Sword of The Elders ~Chapter 4~

Chapter 41

Jeremy woke early the next morn and found only 50 at the most still at the camp site. “Wake up men” Jeremy shouted angered. “We shall move out within one hour.” He continued as he stood in front of the men. “But what of every one else” one of the soldiers shouted. “I don’t see them we must continue to Lador. We can make in within two more days if we walk, one day at the most if we ride our horses and dragons. “Men put on you’re battle armor, we will make it there today” A much bolder solider than the others announced standing next to Jeremy. “And who are you.” Jeremy said stressfully. “ I’ am Sir John, I’ am one of the highest ranking knights in our kingdom. I specialize in sword combat; also I can speak the orc and elfish tongues.” The man answered. “I’m Jeremy and we move out in 15 minutes be ready” Jeremy pushed John aside and walked away.  “He isn’t always this grumpy don’t take it personal” Haromin smiled.2

“Are we there yet?” Dontey asked Crewe latching onto his body. “No” Crewe laughed. “Where are we going again? I know we are going to a town” Dontey asked lost. “That light warrior village” Crewe answered trying to explain it. “That’s what I thought,” Dontey laughed. “You are a little slow aren’t you” Crewe smiled then stopped. Dontey started to laugh as they climbed up a hill. “It should be only about 3 miles away by now; we can either camp or keep going” Crewe named the choices. “Camping sounds like a good idea” Dontey said leaping off the back of Crewe. “We will make camp here, under this tree.” Crewe pointed to a tree on top of the hill. “Actually I think we should continue moving, maybe even at a faster rate.” Dontey said peering into the distance. “What do you see?” Crewe questioned. “It looks like, men or orc, but they are dressed in gold and silver armor. Their flag has a white tiger head surrounded buy three crosses. The flag is a red trimmed in white.” Dontey squinted trying to explain the flag. “There are two kingdoms that have that flag, the Light Warriors where Jeremy and Haromin are, and the Knights of the Garumond Forest.” Crewe explained, helping Dontey onto his back. “Where is Garumond forest?” Dontey asked. “Past the mountains to the east and in the dark lands, nothing lives there but evil men. The men there are so evil that even Kamis wouldn’t be able to hire them do fight. But their swords are the best in the world, yes even better than you elfish blades Dontey. Their hilts are silver and the back strap is gold, the blade has a fuller down the center that which is gold, they are the lightest and the strongest here the land.” Crewe quickened their pace. “No way when we get back to Lador I will make such a blade that will surpass any of theirs.” Dontey looked over his shoulder to see the army. “Make me a bastard sword elf and I will believe you.” Crewe flew past trees and rocks as he ran towards the town. They bolted through a town and Dontey shot and arrow with a letter on it at the door to the castle. “Let’s go to the tavern” Crewe smiled. “How did we get here so fast?” Dontey said amazed. The city of Lador was packed with warriors and merchants traveling the streets, the merchants were trying to sell their armor and weapons to the knights’ expensive prices. 3

Dontey reached the kings hall where he found, the king and three other kings there and Yuar and the Elfin King and Prince. “Mithrandír, and Telemnar its good to see you” Dontey greeted the tow elves. “Dontey” They both said. “What took you so long?” A voice said form the shadow, Gweon walked out carrying a plate full of food. “Gweon, that means the others are here.” Dontey quieted. “What’s wrong?” Gweon rushed to him. “We left a message for the people you had to gather on the castle door. “And there was some sort of army following us” he finished finding a seat. “We must ride back and get the letter” Gweon hurried out the door. “You can not beat them their. They march to the gates now” Crewe said as he trotted to them. “Sir, at the gate.” A guard shouted to a captain. “Open it” The captain said as the giant steel and wood doors drew open slowly. One of the men dressed in armor, rode in front of the captain and opened his pig face helm. “We ride from the island of the light; we are here to fight with you my brother. I have 300 men, 100 archers, 150-foot soldiers and 50 horse riders. We used to have Sakura but we let most of them leave. Will you let us fight by you’re side?” Lenwë stared at the captain vigorously. “Yes my friend, you may camp here and fight with us. You may take up post with my men and at night we have dinner in the great hall.4

The night fell quick and Jeremy was leading the men with Haromin next to his side. “We must stop” Haromin rose to the right side of Jeremy. “We will not stop” Jeremy grunted and quickened. “He is angry?” John said riding to the side of Haromin. “He is angry,” he answered. John was a tall skinny knight with black hair; he wore little armor because he believed that he doesn’t need it, that the kings will protect him from danger. “You see this mace?” John asked lifting his weapon. “It was given to me by one of our greatest kings. It has the power of wisdom and strength.” John raised it into the air. “That is a beautiful weapon John.” Haromin rode to the end of the marching men. “Double time” Jeremy shouted back to his men. The sun beat heavily down on the men as they marched to Lador; the leaves were now turning colors and the air bitter. Fall came fast on the land it took Jeremy two days to march in sight of the city. “Captain what is that” a soldier marched to the side of John. Smoke was rising over the hills and flames flew up form the city. “What happened here?” Jeremy pondered to him self as he trotted to the city. They passed the gates to the city and found countless dead bodies of men and woman. They continued around the city flames still burnt, none were alive. They reached the castle and found it had not been touched. Jeremy swung open the doors and found Lenwë, The king and elfin leaders sitting at a table. “We must have lost half of our men” A voice entered form behind a flag. “Gweon?” Haromin asked. “Yes” he answered. “We have brought only 50 men” Jeremy straightened his stance. “We only have an estimated 50,000 men left; Kamis has at least twice as more.” The king said standing. “Let us move to the city by the sea. There we will have the defenses that we need. If we catch Brad, Crewe and Dontey, and the men they have we could hold them off. We just have to wait long enough for more allies before we go and attack Kamis on his own land.” Jeremy explained strictly. “I will not live my last day’s under the rule of some man that knows nothing but war and blood, if you don’t wish to come with us, the door is opened, but if you wish to stay and fight for you’re home land, then come with me.” He finished. Jeremy left the castle and rode around the city, he gathered all men that could and wanted to fight to join him. “35,000 men, 500 elves, and the 50 men we have.” Jeremy rode to Haromin’s position by a tower. “That’s it?” He asked surprised “Jeremy!” a voice shouted form behind them. They turned to find their friends Crewe and Dontey walking towards them. “When did you get here?” Jeremy asked. “We have been here we fought in the short battle.” Dontey shouted back. “It’s good to see you old friend any bearing of good news.” Jeremy asked curious. “No” Dontey asked stopping in his place. Men started to gather around the five of the companions.5

More and more came than they had even counted, the poured out of the hills, and houses, like a river of men they surrounded the companions. “We will ride with you, for us to want to see the end of this war.” John said walking out of the crowd. “Well then, like the ones that came before us, we will fight for this land. By any means shall we win, Thane must reach the sword and get it to defeat Kamis. We will guide the forces of Kamis to the city by the sea. Soon he will know of our true power” Gweon raised his voice.  “But first all that do not wish to fight can stay here and protect the woman and children, but before you make any decisions we must tell you this won’t be an easy fight. But any free man is stronger than any amount of hired soldiers; soldiers that only care for the destruction of man and elves alike.  Brothers we ask for you’re help not only because we need it but because we care for this land just as much as the man standing next to us.  Now will you fight along side us or not?”  Dontey rose his voice pacing back and fourth in front of the men.  The men gave an agreeing scream, and started to form rows.  “We shall march to the city by the sea. This is our land it won’t be taken by any force, let’s go” Gweon shouted eager for battle.  They marched towards the eastern gates and passed through them and saw a shadow in the distance marching towards them.  “What is that?” Jeremy asked gazing into the distance.  “Let me and Crewe go” Dontey said riding up on Crewe.  “Right” They all agreed.  “Why must you volunteer us for these petty jobs?” Crewe asked exhausted.  They raced towards the shadow up hills and down them they found a patch of boulders and hide behind them.   “Are those, oh no. We really must hurry that is lord Kamis there see him on the white stallion?” Dontey pointed.  “And his army it looks like he has all the creatures form our land but Elves and Humans fighting for him. That is over an army of one million” Dontey whispered with fear.  “We don’t have a force large enough.  I think our force is one-hundred-thousand if that. We can’t fight them.  It has been good knowing you, but we must go back and decide the fate of our land.”  Crewe turned and started to run as fast as he could.6

“If we ever get past their defenses we will still have the Black Woods to go through. No one has ever made it through there” Ace said following Thane and Kimberley up the wall.  “We will make it don’t you worry” Thane said reaching the top now peering over it.  “No one” He whispered.  “No one, what?” Kimberley asked.  “You hurt what?” Ace asked confused.  “No one is over here the city was abandoned.”  He leapt onto the wall.  “What shall we do now?” Ace asked standing by Thane.  “Well can’t you see off in the distance a spot of the sky is not yet tainted by the evil, it is still blue. That is where we must head; there are the Eagle Eye Mountains, which is where we will find the sword.” Thane smiled and patted Ace on the back.  “Just be glad that this here space is clear and no one is left here.  If it had not we would have gone the long way around, which I guarantee it is much more treacherous than this path. Here we will face challenges that will test our friendship, trust and even our worst fears; these lands are dark and the oldest of our world, the first wizard to cast a spell lived in these parts. He killed hundreds and those that he killed still haunt these lands.  If we take one wrong path we will be killed for sure” Thane gazed out at the land, fire flew from the ground and a smell of sulfur was in the air; even though there are no volcano’s in the land some places still had lava flowing through its veins.  “Than after we pass through this land we still have the mountains to pass through.  Those mountains aren’t evil, but you wouldn’t think that if you didn’t know it they are bitter cold and the ice trolls and snow goblins live there and they are experts in fighting in that there kind of battle field.  That is where my knowledge ends; no one has ever made it past the Crystal Gates of Moutinieth; those are the gates that the ice trolls and snow goblins guard, some say that passed the gates are glorious treasures and knowledge other say that it’s the edge of the world.  I say that it’s the one place where people find happiness, away from all the evil and fighting of every day” He finished and fixed his leather gloves and gauntlets.  “You know we can turn back, and forget about this.  The odd are against us we can not make it to the Eagle Eye Mountains. Let’s turn back and fight” Kimberley panted as she gazed at the land.  “No, we must get that sword. I trust Donety, Gweon, Haromin, Brad, Crewe, and Jeremy, also Yuar, I’m sure what ever army they have built up is strong enough to hold off Kamis’s forces.” Thane left and started walking down stairs on the side of the gate. 7

They walked through the first part of the dark land trying not to get hit by fire flying out of the ground.  When they finally reached the side of the forest they entered it and found nothing that, all but the outside trees were burnt down.  “Who would do such a thing?” Ace asked amazed.  “They would” Thane answered.  “Why to such a beautiful piece of nature?” Kimberley questioned.  “They have no feeling, they kill what they want, when they want, and how they want” Thane said a tear rolling down his cheek.  “I knew a man from this forest” He finished.   “Let us see if he is still here” Thane guided them to a tree that was still standing in the center. Surrounded by smoke form the other trees that were burnt a tree stood un-harmed.  “Ah yes he is still here” Thane smiled with joy.  They walked to the tree and Thane started to knock on it.  “Umm Thane it’s a tree, why are you knocking on it?”  Ace asked baffled as a door opened form the tree.  They walked in it w as a one room place with a fire place, a table with chair, and a bed.  8

“Satu?” Thane asked.  A poof of smoke arose from the air and there floating in the air was a fairy.  “Satu how are you old friend?” He asked.  “I’ am doing well.” She answered.   “I saw you coming” She smiled and took a seat on the table.  “Please make your selves comfortable.” Satu welcomed them in.  “You changed it in here since the last time I was transported here by Yuar” Thane looked around.  “It changed?” Ace laughed.  “Yes it changed” She glared at Ace.  “Right” Ace said un-comfortably.  “I ask for news about the Sword of The Elders” Thane got to the point fast.  “Ah yes, I must tell you something about that. It is a regular blade you seek except it has one power, but only the most pure of heart can retrieve it. Once it has been retrieved they must take it to the top of Kamis’s tower and destroy the dark crystal where he gets his power.  But the only way the swords powers can be activated is by the most powerful of wizards, Yuar.  This is what you must do take this, when you retrieve the sword take this and place it in the hilt, it will active a communicator between you and Yuar” She explained carefully.  “But you said that only the purest of heart can retrieve it” He asked bewildered.  “Yes, there are three towers that you must go through, they test three characteristics of the each of you, trust, friendship and your worst fears.” She continued to explain.  “I read that in a book” Thane smiled.  “These tests won’t be very easily accomplished” She smirked.  “You’re ancestors were pure of heart that is how they created the sword, they destroyed the crystal once before, it can be destroyed again.  That is why I say you can retrieve it” Satu smiled.  “Now go, I would love to talk but you must get that sword. Your friends are about to battle the forces of Kamis” She rushed them out the door. In a red poof of smoke the tree disappeared and no where to be found.9

“Let’s go” Thane lead them out of the forest and onto a path that lead to mountains.  “It will take only a few minutes to get to the gate” Thane said peering up the path, it was rocky, snowy, and steep, very steep, but short.  “Let’s start climbing” Thane smiled. They all latched on to the side of the mountain and started to climb to the first flat area.  “This is easy” Ace laughed, just then a rock slide out form under his hand and he was left dangling.  “Help!” He shouted.  “Hang on” Thane shouted back, he started to climb back down to Ace.  “Grab my hand” Thane panted as he reached for Ace.  “I can’t” Ace said exhausted.  “Trust me, grab my arm.” Thane shouted reaching farther.  Just then Ace saw something flash and he grabbed onto Thanes arm.  “That was weird” he panted resting a minute. “What was?” Thane asked with a confused look. “Nothing” Ace said and they continued climbing, they reached a flat piece of land and took a short break.  After that they continued and when they finished they reached what the thought was a gate.  “The Crystal Gate!” Thane shouted running towards it.  “But where were the goblins and trolls?” Kimberley asked.  “They are fighting with Kamis, that’s why she told us to continue our journey” Thane rested his palm on the gate.  “What?” Ace and Kimberley asked.  “Never mind” Thane answered, just then the gate slowly opened and they entered it. They entered it into a room that was full of nothing, but a rock tomb.  A bright light came about in the room, from the tomb.  When it disappeared they noticed that a ghost was floating above it.  “You must be Thane” the ghost said.  “That is I” Thane bowed before the spirit.  “Wow, you turned out better than I had hoped” The ghost floated down and examined him.  “You will now continue into the court yard, you just passed the first test, and you are in the first tower.  In the court yard you will have three paths to take, at the end of two there are towers, and at the end of the third, well when you reach it you will find out.”  The ghost explained and then diapered.  “Wait who are you?” Thane shouted chasing the ghost to the tomb.  Tears ran down his face, although he did not know why, he didn’t even know who the ghost was.  “Lets go Thane” ace grabbed his arm helping him up.  “Right” He wiped the tears form his eyes and walked out to the court yard.  It was very warm and bright, filled with flowers and trees they could see the two towers, in the centers they saw a giant stone it had an engraving in it. “Go right to meet your worst fear, left leads you to your friends…” Kimberley read the engraving. So they choose the path right, it led to a tall white tower with giant silver doors.10

They entered it and found three statues, Ace walked to the center as spikes popped out form the ground surrounding the center, and Thane and Kimberley were trapped to watch him.  The first statue floated into the center and started to shake.  “You guy’s” ace shivered worried.  “You can do it, they aren’t real” Thane shouted to him.  The statue stopped shaking and blew apart there standing was Ace’s father.  “Dad” Ace cried.  “Is that you” Tears rolled down his face.  “You disgrace our family.  You are the worst soldier in the family, and you mother is dead because of you.” His dad shouted.  “I’ m sorry, I couldn’t help her they trapped her in the house and captured me” He still cried.  “You could have helped her” His father kicked him.  “Dad, no she was trapped with the rest of the people in the village. I wish I could have helped her, and I’ am the highest ranked in our family” Ace stood not crying any more.  “So if you think what you think than kill me” Ace shouted as one last tear rolled down his face.  “No, Ace” Kimberley shouted.  “Come on kill me” He continued.  “Ha, you are pathetic” his dad laughed.  “No dad I’m tired of you saying that, you are the one that beat us children and forced us to become a soldier, you got Scott, and mother both killed. So no you are pathetic, you were the one that couldn’t even save Scott from the two balkimon that took him and placed his head on the spear.  You should have been able to stop them but no, you watched them take my brother and kill him.” Ace disagreed and fought with his dad.  “So come one kill me dad, if I’m so pathetic maybe I should be dead and Scott should be here, go ahead make your self happy cut my head off” He shouted, it went silent and the his dad grabbed the hilt of his sword, wield it high in the air and brought it down  to Ace’s head.  “I’m still alive” Ace laughed. The sword and his dad were glowing they floated into the air and exploded, the spikes lowered around the center.  “That was weird” Ace said walking to where his friends stood.  “I thought my dad was dead” Ace laughed.11

“I’ll go next” Kimberley said walking slowly to the center.  The spikes rose again this time they were on fire.  “Yea my worst fear” Kimberley whispered.  The second statue rose and landed next to Kimberley.  It shook and then stopped and then when it was done there stood a tall woman, skinny.  Then that disappeared and there stood Kamis.  “What was the woman” Ace laughed.  “Not sure” thane smiled.  “Look it’s… Kamis” Thane shrank.  “That’s not my worst fear” Kimberley thought to her self.  Kamis turned and started walking to Thane.  The second statue rose and set the whole ground on fire around Kimberley.  “But this is” She got worried.  “No go away” Thane fell on his butt and start to crawl away form Kamis.  “Ha” Kamis laughed.  “Ok fire what’s so scary about it?” Kimberly asked her self.  “It gets put out by water, and it’s easy to escape” She started laughing.  Rain fell form the top of the tower down on the flames and put them out.  “You’re sacred of fire?” Ace asked.  “Yes, probably because my mother was burned to death like yours” She walked to Ace.  “I just thought of happy thoughts and the rain put the flames out, weird isn’t it?” She asked smiling.  “Yes, because while I was shouting at my dad, that is what I was doing” Ace answered thinking.  “What did you think about?” She asked.  “Thane and all of you guys” He answered.  “What about you?” He asked still thinking.  “Thane…” she paused.  “And you and umm… the rest of them” She recovered.  Ace started to laugh.  “Thane, just think of your happiest thoughts. It works” Ace shouted to Thane now on the opposite side of the tower.  “What are happy thoughts?” he asked himself.  Kamis swung a giant anvil at him and hit in front of him.  “How about Dontey’s face when he sees Annabel” He laughed as Kamis took another powerful swing again missing.  “Nope not good enough” he stood now running from him.  He went through many thoughts and memories he had. Even ones of his family, but there was only one that made Kamis stop and drop his anvil.  “Ha” Thane laughed. “I win” he walked to his friends.  Kamis floated into the air and exploded this time the tower shook, they rushed out and just as they leapt out the door, the giant door swung shut.  Another ghost appeared in front of them.  “Well half way there, can we make it? Or shall the greed of one ruin a friendship? You may now proceed to the next tower. But take this on your journey” The ghost left and on the ground where he was sat a handle to something it was long and metal, very cold to the touch.  “Lets go” Thane said grabbing the handle and placing it in his quiver.12

They ventured to the next tower; this tower was black and looked much older than the other.  A square stone pillar stood in front of the door way, it had an engraving on it.  “Greed; the most powerful corruption tool for any a man.” Thane read.  “But not an elf” He smiled. “Not an elf” Ace mocked him.  The doors opened and they entered to the center of the room together. This time they entered and it was filled with treasure.  “Good work Ace” A voice said form behind them.  “Who is that?” Thane asked turning.  The doors slammed shut and there stood three men; the king, his vizier, and Aces commanding officer.  “What?” Ace asked turning.  “You brought us the princess. Here is your reward, glorious riches almost more money than the king has.” The king smiled.  “Father? What do you mean?” She asked scared.  “So much gold.” Ace looked around.  “Now we can kill them both” the king laughed.  “Gold” Ace walked to the gold playing with it.  “You are just an illusion, like the statues” Thane shouted.  “Want to test that?” The officer asked.  He pulled a dagger from his boot and threw it at Thane. Thane dodged it but got cut by it on the arm.  Thane quickly with no hesitation took out his bow and shot the vizier in the eye.  “I missed” Thane joked.  “I see that” The officer laughed hard.  “I was aiming for the center of his head” He got serious.  “You are rusty my friend” Ace turned and shot an arrow at the officer, hitting him in the hand.  “Seems I’ am also, I aim for his elbow” Ace laughed.  “You can not give up these riches. You will be demoted and never be seen in the kingdom again.”  The king shouted.  “I’ m sorry my friends are far more important than any riches could ever be.  These people are what have keep me alive not gold, or silver, or you” Ace shouted.  “Now either you can leave here or you can die, you’re choice” Ace proposed to them.  “You aren’t the one that is in the place for a proposition.” The general laughed pulling the arrow from his hand.  “The deal is off” Ace shot one last arrow at the general; it hit him in the mouth and blood spilled out of his mouth.  “My daughter do come to me” the king shouted.  “No, you tried getting me killed” She hugged Thane.  “Bye” She said throwing one of her daggers at him.  Once they had defeated the challenge, on last ghost dropped down form the sky this time, “You have proven that you are worthy to proceed. Greed will not come between you and you’re friends, it smiled.  Thane take this and place it atop the handle you have.” The ghost handed him a pick.  “Now you know me also?” he questioned.  “Good bye” the ghost said as the doors swung open.  They walked passed the dead bodies and into the light.  The pickaxe Thane was now holding was ice cold he could hardly touch it, so he placed it on his belt and continued on.  They reached the center of the court yard, on the rock in the center there was a man sitting. 13

“Hello sir” Thane said walking to him.  “Hello” The man answered.  “How goes your day?” He asked.  “Good, you must hurry; your friends will be no more if you don’t hurry.” He said leaping into the air and disappearing.  They rushed down the last path it led to another tomb.  “What is here?” Kimberley asked.  “My father, we must open this” Thane said peering at the tomb.  “How do you know this?” Ace asked.  “Read that” Thane pointed at an Engraving on the tomb.  “It say’s here lies Talma, great wizard and warrior of the sword. After defeating Kamis, he was brutally killed. He lives in us all” He finished.  He walked to the side of the tomb and pushed it open, there his father’s dead body in one hand a pouch in the other a mace, also on the right hand a dragon scale glove and on the other a crystal glove. He took the four objects and put the gloves on tied the pouch to his belt grabbed the mace with the glove it was with, grabbed the pickaxe with the crystal glove and turned to Kimberley and Ace.  “Now we smash that rock” He smiled.  He walked to the stone and stuck the pickaxe in it, the pickaxe froze the rock, so he lifted the mace high in the sky and smashed it on the side of the rock it cracked and then fell to the ground. After the dust cleared from the rock; there floating in the air a sword. The hilt embroidered with two dragons, the blade hade a design found in the elfin history books that represented strength and pureness, it went up from where the hilt and the blade meet to the center of the blade on both sides.  “This is it” He smiled, a tear now rolled down his face.  He went back to his father tomb and found something around his neck that he didn’t notice before.  He grabbed it, pulled over his fathers’ head not harming the body and placed it around his neck.  The string had a dwarven amulet on it.  He now continued back to where he retrieved the word, where Kimberley and Ace wait for him.  They all headed to the door and were shocked when it wouldn’t open, “What do we do now?” Kimberley turned to Thane.  A cloud of smoke rolled in and behind them stood once again another ghost.14

“My friends” The ghost started.  “It has been along time.  You have shown that your, friendship is strong, and trust, even passed your worst fear; I for one could not have done such a thing” He continued.  “If you leave here you will parish, stay, you can live here with us and the hermit here;” the rest of the ghost now appeared surrounding them and the man that sat on the rock.  “We must not, we need to try and save this world” Thane turned to the doors again.  “Listen elf, if you leave you wont save anything, you will die” The ghost raised its voice.  “Wait you sound familiar” Thane turned in a claming way.  “Have we ever met?” He questioned.  “I’ m glad one of you remember me” The ghost answered.  “It is your friend, Yuar” The ghost answered.  A moment of shock set in on the friends they now backed up to the gate and wept.  “No you must not” Kimberley cried.  “I must” Yuar answered.  “How do you think I got from one place to another so fast?” He asked them floating down to them.  “Here Thane, take this, the spell is set and all you need to do is place it there, between the two jaws of the dragons” Yuar pointed to the bottom of the hilt.  Thane placed the red and gold sphere where Yuar had told him.  At first nothing happened then the sword rose in the air. And something happened there that they would never forget.  “I will ride with you guys” a voice said from the light.  “My son” it ended.  The light died down and in front of Thane stood a muscular figure; dressed in an elfish cloak.  “Dad?” Thane sniffed.  “Yes, it’s me” His father answered.  “Why? How?” He asked.  “I have a question for you” His father stated.  “Would you rather stay here with all of us including your friends or fight, fight with all the land and its people in the last battle?” He asked.  “I would die fighting for this land; if I get to choose to live with my friends or with every one in the land, I choose every one.  I must go” Thane turned.  “Thane” His father shouted.  “Yes sir?” Thane asked.  “I said I will ride with you” his father answered.  His father floated high into the sky and turned into a mist, the sphere that was placed in the hilt of the sword now was glowing.  “I will be right here” a voice said as the mist entered the sphere.  Thane and the sword both started to glow, they were lifted into the air and surrounded by a blue and white smoke.  When the smoke cleared than stood dressed in white armor trimmed in gold. The gauntlets had a gold dragon embroidered on them; on his back he wore a red cape.  “Wow” Ace smiled.  “That was weird” Kimberley added on. 15

“Let’s go” Thane said walking to the door.  “Wait” Yuar shouted stopping them. “Take these” Yuar whistled and they heard a loud beating in the wind.  “What?” Thane asked.  “You will see in time” Yuar smiled.  “That is what we can’t waste” Thane answered annoyed.  “Here they are” Yuar turned, from out of the two towers one dragon came from each, a red one from the second tower, and a white from the third.  “They are the dragons of the land.  Red one is Destiny, white one is Faith.  The two of them will help you on your journey” Yuar said as the dragons landed next to him.  “Thank you” Thane said walking to the white dragon.  The two dragons had saddles on them for the companions.  “I don’t know how to drive this” Ace said walking to the red one.  “I’ m riding with Thane” Kimberly said mounting behind Thane.  “Right. Umm… how? Ok I got it” Ace talked to himself mounting the dragon.  His dragon took off and flew high into the clouds so they could not see him.  “Stop. Halt. Slow down” Ace shouted as the dragon flew fast and did tricks.16

“Kamis” a tousled voice said walking into the tent where the dark lord stood gazing at a map.  ‘They have the sword” it panicked.  The man was short, very skinny and stood hunched over, his nose was skinny and his skin pale white.  His skin was wrinkled and drooping off his face.  Kamis stood in black armor, the armor was thick and made of the toughest metal in the land, and he now paced back and forth in his tent, which was also black.  He stood tall and strongly built.  No one had ever seen him with out his helmet off but they knew that what ever was under his layers of clothing and armor, would be formidable.  “Do you think we will be able to still win?” the voice snarled.  “They travel as three, how are they not dead? And you gave them time to make an army of 100,000?  You are not fit for this position.”  Kamis spoke with a deep frustrated tone.  “Galmoth” he shouted to a guard out side his tent.  “Lord Kamis I can explain.” The voice squeaked.   Kamis drew his sword lifted it in the air and cut the throat of the man. Blood squirted from the mans throat as he fell to the ground.  “Yes my lord” the orc stood like a rock.  “Get this man out of here.  Then get me Forsmith” Kamis said angered.  “Yes my lord.” The orc left the tent.   Kamis continued to gaze at the map looking at where the forces of men and elves would be hiding.  “Yes my lord” Forsmith said entering the tent.  “Where are all my soldiers?” He asked perturbed.  “Walmont sent them to Lador, Sir” Forsmith answered.  “All of them?” Kamis now angered asked.  “No, a few dozen remain in the camp” He answered Kamis inching towards the door.  Kamis now stood gripping his dagger.  “What is the mass of our army?” He asked tightening his grip.  “500,000 at the least sir” Forsmith answered cowering.  “They don’t stand a change against us, unless this Thane reaches the tower of Vinmon, and destroys the crystal atop it.  But he shouldn’t make it there should he?” Kamis asked.  “No sir, not close enough to even taste the bitterness of our camp. They had set camp in a small mountain range far out side Lador.  Vinmon was atop this mountain range it was the marking of the end of the human lands and the begging of the dark lands.  It was a tall dark tower; which no one dared to enter except Kamis himself. He is the only one that knew how to enter the dark tower; the tower was made from bones, every type of bone you could see in your mind's eye, dragon, troll, elf, human, orc bones all held this great structure high.17

“Well if you wish we could send the remaining troops to the tower.” Forsmith answered his master cautions.  “Very well, do what you have to do” Kamis answered and again looked back down at the map.  “Yes my lord” Forsmith left the tent.  Forsmith was tall and stocky; he wore no armor because he did not fight, but he carried around a black staff with him where ever he went, no one understands why, he doesn’t have a gimp of any sort. His skin is white as snow and eyes blue as water, his hair reached his shoulders and was golden color, truly a remarkable and loyal servant to Kamis.  Kamis now lay on his bed thinking of what was to come of his power and land.  “If I do and I’ m not saying I will, but if I do kill this sword carrier; Thane.  My power will reach its max and then what, there will be no one left stopping me” He thought to him self.  “This land will become boring I need some challenge.  Lador can’t have more than 100,000 more than thousand men fighting.”  He fell into a deep sleep; his dreams filled with thoughts of him ruling the world and glorious triumph over the goodness, he sleep for hours upon ours deep into the night.  “Kamis…” A voice fainted in and out.  “Lord Kamis….”  He was woken by Forsmith standing in the entrance to his tent.  “Lador, My Lord.  It was a loss” He dropped the heavy words like weights upon Kami’s shoulders.  “What!?” He shouted angered, he shot from his bed and marched out of his tent.  “How could we have lost?” He questioned walking to the camp.  “Well you see, we haven’t lost yet, but the odds are against us” Forsmith admitted franticly.  Kamis marched to the end of the camp grounds and mounted on a lone horse grazing in the grass.  “Where are you going my lord?”  Forsmith questioned his boss, grabbing a hold of the horse.  “To retreat my army” He said in disappointment.  “I don’t understand how could we loose” He snapped the reigns of the saddle and rode away as quick as he could. He came to the battle field to see it not even started yet. His men still stood stopped 100 yards from the gates of Lador. Snow started to fall heavily on the ground he approached his army from the back.  “Why have we stopped?” he asked one of his soldiers.  “Look two large shadows are coming towards us” He answered covering his eyes form the snow.  “We are the most powerful and evil creatures, so why do you quiver at the sign of a shadow?” He questioned his soldier.  “Men take up your arms, prepare for the battle that will determine who rules the land we stand so heavily upon. Archers prepared fire… FIRE!” His voice strengthened.  A volley of arrows flew at the gates of Lador, piercing through the armor of the men and gate.18

“Men and Elves prepare to fire night arrows.” Dontey shouted along with Gweon, you could hear the echo of the string pulling back throughout the city.  “FIRE!” They both shouted synchronized.  The arrows flew like into the clouds and came falling like giant rock taking out the Dark forces, made up of balkimon, orc, orclins, goblins, and other dark creatures.  “Continue firing” Kamis lead his archers.  “Trebuchets load” He continued.  “Fire” He lifted his sword with a commanding slash.  The trebuchets hurled large flaming rocks that looked like falling stars in the snow. They collided with the walls of the city and the ground where the men stood; you could hear the men shouting and running for safety.  “Phalanx charge” Kamis ordered his two phalanx groups, made up of 400,000 men at most.  They screamed and ran towards the gates of the city.  Arrows still flew form the archers within the city, and from the archers of Kamis.  They hit men, elves, and creatures, killing them one impact.  The shadows grew closer to the city while the battle waged on.19

“Make sure the gate is heavily armed.” Jeremy shouted as soldiers ran passed him with fortifying boards and other objects.  They placed what ever they could find, doors from houses, chairs, crates, boxes, and large stones that took a few men to move them.  “Check the south gate” Haromin shouted from a tower.  Two men ran to the south gate to check on it, there were twelve at the most standing on top the wall and two in the tower.  Brad and Crewe followed the two men.  “What do you see?” Crewe asked.  “Nothing the snow falls to heavy on the land, we can’t see for more than a few hundred yards.” The soldier in the tower shouted back.  “This is no job for a human go get Lenwë.” Brad turned to Crewe.  “Why?” Crewe asked.  “You’re supposed to be the bright one. Elves have outstanding eye sight” Brad joked.  “I forgot” Crewe laughed.  He turned and galloped away as fast as he could. “If you see any thing, a shadow, a movement, or a glow, let us know” Brad shouted to the men. They raised their weapons in agreement.  “They have reached the wall, don’t let them breech it” Jeremy Shouted.  Dark soldiers started to leap upon the wall. Haromin, Jeremy, Dontey, and Gweon all rushed to either end of the wall.  “Lenwë? We need your eyes” Crewe shouted, as Lenwë lead his archers in volleying their arrows.  “Aidan take over” Lenwë shot one last arrow over the wall, then turned and left with Crewe.  “What is your problem?” He questioned.  He ran beside Crewe until they reached the other wall.  “Your eyes, can you peer into the blinding snow and tell us what you see.”  Crewe asked out of breath.  Lenwë walked up the stairs on the side of the wall to peer over it.  “They have breeched the wall. Our men’s moral is swinging on all but a string. He has at least 400,000 men at the gate and 100,000 cavalry riders. This force is over whelming” Crewe whispered to Brad.  Lenwë stood gazing on the wall still.  “What do you see?” Brad shouted.  “Give me time” Lenwë answered in reply.  “If the forces of Kamis are here than Thane should have no problem getting the sword.” Brad smiled.  “If all of us die today we know it’s for a good reason, we act as a decoy for Thane.  That is were our true hope lies” He finished gripping the hilt of his sword. Un-sheathing his blade and placing against his side, “Let us fight as friends” Brad raised his sword to his neck and ran into the snow, Crewe followed him with his sword at the same position; they disappeared into the snow like a shadow in light. “I see nothing” Lenwë turned to find Crewe and Brad missing. Lenwë proceeded to tell the men to keep watch and not take their eyes of the passage way.  He stood in the tower with on of the patrol men gazing out while keeping warm by the fire.  The snow left a foot on the ground and then stopped falling.  “It’s stopped.” Lenwë said stopping a conversation he was having, and then ran out onto the wall.  “I see something far in the distance, it shines like a star” He gazed out into the hills.  The other guards came rushing to where he stood in the shadow of a tower.  “I see nothing” the agreed.  “Just you wait” Lenwë encouraged them.   They all retuned to their posts in the tower and a crossed the wall. 20

“They have taken the wall” A soldier cried in the mist of the battle.  “No they haven’t, not as long as I breathe” Jeremy shouted slashing across the chest of the enemy.   They pushed them back on the ladders on the left side, still struggling on the right.  “Men fight harder” Dontey shouted, firing an arrow in to the head of a balkimon.  “Send the families out of the city” The king shouted. He turned his back to signal his men, when a warling rushed up behind him and stabbed him through the back.  “No” Crewe shouted rushing to him along with Haromin.  Brad was standing on the wall looking down upon the fallen king.  “For the fallen king!” He shouted running at three enemies lined up and taking them out with two slashes along the chest.  Haromin bent down lifting the head of the king.  “Help my people” He gasped then died.  “This city will not fall on this day” Haromin gently rest his head back on the ground rising back up drawing his bow.  He shot it as fast as he could as enemies soldiers ran after him.  Ten and then eleven, then twelve enemies fell before he ran out of arrows. Then he drew his sword stabbing, cutting, and slashing at his enemies.  Brian was knocked off the wall down onto the ground by a fierce blow from his enemy.  “Watch out Brian” Gweon shouted worried as he turned seeing an orc racing towards him.  Brain tried to stand up but his leg was broken, the orc stabbed him in the chest and continued on past him.  “Brain!” Gweon yelled in despair running to him.  Brain used the last of his energy to fend off and kill five enemies, until he fell and lay dying on the ground.  “You can make it” Gweon said sliding by his side.  “The fait of these people depends on you, and don’t let me down.  I will miss you my friend” Brian reached up to touch Gweon’s face.  A tear rolled down Gweon’s face as he rose slowly angered and determined more than ever.  “We will not fail, archers prepare fire. Stop retreating push forwards; don’t let these ruthless creatures take over this city that we worked to hard to build.”   Gweon shouted to his men halting the retreat and grouping every one back together.   Just then the shadow that was flying in came into view, “It’s him” Crewe laughed with hope. Two dragon’s one red like blood, the other white like the snow on the ground.  They pushed back the forces and Kamis was forced to sound the retreat.  They landed just inside the gate, “Thane!” Dontey smiled rushing to his friend’s side.  “Brad is dead, so is the king” Crewe, damped their spirits.21

“My father, he is dead?” The princess asked, tears rolling don her face.  “We must keep strong” Thane rubbed her back.  “I’ m sorry” Thane walked to where the king lie.  “He was a good man,” Haromin said cleaning him.  “He told me to protect these people and that’s what I will do, even if death calls my name this day” Haromin finished cleaning the king and standing up.  “Hello my friend” He hugged Thane.  “He was stabbed” Haromin explained.  “He was ordering his men to protect the families but then when he turned to signal them, a warling stabbed him.  A dishonorable kill, but he is dead” Haromin finished.  “But we had a victory and the loss was equal on both sides.  Let them rest tonight and in the morning we will ride to the Baforn” Crewe ordered them.  Men hustled around putting out fires and eating with their friend soldiers.  “Where is Brad?” Ace asked Dontey.  “He is here by the wall, follow me” Dontey answered, He walked to the wall where Brad lie.  “A true and noble warrior, he is a true example to all of us.  He continued to fight even with his broken leg took out five men at least.” Dontey explained smiling with tears.  “The loss grows weary on our hearts this day it is not the last time a friend of ours will be lost.  Tomorrow we ride to Baforn, there we will regroup and replenish our self’s.  There we will find at least 200,000 thousand men, and more armor and weapons.” Crewe trotted away back to the south wall, Haromin followed him.  “Men come to me in formation” Thane Shouted; taking a stand on a knocked over statue.  The men rushed to him and his friends besides Haromin and Crewe, they stood in their formations humbly as Ace, Kimberley and Dontey counted them.   “45,000, Thane” Dontey shouted as they met.  “Men today was a great loss, we lost a king and a great soldier.  Tomorrow we ride to the City of the Oceans, there we ill replenish and regroup. This is not the last of battles, there are many more to come, but I ask you now, will you ride under the command of an elf? Will you fight with me to keep this land taint free from the darkness that leaves its mark where ever it passes?  I ask you as a friend, a fellow soldier, to ride with me” Thane announced to his men.  “Aye” They shouted raising their weapons high into the air.  “Than let us not wait and leave, we ride now to Baforn” Thane stepped off the statue and walked to the white dragon.  “No not that again” Ace stumbled following Thane.  “Don’t be such a dwarf, and cower, be like Haromin brave and strong” Thane joked.  “I act like no dwarf” Ace whispered angrily to himself and leapt onto the dragon.  The men hustled to their horses and mounted onto them.  “Thane!” Haromin came running form behind him.  “Something is coming at the south gate, elves of some sort” He panted bending over trying to get a breath.  Thane unsaddled from the dragon and followed Haromin, every one else waited for him to return.22

“Kamis, you retreat?” Forsmith asked coming out of his tent.  “They had dragons” he answered angered, throwing open the door to his tent and entering it. Forsmith followed him.  “Out of all the creatures we have in our land none of them are dragons, or anything that can fly” His voice deepened.  “Well sir new men came while you were gone.  300,000 men came from the dark land of lords” Forsmith bowed.  “Here is their captain. Kusanar” Forsmith opened the door, and a tall orc, dressed in black armor.  “My lord” he bowed.  “Me and my men wish to follow you” he smiled rising.   His teeth crooked and dirty like all orc, “We fight by your side” he finished.  “What was our loss at Lador?”  He questioned.  “We had 500,000? We are down to 400,000” Forsmith replied rapidly.  “This day darkened for the men and elves; their loss is much greater than my own.  They will head to Baforn next there we will let them regroup and what ever else they need. “Kamis smiled.  “They will never beat us; more soldiers march here or sail here.  Their only hope is the one that bears the sword of the elders.” He laughed.  “Sir, the dark elves have decided not to ally with us, same goes with the men of the west.” Forsmith closed his eyes in fright.  “That is what a mere 200,000 men we loose. Our forces are at a high 700,000 almost 1,000,000.  A mere 200,000 men can do no harm to us, the darkness in our veins thickens and our power grows.  Death will grab those men by the throat and send them into a deep sleep they will not arise form.  If they so wish to fight us then let them, they will fear my name. We will head back to our fortress of Cyneburga.” Kamis ordered, he packed his belongings and waited for his men to finish packing.  “Move out” Forsmith ordered mounting his horse.  Kamis, Forsmith and Kusanar waited until the men had left and then followed them.   They rode quick and fast over the hills, they had a week journey in front of them.  “Forsmith take 100 men and go get the crystal atop Vinmon” Kamis ordered his soldiers.  “Yes” Forsmith turned to the east with 100 men and rode for the tower.  The evening fell quick and the army had stopped to make camp.  23

“Sir, are you sure this fortress will help us?” Kusanar asked entering Kamis’s tent.  “There are 40,000 men waiting there for us, we have enough men to destroy them even if the fortress falls.  “What does this fortress look like?”  Kusanar asked taking a seat in a chair.  “Its walls stand 1000 feet high, and 50 yards feet thick; the gates are made from the best steel that we could forge.  On the east and south sides of it there is a giant lake, and the other sides are open plans.  We will see their attack coming no matter what”   Kamis laughed.  “This is truly a wondrous place to live?” He asked intrigued.  “Yes it is; it used to belong to the humans but we over ran in the last wars.” Kamis answered sitting in a chair near Kusanar.  “What does your name mean? Kusanar” Kamis asked.  “It means the sun set; or twilight.  But you can call me Sear, which means night, it’s my second name.” He answered getting comfortable.   “What language are those originating from?” Kamis asked getting deeper in to conversation.  “The elfish language, my parents lived in their land” He answered, “Well the dark elves land” he continued.  “They trained me in archery and daggers play.” He explained.  “It took me years to learn but its well worth it” He smiled.  “Yes, I’ am very well mastered in sword play and archery. My parents lived on the island Hilomith.  A war torn land, you must know of this place, the first legends were born there” Kamis explained about him self.  “The strongest of them sits before you” He laughed.  Sear laughed along with him, “My friend if you defeat all these men, I will build a statue in honor of you; it will be as tall as the mountains.” He laughed harder.  “Then you must start building it now for we want it to be completed soon” Kamis laughed with him.  “Do you always wear your armor?” Sear asked changing the subject.  “Yes, ever since I was old enough to wear it, it’s never been off, except when I clean my self. No one has ever seen my true face.” He stood.  “Can you sing?” He quickly changed the subject.  “Yes” Sear answered.  “Good than you can sing me something calming.” Kamis ordered.  “I need music” He insisted.  “Logan, get me my fiddle played and stringer.” Kamis shouted.  “Yes my lord” a voice answered from out side the tent. The fiddle player and stringer walked into the tent and readied a song, Sear started to sing a claming piece for his master Kamis.  24

“The wars of old have left us weary25

Our hope left us dreary26

The wind calms our souls27

As we march on hard in the rain” the lyrics rang through out the camp. Hours passed with Sear singing to the lord as he staged out his battle plans. “Good very good” Kamis whispered pleased with the song that was just sung to him.  “Thank you that is a victory song of my people” Sear smiled and sat back down.28

“A flag of white” Lenwë gazed into he fog.  “They surrender?” He questioned in his head.  “A negotiation?” Haromin asked coming to his side.  “What do you see my fellow elf?”  Thane asked running to the gate.  “A flag” Lenwë answered.  “Get me a horse” Thane shouted into the wind.  The gates opened slowly and on the out side stood many soldiers on horses and off; they carried flags on their backs strapped to them, each section had their own color, pike and spear was orange, swordsman, yellow, and the archers were blue.  They all stood mixed together in formations, lead by three captains.  Thane rode out slowly on a horse to where the man with the flag was standing.  “We wish to ally with your’ cause.  We traveled from the east we are the elves that live in the thick dark woods of Nakisem.  We have found no god in the dark and wish to come out into he light on this day to help you.”  He shouted trying to speak above the wind.  The elves had blue-grey skin, and strange black markings on their body, each one different form the other.  “You will not turn on us if we except?” Thane questioned.  “We do not wish to suffer any more in the dark cold forest.  We bring food, water, armor, horses, and 200,000 elves.  The men of the west are also coming they are shortly behind us, they have 150,000 soldiers, mostly cavalry.” The elf man explained.  “We accept you’re alliance, come in and get some rest.” Thane turned and began to ride into the city, the army followed him flowing into the city and setting up tents. They made fires and keep warm, while singing and resting.  “We won’t be leaving today” Thane told Ace as he passed him. “Men return to your homes” He shouted walking to where they waited. “What is the meaning of this?” Ace stopped Thane.  Ace peered into the eyes of thane with out fear.  “Why must we wait?” he continued.  “I for one don’t wish to stand here and wait while Kamis could be killing our fellow men” he said walking face to face with Thane.  “Then you lead these people.  I, Donety, and Kimberley will wait.” Thane answered walking away.  “Saddle up men, we ride tonight” Ace hollered as he saddled onto the dragon.  “Thane, wait” Kimberley said dismounting the dragon.  “Why must we wait?” She asked.  “We have allies coming” He smiled.  “Some late arrivals” Dontey asked walking to his friend’s side.  “They will be coming soon” Thane answered, he now walked to the castle where Brad and the king lie on their last resting spot.  “What shall we do with them?” Thane asked placing his hand on brads head.  “You had a battle here today?” A voice came from behind the door.  “Who is that?” Thane asked turning his head.  The door slammed shut and there stood a dark elf.  “Not all of us wanted to leave the forest. But they made us; we packed left our families and homes. Now we are here and for what? One last battle that will decide the fate of this world. If you ask me its suicide” The elf cleared his throat. He was dressed in a black robe and had two blades on his back.  “No one asked of your opinion” Thane spit on the ground.  “And you are the leader how sad.  When we are all dead, at least we know who to blame it on” The man laughed and dashed out the doors. “Who was that?” Dontey asked placing a hand on Thanes shoulders.  “One of our new accompanied allies.” Thane smiled.29

“Burn them” The man shouted still standing on the stairs of the castle.  “I hate to say it but he is right. It’s the most honorable burial.” Kimberley agreed with disgust in her voice.  “Fine, bring us wood, straw and the priest” Thane ordered the two now looking down at Brad.  “Are you sure?” Kimberley asked placing her hand on Thanes back.  “Yes, we will burn them in the grave yard” Thane answered a tear rolling off his face onto Brads head.  “He was a good man, a true and honest warrior” A voice entered the room.  “A good friend also” It continued grabbing onto Thanes left shoulder.  “Who are you?” He asked.  “Ace” The man laughed.  “I thought you had left?” He asked looking up.  “I’ am staying for the funeral” Ace smiled.  “You are a good man” Ace hugged Thane then helped him lift him off the table.  They carried the two bodies from their resting places inside the castle and to the graveyard. At the graveyard they placed the bodies next to each other, on piles of twigs and logs, and then poured oils on them.  “Let these men go in peace” The priest said opening his bible.  He read allowed from his holy book and then raised his arms, continuing this process many times. The towns people, soldiers, along with than and the rest of them all mourned over the two deaths that they had lost on this dark day. They first lit Brads resting place on fire.  He started to burn slowly and then the flames engulfed him.  Then they lit the king, his silky cloths lit fast and he burned much faster than Brad, his flames looked much more red then Brad’s.  “They are good men, well were” The priest closed his book. 30

“May they rest with our past kings for eternity, they will always be in the hearts of us” He turned and left.  People left slowly, they took few minutes to clear the graveyard and continue their work on repairing the city.  The sun was now setting and Ace was leaving the city with his soldiers, the dark elves made their camps within the city walls waiting for the men of the west to make it there.  “Get much rest; it’s a very long journey to Baforn” Thane walked through the camps with his hand on his swords hilt. 31