Sword of the Elders~Chapter 3

Chapter 31

“This is a small town,” Dontey said, as they walked over a hill, over looking the town. “This town is a place of a different kind of warrior, they devote their very life to honor, loyalty, trust, and friendship. They are the great Realm Warriors” Crewe said walking down the hill. “How do you know all this?” Dontey wondered, as he rode on the back of Crewe. “Many years of studying, my good friend” Crewe laughed. “Teach wont you?” Dontey asked curiously. “Look at them, they are all over each other, it’s enough to make a man sick.” Jeremy jealously said to Haromin. “Would you quit winning” Gweon said guiding the horse. “Well he is right it is quit disgusting, you have to agree with that” Haromin said making a face. They continued down into the town, they passed people and got disgusted faces. “What’s wrong with them, they look like they got a smell of something bad” Dontey said turning to a man staring at him. “Haha, yes they do” Crewe agreed. “Let’s talk to the Elder of this town.” He finished. “Why?” Dontey asked. “So we can figure out what’s wrong with his people.” Crewe answered. “Well they don’t look like “GREAT REALM WARRIORS.” Or are they just in disguised?” Dontey joked peering around. “Just wait” Crewe smirked. “They are scary looking people, I’ll give them that.” Dontey examined a young child. They continued to the center of the town, where a giant castle type building stood, the building looked like a Japanese castle. “Wow, at least there is something worth looking at in this town” Dontey gazed up at the giant building as they entered it. 2

The giant castle was filled with statues of ancient warriors and god’s, at the center sat a man that was kneeling before one of the god statues. “What are you doing here?” The man said standing. “We are here wondering if you have seen any travelers come through here in the past few hours?” Thane asked curiously. “There is a person that came just an hour ago he is staying at the inn. Why do you ask?” The old man walked towards them. “We had some things stolen from us and we followed footsteps into the mountains and we are guessing this is where they are staying” Thane answered. “Thank you my lord, we must be going” He finished. Thane walked out of the room followed by every one but Dontey and Crewe. “Can you teach me?” Dontey asked bowing to the man. “Teach you what?” The man asked. “The ways that you fight, it’s intriguing.” Dontey answered. “It takes month to learn only the basics of one weapon. The sword takes five month’s but only three if you are learning the long sword, the spear six month’s, war axe takes only one and the bow only three month’s.” The man said pointing to each weapon as he named it. “I shall like to learn the bow” Dontey bowed. “And I shall like to learn long sword” Crewe bowed also. “It cost 200 pieces, for each of you” The man walked out of the building. “That is how much was stolen from us,” The two said as they followed him out of the building. “This takes long devotion, you must rise early in the morning and then train all day,” The man said as he walked to the training grounds.3

“How can we trust these people? They are on the dark side of the mountain,” Jeremy asked stopping Thane angered with Him. “Did you ever stop to think that maybe even if some one may live on the dark side, or the light side of the mountain, that they could be different?” Thane grabbed onto Jeremy’s shirt. “We must trust the people that have cared for Elves and men once before” Thane said letting him go. “You’re going to get us all killed, this is folly if we go any farther we will be in the dark part of this world” Jeremy argued. “Yes the farther we push in it becomes more dangerous, but that is why we have friends here with us, to help us with our troubles, if we didn’t have a friend here than we would all be dead. If we continue on and we get that sword, yes maybe some of us will die, maybe some wont, but it’s a chance that we must take. When we get the sword we will be able to kill Kamis and all the rest of the evil that taints this world with its very existence.” Thane said calming down. “Then it is time that we stop wasting time to stop at these places, we must continue our journey, as friends” Jeremy said putting his hand on Thanes shoulder. “Yes, as friends” Thane said. They joined the others that were at the inn waiting for them to arrive.4

“We found the guy he is sitting over there” Gweon paused turning. “He is a child?” Ace finished for Gweon. “What?” Thane whispered. “We tried to make him talk but he wouldn’t” Haromin grunted. “Did the Kimberly try to talk to him?” Jeremy asked. “No” They all said together. “GO talk to him” Thane said pointing at her. “ME? If you insist,” She moaned. “Hello, it’s a fine day out, don’t you agree?” She asked walking up to the little boy. “Yes it is” The boy answered curling up in a ball. “Were you on the light side of the mountains earlier today?” She asked kneeling before him. “Yes, and I did steal that gold, if that is what you were going to ask. I also stole the three horses” The little boy shivered. “That’s ok, why did you steal them? Kimberly asked. “I needed the money to get my sword training, and my dad needs the horses” The boy un-curled. “Well good luck to you” she finished. “What did you find out?” Ace asked. “He is the one that stole our money and horses, but only because he needed them” she said quickly. “Well we need them more” Haromin raised his voice. “No, we really only need the horse’s.” Thane said walking towards the boy. “You can keep the money but we need our horse’s” Thane said to the little child. “My dad is just east of here you will see a sign with a black bird on it” The little boy said. “Thank you” Thane turned and left the building. “The little boy said his fathers house was this way.” Thane said to the others who were following. “Here it is” Thane said entering the hut. “A black bird? That’s interesting.” Haromin said examining the statue. “Why is that?” Gweon asked. “A black bird usually represents evil, and it is also the sign of Kamis. It is interesting that at once these people fought for the light and now they have gone completely evil” Haromin finished. “Wait there must be a source of evil here then because Kamis cant control all these places at once” Gweon paused. “Let’s sneak into the castle and find out what is going on here,” He whispered in Haromin’s ear. “Yes, let us go now” Haromin said walking away from the home. “We are going to go to the stables and check on the horse’s” Jeremy said sneaking away.5

“I remember seeing a hole at the bottom of the wall” Haromin said walking along the stonewall. “Whoa ouch” Jeremy fell into the hole and hit his head on a rock. “Good job my friend” Haromin said climbing down in. “I’m only glad I could help” Jeremy said rubbing his head. “What are you doing here?” Gweon asked curiously. “I followed thought you could use help,” Jeremy answered. They continued to climb through the hole and when they got to the other opening they were standing at the edge of the castle. Gweon tied a long piece of rope to on of his arrows, and shot it at the roof of the castle. “Ok, let’s climb this” Gweon said starting up the rope. “Lets hope it hold’s you” Jeremy joked with Haromin. “You better hope it does” Haromin grunted. “Or what?” Jeremy laughed. “Just wait” Haromin said climbing up the rope. “Hurry!” Gweon softly shouted to them. Haromin started to rush up the rope and when he had just reached half way up the wall, the rope snapped and he fell back down onto Jeremy. “Told you,” Haromin said standing back up. “Wow” Jeremy was out of breath as he rose to his feet. “Hurry!” Gweon shouted again. “Ok here I will throw you up there, then you send a thicker rope down” Haromin said grabbing onto Jeremy. “Are you sure you can make it?” Jeremy asked scared. “Yes, Ready?” Haromin asked. “No” Jeremy said as Haromin threw him into the air. “Hold on” Gweon said reaching out for him. “All right pull me in,” Jeremy said latching onto the window. “Ok, I got you” Gweon said grabbing his arm. “Ok ready jump” Gweon shouted down to Haromin. “Some one is coming, you humans are so slow” Haromin shouted as he rushed back to the hole. A guard came around the corner just in time to see Haromin’s hair flying in to the tunnel. “In…” The guy fell to the ground dead with an arrow in his head. “Orc’s they are so stupid” Jeremy shook his head. “Here come more” Gweon said peering out the window next to the one Jeremy was at. “Hurry” Jeremy shouted to Haromin. Jeremy and Gweon hung out the windows shooting arrows at the guards so Haromin could make it into the castle. “I got to many” Jeremy said firing two arrows at once. “Hurry, you are to slow” Gweon shouted to Haromin. “I’ am going as fast as I can” Haromin shouted back. “Watch out” Jeremy said as men came running at Haromin. “I can take you” Haromin turned to the men and pulled his sword out. “Haha look at this” Jeremy said watching Haromin fight. “1.. 2..3” Jeremy said shooting 3 of the mean in the head. “You’re welcome” Jeremy shouted. “I don’t need your help.” Haromin grunted to himself.  “OK ready” Jeremy said to Gweon. “Yes” Gweon said rushing to the other window. They lifted Haromin up into the window and ran out of the room. “Ok we have got to do this fast. We should be right by the stairs so lets get to the top” Gweon said running to the stairs. They reached the top and there was a statue in the center of a giant room, the statue had two swords on a belt and a red crystal ball in the hands. “This would be the source of the evil energy.” Gweon said walking to the statue.6

“It’s the statue of the Dark King, this has been missing for many years, and it is supposed to be impossible to get to,” Haromin said walking closer to it. “These swords are supposed to be un-breakable, the strongest in all the land. But this crystal ball must be what is the source of the power.” He finished stopping in front of the statue. “Well destroy the ball.” Gweon said making sure Jeremy stood back. “Ok” Haromin drew his sword and attempt to hit the ball. The sword struck the ball and shattered. “That was my sword” Haromin still griped onto the handle. “Yes it was” Jeremy laughed. “How do we destroy it?” Gweon asked examining it. “That would be the difficult part you see. First you must be pure good in side, and in these days of war it’s hard to find any one such as this, and second they must wield a blade of light,” a dark voice said from a corner. “And who are you?” Jeremy asked still standing by the stairs. “I’m Karobin I found this statue and brought it here, I didn’t know that it had an evil taint upon it” The man said walking towards them. “Why do you stand there like a scared child?” The man laughed. “I do as I’m told, and I was told to stand here,” Jeremy said glaring at the guy. “Thane” Haromin ran down the stairs and jumped out the window. “What?” Jeremy said still standing where he was. “I don’t know” Gweon looked puzzled. “And what of these swords?” Jeremy asked walking at the statue. “I haven’t exactly figured that one out yet,” the man said standing by Gweon. “Why is this statue here?’ Gweon asked curiously. “I studied the evil world for many years, I learned about this statue and how powerful it was. But I didn’t know what it would do to these people; I found its location and brought it here. It took years to find.” Karobin. “I thought u said this ball was un-breakable?” Jeremy stood taping on it, every time he tapped it, the ball cracked. “No, it is said only two people are said to be able to defeat the evil of the statue. They are pure of heart, one is a man and one an Elf” The man looked dazed.7

“Ok, I found the man pure of heart” Haromin said as Thane entered behind him. “No it cant be” The man fainted. “Heart of a warrior” Thane laughed. “I got it, you guys must pull those swords out of the belt and hit the ball at the same exact time” Gweon said. The two of them drew the swords and raised them in the air. “Ready?” Thane asked looking at Jeremy. “More than ever” Jeremy winked. They brought the swords down as hard as they could, when they hit the ball it shattered and a wave of darkness flew out. Smoke from the ball went into the eyes and ears of the statue. “That can’t be good” Gweon said sitting up. The statue started to move, it stepped of the stand and down by Jeremy’s feet. “How are you today?” Jeremy said crawling away. The man rose his hand high in the air and in a puff of smoke a staff was sitting in his had. The man swung his staff at Jeremy. “What did I ever do to you?” Jeremy stood up, picking up the light blade. “We can take him,” Thane said standing next to him. They both thrust their swords into the belly of the wizard. “Well that was dramatic” Jeremy said pulling his sword back out of the wizard’s stomach. “He is not dead.” Thane said tapping Jeremy’s shoulder. “This would be a bit of a problem.” Jeremy said walking backwards. “Well I can see you guys have this under control” Haromin said running down the stairs followed by the others. “Well, they are a lot of help” Jeremy laughed.8

Still standing on the training field Crewe and Dontey are clueless about what is happening. “Is it just me or do these people look different,” Crewe observed their guide.  “I was just thinking that” Dontey said slipping away. “Where do you think your going?”  The man said as a crowd of people surrounded them. “To get a drink,” Dontey said. The men tied ropes around them and dragged them to a dungeon where every one else but Jeremy and Thane. “Here is you’re drink” A guard said throwing water at Dontey. “Thank you” Dontey said laughing. “Shut you’re mouth” The guard shouted. “Now this guy is a really threat” Dontey egged on. “Do you have a problem?” The guard turned and asked. “Yes, actually I have a problem with you” he answered. “Is that so. Do you want me to come in there and teach you a lesson?” The guard said opening the cage door. “That my friend is where you would be wrong, it would be me that is teaching you a lesson” Dontey stood in the face of the man. “That is it you’ve asked for it,” The guard said drawing his sword. He swung it straight down at Dontey, Dontey jumped back and used the sword to cut his hands free. Dontey spit in the guards face and then punched him in the face; the guard fell to the ground knocked out. “That my friends is how you escape from a dungeon,” Dontey said grabbing the guards’ sword. “Good job they all said walking out the door. “That took some gut’s to pull off, you’re the only one I know that would do something so crazy.” Crewe said leaving last. “Thank you” Dontey said shutting the door. “Now the only problem would be getting our weapons, they put them all the way on the other side of the castle on the first floor; that would be the armory. “Well it shouldn’t be to complicated, more than 100 guards and soldiers, and that statue” Haromin smirked. “Yes, and the only three of us that are brave enough to fight anything or any one are gone.” Kimberly said. “Yes, where is Ace he has been missing for along time.” Gweon said walking into the hall. “How do you suggest we beat him?” Jeremy asked running towards the stairs. “We can’t beat him by stabbing him, maybe cutting his head off?” Thane said striking the wizard. “No that wont work” a voice, said form behind the. “Who are you?” Jeremy turned and found the man lying on the floor. “You need to shoot him in the heart with an light arrow” the man said sitting up. “Shut up!” the wizard grunted and threw the man into the wall with a spell. “This is how you shoot an arrow Thane” another voice said form behind. “That sounds like Ace” Jeremy said turning to find Ace sitting in a window. “Hey, wizard guy” Ace aimed the arrow. “Stay out of this” the wizard turned to Ace. “Take this” Ace shouted to the wizard. Ace released the arrow; it went sailing through the air at the wizard. The wizard jumped out of the way and the arrow hit Jeremy in the arm. “Who taught you how to aim? This hurts” Jeremy said shocked. “Well I didn’t know that is how you shoot a arrow, hitting your own partner” Thane said examining Ace. “Ha yes” Ace jumped out of the window and into the room. “You’re not Ace. It’s Failorn” Thane whispered to Jeremy. “I didn’t think that you were this smart” Thane said to Failorn. “Who taught you how to shape shift?” Thanes asked as Failorn shifted back to him self. “You knew and still you let me shoot?” Failorn walked towards them. “Who are you?” The wizard asked angered.  “Don’t worry I’m with you” Failorn walked to the side of the wizard. “I can see this,” the wizard answered. “Well you gave us what we require to kill the wizard so thank you. But why are you away from your mountain palace?” Thane smirked. “Well after you left, Ace returned and so did that wizard friend of yours and with Brad’s help the convinced my army to follow under the command of Brad. You just had to go and turn my best assistant good. But they are marching here and are planning on gathering a force to defeat Kamis.  Which is highly un-likeable” Failorn explained.   “You see Kamis has a force of over 200,000 orc, orclins, goblins, and even some men and elves. So you see he is only a little too powerful to be fought by a force that man, elves and dwarves could ever forge.” He finished. “Unless of course, we get the Sword of The Elders.” Thane smiled. “You know about the sword?” Failorn asked concerned. “Yes, it is a 3 foot long blade, its hilt is made from elfin steel and gold. It has a spell enchanted in it from my great-great-grandfather, and last it glows a blood red when it is near any thing evil.” Thane explained. “Yes well first, it doesn’t glow any color, and second off all you only have one piece of the map,” Failorn laughed. 9

“How did you know?” Thane glared at Failorn. “Because I have the second.” Failorn smirked. “Do you actually think I would send my gnomes people to capture that girl?” Failorn laughed. “You know what you are, I can’t even begin to explain the man that you used to be. You used to be a loyal and honorable man, now you’re just a liar and a cheater.” Thane said angered.  “Well thank you but, what makes you say that?” Failorn asked smiling.  “You make us go through that maze, kill people we love or loved, and you had what you needed all that time,” Thane explained. “Now it is time for you to die.” He finished. Jeremy pulled the arrow out of his arm and threw that and his bow to the man lying against the wall. “You can’t kill me,” The wizard said to Jeremy. “Yes I know but I can have fun trying” Jeremy smiled swinging at the wizard. “If you kill me you can have your map, if you don’t well then it just really is awful to be you.” Failorn smiled attacking Thane. Thane and Failorn battled a fierce battle, blocking and attacking each other every second. They fought as if they had nothing to live for. “You know that you can’t kill me un-less, well we can let you figure that out.” Failorn smiled. “You find this war and every thing to amusing” Thane swung fiercely at Failorn. “I will kill you after 4 strikes.” Thane squinted. Failorn chopped at Thane and the stabbed then on the fourth attack Thane drove his sword into the heart of Failorn. “I told you friend, may the god’s let you rest in peace for all the evil you have out in this land.” Thane said withdrawing his sword from Failorn’s heart. “I can see the light, I feel… cold” Failorn paused and the fell to the ground dead. “Well I can see you had no trouble killing him. So why not help me,” Jeremy shouted at Thane. “You wizard” Thane picked up the arrow from the ground. “Stop this” Thane shot the arrow at the heart of the wizard. The wizard sent a black shock at the arrow; the arrow pierced through the black magic and hit the wizard in the heart. The wizard let out a loud scream and then exploded into dust. “How do you make it look so easy?” Jeremy asked walking to Thane. “I just do it, I don’t think about it” Thane smiled. “Well that is easier said than done” Jeremy laughed. They picked up the knocked out man and carried him with them to the first floor; where their companions were fighting the warriors of the town. The men and woman started to have more color in their bodies, instead of having gray though out their bodies. “You did it,” the man whispered. “Yes we did” Thane put is arm on Jeremy’s shoulder. The men and woman fell to the ground rubbing their heads and groaning. “You guys did it,” the princess said hugging Thane. “Yes we did” Thane smiled. 10

“Good job, you saved us form a lot of blood shed” Ace said walking up to Jeremy. Brad stood in front of his army of gnomes waiting for a command. “I must leave now, make sure you gather as many people as you can to fight. Yuar is off in the light side of the mountain, gathering followers. We know that Lador will help also the city by the sea. That there should be at least 80,000 men.” Ace said walking to Brad. “And there are 1,000 gnomes here.” Brad answered. “I can send word to my home land and get as many elves that will fight to join our cause” Thane said joining the two. “My city will surely help the fight against the evil.” Crewe said walking up with Dontey on his back. “There aren’t many only about 500” He finished. “If I send a letter to Wayord my home town I could get 50,000 at least to fight,” Gweon said joining every one. “Good and at this town there are at least 500. SO we are around 132,00 men” Thane rubbed his head. “That is a reasonable amount, only about 70,000 short” Gweon smiled. “What about them can’t they help?” Brad asked pointing at the two standing out side the circle. “Kimberly is from Lador, and Haromin well he is an orc” Thane answered. “We must send word to these places at once, I will send my gnomes they should be there in at least a week or so” Brad said as they all walked away. “That is good” Thane turned back around. “Brad be safe and god speed” Thane patted him on the shoulder. “No god speed to you” Brad patted him back. “We must travel light we need to quicken our peace” Thane said joining the others. “Thank you sir, you saved us from a terrible evil,” An old woman said grabbing onto Jeremy’s hand. They turned to see the whole town bowing to them. “Me and my people are thankful that you came along when you did Fighters of The Light” A man dressed like a king said, walking to the front of the crowd holding up the two light swords. “We are glad that we could help. But you see don’t bring any more artifacts here that you don’t know what kind of power they posses” Jeremy said as him and thane jumped off their horses. They both grabbed onto the swords and wield them into the air, the people cheered as they rode off over the hill. “We will meet again soon,” Thane said jumping onto his horse. 11

“So where to next Light Warrior” Kimberly rode to the side of Thane. They rode out of the town and followed the Jarapin valley. “This valley is filled with dangerous creatures, you must watch your step it is a long way down.” Crewe said turning his head to Dontey. “Well since I’ am riding on you, if you step and make us fall I will have to kill you” Dontey laughed. “I don’t think we could live that fall” Crewe gazed over the edge. “Why must we travel all this way and just not climb down and then up the other side. It would be much faster” Gweon said riding to Thane. “There are creatures down there that even Kamis wouldn’t dare to challenge. Balkimon are large and scaly lizard men; they kill and eat every thing they are the best warriors in all the land in my opinion, they have been surrounded by it for 3 ages. Balkimon have long sharp teeth and claws, they were no armor for their scales are enough protection. Dark army’s live among the Balkimon, these army’s can only be killed by pure light. They are dressed in heavy black armor and blades of darkness. Warlings live high in the trees and are excellent archers; they are dressed in green and black leather armor and wield magical bows of Vanisom. Vanisom is a dark place beyond our land, the most evil lords live there, and it is where Kamis is from. Unless you want to die a most gruesome death then I suggest you follow this path. Those are only a few of the dark creatures.” Haromin described as they all stopped and peered over the edge, gazing down onto the land. The valley was dark and had many tree’s, smoke rose from the darkness of the valley. “It will take us day’s to reach the opening of Hiram at the end of the valley.” Thane said turning and facing the others. “We should make camp just on the other side of this mountain.” Ace said pointing to a large hill. “All right” Thane said riding over the hill. 12

They made camp and at dawn started to set up their tents. “What do you think would have happened if Failorn had hit the wizard?” Jeremy laughed. “He would have died faster than he did that’s for sure” Thane smiled. “You should have seen his face when I told him I was going to kill him in four strikes.” Thane started to laugh real hard. “You guys seem to have had fun killing those two” Kimberly said sitting next to thane at the fire. “We fought 100 no 200 big muscle guys,” Dontey said eating some bread. “Well you didn’t kill to many” Jeremy laughed. “Yes we did” Gweon smiled. “At least 20 were dead,” He laughed. “Yes well we have had our fair share of fighting for a few days” Haromin said standing and walking to their stew pot. “I suppose you’re right. We need to quicken our pace if we want to make it to the Eagle Eye Mountain’s before Kamis can build an army to kill all men and elves” Thane stood. “Where are you going?” Kimberly asked. “Haromin and Ace with me” He pointed at them. “Yes” They both said waking to him. “The rest of you go over that hill and take cover. Crewe, Jeremy, Gweon and Dontey cover us with arrows” Thane explained and then picked up a burning stick. “What is going on?” Kimberly asked as they climbed the hill. Thane, Ace and Haromin could hear hissing sounds and movement in the grass. “Have you ever seen Balkimon?” Thane latched onto the hilt of his sword. “Only in books” Haromin said drawing his sword. “Same with me” Ace pulled his chain mail over his body and put on the rest of his armor. “They are much bigger in real life” Thane giggled. “How have you seen them and I have not?” Haromin asked surprised. “We have two stuffed in our town hall in the forest” Thane peered over his right shoulder. “Watch it” he finished blocking a strike from a Balkimon. “How many do you think there are?” Haromin asked stabbing one in the gullet. “15 or 20 at the most. It should only take five to kill us, but we have already killed at least five.” Thane answered. “Here come the Warlings” Ace shouted. “Why are they charging, they are archers” Thane looked bewildered. “Well I need some armor so I’ am not complaining” Kimberly said drawing her cutlasses from under her dress. Five Warlings came running out of the dark and were killed as fast as they ran in. “You are lucky these are like woman monster things” Dontey looked at a dead one with disgust. The princess took the leather armor off one of the Warlings and cleaned it. “This isn’t that bad looking if it’s clean,” She said holding it in the air. The armor was tight and didn’t cover much of her body; it was colored a salmon red and a black. “That is quit revealing don’t you think?” Thane asked as Kimberly walked out of a tent with the armor on. “Yes but I can move faster and better in it” She said walking to him. Night came and went as quick as the day lasted. In the morning they packed up then pilled the bodies in a giant pile. “These are nice swords,” Jeremy said examining his light blade. “But I would have never thought that I was a Fighter of The Light. There are only a few of them that still live.” He said mounting his horse. “They all live on the island of Sabinith. There must be at least 100 of them,” Thane said thinking. Thane rubbed his necklace that summoned Rohan the forest protector. They waited until dawn and they could finally see the dragon flying to them. “You two fly to the island and convince them to fight with us.” Thane pointed to Haromin and Jeremy. “This I folly they will never fight along the side of men and elves” Haromin grunted. “I know it’s along shot but we need all the help that we can get. If we don’t gather enough men then this world will fall to the evil of Kamis, and if you ask me I don’t want him to rule me,” Thane explained. “You’re right” Jeremy said helping Haromin onto the Dragon. Thane started to speak in the elfish tongue to Rohan. “You think they can make it in time? The journey is at least two days” Dontey spoke in the weird tongue. “They will the hard part will be convincing them. They have been isolated for over 350 years. Ever since the men and elves took over this land from the dragon men and halflings” Thane answered still speaking in the weird language. 13

“May the speed of our kings be with you” Ace shouted to Jeremy. “Good luck” Jeremy shouted latching on to the dragon. “I have never rode on a dragon before” Haromin smiled. “This one is faster than any other one’s I have been on” Jeremy gripped the rings of the dragon saddle. They rode off into the sun and by night fall had reached the edge of Edger. “We should be there by high noon tomorrow” Jeremy yawned. “Hey you must stay awake you are the driver of this beast.” Haromin said gazing down onto the water. “And I don’t feel like swimming” he finished. “Can’t you swim?” Jeremy asked curiously. “Of course” Haromin answered silently. “You cat swim, Haromin the great can’t swim” Jeremy laughed. “Laugh all you want human, but when you’re land is taken over by us orc you wont be laughing” Haromin smiled. “You’re kind will never take us over” Jeremy said lowering the dragon to just above the water. “I thought this was a long journey?’ Haromin asked gazing into the distance. “It is, but remember this dragon is faster than any other” Jeremy said.14

“We should continue” Thane said ridding away. “We need to hurry I can feel something or some one is following us” Kimberly said gazing back. They quickened their pace to a gallop. “We should be just west of Dimfog pond. I will go fill our water pouches, and jug. We should set up camp here and wait for them to return.” Thane said leaping off his horse. “Do you want any one to come with you?” Dontey asked walking to his side.  “No I should be fine.” Thane said grabbing all the equipment. Thane journeyed to the edge of the pond and started to fill the water bottles. He looked up and saw something moving in trees on the other side of the pond. “Who’s there?” He shouted standing. “Come out” he continued to shout walking to the trees. “You sure you want us to exit?” a deep voice said as shadow’s appeared in front of Thane. “Yes” He squinted trying to make out the figure. “Ok” The shape was now clear. A dozen men ran up to Thane latching to his arms and tying him up. “Who are you?” He shouted. “Does that matter? I work for lord Kamis. Don’t struggle unless you think you can take on 100 men alone.” The man smirked. “I’m more than positive I can take on 100 of you vile and disgusting creatures.” Thane said angered. “Vile? Disgusting? You know nothing about us and already you judge us? Thane.” The man said grabbing Thanes throat. “You know my name? But how?” Thane struggled. “You know how you’re dad died in the battle 100 years ago? Yes well that wasn’t an accident, I killed him, he looked so good with a sword in his stomach.” The man laughed. “No, I knew you killed him. Every one else thought he was killed by an orc. I will kill you for what you have done to me Piceno” Thane shouted as he wiggled out of the ropes. “How did you do that?” Piceno asked amazed. “Your friends here don’t tie tight knots.” Thanes smiled. “Yes well they might not be good at tying knots but they are good at many other things” Piceno grabbed thanes bow and quiver from him. “I’ll let you go, but only if you can best 10 of my men.” He finished. “With just my sword?” Thane asked shocked. “Yes, just your sword.” Piceno smiled. “To many times I have been out numbered in battle and not fallen, fighting your men will be like fighting a child” Thane laughed. “We will see about that” Piceno raised his hand signaling his men. Two average height men stood in front of Thane with long swords. “Is this you’re best?” Thane said knocking the two men to the ground. Four more men a little bigger surrounded him, attacking one at a time. Thane had to dodge one and than quickly attack before another hit him. He finally knocked one out and could fight easier. They now took turns lining up and attacking him. The first man didn’t take long to beat; Thane just knocked him down and then punched him. The second man stepped forward; he was a little bigger than the last man. He used an elfin long sword, “Nice weapon, looks familiar” Thane smiled. “Thanks it’s the only one of its kind” The man gripped the sword tight and swung at Thane. “You just need to learn how to use it” Thane said blocking the attack of the man and hitting his sword into the air. “You were a worthy opponent” Thane said bowing. “Why are you so nice?” Piceno asked angered. “These men don’t deserve to die by my blade. Let them die in a battle like real fighters.” Thane stood back up straight. “You are weak. Time for you to go right to the final round” Piceno smiled. Piceno threw Thanes quiver and bow back to him; “You will need these” He smiled. 15

The last man walked up behind Thane and tapped him on the shoulder. Thane turned around and as soon as the man saw the white in his eye he punched him. “You cheated” Thane said holding his right eye. “You saw me before I attacked you didn’t you?” The man asked. “Than it was a fair shot” he finished as Thane shrugged his shoulders.  Thane started to take off all his armor until he was down to his shirt, pants and boots. “So you want a fist fight?” Thane asked. “No I just want to kill you” The man grabbed the eleven long sword off the ground from the last guy. Thane gripped the hilt of his sword as hard as he could and started to attack the man. The man blocked all his attacks with out even breaking a sweat. Thane stood panting in front of the man. The guy grabbed onto thanes shirt and punched him three times in the face. Thane’s mouth was bleeding along with a few other cuts. “Wait” Thane whispered in the man’s ear. “Why?” The man asked throwing him to the ground. “Cause I need to kill you” Thane smiled picked up his bow and shot an arrow threw the head of the man. Then man fell to his knees dead. “Now my old friend you killed one of my men. You now must pay with your life. It’s called an eye for an eye.” Piceno smiled. “What say we finish this on the battle field.” Thane said standing. “What battle?” Piceno asked confused. “The battle that will decide the fate of this land, the battle that all good will prevail in and kill lord Kamis. We will restore this land to peace.” Thane winked. Thane turned and walked away picking up the water jug and pouches. He returned to camp and set up his tent next to the others. “What happened to you?” Kimberly asked wetting a towel. “I fell and hit some rocks” Thane lied.  “You should watch your self,” she said cleaning his face. “Here rinse” She lifted a pouch of water to his lip’s. “Thanks” He said spitting. “Well I’m going to go to bed” Dontey walked to his tent and slipped in side.16

The sun was rising in the east on the next morning and there were no clouds in sight. This day was going to be hot and hard to travel. “It is so hot already this early in the morning.” Kimberly said shocked as she exited her tent. “It will only get hotter so we must move while it is cool” Thane uttered. They packed camp and started their journey again; they traveled slower than their usual pace trying to preserve the horse’s energy. “We have traveled for an hour and only mad it just a mile from the end of the valley. Lord Kamis has built a giant golden gate at the end so we should try to climb down here where it is less danger.” Crewe said exhausted from the heat. “A gate?” questioned Dontey curiously. “Yes it is gold on the out side and 10 feet of iron on the inside, a wall not man or elf could ever get past.” Crewe answered. “Wait, be quite, there is a path down here follow me.” Ace said racing to a path on the valley wall. They peered over the edge and saw 20,000 of Kamis’s troops at least pass them by. 17

“That is a army of Lord Kamis?” Kimberly said surprised. “We must warn Lador. Crewe, Dontey and Gweon I need you three to ride, and when I say ride do not sleep do not eat. We must warn all the towns on the way to leave for Lador.” Thane said weary. “That is over a ten mile race, and to not be seen by these troops, tis folly.” Gweon answered nervous. “Fine you can ride alone to the last town we were at and send them to Lador Crewe and Dontey will do the others.” Thane answered angered. “It is better than dieing for no reason.” Gweon said turning and leaving. “I hope Jeremy and Haromin make it in time” Dontey sighed. “Yes as do we all” Ace waved to Crewe and Dontey as they left. “We will climb the other side and head for Eagle Eye Mountains.” Thane smiled. “What puts you in a good mood?” Kimberly asked. “Our force at Lador should be at least 60,000 by now. My elfin friends from my home are there, so are the men from the city by the sea. Dwarves from the mines have aided us in our time of need. Brads force should be just on time. We will not go down with out a fight and fight we shall” Thane smiled hastily. “You my friend are a lucky man, elf I mean elf” Ace smiled. “Thank you” Thane replied.18

“We are here” Jeremy awoke Haromin. “Finally I was begging opt wonder what was taking so long. “You were sleeping” Jeremy laughed. “I would never do such a thing.” Haromin stated. “Ok” Jeremy said as they landed. They landed the dragon in the courtyard of the town. The town was full of flowers and beautiful buildings. Most of the people were men strong looking men. “We must speak with you’re leader” Jeremy said to a man standing near him. “You ride this beast? And it doesn’t harm you” The man asked curiously. “It is not a beast and yes” Jeremy replied. “Right this way sir” The man uttered turning around. “Thank you” Haromin said following the man. The town hall where the leader was, was giant it had statues of dragons and hawks on either side of the path. “Who made these statues?” Jeremy asked curiously. “A local man” the man replied. They finally reached the great doors of the building and entered, they entered into a single room with men lined up on both sides of the walkway, one chair sat at the end with a young looking fellow in it. “We need you’re aid” Jeremy bowed to the man. “For what reason and cause?” The leader asked. “The land of Norhin is going to taken over if you do not help us. Kamis has built an army of 100,000 troops plus” Jeremy hasted. “We left that land we do not need to protect it” The king stated. “If you do not help us all men and elf will be slaughtered. Kamis will come here after he has taken over our land and take over the rest of the world. He need’s to be stopped. If you do help us we might stand a chance to slow him down for the other lands of this world to build a army to stop him, we might even be able to stop him.” Jeremy continued. “I offer you the allegiance of my land just until we have stopped Kamis” he offered. “We are no more warriors, we only fight for the light and good of things for this land not yours” The king ended. “My lord if you fight for us you will have a land to fight for. If you do not you will lose you’re land and you will have no more people to govern. This world will fall to the Hand of Kamis” Jeremy said as a guard grabbed him. “Are you sure of this?” The king rose. “I’ am more than positive that he will. We must make our way to Lador were a final stand of men, elf’s, dwarves and gnomes have gathered to battle.” Jeremy answered. “Listen to my friend. I have seen the army Kamis has, it is far superior to any that the men an elves have. If you stay here and don’t fight we may lose we may win, but either way you’re people will fall” Haromin said angered. “Fine we shall ride to Lador and join you’re friends” The king said hastily. “We must move fast” Jeremy bowed again. “What do you mean ride?” Haromin asked curiously. “Some shall sail but me and 100 of my men will ride these,” The king said signaling them to follow. “They are like a dragon with feathers and a beak of a eagle, they are white in color and their eyes are red as blood. We call them Sakura.” The king smiled. “That is creative” Haromin joked. One of the Sakura landed in front of them in the courtyard. “What shall you ride?” The king asked. “Our green dragon.” Jeremy answered simply. “In all my years I have never seen a green dragon.” The king replied smiling. “You cant be that old you look in you’re mere 20’s” Haromin grunted. “My mom was human my dad an elf, so you see I’ am half and half.” The king jerked his body on to the Sakura. “That is a strange mix,” Jeremy said with a humorous tone.19

“I figured it would have taken longer to convince you” Haromin said to a soldier. “Well if we don’t see any chance of survival in you’re fight we will leave” The soldier replied laughing. “You guys are tough.” Haromin laughed. “Stop you’re laughing unless you want to fall” Jeremy smirked turning to Haromin. “I will not fall” Haromin squeezed on tighter to the dragon’s ropes. “We travel now into to the west to deiced the fate of our world,” The king shouted to his men. They cheered for a few minutes and joked around, then it became quite and they had reached the shore where they made camp. “The boats should arrive in the morning than we can continue on foot,” The king said looking over his men. “What is you’re name?” Jeremy asked curiously. “My name is Lenwë” The king replied walking away. “Lenwë, that’s an interesting name” Jeremy followed him. “It’s elvish” the king turned to Jeremy. “I understand that. I can’t pronounce it” Jeremy smiled. “You practice and then you will get it” Lenwë laughed. “I will” Jeremy walked away practicing the kings name. Dawn came and the men had started fires, the king’s personal musicians played music that could be heard through out the camp. Some men went to sleep in their blue and white tents, and the others sat and talked amongst each other’s. They could see a red light in the distance towards the east. “What is that?” Haromin asked Jeremy. “I don’t know but it is only growing and coming closer” Jeremy replied. “Men take positions,” Lenwë shouted. The men arose form their sleep and took their positions in front of the tents. Just as the last man took positions a red bird that looked as to be on fire flew over their heads. “That my friend is an eye opener for men.” Jeremy said watching the bird fly away. “I wonder what that was,” The king said standing in shock. “Back to what you were doing,” The king shouted at his men. “That was strange” Haromin whispered to Jeremy. “I know you don’t have to tell me” Jeremy smiled patting Haromin’s shoulder. Jeremy walked to where Rohan was lying and laid under his wing and went to sleep. “You sleep with the dragon? Will he not crush you if he roll’s” Haromin asked laying out side near Jeremy. “It is warmer under here, plus I can trust him” Jeremy said rolling over.20