The Xha (old title)

1

(The First Glimpse of Gyseria)2

Written By: 3

Jared Zeiders4

and5

Demington 6

Edited By:7

Jared Zeiders 8

Alone in the woods...I think.9

Eli shifted his weight against the tree as he awoke to the smell of heavy dew amongst the dense foliage of the large forest. He opened his eyes and scanned his surroundings. Sitting up, Eli swung his legs out over the large tree branch he had spent the night on. Eli scratched at the several day old black stubble on his chin and took up the ratty cloak he had used for a blanket, tying it loosely around his neck. The sun had not yet fully risen in these depths of the woods, swept up in the shadow of the high mountains that overlooked the darker parts of the forests. Dropping out of the tree, Eli rolled as he hit the ground, a good twenty foot fall. Strange things had been happening since he had arrived in these woods. While he was an experienced woodsman, having spent the last decade or so wandering the wilderness of the Queen's kingdom and more, he constantly felt as if he was being watched. It bothered him that there might be something out there that he could not catch even a sight of.10

"Death take me if I am not jumping around because of some young beast practicing his stalking," Eli muttered as he moved swiftly through the brush to the edge of a small stream, no more than several paces from the base of the tree.11

The water tasted cold and clean to Eli's parched tongue and felt even better as he removed his dirty garments and waded out into the chest deep part of the slow moving stream. The fact that he wasn't wearing a stitch of cloths didn't really bother him. No body ever came this deep into any woods he had ever wandered through, especially not this particular area. Eli grunted at the thought of having to die within this forest, at the hands of some mysterious foe. < > Eli thought to himself as he picked up some of the sand from the bottom of the creek bed and rubbed it on his arms and chest. The dirt and sweat came off easily as he finished scrubbing himself down, and rinsed off. A pity he did not have any soap around, he rather enjoyed the soft suds, at least, when they were compared to the coarse roughness of the sand. The sounds of the forest became apparent to him as he washed the last traces dirt off his arms and back, but right now, they held nothing worth noting. Running his fingers through his black, messy, shoulder length hair he decided that it too was obviously in need of a good cleaning.12

"Why couldn’t I have been bald," Eli muttered as he took a deep breath and ducked his head under the water. Eli scrubbed half-heartedly at his hair and took pleasure in the cool feeling of the refreshing water surrounding him. < > he thought, as he felt himself running out of air. As he surfaced, Eli smiled, a new feeling of happiness, content even, washing over him with the droplets of water. Maybe these woods weren't so bad after all.13

The first thing that Eli noticed when his head broke the surface of the stream was the silence. The birds were no longer singing, the crickets no longer chirping, and even the trees had fallen silent, their branches halting in their tiresome wavers. The uneasy feeling Eli had long known came rushing back like a wave of intensely negative premonition. He kept his muscles relaxed and his eyes shut as he pretended to scrub at his arms and shoulders some more. The blow he expected did not come, nor did the arrows or swords or wild bestial claws to end his vagabond life. Eli continued the charade for another moment of two before he cracked one eyelid at his surroundings.14

"Death, take me," he whispered, opening both eyes and looking around him at the banks of the stream, slowly taking in the sight that had been set before him.15

Standing around him was...well, things were the best that Eli could name them. They stood another head taller than Eli and were draped in dark black cloaks, a shade of night that even the moon would have feared. Eli closed his mouth and took count. There were three that he could see and they carried no weapons of any kind. Still, they seemed like they didn’t exactly need them, for he then noticed the extremely broad shoulders of the three figures, two next to his cloak and one on the opposite bank.16

"Well, top of the morning to you fellows," Eli said in his most affectionately cheerful voice, "What can I do for three strapping young...individuals… like yourselves?" Eli stood so that he could see both sides of the stream banks. Staying loose, Eli waited in silence for something to happen. Perhaps he would be was fast enough, but then again, it wasn't always the fastest or strongest that decided victory, but the one who had the least to live for. When the lone beast on the opposite bank spoke, it was like a high mountain avalanche mixed with a rock crumbling to dust.17

"He is," the beast rumbled, raising a viciously clawed, pith black furred paw at Eli.18

Eli felt more than a little edgy as he decided that the claws being currently used to motion to him, could, in an instant, change purpose to that of tearing the skin from his body. He could not help nervously yawning as the other two ‘things’ nodded cloaked heads, flexing claws equally as frightening.19

“He is; he is."20

Where Did He Come From...?21

He had been walking all day, and was just about sick of it. There really wasn't much to do in these parts of the woods; most of the game had already been hunted. Nonetheless, there was still enough that it provided him with a reason to come this deep into the wilderness.22

Anjou stepped with the careful feet of a huntsman, his soft leather boots taking extra precautions to ensure that he would make no noise. He didn't want to disturb what little animals may live in this area. His eyes, a deep and dark chestnut brown, scanned the horizon comfortably. He had been here many times, and nothing looked new. 23

No, that wasn't right. Something was new. Indeed, nothing -looked- new, but everything -sounded- new. The birds had stopped, as had the crickets, the squirrels, and all other manner of noise-making creatures that dwelled within the forest's boundaries. Anjou slowed to a stop, his shirtless form resting momentarily amidst the leafy foliage of the forest grove's floor. 24

Anjou was a handsome man, and one with no other name. He was a simple man, so the townspeople had often called him. He was also what they called a "red man". His people had called him a warrior. Tan skin was pulled tight over densely packed muscle, rippling gently over his lean form. He wore no shirt, as mentioned, but did wear a pair of long, brown leather pants, as well as soft leather boots. He was an Indian, and such, was dressed in a similar fashion. Long-since had his people passed, but he had remained. He had always remained...all those long and tiresome years ago. However, he looked no older than twenty, a ripe age. 25

On his back was his bow, the black ebony and black chord that had long served him well. In the quiver were shafts of a similar liking, ebony, and with a single black tip, made of Blackbane. He was more than proficient with his bow, having had such enormous amounts of time to practice. He carried only two other weapons, two blades. Each was the length of his forearm, plus the handle. This was carved from the antlers of a white stag, each made with excellent precision. The bone-scripting had taken countless hours, but was much to Anjou's liking. These blades, now, were in his hands, one in each, with tip pointed downward. It was impossible, this way, to disarm him. 26

As Anjou picked up his pace once more, he spotted the three beings, as well as the one in the brook. Pity, it was such a waste of fresh water. Anjou moved almost silently, making sure to keep himself just outside the arc of view of these few creatures. When he deemed it necessary, Anjou spoke up, taking his skill to his benefit. He had seated himself upon a single stone in the middle of the brook, his long hair pooling over his shoulders, roughly a third of the way down his back. 27

"He is...what?"28

The Ruckus Begins29

The question the dark skinned man asked caught Eli's ear like the heavenly tune of an angel's blessed harp. The strange things turned their cloaked heads in unison to look at the newcomer.30

"Zurash qoor maluzhuma?" The single ‘beast-thing’ rumbled in a harsh tongue, almost quizzically, obviously surprised at something. <31

> Eli thought as he dipped his head slightly to the Indian.32

The dark-skinned man nodded in return and Eli noticed the edges of the man's mouth almost curving upward. < > he thought, < > Before Eli could work up any anger, he realized he was making polite conversation with a dark-skinned shirtless man while standing naked, chest deep in a creek surrounded by rather menacing beasts whose vocabulary had thus far extended no further than a few small words.33

"Time fades," One of the two beasts spoke up its voice raspy and deep, though somehow alluring and enticing." The dream ends."34

"He must wake," the lone beast rumbled softly, like a boulder through a village, Eli thought mirthlessly.35

The beasts simultaneously pulled back their hooded cloaks and raised themselves to their full height. Their faces were wide yet broadly snouted. Vibrant yellow eyes stared from behind the shaggy fur that adorned their heads. They bared their teeth together, as they had turned their heads to look at the newcomer. < > Eli thought darkly. He glanced at the dark-skinned man and caught his eye with a meaningful stare, blinking twice and nodding towards the bank where the two beasts had started to move towards Eli. << I hope he knows what to do, >> Eli thought as he turned to face the lone wolf-beast-thing that had stepped into the creek. < > Eli thought, silently cursing his poor luck as he moved towards the dark creature. 36

Well, They Aren’t So Nice...37

Anjou remained seated upon his stone, at this point, merely watching. It’s what he had always done, and what he had always been told to do. He was a Watcher, one of...Them. It was his job to observe, not to interfere. In fact, he had indeed been forbidden to interfere with the lives of mortal men. 38

Though, this time, Anjou felt different. There was something amiss here, something that didn't, and shouldn't, belong. These beings weren't just your normal run-of-the-mill bandits or thieves. These things were unnatural. The great Gods of Nature had not created them; they were foul abominations, wretches of chaos. They had to be dealt with. 39

But, was it really his place to do this? He had been informed, countless years ago --when he had been granted this awesome 'gift', if that is even what it could be called-- that he must never interfere. He couldn't disrupt the lives of mortals, because if he did, then the balance between nature and man would be disrupted. 40

Anjou shook his head. This was really nothing he cared to think about at a time like this. His mind was just about made up to simply let the man to his fate, when, he once more looked into those sorrowful, pleading eyes. A soft sigh lightly slipped from his lips as he slid the two blades back into their respective sheathes, and pulled the ancient ebony bow from his back. His experienced hand quickly found a shaft from the quiver, and he knocked it, drawing the tight string back to his ear. Well over a hundred pounds of pull, and yet, it came back in his hand as if it was nothing. Now, this was not due to the excessive strength of Anjou, because that did not exist. No, the bow was just...special. Everything Anjou touched was special; it’s just the way it was. 41

With the arrow notched, Anjou sighted down the black shaft at the creature that was the closest to the young man, and carefully waited. As the beast stretched forward one massive, furry claw, Anjou released the arrow, and watched as it flew straight and true, burying itself through the ear of the beast. Anjou grinned, calmly pulling another arrow from the quiver. Damn the rules, he wanted to help.42

Thus Battle Stayed Its Hand43

Eli was about to throw himself at the attacker, hoping to catch it off guard, when he heard a roar from behind him that sent chills down his spine. He saw what appeared to be perplexed disbelief painted across the wolf-thing's face. Eli had not turned for fear that the creature would leap on first chance, slaughtering an unknowing victim. Yet, the beast in front of him took a step back up onto the bank of the stream, rather that pursuing his prey. Eli glanced quickly behind him, just in time to see one of the two beasts on its knees, howling to high heaven. The creature had both vicious paws clapped against the side of its head, a long black arrow protruding from within the side of its massive head. The beast tore the arrow from its ear and threw it on the ground, still roaring incessantly at the top of its lungs. Standing up, the creature kept a paw to its ear and stayed its voice, its cold gaze sweeping over the rest of those present. It simply looked at the other two of its party, rage and hatred filling its eyes. Then, the beast raised its furred claws in the air, and drew a complex pattern of symbols and sigils, its low voice rumbling in unison with the motions. Eli stood near the far bank of the stream hip deep in water, his eyes widening in disbelief at that which happened. The creature had disappeared. Vanished. Been removed from existence. Eli blinked, his hands rising to rub at his eyes, as if to make sure he had truly seen what he thought he had. He watched closely as the second beast picked up the arrow and shrugged. Eli glanced at the dark skinned man with a questioning glance. The man had another arrow knocked in his bow and was frowning slightly, his brow furrowed in thought. Eli was about to call out to him when the bowman's eyes widened in what Eli assumed to be surprise or horror, or a mixture of both. Eli turned his gaze back to the beast by his clothes and almost lost his balance in the slow flow of the stream. Then, the foul abomination was stepping into a tear in the very fabric of space. Its body disappeared as it tread into the unknown, shifting from one plane of existence to another. The darkness within that portal made Eli feel weak, sick even. The beast paused in its step, stopping to turn and speak at those who still remained.44

"Pain, so long it has been," it rumbled, looking right at Eli, "Pain is but a specter of the dream; one day all shall wake."45

With that, the beast turned and ducked into the portal. The instant it had been fully absorbed into the null void, it disappeared, explaining where the other beast had gone. Both the dark skinned bowman and Eli turned to look at the only nightmarish fiend that remained.46

"Who… no… what are you?" Eli asked, slightly miffed that he couldn't seem to think straight.47

The beast stood completely still for an unending moment, one that stretched on for eternity. It lifted its black, furred hand and stretched it out at the creek where Eli stood. Diving out of the way, Eli yelled as a dark portal much bigger than the other appeared on the stream's surface. Eli felt his skin burn and freeze at the same time, a fiery chill passing down through his bones. < > he thought, < >48

The beast raised its palms from its side and walked down the bank and into the inky blackness of the dark portal.49

"We are the Xha," it rumbled loudly, as if issuing a challenge, or a decree, "Long has it been. Zhagul, the Slayer of Worlds bids you welcome, Forgotten One. The Xha are his right hand. We have come for this world...there is no escaping the right of Zhagul...the right hand of Death."50

With a hideous smile, the beast laughed a roaring, evil laughter that made Eli cringe. It then disappeared into the void, leaving Eli to scramble up and onto the nearby shore. He pulled on his weathered attire and started to push a foot into a battered boot when the dark-skinned savior hunched down on his knees beside Eli.51

Eli paused what he was doing and offered his hand, "Thank you kind sir, my name is Eli Paril. What, pray tell, is yours?"52

Anjou: Watcher of Nature53

Anjou gasped as the beings drifted into their vortexes, the large bodies having instantly been pulled into what must only have been an alternate dimension. Anjou, having lived so long, still had yet to have ever seen anything like this, anything so...out of place. He turned his chestnut brown eyes upon Eli, and looked at him patiently, his gaze studying the man before him. To the natural eye, the world was but something of a rich livelihood of colors and beings, darks and lights. However, Anjou had been gifted with something of a different view. The left eye upon his ruggedly handsome face was but a slight bit darker than his right, the brown tinting towards the middle until it blended with the blackness of the pupil. 54

What Anjou saw when he looked at Eli was something far more different than any other. With his right eye, Anjou saw the world as normal mortals did. He saw the colors that made up the skin, the details that made of the figure, and the pleasant look of comfort that made one of the many expressions inlaid within the man's features. However, with the left eye, the world...changed. What Anjou saw was nearly indescribable. White light seemed to radiate from the form of this man, whereas, utter blackness had filled the beings of darkness, the Xha. That was how Anjou had known it was acceptable for him to intervene. No being on earth radiated that kind of evil. Eli was the complete opposite. He radiated an aura of goodness and wellbeing. Anjou studied long and hard, or at least, the few moments that passed, to him, seemed like a century of time to gather information and knowledge of the subject at hand. Anjou recognized Eli for what he was, something far more important to the survival of the world, of -his- world, than a mere man. This man was different.55

Anjou stood from where he had been seated, placing the bow once more upon his back. He walked toward Eli with careful steps, his feet stepping upon the few solid stones beneath the water without him so much as glancing downward. He had watched this world, particularly this place, for hundreds of years...he just knew it. His hand extended to Eli, one that was large, calloused, and the same color as the rest of his skin.56

"I am Anjou, Watcher of Nature."57

Discussing SPECTRE58

Eli shook Anjou, Watcher of Nature's hand and laughed as Anjou helped him to his feet.59

"That was a close one," Eli chuckled, "I never thought I'd see the final embrace of the mother naked in a stream."60

Anjou nodded sagely and smiled, "If you don't mind, I think I won't drink from this spot in the future."61

Laughter surrounded the two as they moved further upstream aways and sat next to a waist high waterfall that ran under the low branches of an old oak, quenching their thirst. Though few words were said, Eli appreciated the silent wisdom that Anjou carried about him like a king's cloak. Eli's dark-skinned savior leaned back against the lower roots of the old tree and closed his eyes as Eli leaned his head under the waterfall to take a last drink. As Eli sat back and shook some of the water out of his hair, he cast an admiring glance at Anjou’s bow. The knives were very nice of course, but they seemed too close to a sword. Eli did not know why, but he did not want to ever touch a sword again. He could not remember using a sword, but he knew that he had...he had hated it...had killed with it.62

"What?" Eli asked, shaking his head and looking at Anjou. Had he said something?63

I have never before seen beasts with al likeness to resemble those, and I have walked these and other woods for many moons…" Anjou said quietly yet still very much audibly, his voice trailing off with his eyes still closed.64

"I, as well, have never seen such beasts," Eli replied. < > he thought, as something tickled at the back of his mind.65

"What are your thoughts, man-who-fights-evil-naked-in-a-stream?" Anjou asked, opening his dark, yet still slightly different colored eyes and leaning forward to rest his elbows on his knees.66

Eli looked at the ground for a moment, and then raised his eyes to the level of Anjou, his gaze never wavering from those dark orbs. Eli's own eyes seemed to cast shadows within their own, creating a beautiful, though perplexing look. What little other color laid upon their realms was that of a vibrant blue, speckled with black slits, like some sort of strange kaleidoscope.67

"Something tells me I have seen their like before," Eli admitted, feeling an intense desire not to hold back the truth from this man who had most likely saved him from being slain naked in a stream.68

Anjou nodded, "Speak when the heart and mind is ready, Eli Paril."69

Eli couldn't help but smile. He didn't know who this man was, and yet, he liked him already...at least since he had saved him a fatal beating.70

"Do you think we should warn the nearest town?" Eli spoke up after several minutes of silence, "If there is an army of those things out there, someone should know..." Eli got to his feet and looked out into the forest, continuing, "All of this seems familiar, but I can't quite place any of it. Xha, Zhagul Destroyer of Worlds...I don't know what any of this means. What should we do?"71

Eli turned back to Anjou and returned the earlier favor by helping the bowman to his feet. Dusting off his hands, Anjou rubbed them together and put an arm around Eli's shoulder as they walked east, conversing of what to do about the days most unusual happenings... 72

We Walk a Lonely Road73

Anjou and Eli walked many miles as they talked, their feet carrying them ever onward, in a direction that was not quite sure. Well, in truth, the direction was sure, however, the destination was not. Anjou was leading Eli north, and had not a doubt in his mind that Eli knew the direction. What Anjou did not know, and this puzzled him the most, was where he was going. He had no idea why he was traveling north. He had merely felt that it was right, had understood in his heart that there was nowhere else they were meant to go. 74

The two men talked on many different topics. They talked of weaponry, swordplay, and archery. They talked of the woodlands around them, the animals that lived there, and the many ways of hunting them. However, one thing that neither man spoke of, and neither asked of, was the other’s past. Many things were meant to be shared between friends; however, many were not. There were some things that were simply better left in the dust, where they lay. 75

Anjou, somewhere roughly ten miles from where they had begun, stopped suddenly, raising a hand to place his palm lightly upon the chest of Eli. He raised the opposite to his lips, pressing his index finger gently against them. Anjou lowered his body carefully, the hand that had been upon Eli's chest shifting so that it was upon his shoulder, as he gently tugged the man down with him. Anjou leaned toward Eli, whispering very quietly in his ear.76

"Wait, naked-river-man, and listen. Watch, and tell me what you see." Eli nodded, leaning forward slightly; his legs bent as he raised himself off his haunches, and placed a fist on the ground, allowing his weight to lie upon it. His eyes scanned the woodlands that lie before the pair of huntsmen, and at first, saw nothing. However, a moment passed, and Eli's eyes widened in knowledge.77

Far ahead of the men, there stood a Great Stag, a buck, with antlers spanning three feet. His head was bent over a small brook, tongue lapping from the cool waters within. His tail was down, as if signaling how calm he was. Even as Eli watched, a lone wolf sauntered out of the brush, gray shoulders pressed tightly against the fur, body low to the ground as he hunted his prey. The wolf was slow and patient, ever-keeping his eye on the deer. The wolf was a smart being, knowing that it was smarter, stronger, and faster than the buck. While the two men watched, Anjou turned toward Eli, raising a hand to block his words from the animals, and spoke softly. 78

"This is the law of the jungle. The strength of the Wolf is in the pack, and the strength of the pack is in obedience. The wolf cannot survive without the pack, as the pack cannot survive without obedience." Anjou said no more, turning his gaze back to the scene at hand. He wanted his words to sink in, wanted them to take effect upon Eli.79

Even as they watched, what Anjou said proved itself. The wolf leapt at the buck, teeth baring, powerful hind legs pushing it hard. However, the wolf had been fooled by the buck's bluff. The great stag turned, and, in a moment, the tides of the battle switched. The wolf impaled himself upon the horns of the stag, a soft whine escaping his breath as the last bits of life dripped from his sodden corpse. 80

"Just as the wolf believed in his own strength, so did the Xha believe that they could take your life without retaliation. Our power will lie in one another. We must trust one another, at least, so that we can work together." He raised his hand to Eli again, as he had before. "I am Anjou, and you have my trust, and the effort of my protection."81

Dream On…82

Eli took Anjou's hand and looked his new friend in the eye.83

"I accept your offer and am grateful to have met one such as you," Eli said before smiling as he glanced over at the buck that was starting to head north towards the high mountains, "Maybe we should eat something."84

Anjou gave a short laugh and released Eli's hand. The buck couldn't have gone too far...Eli thought.85

Eli leaned back against a large rock as he patted his stomach. They had tracked the buck and, after Anjou slew it with his bow, drug its carcass to a river not too far away. They had set up camp and proceeded to build a fire and roast portions of the buck over the modest conflagration.86

"I am thankful for the meal," Eli said, looking over at Anjou, "but it saddens me to...well...seeing death means something to me. As if...I don't know. I am glad the buck's death was quick."87

Anjou looked almost surprised for a moment before smiling knowingly and nodding his head, "I too have seen death. It is a sad thing, but sometimes death must be. It is as it is with all things."88

Eli voiced his agreement quietly as they cleaned up around their small camp. The sun fell below the trees as night took hold of the forest. The symphony of the dark comforted Eli as he pushed himself between several of the larger boulders that sat inanimately next to the smoothly flowing river. It was a snug fit, but Eli settled quickly, wrapping his cloak around himself tighter. Eli knew that it was nowhere near cold yet; that was not why he covered himself as he did. The night belonged to dreams. He had never had good dreams.89

"Sleep well and wake, naked-river-man," Anjou called from his place several feet away, amongst a small growth of high grass.90

"I will, Watcher of Nature," Eli called back, laughing, "As long as you do."91

Eli heard an amused grunt as he cradled his head in his hands and felt the warmth of slumber take hold of him. Before he fell asleep, he smiled inwardly. Maybe things were turning out for the better. Maybe years of wandering had finally led to something... 92

Eli let go of consciousness and thought, sleep taking him. With a start, Eli felt himself falling through a cloudy mist. Panic took him as he plunged down through the mist to find he was high over a wide mountain range, covered in snow. Eli held back a scream as he felt himself fall even faster, down towards a trio of high peaks that stood imperiously atop the massive stretch of gigantic stone. As he tumbled silently through the sky, he knew in his heart that these were the high mountains that he and Anjou had been traveling towards that day. With this realization, he knew that he was dreaming. Smiling as he came fell closer to the mountains he reached over and pinched himself. He still did not wake. Eli stared intently at the upcoming ground as he wished he was having the usual nightmares of pain, agony, and a haunting loneliness. Eli knew that there was no waking from this dream as he opened his mouth to yell. The world disappeared in a flash of blinding whiteness and more pain than he had ever known. Thoughts ran screaming into oblivion as Eli felt like he was made of water, unable to move a muscle. Trying to raise his head, Eli found that he could see a little. He looked around himself to find that he was lying at the bottom of a small crater. Blood was everywhere. Eli closed his eyes and winced as he tried to move again. This was impossible, he was dreaming. How had this happened? A figure appeared at the lip of the crater.93

"Anjou?" whispered Eli, unable to see who was looking down at him.94

A rough, raspy voice spoke out, "Well, well, well...look who it is."95

Eli knew that he had never heard this voice before, but he there was a familiarity to it. A familiarity that scared Eli more than seven-foot wolves, dressed in black with claws ready to tear flesh from bone.96

"Who...who are you?" Eli coughed, and felt blood on his lips and in his mouth.97

"I am the Destroyer of Worlds...don't you remember me?" the voice laughed mockingly, "I sent my Xha to scout out the lands to see what had happened while we slept. I saw your companion's handiwork when my three came home. He must be something other than those humans...pathetic and weak as they are."98

Eli tried to sit up, but fell back as he tried to make sense of it all. Who was this person?99

The figure stepped confidently down into the pit with Eli and placed a large, long fingered hand on Eli's forehead.100

"You've forgotten haven't you?" The man laughed hysterically, insanely as Eli felt tears drip down from the man's face that hovered somewhere above him. Trying to look brought only pain.101

"My, my...that is fun!" The man was mad!102

"So much pain," the man whispered, "I can take it away, if you want."103

Before Eli could speak, the man moved his hand to Eli's chest, just over his heart, "But I will have to leave you with something to remember me by, just so you don't think this was just a dream."104

Eli opened his eyes and tried to get a good look at the man standing over him. All he could make out were two eyes that burned red like the setting sun and a mouth that smiled widely. Too widely did the mouth grin at him, and with teeth too sharp to be human. As the pain faded with the light, Eli felt a pressure on his chest, just over his heart.105

"Remember..." Eli heard a voice whisper as pain like a fire burning through his chest consumed him.106

Eli sat upright and screamed as he felt the fire burning his soul. After what seemed like an eternity, Eli looked around. His eyes widened as he saw that he lay in a crater, his clothes matted with blood. He sat up and cried out in pain, and then moved an unbroken hand to his chest and felt a hole in his dirty tunic. Looking down he grimaced to find a large handprint, twice a normal man's hand, resting over his heart. It burned every time his heart beat and the area around it was red. The handprint flashed brightly and turned a pitch black as the burning returned. Eli held both hands to his chest and collapsed as he heard footsteps near the edge of the crater.107

"Anjou?" Eli whispered weakly as he felt strong hands lift him up out of the hole in which he had lain," Anjou, is that you?"108

Eli passed into unconsciousness, darkness taking all... 109

And Yet, Do We Not All Dream?110

Anjou sat atop one of the many rocks that covered the area in which they had chosen to set camp, his ears attentive to the hundreds of night sounds. Everything he heard meant something or another to him, just as each animal held an importance of its own in the world. Anjou's ears listened especially to the heartbeat of the man who lay between a pair of boulders, smiling gently as it entered the gentle beat of sleep. 111

This night, for Anjou, was unlike so many before, in but what may seem too many as something of little importance. However, what was normal to other persons was just the opposite of Anjou. Sleep was not something that Anjou had regularly done since he had become one of them, had become one of the Watchers. He had assumed that it was part of his 'job', if you call it such, and had not paid any careful attention to it. Now, though, he decided he must figure out why. As he closed his eyes, his body not moving from where he sat on the boulder, he let loose a single, heavy sigh, the small breath escaping the closed plane of his lips as a last signal of his new-come serenity.112

The world seemed to shift about him, and yet, he could watch it at all times. This was a new experience, even for the age-old form of Anjou, who still looked to be no older than twenty...no older than the day he had died. Anjou looked about at the woodlands that lay before him, both eyes searching for something of importance. In the dead light of the night, what appeared to be their destination shone forth like a beacon in the sky. There was a path of footsteps, two of them, leading up the side of a mountain, only one over from that which they currently lay. Anjou saw the many leagues that the two companions must travel, saw the light of their journey shining brightly, and then...113

Then he saw nothing. A vast cloud of blackness enveloped where the light should have been, where their path should have continued. What could this mean? Was it saying that they would stop there? Was this a place where things would change, where actions would pull them from this plane of existence? These questions and more flooded even the deepest recesses of Anjou's mind. However, he was soon to be pulled away from his thoughts, as he reached the place he had been called to.114

When the chestnut brown orbs that were his eyes looked upward, rather than down as they had been, Anjou cringed slightly at what he saw. Before him stood six persons, or rather, the ethereal spirits of six persons, each looking different than the rest, for each had been called from a different section of the world. Anjou stood before his brethren, before the other Watchers. This was not a place that Anjou wanted to be, for he knew what would be said on this evening.115

"Anjou, you have broken the law."116

"You disobeyed the command."117

"You upset the balance."118

"You did the wrong."119

"You must face the consequences."120

"The price must be paid."121

Each Watcher spoke only once, and then looked upon Anjou with the solemnity of a statue. These men had been doing this for ages, for Anjou was by far the youngest of the group, and thus, he was also the most rebellious, and new-fashioned. 122

"And yet, brothers, is what I did truly wrong? Look at the man! He is far more than any other at this place. He isn't normal, and you must all see that, less you are blinded in your own arrogance. Can you not see the light that surrounds him? Have you truly become so calloused over the centuries that your vision has been reduced to little more than duty and necessity?"123

Anjou stood in disbelief before the others. In truth, he was out of place. He was nothing like the other Watchers, neither in body nor spirit, nor even mind. Before him stood some of the greatest in the centuries; the most spectacular of warriors, as well as the most refined of gentlemen. One was a barbarian, another politician. Two were noblemen, and a fifth was a king. However, it was the sixth member that struck Anjou as odd, which seemed to him the only other person that was out of place. Anjou could not truly understand why this man could not see what he did. He couldn't understand, because this man was so similar to him in so many ways. The sixth member of the court was a mere peasant, graced with this honor long before any others. He was the first of the Watchers. He was the first of the men gifted by the gods to watch over all of earth. And, it was he who spoke first.124

"Necessity is something for the mortal. You are here to watch, to look, and not to interfere."125

"You must stay to your own."126

"Don't talk to them."127

"Don't touch them."128

"Don't help them."129

"These are the rules, and you know them well.130

Each time these men spoke, it was like a single line of thought. No one spoke more than a single thought, and yet, all fell into place with one another. Anjou searched his mind for the proper explanation; for it was truly beyond his ability to grasp that thought that they would simply watch as something like this happened. However, before he could speak again, the Elder did, thus disallowing him any argument.131

"This is your warning Anjou."132

"Do not repeat your mistake."133

"Learn from your wrong-doings."134

"Treat this as a lesson to yourself."135

"It cannot happen again."136

"If it does, you must pay."137

Before he could open his mouth to speak again, his eyes slid open, and all had vanished. He was once more seated upon the boulder, his body sore from the rigid position it had been in while trying to rest. He stood to stretch his muscles, and, only by luck and the corner of his eye, did he spot Eli, or rather, the prone, bloody form that had been his friend. 138

Anjou hurried to Eli's side, and tore open his shirt, as if to find whatever wound was spilling the blood at Eli's side. Alas, no such wound was to be found. Then, even as Anjou watched, a massive handprint burned into the man's flesh, a small cloud of smoke, carrying the stench of burning skin, wafted into the air, and through Anjou's nose. He shook his head to clear it, and then grasped Eli by the shoulders. He lifted him, just as the man awoke, and laid him on his back upon the softer moss. Anjou knelt beside Eli as he blacked out, reaching to his nearby pouch of herbs. Damn what the Watchers said. He would deal with them if he must.139

The Destroyer’s Gift, Curse, and Revelation140

The darkness enveloped all. Eli found himself laying in a huge, dome roofed building. Thousands of brightly dressed people wandered to and fro, talking casually with one another. He got to his feet and looked down at his clothes. He still wore the dirty garments he had always known. Grimacing in pain, he rubbed a hand over his chest. He pulled his shirt up to find the handprint still there. < > Eli thought, < > The black handprint on his chest felt like smooth stone to the touch, cold and lifeless. Eli let his shirt back down and looked about him. The domed roof was held high by massive pillars that made Eli feel small, insignificant. The building contained little within it other than a giant podium at the far end of the room. Eli started to walk steadily towards it, feeling that he had seen this all before. Weaving through the crowd Eli noticed that no one looked strangely at his dilapidated garb, none of those obviously nobles scoffed at him or called for the guards to remove him. This was the way it had been in most of the few towns he had visited in his wanderings.141

"My people," a deep voice called out, its sound loud yet kind to the ears, "I have called a meeting of the High Council on this day to discuss a threat to our land..."142

Eli looked upwards to the podium and saw the speaker. He was massive, his size matching his voice. He had hair the same color as Eli's streaked with grey. The speaker wore a dark blue robe and armor of the like Eli had never seen, and yet, he knew he had. As he approached the podium, several youths not much younger than Eli approached him.143

"Eli!" one of the three called out," where have you been?"144

Before Eli could even think, he found himself speaking words he had not thought to say to the one who had spoken, a shaggily brown haired youth with green eyes that sparkled with a knowing laughter," I was out hunting with Roewen and Cael, why didn't you come with us? We got two bucks."145

Eli wanted to scream yet, he could not. He was no longer in control of what he did or said.146

"Did not you hear the proclamation this morning?" the young man to the first speaker's right asked in a serious tone, "The High Council has been in closed discussion for the first time since anyone can remember!"147

The serious tone to the youth’s words matched his appearance. His hair was shorn close to the scalp and he was clean shaven. His eyes, a steely grey, held no such laughter as had the firsts. 148

The third laughed as he stepped towards Eli and flung an arm around him, "Come now Eli," he said amicably, "Do not let Taen guilt you into feeling bad about this. We all know how early you and those soldier's boys get up, the proclamation wasn't made until near noon."149

Eli wanted to run, wanted to scream till he could breathe no more. The third youth, though smaller than he had been and not nearly as menacing, was the man who had called himself Destroyer of Worlds, had called himself Zhagul.150

The serious young man, who Eli now knew to be Taen, scowled and walked of into the crowd, shaking his head.151

“You won't catch Jak Amihs rising before the sun," the only other unnamed youth laughed, "I think I'll talk to you two later. Right now there is a pretty young woman who is just dying to talk to me."152

As Jak Amihs started to go off into the masses surrounding them, Eli found himself calling out, "Wait Jak!"153

The mischievous young man stopped and looked back with a grin, yelling before Eli could listen to himself say anything more, "No, she doesn't know it yet!"154

Eli felt himself laughing and clapping the only person left near him on the back. He noticed that the arm he had now rested on this Destroyer of World's shoulder was garbed differently than he had remembered. He glanced down and saw that he was wearing a dark blue tunic the same color of the older man who was still speaking about something or another. Traced across it were outlines of an object that his eyes could not decipher. Before he could examine it further, his gaze was taken upwards, to look the man who had put this cursed scar over his heart.155

"Ahrec," he found himself saying to the Destroyer of World's, "Do you know what this is all about?" Eli finished by casting a hand up at the podium.156

The lanky young man shrugged nonchalantly, running a hand through thick, shoulder length blond hair, unkempt as it was, "Not really sure, but mayhap your father will tell us when he is done..."157

Ahrec’s last words struck Eli like a fist to the stomach, and everything faded as Eli tried to scream, to run away into the night. Zhagul's horrible rasping voice spoke up from all around him as darkness enveloped him... 158

“...REMEMBER...” 159

The darkness was gone as quickly as it had come. Eli sat at a large table, only a few others were sitting with him. Ahrec sat to his immediate left, Jak Amihs to his right and the elder man in the dark blue cloak and strange armor sat at the head of the table. < > Eli's thoughts ran rampant through chaos as he tried to remember his past. He could recall everything that had happened back to... < > Things faded into nothing the further back he went. All that Eli knew was that he had wandered the wilds of the world since he was young, no older than Ahrec or Jak seemed to be. They couldn't be more than fourteen seasons.160

"Eli," that familiar deep voice called from the head of the table, "How was the hunt this morning? Good I hope."161

Eli's thoughts and focus were attuned on what the man, or Eli, may say next. Truly, Eli no longer had a way of telling what may come out of either mouth. However, it was Eli who spoke first.162

"We did well father. Roewen got a buck, and I helped his younger brother Cael with another." Eli wanted to weep at the pride and love that shone through his father's eyes completed by a knowing smile, "Father, I am sorry I was not here to hear the proclamation and..."163

Eli's father took a sip from his goblet and waved his hand briskly, "No, no boy. Don't worry yourself with such things now. Your time will come."164

Jak punched Eli in the shoulder as he finished off a bite of bread with whatever he was drinking, "Aye, my prince!" He laughed around his almost chewed food, "One day you shall rule all of Gyseria and lead the Myrmidons to battle!"165

Eli felt himself stifling back a grin and raising his cup with Ahrec and Jak, hearing others shout their assent. Eli watched as he saw his father look away, sadness painted brightly across his weathered face. The man stood, calling the others to quiet their merriment.166

"I offer a toast to my son, the Crowned Prince of all of Gyseria, the High Lord of Falinoste, the King of What Is...I am proud that this bumbling old man was lucky enough to have lived through as many battles and wars as I have to see his son come into his own...to Eli Paril..."167

Eli stood along with all the others and cheered, drinking deeply of what Eli now knew to be wine. He wanted to weep, to scream, to fold himself into darkness, into death. His father's smile did not reach his eyes as he nodded to Eli and left the room, the others still laughing and talking amongst each other. Eli's thoughts lay strewn about as if he had just been knocked upon the head. <> Eli felt the darkness closing in again. < > Eli thought, <168

> 169

“...REMEMBER...”170

< > Eli's screams rang hollowly in the darkness. < > Eli thought bitterly as the darkness faded abruptly, as if it never had been.171

"I must tell you Eli, my son, why the High Council met in a closed session today," Eli's father's voice said quietly.172

Eli cast a glance at where he was. It was dark; they were standing in some sort of narrow staircase. A dull roar could be heard somewhere out beyond the walls.173

"It is alright father," Eli found himself saying, "I am not yet what I am to be, I need not hear of what those older and wiser than I might speak of behind closed doors."174

"No my son," his father said, placing both hands firmly on Eli's shoulders, "This matter concerns you more than any other. In a mere season Gyseria may not be as it is now...it may be gone..."175

Eli felt himself shiver as he unwillingly spoke, "What do you mean father?"176

Eli watched as his father took a deep breath, "The Xha have returned, they march on toward Falinoste as we speak."177

"Then we shall beat them back as we always have," Eli spoke, ignorant confidence rife throughout his voice, "The histories say that we they have never even gotten further into our lands than Ylno Si or Carra Deen. You fought them yourself father," confidence broke as Eli's voice shook, "You yourself said that no manner of Xha magic and numbers could overwhelm the might of the Myrmidons and the armies of Gyseria! If the Xha were across the border, Miranoste would have sent word!"178

Several moments passed, Eli’s own lack of knowledge suddenly dawning upon him. He knew that Miranoste lay high in the mountains, strewn amongst several peaks, guarding the only mountain pass to Gyseria from the rest of the world. The High Mountains were the true guardian of Gyseria, not the town, but the rock ledges that surrounded it.179

"Miranoste has fallen," Eli heard his father say as they moved several more steps up the twisting staircase, "Word arrived yesterday, brought to us by a boy who died of his wounds shortly after telling us."180

"What happened?" Eli's voice asked, his hand resting on the stone wall of the small staircase. He felt sick.181

"We were betrayed," Eli's father said, the last words ringing like a curse, "The Xha appeared out of their portals into the great hall itself. They cut down every one. The boy was a servant in the kitchens and was bringing food and drink to the guards there. He said none lived. Ten thousand men...lost."182

"Xha magic will not work inside the border; the Ancient Guards prevent that..." Eli said weakly.183

"One who is adept in the ways of our power can twist the Ancient Guards, making it so the Xha can move silently into our cities and slaughter us where we stand. Gyseria is no more. Son, you are going to take the Myrmidons and..."184

Eli's father stopped and took hold of Eli again, "Son, listen to me. You are going to lead them north to the caves in Darem and wait for word from me. If no one arrives within the next moon, make your way south to the lands of Queen Beth, she will take you in. You might be safe there. Go now, I must address the matter of defending Falinoste."185

"No father I--" Eli stopped as his father turned a weary eye on his son.186

"Do as I say. As long as you live, so does Gyseria, and so do I..."187

Eli watched as his father ascended the stair, and he knew he would never see his father again. His heart ached more than when the fire had burned.188

With a start, Eli sat upright and gasped. He was covered in sweat and his chest hurt like it was engulfed in flame. Anjou was at his side in seconds, holding a hand behind his back. As Anjou laid Eli back on the ground, Eli reached for his friend's arm.189

"Anjou I need to tell..."190

"Not now Eli. Rest. When the heart and mind are ready and the body is willing..."191

Eli faded into a dreamless sleep, pain screaming deep within his soul. He remembered...192

Anjou watched Eli sleep. This man was troubling. As he slept, smoke arose from the cloth bandage wrapped around the young man's chest. He would not abandon him now. Anjou turned a watchful eye on the forest around them. Besides, he was curious to find out what the young man had to tell him...193

New Folds in the Sword194

The forest was quiet as the sun shone weakly through the foliage. Anjou looked down from his perch in the trees. He heaved a sigh of relief. The torn garments he had wrapped around Eli no longer smoked as they had throughout the night. Still, there was a large handprint that he could make out beneath the bandages. Anjou dropped silently from the limb he had been on and landed without a sound on the forest floor. The noises of nature sang to him of the new day. < > he thought. << They tell me that...no trouble is near. >> Then, the sounds had ceased with a suddenness that carried a light chill. Anjou's bow was out with arrow knocked in one fluid motion. Some thing's came naturally to one with so much...experience.195

"Greetings Watcher..." a light, musical voice called from somewhere behind him.196

Anjou did not turn, the voice was not behind him, and he was not ignorant enough to believe that he could see whoever it was talking to him.197

"Who are you?" Anjou asked, lowering his bow, "And how is it that you know of me?"198

"I know of many things Watcher, I know of how you began, how those you loved died...was it hard? To watch them die? Knowing that you could do nothing?"199

Anjou kept his bow lowered, silence his response.200

"I'm sorry Watcher; I forgot that you have not completely conformed to their ways. Forgive me," the voice said, sounding sincerely apologetic.201

As the words ended, the air directly in front of Anjou shimmered. Standing before him was a ghostly figure. Mist flowed from the figure, obscuring everything other than the faint outline of the curves of a woman, if it was indeed judged by such terms.202

"I am not here for you, Watcher," the figure said matter-of-factly, "I am here for him."203

In a second, the misty figure was kneeling over the sleeping Eli. The mysterious apparition laid a hand softly on Eli's chest. Anjou's eyes widened in surprise as the mist disappeared for a mere moment. To Anjou’s eye, that moment was an eternity. There, kneeling over Eli, was as beautiful a woman as he had ever seen. A dark cloak the color of night obstructed all except for her head and some of her shoulders. Long, flowing hair of gold-spun silk sprouted from her head, and skin that was pale but most assuredly not sickly covered her lean, yet muscled, body. The woman, as she most assuredly was, cast a glance at Anjou. Her eyes burned a fiercely bright blue, much akin to Eli's own. Her lips thinned in concentration. As quickly as it had gone, the mist swept abruptly over the dark cloaked woman who was now resting beside Eli.204

"I must go Watcher," she said, rising quickly.205

Anjou nodded, noticing that her voice was different. There was a tense quality to it that had not been there before. Maybe this was Eli's woman? Anjou wanted to laugh. He remembered the first sight of Eli, standing chest deep in a stream, speaking to those that called themselves the Xha. Although his body was battered and scarred like a true warrior's, Eli appeared to be somewhat scrawny. Shrugging, Anjou put his bow down and sat, wondering if the woman was going to say anything else.206

The mist slowly began to disappear, apparently taking the woman with it. She turned as she took her eyes reluctantly away from Eli's prone form.207

"Keep an eye on him Watcher," she said forcefully, "I must go. Take him to the small village of Retal at the foot of mountains. We will speak again Watcher. Do not tell him I was here...he must not know."208

Anjou bowed his head, the past knowledge of this village resurfacing instantly. He nodded his assent as the woman came over to him, her form fading away to her waist. She extended a misty hand and shook Anjou's calloused own.209

"Good. Farewell Watcher. Until then, you must make sure nothing happens to my...to him." The mist faded to her shoulders as the figure jerked away from him, "NO! The Xha are here! Zhagul has sent his minions! You must defeat them! Do NOT let him have Eli!"210

The figure disappeared with Eli's name. Anjou sighed and took the arrow back out, knocking it in his bow. He wanted to see this to the end...but maybe today was not a bad day for death...the death of those who thought that they could sneak up on Anjou, Watcher of Nature. 211

Inner Strength212

Anjou let loose a silent sigh, his eyes pressing shut as the 'woman' faded from existence. His bow was now placed upon his back once more, his hands dropping to his side, removing the two beautifully crafted daggers. Each was a weapon of immaculate perfection, blades sharpened to a razored edge, one of nearly impossible measure, at least to the realms of man. The handle was equally as intricate, for it had been carved from the antlers of a white stag, the first that Anjou had ever killed. A story lay within the ancient bone, one that far surpassed the age of most living things on earth. Power was imbued within the weapons, for they had been touched by the Watcher, and as everything else, had changed. Now, it was not that physical change that had happened to them, but, nonetheless, something had. In truth, not even Anjou knew what had happened to change them; he only knew that when he looked at the blades, as well as the bow, it looked different, as if the rest of the world was dull behind their sharp features.213

However, none of this would help a man if he knew not how to fight, and that was indeed what Anjou intended to show these beasts of Chaos. With his eyes shut, hands closed over the handle of the ancient daggers, blade protruding from the base of his fist, Anjou stood perfectly still. His breathing slowed to nearly nothing as he became attuned to the forest around him. When he would open his eyes, the left was impossibly bright, while the right seemed to have dulled, as if it lent power to its brother. 214

No longer did sight come to Anjou as reds and blues, as greens and browns. Now, the world was divided into two distinct colors, as well as the shades by which they were accompanied. Dull grey and whites were clearly dominant within the forest, for neutrality reigned over the earth in calmer situations. However, a certain distance away from Anjou's left, there was an implication in this balance. A seeping black hole had been torn into the fraying fabrics of space and time, removing all essence from where it had been. Anjou did not need to look around to know that 'they' were there. He did not need to observe the chaotic beings to be able to understand their positioning. He could feel them, in his heart, in his skin, in each and every foul breath of tainted air. He stood alone between the prone body of his comrade, Eli, and the three harbingers of darkness. 215

And yet, Anjou still felt no fear. There was no need for it, for already he had seen the path that lay ahead of him, as well as Eli. He had seen the double footsteps across the mountain, leading to the village. He had seen the walkway, and for a while at least, he would be on it. So, as Anjou looked up, there was nothing but confidence in his eyes. Both were now bright within the dusk, shining forth as would a cat stalking his prey. The Xha now stood in a triangle, one each to the north, south, and east. Only in the west, where Eli lay, was there nothing. And then, with a subtle rumble in the essence of the earth, came a startling voice.216

"We come for him. We come for the one. He must awaken now." The Xha spoke with little indifference to the survival of the world, to the passing of lives around them. They simply 'were', and knew it all too well. Anjou's answer was calculated and weighed, measured to inflict the most damage and anger to the beings at hand.217

"The man is spoken for and protected. He lies under the hand of Anjou, Watcher of the Nature." It was rare that Anjou used his rightful title, for in most cases, those that had heard of the Watcher's, had hear of cold-hearted beings that were intent upon merely sitting around and watching Man die. Anjou was the exception.218

The First Xha spoke, his hands gesticulating his words. "He will come with us. You are not meant for the equation. Remove your presence and you shall be accounted for in due time. Now is his, be gone." Anjou shook his head, his mind set as a dull smile flickered over his tanned face.219

"The man stays," is all he said, his fists turning the blades outward as he readied himself against the three beasts. He knew very little of them, and less about their deaths. However, he did know that their claws looked sharp as all hell, and their hides were obviously thick. That...and they could create a portal that would remove him from existence. Fun.220

The Xha spoke no more, for words no longer held meaning for this time. As one, the beings converged upon the readied, and somehow, relaxed, form of Anjou, claws raking through the air at his body, at his physique. And yet, none of the beasts had taken into account the years of experience Anjou had to offer. 221

As claws came downward in attacks that were powerful, and yet, somehow clumsy, Anjou slipped as if he was part of the water of the earth, his body moving with a fluidity that would bring it to pass beneath claw, and over paw. The Xha would have been excellent fighters ...somewhere else. It seemed that as of yet, they had not adapted to the regulations that earth's being, the body of nature, had to give. Gravity had not been taken into the knowledge, and it seemed, it was a bit denser here than wherever it was that the Xha came from. They backed off, regrouping roughly ten yards from Anjou. The first stepped forward, his body larger than both the others, and the terror in his gaze something that was nearly tangible.222

"You are adept. Our master could well use you in our cause. Would you join?"223

Anjou smiled, though no words would be wasted on this creature. A mere shake of the head was all that was needed to pass the idea of his mind onward, one that sent the Xha into a fit.224

"Then you shall die, you weakling infidel." The Xha advanced upon Anjou by himself, his and dropping to draw a sword from his hip. The Xha was well-armed, though as was he a being of chaos, so was his weapon. The darkness that flowed from them was excruciating for a being of light such as Anjou to look upon, but that which must be done, must be done. 225

The Xha swung quickly, his blade flashing through the air a hair’s breadth away from Anjou's shoulder, followed by a return blow that was a diagonal rise of the opposite direction. This attack was easily parried by the dual daggers in Anjou's hand, and yet, he did not realize his mistake until after he had made it. Anjou had been paying attention to one hand of the Xha, had been paying attention to the single sword that was attacking. He had not noted that the other hand had drawn a smaller dagger, similar in shape to that which Anjou wielded. All too late did Anjou realize his grievous error in judgment, the thought coming to him at the same instant that the blade sunk into his flesh, biting deep into the muscle of his upper thigh, knocking the bone on its passage. 226

Anjou groaned in pain, a sudden blinding flash ripping through his body. He thought he might pass out from the pain that was revealed to him for the first time, but duty flushed out the occurrence of a dramatic ending. Anger seared into Anjou's mind for the first time in centuries. This hatred, this anger, was easily one that had matched that day so long ago, when his family had been killed. This anger, this weapon, had been so powerful then...when they had all died, all of them.227

When Anjou managed to open his eyes, even the slightest bit, the image presented to him was that of the Xha, standing over him, sword raised to place the execution blow. However, Anjou was filled with a cold-fueled anger, and was not about ready to succumb the numbness of death. With a ripple of time, his body launched forward. The Xha was caught completely by surprise, eyes widening in horror at the sudden onslaught that had been beset upon them. Anjou was no longer the passive native of the woodlands he had been before. His body had been fueled by a hidden anger, a residing pain that had remained dormant for so long. Such anguish was released as his blade bit deep into the alien flesh, the razored edge sliding with ease into the chin of his opponent, and exploding out the top of the being’s skull. If this was not enough, the other dagger had been slipped behind the Xha, and shoved forward, which now meant it protruded from the being's throat. As Anjou removed himself from the enemy, it fell to the ground in a pile of gasping, destroyed ligaments. The other Xha let out a horrendous shriek, the two of them immediately ripping a tear in the fabric of the multiverse. They grabbed the body of their former leader and hauled him through, the beings entering just as the gateway closed.228

Anjou fell to the ground, exasperated at the attempt on him and his cohort's life. His leg was bleeding profusely, but that would heal. It always would. Death was not a problem for Anjou, not unless it was all dealt at once. However, he was exhausted beyond belief, and in much need of rest. He sat on the ground, wrapping a stray bit of cloth around his wound tightly, and waited....just waited.229

A Glimpse of Evil230

Amongst the tallest parts of the mountains, three massive peaks arose like giant fingers pointing to heaven. Amidst the peaks lay a gigantic city. In between the outskirts of the peaks, an awe-inspiring wall stood solidly in the way of any who wanted to enter the huge metropolis. This was Miranoste, the furthest city to the south that had once belonged to the Northern Kingdom of Gyseria. What had once been a bustling hub of trade and commerce bringing merchants and farmers from afar, now lay deathly quiet. Not a sound could be heard other than the wind whistling eerily through the nicely paved streets. In the very center of the city stood an imposing fortress. Made of a strong, bright stone, the fortress walls almost shone in the early morning sun. There was, however, a darkness to the large fortress, a darkness that emanated from one who was within. Through the front gates and up the wide, stone stairs, was the way to the great hall. The great hall was a wide, dome-roofed room that had once held many tables and chairs, enough to accommodate many people who wished to enjoy the hospitality of the Gyserian Kingdom. The hall now lay in ruins. There were table and chairs, but they lay scattered about, torn to pieces. Bones adorned the ravaged furniture. Dark swaths of dried blood covered the walls and floor. At the very end of the hall, upon a large dais, a figure sat lounging upon the only untouched chair in the hall. This was the reason that darkness now dominated the lost city of Miranoste. This was Zhagul, Destroyer of Worlds. Pitch black eyes watched as emotionlessly as two holes almost as dark appeared violently in the middle of the room. Pale lips curved into a snarl as two Xha fell through the portals, one dragging a third Xha behind him.231

"What has happened that one of my mighty Xha has fallen?" Zhagul's voice was quiet, dangerous.232

"It was not the one," one of the beasts said in its fearsome voice, fear permeating the Xha's few words, "It was the one who injured before."233

"A Watcher, if what you describe to me is true." Zhagul growled, rising to his feet and walking towards his minions of evil, "I thought they did exactly that...watched." Utter contempt and hatred tinged within the depths of his voice, barely surfacing.234

"He was not of humanity; quick were his movements, faster than even the Xha." The Xha cowered fearfully under Zhagul's stare. Silence dominated the room as Zhagul raised a hand at the corpse of the fallen Xha. It exploded into black flame as the living Xha fell back, shielding their eyes in horror. After but a moment, the remains were gone, leaving only a blackish smoke that drifted about the room. Silence continued as the Xha slowly rose, keeping a wary eye on their master. The young man waived a hand nonchalantly and turned back towards the chair he had been resting in. He frowned as he heard the two Xha leaving the room. When Zhagul spoke, the voice was different, more human.235

"This is what happens when you challenge Gyseria, hell spawns..." Zhagul shook his head and staggered, the rasping, demonic voice returning, "Gyseria is gone Ahrec, it died the day Falinoste fell at the hands of my Xha."236

The voice the young man from Eli's dreams spoke again, "You forget Zhagul, I was there as well, and we both know that the mighty Xha did not win the day." The only answer was a guttural roar that shook the very walls of the great hall. When all was quiet again the voice of Ahrec was there.237

"I remember that day, that day when the mighty hordes of Xha marched upon Falinoste. I remember how you believed that it would fall, like an old oak blown by a strong wind..."238

"It would have..." the demonic voice of Zhagul rasped, "If it had not been for that old man and his High Council, it would have." Zhagul snarled and then smiled. Zhagul's plans at totally conquering Gyseria and then moving south to the lands of Queen Beth had been thwarted that day. As the sun had set, Zhagul had led a heavily armed party of Xha through the fighting in the city streets into the Castle of the King of Gyseria. The fighting had fierce in the halls of the castle, but the he had moved swiftly through the castle, finally reaching the Grand Court of Shalvala, the Court of the King, as the sun sank beneath the horizon, casting a red glow to the room. Zhagul remembered the day well. The old King had stood proudly, his sword in hand. The High Council, all six of the elected Elders, stood behind their king, grim determination set on all of their faces.239

"You shall not have Falinoste, foul betrayer," the old king had said," I will see it sealed away forever before I allow my people to fall to you."240

Zhagul shivered as the events that occurred next came flying back to him...241

The King took his sword and without a word plunged it into his chest. A tear streamed down the old king’s scarred face.242

"Forgive me my son," he whispered, barely audible to Zhagul, "Maybe you will one day undo what your father has done."243

Zhagul remembered himself stepping forward, the black blade in his hand, ready to slay the High Council, burning with anger that he had not been able to kill the king himself. The High Council had gathered around the king and each was resting a hand on the dying man's shoulder. The High council knelt as the king sank to his knees. In voice the six old men spoke.244

"Defeat now at hand, Ancients guard what you have left, go we from life to death, stop the evil from conquering our land..."245

Zhagul had stopped advancing as soon as the men had begun speaking. Their words made him uneasy. There was something about the way they spoke...something that...Zhagul's eye's widened as a giant wall of energy shot out from the body of the king. Not wanting to find out what it was, Zhagul ran several steps over to a window and threw himself out into the open air. High above the city, Zhagul twisted in the air as he fell to cast a quick glance over his shoulder. Three of his Xha had followed him out the window. The four figures fell down towards the city streets as whatever had erupted forth from the body of the king sprung through the wall of the castle as if it did not exist. The misty, water-like substance began to spread into a dome-shape over the sky. As Zhagul fell closer to the streets, he raised both hands and slowed his descent, black fire erupting from the street beneath him. As Zhagul felt his boots touch down, the three Xha landed lightly beside him. Staring intently at their master, they waited as if they had not just fallen hundreds of feet to the city streets.246

"What has happened, my master?" the largest of the three Xha asked, bowing his fearsome head as he spoke.247

Zhagul frowned at the sky as the strange wave of whatever it was began to sparkle in the light of the sun. A dull roar erupted from just down the street in the direction of the castle. Zhagul watched in fury as a score or so of his Xha come tearing down the street, a wall of the water-like liquid pouring over them and...freezing them in place, the substance hardening like crystal. Zhagul turned and ripped a hole in reality, adept at using the magic of the Xha, for he was their master. Zhagul roared with hellish fury as the portal closed behind the three Xha. 248

They had stolen his victory from him...His Xha, LOST!249

The Dragon250

Zahgul did not like to think of that day much. He had looked upon Falinoste from afar, his three Xha flanking their master, watching everywhere and yet nowhere, always ready to strike. Zhagul shook his head; he could still see the massive dome that had enveloped his greatest triumph and had frozen Falinoste and all of his minions. He had retreated to Miranoste and spent his time in a deep trance, meditating on what he must do. Seven years had passed where he had thought Eli Paril, Crown Prince of Gyseria, dead in the fighting. However, the memories of the pitiful human he controlled, Ahrec, contradicted this, recalling Eli having been sent north to someplace safe. Zhagul smiled, he had surrounded the city before any had escaped, and thus, Eli’s attempt would have been in vain, ending only in death. Though, once again, Ahrec's memories told him otherwise, knowing that Eli had left during the fighting. Zhagul had fallen into a fit of rage for many days when he heard this, the most of his anger being taken out upon his Xha. Still, the boy had survived. For the last few months, Zhagul had sent his Xha hunting for the boy, searching all over the world for traces of the lost prince. They had finally found him in the forests just south of Miranoste. At first, Zhagul had thought this would be easy, but the Watcher had proven to be most bothersome. Invading Eli's dreams had been simple enough, but the question remained as to why the boy did not remember. Something must have happened to him, something to nearly obliterate the memories, as well as the boy’s mind. <> Zhagul thought as he stormed out of the room, his demonic voice booming for his Xha. He would have to call upon those he did not wish to wake, those that he could no control. Still, what must be done would be done. Centuries of waiting to have this world, all blown to waste because of the evasive nature of a single man. Why should this world be any stronger than the others? Zhagul, Destroyer of Worlds, had harnessed the barbaric fury of the Xha, had crippled the strongest kingdom on this planet, and yet, here, he was left with only two Xha and a quarry that escaped him at every turn. No longer could he reach into Eli's sleep. He was protected by something, maybe the Watcher, but Zhagul doubted such. This power was something far different than that which the Xha had described as being held by the Watcher. All the same, he would have to die. Eli was his, he was the key. Eli's father had spoken those words and Zhagul meant to use the boy, and kill him, ending the line of Gyseria, and the only nation ever to cause him harm.251

Eli opened his eyes and looked around, raising a hand to groggily rub at his eyes. Anjou was sitting next to a small fire, the only source of heat and light in the midst of the cold night air. The darkness began to take Eli again as he tried to rise, but he resisted for the time being, for he needed to speak with his protectorate.252

"Anjou..." Eli whispered weakly, trying to stay awake, "Where are we?"253

Anjou looked up from next to the fire, "We are in a cave in the lower ridges of the High Mountains. You should rest now; we will be in the village by morning."254

Eli tried to nod but could not. Collapsing, he felt himself drift off to sleep. His dreams were strange, for he was surrounded by darkness, and yet he was not afraid. A voice spoke softly to him.255

"Eli..." the voice was light, musical, and familiar, "Eli you must remember."256

"Remember what?" Eli yelled at the darkness, "I know my father died for Gyseria, for me! I know that my best friend betrayed me! I am a King without a country, my people are lost, and I stand against one I cannot defeat even in my dreams!"257

Footsteps echoed in the darkness, but no other person was present. A mist flowed around him, giving off a dim light allowing him the faintest traces of sight. The mist formed itself into a small figure, a woman, if he was not mistaken by form and by voice.258

"Eli, you are not only the king, but the protector as well. You carry within you a power that even the demon Zhagul cannot defeat. You must realize that power if Gyseria is ever to rise again." The mysterious woman walked idly around him as she spoke.259

"I do not know what you speak of," Eli said slowly, frowning as he wondered why she seemed wary of him, afraid to come too close.260

"You will." she said, walking right up to him and taking his face in her hands, "This will not be pleasant."261

Eli was about to respond when he felt a shiver run up and down his spine. His body burned like fire. He tried to pull away from her grasp but he found that his limbs would not obey. He stood frozen as he stared into the woman's eyes. It felt as if he had let the Xha sharpen their claws all over his body, gashing him deep and leaving his blood to flow freely onto the soft ground below. He screamed as the darkness around him erupted into fire... 262

Retal & the Renarse263

Zhagul's only remaining pair of Xha, those not torn apart by that hated immortal or suspended in a crystal prison, kept pace with the Watcher from afar as Anjou carried the one their master desired, traveling swiftly upon a small, well-worn path that wound tediously between the ridges that adorned the lower reaches of the High Mountains. The Xha raised their gaze higher for a moment, looking up into the fog that held against the higher regions of these giants of dirt and stone, these mountains that were the only reachable entrance to where they had been headed.. Miranoste laid another day’s travel up the mountain, the city being directly on the old path that was the only access to Gyseria. The Xha looked down again, moving quickly to keep pace with the Watcher, wary of using their portals lest their prey discover their presence. The Watcher kept a quick pace, moving swiftly along the trail which curved around a bend and descended swiftly down into a small, snowy valley in which the small village of Retal lay tucked away from the world. Their master would be pleased. One looked at the other, nodding silently. They did not need words with one another; for each thought was shared between the two. One quickly tore the familiar hole in reality and stepped through. The master must know where to send the now awakened horde. The Xha did not know true fear other than their master and the Watcher, but these new minions that their master had called upon made them both uneasy...264

Anjou moved swiftly down the slopes of the valley, being wary to not cast a glance at the edges of the rocky ridge above him, where the Xha watched from. One had left through the hazy blackness of their portals, but the other remained. He kept his eyes on the small village that lay at the bottom of the hill. It was nothing out of the ordinary, other than the fact that he saw no people, no children, and no sheep out on the snowy field next to the tightly packed huts and shacks. Anjou reached the outer buildings and slowed his run to a walk, for he had been carrying Eli over his shoulder and felt him stir. The young man mumbled something inaudible, but it was enough to draw Anjou’s attention from his surroundings. There were now about twelve huts arranged in a tight half circle, with shacks crowding around them for the storage of food and supplies. Standing in the doorway of every building was a white-cloaked figure with either bow and arrow, or sword in hand. The hard look of armor showed through the folds of the cloaks, revealing what lie beneath. The armor had been scuffed and was a dull grey, for none of the figures' protective garments glinted once. Anjou set Eli against the side of the nearest hut as the men fanned out, scanning the tops of the ridges surrounding the village. One of the figures pulled back his cloak. The man was young; his hair blond, like the short beard that adorned his youthful face. He was no older than Eli, nor was he built any different, other than being a hand shorter. His eyes were what spoke to the Watcher, for they were hard, intense; a quality not often seen in mortals. This boy had seen death, dealt it, and lived it.265

"You are the Watcher," the young man said, sheathing his snow white blade, his voice hard, as if to ensure that it was not a question.266

"I am," Anjou answered, rising after he had made sure Eli would not fall over from his position.267

"Come with me," the youth stated, his voice as hard as his gaze. Anjou nodded as he followed him to one of the huts near the center of the village. Three men picked up Eli gently and carried him away, draping a blanket over the hurt boy. Anjou watched the other men move silently back into the village and take their places in the snow around the huts. They were dressed like the one, their clothing all white, as to match the snow in which they took refuge. Anjou followed them quickly, for that was all the speed of their pace allowed. They all looked about in a lazy manner, though the full-on intensity of their eyes belied the apparent sluggishness. Anjou looked back at the young man as they entered one of the huts. The hard youth closed the door behind them and leaned against the wall, staring at the floor fiercely, his gaze lost in thought.268

"Welcome, Watcher," a deep, smooth voice greeted from the shadows near the back of the small, sparsely decorated hut. There was a small table with two barrels propped up around it. Light shone dimly through a small window to Anjou's left, lending little illumination to the speaker.269

"Our leader would have words with you, when she is ready," the voice intoned, a dark figure rising from his seat on the floor near the back of the room. Anjou, normally quite adept at keeping his face expressionless, fought hard not to gape at the man. He stood at least another two heads higher than Anjou! This man had to be a hand taller than the Xha. He wore the same snowy cloak and armor that the other wore, though his hair was black and cropped short to his head. Four scars ran viciously across the man's face, one of his eyes white, the other a deep brown. A heavy beard covered his chin, absent in the few areas where the scars fell down the right side of his cheek to neck onto his shoulder.270

"I believe I have spoken to her before," Anjou said, looking about, "I am Anjou, Watcher of Nature, and Eli Paril stands under my protection."271

The youth next to the door laughed bitterly, shaking his head.272

"Jak, you should not laugh at such kindness and mercy. It is rare in these dark times," the man said, extending his hand to Anjou as he closed the space between them quickly with his massive stride," I am Taen, second in command of the Myrmidons, the right hand of the King."273

Anjou shook the man's hand, nodding his head slightly in a confused manner, for he had never heard of the Myrmidons before. Maybe they had some special meaning to Eli. Anjou released Taen's hand and kept his eyes locked with the taller man's one good one as he was spoken to.274

"We must..." Taen's deep voice was cut off as one of the men from outside burst in the door.275

"There are forces gathering on the ridge about us! Cael thinks they are Renarse!" the man yelled in a gruff voice as he knocked an arrow in his bow, "there are thousands!"276

With that, the man plunged back out the open door. The one called Jak cursed and pulled his cloak and scarf back over his head. He ducked out the door as Taen pulled his cloak over his head as well.277

"Come Watcher," he said loudly, lifting a massive longbow from the floor next to his scarf," today we fight for the fate of the world."278

Anjou nodded and drew his bow as the two followed the youth named Jak out into the cold morning air of the High Mountains. Anjou looked up at the ridge that encircled the valley that held Retal and all within. The man had not lied. Thousands of dark figures stood silently at the edge of the cliffs, simply awaiting the yell that would spell out the imminent demise of those below. Anjou nodded his thanks as a passing warrior gave him a white cloak and scarf. Knocking an arrow, Anjou took his place next to one of the huts on the edge of the village. There had to be no more than fifty men in the village. Anjou watched the ridge calmly, ready to face what came. With a fearsome roar the hordes of what Anjou had heard the man say might be Renarse plunged down the high slopes of the valley. Anjou pulled back his bow bowstring and sighted one of the lead creatures, his vision much better than the other bowmen that lay about him. It was smaller than the Xha, wearing what appeared to be rags, torn and dirty. Anjou let his first arrow go and watched as it took the attacker square in the chest. The hood came back as it fell to reveal the true identity of the creature. It was hairless and pale. Despite looking somewhat human, the skin of its head was torn and scarred and it had no nose or lips, as if they had been removed. The creature writhed on the ground, trying to pull the arrow out of its chest. Black blood covering the creature's gloved hands proved stark contrast to the creature's pale skin. Eyes dark as night stared out of the creatures face. There was no white to the eye, it was all black. Anjou drew another arrow. Death was something he had long dreamed of. He did not wish it to come. Still, he often wondered what it was to die...279

Why Won’t You Die!280

Anjou watched the creature with a look of disgust in his eyes, and for a moment, true hatred shone through him, creating an almost tangible aura of tension about his body. Though he was thankful for the offered garb, he did not wear it. It was another of the 'unspoken rules.' Each man was to wear only that as he had been when he died, and luckily for Anjou, he had been comfortable. He continued to keep the being in his sight, and knocked another arrow. As he kept his watch on this being, he let loose, the obsidian black shaft bearing down upon its intended target with speed unknown to most. This arrow lodged itself in the being's eye, causing him to fall on his back. Anjou allowed himself a small smile of triumph, though it was short-lived, for soon the being was up again. Anjou spat on the ground in disgust, turning to face the tall man near him.281

"Is there nothing that can kill these foul abom--..." But he never finished. With a look of complete serenity, Anjou lowered himself until he was below the wall and, for the moment, removed from harm's way. His eyes glazed over then closed as his hands came to rest upon knees, legs folded beneath him. His head tilted and a slow breath escaped pursed lips, seeming to float to the heavens...which it did.282

Once more Anjou felt the strange vertigo of falling as he drifted between the realms, his body being left within the mortal, his spirit being torn into that of the immaterial. He was once more before the council, his brethren, if he thought he could any longer call them that, standing in a semi-circle before him. Their voices echoed in his head as they spoke, for no mouths were necessary here.283

"You continue to help him Anjou."284

"You have not left his side."285

"You have killed for him."286

"You have fought for him."287

"You could die for him."288

"Why?"289

Anjou looked at them with bewilderment plain upon his features. His eyes were intense and furious, for he knew that he should not be up here, not now. He was to be helping Eli, and in all possibility, saving what future's that could lay ahead.290

"Can you still not see it? Are you still so blinded by your arrogance, your stupid rules, and the separation that you have created! These are beasts of chaos! They are not natural. What forces concoct beings of such horrid demise, I cannot know, but, they must not be allowed to ruin the earth! You sit and watch, and do nothing! You ask me why? I Ask You why?!"291

The Watchers did not speak, neither through their actions nor with their words. Not one of them except the peasant. His voice was neither loud, nor powerful...but it held a grim determination and truth that Anjou had believed impossible for him to find within these particular persons. He spoke alone, his voice echoing amidst the passages of the immaterial world.292

"Anjou. I concede. What you say, what daemons you speak of, they are true. We must fight against them, for if not, there will no longer be anything to watch. The darkness will overwhelm if we do not act...but what should we do?"293

Then, the others piped in, one by one, their voices coinciding with the former.294

"How do we fight it?"295

"Can we destroy it?"296

"It must be stopped."297

"There must be a way."298

"Do you know it?"299

Anjou could do nothing as the words flooded into his mind. Was it possible that they were agreeing with him? Could it be that he had gotten through to them? Perhaps.300

"I...I don't know. Once, long ago, you..." He pointed to the peasant, "You spoke of a power. You said it was something different, something that was never used, for never had it been allowed. Can it be done?" 301

The Watcher did not smile, his face only turned grim. "There is...but there is no knowledge to tap into it. As that it was never used, it was forgotten, and erased from the memories. We cannot use it...we don't know how." Anjou cringed at his words. Anger continued to flow in his gaze, for never did he plan on something this sad to happen. His hands dropped to his sides, balling into fists as his neck strained with his words.302

"Then send me back! I will die fighting this scum!" His thoughts echoed as his body once more opened to the mortal world. His eyes flashed a bright white before resuming their brown normality. Anjou stood once more, anger flooding his gaze. He wouldn't lose...they wouldn't lose. There had to be some way to tap it...had to be something he could do......303

Demands304

The wind blew fiercely over the edge of the rim of the valley. Screams and the clashing of blades rang throughout the mountainside. Zhagul and his two remaining Xha watched as the Renarse poured over the rim down towards Retal. Zhagul smiled as he turned his head to look at the slopes that led up into the further reaches of the High Mountains...to Miranoste. The side of the mountain was black with Renarse. Thousands upon thousands assaulted the village in the snowy dale below. Millions rushed frantically down the craggy slopes to join them.305

One of the Xha bowed as he spoke, "Lord Zhagul, the Renarse are uncontrollable...their true master untrustworthy. They..."306

The Xha's voice was cut short as he was lifted off of the ground. Choking sounds now emanated from the struggling beast that floated in the air just over Zhagul's left shoulder.307

"You forget yourself my lowly Xha," Zhagul said casting a glance over his shoulder, "I trust my brethren far enough to trust their creatures for a while. And do not question me...ever."308

As Zhagul was speaking the Xha floated around in front of him. The beast's breath came in rasping gasps. Zhagul crooked a finger as his minion floated closer to him.309

"Find me the boy and bring him to me.” With that, Zhagul pointed down into the valley at the mass of Renarse that were steadily reaching the village through a hail of arrows.310

The Xha shot out over the village as if thrown by a giant. Taking a blindingly fast arcing approach the Xha touched ground in the center of the village, snow and dirt exploding upwards. Zhagul stood, his arms crossed, brow furrowed in thought.311

The ragged voice of a tortured soul spoke up, "You will not succeed demon. Eli is more powerful than you know."312

From the mouth of the young man's body came a dark evil laughter, as if iron grinding stones to rubble, "Ahrec, betrayer of Gyseria. I know your pride. How do you live with the knowledge that because of you...this world will fall?"313

The haunted voice of Ahrec Usin, son of Broelin Usin, Commander of the King's Bodyguard and Guardian of Miranoste whispered, "As long as he lives, your plans shall fall to ruin. I made a terrible error in thinking myself strong enough to control a demon like you. If I could kill myself and end this...I would."314

The laughter of Zhagul, Destroyer of Worlds sounded eerily out over the valley. He would kill those that protected the boy, especially the Watcher. And than, with the blood of the boy, he would reverse what had been done at Falinoste. From there it was the world. Zhagul tore a hole in reality and stepped through into the hellish darkness that blackened his soul and the body he had stolen... 315

One Last Stand316

Taen fired another arrow, taking down a Renarse that he had already put two arrows into.317

Roewen and a dark skinned, younger man of Eli's age ran around one of huts, loosing arrows as they turned the corner.318

"They have reached the far side of the village," Roewen yelled over the din, "We lost seven as they swarmed over the wall. Cael was right," Roewen continued, nodding at the dark-haired youth at his side, "they are Renarse and..."319

"You have to remove their head to kill them," Taen finished loosing one more arrow at the approaching wall of hellish creatures, "I know the tales."320

Legend said that the Renarse were the creatures of race long forgotten. Demons they were. They had ruled these north lands until the early ancestors of the Gyserians pushed them from the land. It was said that the leader of the Gyserians had a power that defied description. He led his people against the Renarse and the Xha and, with the assistance of the strongest elders, banished the creatures and their demonic masters from the realm, into a dark place that had been discovered during the long war for the lands north of the High Mountains.321

"Take the men and fall back to our leader's position..." Taen turned, placing his bow on his back and drawing his massive blade from its place next to his bow, "If we fight them there, the huts will keep them from using there numbers."322

Roewen nodded and ran down the snow covered street that led to the center of the village, Cael hard on his heels. A horn rested in Cael's hand and against his lips, the sound ringing out boldly into the crisp morning air. White-cloaked men rushed in between the huts and gathered around the largest building in the village. The town hall was sturdy and well made, yet still resembled the smaller abodes that surrounded it.323

"Ready your weapons men!" Taen called, his deep voice booming over the racket of the snarling horde that raced down the modest streets of Retal to rend flesh and bone, "The Myrmidons will die to last man before our king sees death hand approach!"324

The men raised their swords and shouted wordlessly. They would die for their king, their brother.325

Eli jerked upright, pain racing all over him. It felt like he had lit himself on fire. The room was dark and musty. As he got to his feet, he let the blanket fall and noticed that he wasn't wearing any cloths. Eli snatched the blanket off of the floor and tied it around his waist. He couldn't see if anyone was in the room with him but it felt as if someone was watching him.326

"Is anyone there?" he called as he ran a hand absently over his chest, dismayed to find that the obsidian like handprint was still emblazoned over his heart.327

A faint creak of the floorboards sounded in the depths of the shadows that adorned the corners of the room. Eli whirled to find...nothing. As he turned back, he almost ran into...some...thing. It was like a mist had coalesced into the form of a person, a woman by the looks of it.328

"Um...hi," Eli said looking about for some cloths, "You haven't seen any of my cloths lying around here have you?"329

The mist disappeared as Eli opened his mouth to ask what was going on. Eli's mouth remained open. In front of him stood a young woman about a hand shorter than him, staring into his eyes. She had the most beautiful...Eli's mind floundered without thought...everything. Her hair, her face, her eyes, and especially her smile that she now wore all the components that made up the most beautiful girl Eli had ever seen.330

"Hello Eli Paril, Crown Prince of Gyseria," she said in the light musical voice from Eli's dreams, "Do you remember me?"331

Memory came flooding back from the dreams and remembrances given to him by Zhagul. He had not been out hunting that morning. Cael and his brother had covered for him so that he and someone could have some alone time to watch the sun rise over the distant horizon. Rose.332

"Yes," the most beautiful woman he had ever seen said as Eli continued to look into her eyes, < >333

The memory that had begun to come back as a trickle now slammed into his mind and thoughts like an avalanche. She was the daughter of Dom Usin. The commander of his father's bodyguard and the sister of Ahrec Usin...Zhagul.334

"Rose, what happened to Ahrec?" the names did not feel strange to him, "Why did he betray us, betray Gyseria?"335

Rose looked down, tears streaming unchecked from her beautiful eyes, "I talked to father, he said that Ahrec had been taken by a Demon Lord, one of the three that used to rule here before Gyseria. He said Ahrec was trying to find a way to improve travel. He said Ahrec tore the fabric of this realm and freed those that should not be freed. And..."336

The door flung open and men in white cloaks poured in. Blades bore, and covered in blood; the twenty or so men pushed the door shut and held it there, some unseen force pushing inwards with violent fervor.337

"Eli, it is good to see you once more," a massive, bearded, scarred man greeted, "Please take these, I do not think you wish to do battle in a not but a blanket."338

Eli stared at the man as he accepted some clothes, boots, a cloak and a sword, "Taen?"339

The man nodded, "It is I my King. Roewen, Jak, and Cael are here as well. I see that you have already spoken to Rose. It does my heart well to see you again."340

Eli hurriedly put the clothes, cloak, and boots on and stood fully garbed with sword in hand.341

"What is going on out there?" Eli asked, as several arms pushed through the window next to the door. They were pale and scrawny...and clawed.342

"The Renarse have us trapped in this building," Taen said, "I know not what to do. Your friend would have been useful now, but I have not seen him since the fighting started."343

Eli nodded and sighed. This was what he had been born for, he realized, to lead his people, to fight for them. With a grim look he turned his gaze to Rose. Before he could speak, Rose placed a delicate, pale hand on his cheek.344

"I have my strengths Eli," she said plaintively, her eyes glistening with unshed tears, "I may not strike hard with the sword, but I can do what needs to be done."345

With that, she lifted her palms and smiled as the familiar mist surrounded her hands. Eli nodded and turned back to Taen. The door was beginning to break under the pressure of many bodies pressing against it. The roof creaked as foot steps could be heard racing across it. The window showed not but a mass of bodies pressing inward.346

"We will not hide from this evil any longer," Eli said, sword in hand, "Today we stand proudly as Gyserians against the night. The Demon Lords shall not find us easy meat."347

Taen nodded grimly and drew his blade. Rose stepped over to the door and raised her hands. The men stepped back as the Renarse came pouring through the now open doorway. A giant gust of mist blasted into the Renarse, blowing them back out the door. Eli and the other score or so men charged yelling out into the fray, like death on the wind... 348

Where Did He Go...?349

...And that day, as the gates of chaos had opened into the realm of earth, hell poured into the world, releasing an ancient and forbidden evil upon the land. Many were to live on, and many more to die, for the Gods of Chaos looked with a weary, though feebling, eye upon their soldiers with pleasure. 350

Alas, it was not only those Dark Beings of the High Realms that watched this battle, for where darkness shall find a way, so shall light. Balance must be upheld, and at times, there is special need for beings of particular power to step in, to make the balance work.351

The peasant turned to his five other brothers, those that still 'watched' from the Realm of Indifference. His eyes were tightly squeezed shut, a calm hand raised to caress his furrowed brow. He paced back and forth in the infinite space, never straying more than a few steps from one side to the other. 352

"Why? Why must we continue to lie to him? You all knew that 'it' existed, and yet, we all said no? Are his accusations correct brothers, that we can no longer distinguish where it is that we must interceded with the processions of chaos? Why should we not imbue him with the knowledge...the power?" Even as He spoke, he knew that his words would never make it through the thickened skulls of his so-called 'wise' companions. 353

"We are not to interfere."354

"The world's tidings are as they are."355

"Anjou made his choice...will we lose you as well?"356

"You must weigh the odds, and the chances."357

"Who are you with?"358

Thoughts streamed through the head of the once-peasant, his humble upbringings speaking to him one way, but his lifetime of his new position another. He knew not what he should do, he didn't understand. He surely should have been able to easily see the good and the evil that had lay within the world, but now...his comrades were grey. There were neither black nor gold. Anjou...he was different. He seemed to believe with all his heart that Eli was the one to save it, and yet, could Anjou really not see the truth? Was he unable to look at himself, and see the truth? The good that flowed through his veins? The power of nature that was imbued within the very essence of his soul? The Peasant was about to speak his mind...but there was no need to. A sudden rip burst into the minds of each eternal, a piece of their energy being pulled from them, drawn to a single point, collected to be stored....359

Eli and his companions fought like a trapped wildebeest; rage, anger, and a longing for life flowing through their hearts and minds, adrenaline fueling the grueling attacks that were strung together in a vicious combination. He was a hero of ancient times, his body an impossible blur, sword lashing left and striking right, destroying a corpse with each blow. The men around him fought for their lives, for this was all they had. There was nothing else for these men to live for, and thus, their hearts were pure of motive.360

Anjou sat on top of a nearby roof now, his bow in his hands. He had been contemplating what had recently happened in his realm, and the choice that his brothers had made. His bow was knocked, and a desperate, though illuminating, white light burned deep in his eyes. Even the arrow had the faintest aura of white. Everything Anjou had ever touched had forever been affected by him. He was special...and all around him felt the true essence of good that emanated from him. 361

With a quiet, calm manner, he fired arrow after arrow in an extremely rapid succession, his arm invisible as it reached to a full quiver, each arrow shot deep into the enemy ranks. Every time it hit one of the undead, it continued through the body, dissipating it into nothingness. Rank after rank was fired upon by Anjou, and being after being was killed...but Eli and his allies were still being overwhelmed. The time came where Anjou reached to his quiver...only to find it empty. As he did, a groan ripped from his lips, and the bow was placed upon his back. His hands immediately dropped to grab the two blades that rested at his waist, and they were drawn, held between closed fists, blade down. His feet crouched as he dove forward in a spearhead, a roar of unhindered anger ripping from his throat.362

When Anjou hit the armies of the dead, it was a cannonball hitting water. Bodies exploded as the innumerable attacks where pulled from the extreme pools of anger that were unnatural to this man. He was normally so calm, holding such a kind demeanor, and yet...this was a different side of Anjou. When ever a blade was struck out at this man, it seemed pushed aside by an invisible source, either to miss him completely, or so that it barely grazed his skin, leaving only the smallest of cuts.363

And yet, no power of such greatness could last for long, for no body, not even that of an Eternal, could hold such rage and anger for any extended period of time. However, before his body was completely drained of such power, Anjou had managed to place himself near Eli, his friend and partner in this war against chaos.364

"Eli, today we fight for the death of your nation. The Past is Dead, and the Present is in Decay my friend, but the future...ah, the future holds endless possibilities for us all." As he finished his sentence, a blade lashed forward to graze his ribs, causing Anjou to grunt before beheading the abomination. "However...I think we should survive today for a start..." He smiled, one of a man with a cause of righteousness.365

Unleashed366

Eli smiled as he caught Anjou's gaze and nodded. Sliding past a clumsy thrust by one of the Renarse, Eli lopped of the creature's head and spun under a swing from behind him. The Myrmidons of Gyseria fought bravely, their skill almost matching that of their leader's. The once skinny, unimposing Taen now threw himself at the waves upon waves of almost man sized walking dead, his sword felling countless foes at a time. Jak Amihs was a blur with his twin blades. Once of a pure white, they were now stained a blackish red with the blood of dead Renarse. Not far from Eli and the others fought two younger men, though not much younger than Eli. They were Roewen and Cael Shomet, the sons of Guymon Shomet, General of Gyseria's legions. They each carried a single broadsword, the weapons as large as the muscular youth that wielded them. The brothers worked their swords like farmers, methodically hewing the bodies of all who stood before them. The prowess of the Gyserians and their Watcher companion was evident. Alas, the numbers of the Renarse were seemingly infinite. They covered the steep slopes of the valley like ants, the once white landscape now black with their numbers. The fighting intensified as the sun drew high into the sky. Limbs grew weary as the constant motion of battle wore away at the legendary strength of the heroes. Slowly, one by one, the men of Gyseria began to fall. Backs against the Town hall, they fought on, the sheer weight of numbers almost too much. All seemed lost as the sun began to set. Darkness came quickly in the High Mountains. The sun had almost disappeared behind over the edge of the valley. All seemed lost...367

Despair crept stealthily into Eli's mind. Is this what was to become of him? Was this the last stand of Gyseria? Eli forced his tired arms to deflect several blows, his counterstrike finding its mark, separating head from body.368

"We have not much more time!" Anjou yelled over his shoulder as he placed his back against Eli's, "I still say what I have before; it would be to our advantage to live past this battle!"369

Anjou's words spurned Eli on as he fended off several of the demonic creatures. Roewen and Cael fought madly on the steps of the Town Hall as Jak guarded Taens's back, their weapons and cloths drenched with the blood of the undead Renarse. Bodies were piled everywhere, Renarse and Gyserian alike. Rose stayed upon the roof of the Town Hall, staring strangely to the north. Why has she not done anything? By what she did earlier she could give us some needed relief. Eli's thoughts were interrupted as he had to focus to keep the claws and rusty blades off of his person. As if reading his mind, Anjou nudged Eli towards the Town Hall and held his place against the demonic masses.370

"Go to her, she sees what we cannot," Anjou yelled without looking at his companion," I will hold them."371

If Anjou had been fast before he was now beyond sight. Eli watched for a moment as his dark-skinned friend flowed through the crowd of howling Renarse, blood covered blades adding to the river of blood that turned the snow a blackish red. Eli fought his way around the Town Hall and up to Roewen and Cael.372

"Stand fast my friends!" Eli yelled dodging an upward slash as he neatly dispatched the beast," I am going to talk Rose!"373

The men both stood a head taller than Eli; nearly as tall as Taen. As Eli passed them, he remembered when he had towered over the two. Eli paused as Roewen, the brother who had shaved his head, called out.374

"Don't take to long my King!"375

"Aye," Cael yelled, his head covered in wild red hair, "This is no time to be snuggling with your delicate flower!"376

The brother's laughed till tears ran down their blood stained faces. They redoubled their pace, moving out into the village square a bit. None amongst the enemy touched them.377

"Just how I remember them," Eli chuckled as he ran into the town hall and looked around, "Now how did she get up there?"378

A ladder laid propped up against the wall, just under a small trapdoor that lad to the roof. Eli laughed and sprinted up to it. He sped up the rungs and opened the trapdoor, pulling himself out onto the thatched old roof. Rose stood calmly, still staring past him to the North through glazed eyes.379

"Rose," Eli said as he walked carefully over the rickety old roof towards the transfixed young woman, "Rose, are you well?"380

Rose shook her head and looked up at him. She looked around her and then at the setting sun. Her brow creased in thought as she cast a gaze at the carnage that went on below. When she finally spoke she looked Eli in the eye, her voice quiet but discernable from where Eli stood.381

"I have a gift Eli," she whispered, her voice wavering, "I am granted glimpses of what is to come. I..."382

Tears streamed down her beautiful face as she started to fall to the roof. Eli caught her and sat, holding her in his arms. He rocked her back and forth as she laid still, the din of battle still sounding fiercely all about.383

Tears streamed down her beautiful face as she started to fall to the roof. Eli caught her and sat, holding her in his arms. He rocked her back and forth as she laid still, the din of battle still sounding fiercely all about them.384

"I saw death, mine and yours, I believe," she said in a hollow voice as she raised her head to look at Eli," it is here on this rooftop. We are sitting like this and then we hear something and...I could not hear when I saw what I saw. You were looking down there and...Eli everything I see like this happens!"385

Eli hugged her tightly as she began to weep once more and looked up as he heard a noise come from the edge of the roof. A roughly clawed hand reached over the edge as a hellish face appeared. Eli let go of Rose and stood as he heard a movement behind him. For a moment the world stopped. Time ceased to exist as Eli knew that this was the moment his love had spoken of. Eli looked down calmly, the world in slow motion. From his chest, just under the black handprint he knew still lay over his heart, sprung a stream of blood. A black blade erupted from him. Eli fell to his knees. The sword stayed where it was as a large, black cloaked shape moved silently around in front of him. He dimly thought he could hear Rose screaming. The beast smiled viciously and laughed horribly evil in its amusement.386

"The master will be pleased," the Xha stepped closer to his prey whispering in its ear, "Slain is Gyseria, dead is its king."387

Eli felt numb as the Xha moved like a snake to catch Rose as she threw herself at the wolfish beast. The Xha laughed its vicious, rocks crumbling laughter as it held Rose up by her golden blonde hair in front of Eli.388

"I will take my time with this woman," the Xha reached within its cloak, pulling a black bladed dagger from within the night colored folds, "She will know pain as no other. You have lost."389

Eli fell forward his hands stopping him from falling onto his face. All that had happened to him in the last days came rushing back to him. All of the pain he had known fled from his mind. He gritted his teeth as his blood stained the Town Hall roof a bark red. He was the King of Gyseria. It would not end like this. Eli looked up weakly and saw the Xha raise the dagger to Rose's throat. Eli's eyes snapped open wide as he felt something deep within him come free. A rage and anger to burn him alive surfaced from the depths of his soul. Eli lost all reason as a dark red mist clouded his vision. They would all die...390

The True Power of Eli391

Rose struggled desperately as the Xha raised the dark knife to her throat. Tears fell unchecked down her cheeks as she tried to focus enough to call on the powers she used to command the elements. She stopped struggling as her feet hit the roof. She fell away from the wolf like beast and glanced at Eli. All of her concentration faded with the mist that had begun to form around her fists. She scrambled on all fours backwards away from Eli and the beast. She screamed as a deafening roar exploded throughout the valley, drowning out the violent clashing of swords...392

Anjou rolled under the thrust of a rusted spear and took the arms from their owner, his blades flashing in the fading sun as they finished his opponent off. Anjou leapt back to take on more foes and was astounded to find that the demonic horde had stopped. They stared past Anjou, eyes transfixed on something. Thousands still raced down the hill side, more Renarse pouring into the village. Anjou glance quickly over his shoulder and did not return his gaze to the enemy. His eyes remained locked on the roof of the Town Hall as a roar fit to shake the foundation of the very mountains them selves erupted from the center of Retal...393

Zhagul lifted his head and looked south as he got up from the chair he had been lounging in. He raced out of the Great Hall and to the south wall of the Keep. He sensed something he did not understand, something far below in the village of Retal. What had happened, he thought. Maybe that boy was dead. Zhagul frowned, hoping there was still enough blood left to do what needed to be done...394

The terrified Xha let go of the human woman and dropped its knife. It stared at the other human it had just gutted. The beast of chaos did not wish to die...395

The body of Eli Paril floated up into the air, holding the young man's unseeing gaze eye level with the petrified Xha. The once blue eyes now shone a frightening white. The dark sword came free easily as Eli grabbed the blade in both of his hands and pulled it the rest of the way through him. The pupils of those once unseeing eyes thinned until only a reptilian slit remained. The white glow was replaced by sharp silver that glistened in the dissipating sunlight. With an abrupt suddenness that contrasted starkly with the slow, ethereal pace that had been, Eli was gone. In his place was a form that dwarfed the once larger Xha. In the air above the Town Hall hovered a great winged beast. Its scales were as white as the snow and its wings moved slowly, the sun glistening off of them. The creature was at least three times the size of the Town Hall, its claws, as big as Taen himself. The beast raised its head and roared, its limbs tensed in violent fury...396

Anjou watched in amazement at Eli's sudden transformation. Thought fled into oblivion as the beast roared a noise fit to break the world. The masses of Renarse remained still as the beast's roaring continued for a few more moments. As the large, winged creature's roaring ceased, the Hordes of Renarse turned to run. Anjou watched as if in a dream as the Renarse fled past him, demonic voices screaming in terror. The dragon lifted higher into the air and opened its massive mouth, teeth sharp and long adorning the monstrous jaws. A white hot fire erupted from the mouth of the beast Eli had become. Flames engulfed the Renarse as they ran. The sides of the valley became drenched in fire. The world was fire to Anjou. As soon as it had begun, the hellish conflagration ceased. All around the village was black. The valley was now larger than it had been, stone evaporated with millions of Renarse. Anjou looked back at Eli and watched as the terrible beast looked down at the roof. With a blinding speed unfathomable for a creature's its size, what Eli had become darted its large, scaly head down and snatched the motionless Xha in its jaws. The being of chaos was gone within the jaws of the beast. As the Xha disappeared down the gullet of the giant winged monstrosity, the dragon seemed to smile. Anjou ran towards the Town Hall and ducked in the door. Noticing the ladder in the corner, he almost flew up it and out onto the roof... 397

Rose cradled Eli's head against her shoulder. She had wrapped her cloak around him when he had reappeared. His cloths lay in tatters on the roof, covered in blood. She hugged his still form tight as the Watcher pulled himself out onto the roof. She pressed her face against her helpless bundle and let the tears flow willingly as she felt the Watcher laid a steady hand on her back. Rose, felt her plain blue dress wet down with blood as she held Eli closer.398

"Eli," she whispered in a shaky voice, "Eli live...please live..."399

Silence fell over the few remaining survivors of the battle at Retal. They did not smile but their hearts knew joy. The Dragon had come. Gyseria would not fade into the darkness of the night... 400

At Morr’s Gate401

Anjou let out a small sigh, his eyes shutting tightly as he saw his friend lying prone in the lap of his lover. He looked so peaceful, and yet, his energy was spent, his body wracked with pain and hardships. 402

Anjou knelt beside Rose, reaching into the single small pouch at his hip. There was not much that he could do for his friend, for around here, he had noticed that there was a very limited herbal supply. However, he did have a bit of something that could help. Anjou's hand closed over the small, spade-shaped leaves. He drew them from the pocket and placed them within his mouth, chewing them to a pulpy mash. He then reached to his mouth, pulling the wad from his lips. Saliva coated the green, distasteful substance, but Anjou pressed it between Eli's lips, tilting his head back as he did so. Instinctively, the body swallowed. The leaves would immediately begin to work, but with so few of them, there was no massive help they would allow.403

His work was done here, and Anjou could do nothing but watch his friend as he battled for his life. Hopefully, the boy was strong of will, for that would be the largest of trials for him. There was but one more thing that Anjou could do, though he was not sure whether he would help or harm Eli. As Anjou sat now, his body beside Eli's, he laid a hand on the young man's forehead. Anjou's body settled strangely, his shoulder's slumping forward as his eyes rolled back in his head, though they went unseen due to the eyelids. Something was happening....would it work?404

Eli looked upward, his eyes casting a wide gaze over the giant set of gates that stood before him. He raised a hand to his brow, shielding his delicate eyes from the massive amounts of light that poured from beyond the black entrance. His eyes looked outward over all that lay before him. Beauty and magnificence were the stuff of the scene in his sight, beings soaring through the air, moving quickly about to carry out the menial tasks they had been assigned. Great temples were constructed of gold, with pathways of bronze and silver leading to them. Precious gems had been inlaid within the metals, reflecting a beautiful spectrum of colors upon the clouds that floated lazily about the sky. 405

Just before the Gates of Morr stood a lone man, a small, gentle smile on his face. His face was slightly pale, though not inhumanly so. He was dressed in the garb of a priest, his hands resting on a small podium which he stood behind, constructed of the same black stuff as the gates. 406

"Greetings, Eli Paril! You are welcome here, in the Garden of Morr!" Morr stood with his arms open wide, as if he were to embrace Eli, his grin genuine and wide. Eli looked upon him with the look of a slightly stupid man, his smile distracted, as if he was drugged. 407

"Yes...it is beautiful...a wonderful place it seems..." He stepped forward tentatively, his movements slow and deliberate. It was not as though he had complete control of himself; it was as if something else was pulling him toward the gates. As he neared, the look on Morr's face changed, switching to something a bit more sinister for the briefest of moments before switching back to that of happiness. 408

"Come! Come on in! All are welcome!" However, just as Eli was about to lay his hand on the massive girth of gate that lay before him, A voice called out, one that he recognized from...somewhere...409

"Eli! Wait!" Anjou stood far back, his body nearly translucent, and a slight amount of sweat resting on his brow. "Eli! Don't go in! You must come back to me. I cannot come get you, nor can I help you. This choice must be decided by you and you alone."410

When Eli spoke, his voice was still distracted, his eyes slightly glazed over. "Anjou....it’s so beautiful..." 411

"I know Eli. I was there once. I died to become a Watcher, and I don't want you to go. I -know- what is in there, and it is a lie. Morr is no place of happiness. It is of utter torment and pain. Death here is that of a warrior, constant battle and never-ending fight. Your quest isn't done, that is why you have come here. Eli, you must come back. Remember your kingdom. Remember....Remember Rose."412

As Anjou spoke these last words, Eli's eyes seemed to spark, life surging through him once more. Under normal circumstances this would have been impossible, and yet, the drug Anjou had given him, was working. Eli stopped in his path, turning to look backward, his eyes squinting as they watched Anjou.413

Anjou smiled, for he could see that Eli was indeed listening to him. He could see that his words were beginning to take heart. This caused great joy in him, in Anjou...until he looked past Eli. Of Course! How could he have been so stupid! 414

"Eli, turn and face Morr, he is the only way out of here!" As Eli turned, his eyes widened in a sight that might have been horror, had it not been the grim determination that had set in as soon as he had heard of Rose once more.415

As he looked on, Morr, the man at the gate, seemed to change before his very eyes. Large demonic wings sprouted from his back erupting along with a gout of flame. His body grew larger, bulkier, and stronger. Horns exploded out of the top of his head. When finished, Morr was but a demon, one that took the particular likeness of a winged beast, clawed and vicious. His eyes were burning with an eternal flame as anger seethed about him. As Eli's gaze traversed to the right, looking in though the Gates of Morr, he saw a vision of horrific terror. People were burning in lakes of sulfur, forever battling one another to the surface for a gasping breath of fetid air. 416

"Fool! You, Watcher, think that you can take what is mine!" Morr bellowed, his voice shaking the realm, causing dust to fall around Eli.417

"Morr, the boy is not yours! His path is not yet done, and you shall never own this one! There is much in store for him, and you can do nothing but relinquish your hold! Eli, whatever happens, keep walking toward me. He cannot harm you, he is not allowed. He will do all he can to turn you in your mind, but your body will always be safe. Remember me...remember Rose....."418

And yet, even as Anjou's words reach Eli's ears...they began to fade from existence. The world around Eli changed, images shaking vividly as his eyes strove to stop all sorts of colors. However, nothing changed, the world continued to move in a blur, until suddenly, it was still. Where Anjou had been, there stood Morr, or rather, his being. Flames engulfed him and the bridge that led there, his body appearing to shake with the intense heat of the flame.419

Behind Anjou, where Morr had stood, was Rose. She stood amidst a small field of flowers, wearing a small, flimsy dress, scantily covering her lithe, beautiful figure. She said nothing, but simply sat, her body seeming to shine with an unknown brightness.420

Morr, or who he appeared to be, on the other hand, was calling to Eli with all his voice, his power, and his might.421

"Come Eli! It is a trick! Come to me!"422

Eli started towards Rose without a doubt, and then stopped. Suddenly, the words that Anjou had said to him took form once more in his head, the caution against the images and temptations.423

And yet, how could it be? How could this be so real, and simply, so false? Eli had a choice to make. He must either trust his eyes and his mind, or he must trust Anjou. The voice was simple enough for him. His eyes had misled him on numerous different accounts, though this far, all of Anjou had been true. Eli took a deep breath and began sprinting towards the flames. 424

As the fire reached to greet him, a great bellow of rage roared through the cavern behind him, but Eli would not look back, for the risks were too great. And then, the darkness came....425

Anjou leaned back and smiled, wiping the sweat from his brow. Rose looked to him with a concerned gaze, her eyes penetrating deep into Anjou's own. 426

"Will he...?"427

"Live? Yes. His body will heal, and likely with rapid speed. He has a great Will, his mind is strong. He must, however, rest."428

Anjou smiled, and then leaned back on one hand. It had been close, but it had been a success. 429

Eli would live.430

One Man at Dawn…431

The sun chased away the darkness from the lips of the cliffs surrounding the valley. A cold wind blew idly down into the peaceful dale. New fallen snow formed a peacefully mystic blanket of tranquility over the black marks of destruction that peeked out from under the fluffy covering. As the sun pulled itself lazily further into the morning sky, the light glinted off of the new fallen snow. It had been a week since the Renarse had made black the valley and surrounding mountainside with their numbers. The village of Retal was a ruin compared to its former peaceful order. Most of the buildings were now piles of rubble, strewn violently about in a circle around the only remaining structures, the town hall and the nearest hut. The bodies that had not been incinerated by the winged beast's fiery rage had been piled upon each other a ways away from the ruined village, near the far end of the valley and burned. That is excepting the bodies of the brave Myrmidons, who died fighting for the life of their King, Gyseria. The bodies of such warriors lay buried in the ground, their last rites given, to greener fields their souls received. Of those men who had begun the fight the life of their King, only ten remained. They had spent the last week guarding their king and venturing down into the deep woods to hunt game, as well as scout for any Renarse who might have lived. Eli had not awakened since that day of blood shed and secrets revealed. 432

The young man Jak Amihs sat on the roof of the Town Hall, staring absently at the new day's sun that had just begun to grasp the edge of the cliffs that surrounded the valley. Jak sat with his legs crossed, his sword stretching from knee to knee. Polishing the snow white blade without thought, Jak kept his gaze on the rising of the new day. His mind wandered aimlessly as he continued to polish an already well polished sword. Finding a firm grip on the past, his thoughts drew him back to the last days of his home, Falinoste. It had been so beautiful, so majestic in its last hours. The King had ordered the city evacuated, not giving any reasons. The High Council had been firmly behind him. Jak remembered those last hours vividly. The King had called the leaders of the Armies together. Taen and he had stood near the back with Cael and Roewen. The King had given orders to the legions of Gyseria to abandon Falinoste and take the people north. He had turned and left. Taen had tried to hold him there, but he had walked out. Jak lowered his eyes from the edge of the cliffs. He remembered stalking out into the Grand Hall, almost colliding with Rose Usin. The tears that had streamed unbidden down her familiar face still glistened like gemstones in his mind. Oh how he loved her. Jak smiled. Despite not sharing a name they had been sister and brother more than most held to kin by blood. He remembered the day that Eli had begun to talk to Rose. At first Jak had been jealous, yet, the as time went on, he knew that he would have it no other way. His best friend had been the one to earn the heart of his sister. How things had gone astray from those days of joy and happiness. Jak shook his head as he heard those words Rose had spoken so long ago.433

"Have you seen Eli?" she had asked as he had wiped the tears from her eyes," I have looked for him and he is not here he...he is not..."434

Jak still felt the wetness of her tears on his hand. The gentle shaking of his sister's form as she wept on his shoulder. He had known then as had she. Eli had been sent away, or so he had been told. Taen had told him such just before he had let him know that their presence was requested by the King and the High Council. They were to lead the people north, he thought again bitterly, to abandon what made them who they were. Jak did not turn his head as he heard the trapdoor to the roof creak open slowly. By the soft footsteps that crunched almost noiselessly over the new fallen snow he knew who approached his solitude.435

"How is Eli?" he asked, turning his head to look at Rose, "well, I hope."436

Rose nodded and sat next to him, darkness shading her eyes. She had not been sleeping much. Most of her time was spent at Eli's side, tending to the wounds of the body and of the mind. He still did not know what to think of what had happened that day.437

"When my father comes..." she said, her voice trailing off.438

"He was to meet us here in Retal on that day, my sister," Jak said quietly, "he is long overdue."439

Rose nodded, "Still, he rides with the rest of the Myrmidons and we shall wait for him."440

Jak raised his hands at the edge to her voice, "I did not suggest otherwise. I of all people know of the strength of the Myrmidons, my sister. We will wait. Besides, the Watcher has not yet returned from the upper reaches of the High Mountains. We will decide action when he returns."441

Rose nodded and sighed, leaning against Jak, resting her eyes and tired form against her brother in heart. The sun shone gently upon the two. Hope followed the nearly invisible tracks of one man who had departed not only two days before. What would Anjou, Watcher of the World, find among the peaks of the High Mountains?442

A Mountain Path443

The Great Eagle flew high and far, her powerful wings propelling him further and further upward in the cool mountain winds. Vigilant eyes scanned the many faces of the earthen extrusion, searching for prey to feed its young. They had eaten little in the last few days, for at this time of year, food sources were scarce this high up in the mountains. The eagle had ventured a bit lower, and for a short time, considered herself lucky when she had spotted what looked like dinner. However, the Renarse had proven much the opposite. They were cruel, vicious, and entirely inedible...something she had no room to toy with. So now, on the third day of her eaglets' starvation period, she was overjoyed when her expansive eyesight fell upon the lone figure of a man climbing the side of the mountain, hanging on for dear life while the strong winds gusted against his side, attempting to throw him into the infinite abyss below.444

The bird of prey picked up speed as she dove; her wings folding back to allow for the maximum speed. Her great talons stretched forward on the short limbs for legs, aiming at the middle of the man's back. Closer and closer she came, and just as she was about to latch on and tear the man from the rock, he turned to face her.445

The pair of chestnut brown eyes shone forth from the man's body like beacons in the middle of a black night. A loud screech ripped from the eagle's guttural chords and her wings snapped back, stopping her mere feet from her intended pray. The man raised a hand in thanks to the eagle, and she, in turn let loose a comfortable apology. Anjou pointed down the slope, into a thicket of trees, his mind melding with the eagle's as he passed knowledge. There was food down there, a herd of deer. He had seen them earlier this day. In an instant, the eagle was off once more, searching for food.446

Anjou smiled as his gaze connected with the eagle's, a moment of understanding riveting into his mind. It was the way of nature, and he was able to commune with it, even if not through natural words. In truth, however, how he 'talked' to them was so much more. Words could only describe something if both persons knew what they meant. Feelings; emotions, however, could pass the intense knowledge of the component at hand.447

The Watcher's hand closed once more over the rock above his head as he hauled himself upward, his powerful legs twitching slightly after strenuous use as well as the sharp biting of the cold weather. However, Anjou knew that he must go on. Something was waiting for him at the top of the mountain, something that he had to go to, and could not ignore. 448

As his hand closed over the top of the ledge, a small sigh escaped the lips of the tanned man. He exerted a final bit of strength and rolled over the top of the flattened area with a slumping groan, his body collapsing on the ground as heavy breaths pulled from his lungs. Anjou's eyes fluttered, and finally, closed as he collapsed from exhaustion. Three days he had been walking, climbing, moving...never stopping. He -had- to get to the top of the mountain...just had to...449

"...Anjou..."450

Anjou lifted his head and looked around, but could see no one. His eyes searched and searched, but there was no one around here that he could see. He knew that he had to get up, but he couldn't. He had to, because if he didn't, he knew that he could very possibly freeze amidst the icy weather of the mountain. However, as he looked around, Anjou did not recognize any of the landforms presently about him. In truth, all he saw was a blue mist covering the ground, and a seemingly insurmountable mountain above him.451

"...Anjou, get up. You must get up Anjou..."452

Again, the voice... His eyes spun frantically about the landscape, but he still saw nothing. He expelled a soft breath from his lungs before taking in another, then holding it. With an extreme surge of energy, Anjou pushed against the invisible restraints that held him to the ground, those that he could not break. He sighed deeply, his mind despaired. <> As Anjou spoke with himself, the bonds constricted tighter, and finally, he could no longer even lift his head. His eyes pressed tightly shut, as if he were simply to accept the fate before him. A single tear welled up within the eyelid, and slid partially down his cheek, though soon froze on the cold skin.453

"...Anjou, you can't give up. Your bonds are only in your mind. They are nothing more than you believing that you cannot do it. You must understand Anjou, you must continue on..."454

Anjou lay quite still as the words pressed into his mind. At first, he doubted them, believing it near impossible that he would have been able to create bonds that would constrict him like so with his mind. And then, realization hit. Anjou was held back, now and always, by what he considered his own shortcomings. He was only powerless when he believed it so. Could it be so simple? As these thoughts pervaded the inner depths of his being, the constrictions loosened slightly, not much, but enough that he could breathe comfortably. With a smile, Anjou took another deep breath, and continued his battle against doubt. < > The bonds loosened again, and soon, Anjou could once more lift his head. 455

"...Yes Anjou, you understand. Keep going, mother would have been proud..."456

These words struck Anjou like a sword in the flesh. His eyes widened and his efforts doubled, for he now recognized the voice. Power, belief, and reliable energy surged through his body as, one-by-one, the bands holding him shattered. Finally, Anjou leapt to his feet, just as the voice was fading into the mist.457

"Anjou...you did well. You know. I love you, and never leave you brother..."458

Anjou looked around desperately, and for a moment, a figure seemed to be standing in the shadows of the darkened mist. Her form was nearly invisible, but Anjou recognized her all the same.459

"Ariel?" He asked, but then, it all disappeared. He was once more standing where he had previously been lying, his body full of new and powerful energy, ready to once more start again. And what did Anjou do? He started climbing.460

Fashionably Late461

Four days had passed since the Watcher had left Retal to scout further up the mountain. Taen scratched his shaggy beard absently, his steely gaze ardently scanning the mountainside above what was left of the valley of Retal. It was as if the years that separated this day and the day that Falinoste fell never were. Taen remembered the last words his King, Eli's father had said to him.462

"You must ensure that my son lives to see another day," his words had struck at Taen's heart like the sharpest blade," he is the key to victory. But not on this day...not this day."463

The sadness that had drifted across the King's face still tears at my soul, Taen sighed as he watched the steam from his nose blow away quickly in the harsh wind of the mountains. Eli had spent the morning of that day at the North Gate. He had not said a word when Taen and the detachment of Myrmidons under his command had found him sitting on the city wall, tears almost dry upon his cheeks. They had departed just as the first wave of Xha began their assault. The Ancient Guards held to Falinoste at least. The Xha had attacked on foot. Taen drew his bow as he readied himself to ascend up into the mountains. They had fought their way past the first wave and started their trek north when they stumbled upon a massive Xha encampment. The fight had been short. The bodies of Xha and Myrmidons alike still lay strewn about the rough encampment in Taen's mind. He had lost over half of his men. In the midst of the battle Eli had been cornered by several Xha. Before Taen could fight his way over to him, they had taken Eli's sword and knocked him unconscious. The beasts had opened a hole in the air and were about to go through it when something Taen still did not understand had happened. The Xha around Eli were torn to shreds as Eli sank to his knees screaming as he held his hands over his ears. The Xha in the encampment had all been slain so. Taen shivered as he recalled the grotesque remains of the demonic beasts. As he had approached Eli's then still and silent form, he had felt something strange in the air. It was as if he were walking under vast amounts of water. Taen's mind was still wrapped tightly within the confines of mystery as to what had happened to Eli. He had stood...no been raised up by some unseen force and then he had been gone. Taen and the remaining men had searched for their charge for hours. When Eli was not found they left the Xha camp as it was and started to head back towards Falinoste. It not more than several hours of hard marching did they see Falinoste. Where the once proud capital of Gyseria had stood was now a giant glittering dome of a crystal-like material. Taen had been about to order the Myrmidons to an even faster pace when Rose had appeared before him, shrouded in the magic of the mist as she had been gifted with at birth. Her words still rang in Taen's ears.464

"Eli is gone. He has been taken from the field of battle by the last will of the King. He has made a great sacrifice to save Gyseria from destruction. We must find him and keep him safe until this evil is vanquished."465

Taen had not said a word as Rose Usin had assumed command of those Myrmidons left. They had headed north to meet up with what was left of the Myrmidons and the legions of Gyseria. The Xha had killed all who they came across in the push on Falinoste. Thousands of people had accompanied the armies of Gyseria north, a remnant of a once great and powerful nation. Dom Usin, leader of the Myrmidons, and Guymon Shomet, General of the legions of Gyseria had welcomed Taen and Rose, grieved at the news that Eli was not to be found. It was that day that Rose and Taen had been given a hundred Myrmidons and told to head south in search of their new, lost king. Jak Amihs and Guymon Shomet's sons Roewen and Cael had joined them as they left the last Gyserian city, Ehtharen and their people. They had spent over seven years searching for Eli. They had finally found him and Taen was determined to get Eli back to Ehtharen so that he could lead his people to whatever destiny fate had in store. The success of such an endeavor all depended on Dom Usin. Rose said she had told her father of Eli the day she had found him as she wandered through the deep forests that lay just below the lowest beginnings of the High Mountains. He was to bring all of the remaining Myrmidons south around Miranoste and meet his daughter in Retal. The journey would take several weeks to go through the next closest pass and even then, none were as large as the one that went through Miranoste, so travel would be slow. It had already been a month since Rose had told her father. Taen hoped nothing had happened to them. I do not think we could reach Ehtharen without the company of that Dom Usin rode with. Gyseria had changed into a treacherous and deadly land since the fall of the capital. It was said that demons roamed the land around Falinoste. Thought gave way to purpose. This is the present. I must be mindful of its power, the large man thought, smiling.466

Taen shifted his massive form, tying his scarf around his face and hood as he moved steadily up into the mountains arrow knocked in bow. Eli had finally awoken this morning. Taen's brow furrowed as he recalled the wound Eli had sustained from being spitted upon the Xha's sword. It had healed in the short time since it had happened. It was no more than a purple line that would serve as a reminder of that day. I shall never need such a thing to aid my mind in knowing what happened that day, Taen thought as he moved silently around a gigantic boulder. It had been a dragon. What was Eli? Taen shook his head in confusion. The stories spoke of such beasts that had long ago walked the land, yet, they had never been seen. Taen focused his mind on his surroundings and decided to ask Rose about it when he returned to Retal. She always had spent more time in the Royal Library than he had. Taen dropped low to the ground and pushed his tightly drawn bow and arrow underneath the snow. The sound of horses and the clanking of armor sounded out over the pure white slopes. Taen brutally crushed the hope that it was the rest of the Myrmidons. He would not leave himself open for surprises. As the sounds grew louder, Taen saw a horseman ride around the bend up ahead of him. The horseman was dressed in the same garb as Taen and the Myrmidons and his and Rose's command. Taen's heart leapt for joy as he rose from his hiding place in the snow. Mayhap there was hope after all... 467

The men in Retal cheered as they watched Taen walk through the ruins of Retal accompanied by regal form of Dom Usin, Leader of the Myrmidons. Stories were told around campfires as old friends were reunited amongst them and comrades lost were remembered somberly. Foraging parties departed down into the deep woods as the Myrmidons of Gyseria made camp in the valley of Retal. Over five thousand men rejoiced in the peaceful valley as the darkness that had clouded their lives lifted a little at the knowledge that their King had been found. The decision was made by Eli and the other leaders to wait for Anjou, Watcher of the World to return. Sentries were posted; tents were pitched as the forces of Gyseria rested tired minds and exhausted souls. What had become of Anjou, friend of Eli Paril...? 468

At the Top…469

Four days. Four days full of harsh weather, bone-chilling cold and meager rations. Four days of intense physical labor, long hikes up hill, and impossible cliff-faces that had to be scaled. Four days, and finally he had reached the top. 470

Anjou stood on a flattened platform, roughly twenty yards by twenty yards. There was nowhere else to go on the mountain, save down. He had reached the top, and now, only now, could he reap his true reward. What would it be? Anjou had no clue. He knew only that he had been called here, and that, he must go forth. However, how he would go about doing that...was a different story. 471

There was a large monolith before Anjou; blackened slate standing in the only entrance to what the Watcher assumed would be the entrance to that which lies beyond. At the moment, this monolith offered an impasse`, an object that Anjou could not get past. His hands ran over the sleek material, rough skin touching gently upon the ancient runes that were layered onto the surface. 472

As his fingers touched gently onto the ancient writings, his lips opened, and began speaking. He didn't know how, or why, but he knew that it was right. 473

"Through the ages, through the years, 474

A Secret of power has lain hidden here.475

Waiting for he who holds the hand, 476

Of fate and time, and hopes of man.477

Enter now, Watcher and friend, 478

Enter and clam, that which is within."479

As his fingers passed over the last of the now glowing runes, the giant edifice shimmered, as if disappearing into nothing. And then...it did. The monolith simply vanished leaving a large entrance to the deep cavern beyond.480

Anjou was bewildered, his senses overwhelmed that so long ago, someone had known he would come, someone had know that on this day he would enter. Now, he did that which had been foretold ages ago, and fulfilled a portion of his destiny. Anjou stepped into the musty crypt, half-expecting to find some immense source of power, or a weapon of awesome energies.481

However, what he did find was something far simpler. Anjou stepped into a large room, vast and great, though no different than any other cave, save one feature. In the middle of this cave was a stone podium, rising only about four feet from the ground and flattening, a single word written upon its top.482

"Truth" had been etched, and it seemed, not with any time taken to make it fancy. It was scrawled roughly into the stone, as if the person who did such had little time. Anjou looked upon it, bewildered at this 'gift' that the Ancients would send him...but what was it?483

"Truly brother, if you do not know, then you are far denser than you have allowed many, including myself, to believe." Anjou looked up, his eyes widening in disbelief as he stared into the shimmering facade of his sister. 484

"Ariel?" Anjou smiled, though he still could not believe that his sister was still before him. "Ariel...what..." And yet, he could say no more. Was it only an illusion? Was this some cruel trick played by the gods he had so long followed? Her voice dispelled his thoughts, penetrating into the very depths of his minds. 485

"Anjou...listen. This room...this cavern, this is not your prize. This is not the reward. What you were sent here to find, was you. For all these centuries, you have not yet forgiven yourself for my death, nor have you accepted your strengths. Anjou...look at how you have survived! You have grown into a wonderful, handsome man! Why do you continue to look down upon yourself? If it were not for you, the Gates of Morr would have long-since claimed Eli, and the world could already be lost to the darkness. Anjou, must you still doubt? Through your trek up this mountain, you have learned that you are capable of doing near anything, should you put your mind to it. Your own limits are all that holds you back. With a free mind, all is possible Anjou."486

Anjou looked at his sister all the while that she was talking. His mind wandered at each sentence that left his sister's mouth, and with each passing thought, with the dispelling of each doubt that he held, he could feel more and more energy coursing through his body. Strength returned, and then multiplied. Weariness vanished, soon replaced by vitality. Anjou smiled, and finally understood.487

"Now Anjou, our time is done. There is no more for you here, on this mountain, or hidden away in any mountain ever again. You have all your power; you -are- your power. Your mind is your Will, and your heart is your strength. Goodbye my brother and we shall meet again."488

The Watcher smiled, a faint tear touching his eye as he watched his sister fade from view. He looked once more to the podium before him, and then turned, stepping out of the cavern into broad daylight. 489

Anjou looked down the mountain that lay before him, at the long trek he had, and decided against it. There were far faster ways down...490

With a bounding leap, Anjou was propelled from the side of the mountain, only to land on its powerfully downhill slope, his feet carrying him quickly as he sprinted in an attempt to catch up with his body. Anjou ran fast and hard, for there was little time to spare...491

Depart, My Brothers492

The black sword stuck out from his stomach. The Xha stood over him, holding Rose off of the ground. The beast smiled viciously as it pulled a black dagger from the folds of its cloak. The blade was pressed against Rose's throat. Tears streamed down her face.493

"ELI!" she screamed as the dagger moved quickly, fatally.494

Eli awoke with a start, throwing his blankets back and looking around the room. He was drenched in a cold sweat that chilled him to the soul. He did not know what had happened that day. He had only just awoken with the dawn of the day before. A great sight had been there to greet him as Jak and Rose had led him out of the Town Hall to get some fresh air. Taen had come down the Northern slopes accompanied by a man he had known well, Dom Usin. Rose's father still carried the deadly grace of a young warrior, yet the aged wisdom in his dark brown eyes carried a more menacing air. The man was nearly as tall as Taen, a hand or two more than Eli. The leader of the Myrmidons had clapped Eli on the back as they greeted one another. Little else was said as the four went back into the Town Hall as the Myrmidons thousands of Myrmidons made camp around the ruins of Retal. Eli smiled as he saw Rose leaning back against the wall on the other side of the room. He could hear her breathing, it was heavy and slow, she was asleep. Eli got up found a white cloak near the door to the small hut he had been sleeping in since the arrival of Rose's father. Draping the cloak around himself he peered out the door, the sun was just beginning to rise over the edge of the valley. Despite the cloak, the cold bit at the sweat still beaded across Eli's brow. It was as could as ever. Looking down Eli laughed, I'd better put something else on other than my smallclothes. After finding his pants and shirt, Eli slipped his boots on and put the cloak back around his shoulders. He tip toed silently back over to where Rose slept and picked her up off of the floor. He carried her over to where he had been sleeping and set her down on the makeshift mattress. He pulled the blanket over her slim, shivering form and kissed her forehead. Smiling to himself he walked out the door and into the cool morning air.495

"How did you sleep my king?" a familiar voice asked.496

"Rather well my loyal and humble servant," Eli said mischievously as he turned to find Jak Amihs sitting on the low roof of the small shack that stood close to the town hall.497

Jak grunted as he dropped off of the roof to land next to Eli. Extending his hand towards Eli, Jak kept his silence. Eli looked at the offered hand and thought for a moment before wrapping both of his arms around his closest friend. No words were said as both men held on for a moment longer and released each other, their eyes wet with tears.498

"It has been so long," Jak said quietly.499

"It has," Eli agreed as he started walking to the North end of the valley, "come brother, let us watch the sun rise while we can. You never know when it will be your last."500

Jak nodded as they walked slowly, their feet crunching softly against the snow. They had talked for a while in the Town Hall the night that the rest of the Myrmidons had arrived. Before Rose, Jak, and well, pretty much everyone there had forced him rest, Eli remembered this with a smile, and they had agreed to wait for Anjou. I will not do anything before I know what has become of my friend. Eli's thoughts drifted slightly towards a sleeping beauty before he focused on that night. They had laid out plans to move on Miranoste. The Myrmidons were ready to march as soon as Anjou arrived. There had been much discussion on what would happen if Anjou did not come back. Despite his burning desire to make sure Anjou was alright, Eli had finally agreed that they had to move fast. It was decided that the Myrmidons would move out at dawn. Eli glanced nonchalantly at the supplies and weapons stacked neatly outside the innumerous tents that adorned the valley floor. Jak and Eli wove their way through the canvas abodes, nodding to an early riser here and there, greeting those who were awake. The hope and pride that adorned the faces of the soldiers struck deep into Eli's heart. He hoped with the depths of his soul that he could save his people from destruction. Eli's thoughts were interrupted as he and Jak reached the slopes of the valley. They moved steadily up the side of the steep slopes, saying nothing. What lay in wait for the Myrmidons of Gyseria at the gates of Miranoste? The question burned in Eli's mind as he hauled himself up the last few feet and over the edge of the valley. The sun shone brightly over the line of fog that enshrouded the mountainside below. It was as if the fog was a misty sea and the peaks that stood upright out of it were rocky islands, drenched in pure white sand.501

"Today is the day my brother," Eli said, turning his head to look at Jak, "today is the day we take back Miranoste."502

Jak nodded and smiled, "Not another hour or two and we move out. I hope that the Watcher returns. He was useful against the Renarse when..."503

Jak’s voice trailed off as the reference to that bloodstained day came out. No one would speak of what had happened. In Eli's dreams he had heard a mighty roar fit to shake the foundation of the earth itself. Fire had consumed him as the roar had sounded throughout his slumber. A fire that burned of a rage deeper than thought lost in the mind. That dream scared him almost as much as the one of Rose in the clutches of that vile Xha. Eli hoped someone had killed it. The three had seemed like the only ones that Zhagul had. If he remembered correctly, the Xha were much stronger and faster than the Renarse they had fought. If the horde that had fallen upon Retal had been Xha...Eli shook his head, they had not and blessed be the Ancient Guardians that the Xha were not as numerous. Eli came out of his ponderous trance with a jerk.504

"What did you say?" Eli asked turning back to Jak, who was pointing further up the mountain.505

"It is your friend. The Watcher returns!" Jak laughed as he clapped Eli on the back, "Look at him! He moves as if spurned on by some greater power!"506

It was indeed true. Eli stood amazed as Anjou nearly flew down the snowy mountainside. As he approached the two Gyserians, Anjou gave a little hop and turned sideways, sliding down to stop beside them, spraying a great wave of snow over the edge of the valley. Anjou put a hand on Eli's shoulder and smiled.507

"Good morning, naked river man," Anjou said with all seriousness, "I am glad to see you well...and clothed."508

Jak cast a confused glance at Eli, who waved him off with an absent toss of the hand.509

"Go, tell Dom that we march...now," Eli said without looking at his friend.510

Jak leapt over the edge of the valley and was running before he even touched the snow. His laughter could be heard ringing out into the crisp mountain air.511

Eli laughed as he hugged his friend.512

"I trust your time away went well?"513

"It was time well spent," Anjou said as the two let go and turned to look down into the valley, "I learned much, about myself."514

Eli did not ask what he meant but instead nodded and walked with Anjou down into the valley, telling him everything that had happened...515

Later that morning, the Myrmidons began the ascent towards Miranoste. Whether on foot as most where, or on horseback, the army of thousands of Gyserians and one Watcher moved closer to battle, closer to their destiny. 516

The Gaerand517

The body stood in the Great Hall of the Keep in Miranoste. The room was dark, the light blocked away by shadows fixed tightly on the vast windows that adorned the walls of the domed room. The eyes of Ahrec Usin stared vacantly at the wall, unseeing as those of the dead. The demon that held to this body held still, but its focus was elsewhere. Voices raged fiercely in the cavernous room. Disembodied as they were they still held a malevolence that darkened even the darkness within the Great Hall.518

"You have failed, Zhagul!"519

"We gave you our hordes and you succeeded only in losing them for us!"520

"How was I to know?" the familiar voice of Zhagul thundered throughout the room, silencing the others, "How could I have known what he truly was?"521

"You knew..." the voices repeated in a chorus of whispers, "you knew..."522

A fiery light shone in the eyes of Ahrec Usin as Zhagul returned to claim what he had stolen those years before.523

"You will not lose what was lost those years before..."524

"Yes, it was your fault that we lost these lands so long ago..."525

"Your fault their descendants sealed Falinoste in a Holding..."526

"We are so close..."527

"Then give me all of our power!" Zhagul screamed at the empty room, shaking his fists angrily at the air, “Give me all of our hordes, and unleash what you have kept from me!"528

Silence dominated the empty room. Whispers too faint to be heard caressed Zhagul's human ears. He cursed at them in thought as he slumped back in the only chair in the room that was still in one piece. Zhagul and his fellow Demon Lords had once ruled this land. Long ago they and their hordes of dark creatures had been banished to a realm of dark madness, a realm of nothingness. Long they had awaited a chance to return, to claim vengeance. The convenient dabbling of one stupid boy had opened Zhagul's prison just long enough for him to come through. Yet, he had found his former body gone, still trapped in that netherworld. He had been forced to take the frail body of the boy. He had opened a gateway to the higher parts of that dark prison and found his Xha, trapped within and ready for vengeance. Led by their Demon Lord, the Xha had torn through Miranoste, killing all. The fight had been quick; most of the people had gone to Falinoste for the celebration of the crown prince's rise to manhood. Curse him, Zhagul raged in his twisted, evil mind. I will shower the Holding with his blood. Zhagul dreamed of it. He had spoken with his brethren, which was all he could do for the Ancient Guards were still too strong for a Demon Lord to use that much power. The Xha had been loyal completely to him. The other two Demon Lords each had their own creatures. The Renarse had belonged to Qooresh and the there was one last resource that had not been used. The third Demon Lord, Jai'zhaulk, commanded the largest and most deadly of the three hordes. He was master of the Gaeren. Zhagul smiled as a dark portal appeared in the Great Hall.529

"It is agreed..."530

"My Gaeren are yours..."531

"He will lose them like he lost my Renarse..."532

"We have nothing left to give you brother..."533

"Kill Gyseria and free us so that we my rule these lands once more..."534

Zhagul nodded as the first Gaeren stepped through the portal. He had no intention of sharing power again. This world was his...535

Myrimidons on the March536

The day passed quickly as a long, snake-like procession made its way up the mountainside towards the three peaks that loomed ominoiusly over the lower slopes of the High Mountains. At the head of the procession Anjou, Watcher of the World moved steadily alongside a white-cloaked man riding a shaggy looking grey mount. Few horses were present amongst the ranks. Other than the twelve remaining, the rest of the horses had been eaten on the treacherous journey from the last Gyserian city in the north to Retal. Eli, the white-cloaked rider, moved his steed deftly along the narrow path.537

"Anjou my friend," he spoke, smiling, "is it not a beautiful day?"538

"It is naked river man," Anjou replied with a mischievous glint in his eye, "it is a beautiful day indeed. Would it not be that much better if there were a river or stream to bathe in?"539

After a moment of amused silence, laughter bubbled up from both men. Rose Usin watched with a half-hearted smile from her place on a snowy white mare beside her father a short ways back down the path. She lowered her head and smiled to herself. The Eli she had known so many years before had slowly returned since she had first spoke to him in his dreams. The way he looked at her was no different than the day before Falinoste had been sealed in a Holding. Few knew what that actually meant. < > Rose thought. < > Rose's thoughts were gently disturbed by her father's large horse moving closer to her.540

"It is good to see you smile, my beautiful flower," Dom Usin said, his voice deep and strong in a way Rose had missed dearly on her forays into the southern parts of Gyserian and the realm of Queen Beth, "It warms my heart to speak again with my daughter."541

"You always were a soft one, father," Rose said, taking his large hand and smiling with genuine affection, "A big soft bear of the forest, ready to valiantly slay the rotted oak and liberate the golden honey within."542

With each word, Dom Usin's face grew brighter. By the end of his daughter's descriptions his roaring laughter turned heads halfway back along the snake of men that moved continually up the snowy slopes. At the end of the procession Taen brought up the rear, arrow knocked in his bow. Roewen and Cael Shomet strode dutifully beside the older man, hefty longbows held restlessly at their side. The pace was quick and the mood light as the sun reached its peak and began to slide down towards the eastern horizon. The Myrmidons moved steadily onward, hearts made strong by the sight of heroes walking amongst them, by the King of Gyseria, the one who the survivors of Retal had claimed turned into the Dragon.543

As the sun fell completely beneath the horizon, the men of Gyseria made camp on a decent sized plateau that lay just beyond sight of the outer walls of Miranoste. The hours till battle moved slowly away as the sentries moved into position and the leaders assembled in a slightly larger tent at the center of the camp.544

What We Are Going to Do…545

"What does the Demon have left at his disposal?" Dom Usin's deep, rumbling voice moved strongly from behind his dark, grey streaked beard that covered his weathered voice, "You say the Renarse have been vanquished, and we all know that the Xha remain immobilized by The Holding, cast over Falinoste. What could remain?"546

The dozen men that sat in a rough circle in the dimly lit tent looked up in consideration and thought to listen as Rose got to her feet from her place left of her father.547

"The Demon Lords that once ruled Gyseria were said to have control over three manner of beast," Rose's voice was steady and confident, rising over the mutters that swelled up at the number of beasts she had spoken, "The first two, the Xha and Renarse, are of no consequence to us now. However, the third and most unknown of the three hordes still remain. We can surmise that..."548

"The Gaeren are but a myth my lady," one of the higher ranking officers of the Myrmidons said, speaking brusquely from his place on the other side of Dom Usin, "No one has ever seen one, and the teachings passed down to us do not mention their existence." 549

Rose waited patiently for the man to finish before she began again, "The Gaeren do exist. While searching through the library, I came across an ancient text that had been misplaced. It was very old and the language was that of our ancestors, but I was able to decipher it almost completely. While the Xha where the minions of the Demon Zhagul and the Renarse those of Qooresh, the Gaeren were the minions of the least known of the three Demon Lords, Jai'zhaulk."550

The men in the room listened intently as Rose continued, "Little is known of Jai'zhaulk save that he did not participate in the final battle that resulted in the banishment of the Demon Lords and their armies. Some scholars have even gone as far as to suggest that he was already residing within the dark realm before the banishment occurred. Why such a thing was done has never been truly understood until I came across these ancient writings. It says that the Demon Lord Jai'zhaulk was far older than his two brethren and that he had his corporeal body sealed away in what is roughly translated as 'The Land of Eternal Night.' Though the piece is largely a history of the Demon Lords first encounter with our ancestors, there is a small mentioning of a third kind of beast ruled by Jai'zhaulk. The words were few but they give us a clear view of what may lay in store for us on in Miranoste. It said, ‘The storm comes over this land. Demon lord three as they may. Xha and Renarse like thundering cloud and lighting bright, yet the Gaeren are what make the storm. Beware their first appearance. The thundering Xha the Gaeren are not, though bretheren they seem to be. Beware the true creatures of darkness, hidden is the menace within the menace.’”551

The silence that followed was nearly tangible in its all-encompassing hold on those who resided within the tent. Shadows flickered eerily on the sides of the tent as Rose took her place quietly. She smiled slightly as her father squeezed her hand, nodding his approval.552

Eli cast a quick glance at Anjou, his friend’s dark skin almost glowing a reddish gold in the light of the few candles that sat at the center of the circle of men. Anjou stared silently at the candles, as if entranced by the dancing flames that played warmly upon the wicks. Eli let his gaze slide slowly over those around him. Jak and Taen sat deep in thought to his left, while Roewen and Cael held their places to his right. Officers of the Myrmidons finished put the haphazard circle finishing with Dom and Rose Usin. Eli let his eyes hold on Rose, catching her hers with his. For a brief moment, Eli felt as if he was going to drown in her familiar gaze. Giving Rose a conspiratorial wink he got to his feet and addressed those around him.553

"We attack with the dawn. We must assume that these Gaeren now guard Miranoste. The plan, as we have said, is to escort the Lady Usin to the South Wall and she will provide means for us to scale the wall. Once inside, all must find and engage all foes that may be around. I will lead a small group to the Keep and search for the Demon Lord myself. Anjou, Taen and Jak will accompany me. If you should find yourselves cut off or without foe, move on the keep and defend it. Zhagul must not be allowed to escape. Make sure the men sleep well tonight. For tomorrow we take back what is ours."554

Eli's last words left the air in the tent quickly as those who sat stood and loudly voiced their assent. Eli spoke briefly with each one of them as they mingled together for a short time. Giving each the instructions he was to be given. The plan connived by Rose's father, Taen, Anjou and Eli was risky, but to risk little was to risk more than Eli was willing to lose. As the men filtered quickly out of tent, Rose approached Eli, her hands absently smoothing out her plain white riding dress. The tent was empty by the time she spoke to him. 555

"You know what killing Zhagul may mean..." her words were soft, vulnerable.556

Eli nodded and reached out his hands, taking hers in his. He held to silence a moment, just long enough to take a good look into his love's eyes.557

"I know," he said, amazed at the steadiness of his voice, "I remember the bond that I shared with your brother of blood and mine of heart."558

Tears slid slowly down Rose's face as he spoke. When he finished she let go of his hands and wrapped her slender arms around him, burying her head on his chest. Eli sighed and held her as their time grew short. Tomorrow was the day that many would die. Eli just hoped that they died for a reason.559

Come, Let Us Hold Palaver560

Anjou stood silently while Eli and Rose spoke, his body hidden within the depths of the shadows of surrounding tents. He made no attempt to listen in on the conversation, for it was none of his business, and he respected that. So when Anjou stepped from his residing place, and as Eli spoke a word of protest, Anjou merely shook his head. 561

"The words you two shared were yours and yours alone. Hold them dear, hold them true...they may be the last you hear. I listened not to a word of your heart, for it was your privacy, not mine." Anjou looked deep into Eli's eyes as he spoke, and thus, Eli knew it was true. 562

"Thank you, for respecting that, my friend." Eli nodded his appreciation, eyes softening slightly with Anjou's words. Anjou shook his head, no happiness hidden in the depths of his gaze. 563

"Now is not the time to be kind, but to be blunt. Eli Paril, you and I must talk." Eli nodded, and walked with Anjou as the two men took seats about the raging fire, flames licking high into the dark sky. For a long while, Anjou sat silent, but then, he began, his voice low and powerful, meaning placed on each word. "Eli. The battle at hand will be the end. In one way, or in another, the end is something that shall come to pass. You and I can do nothing but hope that it will come for the better." 564

Eli nodded, as if he was to understand, and began to speak, but Anjou silenced him. "No Eli. Now is the time to listen." Eli nodded, true understanding seeping into his mind. 565

"Eli, my life is long, and near its end now. I can feel it in every breath of nature, in every drop of rain, and in the very coldness of the shadow. I can feel myself being drawn more and more into nature, and that can mean only one thing. Soon, it will be my time to pass on, to leave this world. I have reasons to believe that it shall come to pass in this impending battle. Now, you need not worry my dear friend, for when my body lives this realm, my spirit will finally be free to meet with my sister, my parents. It will be a most joyous day, and is one that I truly look forward to. However, I also know that I shall miss many things in this world. I will no longer be able to feel the cool grass beneath my feet, the warm sun on my back..." Anjou looked down as he closed his fist around the antler-hilt of his blade, "The feel of a sword." Anjou looked up at Eli, his eyes glimmering in the firelight. A tear welled up in his eyes, and once more Eli began, as if to comfort Anjou. Anjou shook his head, frustration filling his eyes. 566

"No Eli! You must listen. The time for you to talk will be soon!" Anjou shook his head as he looked down between his legs, then back into Eli's eyes. "I am sorry; I meant not to be harsh. It is only that, I have much to say, and little time to do so." Anjou sighed, and then continued. "Eli, I will pass soon, and that has more meaning than the death of many has. At my death, there must be one to replace me. There must be one that will walk the line of the Watcher, and that will vow to travel the earth until he has found death once more. Eli, none other has ever struck me the way you have. There is an air about you, a power that is an impossible good."567

Anjou shook his head again, his voice trailing off inaudibly. When he spoke, it was not on the same topic. "She's beautiful Eli..." Anjou's eyes trailed after Rose, his mind watching her go. "She really is. She reminds me of my sister." Anjou smiled gently, and looked once more to the ground. When he looked back at Eli, his eyes were urgent, foreboding. "Eli, if you do it, you'll leave her behind. You will watch her die, and you will watch her ashes fly into the wind. Everyone and everything you knew will change. Worlds will come, and worlds will pass. You will forever long for love, and yet, it will be outside your grasp. But know, that this comes to pass if I die, and then alone." Anjou finally stopped, reaching forward to place a heavy hand on Eli's shoulder. "Eli...when I die, I want -you- to take my place as Watcher of the World."568

To Die, or Accept Death569

Eli sat silently on the edge of a dark cliff that overlooked the camp. A few shadowy figures moved about here and there, but, for the most part, the camp was locked in slumber, preparing for the coming assault of Miranoste. < > Eli’s thoughts sounded angrily in his head. < > Eli shifted slightly to move himself back into the shadows that swept over the ledge. He wanted to be alone. Slipping past the sentries had been easily done. They were not incompetent, only, they had not lived the life Eli had lived, been forced to live. Raising his head, Eli looked to the stars, out in force above the High Mountains. 570

"Eli?" a voice called from below the rocky ledge, "Eli...Are you there?"571

Eli sat in silence as feet crunched almost noiselessly on the snow under the cliff. Hands grasped the rocky lip of the ledge and hauled a white cloaked form onto its feet. The cloak came down to reveal Jak Amihs.572

"Eli, are you there?" Jak stepped forward and peered into the darkness.573

"Yes Jak, I am here..." Eli said rising from his spot where he had been sitting, "...what do you want?"574

"I just," Jak paused as he walked over to Eli and put a hand on the taller man's shoulder, "I just wanted to know if you are alright. What did your friend, the Watcher, say to you? I haven't seen you since I saw you two talking while I was trying to find Rose."575

No jealousy came charging to Eli's mind. Such a concept had never occurred between him and Jak. Eli sighed, only Ahrec had been a closer friend. Tomorrow he would have to kill him. Eli shook his head and looked at Jak; he had let his thoughts get away from him.576

"Anjou asked me if..." Eli paused, unsure of whether or not to tell his brother the truth.577

"Asked you what?" Jak asked, the look in his eyes pleading for an answer.578

"He asked me if I would take his place as Watcher, if I would take up his burden, carry his immortality."579

Jak said nothing for what seemed like the longest time. He looked down towards the snow covered tents that adorned the side of the mountain.580

"What about Rose?" he finally asked, "What will become of her of you are to live forever?"581

Eli wanted to kill everything, even Jak. Death and rage filled his veins like a fire.582

"I don't know," Eli said, taking Jak's hand from his shoulder and grasping it fiercely with his own, "I do not want this. I want to end all of this war and pain. I want nothing more than to become old and senile with the one that I love..."583

They both laughed somewhat bitterly as they stood there under the falling snow.584

"Does she know?" Jak's question was easy.585

"No."586

"That is good," Jak said solemnly, "We both know she would toss Anjou off of one of these cliffs and slap you back into forgetfulness if she found out."587

The laughter that sounded dimly in the white blanket that fell upon the earth was now truly from the heart.588

"I don't want to leave her Jak," Eli said, tears welling up in his eyes, "But someone must take his place, someone must take the weight from his shoulders so that he may find peace."589

Jak smiled slightly and squeezed Eli's hand before letting go. They both turned towards the edge of the cliff and began to climb back down towards the camp. No words were said as the two moved steadily back over the rock face that overlooked the camp. Reaching the bottom, they made their way back to the tents, calmly walking by the sentries, all of them awake and alert. Eli nodded to Jak and began to head towards his tent in the middle of the camp.590

"Eli!" A voice, clear and musical through the falling snow, called out.591

Eli heard Rose's voice and looked at Jak. Jak nodded to his friend and kept his eyes locked with Eli's. Tears streamed unchecked down Jak's face. Jak looked away as Rose came around one of the tents behind Eli.592

"I think I'll go relieve one of the sentries, they deserve rest," Jak said, careful to steady his voice as he headed tpwards the edge of the camp, "Make your choice my brother."593

Eli smiled grimly at Jak's departing figure and turned to face Rose. She walked up to him and was about to hug him when she saw the blank look on his face, the hurt in his eyes.594

"Eli," she whispered as she stepped up to him, her head tilted to look into his tortured eyes, “What is wrong?"595

For what was an eternity Eli looked into Rose's eyes, drinking in their love, their concern, their beauty. The rage still screamed of furious death just beneath the surface. Why did Anjou think him worthy of this?596

"Nothing Rose," Eli lied softly, smiling, "I am just tired."597

Rose frowned, "You lie like my father, badly and bluntly. Now, what has happened?"598

Eli found himself considering the question as a command before he realized it. Sometimes he wondered if it was possible within this realm to love too much. As Rose stood there in the lightly falling snow, the light of the moon and stars casting fleeting shadows across her face, he decided that it was not possible, his love was boundless. That is why this hurts so much. Rose must have caught a glance of this thought, for she grabbed Eli around the waist and would not let him go.599

"Was it something Jak said?" she asked, her eyes glancing briefly in the direction he had gone, “Or Anjou? Was it..."600

Her voice stopped as Eli looked away. She let her arms fall slack for a moment as she moved her head so she could look into his eyes.601

"I know you talked with him outside your tent when I left, Eli," Her voice was quiet, though he would rather she had yelled, "What did you speak of?"602

Eli bit down on his lip to keep himself from saying anything, from crying out to curse his friend, the Watcher. Blood trickled lightly down his chin as his teeth sank in.603

Rose put her hand to his lips and hugged him to her.604

"Eli stop." She wiped the blood onto her sleeve, "What was it?"605

Eli looked into her eyes and died. He told her all that Anjou had asked. He told her everything that he and Anjou had spoken of. He told her of the Gate's of Morr. Eli's words could last no longer as he collapsed to the ground, the tears held back now flooding out, wet drops of soul wrenching grief. Rose listened to him when he spoke and held him as he wept. Her own tears stained her cheeks. She gripped him as a man about to fall holds on to even the smallest blade of grass. She would not lose him again... 606

Anjou sat in silence as he watched Eli and Rose from his spot above the ledge where Jak had found Eli. What must be done would be done. Tears long forgotten were remembered as the love of Eli and Rose lay grieving out amongst the tents. Anjou sighed. Tomorrow was the day. Tomorrow was the end...607

Miranoste608

The sun had nearly cleared the horizon as the sky sang out a beautiful blue, not a cloud in sight. The wind swept the soft white powder up and down the slopes like the waves of the sea. The great city of Miranoste stood ever vigilant in its place amongst the tallest peaks of the High Mountains. The sounds of armored men and horses could be heard throughout the crisp mountain air. Today was a day of battle, of death.609

Eli rode at the head of the Myrmidons, Rose at his side. Anjou walked on foot next to Rose, his head aimed Miranoste, his eyes holding a haunted tired look. Eli allowed himself a small, weary smile, I look no better. He had not talked to Anjou since that time outside his tent. He had spent the entire night with Rose. They had made it to his tent after a while and proceeded to talk until they fell asleep in each others arms. Eli glanced at Anjou. I want to hate him. What right has he to ask this of me! Eli felt a hand on his arm and looked back. Rose had a hold of his arm and was giving him a frightened look. Eli put his hand on hers and smiled as genuinely as he could. He had to focus. Miranoste lay not more than another hundred yards up the slopes. Where were these Gaeren? The Myrmidons halted as one when Eli raised his hand. Five thousand men gazed anxiously at the great walls of Miranoste. There was no chance that Miranoste would be left unguarded. It was here that the Demon Lord had broken through into this world and taken his friend, his father, his life.610

Zhagul looked down at the motionless Gyserians. He had always loved a good battle. Death was like a rare candy, sweet and wondrous. From his place on the southern wall he could see all of the Myrmidons, especially the one at the head, Eli Paril. His blood would drench the Holding of Falinoste release the hordes of Xha that lay trapped within. Zhagul smiled as he turned to look at the being standing behind him.611

"Go, kill them all...except for the young king. Eli Paril must be kept somewhat alive," Zhagul's voice was full of excitement, eagerness," and if you kill him...well, just save as much of the blood as you can."612

The dark form standing in front of him bowed slightly, and spoke in a voice that seemed to ride the wind as a razor sharp whisper, cutting Zhagul's human ears like a knife," as it is master, death comes...death comes..."613

The creature, completely covered in a cloak and rages shuffled almost lamely towards the edge of the south wall. Before it could make its way over the wall it melted into the air and disappeared, leaving a dark, sulphuric smell, that grabbed Zhagul's human nose like a vise.614

"Gyseria will be mine," Zhagul muttered to himself absently, looking down at the unsuspecting Gyserians, "Mine..."615

The voice of Ahrec Usin whispered quietly as the cloaked Gaeren shuffled up the stairs that led to the southern wall, disappearing in the odd way that the first one had, "I am sorry Eli, Rose. I am sorry. Hope is lost..."616

It Begins617

Miranoste stood over the Gyserian force like a part of the mountain themselves. Eli looked back at Rose's father and was about to ask of what they should do when he saw Anjou move out of the corner of his eye. Whipping his head around, Eli watched as Anjou pulled his long knives from the carcass of a black cloaked figure. It was slightly smaller than the Xha, looking much like the wolfish beasts. Only the creature’s limbs were wrapped heavily in black rags, not even their hands, if that was what they had. Eli looked up to see more of the creatures appear between the Myrmidons and Miranoste.618

"The Gaeren!" Eli heard Rose gasp from his side, "The Gaeren fight for the Demon Lord!"619

Eli drew his sword and nodded to Anjou before turning to face his countrymen.620

"You know what to do! For your mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers! For Gyseria!"621

As Eli words rang out the five thousand Gyserians raised their swords and shouted, the mighty chorus shaking the very ground on which they stood. Eli turned back and started to ride towards Miranoste and the Gaeren that were still appearing in large numbers. There had to be more than a thousand of them, Eli thought as he gritted his teeth. He would do what needed to be done.622

The Mymidons moved forward as one at a frantic pace, their swords raised. The shadowy Gearen, stood numbering well into the thousands. Like a black cloud they stood between the invaders and the city, waiting...623

Eli watched as an officer on a dark stallion moved ahead of him. They charged up the hill shouting wordlessly, battle cries screaming for vengeance piercing the din. The officer reached the first Gaeren and swung violently downwards, sword reaching for the head. Eli watched in horror as the cloaked figure straightened from its hunched, lame posture. The cloak flew off and revealed a much larger, black cloth covered figure. The officer's horse reared back, throwing its rider to the ground. Eli pushed his mount harder as the Gaeren tore the black cloth from its limbs. Greenish black skin shown dimly in the bright sunlight. Massive grey scars covered the limbs of the creature. Large four fingered hands held vicious, black claws as long as a man's forearm. The beast's face was by far the worst part of it. The nose looked much like a human’s only that this had been cut off. Eyes that glowed like a full moon gleamed a bright yellow. Like the Renarse, no lips covered the Gaeren's teeth, leaving the intensely sharp spikes to form a wicked smile. No hair adorned the beast. Clothed only in what remained of the black cloth, the Gaeren was a formidably tall mountain of malevolent muscle. The officer did not stand a chance. The Gaeren moved with a swiftness belied by its size, slightly larger than the Xha, and threw the horse over its shoulder. The officer attempted a weak thrust and was torn to pieces by the Gaeren. Eli jumped off his horse and ran the last few paces up to the massive Gaeren. A chorus of ear piercing shrieks arose from the mass of Gaeren. Black cloaks fell to the ground as creatures almost identical to the first tore black cloth from themselves and rushed forward to meet the oncoming Gyserains. The two forces clashed together tremendously, only a few of the mounts keeping their calm and not throwing their riders to flee the field of battle. Eli feinted and ducked under a quick lunge by the Gaeren. Rolling backwards Eli felt massive claws tear at the ground where had had lain. He quickly got to one knee and swept his sword upwards, closing his eyes as his sword cut the beast's head from its shoulders. Black blood spewed out from the neck of the corpse, coating those battling around it. Eli pushed forward as Anjou and Jak came charging through the fighting to join him.624

"We must push them back into the city!" Eli yelled over the ruckus, “Do not slow down, they are not invincible!"625

Eli charged forward, leading his brethren as they made a valiant push towards the South Wall of Miranoste...626

The Beginning of the End…627

Anjou ducked, the massive claw sweeping over his head, managing to tear a few strands of the long, black hair from his scalp as it fluttered downwards. The Gaeran laughed...or rather, it seemed to. Then again, the creatures always seemed to wear some sort of vicious smile. Anjou thrust the blade upward, catching the malevolent beast in the bottom of its chin. Hot blood poured over Anjou's hand, and he ripped the blade from the corpse as he turned, just in time to see yet another claw bash him in the side of the head.628

The world reeled and spun as Anjou was knocked on his back, his body limping as he hit the soft earth. And it didn't stop there, not with these beasts. The creature was upon Anjou in a flash, tearing at his skin with horrendous claws and teeth. Anjou screamed in pain, his eyes squinting shut in torment. It was all that he could do to keep the beast from destroying him there, on that spot. However, something stirred within the Watcher, something that had surfaced only once before in Anjou's life. Anger welled up from deep within him, rage and pain mixing to create a slue of utter hatred. Anjou's eyes snapped open; his lips peeling back to let out a violent scream. White light poured from within the depths of his gaze, and immediately his muscles tensed, arms raising the blades to destroy the beast upon him within the second. 629

Anjou stood, his body walking with a solemn grace, though the murderous gaze never strayed far from him. As the beasts of chaos leapt upon him, they were decimated, their bodies torn to shreds as the coth was torn away. He was like a machine, a never-ending cycle of destruction that waded through the infinite masses of the enemy. Soon, the beasts -stopped- leaping upon him, and Anjou had to attack them, instead. Screams of pain and horror were torn from the chaotic daemons as Anjou descended into their ranks, tearing and slashing them into nothing.630

And yet, it wasn't only his body that seemed to change, it was Anjou himself that had gone through a complete revelation, all within a moments notice. As he had lay on the ground, his body being ruined by the foul abominations he had set himself against, his eyes had no longer been able to see of the earth. Instead, Anjou had gazed upon his brothers, each and every one of the other Watchers. He could hear them, could understand their thoughts and their reasoning. In this brief window of time, Anjou had delved into an impossible expanse of knowledge, pooling it all into himself. When his eyes had opened, not in the world, but into himself, he saw into his very being, into the deepest depths of his existence. And what he saw astounded him....631

The Child in the Cage632

Anjou looked deep through the turmoil that plagued his soul, that plagued his mind and his heart. He looked past the memories and the emotions, past the good times and the bad. Anjou looked down into the very core of his essence, and was shocked at the revelry that was set before him.633

A child sat in a cage, cold and shivering, his knees tucked to his chest as tears poured from the corners of his eyes. He was alone...at least, that was how it looked. In truth, Anjou knew that the boy was far from such. He was plagued by the insidious thoughts and memories of years foregone. Anjou could see each and every event as it was laid before the boy that sat within the cage, the boy within the man. He saw the darkness that surrounded the desperate child, the pitch black that threatened to consume each and every being. 634

And then, then he saw the smallest of glimmers of light, a tiny thread that seemed to pull down from the center of the cage. The child reached to it, noticing it only now for the first time ever. He grasped it tightly, hanging on for dear life. And as he pulled, the light grew and spread, illuminating that child's features as well as the eradicating the horrors and terrors of his mind. A voice spoke through the light, urging it forward.635

"Understand Anjou, know your potential." This too was joined by another, voice, one with the same tone, and yet, with a surge of energy.636

"Know yourself, and the power will come." A key fell through the light, but fell outside of the cages edge. The child reached for it, but he was too small to grasp it. 637

"Unlock the door our brother, set the child, the power, free." Anjou stepped toward the key, bending at the knees to reach down and grasp the bronze surface, holding it up in the light, the light which had now flooded the cage.638

"Release him, and save the One. Save him, or all is lost..." Anjou looked into the center of the brightness, and placed the key within the lock. A small smile spread over the child's features, for he was soon to be released from his hell.639

"Now you know, now you understand; now you have the power." Anjou turned the key, a small click resounding as the light exploded from within, blinding everything and turning it white....640

Another one fell to the ground, the cloak no longer holding a carcass. Anjou strutted across the battlefield, each swipe of his blade felling another beast. Soon, they had learned what lesson was necessary, and had stopped coming near. This was not a problem for Anjou, he simply sheathed the two blades and drew his bow, that of black ebony. With each arrow that was knocked and shot, another creature fell, or, at least, slowed long enough for Anjou to fire another. Anjou was here, Anjou was ready, and Anjou would kill.641

Lost642

Eli bowled a passing Gaeren over as he dodged a vicious slash from behind. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Anjou fall, a Gaeren leaping on top of him. Eli slashed wildly, nearly cutting the surprised Gaeren in half as his sword bit deeply down into the beast's thick shoulder. Jak threw himself at Eli, taking them both to the ground as a Gaeren landed heavily where Eli had stood.643

"Where is Rose?" Jak yelled as he leapt to his feet.644

Eli stood as well shrugging his shoulders and raising his sword at the Gaeren that had turned to look at them. Jak rushed forward and blocked the Gaeren's claws with the wide hilt of his sword. Eli seized the moment and beheaded the monstrosity. Both of the men rolled out of the way as the beast fell, spewing black blood. They had learned quickly that the blood burned to the touch. The snow on the ground had already turned to steam. Jak nodded to Eli and pointed across the field of battle. Eli's heart stopped as he saw Rose and her father surrounded by scores of Gaeren. Myrmidons held the beasts at bay, but their numbers dwindled as the ferocity of the Gaeren's vicious attacks claimed life after life. Dom Usin dealt a fatal blow to a Gaeren that had managed to sneak through the circle, his broad bladed sword taking the beast's head and shoulder. Eli took off at a dead sprint towards Rose, ignoring Jak's cries of protest. He saw Jak behind him as he glanced back. He did not care what happened any more, all he wanted was to save Rose and leave. They could not win against these Gaeren. Zhagul had one. Eli absently noticed the countless bodies of the Myrmidons littering the ground. Many Gaeren lay amongst them but the number of dead weighed heavily against the Gyserians. Eli cried out as the circle collapsed in on Dom and Rose Usin. Cutting his way through several Gaeren like a wraith Eli felt hot tears make their way down his blood stained cheeks as he saw Roewen and Cael fall defending Rose. A Gaeren appeared behind Rose as she blasted several of the beasts from in front of her father. Eli tensed as he closed in on his love, his meaning for life. He was too far away to do anything. The Gaeren behind Rose raised it hands to bring its bloody claws down on her head. 645

"ROSE!!!" Eli screamed as he flung his sword with all of his might.646

The blade flew through the air and impaled the Gaeren through the neck. Rose turned and used a wave of her mist to fling the demon out over the fray. Eli turned to ask Jak for a blade when Jak fell in front of him. Like a boulder falling on top of him Eli went to the ground in a tangle of arms and legs. As Eli looked up he saw Jak on top of him, blood dripping from his mouth down his chin. As Jak opened his mouth to speak, Eli noticed a horrific claw protruding from Jak's chest. The claw pulled back, lifting the one who had been Eli's brother from years past off of the ground. A Gaeren stood over Eli, Jak's body dangling from his arm. Eli got to one knee and grabbed Jak's sword, which lay on the ground where he had dropped it. Eli vision blurred red as he heard Rose screaming. The sounds of death filled the air as Eli stood. Gyseria was dead, but this was not over.647

Rage648

The last, climatic battle between the Gyserian Myrmidons and the forces of the Demon Lords of the old lands came to a feverous pitch. The Myrmidons fought bravely, their numerous years of warfare aiding them against the physically superior Gaeren. Many Gyserians fell to the ferocious might of the Gaeren. However, a power had come upon the humans that fought for their king, their country. In the beginning, the Gaeren had more than given their share of death. Now, as the battle continued, the Gyserians fought like caged bears, separated from their young and trapped against a wall. For every Myrmidon that fell, several Gaeren lay broken by Gyserian steel. In the center of the fray, near the main gate of Miranoste's South Wall, a figure stood, arms outstrectched towards the sky. The Gaeren moved with quickness to shame a viper around the still figure, yet, they did not attack. A small pocket of Myrmidons was collapsing not more than ten feet from the figure, the number of dead Gaeren littering the ground around them. A gray haired Gyserian warrior and his daughter fought valiantly along with the men that stood around them on foot. The Gaeren closed the circle, overcoming the Myrmidons by sheer weight of numbers. Out away from the South Wall the main body of the Myrmidons forces pushed hard, trying to reach their comrades that had blown through the first line of Gaeren. All seemed lost.649

As the circle around the mounted father and daughter folded a black streak knocked a leaping Gaeren from the air. Anjou, Watcher of the World leapt over the piled up carcasses of Gaeren and Gyserian alike and drew his long knives. He moved through the fray with a sickening ease, his calm almost as fearsome as the way he cut down the opposing monstrosities. As he reached Dom and Rose Usin, their circle of men now cut down to eight, several Gaeren rushed from behind and grabbed the muscular old man from his horse. Rose turned and screamed as she tried to throw all of her mysterious might at those assaulting her father. The Gaeren held their places against the furious blasts of mist that flowed from Rose's open palms. Rose's cries were cut short as a Gaeren dove from the side and tackled her bodily off of the horse. Anjou took one bounding leap, clearing Rose's horse and, sheathing one of his knives, grabbed the Gaeren holding Rose down by the back of the neck and throwing him into the surrounding crowd of battling foes. Rose scrambled unsteadily over to her father, throwing more waves of her mist at the Gaeren standing over the commander of the Myrmidons. The beasts were knocked to the ground. As the mist faded Anjou quickly slew the demons before they could rise. Rose knelt next to her father and cradled his head in her arms. Blood not of the Gaeren covered the gray haired man's chest. Dom Usin struggled slightly in his daughter’s arms before breathing his last breath. Anjou moved with a speed of the unreal as he defended the screaming Rose. The shouts of the coming Myrmidons could be heard over the clashing of swords and claws. Anjou ducked a clumsily slow attack and cut his foe in twain. As he cut down two more Gaeren he spun to look as a mass of bodies flew out over the field of battle. A chorus of screaming whispers tore at Anjou's ears, like daggers digging into his brain. The Gaeren had all turned to look towards the South Wall. Myrmidons staggered slightly before cutting down several of the Gaeren. They made no move to defend themselves. The Myrmidons halted as well to look at the figure of a man standing with his arms stretched out towards the heavens. It took Anjou a second before he recognized Eli. He was covered in blood, black Gaeren and red human alike. The snow around Eli melted and turned to steam in a flash. The chorus of painful, whispering screams faded into the wind as Eli erupted into a blinding pillar of white hot fire, engulfing many Gaeren encircling the ground around him. The tower of fire shot up into the sky as Anjou felt a blast of intensely hot air wash over him. The snow quickly began to melt under his feet as the pillar of fire rage on. What was Eli doing? Anjou gritted his teeth. Whatever happened, he was in this to the end, the very end.650

Demon’s Mind651

Zhagul frowned as he watched the battle below. The Gaeren were holding up to how he remembered them. He smiled as he watched the Gyserian fools plow headlong into the mass of Gaeren. Somewhere down there that boy fought, maybe even died. Zhagul sighed, knowing that brat; he was probably doing rather well. They battled raged fiercely onward as Zhagul lounged lazily on the South Wall. He delighted in watching small pockets of Myrmidons who had pushed too far forward get overrun and torn to pieces. The sweet smell of death was thick in his human nostrils. It had been long since he had smelled this much death. This was as Falinoste should have been. Now a Holding stood in his way. Zhagul leaned forward, his hands grasping the edge of the battlements. Gyseria should be his! His thoughts were disrupted by the sound of crumbling stone. Zhagul looked down to find that his hands had dug into the stone wall itself. Shaking his head and stepping back Zhagul smiled indulgently, if things went as they were, Gyserai would be his before nightfall. Eli Paril would die, and that wretched Watcher as well. A scream emanated out over the din of battle. Zhagul, with the enthusiasm of a child, leaned out over the wall to see what was happening. To his delight he saw the Gaeren surrounding his human body's sister. Zhagul chuckled darkly as he felt the mind of Ahrec Usin scream in a voiceless howl inside his head.652

< > Zhagul paid the thoughts much mind, taking delight in their tortured edge, < >653

The consciousness that was Ahrec Usin faded as quickly as it had risen from the depths of its prison. Zhagul shouted grisly encouragement on how to dismember the dark skinned man that flowed around the grieving girl and the body if her father. Anjou, that Watcher was untouchable. Zhagul's joy and mirth faded quickly as Anjou cut the Gaeren to pieces. More Gaeren began to flow by Zhagul and melt into the air, moving downward towards the field of battle. The Watcher would not survive. Zhagul looked out further as more Gaeren crowded around the Watcher. A large mass of Myrmidons, the main force that had not penetrated as deeply into the lines of the Gaeren, were moving steadily towards the Watcher. They meant to save him, Zhagul thought, his dark laughter filling the air once more. He turned and looked behind him. Gaeren, still cloaked and moving in their own eerie, floating manner, moved steadily down the streets of Miranoste and up the southern battlements. The streets were black with thousands and thousands of Gaeren. The Gyserians were outnumbered by those Gaeren already fighting. Zhagul smiled as he wondered what the foolish humans would think when they saw this cascade of demonic power come falling over the South Wall. The smell of death would only get stronger. Zhagul was knocked to his knees as something hit him from behind. Grabbing whatever was on top of him, Zhagul turned it to ash in mere seconds. It had been a Gaeren, torn and broken in a way no human could accomplish. Leaping to his human feet, Zhagul looked out over the battlefield and stumbled backwards as a pillar of eye blinding white erupted from the ground close to the south wall. Zhagul snarled wordlessly as he cursed Eli Paril in his twisted mind. What was that boy doing?654

I Accept…655

Eli fought for control of himself as the world erupted into flames. He could no longer see and yet, he could see everything. Dom Usin laid dead, Rose cradling her father in her arms. Jak Amihs lay close by as well, a gaping hole in his chest. Roewen and Cael lay next to Rose, their last breaths given for one who was to be their queen. Eli did not see yet saw the main body of the Myrmidons come charging through the fray, only to not see yet see more Gaeren than he could count come literally pouring over the South Wall of Miranoste. The horde of Gaeren smashed into the force of Myrmidons like a boulder into a pond. They had fought valiantly. They died as bravely. Eli felt tears erupt into steam from his cheeks. The Myrmidons did not retreat as the Gaeren charge cut them to ribbons. In mere seconds the new Gaeren forces had broken the Gyserian push. The Gaeren that had already been on the field of battle did not move. They had seen the pillar of fire appear and remained motionless as did the few Myrmidons left alive, fighting now only for survival. Eli saw Anjou staring up at him. Even from where he was, Eli could see Anjou's eyes, see Anjou's mind. There would be no victory here today. The world slowed down as the flames that surrounded Eli's mind melted away as quickly as they had come. Eli felt himself falling. It was several seconds before he hit the ground. The darkness of death moved all around him as he watched the Gaeren tear through the Myrmidons. Eli looked around him, so many dead. He looked up from his place on his knees and saw Anjou standing in front of him. The sounds of battle drifted away into an eerie silence as Anjou got to one knee, sheathing his blades. Blood dripped off of the Watcher, some his own, most not. Eli looked past Anjou, watching numbly as a Gaeren picked Rose off of the ground and pulled back a clawed hand to rend flesh from bone. Eli looked into Anjou' deep, knowing eyes. Anjou placed a hand on Eli's shoulder and put his forehead to Eli's. Tears streamed down the Watcher's face. Eli said nothing as hot streams flowed down his cheeks as well. Silence reigned supreme as Eli whispered two words to the one who had become a brother to him...656

Zhagul watched triumphantly as the pillar of fire disappeared. Eli Paril fell to earth. Zhagul roared in victorious ecstasy, his hellishly dark voice blowing through the ever present clashing of blade and claw and screams of the dying. The boy lay on the ground, the battle surging around him. The Gaeren, mindful of Zhagul's words did not make mincemeat of him as they did the other fallen Gyserian warriors. Zhagul smiled, it was over. As he turned to head back to Keep until the remaining Myrmidons were cleaned up he saw the boy move out of the corner of his eye. A feeling long forgotten to Zhagul's twisted, demonic soul leapt up into his thoughts, fear. The Watcher moved like water over rocks as he tore through the Gaeren surrounding the boy and knelt beside Eli Paril, who was now on both knees, staring dumbly at the battle raging around him. Zhagul felt something shift. It was as if the sun had become brighter, the air sharper, everything stronger. What was this? Zhagul's eyes widened as Eli looked at the Watcher his mouth opening to speak. Zhagul howled in furious rage, his fists smashing huge chunks out of the wall as Eli's lips began to move, his words for the Watcher breaking quietly into the air.657

Anjou nodded as Eli put his hand on the Watcher's shoulder...658

"I accept."659

The upper most peaks of the High Mountains ceased to be as an explosion of fire and rock engulfed the mountain chain for miles in every direction. Deep in the forests that separated Queen Beth's realm from the High Mountains, birds went silent as the gorund shook. Old, rotting trees fell from their places as the rumbling broke their trunks. The creatures of the forest stood still and looked to the north, their eyes confused and afraid. In towns all across Queen Beth's realm a distant roar could be heard. Stories were told how a great pillar of black smoked had arisen up and down the High Mountains to the north. Legends of the lands beyond the High Mountains were told by old men to young children. The world shook as the end came and went...660

Prologue, Not Epilogue661

For every end there is a beginning. For every death there is a birth. For every star that disappears from the night sky, a new shining beacon appears in the dark.662

Darkness was all. Voices could be heard as the darkness covered everything. They were quiet, grave.663

"You were right."664

"He is the one."665

"Yes brothers, he has given us peace."666

"Yes, peace, at the sake of his own life."667

"You acted where we would not. You are truly the greatest of us all."668

"My thanks brothers, my thanks. Still, save that title, we have yet to see what will become of this one."669

The darkness brightened as a familiar voice pierced the dark miasma, a whisper louder than time itself.670

"Live son of Gyseria. Live Watcher of Nature. The Dragon has not yet gone..."671

As great clouds of smoke and steam floated slowly into the sky, the wind began to push it away from the battered ruins of the once majestic High Mountains. A crater dug deeply in the ground where once the highest peaks of the highest mountains had once lain. Snow fell softly on the small pile of rubble at the bottom the fire blackened hole. The burnt rock shifted slightly as a form, bloody and broken, arose. Unsteady legs shook as the figure moved clumsily up the side of the crater. Unclothed, the figure shook as the cold mountain winds greeted the forms reaching of the crater's edge. The darkness that had dominated fled as the sun began to peak over the rise. The blackened and scarred landscape took on a reddish hue as the sun shone in all of its crimson glory. The figure stood on the edge of the crater, staring at the dawn. Thought stayed its hand. No name came to mind as the being ran a hand through black shoulder length hair. Only one thought ran through the mind of this battered form. ‘My name is Eli, Watcher of the World...672

A Rebirth in the Family673

It was a sad day, that on which the battle had been won, and a day that would forever be remembered by the bards and the storytellers of old. Some would later refer to it as "Cero Maltep", others as the Day of Reckoning. To one, it was a day of sacrifice. 674

The Gods opened their eyes on this most sorrowful of occasions, but it was not with a joyous smile or a gentle grin. No, on this day, when they looked down upon the beaten and scorched earth in which they had harvested hopes and dreams, they cried, and as they did, so did the skies. Water fell from the heavens, each patter of droplets silently speaking the name of those who fell beneath the hordes of evil, commemorating them to memory. And yet, though the sheets of rain fell with a sorrowing grace, it was not to be a day of complete loss. The sun continued to shine, as if but one of the Mighty Ones was smiling, revealing its beauty to the world. And for this, a magnificent arc of color blasted through the air, separating the Death from Life, signifying the victory that had been won at such sacrifice. 675

As Anjou had knelt beside Eli, his heart overjoyed with the words that had left his brother's lips, he closed his mind to the world, removing himself from his body. His head pressed to Eli's own, and with a silent prayer, his energy, his life force, his strength, all flowed into the one being that was to take his place. The deed was finished, and the husk of the Watcher fell to the ground, silent and still once again.676

"He gave it all."677

"Now it is our turn."678

"He showed us our wrong."679

"He proved our cause."680

"He is necessary."681

"He is the balance."682

The six brethren stood around a single stone pedestal, upon which lied the body of the Watcher. The others stood in a circle, their arms across their chests, and minds deep in thought. They had called Anjou here after he had passed, they had been the ones to steal his body away, and moments before the explosion that shattered the earth's skin could destroy the body of the Great Warrior.683

"He found the key."684

"He unlocked the door."685

"He freed the child."686

"Now we must free him."687

"It is our duty."688

"For his honor."689

The brothers stood quietly, each knowing that which they must do. They had gathered for one reason and for one purpose. They had a new-found grace that had settled upon them when they found out about Anjou's sacrifice. For the first time in centuries, the Watchers understood something other than the imperfections of the human race. Now, they understood love, compassion, and faith. The first, the leader, spoke, his voice alone in the midst of his friends and allies.690

"Anjou, Watcher of the World, showed us what no other could. He showed us that we were wrong, that our ways and our mindsets were incorrect. He showed us what it was to believe in someone, even if it meant sacrificing everything for the cause. He had eternity, and gave it away for a single man. Though, in truth, he let nothing slip, for all was done with good cause. Eli Paril has taken his place, and therefore, he has become the new Watcher. But Anjou cannot be forgotten, he cannot be allowed to simply die. Anjou thought he was fighting with 'he-who-he-called' The One, and yet he did not understand the simple fact. Anjou -was- the One. Nothing that has passed could have without him. He was It. He was the Omega, the End. And now, his purpose has been fulfilled...partially. He did not finish the one thing that was most necessary. Anjou has not yet helped to guide Eli Paril, and that is his most important task. All others are dwarfed by this, and that is how it is. For this, Anjou must be allowed to do what is not done." 691

The Watcher stepped back, his eyes closing as he did so. The others nodded in unison, raising their right arm toward the corpse of the man as one body. Their lips opened, and each spoke his final phrase, his last words of wisdom.692

"For you, my brother."693

"Do well and never stop."694

"You are He, always know this."695

"Our time is over, yours has just begun."696

"Fate is in -your- hands now."697

"For Anjou, Watcher of the World."698

A flash of light exploded in the room, and when it faded, all was gone. No longer where there any bodies present, not even that of the dead man. Everything had vanished, completely disappeared. It was over...or rather, just beginning.699

Anjou, Watcher of the World700

The sunlight shone brightly in this side of the woods, the animals darting in and out of the trees in a calm, reserved fashion. Serenity and peace was draped about this land like a warm blanket on a cold night. Deer paused by a nearby brook to dip their heads, lapping at the pooling water against the rocks.701

A silent set of boots padded lightly along a small path, one that had been made only by countless years of travel. It was not the normal path through the wood, for it took one far out of the way, leading them deep into the sacred realm, rather than the easy way to the next town. However, this was the way these boots traveled on this day. This was the direction that the wearer traveled; it was something he had always done.702

Anjou looked up, a feeling of new vitality flowing through his blood, coursing into each and every acre of his body, sending him brimming with energy along his way. Anjou stopped to kneel, resting his right knee gently on the soft, mossy, forest floor as he paused for a breath. Nature was beautiful, just as it should be. Soon, another pair of feet came up behind Anjou, stopping where his now rested, though this sound was followed by a slightly heavier breathing. Then, a voice broke the silence, causing all the creatures to pause in their duties, though only for a moment. Now, even they had come to recognize the harmless sounds of their brother's voices, ones that no longer caused any fear in their hearts.703

"I win again, Eli of Gyseria." Anjou smiled, looking at the man that truly was now his brother. "Aye Anjou," he replied, "that you do."