Soul Cursed Protector

Four hours had passed since the incident, none wished to talk about it except for Leon. “What happened when we fought one another, Ulrich?” Leon asked. “I blacked out, and honestly I don’t remember if I won or not.”

“I won like always, that’s all you need to know.” Ulrich muttered.

Leon also noticed that neither Master Gawain nor Ulrich would make eye contact with him, and Ellyn was suspiciously quiet as well. “Hmm. You guys are hiding something from me.”

“Leave it be, Leon.” Gawain sighed. “Our destination is nigh.”

“What is this place? It looks awfully creepy.” Ellyn asked as they rode up closer to the spooky looking cave.

“That young miss is the Cave Of Sorrow.” Gawain answered.

“What is so important that we have to go inside?” Ellyn inquired.

“A piece of an ancient blade lies in wait for us to retrieve.” Gawain dismounted from his horse and walked it over to one of the trees to tie it off so it wouldn’t get spooked and run away. “Dismount and find a place to tie off your horses.”

After doing as he was told Leon walked over to Gawain, “Master Gawain, are you sure it’s safe to be telling Ellyn of our mission?” he quietly asked. “I mean, we don’t even know that much about her.”

Gawain glanced back at Ellyn, “I understand your concern, young Leon. But at this point we are going to need all the help we can get.” he explained. “I know that I can count on you to keep an eye on her, if she does anything suspicious handle it accordingly.”

“Understood.” Leon said. “You can count on me.” he placed his fist over his chest and bowed. “Good.” Gawain smiled. “Ellyn, Ulrich. Please join us over here, I need to have a word with

you all”

Ellyn and Ulrich both walked over joining Gawain and Leon, “The three of you need to listen closely to what I have to say, what awaits us inside that cave is no joke.” he pointed at the entrance of the cave and continued on. “From what I understand there are undead soldiers waiting to kill all who enter. And if you get past them, hordes of angry monsters the likes of which you’ve never seen before await to torture the brave souls that make it into the far reaches of the cave.”

“And if you make it past them, then what?” Ellyn gulped.

Gawain was hesitant to explain the last part, for not even he believed in what awaited them if they were lucky enough to get to the end of the cave. “Well.” he paused. “If we make it that far, then the Queen of the cave will await us.”

“Queen?” Leon questioned.

“Yes, the Queen.” Gawain answered. “At one time she was one of the most beautiful women in

all the land, her radiance shined brightly. That caught the eye of the powerful, and evil King Roland of Bondora. He decided that he wanted her beauty for himself, when nightfall came he commanded his knights to abduct her from her families home in the middle of the night. His loyal knights did as they were commanded and entered her home unannounced, killing everyone in the house hold but her.

When the time came he forced her into marrying him, and she became his Queen. However she wasn’t evil like King Roland, the people of Bondora loved her unconditionally. She let her radiance shower over all, and that infuriated the King. No matter how hard he tried he couldn’t keep her beauty and radiance to himself. In a fit of rage King Roland locked her away in the deepest darkest part of the woods.”

“In this cave.” Leon interrupted. “Exactly.” Gawain nodded.

“What happened next?” Ellyn asked. She was holding onto every word Gawain had said up until that point, and desperately wanted to know the ending of the story.

Gawain smiled at the young girls persistence, “Well Ellyn, the Queen was locked away in this very cave by the evil King Roland. No he didn’t kill her, for his love for her was strong, instead he would come to visit her, feed her, and all the other things that were necessary to keep her alive.

Nevertheless, being locked away from the outside world, no longer being able to feel the love of her people made her very sorrowful. One day that sorrow consumed her, eventually turning her into a specter like being that was full of rage, and hatred.

King Roland had no idea what had become of his Queen, until the final day that he had went to pay her a visit. Once inside the cave she ensnared him in darkness, and took out all of her pain and sorrow out upon him. Before he died King Roland had felt all the pain and sorrow that he himself had caused her. Legend has it, she still lives inside this cave, making all who dare enter feel her sorrow.”

“That would explain why someone would place a piece of a legendary blade inside this cave.”

Leon said. “I mean after hearing that story who would be dumb enough to try and take it?” “You ask who would be that stupid? Oh wait, that would be us.” Ulrich interrupted.

“The tale of what happened to the Queen is so sad, and all the two of you can talk about is a piece of a sword inside the cave?” Ellyn hissed.

Leon looked at her frowning, “It is sad, Ellyn. But we came here for a reason, not to feel sorry for the specter being inside.”

“Hey old man.” Ulrich interrupted again. “Are we going to stand out here and talk or are we going to retrieve what’s inside?” he was done with all the talking, Ulrich wanted to see first hand what all the fuss was about with this cave. Plus he was also in a hurry to test his skills against something more powerful, than mere men.

“Patience, Ulrich.” Gawain responded. “First make sure that you have equipped yourselves well, then and only then, shall we head inside.”

“I’ve been ready since we got here.” Ulrich bolstered. “Same here.” Leon grinned.

“I don’t truly believe that any of us are ready for what lies ahead.” Ellyn hesitantly said. “But if all of you are wondering if I’m ready or not, then the answer is yes.”

Gawain smiled at the three of them, he trusted in his students skills, and Ellyn seemed like she could hold her own as well. However he was still worried that Leon might lose control again, and that Ulrich might use the forbidden arts inside the cave which could end badly if either were to happen. “If everyone is set, then lets be on our way.” Gawain reached out and grabbed a big sized tree branch casting a fire spell from his hand that caught the end of the branch ablaze like a torch.

Master Gawain lead the way into the cave followed by Ulrich, with Ellyn pretty much right beside him grabbing at his hand. While Leon was following close by, making sure that they were not going to get attacked from behind. The cave itself was dark and dreary, there was a foul smell in the air,

it was the smell of death, and rotting flesh. And the jagged edges of the rocks could cut the flesh on contact. “Watch your step, I sense something is a miss.” Gawain warned the others.

“All I see is an empty cave, if you’re sensing something it has to be the foul smell coming from youself, old man.” Ulrich joked.

“This be no time for jokes, Ulrich.” Gawain explained. “We are coming up on a part of the cave that is well lite, which is odd indeed. Prepare yourselves for battle just in case.” Gawain walked into the part of the cave that was well lit first, followed by the others. Instead of finding death and decay, they stumbled upon a room of absolute wonder. There was treasure as far as the eye could see, and a large stone table in the center of the room with several chairs placed around it.

“Why is there gold and jewels in this cave?” Ulrich asked, with the look of wonder and disbelief on his face.

Gawain had the same look as that of Ulrich, “I haven’t the slightest idea, legend does not speak of such a wonder in this cave.”

“That could only mean one thing.” Ellyn said. “We have stumbled upon the hideout of a band of thieves.”

“Thieves?” Ulrich laughed. “Those buffoons wouldn’t last a minute in a place like this.” “That’s not true.” Ellyn shouted. “The thieves that took me were just as skilled as some of the

knights that I have seen, maybe even better.”

Ellyn’s words troubled Gawain deeply, but his thoughts went elsewhere when Leon darted into the room shouting about something coming their way. “They’re coming. Get ready.”

“Who is coming?” Gawain questioned. “Leon, tell us.” Leon unsheathed his sword, “Them.” he pointed.

About that time ten or more undead soldiers surrounded the four of them. “Oh, you were talking about them.” Gawain nervously swallowed.

“Not the time, Master Gawain.” Leon scolded. “What now?” “We defeat them of course.” Gawain smirked.

The whole cave filled with laughter from the undead soldiers, “You defeat us?” one laughed. “You are but one man, along with a handful of children. How do you expect to even survive?”

“Did someone say children?” another asked. “I love children. There so tender and tasty.” “And look at the weapons they carry.” another shouted. “We could do some serious damage

with those swords.”

“I hate the stench of the undead.” Gawain snarled. He unsheathed his sword and cut off the head from one of the undead soldiers. “Do not leave a single one standing.” that was the sign to attack and Ellyn, Leon, along with Ulrich, joined Gawain in battle.

Sounds of steel clashing against steel could be heard through out the cave as the battle waged on between the undead soldiers against Gawain, with his students and Ellyn by his side. “To slow.” Leon shouted as he dodged one of the attacks. He countered with a move of his own, taking his blade and cutting off the undead soldiers arm. “Take that.” Leon cheered, but to his dismay the soldier kept coming at him.

Ellyn used one of her quick attacks to cut the limbs off a few of the dead soldiers, but just like they had done with Leon, the soldiers kept pressing the attack. “What gives?” she hissed.

Ulrich was having the same troubles with the soldiers as well, every time he would cut a few of them down, they would rise back up and keep attacking him. “How can we defeat them if they keep getting back up?”

“I have an idea, Ulrich.” Leon insisted. “Lets unleash our combo attack.” “You mean the ring of fire?” Ulrich asked.

“That’s exactly what I mean.” Leon replied. “Think about it, these soldiers are already dead. We may not be able to defeat them with our swords, but we can sure as hell turn them into dust with fire.”

“But you know how badly that weakens us after we use that move.” Ulrich explained. “Do you have a better idea?” Leon asked, dodging another attack.

Gawain listened in on Leon and Ulrich’s conversation closely, as bad as he wanted to see the attack the two were talking about, in the back of his mind he couldn’t let it happen. Gawain needed his students at full strength for what awaited them deeper into the cave, but Leon and Ulrich were right about one thing. Using fire would end this battle swiftly,“Ellyn, Leon, Ulrich. Get down.” Gawain shouted. He chanted what sounded like a spell, “God of fire heed my call. Lend me your strength and save of us all. God of fire heed my call. Lend me your strength.” Gawain held out his left hand, the others watched as it turned red with fire. They realized what was about to happen and the three took cover, watching as fire exploded from Gawain’s hand like a volcano, setting all the undead soldiers ablaze.

Ulrich watched with amazement as the fire burned every soldier in the room into nothing more than ash. “That was amazing.” the three exclaimed.

“How did you do that?” Ulrich asked, you could tell by the tone of his voice that he had gained a little bit of respect for Gawain, just a little. “I thought you didn’t use the Dark Arts.”

“That was not the Dark Arts.” Gawain glared. “ It was a spell of fire, but no matter, the path is now clear, let us be on our way.” he walked on ahead.

“Can you teach us how to do that?” Ellyn excitedly asked as they walked deeper into the cave. “Sorry, you’re not one of my students. It is forbidden to teach outsiders such things.” Gawain answered.

“Can’t blame a girl for trying.” she pouted.

“Well what about Leon, and myself?” Ulrich asked.

“The two of you are not ready to handle such power.” Gawain responded.

“Hmph. Shows how much you know old man.” the little respect Gawain gained from Ulrich

quickly faded.

Gawain ignored Ulrich’s protests and kept walking on. “We draw near to the next part of the trial, be prepared for anything.”

“Ignore me all you want old man, but know this. Someday I will be stronger than even you, even stronger than Lord Alistair.” Ulrich proclaimed. “One more thing, if you don’t tell Headmaster Caine of the riches in this cave, I will.”

“Do as you wish, Ulrich.” Gawain replied. “Know that power and riches is not what the world is all about.”

As they walked further into the depths of the cave the atmosphere started to change yet again, the darkness was getting heavier, even with the aid of the torch it was hard to see. Even breathing became a chore as the air was thinning out.

“Everyone stop.” Ellyn demanded.

“What is it Ellyn?” Gawain jumped. “Do you see something a miss?”

Leon and Ulrich unsheathed their blades with haste preparing themselves for a battle, “I don’t see anything, do you?” Leon asked.

“No, I don’t see a thing.” Ulrich responded.

“Would you guys please calm down.” Ellyn grumbled. “Why did you tell us to stop?” Gawain questioned.

“The air in this part of the cave is thinning out, we won’t last long like this.” Ellyn explained. “But I can help.”

“How can you help?” Gawain asked out of curiosity.

“I know a few magical spells.” Ellyn giggled. “And one helps you to breath when there is no air to do so.”

“Then why didn’t you just say that in the first place?” Gawain chuckled.

“I just did.” Ellyn joked. “What I need the three of you to do, is stand perfectly still. Got it?” moments later she cast a spell that placed a white aura around the lot of them.

“What did you do?” Leon inquired.

Ellyn giggled again, “Did you not listen?” she said. “I cast a spell of breathing on us.” Leon took a deep breath, filling his lungs with fresh air, “It really worked.”

“Of course it worked, silly. I told you that I would be of use.” Ellyn happily responded. “Thank you Ellyn, I owe you my gratitude.” Gawain said with a warm smile on his face. “It

would be wise to push on now that we can breath. We don’t want the cave dwellers to be upon us to quickly.”

“What are cave dwellers?” Ulrich asked, as they pressed on. There was no response from Gawain so Ulrich asked again, “Hey, old man. What are cave dwellers?”

“You will find out soon enough.” Gawain grimly replied. “That’s comforting.” Leon said sarcastically.

Gawain stopped walking, instantly his sword was in his hand. “Looks like you will find out sooner than later, Ulrich.” he shouted. “Get ready to defend yourselves.”

Shadows could be seen moving all around them, it seemed as though the very walls of the cave itself was starting to come to life. “What in the hell is happening?” Leon shouted nervously.

“Its the cave dwellers.” Gawain shouted back. “When one tries to attack, aim anywhere you see flesh, it’s the only way you can kill them.” while Gawain was trying to explain things to the young ones, a cave dweller jumped out of the shadows and tried to attack him. It was the first time he had ever seen one up close and personal. Its eyes were of a yellowish color from being in the darkness for far to long. The cave dwellers teeth were razor sharp, that much Gawain could tell when it tried to bite at him, they also seemed to like using there long finger nails as weapons. And their only form of defense was the stones that had somehow fused with the monsters body. Gawain had heard that these dwellers

were once humans, but he found that hard to believe.

“Remember, you can kill them by hitting their weak spots.” Gawain explained once more, turning to face another dweller jumping out of the darkness towards his face. He quickly punched the cave dweller with the hilt of his blade, sending the monster crashing to the ground. Gawain then stabbed the flesh of the dweller with his blade, killing it instantly. The blood of the monster was a bright green that glowed in the darkness, if these things were once human, then living in the depths of the cave changed them into something far more sinister than one could imagine.

Leon watched the true skills of his Master shine. However, watching wasn’t the same as participating as he found himself being attacked by the dwellers. Now was the time to put his own skills to the test. Leon tried to attack one of the monsters but it dodged his attack, countering with one of its own. The dweller swung its razor like claws at Leon barely grazing his armor, if Leon doesn’t become quicker with his attacks the dwellers would surely make short work of him. Leon made the decision to switch up his stance, the next time he swung his blade his attack was ten times faster and stronger. “Take that.” he shouted, killing two more dwellers.

Ulrich witnessed Leon’s skill with the way of the blade drastically improve. “Nice moves, Leon.” however Ulrich wasn’t one to be shown up by someone he felt was less skilled than he. Ulrich proceeded to lift his sword in the air, casting another forbidden arts spell that turned his blade a blackish tent. When he swung the blade it unleashed a tremendous power that killed five attacking cave dwellers at once.

“What did you think about that?” Ulrich bragged. “Bet you didn’t think I could do something so amazing, did you?”

“What kind of attack was that?” Leon excitedly asked, swinging his blade taking down a couple more monsters.

“He used one of the forbidden Dark Arts.” Gawain grumbled.

“I want to learn how to use an attack like that.” Leon gasped.

“I forbid it.” Gawain snapped. “You will not learn the Dark Arts. Just like I told Ulrich to never use a spell like that again. You have no idea the evil that you can unleash.”

“You’re just scared, old man.” Ulrich snapped back.

“Ulrich, do not talk to Master Gawain in such a way.” Leon hissed.

“And you need to stop kissing the old mans ass, Leon.” Ulrich barked, he was getting tired of Leon steeping in to confront him every time he had words with Gawain.

“Can we discuss this later, guys. We have more cave dwellers on the way.” Ellyn informed them, after she kicked one of the dwellers in the face.

Shrieking could be heard echoing throughout the cave, “I think there’s going to be a lot more than that.” Gawain responded. He turned to face his them, with only one word coming from his mouth. “Run.” Within minutes you could hear a hundred, if not thousands of cave dwellers running straight for them. Gawain lead the charge into the depths of the cave with Ellyn, Leon, and Ulrich hot on his heels. With the dwellers starting to come at them from every angle, it looked very bleak for the brave souls.

“They’re coming from every direction.” Leon shouted.

“Just keep running.” Gawain said. “If they try to attack then knock them back, but whatever you do, don’t stop running.” the four of them ran threw the cave as fast as their feet would carry them, around every corner a dweller would jump out and try to impede upon them. But Gawain and his students would have none of it, and did whatever it took to push the onslaught back. To the groups confusion, when they reached a certain part of the cave the dwellers stopped and refused to follow further, some were even seen running away in fear.

“What’s gotten into them?” Ellyn asked.

“They’re scared of us, what else could it be?” Ulrich bragged.

Gawain watched the cave dwellers tremble with fear, refusing to give chase, making his

stomach churn. Fear was even starting to grip Gawain like it had the cave dwellers. Why am I stricken with fear? Then he began to realize which part of the cave that he and his students had stumbled upon,

“I’m afraid that’s not the case, Ulrich.” Gawain said with a shaky voice. “Are you actually scared, old man?” Ulrich laughed.

“To be honest this part of the cave is making the fear run up my spine. And once you realize where we have found ourselves, fear will take hold of you as well.” said Gawain.

“Something about this part of the cave feels wrong.” Ellyn interrupted, fighting back her tears. “It makes me sad.”

“Fight back your feelings, Ellyn.” Gawain said. “For we near the Queen Of Sorrow’s lair, and it will only get worse from here.”

“How do I fight back what I feel?”

“I can’t answer that, you will just have to try, or the feeling of sorrow will consume you.” Gawain answered.

“Hmm.” Ulrich reacted.

“What is it, Ulrich?” Gawain asked.

“I don’t feel anything.” he answered. “Shouldn’t I feel at least something?”

“I’m not sure how to answer that either, all I can figure is that somehow you are immune to the spell the Queen casts upon this cave.” Gawain looked at Ulrich perplexed. “How about you Leon, do you feel any different?”

“I don’t know what I feel.” Leon was a bit snippy. “And I do not wish to talk about it either, so lets go and retrieve that piece of a blade and get the hell out of here.”

Gawain looked at Leon attentively, he was trying to figure why the sudden change in Leon’s demeanor. However keeping his students in the cave any longer than necessary could be a dangerous

thing. “Listen up.” he said. “This maybe the most important thing I say at this moment. Just a little further in is where the first part of our journey ends, if we live, we get the treasure that await us. And if we die? Well, we will be the Queens eternal servants. So try not to die.”

“That’s comforting to know.” Ulrich replied. “Lets just get this over with.”

“Are we done talking?” Leon snapped, before marching into the deepest darkest part of the cave

alone.

“Wait.” Gawain shouted. “You will need the aid of the torch to see.” he chased after him, and once he was at the end of the cave he found Leon standing there starring into the darkness. “Leon?” Gawain muttered, nervously approaching him. “Leon, is something the matter?” Gawain slowly reached out for his shoulder, but Leon turned around and swatted Gawain’s hand away.

“Don’t touch me.” Leon screamed.

“What is wrong with you?” Gawain questioned, taking another step closer.

Leon unsheathed his blade and swung it at Gawain barely missing his arm, “You killed my parents. Now you shall die by my hand, Dark Knight.”

Gawain raised his hands in the air, “Calm yourself, Leon. I’m not the Dark Knight that murdered your family.” he calmly explained. “It’s me, Master Gawain.”

Leon charged after Gawain, swinging his blade at him again, “I won’t fall for your tricks.” Gawain manged to side step Leon’s attack and shoved him to the ground.

Ulrich was next to rush into the darkness, and found that his friend had completely lost his mind he tried to run over and help, but was quickly cut off by Ellyn. “Where do you think you’re going?” Ellyn snarled, this time her voice was different, she sounded like she was upset with him for some reason.

“Ellyn move.” Ulrich demanded. “I have to help stop Leon from making a terrible mistake.” “You lied to me.” Ellyn shouted, almost as if she were talking to another. “You promised me

that they wouldn’t get hurt.” she unsheathed her blade and lunged at him.

Ulrich unsheathed his sword and blocked the oncoming attack just in the nick of time, “What’s gotten into you?” he pushed her back with force.

“Don’t pretend that you don’t know what you did.” Ellyn lifted her blade up in the air and brought it straight down at Ulrich’s head, like the last time it was blocked by his blade. “You will die for the sins that you have committed.” she shrieked before swinging her sword at him yet again.

Master Gawain and Ulrich found themselves back to back, fighting off members of their own group. “What has gotten into them, old man?” Ulrich asked.

“It’s the Queen. She is making them see us as the enemy.” Gawain answered. Ellyn was going for a quick attack that Ulrich wasn’t aware of, Gawain had to act quickly, and hooked one of Ulrich’s arms, swinging him out of harms way.

“I guess I owe you a thank you, old man.” Ulrich said as he regained his composure and readied himself for the next attack from Ellyn.

“Save that for later.” Gawain replied. “We need to figure out a way to stop this.” he refused to draw his weapon upon Leon, each time that he was attacked, Gawain would just move and shove Leon to the ground.

Ulrich thought about and realized that he might have a way to free his friends mind from the Queen, all he needed was for Ellyn to be distracted long enough for him to prove it. “Hey old man, I have an idea, just keep Ellyn off my back long enough for me to put my plan into action”

Gawain had the look of distrust in his eyes, but deep down he knew that Ulrich would never do anything to harm Leon, for they treated each other like brothers. “So be it, Ulrich.” he said. “Just don’t do anything foolish.” he grabbed Leon’s light armor and threw him over to Ulrich, then Gawain spun around and with all of his might he bear hugged Ellyn to subdue her from causing any more harm, or interference.

Leon was back up to his feet, but the Dark Knight that he envisioned Gawain to be was no longer standing in front of him. “Who are you?” he asked. “Were did the Dark Knight run off to?”

Ulrich remained still, trying his best not to make any sudden movements, “Listen to me Leon, there is no Dark Knight here. Look around you, we’re in the Cave Of Sorrow on a journey to find the pieces of a legendary blade.” Ulrich tried to explain. “You’re surrounded by your friends, Ellyn, me, the old man. The Queen is messing with your head, you need to fight it before it’s to late. I know you can do it. You have to trust me.”

Leon was slowly coming around, and was starting to trust in Ulrich’s words until he caught a glimpse of the sword that Ulrich was holding ever so tightly. “You’re trying to trick me.” he snarled, with a wild eyed look. “I know exactly what you’re trying to do.”

“Leon, I’m not trying to do anything.” Ulrich calmly explained.

“You lie.” Leon snapped back. “You want me to lower my guard so you can execute me. You’re in league with the Dark Knight.” he pointed his finger and shouted.

“That’s not true.” Ulrich frowned. “If I were, would I do this?” he slowly knelled down before Leon, laying his sword on the ground. “Attack me if you want, but I refuse to hurt my only friend. We may fight Leon, but like all friends do, we forgive.” Ulrich explained as he got back up to his feet. “Do as you will, I won’t try and stop you.”

“Are you mad?” Gawain shouted. “He will hurt you, and not even realize that he has done so.” “Shut up, old man.” Ulrich responded. “I have everything under control.” not once did Ulrich

take his eyes off Leon.“And you.” he pointed. “If you think that I am in cahoots with the Dark Knight then strike me down.”

Leon lifted his blade, “If you want to die for your sins, then I shall help you with that wish. And when I’m done with you nothing will stop me from killing the Dark Knight.” Leon lunged at Ulrich poised to run his blade through Ulrich’s chest, at the last minute he stopped himself with the tip of the

blade just inches away from its target. “No, I won’t do it. I am no murderer.” the blade shook violently in his hands as fought the urge to kill for the Queen.

“Kill him.” a voice whispered from the darkness. “Kill him now, he is your enemy.” “Never.” Leon shouted, he was in a battle against whoever invaded his mind. “You will not

make me kill them.” a dark mass appeared behind Leon, then as quickly as it appeared the dark mass retreated back into the walls of the cave.

“Leon, are you yourself again?” Ulrich asked, hesitantly approaching.

“Don’t worry, whatever was controlling me has fled.” Leon lowered his sword. “I have regained my senses.”

“Good.” Ulrich said, before punching Leon.

“What was that for?” Leon asked, rubbing the side of his face where the punch landed. “That was for trying to kill me, you idiot.” Ulrich grumbled.

“I don’t know what’s going on, but why are you holding onto me so tightly for, Sir Gawain?” Ellyn asked out of the blue, whatever had its hold on her was broken as well.

“I’m sorry Miss Ellyn.” Gawain released her from the bear like hold. “It would seem that Miss Ellyn is back to normal as well.”

“Back to normal?” Ellyn responded with a confused look. “Whatever do you mean?”

“Well Miss Ellyn, you and young Leon here were possessed by the Queen Of Sorrow. And since Leon was strong enough to fight her off, thanks to the help of Ulrich. His mind was freed as was yours.” Gawain explained.

“What did we say and do?” Ellyn asked.

“That doesn’t matter now child, the important thing is that Leon and yourself are free from the clutches of evil.” Gawain smiled.

“We must do something about that witch.” Ulrich interrupted.

“Hmm. Now that the Queen has been defeated, we need to search for what we came here for.” Gawain answered. “Then we leave.”

After Gawain made the remark that the Queen had been defeated, an angry voice could be heard echoing throughout the depths of the cave. “Do you think that a bunch of insignificant fools such yourselves could defeat someone as powerful as me?” the voice bolstered. “I shall show you the true depths of my power.” torches in the cave light one at a time, lighting up the darkness. The shadows that danced along the walls of the cave, started to gather in the center of the cave.

“What’s happening?” Ulrich panicked.

“Its the Queen.” Gawain shouted. “She’s manifesting herself.” “I have a bad feeling about this.” Leon shuttered.

What was once a black mass, had now gathered all the shadows from the cave walls and manifested itself into a solid form. “Allow me to show you true beauty, and sorrow, before you die.” she said, lowering her arms to reveal her face. Whatever beauty she once had, was now faded. Her once beautiful and sparkling blue eyes were now as black as the darkest night, her once fair skin was pale and pasty. The beauty and radiance she once possessed had now been taken over by hatred and ugliness. “Bow down before your Queen.”

“Whatever beauty you had faded real quick lady.” Gawain smirked. “And if you think that we’re going to bow down to the likes of you, you’ve got another thing coming.”

Ulrich picked back up his blade, “Now that the real villain has appeared, I’m ready for a fight.”

Leon lifted his blade as well, “You tried to make me hurt my friends.” he said. “Now you shall

pay.”

“Whatever kindness you once had, has now been corrupted by hate. You pray on the weakness of others, which makes you no better than the rest of the monsters in this cave.” Ellyn shouted.

The four of them stood together with their blades aimed at the Queen, no matter the sadness

they felt in their hearts, they had to stop her for the sake of others. “You wretched little fools.” the Queen roared. “I will bring this cave down around you all.” she let out this loud shriek, that brought Gawain and company down to their knees. The shriek was so powerful that the walls of the cave began to shake, at the rate it was going the cave would soon collapse upon them.

“We have to do something.” Gawain tried getting back to his feet, but the pain was to much for him to bare.

Ulrich dropped his sword to the ground, covering his ears with both hands. “I can’t take much more of this.” blood began to trickle down from his nose.

Ellyn was the only one that managed to get back to her feet, “I won’t die like this.” she said, however before she could even take a step towards the Queen, she passed out from the extreme pain she was under.

Leon watched as Ellyn collapsed to the ground, it was much longer after that, that Ulrich dropped to the ground as well. “Ellyn. Ulrich.” Leon said. “I can’t let them die like this.” he grasped the hilt of his sword tightly. “I won’t allow this to happen.”

“What makes you think that you can stop me, little boy?” the Queen laughed. “Right now you’re so scared it’s pathetic.”

“Shut up.” Leon hissed. “You don’t know a thing about me.” he slowly made it to his feet. “There is nothing left of you that is human, all you know is rage.” Leon found the strength to lift his blade, again whatever power dwelled inside of him showed itself for a second time. “I will free you of your torment, and set free the hatred that consumes you.” Leon’s body glowed with a blue light, that even caught the Queen by surprise.

“This cannot be.” the Queen exclaimed. “You should not even be able to stand. What are you?” “I am your ending.” Leon charged at the Queen, once close he brought the end of his blade

down at her. “It’s over.” with a mighty blow the Queen had been defeated. The shaking had stopped,

and the stones that were falling, fell no more. The darkness that consumed the underground chamber had lifted, the cave dwellers disappeared, and the undead soldiers stayed dead this time. Ellyn, Master Gawain, and Ulrich had regained consciousness, rejoining Leon.

“What happened?” Ulrich asked. “One minute the cave is collapsing, and the next I wake to find Leon standing over me.”

“Where’s the Queen?” Ellyn nervously questioned.

“Don’t worry about the Queen, she has been dealt with.” Leon answered. “What do you mean by that?” Ulrich inquired.

“Does it matter?” Leon replied.

“Leon is right.” Gawain interrupted. “The only thing that matters, is that we’re all safe.” unaware that Gawain was conscious through out the whole ordeal, Leon nodded in agreement and nothing more was said.

“If that’s truly the case, then where is the piece of the blade?” Ulrich wondered.

Just then the black mass reappeared out of thin air, all except Leon lifted their blades in a fighting stance. “I thought that you said it had been dealt with?” Ulrich belted.

“It has been dealt with.” Leon responded without hesitation. “Lower your weapons, for this is not the Queen Of Sorrow.”

“How can you be so sure?” Master Gawain questioned. Leon cracked a smile, “Just watch, and you will find out.”

Rays of light started to break through the dark mass, what was once nothing more than darkness, had now become a beautiful white light. The orb floated down to the ground and turned into the Queen, but not the Queen Of Sorrow. The Queen of old had returned with all of her radiance and beauty, “Will the one that freed me, please step forward.” she smiled. Leon stepped forward, “So it was you that freed me.” she was surprised to see such a young warrior with such promise. “Young warrior, I

thank you for freeing me from such a horrible fate. To repay my debt, I give you this.” she reached out her hand to give him the treasure that they sought.

“Thank you my Queen.” Leon took the item from her hand and bowed to her gracefully. The Queen leaned over to whisper in his ear, “I see great trials and heartache ahead for you.

Remember, you have the strength inside to conquer what lies in wait. If I can give one word of advice it would be, not all is what it seems, be weary of the ones around you.” she then looked up at the rest of the group. “All is not lost in darkness. There is a light at the end of the tunnel.” she said as she looked at Gawain. She then looked into Ulirch’s eyes. “If you use darkness as power then one day you will end up the way I was, a prisoner.” the Queen smiled warmly at Ellyn, “You have a big heart, that is your strength. Do not seek out vengeance, for the outcome my not be what you think.” she explained. “That is all I have to say, make of my words what you will. Thank thee again for freeing me young warriors.” the Queen smiled before turning back into an orb and disappeared.

After a long walk back through the cave, they had finally reached the exit. Since they were safe and far away from the Cave Of Sorrow, Gawain took it upon himself to approach Leon, “What did she give you?”

Leon smiled and reached into his saddle bag pulling out an item that was wrapped in cloth, “Here, this belongs to you anyways, Master Gawain. I wrapped it in cloth, since it is so precious and all.”

“Is this what I think it is?” Gawain excitedly said, taking the item from Leon’s hand. He unwrapped what was inside of the cloth, to his amazement, it was actually a piece of the Legendary Blade Soul Reaper. “I surely thought it was nothing more than a myth, so how did Alistair and Caine know of its whereabouts? If they only knew of this piece, where shall we find the rest?” he whispered.

“What did you say, Master Gawain?” Leon asked.

“Do not worry yourself young one, all is well.” Gawain answered. However when he looked at

Leon, Gawain could see that the young man did not look so well, and sweat was rolling down his face. “Are you alright, Leon?” he asked. “You don’t look so good.”

“I’m fine.” Leon answered faintly. “When we next stop I shall-” before he could finish his sentence, Leon passed out and fell from his horse.