the silence, ¡°I will say this, my feet are going to need a scorching hot bath after this!¡±


    Destin chuckled quietly turning away in hopes that no one beside Goddar saw. Gideon and Aurella shot a glare at Goddar, but he could care less at this point. ¡°Everything¡­¡± Gideon cut away for a second, ¡°Everything, rides on this moment.¡±


    In no way could the tension not be felt, which made Goddars comments to lighten the mood seem more justified. ¡°We have a compelling case, and actual proof. Heck, our ability alone will move mountains with them.¡± Destin responded being careful not to give away too much.


    ¡°Going in, we will be sure to be hesitant to what we share. If it goes awry, we need to ensure that our secrets remain safe.¡± Gideon said looking at the door again to see if it was going to be opened.


    Aurella added, ¡°Follow my lead then, I have a letter from my father address to King Airrick himself. Should be enough to break the ice to start creating some trust from both sides.¡± She held the sealed scroll in her hands.


    The doors creaked open with the guards from the inside pushing them open. Lord Tillon walked out with a smile on his face, ¡°They are ready to welcome you.¡± He said gesturing them to move forward into the room.


    Godder rose to his feet and quickly rushed over to the group. Destin glanced over at Goddar with an assuring nod to each other. When they were all together, they moved as one into the chamber with Aurella taking point. Gideon let out a quiet sign, the tenseness in his arms gradually relaxing.


    They entered ready as they ever would be to discuss their matters. Destin strongly felt the future of Alluvion held by a thread in this meeting right here. Through all odds they fought, through all odds they escaped, and through all odds they arrived in Alluvion safely. Now Destin was to be presented before a king, to discuss information as equals. For once in his life, when the challenge presented itself, he graciously accepted.

 Chapter 15

    A hush fell over the entire room with the entrance of this unusual party. Aurella and Gideon entered side by side being led by Lord Tillion. Destin and Goddar hung in the background. This courtroom itself was immaculate the pillars around the circular room reached up the spire they were in. The judges and councilmen sat elevated about them four to each side with the king and his queen at the center.


    Lord Tillion waved his arms about with the introduction, ¡°King and Queen, Lords and Judges of Stormforth, I bring to you the survivors of Perdition. With them, an Atyri from the island Galemourne.¡± He stepped to the side while they walked to the center of the room to be presented to the court. Some of the judges stood to get a better look, curious to what the atyri were.


    The king sat in silence, his hand scratching his blackened beard. He waited patiently in the moment of silence to gage who these people were in the courts. Destin watched him closely watching his mannerisms. The queen was curious checking the people down below with the subtle chatter of the councilmen. The king held his hand up to quiet the men, who silenced themselves immediately. He then sat more upright in his chair, motioning to Gideon to begin.


    Aurella ignored the gestures of the court and instead spoke up, ¡°King Airrick, I am Aurella and stand here today informing you of the new alliance I am to offer in voice of the wishes of the Atyri.¡± She observed the courtroom and judges as she spoke. ¡°Long ago, this land was shared with humans and Atyri alike, we lived and fought together on multiple occasions while our kinds lived in general harmony.¡±


    She was cut off by one of the judges, ¡°Who gave you voice?¡± A judge spitefully interjected. ¡°In no way were you motioned to speak, and you will halt your speech until called upon.¡±


    She glared at the judge who called her out, but the king spoke up, ¡°Let her speak. It is you who is out of place.¡± He motioned for the judge to sit back down before allowing Aurella to continue.


    Aurella did a small bow and continued speaking, ¡°When the time came that you needed us most, we vanished, fleeing to the isle of Galemourne to live out our eternal days alone. Shortly after, the rebels were defeated in the fields of Arthemis.¡± She knelt down on one knee, staring down at the ground, ¡°We vow to return to Alluvion, to repay this debt.¡±


    The Queen spoke up, curiosity in her voice, ¡°I am indeed honored by your visit, and thank you for your journey. I will admit, I am rather curious, who are the Atyri?¡±


    Removing her cloak she stood before the court for them to see her entirety. The bluish gray skin, her pointed ears hidden behind her silvery moon light hair, with the piercing lavender eyes. ¡°We are magical beings gifted with immortality, each given special abilities, strongest in the full moons, weakest in the new.¡±


    The judges spoke amongst themselves a moment, notating in awe and wonder what was being said. The scribe lost track of writing observing this rare phenomenon before him. The judge next to the queen raised his voice, ¡°So why now?¡±


    She hesitated, looking to Gideon, him knowing the questions the answer would bring. He didn¡¯t hesitate, only nodded for her to move forward, ¡°My father had a vision and sense of an awakening to come, of knowledge once lost, now ready to return. It was him who directed me to Perdition to locate that source where I was guided by the Gods to Destin and Gideon.¡± She pointed to them both.


    Goddar was oddly offended that he wasn¡¯t brought up in the story. Destin and Gideon stepped beside her. The king watched closely, deep in thought, only to ask one question, ¡°What knowledge has been lost?¡±


    Again, she was hesitant to give the answer, ¡°Magic.¡±


    Mumbling and quiet laughter filled the room among the judges. The king still sat quiet, in now way did his facial expression change. He only observed how we and his men acted. A judge stood up, ¡°You honestly believe that magic exists? No proof or sources have been given in this court nor outside!¡±


    Another interjected, ¡°On top of that, it doesn¡¯t solve or contribute at all to our war effort. Even if magic did exist, as you claim, in no way does that help us!¡±


    The queen whispered into the king''s ear while he nodded in recognition, though never spoke up to give his input to the judges banter. For a number of minutes they all discussed and debated the reality of magic, the majority denying the existence. The two skeptics who didn¡¯t were immediately shut down for the madness of their thoughts.


    Gideon motioned to Destin for him to listen, ¡°This is the dangers of the world, and one you must heed. Rather than question the possibility of something great, they shut down and destroy the very thought.¡± He whispered.


    ¡°But why do such a thing?¡± Destin asked listening to their debate. ¡°I mean we could disprove them right now.¡±


    ¡°In time, we are assessing the situation much like the king here.¡± Gideon pointed out, ¡°If we were to only show the proof, yes that would end such debate, but this tells us of their character more than proving them wrong ever would.¡±


    ¡°The worry here is we give them some proof with me standing before them, yet they deny the chance of more.¡± Aurella added shaking her head in disappointment.


    The judges spoke their minds freely slowly raising their voices to yelling. ¡°I fail to see the logic in such boisterous claims! If magic truly existed we would see proof around us, seldom if any, but we would see proof.¡±


    Most agreed amongst themselves. Gideon grew tireless of the meaningless debate as he was losing all respect for the judges and councilmen. The King and Queen alone were the only ones who seemed to have redeeming qualities, but with the whispering between one another, that too was difficult to judge.


    Stepping forward Gideon bowed his head to focus his abilities. The flames on the walls flickered with a breeze circulating through the chamber. He opened his eyes revealing an emerald glow while an orb of energy grew from the center of his guided hands. ¡°This world,¡± He said the men startled and in absolute shock, ¡°has forgotten the magic it possesses.¡±


    The guards gripped their spears anticipating what may happen, but were more than petrified that the attack would do little to help. The king and queen stood up, him starting to walk down the stairs to get a better look at the majestic performance in front of him. ¡°By the Gods¡­¡± King Airrick was mesmerized his eyes finally opened. ¡°I could never fathom¡­¡±


    Tillon stood in the corner unphased by the events taking place as if he believed all along. He just carried a smug look on his face with his arms folded. Destin was more than happy to see their faces when they realized they were more than wrong. Magic was real, and it was time for them to know it themselves.


    Gideon subsided the magic and returned to normal, ¡°This power and ability was what use to govern and protect Alluvion long ago. High King Revnic possessed it back then to rid all knowledge of it, now the High King in Arthemis and his leadership still possess it. This is the very reason for your struggle to overcome his armies.¡±Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    ¡°Now allow us to discuss with you the next steps we need to take to free the land from this great evil.¡± Aurella demanded, ¡°Alluvion has been at war near a decade, and it is time to end the bloodshed once and for all.¡±


    The King walked up to Gideon and Aurella extending a hand to properly greet them, ¡°Aurella, Gideon, friends, let us discuss these matters.¡± He turned back to the court members, ¡°In private, leave us now.¡± He commanded in a straightforward presence. He looked almost betrayed by the men he trusted most. The offended men, didn¡¯t openly rebel, but stood and stormed out of the room slamming the door behind them. Tillion also was escorted out, uninvited by the king.


    The king reached out his hand to receive his wife, ¡°I would like to introduce you to my wife, with whom I am nothing, Kassandra.¡± She grasped his hand and was guided over to the group. She greeted them properly, and in turn they each did the same. The king continued, ¡°I would rather us speak frankly with one another, to get all this pointlessness aside. What can I do to help?¡±


    Each couldn¡¯t help but be overjoyed by those words, and in every way possible they wished to return the favor. Gideon smiled and responded, ¡°Allow me to tell you a story.¡± He then went on to tell the same stories he had shared with Destin, explaining the way of the Highborn, and how the High King Revnic turned on the kingdom to take control of the five other kingdoms and turn the people against the Highborn. With his final thoughts, he shared the tragedy of the Battle of Arthemis before his great sleep.


    The king sat on the stairs absorbing all of the information like a sponge. He believed all the words Gideon was confessing, while he also asked many of his own questions. The queen too was sure to give her input, listening carefully as well. In the end, the king asked one question, ¡°So what now? With Arthemis still possessing this power, how do we counter it?¡±


    ¡°With Aurella sending word to her father, they should be heading this way here in the month. Still, I will admit with Destin and I here beside you we have a great uphill battle ahead.¡± Gideon admitted. ¡°Nevertheless, we will overcome. What do you know of High King Viran.¡±


    The King shrugged his shoulders, ¡°Not too much since we have been at war for so long. From our last meeting a few years ago he was younger than me by a number of years, yet appeared wiser.¡± He thought to himself pausing, ¡°He possesses four other advisers, and has around ten High Generals leading his armies, each hand picked from the six kingdoms after swearing loyalty to the king himself.¡± He laughed to himself rolling his eyes, ¡°Each over qualified, but I assume that is what you would want in the battlefield.¡±


    Gideon agreed, but did his best to reassure the king, ¡°The High King knows of us, but with us escaping from Perdition our whereabouts are unknown. We have the upper hand for a time.¡±


    He nodded in agreement, sitting in silence reflecting on Orrinshire, ¡°I can¡¯t believe the orcs burned Orrinshire to the ground like that.¡± His voice trembled with the sentence.


    Destin reflected on the images flooding into his memory of Orrinshire in flames, the smoke blotting out the star light in the night sky. The horror and final moments the citizens experienced. Gideon brought Destin back to reality, ¡°Viran knew that with the battle, the witnesses of magic could spread. He did everything in his power to silence them before word could get out.¡±


    ¡°Innocent blood. Always casualties of war. Victims of a cause they are in no way apart of, now gone from the world.¡± King Airrick said in pain. It was unique to Destin to see such a king who did care for the people. He could tell that each life lost did mean something, and if King Airrick had it in his power to fight without the loss of life, he would do so in an instant. ¡°Do we tell Stormforth and the other kingdoms of you? Of magic?¡±


    ¡°Not just yet, I would like for us to get a grasp on everything first. Learn how this world works as you learn about magic. Then we can strategize on how to combat this properly.¡± Gideon plainly said.


    The king stood up and with his hands out said, ¡°That''s a fair assessment. If you forgive me for speaking so boldly this one time, how should I trust you? Would it be so easy for High King Viran to trick me with this?¡±


    ¡°Oye, just do the memory morph share thing! That scared odd things out of me, but it confirmed the truth rather well.¡± Goddar said for the first time speaking up.


    The king gently laughed, with a small crack of a smile, ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary, but I am the one who believes strongly in the power of our word. Gideon, Aurella, if you swear to me in this moment that you are being truthful, then I promise you will be welcomed as my guests and advisers.¡±


    Without hesitation Gideon looked him in the eyes and said, ¡°I swear to you by the Gods themselves, the words we speak are truthful. We in no way are tied to Arthemis or their efforts.¡±


    Aurella said the same words, meaning them wholeheartedly. The king faced the both of them, and resting his hands on their shoulder said, ¡°Your valor and efforts shall not be in vain. I will do my best to be the leader and king needed in Alluvion.¡±


    They all smiled, and the king gave a single clap. ¡°Now, it looks as though we have gone far into the evening. Stories and history seem to have that effect sometime. I do apologize for the long wind of our conversation but you each will be brought to your personal rooms, and I will bring a variety of dinner since you are probably famished.¡±


    King Airrick motioned for the guards to open the main doors while he lead them with his wife through the hallways. ¡°If you need anything, do not hesitate to ask. It appears that you have traveled rather light,¡± he observed. ¡°In the morning you will be measured and brought new clothes as you request.¡±


    They turned down a hallway being greeted by a number of servants both male and female. The king held his wife¡¯s hand and spoke to everyone, ¡°They will escort you to your rooms. They are quite friendly but if you are more the silent type, then they prefer that.¡±


    Goddar eyed a woman servant and immediately ran to her as she jumped from being startled. ¡°Hello, I¡¯m Goddar and you are?¡± He flirtatiously remarked allowing her to begin to lead him down the hallway. She answered her name but was overshadowed by his continuous small talk trying to woo her. Destin knew it was a failed effort, but he gave the dwarf credit for trying.


    Destin was lead down a maze of hallways until he reached his door. He thanked the servant and entered his room. He let out a quiet sigh from the events of the day, but he couldn¡¯t believe the progress they had made. He was in Stormforth, not only that but the castle of King Airrick, staying as his guests. In a matter of days he had gone from slave to honored guest, and he was more than ecstatic.


    Walking around his room he removed his shoes feeling the stone cold floor before resting promptly on the rug. He saw his bed, the frame having exquisite wood workings which reached above the bed draping a cover over. He never saw the point of those besides decorations, but still, he had one now. The fire next to the bed roared fiercely keeping his entire chamber warm in the frigid night. He threw a few more logs to keep it strong, and quickly continued exploring.


    A table he somehow had missed when walking in, probably due to spotting the bed and fire so hastily, but he regretted that when he realized the copious amounts of food which waited for him to devour. Eager to dive in with his stomach growling, he paused a second. Considering his food intake was rather low for some time he resisted the urge to gorge and instead ate some fruit until his stomach was satisfied.


    A yawn passed through him as he stretched high into the air. He itched the back of his head and walked over towards the bed removing his shirt. He passed by the mirror but stopped for a moment and moved back to check on himself. His stomach, even full, still barely lay flat, his ribs plainly showing. Destin let out a sigh of disappointment, but felt like it would pass in time. He checked his back, the cuts from the orcs whip still scabbing over the numerous scars he already had. A constant reminder to haunt him the remainder of his days. Something to always bring the flashbacks of the horrors of Vertrock.


    He shut the memories out. Today was a grandiose day, and it wasn''t about to be ruined by another vision of the past. Destin walked over to the bed, leaving the shirt hung over the top of a chair and felt the lush bed. The sheets felt like a cloud, or as much as he could imagine one felt. The pillow sank in with his touch with a softness unlike anything he had felt before. It was everything he had dreamed of ever since he was a child, but no longer was it what he needed.


    Without a second thought Destin pulled off the many blankets which layered the bed, finding the thinnest sheet, and grabbing a larger book from the shelf laid them both down by the fire. He positioned everything ever so carefully, then sat to watch the fire die down. There he sat, his thoughts pacing around like tranquil therapy while he collected himself.


    When the fire went to embers, and left the room in a mild glow, he found himself turned over on the stone floor comfortable. For so long he had yearned for this luxurious life, but when the occasion came, he realized he had truly changed. Before long, he left the world he knewto travel across conciseness andhis dreams, the scars lit with his back to the fire.

 Chapter 16

    ¡°Stormforth. So this Destin, is where you decided to retreat to? Not a bad way of life, I¡¯ll admit.¡± A voice said behind him. The room was nearly pitch black from the fire dying down. He sat up from his bed to see a figure standing behind his table. He walked around the table grabbing some fruit and biting into it. ¡°Glad to see you¡¯re doing so well after that heroic escape in Vertrock.¡±


    Destin squinted his eyes to get a better look in the dark room. ¡°Who are you!?¡± Destin said trying to get a view. The voice was smooth and vile and the man standing before him was only a little taller than him. ¡°Show yourself!¡± He demanded.


    The figure walked forward towards where Destin slept, ¡°I¡¯m offended Destin.¡± He flicked his finger to bring the fire ablaze again. ¡°After all, this is no way to speak to your High King.¡± He stepped into the light, revealing his pale sharp face with jade green eyes.


    Destin stumbled back only to have the fireplace catch his fall, ¡°Revnic! How did you get here?¡± His instincts powered himself up ready to attack. ¡°You should be dead for nearly two hundred years.¡± He said the wind picking up in the room from Destin¡¯s ability.


    ¡°Knowing my lifespan it would have been over two hundred and fifty years, but here I am standing before you in this modern day.¡± The High King joked. There was sternness in his voice yet for some reason his conversation for this occasion felt light. ¡°If only you knew what I knew, or had seen what I¡¯ve seen, then perhaps your mind would view this world differently.¡±


    ¡°Differently how? As far as I am concerned this civil war against you is fully justified, and the lives lost is blood on your hands,¡± Destin boldly spoke. A multitude of emotions flashed in his mind all driven by the anger and hatred of the man standing before him.


    He picked up some fruit from the table which was left from the dinner and ate a few bites. ¡°Understand, even standing against me, I rule over you. As long as you stand on Alluvion soil, I am in control.¡± He took another bite, his tone more serious than prior words. ¡°You¡¯d be smart to remember that.¡±


    Destin braced himself for a fight, waiting for the High King to make the first move. Here and now if he could help it he would make his stand. If anything cause attention enough for guards and hopefully Gideon to hear. If he would be able to make it into the room, they would have a chance to stop him here and now.


    The wind suddenly stopped, leaving Destin wondering what the cause was. He checked the whereabouts of the room only to see Viran with a smirk. ¡°I¡¯m disappointed in you. Truly I expected more respect. Now sit!¡± He moved his hand down forcing Destin to sit in the chair next to him. Despite all his efforts he was unable to escape the bond.


    Destin was quiet for once, figuring any arguing was futile at this point. The most puzzling thing about this conversation was the power he held in the room. He figured Viran would be powerful, but never so much so as to be able to control his entire body with ease. It didn¡¯t add up, but why? With all his effort, he was still unable to summon his power like it had been shut off with a switch.


    The idea came into his mind, ¡°This¡­ is a dream¡­¡± He said focusing directly at Viran, ¡°None of this is real!¡± Volts of electricity flooded his entire body as all the muscles tensed up, his hands having a death grip on the chair. The shock released the moment he felt like his heart was about to stop beating.


    ¡°I assure you Destin, it is as real as the outside world. The difference is your death is not permanent. All the pain in the world could not save you from this nightmare.¡± The High King said, holding his hands out. ¡°And your death will not be swift.¡±


    Another wave of power shocked Destin¡¯s body against his will. He tried to cry out but his lungs exalted all the air. He bit down, grinding out the unfathomable pain flowing through his entire body. The shock left his body again, giving him a moment to recover.


    His breath was short and brief the beads of sweat falling down his forehead. A tear fell down his eye with the pain he had experienced. It felt as real if he was awake, this dream made no sense. It was as real and vivid like he was awake sitting in his room tonight. The stone was cold, the wood textured, the pain real, yet it was all imagined. He finally recovered his strength and began to relax.


    ¡°I ask the question, you answer.¡± Viran motioned, ¡°Any resistance and you can feel far worse pain that what has already been experienced. Understand?¡±


    Destin nodded in agreement bracing himself for the pain to come. In all his time in Vertrock the memories of each scar felt like mercy in comparison to now. In revealing what he knew to the High King, there was no chance on judging if the torture would cease.


    The first question was simple, ¡°What did Gideon tell you?¡±


    Destin held his ground in silence, not to answer in the slightest while he braced for the pain which was to come. When Viran knew he would not say he motioned with his finger a path while a deep cut began to slide across his core, but no blood soaked the wound. He was bound, unable to move as the cut grew deeper and deeper. He cried out in agony and not being able to take the pain anymore he cried out, ¡°The¡­ Fin¡­. battle.¡± He managed to get out, the wound healing itself while the sharpness of the pain remained, ¡°Arthemis, the fall of the Highborn.¡±


    The pain subsided fully, ¡°What else did he say!¡±


    With great mourning with the betrayal of his friends and allies Destin told the High King all he needed to hear. No longer would he risk the pain he had felt in this dreamlike state he was in. He had no clue that when the morning came if he would naturally wake up, or since he was in this realm if time could last the eternity.


    Destin explained further about what Gideon had shown him in the cavern that night, and their escape from Orrinshire. He said everything about meeting with King Airrick, the only thing he was able to leave out was the knowledge of the atyri¡¯s return. Something that even the High King knew nothing about.


    The slickness of his voice was smooth and mischievous as his tone changed, ¡°Destin¡­ Destin¡­ you have no need to fear currently. I too would be intimidated by my evil endeavors if it had been revealed to me in such a way as well.¡± He lifted his finger to brighten the room better, ¡°Better?¡± He cracked another smile and walked closer to Destin. ¡°You must have a lot of questions for me?¡±


    ¡°Not particularly. Considering your generals killed my father, you will die by my hand in the end of this!¡± Destin promised his face with such a vengeance even the High King hesitated a moment. ¡°Your men slayed my father when he was nothing but loyal! Arthemis killed off the Highborn when they were nothing but loyal. Something tells me if I trust you, you¡¯ll stab me in the back as well!¡±


    ¡°You know how it is, once the word of magic gets out then the foundation of Alluvion is at stake.¡± His tone became far more serious, ¡°Orrinshire was a prime example of that!¡±


    ¡°Hundreds dead, and you still sleep soundly.¡± Something Destin couldn¡¯t understand about someone who had so much blood on their hands. ¡°So you have ties with the orcs? You and your minion?¡±


    ¡°I do what is necessary, Arthemis does what is necessary for the world. Starting with the Highborn.¡± The High King said with disgust in his voice. ¡°To have magic in the world only results in madness. You never saw the world back then, only the one now.¡± He gazed into the fire, ¡°Magic made those gifted with it have power over the common man.¡±


    ¡°In what way?¡± Destin inquired. He could see that people having such abilities would give them an upper hand as proof of the High King, but how was economically was beyond him.The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.


    Viran released Destin from his hold to the chair as he felt himself lift off the chair like friction had ceased. He stood and walked over to the table, ¡°Highborn had full control. Politics, economics, the common people were put into a lower class all of their own. Any objection could be silenced in an instant and no one would give it a second glance.¡± Viran shook his head, ¡°It is why I fought so hard to become the High King.¡±


    ¡°And the tens of thousands you killed!¡± Destin raised his voice into a shout, ¡°What of them? What voice did you give them!?¡±


    Destin was thrown against the wall, pinned down by a dark force while a cloud of darkness colluded around the High King, ¡°You know nothing of sacrifice! The cause is mightier than the cost, and any lives lost are never forgotten. The Highborn stole freedom from the common man, they were the word and the law and they changed it as they saw fit. Just or unjust it was executed promptly and precise.¡±


    Destin fought with all his control to lift his body from against the wall, but the hold from the darkness was too strong for him to break. He had just enough strength to move his hand slightly into a fist to begin pushing away. His will to fight was strong but his physical strength was weak, and try as he might, there was little he could do against the High King.


    Viran¡¯s yelling continued, ¡°For years I moved up the ranks, sacrificing it all for the people, for you Destin! Until I was able to sway the vote of the Syndicate in Andorran to elect me the High King over Alluvion.¡± The wind picked up around them with the table toppling over from its energy. ¡°And until you see that my cause was just, your mind will be closed to the truth. Magic is no more.¡±


    The room shattered around them the explosion causing Destin ears to ring. The stone turned to dust blowing away in the wind with Destin collapsing to the pure white ground. He felt the ground, and yet it felt like nothing, though it was solid. He stood up to see the entire world was a pure white stretching into infinity. ¡°What have you done?¡±


    Viran ignored the question his voice becoming a hush while he spoke softly to himself, ¡°They will never know the gift I gave them.¡±


    He had full control of this binding they shared in this dreamscape, Destin knew this, but what caused such power to shut him down like this? With Viran in his current rant, he wanted to use this opportunity to find an opening, some way in which he could gain control back. One thing was certain this connection was created by the High King, meaning he had to come to Destin.


    ¡°This secret, how was it kept hidden so well?¡± Destin asked when the realm grew quiet. ¡°So much knowledge, and surely the memory of the people would keep magic alive.¡±


    He slowly nodded recollecting something with a calm smile, ¡°Time is a human¡¯s greatest ally and greatest detriment. It only took a single generation, if that, once the Highborn were destroyed outside of Arthemis, the destroying of their records and histories became simple.¡± A book materialized beside Viran floating in the air, ¡°Religious texts were altered, and soon all were forgotten.¡±


    Was it possible that the hold the High King held in his mind was due to Destin giving him the permission. That he had lost control of his own dream, only because he accepted the illusion as reality. Valid as that sounded, it felt like a long shot, but it was his only option. Regardless of the hold Viran had, he needed and was going to escape.


    ¡°Since the beginning atyri, humans, dwarves, orcs, and all manner of intellectual creatures thrived in Alluvion, and with their much grander lifespans, including immortality, they needed to be outcast. Perdition was the logical choice to send those monsters.¡± Viran plainly stated.


    A soundless spark lit behind Viran with Destin¡¯s small flick of the wrist. It was subtle enough to go unnoticed, but more than changed the entire tide. ¡°So in your attempt to correct the world, you only chained our world up differently. The people are not more or less free than when the Highborn ruled, they only are oblivious to the gift and knowledge you have stolen.


    He needed to figure out a way to awake. Viran said specifically that if he died then he could just be brought back. If there was some way he could cause it on his own and jump himself awake it might be enough to wake him. The environment around them gave no way to jump seeing as the realm reached into oblivion. He had control, and that was all he needed to know.


    ¡°Magic will return Viran, and you will fall with the curtain which has hidden the truth for so long. Every life lost by your hand will be accounted for.¡± Destin challenged to Viran. ¡°People will be able to know the truth and do with it what they will, good or evil.¡± His eyes awoke with his power unlocked, ¡°And your hold will have power no more!¡± He lifted his hand outward with a spiraling blue flame charging out.


    A wall of protection erupted around him while Destin pulled back to reality as the world materialized around him. The bricks collapsed in, the bed and other items faded in around them. Everything appeared back exactly how it was before they left. Both Destin and Viran were back in his bed chamber.


    The fire parted ways with Viran standing there not amused. ¡°So you figured it out then?¡± Viran smeared, ¡°I¡¯m impressed, honestly, but you still have much to learn.¡± The room began to fade to black with Viran clenching his fists prepared for a fight. ¡°The problem with training under Gideon is you will only ever understand one aspect, never delving into the darkness.¡±


    Destin dodged to the right with the darkness bolting out towards him in a sharp movement. He sent back in defense orbs of light, each detonating blinding flashes of light around Viran. Destin used this as his moment, running towards the windows and with every ounce of thought he focused on the window it beginning to vibrate. He leapt forward as the window shattered, Destin passing through. The glass cut around him each slice an individual sting while he fell towards the ground.


    Viran rushed over to the window peering down below at the falling Highborn, ¡°So you have chosen death.¡± Viran stated as Destin fell down the spire the dreamscape being fragmentized around him. Destin saw the ground growing closer hoping his theory was correct at this point. The moment before he hit the ground, his world faded to black.


    Destin awoke straightway sitting up gasping for air the room spinning around while he regained his sense of reality. He tried to grip anything to stabilize the hold and bring back his focus finding the stokers next to the fireplace. His aim was off when his hand hit the stand of the fire stokers as they fell to the ground with a metal clang which rang in his ears.


    He began to catch his balance the room coming more fully into view. He was about to lose what little fluids he had in his stomach when he turned to face the ground and closed his eyes. The black emptiness settled the madness around him, his balance and cognition finally returning with him gaining control.


    The door slammed open with Gideon at the ready to assist Destin, his torch pinpointed his exact location in the room. ¡°Destin!¡± He shouted with two guards rushing in to assist Gideon. He checked the bed, but it was empty and undisturbed. He ran to the fireplace to see Destin waiting there his hand over his one eye while he sat on the ground, ¡°Are you alright?¡± Gideon asked. Even panicked the Highborn still found ways to speak proper.


    Destin¡¯s hand was shaky from the experience but still it slowly lifted above his head signalling he was fine. ¡°This the real world? I made it?¡± He asked his arm going limp for it to drop back beside him.Gideon checked the room around him seeing the table overturned and the window shattered, and somehow there was a great deal of energy permeating from the room.


    The guards continued to check the room and ensure everything was safe while Gideon knelt down on one knee next to Destin, ¡°This is real, but I must ask what happened? I felt a strong energy source sweep the castle before I came running in.¡± Gideon checked the guards behind him before drawing his attention back to Destin.


    ¡°Viran¡­ he visited my mind Gideon. He¡­ questioned, tortured me, held me trapped in this alternate reality until I could escape¡­¡± It was all flashing back into Destin¡¯s memory, everything that had happened, ¡°And Viran¡­ he actually is Re¡­¡± Destin was immediately cut off with his head falling back, his eyes rolling to the back of his head.


    The red glow from Destin¡¯s eyes lit the room as his head slowly slumped forward with a grievous smile. It turned to focus on Gideon. The guards were terrified and held their guard while backing away. Gideon jumped to his feet, ¡°Hello old friend.¡± The words came from Destin¡¯s mouth though they weren¡¯t his own. ¡°It¡¯s been far too long.¡±


    The Highborn instantly knew the voice, ¡°Revnic, back from the dead I see?¡±


    ¡°Always here, guarding Alluvion. Something you failed to do.¡± Destin floated to his feet, ¡°Your days are numbered, knowing your return, soon you will be silenced. The moment you leave Stormforth you will be slain.¡± He laughed, ¡°Yet even behind the walls of Stormforth you will not be safe for long!¡± The smile lasted on Destin¡¯s face after the light left his eyes, and his body collapsed to the floor.


    Gideon dashed over and caught him before Destin hit the ground, and with a sigh of relief he softly laid him on the ground. The guards stood beside Gideon now that the danger had pasted. ¡°Leave us.¡± The guards didn¡¯t need to be told twice as they fled out of the room. Gideon sat in his own thoughts reviewing everything while Destin was out cold. Revnic had survived all these years and was indeed the High King Viran. ¡°The dark arts are as mysterious, as they are powerful.¡± Gideon whispered to himself.


    He knew the enemy, now more than ever. With the peaking of the dawn over the mountain range the orange light peered through the window and fell down the wall banishing the shadows from the room until the light rested on Gideon''s eyes, ¡°As long as I am here, Stormforth, Alluvion, this world will not fall to your tyranny.¡± Gideon promised watching Destin¡¯s motionless body, ¡°And if you should forsake me from this world, you will journey with me.¡±

 Chapter 17

    Word spread around the castle at Stormforth with the news that High King Viran had infiltrated the castle. Tillion and the other councilmen gathered in the high court awaiting for information on the attack discussing among themselves the rumors and ideas as to how the attack occurred. With the constant mumbling Tillion sat tapping his foot, jittery and impatient with where his king was.


    The main doors opened with Gideon and King Airrick marching in. Everyone grew quiet watching him enter to see what he would say. Gideon had done all he could to prepare the king for this meeting, discussing with him the possible ways in which the attack could occur. With Destin still being out cold, even with it being past noon, they could only discuss and wait for him to awake.


    The King sat in his chair atop the stairs quiet. He didn¡¯t open with any words but sat observing his men in the room. Tillion arose from his seat and joined the other men at the center of the room looking as though to wonder what was going through the king mind. Airrick scratched his chin and nose followed by an aggressive sniff and finally broke the silence, ¡°The rumors are confirmed, but it is not entirely what it seems.¡±


    The men stood more confused by the vagueness of the words the king had spoken, the king continued, ¡°Last night, it is true our enemy in Arthemis infiltrated our city and visited our guest Destin. How, I am unsure. Gideon is here to shed some light on the situation.¡± He motioned his hand down to Gideon who stood at the bottom of the stairs ready to speak.


    ¡°It was nothing to be too fearful of but it was what we call a dream weld. In other words Viran was able to tap into Destin¡¯s mind while asleep and access him in his dreams.¡± He paused a moment considering the phrasing to use next, ¡°It is powerful magic used to interrogate mostly, and it is safe to assume that is presciently what it was used for.¡±


    Tillion spoke up, ¡°So what you are saying is that Arthemis has had access to magic the entire time?¡± His said with little hope, ¡°How do we combat such power?¡±


    ¡°How much of an advantage does it really give? Does Arthemis know our whereabouts, our conversations and troop movements? Can he see us now?¡± Another councilman panicked with his voice cracking.


    ¡°Brethren, it is a time of awakening, let not our mind go straight to fear.¡± Airrick reassured. ¡°Patience, and allow Gideon to explain what this all entails for us.¡± He passed it onto Gideon while the room feel to a hush.


    For Gideon it was a moment of fear in himself on how much he revealed to them, and if they got the full truth of the matter. Would such people whose eyes have been opened be able to justly comprehend the matter rationally? They were currently, for the greater majority, proving otherwise. As this was the case, he decided to pick and choose just what they knew.


    ¡°I will speak openly with you. Be reassured, he does not have the ability to spy on us in the present.¡± He partially lied, ¡°The High King can only invade the minds of those who are Highborn. Imagine a darkened night with neither of the moons, Highborn are lanterns in the night, while humans fade into the darkness. You and your king are in no danger.¡± Though it was the truth, he felt bothered by the fact of the first of many lies.


    Gideon continued speaking, ¡°The war effort from what I can tell is an even battlefield. Magic and the ability thereof has been hidden and erased from Alluvion for hundreds of years. Therefore, if the High King uses magic for gain, he would not do so in the open.¡±


    Watching everyone carefully Airrick listened in on all the words, paying special attention to Gideon, ¡°So we have a chance to win this war you¡¯re saying?¡±


    ¡°The High King and his followers will not reveal magic, to do so would be death. They only will when forced to.¡± Gideon explained. ¡°That is my better judgement on the matter.¡±


    Tillion intervened in the conversation, ¡°So tell me then why do we not tell the kingdom of Stormforth the truth of magic? Certainly we have much to gain in doing so.¡±


    ¡°If the world suddenly knows and Arthemis has no way to cover up as they did in Orrinshire, then that gives them all the more reason to use magic in the open without fear.¡± He cautioned. ¡°I fear in this cause they will become a much deadlier force, more than Stormforth and our allies could handle.¡±


    ¡°I will admit, I know nothing of these sources of power or how they are applied, but I do feel if they are able to use this strength then we can match as well.¡± A councilman said.


    ¡°Nevrick has a point there.¡± King Airrick agreed. ¡°They may be able to use it as a weapon but so can we right?¡±


    Gideon¡¯s expressions turned morbid at the thought feeling as though this group of like minded people had a minuscule idea in the workings of magic in Alluvion. Mystical and mysterious, in their two brief discussions they are attempting to formulate a correct path to tread on. Like climbing a mountain in the thickest fog, there was no clear pathway to resolve this issue.


    ¡°It would put us in over our heads. We do not know nor understand the resources Arthemis has. We have an untrained boy entering adulthood, and a master. The odds are not in our favor by that aspect.¡± Gideon informed. ¡°Furthermore, in Orrinshire upon attack there was a Highborn master who was not the High King Viran, meaning there are multiple masters.¡±


    ¡°Brethren, this is in the case on if the knowledge of magic makes itself known in the world once more. I do feel as though we are off topic with what lies at the core of our problem. Do we tell Alluvion the truth it has lost?¡± King Airrick asked the court.


    Tillion walked to the center of the room, ¡°Airrick, we have been friends and allies since childhood, so heed my word now more than this Highborn¡¯s.¡± He jabbed at Gideon with a direct point. ¡°It is our duty to tell the people, they deserve, no, it is their right as humans to know the truth.¡±


    ¡°Calm yourself Tillion, you¡¯re out of place.¡± The king warned.


    One of the councilman added with his nasally voice, ¡°On top of that it would give a jump start to recruiting more men for the armies, which at this time are dwindling down due to the recent bloodshed and shifting of Ronin¡¯s allegiance to Arthemis. We must recover!¡±


    ¡°We will recover, we are in talks with the atryi Aurella who speaks for her people on such an allies to balance our odds again.¡± King Airrick insisted trying to calm the court¡¯s passions down. ¡°Gideon, what say you?¡±


    He thought to himself carefully knowing full well the world was not ready for such a revelation, ¡°Think of how this room reacted to my telling of this brand new world. If we reveal such knowledge before we are prepared, I fear the majority will be in panic with us being unable to provide the answers needed.¡±


    The king stood up and walked down the stairs next to Gideon, ¡°I for one am for telling the kingdom. You are new here so you don¡¯t know, but we keep our knowledge public and in the eyes of the people. To keep such a fountain of knowledge is a crime in and of itself. Is it possible that like Destin, those with powers exist but are unknowing?¡±Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    Gideon nodded confirming there are those with abilities who are in the dark, yet he responded, ¡°With all respect, I must disagree.¡±


    The council watched in shock at the disagreement of the situation, and Gideon knew just how serious it was for him to disagree on this front. ¡°Council, as I have stated there is a danger in releasing world changing information into the world without the proper resources. Yes, we have the ability to prove it but the danger of starting panic is an issue we must consider.¡±


    The judges broke out in a yelling frenzy providing their points in a boisterous rant beyond what any could comprehend. Echoing in the tower collapsed into madness while the king only watched his most trusted advisers fight among one another. Gideon too sat back for a moment, only to observe even with one yelling curses and slang in his face. It was a troubling topic for the top minds in Stormforth, and Gideon understood it would be a passionate discussion which could and did grow heated.


    The king walked back up the stairs, and up to the surrounding stone tables where the judges normally sat. He picked up the wooden chair and casually tossed it over the edge where it collapsed and broke apart with a strident echo which silenced all in the room. Each man focused on their king.


    ¡°We are going to be civil. I expect this discussion to have arguments and disagreements, but we will not turn against each other in this sense again.¡± He commanded in a near shouting voice. ¡°If anyone cuts another off in their speech again, you will be taken from the room and locked away for a time.¡± The men all stood frozen. Tillion was taken aback by the presence of the king as well but without hesitation agreed with his friend.


    Gideon spoke rather boldly to the council, and considering his mind was openly speaking it looked as though to not sit well with the majority. ¡°This is indeed open for discussion. Say what you wish, it is why you are all here.¡± King Airrick stated to the group. He sat on the lower part of the stairs, ¡°I will hear all of your council, the for and against, but in the end I will make the choice I feel is right. For the time being we will hold off on telling the people until we ourselves understand magic more fully. This is my final decision.¡±


    A sigh of relief swept over him with the fact that they would postpone the decision for a later time. Seeing they were in no sure way to make a good judgement call, he knew this was the correct move to make. Still, they had a great deal to discuss and learn in order to better prepare for the battles ahead. Gideon would need to learn and understand the world around him, and the wars being fought. Likewise, the king and his judges would need to understand magic at a much higher level. It was a great stride, but one which would take time.


    Gideon was uneasy with how Tillion reacted towards his words. In no way did he mean to cause him to go so strongly on the offensive, yet he did. Now he was someone new to the court who suddenly had a great voice and in a way a direct link to power which could oppose Tillion. He watched carefully the movements of Tillion from that point onward.


    ¡°We will adjourn for a time to cool down from the tension. I have some matters to take care of on my own, until the next time.¡± The king commanded beginning to walk out of the room.


    Each man faced him, bowing as he passed by, as did Gideon. The doors opened by the soldiers and he walked out and down the hallway. After his exit each man left going their own way to perform the duties of the day. Gideon assumed as such anyway, and felt the need to check on Destin.


    With the hours that past, Destin had still not awakened since the dream weld. With the great deal of energy that was expelled between the two, it didn¡¯t surprise him in the slightest that he was still out cold. He looked for the king to discuss a number of things with him, and after a little searching, found him in the outer garden.


    The walls hung above them protecting them and the castle from the outside world. The garden itself was a hidden paradise. The sound of a stream running through the entire garden saw personally to water and keep thriving the life which surrounded it. The mixture of flowers, shrubbery and trees beautifully plotted and spread around the entire garden. The king himself was managing and pruning a bush near the stream. Gideon approached but waited to be invited.


    The king paying no attention to Gideon had a finite focus on the bloomed pink rose which he carefully cut and cleaned. ¡°You know, of all the insanity in the world, it is the moments like this which makes me believe we still have peace.¡± He said to Gideon while still carefully snipping away. One final snip as the frail branch fell to the ground and he looked over to Gideon, ¡°Were you ever one for gardening?¡±


    Gideon smiled and walked up to the king in discussion, ¡°It has always been one of my loves. As a Highborn you are tied to specific elements and earth is my strongest. Always has been.¡± He motioned to the bush of roses, ¡°May I?¡±


    The king nodded and stepped back a little to provide the proper room. ¡°Nature is the finest beauty the gods and goddesses blessed us with. Sephera, the goddess of earth, gives Highborn¡¯s the rare gift to create and mold as she does.¡±


    His eyes glowed like emeralds in the noonday sun. Being remarkably attentive he guided his hands around the rosebush as a thin tree rose above the bush. The branches reached outward and sprouted thick azure leaves which matched the richness of the sky. Bulbs began to appear throughout the thicket of leaves until they began to bloom one at a time, revealing a flower exalted above all other flowers. It''s fullness of color and beauty radiated unlike anything the king had seen prior.


    Gideon had finished and took a step back to return to the king. ¡°It is the Star of Amaryllis, a rather rare flower by the looks of it, but my favorite.¡±


    The king moved closely to the tree to get a better view, ¡°Astonishing, in all my years I could not imagine such a flower.¡± He turned to face Gideon, ¡°Thank you, truly.¡±


    ¡°It will stay in bloom while magic is near, probably why I haven¡¯t seen much of it in my travels.¡± Gideon said, ¡°I do appreciate the hospitality, it hasn¡¯t been the easiest, but thank you.¡±


    ¡°No need to speak proper anymore Gideon, we are not in the courts.¡± The king joked with a joyful chuckle. ¡°Still, what you are providing us, which you continue to prove, is beyond worth.¡± He motioned back to the Star of Amaryllis, ¡°I wish I understood all of this better, I can¡¯t begin to imagine what it was like back then.¡±


    ¡°About the same. Same problems, different causes, but it was amazing to see the world so alive. We had wars, and our problems sure, but there felt to be more purpose.¡± Gideon said. ¡°There is something I need to tell you, something that needed to be shared outside of the court.¡±


    Airrick motioned for him to say what was on his mind, ¡°I have no theories as to how such a thing is possible, but High King Viran is Revnic. The very one who destroyed the Highborn¡¯s and erased magic from the world. Somehow, he has survived these three hundred years.¡±


    For once, the kings internal thoughts obviously showed by his shocked facial expression. He turned away from Gideon for a second and took a few steps back. He found a stone bench in the lush garden where he sat down to better comprehend the situation. ¡°H¡­ How?!¡± He stuttered. ¡°I know you don¡¯t know the answer but this is beyond me.¡±


    ¡°From the vision last night, it has left no doubt in my mind. His voice was unmistakable, it was Revnic.¡± Gideon said slightly shuddering thinking about their conversation last night. ¡°Which changes everything on how I was going to deal with this situation, especially the war.¡±


    Airrick shrugged his shoulders and clapped his hands together, ¡°Well, knowing this he is far smarter and stronger than we have previously estimated. What do you suggest we do?¡±


    Gideon considered the options which were flowing around in his mind, but nothing seemed plausible enough to execute or reveal. ¡°I am not sure, I need a much better understanding on the war and the tactics him and his men have used thus far. We do have another ally which will be a great help in this effort.¡±


    The king looked over to Gideon while he explained the answer, ¡°Destin is the son of one of the high generals in Arthemis¡¯ army. Destin is able to communicate with his father by summoning him through a ring. Something I have never seen before but Destin¡¯s access to Valera, the goddess of spirits is unprecedented.¡±


    ¡°And you believe Destin will allow us to communicate with him?¡± The king asked.


    ¡°He already has, which is how we had safe passage to Stormforth. I think it will be a powerful asset. In the meantime, I also will begin to train Destin in our ways so that thisdream weld does not happen again.¡± Gideon promised to Airrick.


    They both nodded and stood up, ¡°This is not an easy road ahead in the slightest. Somehow we are going to need to come out on top for the good of Alluvion.¡± He placed both his hands on Gideon¡¯s shoulders, ¡°It''s our greatest sacrifice but we will restore that which is lost to the world again, I promise you that!¡± The King said with a solemn expression over his face.


    They ended the conversation there, Gideon walking his separate pathway out of the garden to enter the castle once more. Looking back on the Star of Amaryllis above the rose bush he gave a gentle smile. As long as that tree stood, it would provide the tie of this new alliance between the Highborn and Stormforth.

 Chapter 18

    Destin awoke past the noonday sun being a bit dazed and confused with the events that had occurred. Seeing his bedroom he found the table overturned and the window shattered. He let out a wild yawn while scratching his stomach and tasting his rancid morning breath. It was more than he had expected, but the memories of the night remained so vividly it was as if they just occurred.


    ¡°Get dressed.¡± Gideon said as Destin jumped from the shock of finding someone in his room. The Highborn didn¡¯t question why Destin slept on the ground or about the scars on his back, all he did was command the boy to get dressed and follow Goddar to find him. Goddar appeared around the corner with a giant smile knowing exactly what was to come which set a whole new level of worry to Destin.


    They each walked down the hallway after Destin was dressed talking in depth about the rooms they slept in. Goddar was ecstatic with how great everything was laid out and clean. The hot bath, and warm bed that was much too big for him made the night downright delightful. Destin couldn¡¯t help but chuckle at the rant Goddar was caught up in. He felt his new clothes continuously, in awe of the gift he had received.


    They walked through a door entering into a large rectangular room surrounded by windows overlooking the garden. The upper level had walkways to look down which were held up by the surrounding pillars. The room was completely cleared with no chairs or tables to be found, only Gideon with his sword sheathed and hands behind his back.


    Destin turned around when he noticed that Goddar did not enter all the way with him, and instead was back in the doorway with a smirk and wave goodbye. The doors slammed and Destin¡¯s shoulders shrugged already accepting defeat by what he assumed was going to happen.


    ¡°Step forward.¡± Gideon offered, ¡°We need to discuss the events of last night.¡±


    He knew this was coming, but his tone was calm and direct which almost surprised him. Destin thought that since he was basically tortured and nearly giving away crucial information to Viran that they would be packing bags and moving on. To his surprise that wasn¡¯t the case. He walked up to Gideon standing beside him. The sunlight shone through the windows behind him warming his skin.


    ¡°You did nothing wrong last night. I want to make sure you know that.¡± He said looking down on Destin who was avidly avoiding eye contact. ¡°And I also want you to realize there is a way to prevent such attacks, which I will teach you today and in the coming weeks.¡± He walked backwards to give both of them space, ¡°Today, you walk the path of the Highborn. You will be taught our ways in harnessing the powers you hold within you. Destin, you will unlock your full potential and in time will be able to choose how to use your power.¡±


    He didn¡¯t say much, he didn¡¯t need to. Destin had accepted that this was his life now. This war was his war, and his abilities were a beacon to the world giving hope to those who might not see a bright future ahead. Battles will be fought, battles he will be involved in risking his life, and it was time he prepared for his fate wholeheartedly. ¡°Tell me what to do.¡±


    ¡°One of our greatest tools is the ability to shield ourselves from one another. One Highborn against another is a dangerous foe.¡± He raised his hands out as a white glow outlined his entire body. ¡°This aura I keep up at all times, concealing myself from those who may wish to find me, as well as helping sense the presence of magic. It is how you will protect yourself at night.¡±


    Gideon lowered his hands and walked over to Destin, ¡°To create this barrier, you need to harness your power from within, your very core, and project it outward. Doing this will create what you saw me do.¡± He motioned for Destin to try.


    Focusing on himself, Destin searched inside himself for the source of power, it felt like a burning flame resonating in his heart. It was unique to him, he could feel the heat, the pulsing of the magic inside him. He imagined it to pulse outward like Gideon had showed him, to create such a shield, but the flame remained undisturbed.


    ¡°Nothing is happening.¡± Destin detected trying with all his might to access this ability.


    ¡°Don¡¯t think about it too much, make it natural. Control your breathing and your body, and let the magic flow within you.¡± Gideon lectured.


    It sounded simple enough, and so he focused within again. The flame inside him still waiting to be tapped into. His breathing slowed, the world vanishing around him into a darkness. The only light he saw was the flame inside him. He raised his hands outward and while he did so, the magic projected itself outward with him creating the same barrier Gideon had done.


    Destin opened his eyes returning to the real world, the aura visible around him. He let out a cheer, watching around his body this light follow his every movement. He felt the slight strain it had on him, a reminder that the task was being carried out. The light around him faded, but he could feel the protection still apparent.


    ¡°You¡¯ve done well. The strain this places on you will become lighter the stronger you get. With this focus, it may be a little tougher to sleep, but it''s the sacrifice you¡¯ll need to make.¡± Gideon informed Destin.


    ¡°I just am happy to not have people eavesdrop in my dreams again.¡± Destin joked.


    ¡°You already have a good foundation with magic. Now with that being said, you struggle with the strength of your attacks and have no forum of defense.¡± He stopped walking for a instant, ¡°Now why is that?¡±


    Destin considered a few options but was unsure to the reasons in particular. ¡°Lack of knowledge?¡± He said unsure. He figured he was partially correct.


    He smiled but shook his head, ¡°Partially, but when you are accessing your magic, it has a great deal to do with your belief and imagination. It is as strong or weak as you allow it.¡± He powered himself up the aura glowing from his eyes. ¡°Confidence in yourself and your ability empowers a Highborn.¡±


    Taking a few steps back from Destin, Gideon created a barrier of fire around his arm as a shield. ¡°When you are intimidated by your opponent, your attacks and defensive measures are greatly weaker. To know without a doubt that you will come out on top against your opponent is your greatest strength.¡± Gideon rhythmically punched and kicked with flames waving about with his movements.


    ¡°Yeah, I see that, but then why did I have such a struggle with it in Vertrock while we were trying to escape? Even after I had blacked out and being nothing but a burden on Goddar.¡± Destin wondered.


    ¡°You think to be a burden, eh? You were nuttin¡¯ but skin and bones lad! It was a simple stroll in the woods.¡± A voice shouted from the upper stairs with an obnoxious laugh bellowing out. Destin gazed upward to see Goddar sitting over the ledge watching them down below. He slapped his knee and made another jab at Destin. Though it wasn''t aimed at him, but a woman who was standing beside him.


    He walked closer to get a better look at who was standing there to see a woman standing there who was about his age. Her velvet black hair draped behind her a braid flowing down the side of her head. The piercing crystal blue eyes looked down at him in mystery and wonder with a smirk from what Goddar was telling him. He whispered something else in her ear and she busted out in uncontrollable laughter, ¡°No, you serious?¡± She gestured to Destin laughing some more.


    Gideon clapped his hands together a few times to gather the attention of the wayward soul observing a woman. ¡°Now, if we can still keep our focus, the reason you blacked out was due to your malnourished both physically and mentally. Our abilities are much like a muscle, the more you use and work it, the better and longer it will last.¡±


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m finally beginning to look like my former self before Vertrock, it''s only a matter of time before I return to full strength. When am I going to learn about the runes writings and how to do that?¡± Destin questioned hoping the answer would be in the foreseeable future.


    ¡°It is not crucial to learn at this time, so cease the thought immediately. We are to focus on the key elements which are: Fire, Air, Earth, Water and Spirit.¡± His power ceased from within, and he spoke louder, ¡°Of the four, you are to master one, having two other elements to support you. In so doing you allow a unity between the three to work as one within you.¡±


    ¡°What of the forth? Does it just become unusable?¡± Destin asked.


    ¡°It comes at a greater cost, but it is not something you need to worry about. You see you are the master of spirit, an ability that few Highborn possess. It allows you to be master of all the elements.¡± Gideon said.Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    This was all a great deal of information for Destin to take in, and finding it as practically new information he did feel overwhelmed. Still, it was only the first day of training he figured as much that there was going to be such a learning curve. What he didn¡¯t expect was to begin actual combat.


    ¡°Now, grab your sword and attack me.¡± Gideon commanded sliding a sword to Destin. ¡°It was picked up this morning and is yours. Learn to use it, get used to its weight. That sword is as much of an ally as the magic you contain.¡±


    He unsheathed the sword taking a good look at it. Gripping with one arm was a slight strain and he had a hard time holding it fully upright. The sword was a beauty, yet intimidating. Should it come to it, this very weapon would see bloodshed and the taking of lives. Something Destin had already done, but it haunted him every life he witnessed leaving this world. To be apart of it some more caused him to be hesitant.


    ¡°Are you going to use your sword?¡± Destin asked seeing Gideon standing there with his arms to his side.


    Gideon shrugged his shoulders and chuckled under his breath, ¡°You won¡¯t hit me even if you try.¡± The cockiness began to show through, a side of Gideon they had not seen before.


    ¡°Give him another scar Destin! Show him what you¡¯ve got!¡± Goddar shouted from above.


    Destin gave a hesitant wave to Goddar, ¡°You will not hurt me. This is only to have a better read as to where you are at.¡± Gideon reassured. He changed his stance to prepare for the attacks that Destin would ensue.


    ¡°He¡¯s sayin¡¯ ya suck boy! Ha!¡± Goddar busted out again slapping his knee. ¡°Now this will be good.¡± He said to the woman by him nudging her arm.


    Destin charged towards Gideon beginning with an uppercut which was countered by a flash of flames redirecting the blade to the ground. Destin changed his stance to swing back in response, but a wave of energy kicked through the blade flinging it outward. Destin stumbled a time, but caught his balance again. He sliced inward when Gideon block the blade with his arm stopping the blade. A shield of flame absorbed the blow, leaving his arm completely unscathed from the force of the blade or fire.


    Shocked from the final block Destin dropped the blade on the ground with a loud clang, ¡°How did you do that?¡±


    Gideon picked up the blade from the ground, ¡°First off, no need to drop the blade, and secondly, it comes back to the basics. You want to morph the flames to be as strong as a shield, do it!¡± He moved his arms around growing a funnel of flames around him, ¡°You want to create a dragon made of flames, then imagine it so!¡± The head formed with its ember eyes. It flew around while Gideon directed it until he made it vanish into thin air.


    ¡°It''s all on you on how you harness this power that has been presented to you.¡± Gideon said, sweat beginning to populate his forehead.


    Destin stood in amazement by Gideon¡¯s display of power. He knew that him being able to do such things were possible, but far off. Still, to be able to set his goals and aspirations to such heights began to motivate him far more than anything previously. ¡°I will admit though, even with my father, I never was much for fighting, especially with the sword.¡±


    ¡°We will work on it. For now you need to focus on controlling your powers. The greatest thing you can do is carry out what you envision in your mind.¡± Gideon said, ¡°You will start small, and work your way up. In your room there will be a jar filled with soil, a bowl of water, and a candle. Those will be your tools.¡± He sternly gave this final command, ¡°Practice any time you get the chance.¡±


    ¡°But why work on such small things?¡± Destin wondered, ¡°That does next to nothing on conditioning me.¡±


    Gideon gave a look of slight disappointment, due to questioning him, ¡°Controlling your magic in small bursts allows for the greater drains to not drain you nearly as much.¡±


    He stopped questioning anything at that point feeling it was becoming more of a burden rather than helping. Gideon walked up to him, ¡°You have your shortcomings, but you have already shown great promise with your abilities. In dire circumstances you are sporadic in your ability to focus and fight. We are going to change that.¡±


    The memories of his shortcoming rushed into his head. How it had almost been the death of them multiple times. He knew that Gideon did not mean to break his spirit, but that was exactly what was happening. Orrinshire was a prime example, him and Aurella being trapped on the roof while the opposing Highborn attack. He never wanted to feel so trapped and helpless again.


    ¡°Your fighting, like your skill with magic, will come in time.¡± He handed Destin his sword back, ¡°First things first, we are going to build your body mass and strength back up that you lost while in Vertrock.¡±


    That was a relief for Destin to hear. Seeing himself in the mirror the prior night was a ghost of his former self staring back. Someone he now didn¡¯t recognized, Vertrock claiming who he once was. To be able to gain some of that back brought much needed comfort to his soul. ¡°What are we waiting for then? Come at me again old man!¡± Destin joked wielding his sword at the ready.


    Gideon chuckled a little but prepared himself pulling out his blade this time, ¡°I want you to focus on my footwork. Watch what I do, and mimic it.¡±


    For the better part of an hour they worked tirelessly on swordplay. The clashing of steel rang through the entire building. Those outside at the garden passing by would look in to see where the source of the noise was. Destin collapsed from near exhaustion, but would stand back up continuing to fight until his body had nothing left. Finally, when the training was over, he fell to the ground catching up on some much needed breath.


    ¡°You¡¯re doing well.¡± Gideon reminded Destin with an outstretched hand to help him off the ground. He happily accepted it and rose from the ground onto his feet. ¡°Take a break for a moment, be sure to stay hydrated. We will continue this later.¡± Gideon walked out of the room.


    It was greatly appreciated and he looked up at Gideon who had already began to run down and greet him. The mysterious woman still stood up on the second floor watching down at him. Didn¡¯t she have anything better to do? He figured that everyone in the castle would have tasks or chores to do in the day, but here she was.


    ¡°You did pretty well for a beginner.¡± She said, her tone meaning to not come off as condescending, though Destin took it as such.


    ¡°Yeah? Do much sword fighting? It''s a lot more difficult than it looks.¡± Destin shot back at her.


    She had a smile about her that seemed to communicate all that she needed to say. ¡°I don¡¯t doubt it. You have some work to do but overall you are doing well.¡± She leaned over the edge, ¡°I mean I wouldn¡¯t put you into battle just yet, wouldn¡¯t want you to die on your first assignment.¡±


    His temper began to swell up inside him. ¡°What do you know! You think it is so easy then come down here and challenge me!¡± Destin said arguing with her. He was tired but he wasn¡¯t about to be told off by a know it all woman. He thought the challenge to her would silence her, but it did the exact opposite.


    ¡°Sure!¡± She happily said jumping off the second floor and landing with a tuck and roll appearing on her feet next to Destin, ¡°But just to be safe we are going to use wooden training swords. Can¡¯t have you cutting me up like that.¡±


    He looked up from where she jumped and back down. Surprised that she did the jump, and yet more surprised she landed it so elegantly. Before he could ask where they were going to get training swords Goddar opened the door.


    ¡°Aye, yeah¡­ almost¡­ got it! Stupid door!¡± Goddar said opening the door all the way. He had two training swords in hand wooden as she had described. ¡°I¡¯m leaving the door open. None of the rooms in this castle are dwarf friendly! I am going to need to file a complaint to the leadership around here.¡± He quickly walked up to them, ¡°So does he know yet Liliana?¡±


    ¡°He accepted the challenge before you got here.¡± She responded retrieving the swords from him.


    He stomped on the ground angrily, ¡°Kiddin¡¯ me?! I would have thought for sure he would have chickened out!¡± Goddar growled but realizing Destin was standing in front of him, he peered up saying, ¡°No offense...:¡±


    They had previously discussed it? Goddar and her had planned this from the beginning and now he was committed like some trap. ¡°Who are you anyway?¡± Destin asked to Liliana.


    ¡°Oh right, I guess that would help you. I am Liliana Lazzara, daughter of King Airrick.¡± She swiftly answered tossing a sword his way.


    Destin caught the weapon but his heart sank further into despair. What was he to do? Fight her and if he wins it looks bad, or if he loses it looks bad¡­ He was already committed to the fight, so without any escape he decided he would go all out. It was her idea after all, so what harm was there in defeater her in her own challenge?


    He grabbed the hilt of the wooden sword and felt how much of a strain it puts on his already tired muscles. Swinging it around it was light enough for him to be able to move normally. The walked over to the center of the room to prepare for the fight. Destin hit the sword on the ground a few times to better judge how it reacted to collision.


    ¡°Now this is exciting!¡± Goddar blurted out sitting against a pillar in the room. ¡°Money is on the lass!¡±


    Destin rolled his eyes at Goddar, ¡°You don¡¯t have any money! We are both beyond broke as it!¡± He faced Liliana who was putting her hair back into a ponytail. ¡°Ready?¡± He said to her.


    She finished getting her hair out of her face and stretched her neck from side to side with the occasional pop. After a minute or two she took her stance and responded, ¡°Ready, but go easy on me!¡± She said with a cruel smile and a wink.


    The chance that he had Destin moved in for the attack, faking his left cut and instead maneuvering to the right with a downward slice. Liliana didn¡¯t flinch, she followed effortlessly with each attack he spun on her. Every move he hit with was countered with a move of her own, and Destin was having a hard time keeping up.


    Goddar just sat with an ecstatic look on his face like it was the greatest thing he had ever witnessed. ¡°Lets go Liliana! Show him what''s up!¡±


    She was doing just that. With Destin¡¯s downward strike upon her, she lifted her sword for a solid block before ducking down with a spin, taking out Destin¡¯s legs from under him. Before he knew it he went from standing on his two feet, to flat on the ground. Her sword was pointed at his neck, her face with a smug grin knowing she had won.


    ¡°Great fight! I really enjoyed myself there.¡± She offered her hand to help him up. He hesitated finding it difficult that he was bested, but ultimately accepted the offer being helped to his feet. ¡°You already fight well, you¡¯ll beat me in no time.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯ll admit I was impressed by your speed, it was unexpected but carried out rather well.¡± Destin said loosening up about the results of the fight,


    Goddar slammed Destin¡¯s back with broad hand with a crisp smack, ¡°I¡¯ll never let ya live that down.¡± His stomach let out a loud roar, responding with a laugh, ¡°I do believe that is the sound of needing grub! The hunt is on!¡± He ran to the exit across the room beckoning for the others to follow. They each walked at their pace losing Goddar, but the two talked to each other the entire way to the kitchen.

 Chapter 19

    Destin slammed his fists down on the table in his room frustrated from the multiple attempts he had with magic. It was no use, everything he tried, he was unable to be successful. Gideon had brought him multiple items to help train him, and as much as he had tried to practice in the weeks, he was always unsuccessful.


    The pot of soil sat in front of him sat mockingly. He was sure there was a seed in the dirt but in no way would it glow. He tried to manipulate it time and time again and the soil still sat undisturbed. He wiped the light sweat from his forehead and began to regain focus almost glaring at the clay pot. He felt his powers stir within him, and slowly guided it around with a wave of his hand around the pot.


    ¡°Come on!¡± He frustratingly said, ¡°Grow!¡± The seed refused to move. He had no idea what he was doing wrong, let alone doing right. Regardless, all his efforts were in vain. The only thing this pot did was cause him to curse more. When there was again no results, he tipped the chair aggressively to the ground, ¡°It''s no use!¡±


    A knock came at his door, and though he wasn¡¯t expecting anyone he walked over to answer. He quickly cleaned himself up, straightening his shirt and hair before opening the door. It opened to reveal Liliana on the other side, who gently waved at the sight of Destin. ¡°Hey, figured you could use a friend tonight.¡± She said with a pleasant smile across her face.


    Of all the people he expected, especially with the uproar he was causing. It wasn¡¯t too late into the night but the castle had begun to settle down. ¡°I appreciate it but what gave you that idea?¡± He asked opening the door to let her in.


    ¡°I was actually thinking more of a nightly stroll in the moonlight, one of the moons is currently full.¡± She gestured down the hallway. It was a cool night, but a walk sounded nice. Anything to help him cool off was greatly appreciated. ¡°Yeah, just one moment then.¡± He said dashing through his room to grab clothing a little warmer.


    She peeked in to see what his room was like it see it a little chaotic at the time. ¡°Oh, busy reorganizing I see? Looks to be a work in progress.¡± She joked hurriedly removing her head from the room before he could do anything about it.


    ¡°It''s been stressful to say the least Liliana. You don''t know the half of it.¡± Destin informed her while putting on a jacket. ¡°Look we¡¯ve been here for a few weeks now, and over this time I still am not progressing at all in magic!¡± He closed the door behind him, ¡°Like, hey you escaped from Vertrock, and was loud enough with your magic to awaken a three hundred year old man, but you still suck at making a plant grow!¡±


    She didn¡¯t say much, only listened as they walked down the hallway and the stairs. Over the course of weeks they had been there they had grown closer as friends. She had come and helped him on the side with his sword fighting which had helped tremendously. Still, he was no match for Gideon which worried him. ¡°At the same time, you¡¯re still new at this. Don¡¯t beat yourself up because you¡¯re not progressing at your rate. It¡¯ll come in time.¡± The moonlight shone through the castle windows to the point where they needed no candles or torches. They walked on the main floor as she lead the way to the garden.


    ¡°We are at war, and it looks as though I¡¯m going to have some part in that.¡± Destin said opening one of the doors for her. ¡°I am going to have to fight, heck I already have, and I don''t want to have to face an opponent who will easily kill me.¡±


    She walked through the door into the outside world the cool summer breeze flowing through her hair. The insect sounded throughout the garden, some fading in and out with their various colors of light. The dew began to show on the grass which stuck to their bare feet. She held both her arms out and deeply inhaled the night air.


    ¡°Well and on top of that Liliana, do we really want to let the world know of magic?¡± He asked genuinely interested in the response. He hadn¡¯t told Gideon what the High King had told him but it still pestered him every day. ¡°Is the world better off not knowing the truth?¡±


    She stopped in her tracks and turned to face him, ¡°Why are you doubting? Would the world be better off?¡± There was a sound of annoyance in her voice, ¡°Why would you think such things? You are living proof as to whether or not it would be better.¡± She walked up to him, ¡°Without magic, would you have escaped from that camp?¡±


    ¡°Well no, but¡­¡±


    She cut him off, ¡°You would have died in Vertrock, and how many people would have been saved if magic was known to Alluvion?¡±


    ¡°How many more would die? It goes both ways.¡± Destin countered. He didn¡¯t mean to argue with her but it was helpful to see other points from someone who had found the truth like he did. ¡°And yes, I escaped that camp, but that was through power. How much more suppressed, controlled could people be with magic returning? Not everyone can use magic, you can¡¯t! So why do you want it back?¡±


    ¡°Because it opens up this world to more possibilities!¡± She yelled back at him. They were both quiet for a moment, and she turned away from him and began to walk over to the stone bench to sit. He followed behind and sat down as well, ¡°It''s a scary thing to bring this information to the world, but again it comes down to a freedom of choice. Give them the knowledge, and allow them to use it how they wish. Will some use it for evil? Of course, but the acts of the few is no reason to punish all.¡±


    ¡°I know you¡¯re right, and honestly I¡¯ve felt the same way. It¡¯s difficult because we are walking such a fine line, and now that I¡¯ve been spun into this mess of a war, I feel somewhat responsible for each life lost.¡± he paused a moment, ¡°Heck, those troops for Stormforth have no idea what they are fighting for yet. They are still battling it out against Arthemis because of the High Kings actions.¡±


    She leaned forward resting her arms on her legs, ¡°You are brilliant, really you are.¡± She plainly stated. ¡°I believe once you¡¯re heart is in it, this battle you keep having with yourself will vanish.¡±


    Destin figured she may be right about that. In reality he may have been putting too much pressure on himself. ¡°Yeah, again you¡¯re right. Just is something I need to work through.¡±


    ¡°Then don¡¯t just say you know, actually believe it. You know what I would give to be able to possess the magic you possess? Here you are presented with a unique situation and the ability to change the world. Now do it!¡±


    He stood up, and turned to her, ¡°I can¡¯t imagine. I guess the scariest part is not knowing exactly how much time I have. I could be swung into battle tomorrow, or have to face Viran, and in no way am I ready for that kind of battle.¡±


    She clapped her hands together, ¡°Well, you do keep losing to a girl, so there is that¡­ I might just have to come into battle with you. Someone needs to watch your back!¡±


    Destin laughed, ¡°But then your father would kill the both of us!¡±


    They both had a good laugh and she got up to continue walking through the garden. ¡°I¡¯m not saying this is the easiest path, but I am saying it''s the right one. Magic¡­¡± She caught herself, and hesitated a moment. ¡°Magic, is a beautiful thing. It''s a burden, recognize it as such, because you¡¯ve obtained that gift it is your job to share it to the world.¡±


    He wasn¡¯t quite sure how he would be able to benefit the world, all he had control over was spirit and air. In no way was that anywhere close to mastering the elements. Apparently since he had this rare gift of spirit he was able to master all of the elements. In no way had that been proven yet.


    He thought to himself for a time. They walked quietly around the garden, the stream gleaming in the moonlight. ¡°I¡¯m going to fight¡­¡± He said quietly to the point where Liliana almost didn¡¯t hear, ¡°I¡¯m going to fight. Even if I die trying, this knowledge needs to be returned to Alluvion.¡± He said reassuring himself.


    ¡°Good!¡± She said with a grin on her face, ¡°I¡¯ll be cheering you on the entire way. Now, until that time comes, we will make sure to get you in top shape! Can¡¯t have you charging into battle ill prepared.¡±If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    They each chuckled quietly amongst each other as a wave of relief swept over him. With all that had been said, Destin needed to commit. He had been training with Gideon for weeks now but still had little to show for it. Even Liliana could best him with the sword, and in no way was that a strong sign that he was suited for battle. He had committed in the past to this cause, but with the sudden stir of events it clouded his mind.


    In the end, he figured it would come down to if he was going to fight or run, and he had already tried running. When his father was killed he fled to Perdition which was what got him into this entire mess. Viran had his reasoning, but ultimately Liliana¡¯s points pushed the efforts home. He was going to fight, he was going to rise up, and most of all he was going to defeat any opposition in his way.


    For the next hour they walked around the garden exchanging stories and discussing the events of the day. This battle he was fighting finally began to show a clear picture on whose side he was on. On top of that, for the first time in a long while he was genuinely happy again. This was in no way the life he imagined, but it was beginning to feel like home. That, to Destin, made all the difference.


    -----


    The courtroom was filled with shouting and arguing from the judges and councilmen of the king. All speaking above one another with their opinions and viewpoints. The king sat their holding his head up with his hand watching the madness unfold from everyone around him. The news was enough to change the mentality of the war, but in no way was it being discussed rationally.


    Tillion and the queen sat next to Airrick watching the arguing unfold around them. Tillion shaking his head in disappointment from the chaos. ¡°Just let them get out their anger like children.¡± Tillion offered as an idea to the king but he had heard more than enough of it.


    ¡°Any more of this bickering and they will be punished like children.¡± Airrick suggested about ready to carry out the command himself. Yet, watching the men he couldn¡¯t help but feel sorry for them. They were moderately idiotic currently, but passionate. He could never be fully angered by something they were so emotional about, but it was time to take charge.


    Airrick stood up quietly and let go of the hand of the queen so that he could walk down the stairs. ¡°Silence, please!¡± He shouted profusely. ¡°Now if you would not panic or yell or throw out the window all decency, then maybe we could figure out what to do!¡± He walked to the center of the room, the men parting ways to make sure the king could pass through smoothly. ¡°Ronin has finally fallen to Arthemis, King Baltic has surrendered, leaving their armies practically on our doorstep.¡±


    ¡°Understand my king, that if we do not surrender as well, our fates will be far worse than it ever was for Ronin or Aeroguard.¡± A judge said while mumbled stirred up around them. He hit his cane on the ground to quiet them down before continuing, ¡°This war began because Arthemis orchestrated an assassination, let us not have more bloodshed over such a menial matter.¡±


    A small number of men clapped followed by another raise of voices in opposition. The king raised his hand into the air, and the group quieted down. Another man spoke up, ¡°We know it was not only the assassination. With the odd disappearances for decades going on, we were able to trace it back to the High King. The cause was noble and still is noble to take up arms against.¡±


    ¡°That was never proven. Sit down until you have something constructive to add!¡± A man voiced as he was pushed against the wall for his disrespect.


    The fights and yelling broke out again. The king looked back at his wife who had a rather worried look across her face. Airrick closed his eyes a second before looking back at the men arguing around him.


    His temper fumed, it was his final moments of sanity, when finally he shouted out at the men, ¡°Get out! Now, get out and leave! You all want to speak like this, then I see no point in continuing the conversation.¡± The guards opened the doors by the king''s command, and the men stood around somewhat dumbfounded.


    Tillion was in the process of leaving when the King spoke up, ¡°Tillion stay.¡± The king commanded moving over to the stairs and sitting down. The guards closed the doors leaving the king and Tillion alone to discuss. Tillion went back a pillar and sat down as well.


    ¡°Always exciting arguing late into the night right Airrick?¡± Tillion said with a taste of sarcasm. ¡°It''s amazing we haven¡¯t just fallen apart yet.¡±


    ¡°Give it a few more days and we will by the looks of it.¡± Airrick said, ¡°How did we get so divided in this? When we voted on going to war we almost all unanimously agreed, and not that we are standing alone.¡± He shrugged his shoulders in defeat, ¡°Our cause is just but our numbers are dwindling at an alarming rate.¡±


    ¡°Then what do you want to do?¡± Tillion asked, ¡°Whatever it is I¡¯ll support you. Understand I will still give my opinions but in the end I¡¯m right behind you.¡±


    Airrick paused, taking off his crown and carefully looking at it, ¡°Remember when I became king?¡± He laughed to himself, recalling the day, ¡°Everything that could go wrong did. Heck, you even told me I would run this kingdom into the ground before too long.¡±


    Tillion added in, ¡°Well you about have a number of times, but we are still here alive and well.¡± He rose up and began to walk up to the king, ¡°You have always lead us down a dangerous path, and a fine line to walk. Nevertheless we came through. I believe you are correct in the stance to continue fighting, now that we have such a cause to fight for.¡±


    ¡°You going formal on me now? Eh, we stand tall. We are the kingdom of Stormforth. Respected, and admired throughout all of Alluvion, but I fear our perspective has altered off course.¡±


    ¡°Well, look at it this way¡­ a number of weeks ago a random band came into our castle shouting the existence of magic. On top of that, a lost people the Atyri, had one accompany them saying they wish to return and support us? You say that outloud and tell me you don''t sound insane.¡±


    Airrick leaned back on the stairs looking up the spire in the tower they were in, ¡°Insane indeed, but if they hadn¡¯t arrived then by now we probably would have surrendered, and the world would continue to grow darker under Arthemis¡¯ rule.¡±


    ¡°Like I said, you have my full support. The others will come around. Still, about Gideon, do we trust his council on not telling the people?¡± Tillion asked.


    Sitting back up and grabbing his back from the sharpness of the stone stairs he responded, ¡°We don¡¯t even know him, but he understands this whole new world far better than any of us. I do disagree with him on keeping it hidden for the time being.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right to be concerned. I¡¯ve always felt the best way to combat against Arthemis was to take their secret and throw it back at them. Like, ¡®Hey, you have hidden magic from us! Well guess what, we know!¡¯¡± Tillion shouted, ¡°I feel that if we do get the word out, then the chance for more allies and troops can strengthen us, maybe even turn some of Arthemis¡¯ allies against him.¡±


    Airrick had a number of things to consider, and releasing the knowledge of magic against Gideon¡¯s wishes was enticing. With such important information there is a need to get it out. It¡¯s not that he had a hard time trusting Gideon, it was that he knew such few things about him. They had stayed for weeks and been welcomed the entire time, but after all their conversations he knew little about the Highborn.


    The king had observed their training sessions as well as the discussions of magic, seeing no error in their ways to this extent. Everything about magic appeared to be good and just, because of that, he was going to go against the wishes of Gideon. Stormforth, and all of Alluvion deserved to know. Tillion was right in this regard.


    ¡°Let''s get to work then Tillion. We have a number of things to do before the night is over.¡± Airrick said rising to his feet in a hurry.


    Tillion stood a little taller happy about the news, ¡°Then what are we waiting for, lead the way!¡±


    -----------


    Destin walked Liliana back to her room and then went on to return to his own room. The walk back left his mind racing with a number of thoughts, but he had within him a new sense of direction and he would not waver from it. He was going to do everything in his power to ensure the return of magic, or die trying.


    As morbid as his thoughts sounded to himself, he felt the fire inside burn within him. His step was quicker and more light while he raced up the stairs and down the hallway to his room. He opened the door and shut it swiftly behind him. He let out a sigh of relief and walked over to the table, picking up the overturned chair.


    Sitting down at the table he caught out of the corner of his eye something green. He doubted for a moment as to what it could be but he looked anyway. His mouth dropped open when he saw from the clay pot a small green stem with a single leaf growing from it. Could the seed have been in the soil for so long that it had finally grown, or was this done by his own hand?


    He situated himself in front of the table and drew in his focus. He felt the fire within begin to stir and ignite. The fire shifted in the room, being disrupted by a wind gathering around. Destin rose with the swell of energy guiding him and his movement as he guided the plant to begin to grow once again.


    After a number of seconds the plant flickered and twitched, but began to grow and sprout numerous leaves. Destin delicately guided the plant, it began to solidify and blossom flowers of its own. The clay pot cracked from the growth of the roots and soon after broke with the plant tossing over to the side of the table. The soil was all over the table but Destin could care less about that. Instead, he was celebrating this victory in which he had. At last he had results.


    He sat back in his chair, the magic subsiding. He only marveled at the result of his efforts. Weeks of struggling suddenly became more than worth it with this result. ¡°I did it¡­¡± He joyfully said, ¡°I actually did it!¡± He jumped up with his fists in the air shouting out in victory, fully disregarding the time of night. He didn''t care, he had done it.


    Was he at the level he needed to be at? No, but the fact of the matter was that he was making progress and that was all that mattered. A major hurdle was overcome, and now he could begin to face Gideon head on. The training could start and nothing would get in his way. He believed in no time he would be able to face Viran head on. Unfortunately, the time to test himself would come much sooner than he anticipated.

 Chapter 20

    ¡°Regain control Destin, concentrate and gather yourself.¡± His father calmly said his hand on Destin¡¯s shoulder. He couldn¡¯t help it, the wind gusted around them in the tent, the fire in uproar from the strength of the wind. ¡°Breathe, and let go.¡± His father again said. With keeping his powers hidden while him and his father traveled with the army he could always feel that eternal flame grow until it needed a release.


    ¡°I¡­ Can¡¯t....¡± Destin focused on himself in every way that he could to tame the explosion of power flowing about him. ¡°Nothing is stopping this swell of energy!¡± He began to panic only making the magic flow more ravenously.


    ¡°You can do this, I¡¯m right here beside you.¡± His father reassured Destin. ¡°You are not alone in this. Keep on fighting.¡± He commanded.


    Searching in himself Destin attempted once more to silence the flame. He felt almost a barrier cup around the magic which swelled down slowly, the wind dying down. The fire returned to its normal glow giving light to the tent. His father looked around with all around relief as he let out a sign. ¡°You did well son.¡±


    ¡°Well indeed, I am rather impressed by this display of power you have been hiding from us Delfor.¡± A man was standing with the tent door held open. ¡°I thought you were a man of honor knowing you were apart of the High King¡¯s military, as a general nonetheless.¡±


    Destin¡¯s heart froze, they had been caught. The years they had spent hiding were for naught. There was no covering this up and he and his father knew it. Time slowed to a stop which each step the general took into his father¡¯s tent. The grievous smile stretched across his face at the realization of the greatest find of his life.


    His father stepped in front of Destin his hand on his sword, ¡°Leave Satanas, there is no reason to escalate this.¡±


    It was too late, General Satanas had his idea brewing in his mind at the demise of the two in the tent. Destin could sense this, knowing if they didn¡¯t act quick their deaths were imminent. His father felt it too, finalizing his stance at the impending battle which was about to commence.


    Each waited for the other to make the first move as if Santana was looking for any excuse to cut his father down. Destin slowly moved back carefully with each step feeling that if he did it quietly it would make it that it was less noticeable. A foolish idea, but something to give him comfort. Destin reached the back of the tent where he leaned against the wall waiting to see how the battle would unfold.


    ¡°Destin run!¡± His father shouted lunging forward with his blade swinging for a strike. The blade was quickly countered by Santana who read his enemy¡¯s footwork like a book able to predict his moves with pristine preciseness. Destin froze, unable to move though his body screamed at him to get away. He watched in horror while his father fought and faced his friend and ally. For years they had fought alongside each other until this secret had been discovered. Destin was suddenly viewed with a vile hatred that needed to be ended. Satanas had an unhinged rage which looked to end such madness.


    Watching the fight unfold, Destin at the time had no idea how someone could evolve such hatred against a type of person. His father was beginning to struggle with the countless attacks Satanas was throwing at him. His father gave a final counter flinging the sword away, and shouted to Destin, ¡°Run into the forest!¡±


    Destin rushed to the back of the tent keeping his father between him and Satanas to escape out the back door. His father went for the stab as the general spun around the blade drawing his knife out and stabbing his father in the gut. With the back door open he looked back to hear the air escape from his father¡¯s body as it collapsed to the ground. Destin couldn¡¯t cry out, his body wouldn¡¯t let him. He only watched in horror with the tent floor absorbing the pool of blood.


    He stumbled back snapping him out of the day dream he was in. He watched in the upper rafters of the high court looking down as that very man was being dragged in chains to stand before King Airrick. The general¡¯s ghostly white hair in no way reflected his age. He held a prideful stance regardless of his situation, seeming as though in no way was he in danger.


    Goddar stood next to Destin looking confused by his unshaken confidence unsure on how to judge it. ¡°I¡¯m tellin¡¯ ya lad, that be the face of evil right there.¡± He whispered looking at Destin to make sure he was doing alright. ¡°Spies caught him in the night, one of the High King¡¯s generals! Now that be a great catch!¡±


    Orcs appeared like a mercy to face compared to Satanas. Destin recalled hearing the stories the soldiers would tell who were under his command. The cruelty he would lead his men, pushing them harder than any other general. Regardless, his leadership was legendary. Welcoming the challenge of being outnumbered five to one and coming out on top with minimal casualties. He understood the game of war to a degree that none would match.


    Destin stared down at the man who killed his father. He had seen that prideful look in Satanas¡¯ face before. The general was in full control of the situation, calculating out everything precisely as though this was exactly how he had planned it from the beginning. Still, the fire inside Destin burned with a reawakening incessant rage. He knew this general was unable to predict his presence in Stormforth now. This newfound turn of luck was going to help quench the undying flame of hatred which flowed inside him.


    The words the king exchanged with the man faded into the background while Destin¡¯s entire environment faded into darkness until it was only Satanas and Destin. The thought of his father being stabbed repeatedly flashed in his mind. Destin felt the ring begin to glow around his neck when he realized he was beginning to lose control. He forced back the magic to the deepest depths of his core and turned to leave.


    Goddar looked back confused, ¡°Leaving already? It¡¯s going to get good here pretty quick!¡± He promised pointing down to the crowd in eagerness. ¡°You doing alright lad?¡±


    Everything shouted into his mind to leave. That given the chance he would slay the general here and now. Destin didn¡¯t want to stay, the longer he watched the more the anger festered like an infected wound which refused to heal. ¡°I will not be apart of this any longer!¡± He sternly whispered, ¡°I cannot stand the fact that he is not already dead where he stands. If the king was smart, Satanas head would roll here and now!¡±


    Goddar grabbed the door handle and stopped Destin from leaving , ¡°How did you know his name?¡±


    He looked around, thinking of anything to get him out of the question. ¡°It¡¯s not important, not here.¡±


    ¡°It is important! You¡¯re not yourself right now and it''s beginnin¡¯ to worry me!¡± Goddar confessed, ¡°Lad, tell me. We¡¯ve been through too much to hold anything back.¡±


    There was cause to tell him, but to tell him would arise more questions and reveal a side of Destin no one before had seen. The day his father was killed was the day he was forever changed, when he became a coward. He knew that if he was able to kill the man who had done this to him, then he may be able to restore that sanity in his life again.


    ¡°Let it go Goddar!¡± Destin aggressively asked, but Goddar would not let go of the handle. ¡°This is no concern of yours!¡±


    ¡°It is my concern, and Sephera as my witness, I will always watch over you.¡±


    He was quiet, but Destin¡¯s mind was made up, he would not divulge anything. It would raise suspicion of anything he may be planning. ¡°Get out of my way.¡± He ordered, the breeze picking up around him. Goddar didn¡¯t move a muscle gripping the handle harder. ¡°Get out!¡± He yelled with a thrust of wind pushing Goddar away from the door and into the back wall.


    He slumped to the ground gasping for air with the wind knocked out of him. The fear in his eyes cried with the truth of betrayal. He reached his hand out hoping to calm Destin from any more retaliation, ¡°You¡¯re¡­ right lad... ¡° He stuttered. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    Immediate guild swept over Destin realizing what he had done to his friend, but it was the sacrifice needed. The look of remorse was the last expression Goddar saw on Destin¡¯s face before he opened the door and left the room. He felt for the first time that he had betrayed his dear friend.


    When Satanas was taken to the dungeon, Destin watched to mark precisely where he was going to be kept, using the upper decks and walkways as a vantage point for the movement below. He didn¡¯t dare get close enough to make his presence known, but he saw right where they were taking the general, the cell in the outer tower.


    ¡°Two guards at the front and back entrance, seven guards went in, two came out.¡± He quietly noted to himself. ¡°Odds are two guarding the cell, the rest in the surrounding hallways.¡± There he waited like a carnivore waiting for the perfect time to strike at his prey. Justice would be satisfied, and there wasn¡¯t a thing Gideon or the king would be able to do to stop it.


    No one had any idea of the tie between Destin and the general and that was exactly how he wanted to keep it. Goddar would keep a secret and on top of that, he had no one to tell. He figured that the dwarf would trust that Destin would be fine, and in no way would do anything reckless. Still, that was all his mind was focused on.


    With how he had escaped Vertrock, getting into Satanas¡¯ cell without being detected was going to be like a simple stroll through the forest. While he watched throughout the day, he was able to mark exactly when the guards stations rotated. On top of that he had found his way in, the window up towards the top of the tower. It looked like a perilous climb, but it was more than worth the risk.


    In the dark of the night Destin lurked in the shadows against the castle wall. The muscle memory took over from when he would sneak around the prison camp. Carefully ducking and sliding around the nearby vines and bushes he watched for the guards to begin to leave. The tower was wide enough that he only needed one of the sets to leave the doorway, so that he could begin his climb.The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    A guard yawned stretching his arms outward with a loud sigh as each of the guards wished each other a good night sharing jokes as they left. What surprised Destin was the fact that there were six guards leaving all together, meaning that only a few remained inside. In a last moment decision, he decided to simply go through the front door.


    Destin hid against the wall of the outer tower and slid around until he felt the iron handle of the door, cool to the touch from the night. The door cracked open slowly as he slid in the moment he would fit. He latched and locked the door from the inside, the sudden turn of the lock sending a shock wave of sound through the deathly quiet hallway.


    He slowly turned around to see if anyone had noticed, and to his surprise, not a soul was in sight. Everything was falling into place and with ease he dashed down the hallway using as little time as he could, not knowing when he would be discovered. Once he turned the corner he immediately was spotted by a guard who had a rather shocked look on his face.


    ¡°Stop, what are you doing in here!¡± He shouted, alerting the other guards in the tower. His weapon was drawn, and with the guards now standing with him each with their weapons out, Destin had no choice.


    A well of energy flowed from his soul to his fingertips which glowed like starlight. The guards took a step back in hesitation but it was too late, the gust of wind blew them back, slamming the trio into the adjacent walls knocking each one out cold. There was no turning back, he had now attacked the king¡¯s guards, but this was more than worth the risk. If Satanas could fall by his hand, then Destin would accept any fate bestowed upon him by the king, even death. He had faced the god of death enough times to know that he was ready to leave Alluvion if given the chance.


    With haste he locked and leaned chairs against the two entrances hoping that would buy him some more time. Now his biggest fear was the guards around him waking up before he was finished with the general, but without wasting a second he moved to the cell where Satanas knelt tied to a pole, his body almost appearing lifeless with his head slumped over.


    ¡°Destin Gilcrest back from the dead.¡± His low growl caused Destin to hesitate from opening the cell, but Satanas¡¯ head continued to stare at the ground. ¡°Never thought I would see you again, but the gods obviously believe in karma.¡± He raised his head, his silver eyes peering straight into Destin¡¯s soul. ¡°You¡¯ve changed, Vertrock break you?¡± A slow deep laugh came from him when he saw Destin¡¯s expression change, ¡°Yes, I know. I know practically everything about you.¡±


    The key turned in the lock and Destin opened the cell door standing next to Satanas. He didn¡¯t say a word, only stared down at the wretched thing that was considered a human. ¡°This is a good look for you I will admit.¡± Destin finally spoke up. ¡°Tell me, how did the greatest general in the high king¡¯s army get captured? Seems careless.¡± He kept a stone cold face to conceal any emotional cues he could reveal.


    A devilish smile crept across the generals face, ¡°Ask yourself that question again. How did the greatest general get captured, and then taken to the capital of the enemy kingdom? You think I would be so careless Destin? I¡¯m disappointed in you...¡± His voice trailed off, yet he still held eye contact with Destin.


    The moonlight crept through the windows above them, the light shining on Satanas¡¯ face showing the cuts and bruises. He had already been questioned, and from his appearance it became fairly brutal. The rage began to boil Destin¡¯s blood as his mind became focused with one goal. However brutal his questioning was, it would never compare to what he was about to do to the general.


    While Destin was lost in thought the room sat in silence until Satanas intervened, ¡°Any chance you could tell your father hello for me?¡±


    Destin smirked, ¡°You can tell him yourself.¡± He promised.


    A psychotic laugh erupted from Satanas, ¡°You believe that you will be the death of me? That even tonight, I will see your father in the after world? You are¡­¡±


    Cutting him off Destin responded, ¡°Not exactly what I had in mind.¡± He took a step back and began to illuminate the room in a silver glow matching the moonlight. The ring around his neck floated out and beside him as the spirit of his father materialized. ¡°I think this is much better suited for discussion.¡±


    ¡°Destin, what is this?¡± His father questioned seeing Satanas tied around the pole.


    ¡°We don¡¯t have time, but this is Stormforth and Satanas has been captured.¡± He quickly tried to explain.


    Satanas¡¯ head slumped down again, his shoulder shaking with each demonic laugh that quietly bellowed out from him, ¡°This. This is beautiful!¡± He laughed to himself some more before lifting his head to stare at Delfor, ¡°When Viran said you were not much of a threat as a Highborn, I¡¯m afraid he was greatly mistaken. It''s been too long old friend.¡±


    ¡°Glad to see you in a cell, we have an army of men waiting to greet you on the other side.¡± His father warned,


    Through it all, Destin saw no fear in his eyes, in the darkness of his soul something stirred. Satanas shook his head back and forth mockingly, ¡°You, Delfor, Stormforth are fools.¡± His voice became sinister, ¡°You honestly believe such fate would be in your hands? If you only knew what Viran had in store for you.¡±


    ¡°What is he talking about son?¡± His father questioned stepping closer to Destin.


    ¡°They didn¡¯t get any information about Arthemis tonight, nor will you. It''s a fools effort to try to do so. Don¡¯t tempt fate.¡± Satanas warned, but before he could add anything else a swift punch hit across his cheek. He began to laugh some more, ¡°Violence!¡± He spat out blood, ¡°There now you see I taught you something.¡±


    Another hit landed on his face, and then another, blood splattering on the floor. Destin was shaking his hand from the multiple punched. He gave it all he had but still was making little to no impact. He was unable to face his father who he knew was standing right behind him. He almost regretted how each hit made him feel¡­ almost. Yet, it was satisfying seeing another one he hated, who had caused him so much pain, now feeling what he had felt. He kicked the general in his gut, followed by a knee to his face, his head slamming into the wooden beam from the strength of the kick.


    ¡°Destin stop!¡± His father ordered, but it was too late.


    These feelings were beginning to scare him, these feelings of gratification. His mind was filled with every memory of pain that was caused due to this man before him. The slaying of his father, the days in Vertrock. He recalled each scar across his body and when they were given. Each night he went to sleep hungry and cold, unsure if he would make it the next day. Mindless insanity.


    The door behind him was trying to open when the guards discovered it was locked. He could hear the guards begin to panic, he was running out of time. ¡°Looks like I live another day.¡± His words echoed in the chamber.


    He wasn¡¯t out of time yet, nor was he done with Satanas. With the insistence of his father on stopping this madness, Destin recalled the ring to his hand. His father dissolved away in front of Satanas¡¯ eyes, when he looked at Destin¡¯s blackened luminate eyes. ¡°So what now Highborn? What fun do we have planned tonight?¡±


    Inside Destin was a power he had never felt before, a darkness which overtook him, welcomed him. The devil inside was tempting him of new ideas to test on this thing. He raised his hand, pointing out a finger, slowly moving it down as an adjacent cut was made from his neck to his collarbone.


    For the first time Destin saw Satanas¡¯ squirm in pain, a sight that brought him a new sense of satisfaction. ¡°What''s wrong? Have nothing to say now?¡±


    ¡°You killed my father!¡± He cried out with a slash across Satanas¡¯ chest, ¡°You hunted me, chased me out of Alluvion!¡± A deep cut appeared on his upper arm, ¡°I was tortured, beaten, destroyed!¡± The ropes around Satanas¡¯ wrists and ankles were cut away while he was being lifted into the air, ¡°The day my father died was the day Destin Gilcrest was no more!¡±


    The generals shirt was tattered and stained in blood, but the man continued to rise into the air screaming out in pain. It wasn¡¯t enough, he needed to suffer more. He was thrown against the wall, his mind sending shock waves through his entire body as he convulsed. Destin had full control over everything he was feeling.


    He could tell that Satanas¡¯ was beginning to struggle to stay conscious. ¡°Not yet! You don¡¯t get to sleep, you don¡¯t get to escape so easily! I never had that option and neither will you.¡±


    Destin could feel the hold he had on Satanas¡¯ beating heart, each pulse vibrating around his hand. He squeezed his hand ever so slightly as the grip tightened, Satanas trying to scream out in pain and instead coughing blood. If he chose, a sudden pull of his hand would remove the man¡¯s heart. He knelt down next to Satana¡¯s his grip still strong, ¡°I hold your life in my hands. How does that feel?¡±


    A frail voice began to mumble something indiscreetly, Destin yelled for him to repeat it. A single word left his lips, ¡°Mer¡­ cy¡­¡± was all he was able to get out.


    The spiral of rage flowed through Destin like a flame on dry grassland. He grabbed Satanas¡¯ head, staring into his eyes and said, ¡°Where was the mercy for my father!¡± With the hold on his enemy¡¯s heart he began to pull downward when the doorway exploded open. Gideon rushed in his magic grabbing hold of Destin and pinning him against the wall, the hold he had on Satanas was relinquished.


    The frail body toppled to the ground gasping for air. Destin watched in disbelief that such a man was still alive or was allowed to be. He fought with all his might but the hold was far to strong for him to break free. He had no choice in the matter. Gideon walked up to Destin with a stern glare which turned to disappointment. He released Destin when he returned to normal, grabbing and shaking him, ¡°What do you think you are doing?! Do you have any idea what magic you were dealing with?¡± Gideon shouted.


    No remorse, none at all. Destin stood by what he had done, and looking at Satanas it felt like a small forum of justice. Still, the toll of the magic he had spent was catching up to him as he broke out into a cold sweat. ¡°I don¡¯t, not like you were going to teach me anyway.¡± Destin countered brushing away Gideon¡¯s hold on him.


    ¡°You don¡¯t get it do you?¡± Gideon grabbed Destin¡¯s arm, ¡°You don¡¯t dive into arcane magic. Never do such a thing! It destroys one''s soul and before you know it you lose yourself completely to the darkness.¡±


    ¡°You assume I had a soul to begin with. I¡¯ve been long lost for over a year now, and the one time I get a chance to once and for all put the past behind me, you interject.¡± Destin argued, ¡°But that¡¯s fine with you, you have a king by your side and an army behind you cause.¡± He broke Gideon¡¯s grip and began to walk out of the tower.


    ¡°Killing the demon¡¯s in your life does not put your past behind you. Just because this man dies doesn¡¯t mean you are any better or worse. With him gone, you will be in the same exact spot. You need to release the grip this one man holds over you.¡±


    ¡°Funny,¡± Destin responded, ¡°Because it feels like that is exactly what you have done for Viran.¡± Destin passed through the doorway the moonlight illuminating his skin. He stopped and turned around to face Gideon, ¡°You act like you have all the answers, but I was a fool to believe like you did.¡±


    ¡°It''s a steep road when you begin to give into the darkness inside. I have taken you in, protected you, and trained you. Why push me away now?¡± Gideon asked.


    ¡°Is it because of who I am or because I¡¯m a Highborn?¡± Destin yelled, ¡°Tell me, if you were awake and passed me by on the street, would you still take me in?¡±


    He didn¡¯t answer, regardless of what he could say Destin¡¯s heart in the moment was locked. There was nothing that could be said or done to sway how he felt. He knew Gideon could sense that.


    The guards began to surround Destin requesting that he be taken in without a fight. Destin looked over at Gideon realizing that there was nothing the Highborn could do to help him. He was going to be captured and taken to await trial before King Airrick. He only hoped his actions were justified.


    Gideon had a look of worry, ¡°Destin¡­¡± but he was cut off by the ringing of the bells. The guards all looked to the source of the sound, and instantly rushed away to their positions. ¡°What is this? Destin asked as Gideon ran over to help him up.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure.¡± He responded looking over to the ladder by the wall. There was a walkway at the top of the ladder which gave a better vantage point. Multiple bells chimed in ringing around the entire castle in the dark of the night. They each bolted up the ladder to discover what the commotion was about.


    His heart nearly stopped when he looked over the wall to see the city below, the section by the main gate had caught fire. They could hear the cries and destruction the fire was causing. It was what Satanas¡¯ had warned them about, and why the soldiers ran away in such a hurry. ¡°We are under attack.¡± Gideon said.