Chapter XII: A Moment Of Wonder

The wind was strong; and together with the sand the horsemen kicked up during the battle, a sand-screen was created. It obscured the sun. Bodies of dead men, dead trolls, dead horses, together with wreckage from the destroyed machinery lined both sides of the river.

The battle was finally over. But this was only the first installment of what was to come.

The horsemen gathered the bodies of their allies, burying them while piling and burning those of their enemies. The people of Wonder, hearing that Diantre's men have been vanquished, opened the gates as the Elienor horsemen marched in slowly in ranks. They received a hero's welcome as the people lined the streets to the gates cheering and clapping.

Shaiya stood at the gates, one hand shielding her eyes from the sand; waiting anxiously for Stone whom she had not seen during the battle with the evil men and whom she feared dead.

"Do not be sad Shaiya. I mourn for the loss of my friend too..." Ragen said as he and Dremor walked up to her. They were the last ones to enter the city.

"The dead cannot be brought back to life, My Lady." Dremor said.

Ragen and Dremor tried their very best to persuade Shaiya back into the city keeps, not knowing that the seeds of love have already been sown between Stone and Shaiya.

Visibility was low, and the air filled with orange sand and dust brought up by the wind. It was hot and warm and the heat was clogging her thoughts... "Is he dead... is he really dead?"

Reluctantly, Shaiya gave in and turned away to enter the city when suddenly, in the corner of her eye, she caught a glimpse of a silhouette; walking slowly against the wind. He was twice the normal size of a man and he looked war-ridden and every step he took seem to take away an ounce of air from his lungs. He was fatigued, his head hung low, sweating profusely under the hot sun, lips parched to whiteness.

Shaiya turned back, wanting to make sure what she had just seen. Anxiously, she ran out into the raging sandstorm, with Ragen and Dremor following close behind.

Stone was already worn out from the battle, not to mention Zarekov who now lay unconscious over his shoulder; as well as the dead Thyezza who lay over his other shoulder.

"Oh Stone! You're alive!!" Shaiya said, her tone relieved and happy and on the verge of tear; glad that Stone was still alive. She caressed Stone's face an swept off some sand that had accumulated in his hair.

"You look bad, you'll need some rest." Shaiya continued.

"You're one lucky man!" Ragen came up and said as he saw Thyezza's dead body.

Stone forced a smile.

"Come, let's proceed in." Captain Dremor said as he helped to carry Thyezza while Zarekov was left to Ragen.

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Four days have passed

A soft ebb of light seeped in through the curtains as the sun began showing its shy face. The morning breeze that accompanied it was gentle and soothing; the curtains fluttered and danced with the flow of the wind, its silver-colored edges shimmering beautifully in the morning glow.

Stone was lying on a bed. It was soft, filled with fine feathers and it provided the much needed comfort he needed ever since he began his journey from LeonCita. He was still in a deep sleep, exhausted after the battle. The battle at Wonder may be over, but the battle against Diantre has just began. In his dreams he dreamt of the wonderful times he spent hunting with his father. He dreamt of the lush gree forests and the smooth-flowing rivers of Wonder. Most importantly, he dreamt of Shaiya; such a fine lady with a serene heart.

A voice woke him up. It was Shaiya, all this while, she has been by his side, praying to the Gods that he would be alright, and clasping his hands, rubbing it at night so he may not feel cold.

Stone opened his eyes. Streams of light immediately shot into his eyes. But it was not painful, nor did it hurt, for Shaiya was there, standing up right in front of him, holding his face. The light illuminated her beautiful face, it was a sight to behold, a sight no man can resist.

Zarekov and Ragen rushed in as soon as they hear Shaiya's joyful voice. They rejoiced.

"Welcome back." Ragen said.

Construction and repair works have already began, the river has been released and crops have been re-planted. The people of Wonder were more than happy to usher in their previous rulers than Diantre's armies.

Formal introductions were also made for Zarekov.

For three months, there was no news of war elsewhere. For three whole months, there was peace. The peace seemed so surreal, almost like calm before a brewing storm. And for three months they rejoiced, almost reluctant to leave and forgoing their mission to destroy Diantre.

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Ragen, Stone, Zarekov, together with Captain Dremor and Shaiya's sisters, Ribba and Thiaan were all in the castle's main hall. They were all seated. Stone was looking at the Lightbringer sword, feeling its jagged edges and contemplating how many souls have been lost because of this sword. Ragen was at the same time, looking at his Soulburn sword; cleaning it with a clean piece of cloth and with a pipe to his mouth. Rings of smoke billowed from the pipe as Ragen took every single huff and puff. Zarekov stood by a side, eyes affixed on the Orb of Morgaden, the one thing that he would gladly like to lay his hands on but yet it is also the very thing that he hated for it has indirectly caused his father's death.



All of them were waiting for Shaiya to speak. She was seated on a large armchair, with Ribba and Thiaan behind her, and Captain Dremor beside her.

"Do anyone of you here know what this is?" Shaiya said as she pointed to the Orb now perched on a pedestal in the centre of the hall.

"It is, if my eyes were not playing a trick on me, the Orb of Morgarden." Ragen replied.

"The Orb of Morgaden? Pardon me, but I've never heard of it before." Stone questioned.

"It is a powerful item which summons forth a mythical magical dragon to fight for whoever yields the Orb in its power. It has the power to eradicate our enemy, Diantre." Zarekov said.

"But, from whence did you obtain such an item?" Stone asked.

"We found it in one of the rooms after Thyezza fell. It was safely locked in a magical chest that opens only to whoever owns it. But since Thyezza is dead, the chest opens, revealing the Orb of Morgaden."

"If he had such a thing in his possession, why didn't he use it?"

"Call it luck, if you may. Thyezza could have underestimated us, ultimately leading to his own downfall. Or it could also be that he doesn't have the powers required to wield it." Ragen said.

"I called for a meeting to discuss the future of WOnder, as well as to discuss the future of middle earth, my friends. This orb could very well turn the tidings. We cannot wait longer for Diantre to rebuild his forces." Shaiya said.

"I agree with Shaiya, we must take the battle to his doorstep." Stone gestured.

"No one else has ever seen the Orb before, much less use it, we are unsure of its powers! Surely you cannot use something that none of us knows how to use?" Ragen disagreed.

"And besides, who would fight for us? Captain Dremor and his men? Even so, it would still be one up against a hundred. Surely, you wouldn't want to bring them to their deaths." Ragen said.

"I guess you're right, Ragen." Stone sighed.

"Very well then, I propose that the Orb be safekept until we know how to use it to our advantage. Meanwhile, I will travel to Draga together with Ragen to look for news on the whereabouts of the other half of the Lightbringer sword."

Ragen nodded in agreement. Shaiya, though reluctant to leave him, had to nod in consensus in view of larger matters at hand.

"Do you mean the Lightbringer sword?" I may be able to help you on that!" Zarekov suddenly spoke.

"What?! You know of its whereabouts?" Stone asked in excitement.

"I once overheard Thyezza talking to one of his soldiers about this. He said the sword can be located further east of Pattavium, in the Valley of the Dead." Zarekov said.

"... The Valley ... of the... Dead...? That cursed place." Ragen muttered.

"Legend has it that the City of Sculls deep within the valley has been obliterated in just one night by a fearsome beast, the Balrog. Since then, no one who entered the valley has ever made it out alive again. Its only entrance covered in a thick fog all year round, hence giving it its name." Ragen explained.

"As to its exact whereabouts, I do not know." Zarekov continued.

"This is great news indeed!" Stone exclaimed.

"I will move out tomorrow morning to retrieve the sword."

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In the garden, more grows than the gardener sows. Especially at night, the garden seems to come alive. Purple cone flower seed pods frequently visited by wrens and sparrows, getting their last meals before hitting the hay in their nests high up in the trees above. There were the occasional fox prints, imprinted in the soft soil of the garden. Two white pines dead from pine wilt, taking their place is a new shoot which just emerged from the soil. Life after death ---- that is the way nature works. An eagle owl highly perched overhead, looking for the greedy rabbit that feasted on the lettuce and garlic leaves for a late-night snack.

The garden seemed to be more of a woods, with lots of wildflowers and native trees mixed with dogwoods, redbuds, and mimosas lining up alongside a twisting pathway leading deep into the garden. The pathway led to an arched marble bridge over a small pond. Small fish glided within its waters, occasionally flipping its body on the surface of the pond, coming up to take a breather. The water droplets that they bring up glistened like stars under the beautiful crescent moon as if they were iceflakes falling down in the shape of stars.



The bridge arched forwards, stretching all the way across the pond, like a hunch-backed old man stretching himself with feet on one side and hands on the other side of the pond. The local flora attracted all kinds of different insects, lizards, frogs and snakes, each emitting strange noises and low hummings that seem to strike the perfect symphony of nature. An old oak tree stood firm on the other side of the bridge, together with some truffles under it, as if welcoming visitors into a mystical realm.

Stone stood on the bridge and looked down into the pond. He looked older, rugged from the journey thus far. He undid one of his buttons and felt for the scar left behind by the monster that claimed his father's life in LeonCita. It was still throbbing with pain, so real as if the monster were right in front of him. He then held the necklace that his mother left behind, as tears began to trickle down his cheeks.

"It must be hard on you to bear all that burden unto yourself." Shaiya said as she put a cloak over Stone's shoulders.

"You're so engrossed that you didn't realize I've been here all the while." Shaiya continued and stepped behind Stone and embraced him. Like an angel spreading her wings, protecting him from whatever outer elements that may harm him and giving him warmth and comfort in this chaotic world.

It took some time for Stone to compose himself as he turned around while still holding her hands and said in as gentle a tone as possible, "Shaiya, you know I cannot accept your love for me."

"I have a task on hand, and this task would probably claim my life. You still have your people. You do not need to die with me! I do not wish to drag you down the path I've chosen."

"You've rescued me from the darkest trenches of this earth. You've given me and my followers hope, hope that the end can still be salvaged. Without you, Elienor could have gone down the history books!" Shaiya said.

"My soul belongs to the people of Wonder and to the Elienor clan, but my heart and my body have longed to belong to you, Stone. Do you not understand my feelings for you? Let me go with you!" Shaiya continued, on the verge of tears.

"But you might die if you've come along with me."

"I'll die an even faster death as soon as Diantre attacks Wonder again!"

"I will follow you to whatever end, Stone."

Nothing else was being said.

"An embrace that seemed to last forever, a deep passionate kiss; the blue moon the only witness of their love.

Chapter XI: Stone Versus Stone

It was soon moonfall. As the sun began to set beyond the horizon, radiating beams of red, orange, yellow and purple, an attack was imminent. Stone, Shaiya, and Inoyue were now in a simple wooden shack as they waited for night. The last beam of light soon disappeared. The moon revealed its shy self as it emerged from behind the clouds, illuminating the plains with a soft light. The stars ever so glittering as they began to dance around the moon, blinking on and off as if in symphony with one another. It was Stone who broke the silence.



"I believe it is time. We will proceed as planned."

"Very well then." Inoyue said.

That night, Langthorne forest sprang to life. It was as though the whole forest moved. The trolls began to move out, forming neat ranks in front of the forest. The trolls were well-equipped, ironically with weapons and armor that their masters gave them which they are now using it against them. Some carried bridges, wooden planks tied together with thick, strong vines. Some carried siege weapons while others carried spiked clubs and donned heavy shouldermails, helmets and platemails. The Elienor Clan followed behind, armed only with bows and arrows and short swords. For them, this was a battle for survival, a battle for the continuation of their clan. It would, very well be their last battle. Led by Stone and Shaiya on horses, the men began their march behind the trolls towards Wonder.

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"Master Thyezza, our scouts report that the trolls have moved out."

"Good, let them come. Prepare the armies in front of the gates!"

One by one, the evil men moved out, until the whole of Wonder has been emptied. Thyezza stood on a butte, a great spur of rock above the vast flat plain. His army of evil men flanked his sides. The victor seemed to be clear-cut and outright, as both sides marched to the river, stopping only where arrows were out of range of attack.

"Hold your fire!!" Stone commanded.

The evil men across the river, are the people who have destroyed your homes, killed your friends, your families. They took away all that you hold dear to and forced you to live off rocks, bark and roots. Don't show them any mercy, and don't expect to receive any. Men, and women from the Elienor Clan, fight with me, and regain what you have lost!! Stone said as he rallied the troops.

The trebuchets rocked into motion as the trolls loaded large rock slabs and fireballs onto the man-killing machines.



"Fire at will!!" Stone said.

Barrage after barrage of arrows fired across the river, hitting the charging evil men as they were laying the bridges across the river. The trebuchets swung into action. Large stone slabs plummeted into the sea of evil men, killing them in an instant as though they were ants. Many of them were set on fire, running around in panic trying to look for water to extinguish the fires on their bodies. Wave after wave of evil men rushed forward, dodging arrows and stone slabs as they made their way across the river, trampling on the dead bodies of their fallen allies on the way. There was no stopping of their onslaught.

"Charge!!" Thyezza commanded as he transformed himself into the stone giant.



"For Elienor!" Stone shouted as he drew his sword. The trolls charged forth, swinging their spiked clubs and hitting the evil men as they crossed the bridge.

"Do not under-estimate me, human!" A large monstrous voice boomed across the plains, engulfing all other voices on the battlefield. A large stone giant came forth, squashing and smashing the trolls with every foot forward and with every swing of the hand. Their spiked clubs were useless against the stone beast. Thyezza pounded the ground with his 2 strong fists, sending shockwaves so strong that the trebuchets were reduced to nothing but mere rubble. Many fell backward as they could not withstand the strong shockwave. Evil men fell into the riverbed as they lost their balance.

"Thyezza, I am your opponent!!" Stone said as he rode his horse away from the battle, bringing Thyezza away with him. Stone charged into a group of evil men, his blade cutting through several evil men with efficient and deadly strikes.

"Groarr!! I will crush you!!" Thyezza said as he followed Stone, crushing whatever that stands in his way, regardless of friend or foe. Thyezza soon caught up and was hot on his heels. Soon, they were both a distance from the battle.

"Boom!!" Thyezza sent a bone-crushing fist downwards. Blood splattered everywhere. Stone lay on the ground, his sword thrown to one side. He heaved a sigh of relief, glad to see that the blood was not his and his body was still intact.

"Poor thing." Stone thought to himself.

Leaving Stone no time to rest, Thyezza sent another fist downwards, this time directly towards Stone. Stone rolled to the left, the fist narrowly missing him, hitting instead a large rock, sending rock pebbles flying everywhere. The attacks did not stop, it became more incessant as Stone dodged blow after blow from left to right. Suddenly, Stone rolled forward, picked up his sword and got between the giant's legs and thrust his blade into the beast's leg.

"Clank" There was hardly any scratch or indent from the attack.

"Give up, human... your attacks are useless against me!!"

Suddenly, the giant lifted his leg to stomp Stone. When Stone realized, it was too late,there was no way to escape, the large stone foot was already heading towards him, death seemed to be inevitable.

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Deep in the underground cavern below the plains, another battle is brewing. Zarekov heeded Sallam's words and headed into the cavern. Beads of sweat lodged deeply in both his brows. His body heating up and his breath turning heavier with each step. The air was turning increasingly stale. Zarekov was akin to food for the hydra. He had no shield to fend off the hydra's attacks, nor had he any armor to protect himself. All he had was a cloak and two short knives. Zarekov moved slowly, his mind spinning, trying to come up with a plan to defeat the hydra.

All of a sudden, a flash of green light appeared before him, blinding him for an instant. With lightning speed, a hydra head striked Zarekov. It caught hold of his cloak and lifted him into mid-air. Zarekov was scared now, afraid that he would die here. He was left dangling and he panicked and struggled to break free from the hydra's grip. He swung from left to right as the hydra slowly emerged from the river. It was huge, extremely large. It had heads that looked like snakes, voracious teeth lined its huge mouth. Suddenly, the cloak tethered and broke under Zarekov's weight and he was freed; giving out a plomp sound as Zarekov fell into the river underneath him. The serpent hissed and dived back underwater to look for its prey.



Zarekov swam as quickly as his legs would propel him. But the hydra was faster. With blinding speed, the hydra quickly entangled Zarekov with one of its heads. The constricting motion left Zarekov gasping desperately for air underwater. The hydra continued to tighten its bind and Zarekov writhed in pain, losing precious air from his lungs as they emerge as air bubbles at the surface. With a last breath of air, Zarekov plunged his knife into the soft underside of the hydra's neck. The hydra' grip released and Zarekov broke free as he swam towards the surface and clambered back onto land. He knelt on all fours, breathing heavily, gasping for air, water droplets dripping incessantly, forming small puddles at his hands and knees. The hydra retreated backwards and resurfaced. One of its heads slowly turned into stone and crumbled into fine dust.

Zarekov knew he could not defeat all of its heads. He needed to get out quickly.

He stood up, still trying to reach for more air. The hydra stopped its attacks. Suddenly, a new head began to grow out from the spot where it had just been destroyed! Zarekov was left speechless and motionless, knowing that his doom is near. Without hesitation, Zarekov charged at the hydra, striking it with his remaining knife and kncking down another of its heads which quicky grew back. The hydra retaliated by attacking with all nine heads simultaneously in nine different directions. One came in the direction of Zarekov. Zarekov stealthily jumped backwards; later putting his knife into the hydra's neck when it came back up. The hydra hissed even more angrily and launched another attack. Zarekov dodged. The hydra attacked continuously as though it had gone insane; attacking and bashing at the walls of the cavern, sending rocks falling and narrowly missing Zarekov. Zarekov had nothing left to attack the hydra with. He climbed onto the cavern walls, where he fell into a small opening in between the walls. He was now trapped and cornered, bu at least the tight crevice provided some soothing comfort and safety from the danger outside.

A hydra head slithered past the hole, only to return to face Zarekov. The hydra head hissed and unleashed its tongue to reach for Zarekov, only to miss him by inches.

Zarekov was scared and retreated into a ball, hoping that the tongue would not reach him.

Suddenly, 5 loud booms came from above the ground. The earth shook violently and a large piece of rock and earth and dust fell and hit the hydra head.

"A cave-in!!" Zarekov thought to himself.

On all fours, Zarekov climbed out to safety, only to face the hydra again, the shaking continued and rock and debris continued to fall. The hole that saved him was soon filled by rock and sand. The cavern walls finally gave in. It caught the foot of Thyezza, causing him to lose his balance, falling into the gaping hole that he had just created with his bare fists, at the same time rescuing Stone from the verge of certain death.

"What the...?" Thyezza was shocked as he fell into the hole, only to land on the hydra underneath. The hydra striked back, but this time not at Zarekov, but at Thyezza instead. Its attacks were useless against the stone giant. Thyezza quickly picked himself up and grabbed hold of all of the hydra heads as it was attacking him again. With superhuman strength, Thyezza held the heads under his arms and began to close his grip. In an instance, the heads were squashed and turned into fine dust, bloodcurling screams from the dying hydra filled the cavern until it was finally dead. Zarekov saw the chance to escape and nimbly climbed out of the hole.

Stone regained himself, picked up his sword and moved closer to the edge of the hole to see whether Thyezza was dead. He saw no one else, but Zarekov who scrambled out to safety. Zarekov lay on the ground, motionless, breathing heavily as fatigue overcame him. Numerous cuts and wounds dotted his body, but he is still alive. And for that, Zarekov was glad.

"Who are you?" You look worse than me..." Stone asked.

"I...I'm Zarekov. Let's.... get out quick!!"

Suddenly, a large mass rocketed out of the hole. It was Thyezza, who leapt out of the hole with all his might. The battle with the hydra drained him, but he was still confident with dealing with the 2 enemies in front of him.

"You again!! Zarekov. I'll make sure I destroy you completely this time..."

Thyezza was angry, really angry now. He picked up a large rock effortlessly and tossed it towards Stone and Zarekov. With a heave, Stone managed to drag Zarekov to safety in the nick of time.

"Hey, Zarekov, get up!! Quick!! We have got to defeat him and get out of here! The fate of the Elienor Clan lies in my hands..." Stone said as he shook Zarekov, trying to instill some strength into him.

"The... the charm... the pebble charm... Thyezza can be defeated if we destroy it... or if... the charm is not on Thyezza himself; he will no longer be invincible." Zarekov forced himself up, using up whatever last bit of strength that is left within the inner depths of his body, his chest still burning from the hydra's grip.

"You'll have to distract him. I'll steal the charm from him. For I am the Master Of Thieves, Zarekov."

Stone looked at him in doubt but soon nodded, trusting the man whom he just met; for the enemy's enemy is your ally.

Stone stood up, sword in hand and provoked Thyezza.

"Hey, Thyezza, have your fists gone soft?" I can't seem to feel the pain. Come on! Let's have a real fight!"

"Roar!! Why you... You will regret this!" Thyezza bellowed as he gave chase to the running Stone.

They soon reached an area filled with different kinds of rock formations. Some were grotesque-looking with jagged edges and jutted out of the earth like a thorn. Some took the shape of small animals, kind and gentle-looking. Some were small, only a small mound at most; while some were large and gigantic and arched in peculiar directions and awkward angles. Stone hid behind a rock, waiting for Thyezza who soon arrived.

"Where are you? Human!!"

No answer.

"Hmmpph... I will crush every single rock till I find you!"

His actions are faster than his words. With each pound of the fist, Thyezza crushed the rock formations as though he were crushing paper.

"I'm here, Thyezza!!"

Thyezza turned towards the direction of the voice and crushed the stone. Stone darted back and forthm in and out of different rocks, taunting Thyezza to move further into the rocky ruins. Zarekov was already in position as he knelt on a large spur shaped in the form of an archway.

Thyezza moved until he was now directly underneath the spur, crushing rocks in his sight as he was being toyed by Stone. Zarekov made his move, pouncing onto the giant's head. The giant struggled frantically to get Zarekov off but to no avail. With a swift flick of the hand, Zarekov plunged his fingers into the giant's left eye socket and removed the charm. The giant froze, then shook violently, swaying back and forth. Zarekov lost his balance and fell off, the charm flung off his hand, hitting a rock and shattered into pieces.

"Now!!" Zarekov commanded.

Stone charged forward and plunged his sword into Thyezza's thorax.

"You, are human after all, Thyezza." Stone said.

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On the other side of the battlefield, the trolls have been overrun. They have dealt heavy damage to the evil men and have acomplished their purpose in this war. Many of the evil men have crossed the make-shift bridges and are re-grouping on the other side of the river. There were still about a thousand of evil men left.

Both sides of the river were littered with the bodies of both defeated allies and enemies. Inouyue was amongst them, multiple arrows lodged in his neck and several other parts of his body. Shaiya had no time to think about the deceased, for now she must do her best to remain alive. They have also regrouped, with only 50 of them left, and many were already injured.

This will be the place of their final stand. As the remaining Elienor Clan prepared themselves for battle, Shaiya took a glance at the eastern sky. The sun started to peek through.

"This, will be my final sunrise... It's so... beautiful..." Shaiya thought to herself.

The evil men began to close in slowly. When suddenly, as if it were a gift from the heavens, the war horns sounded, followed by cries of "For the Lady!!"

"Captain Dremor!! Ragen!! We're saved!!" Shaiya said as a drop of tear trickled down her cheeks.

The evil men were clearly frightened by the presence of the fresh reinforcements. They regrouped and moved to face the incoming attack. The plains would be the deathbeds of these evil men. The white rays from the sun blinded them . It was intense, as if telling the good people to garner hope in these troubled lands. The Elienor horsemen were quick, hittint the evil men and felling them with efficient strikes.

It was as though a fireball had just hit them.

The axemasters wielded their heavy axes around them as if they were light as feather. The horse archers efficiently pull their bowstrings taut and let the arrows fly with pin-point accuracy towards their foes. Blades were swang around gracefully, efficiently dispatching the evil men.

The evil men fell swiftly.

Cries of victory soon echoed across the battlefield.

Chapter X: The Master Thief, Zarekov

In a dark, water-logged cave in the riverbed sat a man. He is not tall, just half the size and height of a man. He is no dwarf, nor is he any child. Born with an unknown illness, his body stopped growing when he was at the age of 14. He had no parents, lived on the streets and was forced to steal when he was very young. Being small and agile, he made the perfect material for a thief. Not willing to see his hometown under the dark rule of Diantre, he moved to the riverbed and found a cave he called home; occasionally creating mischief for the evil men by malfunctioning the machinery. He would also visit Thyezza's bedroom, stealing gold and food to keep him alive.

The cave was very well-hidden, stashed away from the evil people that cramped the waterway and ran the machinery non-stop, rain or day. Zarekov was seated on a chair, motionless. He was cloaked, with one leg on the chair as if in some deep contemplation. There was no safe he couldn't break, no lock he couldn't pick. But his visit to Thyezza tonight left him in deep thought; for he had failed to break into the stone chest in Thyezza's room. It was not there before, he had not seen any lock like it before. What could be in it that requires such a lock? Zarekov thought to himself.

Daybreak. Zarekov was still locked in a deep gaze, unable to find answers to his questions. It was the hunger pangs that reminded him how long had he been sitting there. His legs were numb and his back croaked as he stood up and stretched himself. Its time to steal some food and visit that strange stone chest again. Zarekov murmured to himself.

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"My lord, our scouts from Langthorne forest have reported strange movements within the troll encampment. It seems that they are preparing their weapons and building wooden bridges made from tree trunks." A Captain reported.

"You said the trolls?" Thyezza asked. His nonchalant eyes affixed on a wine cup he has been playing in his hands all morning.

The Captain nodded in answer to his question.

"Hmmpph... perhaps they have their eyes set on the Elienor encampment in the forest. Hahaha. They are no threat to us now. They wouldn't attack us... unless someone teaches them how to. Even if those Elienor fools who dare oppose me were to organize them, they are no match for me!!"

"Let them be..." Thyezza said in such arrogance that it irked Zarekov who has been hiding in the ceilings eating a drumstick he just stole from the kitchen.

"Now this is interesting." Zarekov said to himself.

"Prepare the armies. We will face them head on." Thyezza said as he dismissed the Captain.

"I hope the Elienor people know how to defeat this stone monster." Zarekov said to himself.

"I need to take a closer look at that chest." With that, he went out from a small opening he created in the roof. With nimble hands, he quickly made his way down the roof and into an open window.

It was dark, even with the morning sun filling into the room. This was the first time Zarekov was in Thyezza's bedroom when the sun was still up. The room was heavily guarded, but on the outside. There were no additional traps or troops stationed in the room that Zarekov could see. The stone chest now lay in a corner in the room.

Out of nowhere, a rat scurried across the room, emitting high pitched squeaks as it tried to squeeze through the small opening underneath the heavy door to the room.

Its just a rat... Zarekov thought.

The chest looked extremely heavy. Is it because of its contents or is it because the chest itself is heavy? Zarekov thought. There was a lid; but it is sealed shut. The lid is imprinted with 3 pentagrams, in the middle of each pentagram was encrusted with a jewel, precious jewels that any thief would be salivating over. But not Zarekov, for he was more interested in its contents. The chest looks as if there was some aura protecting it, as if there was some magical powers at work. There was a weird imprint on the chest. It was circular in shape, with yet another pentagram in the middle. Zarekov couldn't make any sense out of it.



The door suddenly bolted open.

"Intruder!!!" A guard shouted.

5 more guards quickly filled the room, Zarekov was caught unawares. He was always confident of his burglary skills. But this time, his mischievous endeavors have gotten the better of him.

"Let me go!!" Zarekov said as he tried to squirm free. Two strong hands immediately came crushing down onto his shoulders, causing him to go into a kneeling position.

"Who are you?" Thyezza asked.

"Why should I tell you? Master Thyezza."

"Because if you have stood a bit higher, dwarf, your head would now be rolling on the ground right this instance."

"I am the Master Thief, the people call me Zarekov."

"Are you a spy?"

"A spy of whom, may I ask?"

"Don't try to fool me, Master Thief. Throw him into the dungeon, and never be released. He shall suffer the pain of living in total darkness for the rest of his life and never to be seen again...

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"Get in!! Master Thief." The 2 guards escorting Zakerov gave him a rough push. The heavy metallic door clanked shut, followed by a series of incantations from outside. A flash of green, followed by a soft ebb of blue light and Zakerov was engulfed in total darkness.

It was an underground tavern, moist and damp. Water trickled down into a river through a small crevice. The river seemed to lead deeper into the cavern. Zakerov's hands were bound; he could not see, he was as blind as a bat. His other senses beginning to sharpen and become more sensitive as they worked to replace his eyes. He treaded slowly, for fear of mis-stepping and plunging into the dark river. He felt around, and soon found a slab for which he sat down on and regained his composure.

"So Master Thyezza has sent me a visitor." A voice suddenly echoed within the cavern as the sound waves bounce off the cavern walls. The voice was deep and cold and it sent a tingle down Zakerov's spine.

"Huh!! Who's there?" Zakerov said as he looked to his left and right, trying to figure out where the mysterious person was. The shock and startle clearly evident in his voice.

"I hear the guards mentioned that you were a thief?" The voice croaked.

"So what did you try to steal?"

"How does that even concern you?" Zakerov said.

"Because I am also a thief, my name is Sallam. I helped Thyezza obtain a very precious treasure, a treasure that would change the outcome of a war during this troubled times."

"A precious treasure?" Zarekov asked.

"Yes, the Orb Of Morgaden."



"The Orb Of Morgaden?... I've heard of that name. It was only legend, myth, rumor. I never thought it actually existed... such powerful magic really existed!!"

"Oh, so you've heard of it before. I believe you're well aware of its power then? Master Thief."

"Yes..." If Thyezza were to use it, the Elienor Clan will be heading for their doom. Zarekov thought to himself.

"After obtaining the orb, Thyezza bound me and threw me into this hell-hole for fear I would leak this information to his enemies. That despicable monster!!"

"I've never seen it since then."

"And for why have you helped him then?" Zarekov asked.

"Because I'm a thief. It thrills me just to steal such a treasure. It challenges me, puts my skills to the greastest test."

"You fool of a thief, your actions have put many in danger. Do you not understand? Thyezza is evil..."

"Hahahaha... He is evil... yes... but I have not regretted it after seeing the orb. You however, should not be here, you sound too young to die."

There is a way out of this cavern if you follow the river downstream. But beware, the opening is guarded by a hydra, a nine-headed beast. I almost got out, but it snapped off my legs and tossed me back into the cave. I struggled to safety with all my might back here. I'm now better off dead than alive. Sallam said.

"Well then, Godspeed, my friend...." That was the last sentence Zarekov heard as the voice trailed off into the darkness.

Silence once again engulfed Zarekov. The only sounds were the trickling of water.

"A hydra... what would such a thing be doing here?" Zarekov thought.

There is no time to waste now, war is at hand. I must warn the Elienor people!!

Slow Progress

Due to various time constraints, school committments and other distractions around me, the process of story-writing will take even longer, though not coming to a complete halt... will continue whenever I have time.

Chapter IX: Taking The Trolls For A Stroll

The troll den was not a place a human would want to be in, much less live and stay in. It was dirty and it stank to high heavens. It was a small clearing where the trolls used to discuss their issues and to carry out meetings in the night. In daytime, they would retreat to their caves to sleep and rest. Tonight, the head troll Inoyue, together with several troll leaders, were gathered together for an important meeting. All of them sat on dead logs, arranged in a circle, in the middle was a large cooking pot where they were cooking their entails for tonight and awaiting the arrival of their guests.

2 men and a woman walked in, led by the young troll that freed Stone and Ragen last time, who appeared only too eager and happy that Stone had acquired news of the 2 men. He never could have guessed that the 2 men the bear spoke of was right in front of him.

"Arh!" The 3 of you must be Mister Bear's friends. Inoyue said as he saw Ragen, Stone and Shaiya walking into the clearing. He stood up and walked towards them.

"I am Stone, this is Ragen and Shaiya."

"The young troll says you have news of the 2 men?" Inoyue mused.

Stone nodded. The pungent smell from the trolls now creeping into his nostrils, causing his insides to turn and churn.

"Master Bear told me that the 2 men now lies in Wonder. They are within the guards guarding the walls of Wonder."

"The bear also told me, that the 2 men had stolen something very important from him. The Bear wants you to launch an attack on Wonder and retrieve the stolen treasure that belonged to him. He'll give you 10,000 gold, weapons and food if you can take the city, kill the guards and retrieve what he had lost."

"What!? But that would be everything we have now!" Shaiya whispered.

"Trust me!!" Stone said.

Shaiya nodded in reluctance.

"As a token of our friendship, trust and sincerity, I'll offer you 1,000 gold first. The rest of it will belong to you after the city is taken."

The head troll, at the sound of the word 'gold', his eyes shimmered and his heart wavered, he now seems tempted to take up the offer.

"The Bear also added that you all should go back to your original homes with your gold and food after the city is taken. The Bear will manage the city himself."

'Hmm... Your offer is tempting. But first, allow me to discuss this with my companions." Inoyue said and turned back to face his friends.

After some time, Inoyue said: "The trolls have decided, that we would go to war! All 1,000 of us. We agree to your terms. But, you must understand that going to war will strain our existing resources. We demand more food for the attack."

Stone thought for a while.

"Very well, you will take the bodies of the guards that you slay with you. They will serve as your food for a long while." Stone replied, glad that they are soon coming to terms with the trolls.

Once again, Inoyue turned back and discussed it with his leaders. They seemed keen, constantly nodding in agreement with the head troll. Finally, Inoyue said:

"Your offer is very much what we wanted. We will attack Wonder tomorrow night."

"That is perfect, my men will be following closely behind." Stone said.

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They were now in a small house. Ragen was sitted in a corner, carefully carving the edges of his dagger with a carving stone; letting out periodic 'clink' sounds and sparks. Stone stood at the entrance to the house, observing the broken Lightbringer Sword with great intent, trying to get answers to the many questions that now flooded his mind; trying to figure out the cruel and tormentuous path that the sword has taken in order to reach his very hands. Shaiya was perched on a small platform, sitted crossed-legged with eyes closed as if in some form of meditation; ocassionally opening her eyes as she observed the two men.

All three could not sleep.

Nervousness and fear gripped their hearts like a death claw.

It was Ragen who first broke the stale air of silence.

"Do you really think we can win this war?"

Stone's gaze remained fixed on the Lightbringer and said:

"Yes... we can. Have faith, Ragen"

"But all we have are 200 men and a bunch of trolls whom we cannot trust. The enemy is 5,000 strong, we're greatly outnumbered."

"Do you really trust these foul, wretched creatures, Stone?"

"We can... and we will win" Stone replied.

"It's our only chance..."

"No!!! Captain Dremor, he has 800 men and are moving away from us as we speak. I'll ride out in the first sliver of light. And hope, that they have not gone too far. Surely, he'll return to help the priestess when she is in trouble!"

"I hope you're right, Ragen" Stone sighed.

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Sunlight. Slivers of dawn pierced through the fluffy clouds like needles. Ragen was already gone. Now that the trolls were their allies, there was no fear of him being captured by enemies. Ragen proceeded on foot, carrying with him only some water, his daggers and the Soulburn sword which he found within the trolls' ill-gained spoils back in the cave. The Soulburn sword has a long history. It belonged to a legendary swordsman back in the Ragen's hometown of Draga. Ill fate has caused him to ditch his Soulburn sword in order to obtain the LightBringer.

The sword was extremely light, but its blade sharp and well-toned.

Ragen ran as fast as he could and was out of Langthorne forest in no time.

Fresh air once more. Ragen thought to himself.

In front of him stood the city gates of Wonder, now occupied by Diantre's lackeys. Steam and hot air spewed from the river beds as the weapon-making furnaces worked and burned. Fire scoured from below like small volcano eruptions. Ragen looked in disbelievement as the whole city was totally disfigured. It was no longer the Wonder that he used to visit nor was it the Wonder that he remembered it for. Wasting no time, Ragen looked around for clues as to which route Captain Dremor and his men could have gone en route to Pattavium.

Ragen looked around with great intent. He discovered hoof marks; along with wheel marks on the ground. The mark cut deep into the ground, it was probably a jailcart and the cart must be carrying a heavy prisoner. Trolls, Ragen thought to himself.
Ragen lied down and put his ears close to the ground and listened for hoof sounds.

They were muffled, the vibrations were small, they were probably half a days run away from me, Ragen deduced.

"There are other sounds." Ragen thought to himself.

The Dark knights! They are being chased. I'd better hurry.



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"Die you wretched being!" Dremor exclaimed as he delivered his spear into his enemy.

"That is the last one sir." A horseman reported.

"How many casualties do we have?"

"50, sir."

"Very well, leave the dead, collect the enemies' bodies and burn them. We need to travel to Pattavium fast. May their lives not be sacrificed in vain."

"This place is not safe as it used to be anymore." Dremor said.

The men mounted their steeds and treaded at an even faster pace, afraid that there will be more enemies.

They've fastened their pace; their enemies have been vanquished. Ragen thought as he saw thick black smoke rising up in curls from the burnt bodies.

"I'm not far from them." Ragen said to himself.

"Move, move, we need to hurry." Dremor gave orders.

"Halt!!" Dremor shouted as he saw the ground moving in front of him. There was something underground, tunneling their way through leaving behind small dirtpiles on both sides of the trails as they move forth.

"Swords!" Dremor shouted as he organized his men in a single line.

The earth suddenly stopped moving.

"Arghh!!!" One by one, the horsemen fell as creatures emerged from underground and attacked them. Cries of anguish and dismay fell onto silent ears across the vast plains.

"Dark Lurkers!! Damn!!" These creatures are small yet deadly, they have strong front claws which enable them to tread underground. They are amazingly fast and their motions difficult to predict.



"Hold your line!! Do not panic!! Listen, observe your enemy and predict their movement." Dremor shouted.

"There you are!!" Dremor exclaimed as he thrust his spear into the ground, killing one of the dark lurkers.

There were about 50 of them but they were very difficult to kill because of their movement. More fell as they panicked and were unable to pick up the enemies' movement in the ground.

"This is not good." Dremor thought to himself.

"Retreat, retreat!! Turn back" Dremor shouted.

Just then, 2 lurkers emerged from the ground and pounced onto Dremor, pinning him onto the ground.

"Captain!!"

"Damn you!" Dremor plucked out his dagger and put one of the lurkers to eternal sleep. The other however, was already swinging its claw towards Dremor's neck.

"Eat this!!"

With deadly accuracy, 2 flying daggers cut through the air connecting with the lurker's eyes. The impact was so great that the daggers penetrated its skull, coming out from the back of its head.

"Everybody, get down your horses, squat down and do not make any movement, be as still as you can!!" Ragen shouted.

The fallen horseman lay motionless, keeping as still as possible and not making any noise for fear of another attack by the lurkers. He was a stoic big man; he wore a bronze helm bearing the symbol of the Elienor Clan. He donned an adamantium plate with huge shoulder plates that would be too heavy for any other man to wear and a pair of battle-hardened grieves.

"You must be Captain Dremor." Ragen asked as he knelt down beside the man he just saved.

Dremor nodded.

"Lurkers have but one weakness. They have no ears and their eyes are blind to everything beside them. Their feelers detect vibrations given off when you and your men move." Ragen said.

"Prepare your archers, release 2 of your horses and let them run free, we will kill these foul creatures with one fell swoop."

Knowing that the lurkers are deaf, Dremor gave the orders to release the horses and prepared his archers; his charismatic voice resonated through the dangerous air.

2 horses were freed, the archers were ready, arrow on string, waiting for the wave of the hand to fire. In an instance, the lurkers sprang to life, pouncing onto the fleeing horses and sinking their teeth viciously into the horses.

"Fire!!" Dremor shouted.

A volley of arrows pierced through the sky. None of the lurkers survived.

Dremor heaved a sigh of relief.

"I'm afraid tthere's no time to waste Captain. It's nightfall already, we must make haste to Wonder." Ragen said.

Chapter VIII: The High Priestess of Elienor Clan

The place was the size of a cottage, with a large living area and small rooms opening off it. The rugs on the floor looked old and tattered and gave out a stale and pungent smell. The space contained nothing but some metal chests and a small table surrounded by round wooden chairs made out of the trunks of oakwood trees, on which, sat 2 dark-haired women.



Stone and Ragen were imprisoned in a wooden cell. The cell was small and sparsely furnitured, providing a clear view of the living area. It contained only a small wooden platform on which Stone was now lying on. The ground was layered with dried grass and hay where Ragen lay on, unconscious after the nasty blow to the back of his head. Stone was gaining consciousness now. He caught whispers coming from the living area, soft and sibilant, but couldn't make out the words in his state of semi-consciousness.

"Who are these 2 men? Are they spies?" One woman asked the other.

"I don't know. The guards found them coming from the direction of the troll den and decided to capture them for further questioning. The high priestess also said that the guards found the LightBringer Sword on one of them, but it was broken. If we can get the location of the other half from the 2 men, we can reforge it and use it against our enemies."

Stone was now fully conscious. His chest still throbbing from the broken ribs that he suffered; a big bruise now formed on the back of his head. He touched his waist, only to find that the LightBringer Sword was gone.

"Hey! Who are you? Why did you attack us? Open the gate!" Stone shouted.

"So, you've awakened. Report to the high priestess now!" The woman said.

"My name is Ribba, my friend that had just left is Thiaan. We suspect you are in cahoots with the trolls, the wretched beings that destroyed our homeland."

"What?!" Stone didn't know whether to cry or laugh. He can only curse his own bad luck for having been embroiled in other peoples' business.

"We're not spies. We're travellers passing through the forest when we were being attacked by the trolls. We're the victims too." Stone tried to explain his situation.

"Tell that to the high priestess." Ribba dismissed his pleas and began to head out of the cottage.

Stone sighed. He didn't further try to convince her as he knew that whatever he says will only add to greater suspicion. Anymore pleas would only fall on deaf ears. Ragen was awake now, rubbing the ugly bruise as he sat up.

"Where are we?"

Stone shrugged his shoulders. "We're about to speak to their high priestess soon. Maybe we can prove our innocence then; they think we are spies of their enemies."

At this moment, a woman with long and light flowing hair walked into the cottage, with Ribba and Thiaan following closely behind. The woman wore a white long gown made of silk and cotton. She walked in with such demeanour and grace that Ragen was stunned by the extravagance and the sheer beauty of the lady that just entered. She must be the daintest thing under a bonnet in this world, he thought. As she walked towards them, her hazel-coloured eyes caught hold of Ragen's; the essence of inner and outer beauty radiates through the pair of light-brown eyes. Eyes, the pair of sharp, clear eyes seems to bore through Ragens', looking and searching through his soul, mind and heart for his deeds, sins, thoughts and feelings. She held his sight for some time. Within a few moments, Ragen backed away and bowed politely as he could no longer maintain her gaze into his mind.



Now she turned to Stone. Stone couldn't see closely, but sensed that something was not right. She now walked towards Stone, images of how they were attacked and held captive by the trolls flashed before her as she approached closer, so close that they were soon only a breath away from each other. This time, she was a bit shocked, for no other man could withstand her gaze for so long and remained unfaltered. She backed away.

"Unlock the gate! I want to speak with them." She said.

"But... It's too dangerous, we still don't know the identities of these 2 men!" Ribba protested in concern for the priestess' safety.

"I can see it in their eyes. They are good men."

Ribba nodded and went forth to remove the chains to the cell room.

"The both of you may leave now." She said.

"My name is Shaiya, High Priestess of the Elienor Clan. Ribba told me you were being attacked by a group of trolls and I can see it from your eyes that you are no liars. Please pardon my guards for treating you this way, they were not sure whether you are friend or foe."

"I am Ragen from Draga and this is Stone, from LeonCita."

"The Elienor Clan?" Stone questioned.

The people of Elienor Clan had lived in Wonder for many years, and peaceful it has been. They were the largest clan in Wonder and were charged with the defence of the city. Until a month ago, an army of trolls attacked the city. They were formidable enemies, brutal and vicious, not to mention the 5,000 more men that they brought with them. The trolls were merceneries hired by them on the way to Wonder. The Elienor Clan were not their match and were forced to retreat into the forest, set up camp here and wait for an opportunity to retake the city.

"Who leads these trolls and these evil men?" Ragen asked.

"I don't know. But he uses very powerful witchcraft to turn himself into a man of rock and stone so hard that our weapons were not able to penetrate it. The city is now occupied by this 'man of rock' and the men that he brought along with him. The trolls were given Langthorne forest as their new home and they brought along with them large amounts of gold, weapons of all sorts and food sufficient to last them for some time."

"The men must have been ordered by Diantre to attack!" Stone interrupted.

"We have nowhere else to hide, except to share the same cover with our arch enemies. Our clan faces extermination if we do not do anything. We have only 200 of us left, and all are loyal to me. Many of our people have fled after losing the war; led by Captain Dremor, they left just a day before you arrived and have some 800 men and are moving towards the city of Pattavium as we speak." Shaiya sighed.

"That is why, I hope to find the sword of LightBringer, in hope that it would change the tidings." Shaiya said as she took out the LightBringer.

"I'm sorry, Lady Shaiya, but the sword is useless without the other half, and we are still searching for it." Stone replied.

"Please, I hope you can tell me where the other half is. And give this half to me as well. I promise I'll return it to you once victory is achieved." Shaiya said, her hands clutching Stone's.

"We have no idea. We're heading into Wonder to get more information." Stone said as he shook his head.

Shaiya looked helpless. She sunk into deep thought, now that her hope has been smashed.

"Don't worry, we'll think of something I'm sure. We'll stay to help." Stone said.

Ragen smiled.

"How many trolls were there? Ragen asked.

"About 1,000. They now live deep in the forest."

"I think I have a brilliant plan, Stone." Ragen said.

"And I have one too. I believe we think alike?" Stone added.

"We'll make use of the trolls again. Two can play the same game. We'll use the trolls to fight them." Stone looked at Ragen.

Both men started to laugh.

"Argh!" My chest..." Stone writhed in pain as he had laughed too hardly, totally forgetting about his injuries, his hands now hugging his chest in agony.

"You're hurt. Come, let me heal your wounds." Shaiya said

Stone lay on the wooden platform. Shaiya lifted the mithril armour, revealing the torso and the lower chest, now starting to swell and redden as a result of the broken ribs. She covered the wounded area with both hands. Stone shivered. He could feel the smooth, soft hands placed over his torso; a warm, soothing white light radiating from her hands with increasing intensity. Within moments, the wounds started to close and heal and the broken ribs rejoined. Stone was now as good as new. She retrieved her hands.

"I've never seen such wizardry in my life, that is amazing." Ragen exclaimed.

"I think that is the only thing I'm best at; I am bestowed with the ability to heal and close wounds since young. I am no warrior or fighter like the both of you are, and yet I have to lead the men to battle to reclaim our lands. I'm afraid I'll only bring them to their deaths." Shaiya sighed.

Stone now sat up, feeling for his own chest and torso for any injuries. But he could find none and he wasn't in pain anymore.

"Can you heal my ailing eyes as well?" Stone asked Shaiya.

"Your eyes? What is wrong with them?"

"I am blind in the light."

"But how...?"

"How can I still move around so effortlessly?" Stone interrupted and cut her sentence.

Shaiya nodded

"My day blindness has helped me develop my other senses, making them more sensitive and enabling me to react to changes in my surroundings more quickly." Stone replied.

"All right, I'll try." Shaiya said.

Shaiya took a deep breath and covered his eyes with her hands. A white light glowed brightly.

"Try opening your eyes and see now." She said.

Light gradually entered his eyes. "Thank you very much!" Stone smiled and said; before him stood a stunning and ravishing beauty.

"You are most welcome. It is the least I could do for your help against the people who took my homes."

"Lady Shaiya, can you arrange a meeting for tomorrow night with the head troll Inoyue? Just say that Mister Bear's friends has news of the 2 men and we have something to offer that would be irresistable to them." Stone said.

"Please, the both of you can call me Shaiya." She said.

"Shaiya, I'll need you to come with me tomorrow night."

Shaiya nodded.

With that in mind, she said: "It's late now, let me see you to your rooms now, or do you want to remain in this pig-sty for the night?" She laughed, so naturally and captivatingly.

"If you don't mind, can I talk to you at the treehouse at the entrance to the camp?" Shaiya said to Stone.

"I have some questions that I would like to ask and also I'll return the sword to you."

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The treehouse was built some 40 feet above the ground, set admist the canopies of the dense forest. The nest-like treehouse looked weak on the outside but its visual delicacy belies its structural strength, for they can accomodate families of up to 10people. The treehouse that stood high before Stone was unfathomable. He looked up into the sky, but couldn't make out the shape and the size of the treehouse. A ladder lay before him. It was made of thin poles with retches cut as loot-holes. Wild vine was then used to tie the ladder to the platform of the treehouse, going through the holes and securing the poles together which acted as the steps.



Stone started to climb up the ladder, constantly looking at his feet to make sure that he doesn't step into nothingness. As he climbed higher, a cold breeze slapped on his face; Stone looked downwards, only to be welcomed by unimaginable darkness that would only be comparable to the depths of Hell. He shuddered as the wind blew across his face. The treehouse was built to monitor the trolls movements in the day; but now it was deserted as it was too dark to see far. It was dark, the only source of light were the numerous stars that dotted across the horizons.

Soon after, Shaiya arrived.

"The stars shine brightly tonight." Stone said.

"Perhaps not so enough to shine through these dark days." Shaiya sighed.

"Your friend, Ragen, he is brave and courageous; but I also sense fear in his eyes. In yours, I see hope and promise, that you will lead us mortals out of the dark hands of Diantre."

"You hold me in high regard, I am flattered." Stone responded.

Shaiya smiled.

"Here, I think this belongs to you." Shaiya handed over the sword to Stone.

"Tell me, how did you find the sword and why do you need it?"

"It was Ragen's, he found it. But he feared he would succumb to its power hence he gave it to me. The sword is now my only chance of standing against Diantre, it was he, who killed my parents. This pendant, was the last thing that my mother left for me." Stone said as he held his pendant in his hand.

"I'm sorry." Shaiya said.

Silence.

"...The plan, will it work... hiring the trolls to help us? What is it with the bear?"

"Don't worry, you'll know soon. I'll convince them tomorrow. But I'll need your full cooperation." Stone said with a reassuring smile.

"It'll be day soon, I'll catch some sleep here. The wind is good and the stars are too fascinating to give it a miss. You'd better sleep too."

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Chapter VII: Langthorne Forest

The city of Wonder lies to the north, 50 leagues from Oscillith. The city was once surrounded by majestic forests and incessant rivers. But, the forests have diminished and the rivers drained; a large dam constructed upriver to blockade the flow of the river downstream as Diantre's minions moved in. They hacked, burned and fell the ancient trees that have stood for long; the rivers have ceased to exist as they made way for weapon-making facilities to provide weapons for Diantre's warmongering. The once beautiful and magical city of Wonder was no more. Diantre hired mercenaries --- trolls that reside in the surrounding lands and conquered the city of Wonder. Their leader was a man known as Thyezza, the "Steel Man." After the war, the trolls were given Langthorne forest in which they now reside in.





In order to reach Wonder from Oscillith, the Langthorne Forest was a necessary path to take. Few now venture into the forest for fear of being eaten by trolls which now infested the forest. Many have already fallen prey to these creatures, who prey on humans and after that, take their belongings as their own. Trolls are strong and brutal, but they are dumb, clumsy, slow, greedy and utterly gullible.

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Stone and Ragen made preparations to cross the forest and reach the city of Wonder. They didn't pack much, only some food and a pouch of water, as well as their weapons.

"We'll cross the forest tomorrow morning, hopefully we can reach Wonder by nightfall, or it'll be very dangerous to remain in the forest at night. Remember, follow me closely when we enter the forest. There are many side paths and you can get lost should you venture into one of those." Ragen said.

Stone nodded in agreement.

"I hope I've entrusted the city into good hands, Amezza, you are now the steward of Oscillith city. I know you can keep the city safe before I return." Ragen said to his hand-picked appointed leader.

"Rest assured, Sir, the city is in safe hands."

"Tonight we shall celebrate our victory!" Ragen smiled and said.

Let us head to The Moor."

A grand feast was held at the old tavern, a feast that was fit for a king, enough to last them for days. The men, now filled with a joyous spirit and ecstatic fervour, began singing and dancing in happiness. Stone and Ragen, however were worried. News of Oscillith's defeat would soon Diantre's ears, he would not let Oscillith fall so easily, an attack could come their way soon, and they would once again, be besieged as they were outnumbered. Stone and Ragen took sips of their beer and nibbled at the sumptous food that lay on the table. After a while, Ragen stood and began to speak, the men quietened down.

"Let us all celebrate this joyful day, where Oscillith is freed from the dark hand. But we may not celebrate for long, for an attack may be imminent and we would fall again. I wish to fight alongside everybody standing before me right now,, but alas, I have more pressing tasks to perform and I'll be leaving tomorrow morning. The sity will be under the custodian of Amezza. Obey his commands for he shall lead you all through these dark times while I am away. We must open up Oscillith, welcome all friends willing to fight against Diantre; send for aid. With these said, I toast you all." Ragen raised his mug.

"TOAST!!" The men returned the gesture in unison and drank in silence, their hearts heavy.

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A good night's rest.

"We should be going off now." Ragen said to Amezza.

"Good luck."

"And so to you." Ragen replied.

Stone and Ragen walked out of the city gate. The soft sun kissing their cheeks with its gentle rays. They felt light-hearted, happy that Oscillith can once again see light.

"Come, I'll race you to the Langthorne Forest." Ragen smiled and sped off, leaving a gale of wind and a trail of dust as he picked up speed.

After a while, they reached the entrance to the forest. The huge forest and ancient trees looked scary, their trunks bending downwards towards them. The branches and leaves looked like outstretched hands that were coming for them. Even in the day, the forest appeared dim and dark, few beams of wellow light penetrated the thick canopy, the ground was almost barren as the trees formed a blanket over the soft ground, littered with dead leaves from the countless trees growing within the forest. A small gate seprated them from the pathway that led to Wonder. The gate was rusty, one side left dangling as the gate broke of its rusty hinges. The pathway used to be walked by travellers, but now, it has become a deserted route.



The gate squeaked and croaked as Ragen pushed the gate open.

The leaves on a nearby tree rustled. "Who's there? Or is it the wind?" Stone thought to himself, his hand sub-consciously moving to his sword. Stone followed in.

The path was narrow. It appeared to be straight at first, but it soon disappeared into the darkness of the forest.

They continued to walk, occasionally, a squirrel or a rabbit greeted them. It was already noon, but the forest remained cool and damp.

They were already in the mid-section of the forest when suddenly, the pathway forked into 2.

"Huh? There should only be one route. Where does the other lead to?" Ragen asked, unable to believe what he saw.

Suddenly, a troll appeared behind Stone and swang his spiked steel club, aiming for Stone's head. Trolls have very thick and leathery skin, making it a formidable armour and one that cannot be pierced through easily. There is however, a soft spot on its body; that is, the area around his neck.

"Huh!" Stone ducked, dodging the deadly blow in time which would otherwise caused a huge pit in his skull. The club hit air. The troll, unable to stop the momentum of the swing, clubbered the deadly weapon into a large tree. The tree slanted a bit; but its trunk soon unable to withstand the tremendous force, fell with a loud thud on the soft ground. A second troll was looming in the trees. Seeing that his companion had missed, he emerged from his cover and swang his club towards Stone. This time, the club hit cleanly on Stone's abdomen. The tremendous force sent him flying several feet before the flying momentum was broken by the impact with a tree.

"Arh!" Stone picked himself, clutching the bloody wound on his abdomen. Stone was lucky, for the mithril armour defused most of the attack which would otherwise had claimed Stone's life. Ragen turned around, only to see Stone being hit. The attack continued, the troll now going for Stone's skull.

"Watch out!" Ragen shouted, a flying dagger leaving his hand as he spoke. The dagger glided through the air, hitting the troll on the neck. The attack stopped momentously. The troll stood still, his club still in mid-air. Ragen went forth and retrieved his dagger; the troll, already dead, fell to the ground.

The other troll that attacked Stone earlier was now furious at the sight of his friend's death. He lunged forward, his club aiming at Ragen. Reflexively, Ragen unsheathed his sword and raised it to fend from the attack. "Clank!" Ragen withstood the attack, but not after his feet sank into the soft earth below. Wincing from the pain, Stone stood up and circled behind the troll, sneaked up onto himand put his sword into the troll's back with all the might that he could conjour up. The troll fell and lay motionless on the floor.

Stone fell to his kness, his sword preventing him from falling to the ground.

"Are you all right?" Ragen asked.

"I'm hit bad, Ragen."

"This isn't right, Stone, trolls aren't supposed to move around in the daylight, much less attack humans."

"We'd better go. Come, I'll help you up."

Suddenly, 20 trolls appeared from the trees, surrounding them in a circle.



"What!?"

"We're trapped!" Stone said.

"Tie them up! Bring them to the cave!" The head of the pack of trolls ordered. The 2 men knew they had no other way of escape. They put down their weapons and raised their hands in surrender. 2 trolls came forth, tied them up and blindfolded them.

"Disarm them!" Thick rough hands searched Stone and Ragen, taking away all their blades.

"Move it!" A hand pushed against Stone.

"Stand up and move! A hand pushed against Stone.

They walked for some distance before reaching a large cavern and were pushed in roughly, their blindfolds now removed. It was dark, filthy and smelly, and the cavern was not very large. In one corner, lay a pile of skulls, neatly stacked up in a heap. In another corner, lay chests of looted gold and weapons of every kind, including theirs and the LightBringer Sword.

The pain now subsided a bit and the bleeding stopped.

"Stone, are you there? Are you alright?"

"I'm here... I think I've got a broken rib or two."

"Something seems to be amiss Stone. Trolls aren't that smart to organize an ambush like that. Haven't you noticed? It's as if somebody, or something taught them to do so. And this person or people, are out to kill us. Worst still, they might even be following us."

"You're right, Ragen. It all doesn't make sense. Remember the 20 men that were killed mysteriously? We still have no clue who this person is, it could be the same group..."

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was already nightfall.

Stone and Ragen are still trapped in the small cave.

"You said trolls are dumb, didn't you?"

"Yes, they are."

"I've got a plan." Stone forced a painful smile.

"It's dinner time!" A troll walked into the cave, on orders of the head troll to take the 2 captives to the cauldron to be cooked.

"Hey!" Stone chimed.

"Hey! I have something for you. Look at the pendant on my chest. It's nice? Isn't it?"

The troll looked at the pendant on Stone's chest. It was emitting a faint blue light; the troll had never seen something like that before.

"You'll... Give me?" The troll asked.

"No, I can't, its very important to me. But I can let you touch it." Stone said. The troll was falling into his trap.

"But first, you must answer my questions."

The troll nodded.

Stone began.

"Who told you we were going through the forest?"

"Inoyue told us."

"Who is Inoyue?"

"He is the one who told us to tie you up and bring the both of you here."

"Who told him then, where did he get the information?"

"I saw him talking to a bear this morning."

"What? A bear?" Stone looked at Ragen.

The troll nodded.

"Alright, what did the bear say?"

"He told Inoyue that 2 men would be passing through the forest this morning and they would be good food for us. He told us to wait at the fork road. He even taught us how to ambush and capture the both of you."

"He is a good person. We are hungry, he teach us hunt for food and gave us gold." The troll continued speaking.

"He gave you gold?"

"Yes, lots of them."

"Can I touch it now?" The troll was getting impatient.

"One last question. Where is the bear now?"

"I don't know. He roams around the forest I think."

Stone's mind was thinking, and quickly, thinking of how he could make use of this fool to get out of the situation. At this moment, a streak of white light from the moon illuminated the pendant dangling over Stone's chest. It gave off a soft light. Stone said:

"Hey, Mister Troll, do you know that I'm the bear's friend? He communicates with me through this pendant. Look, he wants to speak with you." Stone nudged Ragen with his elbow. The troll now focussed all his attention on the pendant.

"I'm Mister Bear. These 2 people here are my friends, the ones that I told you about have already passed the forest. You all have missed them. Release them now." Ragen said.

The beam of light now gone, as the clouds moved over the moon.

The troll was mystified and confused now. He took the pendant from Stone and carefully observed it, shaking it and putting it close to his ears to listen for any more sounds. Stone laughed and said:

"The Bear only speaks when he wants to... So can you release us now? You wouldn't want to eat your friend's friend? Would you?" Stone asked.

The troll was now lost. He did not know whether Stone was telling the truth or not. Finally, he said, hand scratching his head:

"Perhaps you're friends of Mister Bear after all. Alright, I'll release you." The troll went over and untied the knots on their hands and legs.

"Can I have the pendant back? Mister Bear will try to communicate with me soon about the location of the 2 men. Perhaps then I'll tell you their whereabouts."

The troll nodded and handed over the pendant.

"Come on,let's go." Stone said, picking up his weapons and half the Sword of LightBringer.

"Goodbye Mister Troll." The troll waved back, utterly confused but convinced that he had done the right thing in releasing them. Picking up the tracks left behind by the trolls, they were able to find their way back to the forked road.



"That was close, had he not believed us, we'll be cooked meat tonight." Ragen said.

"Let's get out of here quick!"

Suddenly, 2 figures jumped down from a tree, their short knives now put on Stone's and Ragen's throats. They had nowhere to hide. Once again, they had to surrender. Stone sighed. Suddenly, they felt a heavy blow to their back of the necks and lost consciousness...