Legend Borne Part 4

Part IV1

Discovering Destiny2

Darcion awoke slowly, sunlight peeking in on him from the slightly open window, eyes softly opening to the world, body feeling tired and worn. He slid silently from Solaria’s arms and got up, mind still fuzzy from sleep. He stretched, groaning slightly at tired muscles moving against their will. Then the horrors of yesterday came back to him in bits and pieces, the haunted memories grabbed his mind and tore it from the peace of sleep. As Darcion struggled to fully contemplate the previous day, tears once again came to his eyes and he closed them tightly, brushing his arm across his face to be rid of their burning. 3

He stood slowly and looked himself in the mirror, staring at his appearance, the hair pure silver reaching to mid chest level and even an earring in his left earlobe, his silver eyes burning with intensity. He slowly shook his head and splashed water on his face to clear it, and then looked up again and suddenly the previous night’s dream came back to him. His eyes widened and he stared at himself, trying to find some way of determining if that really happened. Suddenly a furious knocking on the door awoke Solaria, the covers jerking back at her surprise and Darcion slowly opening the door to a very confused looking Raynor.4

“D-D-Darcion…” he shook his head confusedly, nervously running his hands through his hair, “did you have a strange dream last night? B-Because I did…”5

Darcion nodded silently, listening intently as to how Raynor could have known this when he had just realized it himself. Raynor sat down on a nearby chair and continued to run his hands through his hair, and looked up at Darcion with confusion and wonder in his eyes.6

“Darcion…last night I was visited by an Archon. He told me two things…one was of the strange development your power has gained, the form of Darsantris,” Darcion blanched at Raynor’s words, thoughts spinning madly, “and also that I have been given the True Holy as my power. Both of these are significant…this shall change many things with both our status and our place in the human world. He also told me that very soon…the war that erupted 200 years ago is going to be reborn, Batrinous is stirring in his slumber; his minions are awakening from their seals. The Archon was very direct in telling me that we two would play an important role in the way that war goes, that it would fall on us to lead armies against them.”7

Solaria’s face became paler and paler, her fear and awe at such words evident in her eyes. Darcion nodded with a face that showed he was lost in thought, mind searching frantically for anything to say to that. Then he felt calm wash over him, a rush of strength coursing through his arms and he smiled softly at Solaria, his eyes showing such warmth and love that her face was calmed, and determination to do what was necessary came over her lovely features. He looked back to Raynor and grinned, his silent but confident nod reassuring his friend. 8

Then Darcion did something totally unexpected, calling on his new wings and jumping out the window, beckoning to Raynor to follow, and making a thumb down motion to Solaria, clearly intending that she should meet them on the grounds below. Raynor paused for a moment then understood what Darcion meant, calling upon the True Holy, feeling its energies flow over his body and cover his form with the holy armor. He opened his eyes and smiled softly, feeling the power of pure Holy Energy flowing over his entire form. His eyes looked down at himself and saw the wings on his boots, the felt the small but strong wings emerging from his shoulders and flapped them gently. 9

He grinned at Darcion’s hovering form out the window then ran and jumped out the frame as well, wings grabbing the air and allowing him flight, Darcion having to grab him out of the air until his wings got used to flight. Then the two winged warriors flew down to the courtyard below, standing next to each other and seeing exactly what their transformations did to their bodies. Raynor admired Darcion’s beautiful wings and chuckled lightly at his own small ones, Darcion laughing as they compared their armors, Darcion’s silver metal he had never seen before and Raynor’s magic armor that glowed against faintly in the sunlight. 10

Raynor’s armor was infused with magic runes that held its power, Darcion's were of a metal neither could identify, but both noticed that it glowed when it touched Darcion’s blades when the holy energy flowed through them. Darcion concluded that the metal must be of elemental alignment, as several rare metals he had seen before had taken to one type of element. They were extremely rare and sometimes dangerous metals if someone not used to the metals tried to forge with them. Darcion’s armor seemed to weigh only as much as the robe that clothed his body, practically nothing, but he could not get his swords to scratch them.11

Raynor reached onto his back and pulled up the massive sword, at least 6 feet long in blade, and his shields that came from his arms instead of being held in his hands, they projected right off of his arms allowing him to use both hands for his now gigantic sword. Then Raynor noticed something, and touched his hair, his golden blond locks now spiky and reaching to his past his ears on the sides and back. He stared at his hair and shrugged slightly, actually liking the new way his hair was. 12

Darcion grinned and flashed his silver hair at him, showing him that there was a pattern to this changing of hair. His was just a bit more extreme in nature, considering that even his hair color changed instead of just the length or style. Darcion tried to hold Raynor’s massive sword, but found that it weighed far more in his hands than it seemed to in Raynor’s, and the same was for Darcion’s much smaller but still long twin claymores. 13

Raynor could barely keep them out of the dirt, let alone in fighting capacity. The two laughed at this, seemingly their weapons would only work for their owners. The two were not going to duel; they were both still coming to terms with yesterday and its repercussions. There came a booming noise from a window, and both knights looked up to see King Tobias on his balcony, looking down at the two of them curiously. Darcion laughed and flapped his wings, the two Holy powers flying up to him, both laughing at his shock at Raynor’s appearance. The two explained the new changes they had gone through and the King nodded silently, processing the information slowly. After the two of them had explained the situation, they flew away to let him think, and descended back the courtyard where Solaria awaited them waving. They grinned and laughed, Darcion hugging Solaria, wings wrapping around her as well. Raynor felt a slight pang when he saw how happy they were, but he grinned and toyed with his massive blade. He decided it needed a name, and the word Archathriel came to his head, like it was the most obvious thing ever. He nodded to himself and thought silently, “I dub thee Archathriel oh blade of power.”14

Darcion smiled down into Solaria’s eyes, kissing her gently, and she ran her hand through his silver hair, loving its feel in her fingers. He smiled gently and kissed her forehead, wings almost hiding them from the world, the faint light that shone from them making her eyes sparkle. Darcion felt himself melting and all the worries in his heart faded away. He kissed her softly and then smiled, holding her tight to his chest and pumping his wings and lifting her into the air, the two of them flying high above the castle, among the clouds as he held her tightly, her eyes gazing in wonder at the splendor around her. She kissed Darcion on his lips, wrapping her arms around his neck and staring at the sky around them. 15

Darcion and Raynor folded their wings and grinned at each other, trying to keep a straight face but finding it impossible. The two began play fighting, not really being serious and just clashing blades together; Raynor using his arm shields to block Darcion’s attacks then parry with his own strikes of his giant blade, the two smaller swords in Darcion’s hands catching and holding Raynor’s but both fighters could feel the strength behind the other’s blades. They stopped before it became too serious and the two put an arm on each other’s shoulder, going off to let Raynor have a drink. 16

Solaria grinned, ran to them and attached her arms to the two winged warriors. They walked arm in arm to the tavern and told stories of their battles to anyone that would listen, which is quite a few, as knights didn’t frequent taverns like they suddenly did. Soon there was a crowd of the serfs listening to the tales of the huge battles between opposing super powers of magic and swordsmanship. They kept their audience enthralled for over an hour, even Solaria caught up in the action of the fights, the swords clashing and magics dueling. Darcion and Raynor showed off their wings and even flew for the poor people, the kindness in them even offering the children rides. 17

They flew high above the meager bailey, showing the children what the world looks like from high above, among the clouds. Both Knights smiled at each other when they saw the joy in the children’s eyes as they flew high above the gray world of their lives. Then the three of them went off to the castle again, flying of course. An assembly of Knights was in the courtyard of the keep and the three landed along the outskirts, laughing as the group surrounded them instead of them landing in the middle. 18

They told the three that the King would arrive shortly, and to remain here til he did. The King stepped out the castle doors in full dress; his special fit armor strong on his massive frame. He pulled his magic sword from his back and held it to the sky, sunlight glinting of the point of the blade. He then walked forward, the circle of Knights parting to give him a path. He stepped up to Darcion and the entire group Knights fell to their knees before the King, he bade them stand.19

“Sirs Darcion and Raynor, it has come to my attention of your recent power and calling by the Heavens that we all look to. You are no longer my knights,” Darcion and Raynor looked shocked and hurt, “You are now the Knights of the Holy Powers, of the Angel Legions and I must say you look the part. You even wear the holy armor of the Legions, Arcandium. It’s a holy metal, imbued with the energies of the Heavens. It is rarely, if ever seen here on earth, and even when it is found it can almost never be forged because it only responds to the pure of heart. I must now let you go beyond my powers as a King, for I can do no more for you. Kneel before your King one last time and let me pass on your power.”20

Darcion and Raynor looked at each other silently and knelt before King Tobias II, knowing that after this day they would never do so again. He pressed the flat of his blade to each of their shoulders, knighting them once more; only this time the change in status was even greater. King Tobias stepped back from his two favorite knights and proclaimed to the assembly.21

“Sirs Darcion and Raynor, I now announce you as Holy Knights of the Human Kingdoms, the first two of such order, but you truly are such. Fight with your honor and bring us pride in your victories. Fight strong against the powers of Darkness that will soon arise and threaten us all, so lead on and fight with honor.”22

Darcion and Raynor nodded silently, knowing that this was both and honor and a new problem. Now they had new lives to focus on, they had a new purpose to fulfill. Solaria latched her arm through Darcion’s and nodded silently with determination in her eyes as he smiled down at his love. Darcion extended his arm to the king, and they embraced as warriors, then the King pulled Darcion into a mammoth hug, grinning and laughing lightly. Raynor smiled and shook hands with the King as well, narrowly avoiding having his lungs crushed in the massive arms. Darcion and Raynor went up with Solaria to the roof to talk privately. Raynor spoke first.23

“Well…it seems we have fallen into our mission with ease of transfer. Now lies the hard part of preparing ourselves. I know I will spend a great deal of time learning to master my new power, what do you intend to do Darcion?” he spoke with a thoughtful tone.24

“Good Raynor, my brother in arms, I think it is best if we go our own paths for a time,” Raynor blanched, “for our brethren of our races are scattered and need to be gathered. We must go our ways and find those among the population that are of our like magics, and bring them into our fold as one army. You shall go forth to the Holy Knights, I shall search for my Dragoon compatriots.”25

“No Darcion, we shall not part, for neither of us would survive long alone my friend, especially with you having Solaria all by yourself. You and I are now targets my friend, we are now things to be destroyed by the Bane Powers, and as such will need to stick by each other. We shall search together, and you shall not dissuade me of this. We go together in this quest, we face this battle as brothers.”26

Darcion nodded silently, then looked to Solaria with some concern and happiness in his eyes, “My love, I wish for you to come with me, so I am never apart from you, but I also do not wish to risk you being injured. Do you want to join me in this dangerous quest we have before us?”27

“I will never leave your side my love, I am bound to you by time and love, and I would never be willingly apart from you. I will learn to fight, to use the abilities of my elf blood to help you, so that I am not simply dead weight, beyond your love that is,” She smiled.28

Raynor and Darcion shook hands and parted, each going separate ways to prepare to leave the castle. Darcion and Solaria paid a visit to her family, telling them that they would be setting off in a few days. Darcion pulled Myra aside when he got a chance and told her he and Solaria knew all about her past and about her choices, but that Solaria would not be left alone because of Darcion’s semi-immortality. She nodded silently and looked deeply saddened at the prospect of her daughter in sorrow, then smiled softly at Darcion and patted his shoulder softly in thanks for doing all he could for her daughter. 29

Darius gave Darcion a serious look and Trantis gazed at the floor forlornly. Darcion took Trantis by the arm and led him outside, where he told the young fighter that he would be sent to the keep to train as a page. The boy practically fainted from happiness, then looked sad again when he realized that Darcion and Raynor wouldn’t be there, that they would be leaving. Darcion smiled softly and noticed with a shock that Trantis’s ears were starting to take on the more elvish part of his ancestry, and nodded softly to himself, then explained the boy’s heritage to him. 30

Trantis’s eyes took on the look of one shocked and slightly afraid, then his bravery took over and his face cleared of its troubles, instead taking on a strong look of intent to live up to that past. Darcion tousled Trantis’s hair and smiled at him softly, knowing that the boy would be a strong warrior, especially with his Elvin blood. Trantis jumped up and sliced the air with his broadsword, looking up with hope that he was doing it right, then grinning sheepishly as Darcion smiled at him and patted him on the head, then got up slowly and showed the young boy his new wings, Trantis’s eyes glowing with awe and amazement, slowly extending curious fingers to touch the shining feathers. He ran his hand through the soft wings, feathers shifting under his touch as he smiled widely, awe and wonder written all over his face. After he took his hand away slowly, Darcion smiled and folded the wings again and stepped back, then took Solaria by the hand and lifted her off the ground, flying with her back to the castle. 31

They landed softly on the roof and walked softly back to their quarters to finish packing. Darcion packed as lightly as possible, only taking his gear and the robes that were on his frame, and Solaria reached into her bag and put on the tunic and trousers her mother had given her, elven clothing that did not dirty, and took up a bow and quiver, ready to go and learn the skills that she was privy to, being half elf. They set it all aside for tomorrow and went to bed, sleep taking them with an ease that was surprising considering the day’s events, and mentally prepared for tomorrow’s adventure as they fell out of consciousness. 32

Morning arose with remarkable peacefulness, birds softly singing their joys to the morning world, haze softly lifting with the sun’s rays. Solaria opened her eyes and stared at her love’s silent form, slowly sliding a hand through his silver hair and kissing his forehead softly. She smiled and cupped his strong face in her hands, brushing back that ever present lock of hair from its spot over the center of his face, pressing her lips to his and feeling his arms slide around her waist and press tighter to her lips. He opened her eyes and stared down into his silver irises, briefly lost to the world as she melted against his form, sinking into his arms and feeling as though she was flying. 33

Her heart pulsed faster for a moment and then relaxed into the kiss, feeling her breath leave her breast as she pressed tightly against her love and closed her eyes again, sighing happily into Darcion’s lips. She broke her lips away noiselessly and laid her head on his chest with the barest movement, smiling up at him as he closed he eyes with happiness. They fully awoke laying in each other’s arms, and sat up that way, kissing softly and dressing without the need for their screens, Darcion's armor sliding over his shoulders and hair sliding down his back in flat layers. Kneeling briefly he strapped the plates around his legs and stood, swords clicking into place around his waist where he moved them after finding that’s where he preferred his drawing, and slipped an arm around his wife’s waist, smiling down at her and kissing her forehead.34

“My dear love today is the day we leave our home here behind and go forth into the world, to find our scattered brethren. The world will be a harsh place from here on.” 35

Darcion walked to his dresser and took out their pouch of gold coins and slid them under his armor, pressing tightly to his body, and smiled at her, his given money from his knighthood and wedding was quite a bit. He took his love’s arm and they walked out to find Raynor awaiting them with a determined smile set upon his face. Darcion and Raynor went to the King’s chambers and bade them farewell, Solaria going down to the stables to arrange for a horse for her, knowing the others would fly, and the two Knights said goodbye to their King. Solaria hopped up on her steed and swung her few bags over the sides of the horse and galloped to the front gate, awaiting the two Knights.36

Raynor and Darcion climbed to the top of the keep and jumped off, wings spreading behind them as the fell, and flew swiftly down to Solaria and past her, grinning as she swung her horse in place and set off after the two Angelic warriors, laughing as they flew in the warm light. Wings pumping furiously, Darcion flew far above the Earth, trees and ground disappearing beneath clouds and he smiled softly, eyes closing and listening to the silence of a world without movement. Then he folded his wings and fell down to the ground again, flying alongside his wife’s horse and smiling at her as they sped along the trail, heading towards the next town, small wooden buildings surrounded by the palisades of all such towns.37

Upon reaching the gate, Darcion and Raynor stepped forward and introduced themselves to the town watch, swiftly ushered in as the villagers stared at their wings and shining armor. Darcion saw a mother usher her children inside away from them and he sighed softly, then followed Raynor to the tavern, wings evaporating in a swirl of magic and they sat down at the bar and ordered their respective drinks, Solaria stepping inside and noticing several appreciative grins her way from some of the more drunk regulars. Darcion stood up and walked out of the bar; trying to shake off the glares he was getting from the entire bar for his strange looks. 38

He walked for a few moments then leaped off the ground, magic allowing him to reach the roof of one of the buildings and he sat on the corner, one leg hanging off as he looked up into the sky. Darcion's mind spun slowly, trying to understand the way people would be so misunderstanding just because of his hair and magic, how they could make such instant prejudices. He heard a sound behind him and turned, noticing Solaria climbing up a ladder and sitting down next to him, placing an arm around his shoulder and smiling softly as she looked out over the town.39

“My Darcion, do the eyes of these villagers hurt you to see their scorn and fear? They are simple people and magic will instantly make them fear you, because they can’t understand you.”40

Darcion smiled softly, “It is not that I am hurt by their stares and ill glances, I am bracing myself against the knowledge that I will be seeing those same eyes this whole trip, so I must learn that it is the natural reaction of the ignorant,” he looked up at her and gazed into her eyes, “I need to learn that people can not understand who I am, or why I am, so I do not feel anger at the way I am stared at for my strange features.”41

Solaria nodded silently and rested her cheek against Darcion’s shoulder, holding him tight as they watched the sun recede behind the tree line, reaching orange flares all along the horizon, trees casting long shadows that seemed to recreate the forest along its floor. As the sun sank below the mountains in the distance, the sky became darker and darker, stars filling the sky as the two watched from their rooftop perch, Raynor stepping out of the tavern and smiled sadly up at the two lovers, wishing in his heart for someone to share this sunset with. He sighed softly, then walked back into the tavern and up to his room, settling into his bed for the night. Darcion and Solaria got down from the roof and walked along the palisades, arm in arm and silent. 42

They eventually went inside, Solaria falling asleep quickly, but Darcion was still restless and slid as quietly as he could from the bed, walking outside and into the center of town, finding Raynor standing there as well. They stood there without saying anything, staring up at the moon as it made its pale travel across the dark sky. 43

Darcion knelt silently and called forth his magic, body shining with the same pale radiance as the moon as his wings emerged from his back and folded around him. Raynor smiled softly and closed his eyes, his own wings growing from his back and boots, feathers brushing softly against each other as they tucked themselves back against his chain mail vest. Darcion's silver hair rustled softly as he turned to his brother in arms and mission, clasping him at the wrist and smiled softly.44

“I see that you too felt the call of the heavens,” he looked back up at the sky, “for it seems that we will have a busy night, or at least a long one.”45

Raynor nodded at Darcion and rustled his wings restlessly, trying to settle his excitement and nervousness of the first task that they would be given in their service to the powers they had pledged their lives and swords to. Raynor knelt as well and the two winged warriors bowed their heads, feeling a strange light surround them. They looked up and saw that the angel in their dreams had appeared before them, beckoning them to stand.46

“Good Darcion, Raynor, warriors of our Holy Legions, you have come to hear your first task?” the two nodded, “Then stand and hear what you shall be asked to do.”47

The two stood, nodding to each other and looking up into the eyes of the angel. He landed and folded his own wings, smiling down at the two Knights. He nodded and embraced the two; slightly surprising them and the angel laughed lightly when he felt them tense up and look at him strangely. The two eased up after a moment and returned the embrace, shrugging to themselves and embracing him as strongly as he did, his face smiling more warmly as he released them.48

“My young Knights, so young, so very young, and you will look this way for so long… as you have gained your powers you will be guardians in your current state… for hundreds of years. You are blessed and cursed as I have heard those few before you say, but do not dwell on this. I have summoned, you have come; now I shall give you your first task. You are to find the son of Grahmad, Gildan. The son of the Drakenlord of your home Darcion, he has been found with his serf family, far away near the forest of the same clan of Samurai that stormed your late Felix.”49

Darcion’s head bowed in memory and Raynor patted his back softly, then Darcion looked up with determination shining in his silver eyes. 50

He nodded fiercely and drew one of his claymores, runes and holy light glowing along its edges. Raynor drew his own swords and crossed Darcion’s with his own massive blade, the angel then placing a hand upon their crossing of arms and sealing it, all three nodding, the angel smiling softly then telling them where to find the Dragoon that was still unaware of his power. Darcion and Raynor sheathed their swords and extended their wings, crouching softly then leaping into the air and pumping hard, grabbing altitude as they flew up into the sky. Raynor’s wings worked together, keeping his weight balanced, as his wings were smaller than Darcion’s, so he had to work harder to make the same speed. 51

Raynor wished his wings were larger so it would be easier to move through the air and he felt some of his holy magic change, his wings growing almost as large as Darcion’s, and he laughed softly at how easy it had been to change that problem. Then Darcion stopped in mid air and flew back to the inn, softly kissing Solaria on the cheek and brushing back her hair from her face, her eyes fluttering open softly and he hit himself mentally.52

“Darcion… why are you in full battle form? Where are you going?” her eyes opened fully and she stared up at him.53

“My dear Solaria, Raynor and I must go on our first task tonight, to find the lost son of Grahmad,” Solaria nodded softly, “But we must leave now… and I must go quickly so that Raynor does not leave without me.”54

Solaria jumped up and out of the bed, grabbing her chain mail and elven bow, slipping into her cloak and boots with ease, standing before her husband with all the intentions of following him, and he knew he would not dissuade her. Darcion smiled softly and kissed his beloved, then jumped out the window as she ran to her horse and they set off in the night, moon trailing softly across the sky and lighting their path as the two winged warriors and their mounted companion set off across the plains of Narmat, stopped periodically to engage in combat with various magical birds and beasts, Solaria’s bow snapping off elven arrows as fast as her superhuman archery would allow, arrows returning to her quiver when the foe had fallen. Darcion and Raynor were impressed with how fast she had grasped her ancestral skill, and they spun their swords with their own incredible speed, slashing and dispatching their enemies with ease.55

Soon the plains gave way to the forest of Rmak, filled with shadows that were beloved by the night, so Darcion rode with Solaria on her horse, twin blades lighting their path through the dark branches as the Bane forest seemed to reach out for them, and occasionally a spawn of the evil magic would run from Darcion's glowing energized claymores. Raynor flew over the forest, keeping a solid view of the two riders below. 56

Several of the more bold monsters attempted to attack the horse and its riders, finding Darcion's swift blades there to remove their threat. As he slashed and cut the path through the evil woods, the very trees tried to grab them, branches that would have ripped at their faces and skin were blocked by Darcion’s wings, smashing them back with the pure Holy energy flowing throw them.57

Then the forest broke away, they had made it through without being hurt, and a roar came from the forest as their light left the dark branches, rage escaping the throats of the Bane forest’s inhabitants. Raynor swooped down and landed next to the two on the horse and smiled up at them as Darcion brushed some dried fluids from his silver armor as Solaria pulled back her hood and shook out her hair, smiling softly at her love, and then hugging him tightly, softly planting a kiss on his neck. 58

Darcion and Raynor clashed their blades against each other to a crash of holy light and then took off again, wings trailing glowing feathers that dissipated after a few moments. The two angelic Knights flew towards the moon, stars blinking softly as Solaria’s horse reared and took off after them, galloping with a pace only an elven touch could bring. As the horse rode across the plain with the two flying over Solaria’s head, the moon passed directly over the three, lightly their path with its pale light. As their path drew near to their destination, Darcion flew lower and landed next to Solaria, stopping her horse as Raynor landed next to him with a questioning look on his face.59

“Raynor, stay your wings and continue from here in normal guise, and ride with Solaria into the town. I have a different way I must go, to reveal the young Dragoons powers to me, so ride with my wife and protect her, but stay low and without revealing who you are, for surely when I enter this town, they will not be happy to see me.”60

Raynor nodded and removed all his magic from its use, hopping up behind Solaria and holding on, Solaria’s eyes asking Darcion a thousand questions. Darcion smiled softly at her and jumped into the air, wings pumping behind him as he flew over the forest of the Dragon Samurai Clan. His magically attuned eyes could see the various scouts and ninja hopping through the trees towards their Warlord to tell him of their airborne visitor. 61

Darcion landed in the clearing where they gathered, the barriers and camouflage they had put up to disguise its true whereabouts failing to Darcion’s eyes and extra sense of magical detection. As he landed a circle of Samurai in full armor and weapons instantly surrounded him, but Torotama stepped forth into the circle and faced the shining warrior, recognition showing in his face, along with slight awe at the aura that surrounded Darcion’s form.62

As Darcion had not drawn any weapons, Torotama let his katana hang limp under his gi, his samurai armor shining with recent polish. The samurai guardians of Torotama bowed to Darcion and stepped back, moving back into the circle of warriors surrounding the two former duelists. Darcion felt a wave of energy pass over him and he looked up to see Raynor silently gliding over the village, his face showing that Solaria was safe, but he had needed to see what Darcion went to do, to witness it. Darcion nodded up at him and then turned his face back to Torotama, closing his eyes and making his wings disappear with a flash of feathers, then he faced the Samurai with calm in his silver eyes. He bowed and drew his claymores, all traces of his magic gone from them.63

“You, Torotama, Warlord of the Dragon sect, I challenge you to finish our duel, interrupted by my father Sir Felix’s assassination, but to find our strength in ourselves, not our magical energies. Do you accept my worthy adversary?”64

Torotama nodded, “Yes Darcion of unbound castle, seeker of new destiny, I accept your challenge to finish our duel. My warriors, escort us to the fighting arena!”65

Darcion’s face changed slightly and looked to the Warlord for explanation of his knowledge of his latest change in his life, and saw the amused grin on the Samurai’s face. “Clearly warrior you wonder as to how I knew of your change in status with your king, the truth is that since our duel I have thought often of our fight, it seldom leaves my mind. To find a fighter of such rare skill, of such unique ability is not something I can find often, so many human Knights are of such petty skill, they are strong by some standards but are only a real fight for my soldiers, not me. Now I have found the fight I have wished for, it is here, I long to finish this fight my opponent, to end the urge to duel until one of us falls. So I had you watched using Ninja, my 2 best, they can mask their energy so that even your enhanced senses could not detect them.”66

Darcion laughed softly and closed his eyes, walking with the Samurai to their dueling garden, walking through the beautiful flower arrangements that represented the paradox of the Samurai. Ferocity and calm in one person, destruction and creation found in each Samurai fighter, their hearts and minds balanced against becoming to used to death and to numb to violence. Torotama and Darcion walked side by side, hands itching to draw their blades and clash in battle. 67

They reached the arena and faced off, Darcion looking up to the Moon and seeing Raynor’s winged form and smiling a little, knowing that Raynor couldn’t miss a good fight. Darcion stepped to his place in the arena and bowed to his opponent, standing straight up with hands on his claymores, all his energy suppressed inside of him so that only the wielders themselves would determine this fight.68

Torotama again took the offensive, drawing his katana and shifting sideways to attack with a drawing style slash, Darcion’s claymores easily catching the attack, but he was almost caught off guard as Torotama let go of the katana with one hand and drew a second one from a hidden sheath, attacking at Darcion’s legs with the incredible speed that only a Samurai could in such a small frame. Darcion shifted on claymore, catching the second sword, both fighters’ struggling to hold the other’s blades against their own, preventing either of them from gaining an advantage. Darcion turned one foot sideways to brace himself and pushed Torotama back, his shoulders and larger frame enabling him to throw the other off balance. 69

Before his push could fully take effect, Torotama threw himself backwards with the force of Darcion’s thrust, and landed a few feet back, then lunged forward. Darcion had just recovered his own balance and crouched, one claymore catching both of Torotama’s katanas and then sent his second blade slashing at the Samurai’s feet, but at the last moment the blade twisted upwards and captured the two katanas between his claymores, and putting a blade right in front of Torotama’s chest. The Samurai’s eyes widened in shock at what was clearly a Samurai technique being used by a Knight with such heavy blades.70

“Darcion, warrior of human kingdoms, how is it that you duplicate a technique only found in our Samurai clans?71

Darcion spun his blade sideways and punched Torotama in the chest, pushing him back and smacking his chin with the flat of the sword, then crouched again and jumped back as the Samurai stared at Darcion with slight confusion and wonder in his eyes. Closing his eyes, Darcion began to manipulate his swords with the grace of a Samurai katana, flowing through the air with a speed and dexterity that should have been impossible with swords of such type, Torotama’s eyes with the style of movements, and the familiarity Darcion showed, the ease of practice and mastery that only one that had learned the techniques long ago and continued to train with that knowledge. 72

He sheathed his swords and stood at a sideways stance, for a drawing technique, and Torotama’s eyes spread wider still and he sheathed his own katanas, trying to contemplate what a Knight, Dragoon or not, was doing with a knowledge and use of Samurai skills and fighting. The two moved slowly at first, taking steps towards each other as their hands gripped their swords tighter and their feet moved faster along the ground. The two became a blur and the those Samurai with lower power became unable to see them anymore, the two drawing their swords faster than even they could see and smashing them together, Darcion’s claymore against Torotama’s katana, both fighters straining against the other as their swords struggled to push the other away, Darcion shifting all his weight to the side of the hand that gripped his blade. 73

Grunting with the effort and drew his second claymore, spinning it sideways and slicing through the air, disengaging Torotama with a slash to the tip of his katana, then swung the flat of his sword back into the Samurai’s stomach, making the fighter bend over and fall to the ground with a grunt. Torotama fell to the ground and he gasped for breath as Darcion sheathed his claymores.74

“Excellent Darcion, knight of the human kingdoms.” He clapped softly, “You have earned the respect of everyone gathered here, and will always be welcomed in this clan whenever you are here, you defeated a Samurai with his own skills.”75

“I thank you Torotama, and I can say that I have found a friend and rival in you, thank you greatly for this duel, you can be assured that I will not be afraid to come into this place, someday soon you will meet my wife, and later, my children.”76

Darcion bowed and then straightened, hands on his swords and his cape billowing softly in the wind and his silver ponytail waving to the breeze. He brushed his hair out of his face, only to have it slide right back over, but it didn’t matter. He looked up and beckoned to Raynor, who landed much less gracefully than Darcion, but with quite an impressive show, being adorned in his True Holy as a just in case. He turned to Darcion and his eyes questioned all the more.77

“Torotama, Warlord of the Dragon clan, I introduce Raynor, Holy Knight of the Human Kingdoms, a White Knight by race, and my comrade in our quest. He also shares unique powers, as you can see from his magical armor. He is my dearest friend, and I would stand by him no matter the cause.”78

Raynor nodded to Torotama and the warlord bowed, then Darcion smiled at both and called upon his angel wings, shining softly in the moonlight, then waved to all the gathered Samurai. Darcion and Raynor lifted off the ground and flew towards the dark sky, Raynor grinning at Darcion over his little match with the Samurai, and then Darcion directed Raynor to go back and stay with Solaria while he entered the village where young Gildan awaited his destiny. Raynor again nodded silently and flew towards a small tavern, leaving Darcion hovering before the moon and staring down at the world below him. 79

He closed his eyes and the Holy aura surrounded him and lit up the sky like a white sun, growing and growing until Darcion had been replaced by Darsantris, the massive dragon pumping its six wings and flexing its muscles in the first time it had appeared in this world in over 100 years. He threw his head back and let out a roar, his cry of arrival echoing all the way back to where King Tobias laid in bed, awaking him from his slumber as he heard the resonance in his heart. Darsantris pumped his wings harder and roared again, this time sending its waves towards the village and awakening every occupant from their slumber, but none of the animals anywhere nearby became skittish, even when their human owners were almost wetting themselves from the sound.80

In one house near the edge of the village, a boy of 17 tossed in his sleep, the sound rolling over him bringing strange visions into his dreams, images of dragons and swords, clashing flames and a voice saying, “goodbye my son…” His eyes opened to the view of his wall and he blinked several times, then listened as the echoes of Darsantris’s roar rolled over him. He looked down at his arm and saw that it was glowing faintly, as was his other arm, his moderate sword leaning against a wall in the corner, seeming to call out to him.81

He jumped out of bed and unsheathed it, its blade glowing with the same light in his hands, his dark eyes widening as he noticed that his entire body was glowing, but the glow faded as soon as the dragon’s roar faded. He leapt out his window to the ground outside and ran to the center of town, and raised his sword up, for what reason he did not know, he was driven by his instincts and they told him to do these things.82

Darsantris saw the flash of the blade against the moon and flew over the village, landing next to Gildan in the town square as screams were heard from all the households, face after face appearing with horror in the windows of each home. Gildan’s eyes opened wide as he stared at the pure white dragon, its tail coiling around the entire square, capturing him in a prison of scales. He looked up at the dragon and glared gently, not about to let it take his village without him trying to save it. Grabbing his sword he ducked a simple bat of a claw and slashed at the dragon’s stomach, sword not even messing up a single scale upon his stomach. His eyes filled with grief and anger as he realized he was not strong enough to save his town and he glared up at Darsantris, the dragon’s serene eyes staring back peacefully. 83

“Damn you dragon! Damn you for coming here to my village! Why did you have to come here? What did we ever do to deserve your wrath? You come into here in the middle of the night and seem to call me out of bed, and I can’t do a damn thing to save my friends and family!” Gildan fell to one knee and tears of grief and rage slid down his cheeks, his face set with the pain of one helpless but wishing so desperately to do something.84

Darsantris’s eyes seemed to smile and he reached down one claw to touch the boy’s shoulder, a collective cry of grief going up from the villagers as they thought he was dead. When they looked up however they found Gildan looking up at Darsantris with shock in his eyes as a dragon tattoo sprung from the place where the claw touched, its form stretching across his entire back and shoulders, his sword flashing several different colors, red, blue, white, black, yellow, brown and gold, magical traces of each floating into the air around the blade. He looked up at Darcion with wonder and confusion as his sword sagged to the ground and he fell to his knees, staring up into Darsantris’s eyes. 85

Darsantris seemed to smiled and closed his eyes, the white light shining through the village and as one the villagers hid their eyes so as not to be blinded, when the radiance had faded another gasp of shock passed through the village. Where the massive dragon had stood, a young man with wings like the angels and platinum hair flowing down his back with a calm demeanor stood over the kneeling Gildan. As Gildan stood slowly, almost using his sword as a crutch, Darcion gave him a hand and lifted the boy to his feet, then grabbed his shoulder to steady him. Gildan’s eyes widened with shock as he realized that the dragon had disappeared.86

“D-Did you kill the dragon? Where did it go? It was right here, it touched my back! They all saw it! Did you destroy it?” his voice was shaky and with good reason, after what he just went through.87

Darcion smiled at the young man and gripped his shoulder, then pulled back his hands and threw off his breastplate, showing the young man all the dragons covering his own body, and how the massive black tattoo that once covered his back had been replaced with a pure white model of Darsantris, his magic wings extending from his shoulder blades right where Darsantris’s did in the image. Gildan gasped and took a step back, then lifted his sword from the ground and pointed at him in shock, his already confused mind trying to process what he was seeing.88

“Y-you-you were the dragon! It was you! But how? No human can become a Dragon! What magic is this that turns a man into one of the great lords of the sky? What terrible power are you!” Gildan attempted to swing his blade at Darcion’s chest, but he simply caught the sword and pushed it back.89

“Gildan… I am Darcion Drakwind of the castle your father once led, your father Grahmad, Drakenlord of castle Withal. I come here to unseal your powers from their protective bonds that your father put them in, to save you from a life of misery and being an outcast. Now, look at what you can do my brother in blood.” Darcion touched Gildan’s forehead and instantly the same light that came from Darcion during his transformation shone from Gildan and he felt a rush of energy through his body, then realized he was no longer himself. 90

The most incredible feeling of power and strength flowed through his limbs, raising a ruby scaled hand into his vision and letting out a roar of surprise. His head began spinning wildly, trying to understand what had happened. How am I here? What is going on? Why am I so tall and covered with so many scales and… Oh my god! Wings! How? What did that man, Darcion was it, do this? Is he telling the truth? Darcion smiled softly, pumped his wings and touched Gildan’s snout, this time the light paler in comparison than to before, but still making shadows appear all over the village and giving the homes an eerie look.91

Gildan collapsed to the ground and began gasping softly; trying to gain back the breath he seemed to have lost as his heart raced faster than he would have thought possible. He noticed that his normally brown hair had fallen into his face and was now a dark maroon red, the color of blood and fire. As his mind struggled to keep up with the night’s events, Gildan straightened and stared down at his hands. Darcion nodded solemnly, then clasped the young man on the shoulder. Gildan’s fiery red eyes locked Darcion’s silver ones, and Darcion could see the strength hidden inside, behind that fire. His face set determinately and Darcion knew that this Dragoon was now ready to learn.92

“Darcion… you say I you knew my father? Grahmad was it? My parents told me they had been given me when I was very little… only 3 from what I was told. I can’t remember anything before I was around 5. What can you tell me, what am I?” Gildan put his hands on his temple and shook his head, trying to understand what was going on.93

“Gildan, I should explain. I am a Knight to King Tobias, and because of my powers as a Dragoon; I have been given the title of Holy Knight. I have attained the ability to summon the holy powers; I am the last Holy Dragoon in this world of ours. There are so few Dragoons left after the destruction at castle Withal, each one is dedicated to one element. You, my brother, are the last pure Dragoon of Fire, and will gain the strongest dragon form of flames and control fire with the ease of a master mage.”94

Gildan’s fire red eyes widened and then closed in thought, his brow furrowing and a hand brushing back his hair from his face, contemplating all the information he was now receiving. He looked up at Darcion and smiled lightly, holding some of his red hair in front of his face, then his eyes rolled up into his head and he passed out, collapsing to the ground in front of Darcion. Darcion caught him on his way down and rested the young warrior against his shoulder, taking him and slowly leading him back to his cottage of many years, sliding him down to his adoptive family and smiled softly at their wide eyes. As the mother touched his flame hair, Darcion waved as he turned, the entire town following his footsteps from their windows. 95

He walked into the center of the town and spread his angel wings from his back, passing through his cloak, and lifted into the air, heading off to where Raynor and Solaria were awaiting his return. Darcion’s eyes shone with excitement as he landed and walked through the door of the tavern, Raynor beckoning to him from the back of the room and he made his way there. Raynor’s eyes begged him to know what had happened, and Darcion laughed lightly. He beckoned for Raynor to show Darcion to his room and Raynor sighed exasperatedly, then led him up the stairway to their room, then sat on the edge of the bed across from the one where Darcion lowered himself to, blue eyes shining with his wanting to hear what had happened.96

“I transformed into Darsantris for the first time, the most incredible rush of energy I have ever felt before, and the most incredible power pulsing through me. When I roared I could feel the vibrations touching everything, and I knew instantly whom Gildan was, his energy pulsed back at me. I flew into his village and landed, the young man that was obviously Gildan running out with sword in hand; ready to do anything to save his loved ones. I touched him with a single claw and broke the seal on his powers that Grahmad put on him so long ago, his physical appearance changing slightly, as mine has. After the tried valiantly to defeat me, having no chance unfortunately for him, I returned to my winged human body, and sent him into a forced transformation into his first Dragon form. The shock hit him hard and I returned him to normal, but he was unable to stay awake any longer and passed out before me, I brought him back to his adoptive family to rest and I will go there again tomorrow,” he nodded with finality.97

Raynor blinked slowly and pictured everything Darcion had just said, realizing the full spectrum that they had indeed found another of the last remaining Dragoons. As he comprehended this, all the possibilities of what this could mean ran through his mind and he stayed calm, looking back up at Darcion with wonder in his sapphire blue irises. Darcion laughed lightly and threw his breastplate to the ground beside the bed, the light metal rebounding softly then resting against the small table next to the bed. 98

He unclasped his arm and leg plates, then laid back against the mattress and wrapped his arms around Solaria and closed his eyes, falling into sleep quickly from the tiredness set in from transforming. Raynor sat awake for a few more minutes looking out the window and pondering what this could bring. He smiled softly and slipped into his covers, tired from the long night and he too slipped out of awareness. 99

Gildan’s heart and mind awoke in his dreams, the part of himself that he had always been cut off from awoken and now trying to meld with his body after so many years of living without that power, to have it suddenly flowing through him was shock to his system. His eyes snapped open and he stared at the ceiling, feeling the rush of energy pulsing through him, holds his hands before his face and seeing flames tracing through his fingertips, the sight entrancing him and scaring him at the same time. Focusing on the flames, he felt the heat grow and opened his eyes to see a ball of fire cupped in his hand, eyes widening and he dissipated it swiftly before he could do any damage to the wooden house. 100

He stood up and again picked up his sword, feeling the fire that burned inside of him move into the sword, faintly glowing red. Walking silently out of his house, he felt drawn in a certain direction, as thought a fishhook in his heart drew him towards a hill before him, overlooking the town in full view of the full moon. As he approached the tree, he noticed a figure with silver hair sitting against the tree trunk and staring up at the moon. Darcion beckoned to Gildan and the young Dragoon sat next to him against the tree. Darcion turned his head slightly, then looked back up at the sky.101

Gildan stared at Darcion, and turned his head upwards to find what Darcion was looking at. “Sir Darcion, what are you attempting to look at?”102

Darcion’s head stayed focused on the sky, “I am looking for the reasons of everything among the heavens, what exactly drew us to this place in our lives, what part of the plans we will play.” He turned to face Gildan. “You, Gildan, are a Dragoon, you have never had any dreams of grandeur or power, but you now have both in your hands, what you do with them are up to you. I can sense your heart young Dragoon, I know you strive only to help others and stop the pain that you see each day, and the knowledge of something dark hangs heavy in your heart. You know something is out there in the shadows, beyond your sight, but you know it’s there, poisoning the world from behind a veil.”103

Gildan blinked slowly and then looked back up into the sky, feeling the need to see as deep in the black depths as his eyes could strain. Darcion sighed softly and laid back against his tree, closing his eyes and tilting his head back. Gildan turned his eyes to the silver haired Dragoon. “Yes… I have felt that shadow, and wondered where it was that I might remove its heaviness from my heart.”104

“That shadow is the fallen angel Batrinous, the possessor of all Bane magic, and corrupter of the world’s peoples. He is stirring in his stasis, his sleep is almost over, and when he wakes, his demons will be hungry to take the world of the Realms,” Darcion nodded, eyes still closed as he thought silently to himself, “And it is my duty from the Heavens to lead an army against those forces. I have been commissioned by the powers of Holy to find the last Dragoons and prepare them for the time that is to come, my compatriot Raynor sent with me to find his Holy Knight brethren. So I ask you Gildan, son of Grahmad, will you join my cause to fight against the threat of destruction for all you love?”105

Darcion’s silver eyes opened slowly and looked into Gildan’s fiery red irises, seeming to cut through Gildan’s soul as he nodded silently and extending one arm to seal that agreement, Darcion closing his eyes and releasing the grip on Gildan’s arm and resting back against the tree once more. 106

“Gildan my young brother of blood, I bear your father’s memories, and the memories of those that came before him in the duty of Drakenlord. I can see your birth, and… your mother’s death. I can see all that happened in his life and the life he briefly shared with you, and… I shall tell you. Because of the power I have been given, I will not die for hundreds of years. I will never age; I will simply live on until Darsantris’s blessing and curse of such time fades. If ever you have a question of your past, come to me and I shall answer it to the best of these memories recollection.”107

Darcion leaned back against the tree, his silver eyes once again searching the heavens. He smiled softly and closed his eyes, breathing softly and slipping into sleep, a rest from the world of troubles he was destined to challenge. Gildan looked at Darcion’s sleeping form and couldn’t help but smile at the peaceful look that sank over Darcion’s features, as though his brief respite was one he greatly deserved. Gildan’s feet pattered away back to his house and a feeling of slight completion settled on his heart, he felt calm with the knowledge that that heaviness had a purpose, and he would work to erase it. He whispered as he returned to his cottage.108

“Good night Sir Darcion… Thank you.”109

Darcion slept under the moon’s light, his body seeming to shine softly with the white radiance. His wings slowly extended from his back and folded over his body, keeping him warm as he slept beneath the sky. As he dreamed on, he felt a strange new rush of energy in his sub-conscious and felt four new wings slip from his back and fold over his chest and legs, creating a feather patterned armor. He felt his swords change once again and this time his sheath’s narrowed as well, the blades lighter and thinner, and his hair shone with the silver light, his face grunting softly as he tried to shift into the new energy smoothly, a part of him opening as Gildan awoke in his power. 110

His eyes snapped open and he felt a fire course through his body, then slowly change down to a simple blaze in his heart, and his mind processed this with the moments of the past, and the first holder of Darsantris’s memories explained, that when he found those bound to his powers and awoke them, so would techniques of his energy awaken. This was called the Wing Armor as it had been before, and Darcion’s eyes softly shifted open to a blurry vision of white feathers forming a Samurai’s armor on his chest and legs. He rubbed his eyes softly and stretched then looked again, noticing that the wings indeed had formed armor and that the style was Samurai inspired, but was simply melded with his original armor plates.111

His eyes widened slowly at the depth of this realization, at what the possibilities of that could be. How many other Dragoons will there be? What other abilities will I see my energy call forth, what powers will my body take hold of? Sitting up slowly he brushed himself and his new armor off as he stood up swiftly, his sword belts swinging at his sides as he slowly drew the new swords and looked over them, the blades now virtually a limp weight in his hand, no difficulty to gain speeds perfectly balanced to his arms. He reached back to touch his hair and found it tied similarly to Torotama’s, in a Samurai’s tail. 112

He laughed lightly, as it seemed this latest technique was tailored to his abilities and strengths, including the Samurai techniques that melded with his Knight style. Sheathing the swords once more, he flapped his normal wings lightly and flew upwards toward the moon, and coasted softly to land beside to Tavern, wings disappearing in the rush of fading feathers. He smiled softly and walked inside, slipping out of his armor silently once he made his was into his room. Sitting by the window, Darcion cast his eyes over the sleeping occupants of the room and saw Raynor staring at the ceiling.113

“So… what did you and Gildan speak of? I chose not to follow you and to let you talk privately with your fellow Dragoon.”114

Darcion nodded slowly, “We spoke of what lies before us, and the past, and our present choices. Indeed this world confuses me, but our journey is not one I will regret.”115

“Here, come with me my friend,” Raynor stood up and beckoning, he jumped out the window before Darcion and landed softly, a soft thud announcing Darcion’s landing behind him.116

Darcion followed Raynor to a rock where the two sat silently for a few moments under the moon, simply listening to the night. Then Darcion turned to Raynor and spoke, “My friend, what is it that you have called me out here to talk about? Is something wrong, or is does something lie amiss in your heart?”117

Raynor shook his head lightly, making his golden hair sway softly, “No, nothing is amiss, I simply feel a sense that after tonight our journey will no longer be the same, even if it has just begun. We are no longer three, but four, and I realize more shall join us, so I wish to spend this last night as just we two, as it was back at the Academy, before all this craziness happened and we were thrust into these battles and situations. I remember those battles we shared in the forests, you as a dragon, and me in my Holy Armors. Then that day when we first both had our ultimate powers course through us, yours unfortunately forced I’m afraid.”118

Darcion smiled softly at these memories and turned from the moon to look at his friend, his first and so far only real friend. Gildan would be more of a younger brother, a fellow warrior but still a sibling. “Indeed… such times seem so long ago now, but my vision has changed, and most things appear as long ago. You have been my only true friend my entire life, and have stuck through me in the hardest of times. Such a friend ship I could not be more blessed with in my entire life, and I thank you deeply, just for sticking by me. Thank you Raynor.”119

Leaning over, Darcion embraced his long time friend and brother in arms, Raynor returning the embrace and clapped each other on the back for a moment, then released each other and stared up at the moon. “Thank you as well Darcion, if it had not been for you, I would never have grown in my powers and found my purpose, I would simply have been another cocky knight, never learning from the past or changing anything in the world that needed to see a new light. Both our lives have influenced120

Raynor and Darcion stayed out most of the night talking and remembering, spending the last night before their trio became a set of four travelers, and near dawn the two returned to their respective beds and went to sleep, peaceful smiled set on each warrior’s face, the night a interesting reprieve from the difficult times. They awoke only a few hours later, Darcion clasping his wing armor to his body and laughing lightly as the plates shone with energy as they came in contact with his body, and buckled his sword belts around his waist. Solaria and Raynor dressed swiftly and the two Holy fighters flew on their wings as Solaria once again rode beneath, finding Gildan standing in the center of the town waiting for them.121

As the two landed in the clearing next to Gildan, his eyes widened at seeing both of the two warriors appear in full Holy forms, with his own body unaffected save his hair and eyes by the unlocking of his powers. Darcion folded his wings and the rustling behind him announced Raynor following suit, eyes once again following every move the two made from the windows and doors of each home. Raynor waved grinning, and several doors were heard to slam, his face turning downcast at the response. Darcion nodded in sympathy and patted his friends shoulder, then turned back to Gildan, smiling lightly as the adoptive parents broke open the door and rushed at him, trying to make Darcion leave their son alone.122

“Quick Gildan! You must run while we distract this monster! He will not force you to go! Run!” the father cried with tears in his eyes. “Go before he can stop us and force you to fight for him!”123

“Father… Mother, Sir Darcion is not forcing me to do anything, this is what I want to do, what I must do. I cannot thank you enough for loving me as your son, you are my parents in love if not blood, and I will always think of this as my home. Now please, go back inside, because it is time for me to go.”124

Gildan’s parent’s looked slightly torn, and tears slipped down their faces as Gildan walked to them and embraced both deeply, Darcion’s eyes looking faintly shadowed at the memories of his own family, gone for so many years now, and as Gildan walked away his bowed his head so no one would see the look in his silver irises. Gildan mounted a horse and rode next to Solaria while the two Holy fighters spread their wings and lifted lightly into the air, setting out for the next castle to listen for news of other unusual powers or persons. Raynor beckoned to Darcion in the air and took him aside, hovering gently and whispering.125

“Soon I will bring you to the home of my family, who changed their surnames after their transformation, they are now the Pureharts… and attempt to convince them of our purpose. They are a very old family of Holy Knights, and very set in their ways, but we will do our best.”126

Darcion nodded silently and Raynor noticed that after all they had been through, Darcion was still a very silent person, choosing to listen and observe more than simply speak. He shrugged to himself and took off after the horses, Gildan and Solaria keeping a good pace with their mounts. Darcion and Raynor’s wings pumped harder and they flew ahead of the riders, arriving on the castle’s walls to the great surprise of the guard on duty. Folding their wings, the two stepped forward and bowed slightly.127

“Good day. I am Darcion Drakwind, Holy Knight of the Human Kingdoms, and this is Raynor Purehart, also a Holy Knight. We request a stay in this castle, may we have an audience with your Knight? We will await your answer here, while you go to speak with him, thank you.” Darcion once again bowed then leaned against the wall with a bored look to his face as Raynor looked down at the town.128

The guard ran off with a terrified look in his eyes and swiftly spoke to the Knight, Sir Narcos appearing at the wall’s doorway, his sword drawn and his eyes shining. Darcion looked up and smiled gently, waving slowly while Raynor just turned around and looked at his face.129

“Who are you two? Claiming to be the Holy Knights that our King Tobias just commissioned two days ago! Lies will not be tolerated in such a disdainful manner as to tarnish their good names with untruths!” Sir Narcos’s face was glowing with anger, and he raised one hand, using it to pull his hair back from his face, and show it to the flushed Knight. Raynor also tilted his head back to show his own face, and used a finger to pull some of his bangs from his eyes.130

“D-Darcion? And Raynor? Both of you, here? The Holy Knights… it is you two! The last time I saw your faces was at the academy! You two have grown into fine men!” Narcos ran forward and embraced both of the Holy Knights, who grinned at each other and embraced the normally mellow Knight with equal happiness.131

Raynor and Darcion accompanied Narcos to the keep, and when Solaria and Gildan arrived on their horses they were swiftly ushered in and led to where the three knights conversed, mostly Raynor and Narcos, as Darcion nodded every now and then and more often then not simply listened. As the night wore on, Solaria went to bed while Gildan listened with eyes wide in awe as Darcion and Raynor began to talk even more of their adventures, Narcos’s face ablaze with laughter in some moments and a great somber when told of Felix’s death. Around midnight Darcion excused himself and stood out on the balcony, staring at the moon and running a hand through his silver hair. He felt a presence join his and was surprised to see Gildan standing next to him, a look of curious interest set on his features, then slowly shifted to a dawning of hope.132

“Eh… Sir Darcion?”133

“It’s Darcion my young friend, and do you have something you wish to ask?” he turned to face Gildan, “I am here to answer your questions remember.”134

“Sir, I was wondering if tomorrow we could begin my training… and also sir… there is something about Sir Narcos.”135

Darcion’s eyes narrowed slightly and he nodded, then looked back at the moon. “So you felt it as well, I believe that our beloved Sir Narcos is a dormant Holy Knight. His energies are flowing as though suppressed, but they are very similar to Raynor’s.”136

“Yes that is what I sensed, but I did not really understand it, being so new at knowing the energies of magic and power in us.”137

Darcion nodded, and walked from the balcony, then excused Raynor and drew him aside. “Raynor my friend… I think Narcos has a secret not even he knows. Do you not sense it?”138

“Yes, of course I sense it. But what to do about it, he is happy as a knight here, watching over his castle. We could not tell him without knowing that he would join our forces.”139

“Yes… but I do not think that is a bad thing. Sir Narcos has fought with armies, he has led groups into battle, something you and I have yet to learn in any sense of mastery. A strong teacher as Sir Narcos will increase our chances of finding forces to fight with us several fold. He has experience we do not, even if I do bear the memories and minds of all the Drakenlords before me.”140

Raynor nodded slowly, then bowed his head slightly, walking back in with a seriousness cut into his features, and he extended an arm to Sir Narcos. Raising one eyebrow, Narcos took the offered arm and immediately his face changed from questioning to wonder as his arm began to glow, the light spreading from his arm to his entire body, his own blond hair becoming a darker gold and his legs lifting softly off the ground. Raynor eased him to the ground and guided the Knight to a chair, helping him to get a hold of his surroundings. Darcion closed his eyes and helped Narcos to stand as awe filled his eyes and he stared at the two fellow Knights.141

“Wha-what just happened? Why did I lift into the air like that, what was that light Raynor? Darcion, what is going on?” Narcos’s eyes moved from one Knight to the other slowly, looking slightly horrified.142

“Sir Narcos, you in fact are a Holy Knight. You have been sealed for many years, your powers dormant, but you have great potential as in them, now that I can see all the energies in your body,” Raynor stepped back and let the poor man process what was going on, after all he had lived for 36 years and never once had any idea of such a power inside of him.143

Narcos waved at them with a closed look and walked out of the room, his path leading him out of the castle as he roamed his grounds, his heart realizing what this meant for him, and how big of a change this was in his life. His family, his home, his people, nothing was the same anymore, because he was not the same anymore. Darcion follows slowly behind him, knowing exactly what this poor man was going through, as it was something that had happened long ago when the first Drakenlord appeared, his whole life thrown in a spin after the unleashing of the Fallen Angel. Narcos found his favorite spot, a tree next to the lake on his land, his back leaning against it as he stared over its surface. Darcion silently stood on the other side of the tree and spoke softly.144

“This is a gift, and you must choose what to do with it, but the Heavens do not give such a gift to those that will not use it, or will hide from it. Make your choices and follow them, you must do this or become a fearful useless person, and you know that well.” With his words spoken Darcion stepped away from the tree and into the forest, sitting on a rock and meditating in prayer to meet with the Archon once more.145

Narcos drew in Darcion’s words and closed his eyes, throwing his robes off and jumping into the lake, the cool air making a slight steam rise from its watery surface as he stroked softly into the center of the lake and stared up at the sky. His heart knew what lay before him, what choice he would make whether anyone else disagreed, and he nodded to the stars and heaven in agreement. 146

His heart filled with peace and a soft light grew from his body like when Raynor had gripped his arm, and warmth rushed through him as the full ability of his Holy Knight magic pulsed inside his body, creating an even more intense feeling of weightlessness than the water around him. He swam out of the water and stood on the beach as the heat that was filling his entire body dried his clothes to steaming, and his face set with determination.147

Darcion stood on the ramparts of the castle’s walls, watching Narcos’s approach with eyes focused as hawk’s, seeing the Holy energy growing inside of the older Knight. Darcion could sense that Narcos’s heart had made its decision and that nothing would turn him from what was now his duty to the world, not his race. Darcion turned from the walls in a sweeping of his cloak and jumped, landing hard inside the walls before the gate with a practiced ease to his fall. He stood slowly and crossed his arms beneath the cloak, Narcos’s eyes looking up and locking with Darcion’s as he entered the bailey walls.148

“I have chosen Darcion Drakwind. I Narcos Sturmvice, Knight of King Tobias, offer my sword in your quest, to fight in your group and against the demon that awaits.”149

Darcion nodded silently and extended a hand to finish their agreement, which Narcos took readily and gripped firmly. Darcion let go first and whirled, disappearing into the shadows with the words, “You have two days to prepare and say your goodbyes my friend. Then we must continue forward.”150

Narcos nodded after Darcion and walked up to the castle keep, the doors opening for him as he stepped into his chambers and sat down with his wife. She began to cry and wrapped her arms around him, shaking her head with all her might as though if she blocked it out it would just go away and he would not have to leave. Narcos felt sadness well up in his heart, but the knowledge that he had a destiny elsewhere than this castle was stronger and he only held his wife tighter and fell asleep with her like that, sleeping from exhaustion in his arms. In his dream he was visited by the Archon that accompanied Darcion and Raynor through their journey, embracing the new member of their path and allowing him use of magics that Raynor had no ability to call on because of his weapon style.151

The next morning arose with Darcion standing on the walls where he had all night, looking out over the plains as though expecting something, dawn slowly revealing his silent form still wrapped in his cloak. Then his eyes shifted as a horse and rider approached the castle, Darcion once again jumping from the walls to stand before the arrival, his eyes narrowed and his silver hair blowing slightly in the wind. The horse reared in surprise, but the rider quickly calmed it and jumped down, his own cloaked form extending an arm to pull it back and remove his helm. 152

Torotama’s grinning face was of no surprise to Darcion who laughed lightly and embraced the Samurai, making several of the guards on the castle walls to recoil in shock. Darcion and Torotama walked a little ways away from the castle to talk, knowing that the arrival of a Samurai Warlord would not go unnoticed by the residents or guards.153

“Torotama, I have felt your presence coming for two days now, what is it that you travel here to speak to me of?”154

“Darcion, I have learned of your quest,” Torotama bowed his head and then looked up to the sky, “I have learned of your mission and what it means for all who live here. I was in meditation three days before when I was visited by what your monks call an angel of heaven. My shock and awe eventually gave way to curiosity and I questioned it, and one of those questions was of you and your purpose in using Holy energies.”155

Darcion nodded silently as he listened, understanding why his purpose would pick at the Samurai as it had, “Indeed my friend, you have learned of my mission and why it is that I fight with such determination. I must ask you again, what is it that you wish to speak to me of?”156

Torotama took a step back and bowed deeply, “Darcion, Knight and Holy Knight of the Human and Heavenly kingdoms, please allow me to accompany you on your quest, to allow me to represent my clan in honor of the debt I owe from our duels, and so that I may protect all I love with my swords and honor.”157

Darcion’s eyes widened slightly and then he turned around and nodded to himself, then turned back to Torotama and bowed in return, “Torotama, Warlord of the Dragon Clan of the Samurai, I accept your request and offer you a place to fight by my side along with the others that shall join us. But, I must tell you, that any Shadow magics and powers you bear will be of no use, and must be left behind you, and you must embrace the Heavens instead, or you will simply be a shell to be used by our enemies. Do you understand this one condition?”158

“Yes my brother in arms, I understand. The angel that appeared to me told me that same thing, and directed me to the last home in my village, to move the altar in that house and to dig there. I found under that altar two Holy katana, that I have named the Heaven’s Cloud and the Heaven’s Light. That home had been occupied by two of my clan that shared your beliefs and had been killed by several of my more, brutal and intolerant of warriors, who I myself punished. I have given up my shadow arts, and will now devote myself to learning the calling of the holy energies in these katana.”159

Darcion nodded and drew his swords, making an X before him and pushing Holy energies through them as they pulsed white, and Torotama followed suit, unsheathing his katana with ease and placing them atop Darcion’s blades, his eyes focusing hard as Darcion’s energies pulsed into his own swords, all four blades creating a united flow of holy energy that pulsed through Torotama as well. Darcion pulled back slowly and sheathed his swords, pulling his cloak around him once again and looking up to the sky. 160

Torotama laughed to see this common practice of Darcion’s then walked slowly to the forest where he bedded down for the night, to await the meeting of the other members of the group upon the morn. Darcion wandered the plain silently and stood in the center of the field, staring up at the moon and then falling to his knees in prayer. His heart went out to the Heaven’s, calling out for the safety of those that now stood by him, for their safety and strength in the purposes of the Lord and his army.161

As he prayed a warmth surrounded him and Darcion found himself faced with a shining white light that surrounded him, similar to the night that Raynor and Darcion met with the Archon. Before he looked up into the light, an echoing voice spoke.162

“Do not look up Darcion, for I am not to be seen by mortal eyes. Keep your head bowed and your eyes averted while I speak to you. Darcion I hear your prayers, and I know you hold no doubt of your loyalty or intent to stand and die if you must for this cause. Worry not my Holy Warrior, you are in my hands, following the plan I have held for you since your birth, I could only hope that your choices would lead you down it and they have. Indeed my warrior, you have even surprised me with your sudden reactions and choices that change how my plan has been laid, but only for the better. You have done well, and you know in your heart that you will continue to do so.”163

A warm joy spread through Darcion’s head as he knelt before God, the voice in his heart and mind like a pure heat, but it would not burn him. Darcion reached down and pulled out his swords, crossing them before God and shining with Holy light to be as a tribute to his forever lord and master. The Leader of all the Heavens reached down and gently clasped the blades, changing them once more and then pushing them down again softly, moving away slowly as Darcion nodded in silent awe of his true King. 164

The light faded away and Darcion was once more alone on the plain, his swords gripped in his hands tightly pulsing with a peace he had never felt before. All was right in his heart as he lay down under the stars created by the one that had just visited him and he slipped into his dreams, remembering all of that night and the faces of those now standing at his side to face this struggle becoming a wall of frames that were incomplete, reminding him once again of his journey to find the others.165

Darcion’s eyes opened slowly to find several people standing over him with curious looks on their faces and he laughed lightly then sat up, brushing back his shining hair. He looked around at the gathering of Solaria, Raynor, Narcos, Gildan and even in the background Torotama. He was looking slightly at arms with the reception Narcos was giving him, but his hands were away from his swords at least. After dusting himself off, Darcion turned slowly in place and beckoned to Torotama, who Narcos glared at until Darcion clasped the Samurai’s shoulder and introduced him to the great surprise of all present.166

“My friends and wife, this is Torotama, Warlord of the Dragon clan of the Samurai. He will be accompanying us on our journey, but pay him no ill will for his ancestry. He may be a Samurai but he has never sent missions to slay humans unless for a tactical reason, and has never made any dishonorable choices, we can trust him. This is the will of Heaven and I.”167

Torotama bowed silently, still feeling uncomfortable, then moved back to his place at the rear, where Sir Narcos eyed him with a glower, but he kept his comments to himself, greatly to Darcion’s relief. Sir Narcos wished to leave earlier than the designated two days and so they moved onward, Torotama and Narcos joining Gildan and Solaria on the ground as Darcion and Raynor spread their wings to soar overhead. 168

Narcos and Torotama both smiled at the sight of the angelic looking leaders, then Narcos glared at Torotama and the Samurai simply turned away. Torotama’s horse was able to keep up with Solaria’s Elven ride thanks to his training with horses, and this greatly amused Darcion too see Torotama’s black horse keeping pace with Solaria’s snow-white steed.169

As the troupe set off through the skies and land, Darcion felt a strange happiness and expectation well up inside his heart and he found himself laughing at his own bewilderedness because he could not understand why he was so happy, yet he was and it made no sense to him. Solaria felt a similar joy in her soul, and the two laughed in their confusion and happiness at the same moment, one riding her horse across a plain, the other soaring the skies upon his angel’s wings. The day wore on slowly and nothing could ruin the good moods of the couple, even with the grim looks set in Torotama’s face at this area. They approached a town and his presence disappearing to meditate away from the others. 170

Gildan glared after the Samurai but let it be, deciding instead to simply not care and let things run their course, a hand running through his flame red hair in confusion. Solaria noticed a group of mages putting on a show in a poorer part of the village, pulling Darcion by his arm to watch happily as the children gazed in awe at the show of fire and water chasing each other across the air before their eyes. The two laughed and then were noticed by the mages, one of whom was an old woman that looked more ancient than anyone Darcion had thought possible.  The woman approached Solaria and drew her aside, whispering in her ear to a shocked and inexplicable joy crossing his wife’s eyes and face. Her smile could have lit the entire neighborhood, but instead she slipped back to the tavern and awaited Darcion on the roof, as they had before.171

Darcion flew softly up to the roof and landed behind her as she stood and gazed into his silver eyes with a look of joy and completeness set in her indigo irises. He smiled down at her with slight confusion in his own, but embraced her tightly as she sighed happily against his chest, closing her eyes in ecstasy as a parade of wonderful thoughts strolled through her mind. Her happiness was infectious and Darcion found that joy bubbling in his heart again, a soft laugh escaping into the night sky as Solaria looked up at her beloved as all the wonders she had hoped for seemed to come true in one moment.172

“Darcion, my beloved Darcion,” she spoke softly.173

“Yes Solaria? What is it that so lifts your heart and makes you shine with such joy?” his reply whispered through the cool air.174

“I… We… will have a new member of our family soon, I am pregnant,” her voice almost cracked with the amount of emotion she put into that last word.175

Darcion looked down from the sky into her eyes and burst into tears of joy, holding her as close to him as he could and laughing through his crying. Solaria’s own eyes could not hold on her hope anymore and the two cried into the other, arms encircling each other’s waists as they gazed into their beloved’s souls.176

“Can this really be… will we soon, have a baby? A son, or daughter to call our own?” Darcion closed his eyes and one last silver tear made its way down his cheek, its surface glimmering in the moonlight before slipping off his chin.177

“Yes, my Darcion, yes we will. I am with child… and it’s twins… one girl and one boy. Can you imagine? We will have children my love!” Solaria buried her face in Darcion’s tunic once again as more tears of happiness slipped into the cloth, Darcion’s gaze shifting from his crying wife to the sky, his smile one rarely seen on his face as he thanked the Heaven’s silently for this blessing. 178

Running a hand through her hair slowly, Darcion felt her tears cease and she rested against him, their souls truly one as the source of the happiness of earlier flowed through them. They would be parents, and they would do all they could to make sure the world that they were raised in was totally different than the one either parent was. Wrapping his cloak around them, Darcion breathed into the night air as his breath puffed out in a cloud of steam, Solaria was buried under the heavy cloth and as such was shielded from the icy fingers of the twilight. She closed her eyes and curled against the warmth of her love and felt sleep take her in her joyous peace, her smile so wide it stretched her face. 179

Darcion’s eyes searched the night as his now always restless heart felt so many emotions pulsing through his body and mind. The stars extended onward to forever, the silver haired knight seeing the sky as a canvas with wholes punched in it, and smiled slightly, his lips cracking from the usual even line into a grin as he began to laugh, his heart in it and ease filling his heart for tonight as his own eyes closed and he felt the night hold him close, his head bowing and sleeping becoming his focus.180

The next morning Solaria and Darcion told everyone the news, Raynor’s eyes lighting up with happiness and jealousy in the same moment, but the latter went unnoticed by all as rejoicing went up from the travelers. Torotama made his silent arrival and upon hearing the news walked calmly to Darcion and taking him aside, head bowed as he prepared to make a difficult request.181

“Darcion, my brother in combat, I must ask of you one thing,” Torotama said slowly.182

“Please my friend, ask me and I will see if I can make it so,” was Darcion’s easy reply.183

“If I may… may I train your daughter and son in the arts of my clan, or at least one of them as their god father. No greater favor can I ask I know… but I have no children of my own, and I wish to pass on my skill to one that I consider worthy, and the child of you is more than worthy.”184

Darcion stood speechless for a moment then nodded slowly, considering everything this would mean, then nodded with more vigor and extended a hand.185

“Provided that they are able, one of my children shall be your student, and you  his or her master. Thank you for offering such a gift, and you are welcome for my own gift in this manner. No further words shall be spoken until they are birthed on this matter, so let us go and continue to enjoy the celebration.”186

Torotama’s eyes shone with thanks, and as one they returned to the party for his wife and himself, but as usual Darcion found himself drawn to the quiet places away from the crowds. There Raynor found him, gazing into the sky with one knee propped up before him with chin resting upon it as his other hung down from the tree branch he was perched in.187

“Thought I’d find you in some place like this. You always were never much of one for parties were you.”188

Darcion grinned lightly at his friend and shook his head, “No, I cannot say I have, but I understand my beloved’s wish to share this with everyone. Indeed, if this party makes her happier still since the discovery, good! Oh Raynor my friend, I am so happy at last… I am to be a father. And you, are to be a god father.”189

Raynor’s eyes snapped from the sky and looked over at Darcion, a smile coming to his face as Darcion regarded him with his grin that was reserved for just their friendship, “I am to be one of the god parents? Thank you! I had no idea you would bestow such an honor upon me, of all people.”190

Darcion grinned and brushed off the thanks, staring up into the sky once more as he thought of everything that would come soon, and the babies on the way. Once again the laughter erupted from him and he fell from his tree, Raynor rolling on the ground as the graceful Darcion slipped no so elegantly from his perch upon the branch. Brushing away tears of laughter, Raynor stood on shaky legs and the two Knights stood dusting themselves off, the same grin set on both faces, just as it had always been, like those days so long ago at the Academy.191

“Well, we should get back to the festivities, or else your wife will have your head on a silver platter for missing it.”192

Darcion grinned sheepishly and walked back with his friend into the tavern, sliding to Solaria’s side and enjoying the company of the partygoers as much as he could, laughing and smiling softly at anyone that spoke to him. Eventually the night tapered off and people returned to their homes, Darcion and Solaria lying together on their bed, his fingers making small paths across her stomach as she smiled wistfully and Darcion kissed her neck. Sleep came swiftly upon both from the rigors of the day and they awoke to the sunlight beckoning their minds and hearts to return to the quest at hand. 193

Darcion nodded solemnly to Solaria and dressed, slipping his breastplate over his body and jumping down from the balcony, checking out and tossing the tavern master a few extra coins, then standing before his gathered party, faces ready to go and determined to succeed. Nodding to Raynor, Darcion extended his wings and took to the air, Raynor only a moment behind as the riders hoisted into their saddles and began their pattern of following.194

Raynor took the lead and began to fly in a set pattern towards a part of the Kingdoms that Darcion had never been before; it had never held any reason for him to quest in that area. The sky grew darker as though a shadow hung in the air, and Raynor whispered the explanation to Darcion that his ancestors had long ago put a foreboding air around this area as a kin to the Fallen One was sealed here, and so his family lived here to guard that seal, but also to hide from scrutiny. 195

As Darcion drew closer to the two castles, one white and one black that represented the two forces, the shadow grew and the sky became murky so the two flyers descended to flying directly above those on horseback, rather than face the possibility of getting lost in the shadows in the sky. The group followed the branching of the road towards Raynor’s family’s castle and the white stone rose from the mountainside with an impressive strength. Darcion and Raynor landed, then stood before the gate with the riders behind them.196

“Father and Mother! My forefathers! Open the Gates!” Raynor called up to the ramparts over the heavy stone doors.197

Raynor then walked forward and pressed his hand to the gates, pushing his energy into the door and watching as it glowed white in recognition and began to creak open slowly, eventually simply fading into nothing. The travelers walked into the massive courtyard and looked around at the few homes and shops, the lone tavern with a small wisp of smoke coming from its tip, then heard a loud thudding as the gate reappeared in a seal behind them. Raynor beckoned and the six moved up the steps to the Keep, two guards stepping aside when they saw Raynor’s face, and opening the doors for him and his friends. 198

Silently they made their way through the dim keep, eventually coming to the main chamber where Raynor’s father resided as Knight of this castle. Raynor held a hand up to all but Darcion and entered the door, closing it behind Darcion. They walked forward to stand before a massive armored Knight, seated in an impressive throne with a traditional red carpet leading up to his seat of honor. Many doors beset the sides of the room and faces could be seen poking from them to get a glance of Raynor’s return with this strange arrangement.199

“Father…” Raynor bowed before the Knight then fell to one knee.200

Darcion bowed as well but remained standing, looking up at the Knight with a stoic face. Raynor stood slowly and the Knight removed his helm to reveal a face not unlike Raynor’s but with more age and a solid mustache on his grizzled face. Darcion cracked his neck lightly and then leaned against the nearest pillar, his face saying clearly that he was going to remain standing.201

“So…” boomed Raynor’s father, “You have come back to our castle after your training and now knighting. Yet you do not come alone and there have been many reports of a White Knight befriending a Dragoon in the Seven Blades, and that both are now knights. Is this true? Have you been exposed in your powers and befriended a member of those that our forefathers fought to destroy? Is that him against the pillar, the Dragoon whose energies I sense?”202

Raynor’s eyes filled with a fierceness at his father’s words, and he stood tall, his back straight, his jaw set to speak his heart and mind, “Yes Father, it is true. I was not exposed, I revealed my powers to the academy and to my only friend, Darcion here. He is indeed a Dragoon, but I shall not allow you to call blasphemy on my truest friend, nor upon one of the Honored Holy Knights of the Kingdoms of Heaven and of the Humans. He has fought greater foes than you father, and his heart is purer than even mine.”203

Darcion bowed his head at such praise and then slowly brought his gaze up to lock eyes with the Knight, his silver eyes meeting a pair of pure golden irises, and keeping his gaze with an equal intensity, Raynor watching as his Father judged his companion. The Knight eventually turned his gaze to Raynor and nodded silently, then walked forward to greet the two of them. He extended a hand to Darcion, and the Dragoon gripped the Knight’s wrist tightly, feeling the energy of the other warrior test his own, and Darcion did not bother to disguise his power, letting its full proximity pulse against the Knight’s hand, making the golden eyes open wide in shock. His hand pulled back and he faced his son with shock as he felt the energy in his son had bypassed even his own as well.204

“R-Raynor! What is this power inside of you, and inside of this Dragoon that you have brought before me? This… this can only be power given from the Heaven’s choice!” 205

Darcion nodded silently and closed his eyes, releasing his wings from his back and Raynor called upon True Holy, the wings and armor appearing on his body as the sword grew to touch the ground with a dull thud. The Knight stepped back in shock again and then calmed himself, nodding to each warrior and then calling on his own Power, his massive armor glowing powerfully and intensifying, his massive spear growing larger in his grasp as he turned his helmed face from one to the other and realized that even with all his own power, he was still weaker than both his son and the Dragoon. His gauntleted hands pulled his magical helm back from his face once more to gaze on the two fighters, their energies pulsing through their bodies, his golden eyes wide with awe. 206

“That… that is surely the power of Heaven, only from there could such a strength and purity be given. I bow to you my son and young Dragoon, for you have surpassed me.”207

The Knight fell to one knee before them and Raynor stepped forward, pulling the huge armored form back to its feet, not allowing him to fully sink to that position. Darcion merely stood up from the pillar and walked forward, keeping the older Knight standing and placing him in his throne. His gaze was still dazed at the prospect of such an occurrence, but he accepted their help as he looked on both with his eyes glazing over, his mind still fighting to properly understand the limits of his own strength as compared to the two.208

He slowly stood back on his own two feet again, balancing himself with the huge spear sheathed along his back plates. He pulled it out and used it like a walking stick, then inside his armor plating he unclasped the bearings holding his armor to his body and let it slip to the ground, then walked forward and embraced his son tightly.209

“Raynor… you have indeed returned, and you have done just as the Lord had wished so long ago when you were born,” tears slipped from his eyes as Raynor froze in shock, then held his father tightly, “So many years have passed… but you have done just as the lord had willed for you.”210

Raynor nodded in silence, trying to understand his father’s words without knowing what he was speaking of,  “Father, what do you mean? What happened when I was born?”211

“Raynor, when you were born, you almost died… the entire family fell to their knees and prayed, promising to raise you to follow a mission deemed by the lord, if he would only save your life. In a dream I saw an angel banish the demon of poison from your body, and you were healed. So we raised you in the way that we knew would send you on your path.”212

Raynor’s eyes widened as he listened to this tale, and Darcion nodded appreciatively, he knew something was directing Raynor this whole time, and it had been his parents and a guiding of his destiny that kept Raynor moving towards what had become his purpose. Darcion smiled softly as Raynor and his father embraced tightly, then suddenly a crying woman that could only be his mother rushed out and held her son tightly, crying onto both men’s shoulders. 213

Darcion grinned lightly and walked out of the room silently, making sure his footsteps would go unnoticed by the crying trio, finding a balcony and staring out that the stars and moon. Tears softly slipped down his face as he felt the pain in his heart, the pain that came from losing his mother and the two men that had been his fathers.214

“Felix… father… are you watching over me?” Darcion gazed at the stars for a moment in silence then spoke again, “Are you standing above me and knowing I am doing the right thing, for me, for Solaria, for everyone?”215

Darcion fell to his knees and cried softly, his wings sinking to the ground next to him then fading softly as he began to pray to the Heavens, “Lord… you who commands the great warriors and powers of Heaven… who I follow as my king. Hear my cry Lord… ease this wound in my heart and let it heal, help me fight with a heart that does not bear any burdens that I cannot heal. Please… place your hands around me.”216

Darcion closed his eyes and felt a warm pair of arms wrap around his body, and he slowly turned his head to find Solaria holding him and kneeling at his side. Leaning into her softly, Darcion rested his head against her neck as she silently ran a hand through his silver hair, nodding slowly as tears ran down his face to brush her skin. Her arms held him tightly and he looked up into her eyes.217

“Darcion my love… I will stand here at your side forever… I will never leave you.”218

Darcion nodded silently and closed his eyes once more, simply leaning against her chest and letting her hold him as the silver drops continued to slide down his cheeks, the trails shining in the moonlight. As the two sat on the balcony under the moonlight, Raynor watched silently for a little while, his family having gone to meet the other travelers and get them settled in for the night while he went to go find his brother in arms. 219

After a short while he took a step onto the balcony and stood next to the two, Darcion’s eyes locking with his and the as the sapphire met silver, and understanding passed through them as Darcion slowly stood up and Raynor patted his shoulder. The three original travelers stood on the balcony under the moon and each got lost in their respective thoughts. Darcion slowly turned his head from Solaria to Raynor and back again, smiling softly as he felt warmth spread through his heart.220

“You two… have been with me through all of this… shared so many things with me, and I could not have wished for better companions. Raynor my stalwart friend… you never doubted me in our entire time together. Solaria my wife, my beloved… you are my soul mate and will be beside me forever. Thank you so much.”221

Darcion embraced both tightly to him and they held him, clasping hands and staring out at the horizon as the moon made its path across the night, then the older Knights, Narcos and Raynor’s father Tracil, watched with smiles then went to go talk of the Kingdom as of late. Gildan found himself standing on a far section of the wall, away from everyone as he searched through his thoughts and memories. He heard footsteps and looked up to see Torotama standing beside him on the wall, also looking out over the horizon.222

“And so young fighter… our journey begins, and not even I can see where it will take us before it is at its end,” he extended a hand, “I will fight my blades with yours if you with me.”223

Gildan stood up and nodded, taking the hand and shaking firmly, “Indeed my Samurai companion, I will fight sword to sword with you, honor bound.”224

As the two made their agreement of friendship, Darcion released the others and walked to the edge of the balcony, spreading his wings and bowing his head.225

“Tomorrow is a new day… but I am ready for it. This place is our sanctuary, but even so we will go forth. Tomorrow… we head into our futures. We fight!”226

Drawing his swords he held them in the air and a single beam of light shone from their edges, silver light shining in his eyes as he looked up at the sky and all the members of the group raised their own arm or weapon to the air, and a cry went up together, echoing over the horizon into the approaching dawn.227

Glossary228

A229

Angel – Heavenly warriors in the Angel Legions. Resemble winged humans, bathed in holy light. Carry weapons of varying styles. Wield Holy Magic with incredible power.230

Archon – Leaders of Angel Legions, holy warriors from heaven. Winged warlords, these mighty soldiers fight against the forces of Bane with incredible power.231

Arcandium – Rare metal used by Holy Forces to forge incredible weapons. Arcandium is infused with holy magic, as it is the material form of the Holy element. Arcandium is rarely found on Terra, but sometimes a particular person of incredible Holy power is given Arcandium to forge weapons and armor to protect against the powers of Bane.232

B233

Bailey – The courtyard where the various workshops such as blacksmiths and stables keep their shops. Also houses surrounding serfs during a siege of the castle.234

Bane – The magical power of evil; all that is blackened in spirit and mind. Bane powers are very strong and easy to develop. Bane was brought into being by the black Archon, Batrinous he fell to his greed. Weak against the Holy powers.235

Broadsword – Average to long length double-edge swords that have wider and thicker blades to increase the amount of force applied to the edge of the sword. These swords are designed more for slashing than thrusting.236

C237

Claymore – Average double-edged sword, made for power, generally a one-handed sword.238

Cleric – Creatures trained in holy arts of healing. Go forth to spread good words from above, healing and helping those in need. Some join adventures to follow a specific calling or quest. 239

Conjured Spell – Spell that does not use the magical elements to bring spell into being; these generally involve creating beasts or summoning existing creatures.240

Crossbow – Also known as the bow-gun, these weapons place arrow-like bolts into a mechanism that pulls the string back using another simple latch to hold it back until the bolt is fired, for much greater accuracy and less strain on user. 241

Cross-Forging – The combining of two or more magical materials in the making of weapons, such as combining earth and fire or lightning and water, never opposite elements.242

D243

Dark Elves – Elves that left their brethren to side with Batrinous and were changed by his dark power. They are black skinned, with red glowing eyes. They are also known as the Drow.244

Dragon – Huge winged lizards with intelligence beyond that of Humans. They are elementally related and breathe their element as an attack. They can stand on two legs, fly, or crawl on all four. They can use breath attacks, claws or tail attacks.245

Dragonstone – The metal form of fire elemental magic. This metal is very rare and extremely difficult to properly forge; only a few master swordsmiths were capable of making quality weapons from this temperamental metal. 246

Dragoon – Former Human knights transformed during the Release. Have abilities likened to Dragon kind, including dragon transformation and dragon sword techniques. Their weapons and armor are broadswords, great swords, claymores, spears, axes and heavy armors.247

Drakenlord – Title given to Dragoons who had become masters in the dragon skills and transformation. Drakenlords are very rare because becoming one involves extreme physical and magical training that can sometimes kill the one attempting the training. One Drakenlord can destroy a castle in a rage, leaving nothing but rubble behind. The secrets to becoming a Drakenlord are closely guarded to prevent a Dragoon with evil intentions from gaining such power.248

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Elves – Incredible powerful magic beings. They are likened to astonishingly handsome or beautiful humans. They resisted the powers of the Release. Elves are immortal beings that try to avoid war. When called to battle, they are incredible archers and powerful swordsmen. 250

Elements – The magical elements of Terra are Fire, Ice, Earth, Lightning, Holy, and Bane. These can be manipulated by magic into destructive or reconstructive forces. If the elements are improperly balanced for the magic they can sometimes kill the user of the magic.251

Energy – The life force flowing throughout the bodies of magical beings, it can be strengthened and increased through training. This energy is the force behind magic use, and those skills employed by such races as Dragoon skills and White Knight armor techniques. Energy is also known as essence. If a person trains their essence until it reaches a certain level, that person’s strength, speed, and skill power increase. This is not based upon any religious mention, instead came from a need to have a magic system that made sense.252

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Foot Spikes – Spike attached to Tobi boots by ninja to allow for climbing without the use of ropes.254

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Great Sword – Massive swords, at least four feet long in blade alone. Always two-handed swords, these huge blades are difficult to be wielded effectively by any but the best swordsmen.256

Gaia Stone – The material form of earth element. Can be purified to form a forgeable metal, used in making elemental weapons.257

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Hand Spells – Spells that are brought into being by motion of the hand.259

Holy – The powers of light and purity. The heavens and the Angel Legions encompass the holy powers. Few Terran dwellers can master the holy powers; the true masters are the Holy/White Knights brought about during the Release.260

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Katana – Blades forged meticulously for strength and sharpness. Generally thin, they are hammered thousands of times in layers before completion. Used purely by Ninjas for how easily the blades can be manipulated for speed and effectiveness.264

Keep – The home of the knight, king, or noble family and their relatives and men–at–arms. Within the castle walls and is heavily guarded.265

Knight – Human or other race’s prime soldier. Knights are the upstanding powerful warriors that oversee the running of the realm, each knight presiding over a set part of the land. Knights are bound by a strict code of honor, their lives devoted to their king and to the protection of the downtrodden.266

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Longbow – bow that is very tall, upwards of four feet long, designed to allow for incredible power put behind the arrow for long range and often one hit kills on the target.268

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Mage – Creature trained in magic, both elemental and conjured. Generally weak in physical strength, make excellent artillery or support. Can use scroll, speech, or hand spells.270

Man-at-arms – Serfs that guard the castle or town. They have basic training with weapons and are called upon during wars.271

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Ninja – A warrior trained in the arts of assassination and stealth. Their skills involve wall running, invisibility, and incredible acrobatics. Their magics allow them to hypnotize or fool the eyes of opponents. Ninja weapons are katanas, shrikes (throwing stars), darts and daggers.273

Ninjitsu Invisibility Spell – Ninja skill that blends the clothing and exposed skin of the user in with the surroundings. This makes him/her almost impossible to see, and very difficult to track, as well as allowing for stealth kills.274

Ninjitsu Levitation – Extremely difficult ninja skill that, when mastered, allows user to float off the ground, even to the point of flight. The user focuses his energy into defying his/her own mass and making themselves near weightless.275

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Orcandium – The metal form of bane magic. Orcandium brings pain to any but the most resistant of weaponsmiths. Weapons forged of Orcandium have a life draining effect on both the user and those harmed by the weapon’s edge, draining their life force slowly.277

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Quiver – A pouch or carrying case for arrows, they come in many sizes and shapes. Quivers are typically worn on the back using a leather strap. They are generally leather to keep from being heavy.280

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Release, The – The time when evil humans found the hidden dwelling of Batrinous, the black Archon. They stirred him from his slumber, unleashing his unholy bane powers on the peoples of Terra. His magic was cruel and transformed many of the peoples of each race into new strange races with incredible power.282

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Samurai – Once human warriors that have been gifted with almost impossible speed and strength in swordsmanship. Fight with katanas of varying length and certain other bladed weapons like pole arms. There are several clans or sects of the samurai, each following a different style of swordsmanship or fighting, but all the clans are led by the Shogun or Warrior General.284

Scroll Spells – Spells that are brought into being by a scroll of written language that contains magic purpose. Once activated, the spell will operate according to the words on the scroll or talisman.285

Serf – A peasant in human lands. They can “own” farms, but the kings or knights take most of their produce as tribute. They have virtually no rights.286

Sheath – The carrying case for any blade. They are made to fit their sword perfectly, without preventing the sword from coming out. Sheaths can be made from all manner of materials, generally wood or leather being the prime choice.287

Shrikes – See Throwing Stars.288

Shogun – The leader of the Samurai clans, generally the most powerful of warriors. Is given such an honorable position that he is only seen by those of very close relationship to him or those he considers to be equal to him in honor. Makes decisions that are based largely on the honor of the outcome and the gain for the Samurai people. 289

Speech Spells – Spells conjured by spoken word. Speech Spells are easily manipulated by a change in wording.290

Storm Stone – The metal form of lightning magic. Storm stone is also known as Falcondrium, for its association with wind. Strom stone is common and can be found wherever lightning strikes the earth, but it is as difficult to forge as Dragonstone.291

Sword Skill – A difficult enchantment that draws energy into the sword of the wielder and gives it special abilities like increased speed due to reduced weight or elemental energy power. 292

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Tanto – Shorter bladed, dagger versions of the katana, designed for fast combo attacks. Light and easy to use, these are the preference of some assassin ninja for how easily concealable they are. 294

Terra – The world that the story occurs in. Terra is a world of magic, based during the medieval period of earth.295

Throwing Stars – Small razor sharp pieces of metal that are hammered into star-like shapes to give large chance of a point penetrating an opponent’s body. Come in many different styles based upon user’s preference. These are generally used for stealth killing by ninja.296

Tobi Boots – boots that balance the weight of the wearer to silence sounds of walking on surfaces. Tobi are worn by ninjas mainly during assassinations.297

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Unleashing – the power within all magical beings that is only released after severe emotional trauma. If a being watches someone they love die, be tortured and threatened with death, their soul will tap into the deepest reaches of their abilities and release incredible power from deep within. There are other methods of releasing it, but there is no synthetic means of using this power. Is also known as True Rage by the ignorant of its full nature.299

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Vassal – A higher-class serf. Vassals are given more rights than serfs and keep more of their produce. They have been given favor by their lord, for any reason and so are given more than those of lower class.301

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White Knights – Former human knights transformed during the Release, not into dragoons, but because of their purity of heart and mind were granted command of holy powers. White knights are rare because of the difficulty in being so pure. Use weapons similar to Dragoons. Their skills involve creating armor from holy energy to protect their bodies or of others and healing.303

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X-crossed sword stance – Stance used when using two swords. The blades are crossed at their centers, forming a letter x. This is very effective for catching an incoming sword, and then allowing the blocker to push the attacker’s sword to put it off balance305