The Legends of Valoria Book Two Rise of the Divine Knight

The following morning Talia found herself at the gates to the labyrinth. There she stood alongside the rest of her team and the remaining teams competing for first place in the final trial. Everyone was eagerly anticipating the blowing of the horns, gripping their weapons impatiently. Already the sweat poured from their brows as they anticipated their signal. Each of the four teams stood at the ready in front of the entrance that were designated to them.

“Brrruuummm!” The deep throated bellow of the horn howled at the fading moon. Talia, along with her team took off at full tilt into their entrance, ready to seize victory. However, that was also the moment when everything went wrong. Only a handful of minutes inside and they had already run in way over their heads.

“Everyone fall back!” Eliza cried as the numerous traps that had been sprung continued to fire in unison. Talia and Rowan were in the lead, shields held firm as they attempted to block as much flying debris as possible.

“We cannot go back any further!” Giles called to Eliza. “We are trying to clear out the sabre wolves!” Talia turned her head to see that Colette and Giles were standing side by side, staying the beasts from jumping into the fray. Eliza whipped out her bow and made short work of their pursuers.

“Fall back!” She yelled again, this time with success as everyone retreated out of the traps. They decided upon an alternate course, which, after several twists and turns later, ended them in a big open field.

“There is the pavilion ahead.” Eliza pointed to the far end of the field where the marble roof could be seen over top of the vined hedge walls. They began to approach cautiously and, upon passing signs of battle, arrived at the doors to the shrine.

Once inside, Talia and the others that knew the precious secrets that resided inside, were filled with terror. Massive holes had been blown into the walls and floors. Blood flowed out in pools around them. Pools, which were occupied by the bodies of beasts and a few members of the Dormeeran and Tartarian teams.

“What happened here?” Colette asked though Talia, Rowan and Eliza were all filled with fear.

“Alec!” Talia cried as she dashed ahead. Eliza and Rowan followed closely behind as Colette and Giles curiously pursued their team. Talia flew around the corner, the sound of battle filling her ears and saw the death knight from before locked in battle with Zelus.

“Stay back!” Zelus cried out to them. Talia saw that everyone left from the other three teams and Oz were lying on the ground incapacitated. “Get Alec out of here!” Talia and the others turned to see the Aneiran Blossom in flames with Alec’s unconscious body half exposed.

“Alec!” Talia cried out as she ran to abate the flames.

“Force!” She yelled using her divine power and caused the nearby fountain to explode, dousing the flames. Talia dove forward and began to cleave away at the remaining branches ensnaring Alec. As she cleared away the last few pieces of root, she grabbed onto Alec’s arm and pulled. As Alec fell free from obstruction, Talia rolled him over to meet his wide open, lifeless eyes.

Her world began to close in around her as she realized that he was already dead. Her sense of hearing faded so that she could not hear the sounds of her comrades dying. Talia braced herself as an unimaginable number of images began to flash before her eyes at nauseating speeds. Talia could not comprehend many of the , but she was able to grasp hold of a few for a moment.

An army of darkness, a woman standing in front of a ruined tree, Talic fighting off the Daemon knight in a dark stone room. The images continued to reel as Talia watched Talic fall and then her vision froze. She stared as she saw an image of a woman with her back turned, watching as Valascaana burned. Talia caught a glimpse of the woman’s left shoulder where a rose shaped scar rested. Talia blinked her eyes and Alec’s body was back in her arms. Slowly, Talia turned her head and came face-to-face with Marec.

“You cannot save them.” He told her as darkness crashed down over everything and consumed her.

“Talia, calm down! You are only dreaming!” Eliza yelled as she and Kristiana attempted to hold Talia down. After a few more moments of intense thrashing, Talia began to settle down and opened her eyes. She looked to Eliza and Kristiana who were both still maintaining a tight hold on her, fear and panic in their eyes. She could hear Baldur and Aurick barking downstairs.

“What happened?” Talia asked, though she dreaded the answer. Eliza and Kristiana both looked to one another, unsure how to respond. Finally, Kristiana cleared her throat as she released Talia and motioned for Eliza to do the same.

“Eliza and I awoke to the sound of screaming, followed by a massive crash. We ran up here to find you in the middle of an awful dream, casting runes. You had begun to glow, so Eliza and I jumped on top of you and held you down. While trying to wake you.” Talia looked around the room again to see the damage she had done. Some of the furniture was demolished and everything directly at the foot of her bed was beyond saving.

“Don’t worry about it, dear. Everything here can easily be replaced. I am more worried that your nightmare was a vision.” Kristiana eyed the room. “I assume, based upon this, that something actually irreplaceable may soon be lost. “Talia nodded her head and wiping the tears from her eyes began to recollect her nightmare to them.

“I am going to go and warn Father and Zelus.” Eliza spoke as she rose from the bedside. Kristiana nodded and Eliza took off at full speed. Kristiana turned back to Talia.

“Do not worry, we still have time to prevent this. What troubles me is…” Kristiana stopped. “Never mind, we have more important matters.” Kristiana rose from the bed. “You still have a few hours before you are needed below. If you are unable to sleep, at least get something to eat. Anything in particular that I may get for you?” Talia shook her head and Kristiana moved for the door. “Still be sure to come down soon. I will prepare something.” She left and Talia took another look around the room.

“I will save you Alec. Marec’s warning will not be wasted.” She rose from the bed and washed her face before getting dressed. Talia walked down the stairs and could smell a plethora of aromas coming from in the dining area. Kristiana came out of the kitchen with two platters containing bacon and eggs, while the other was filled with fruit and cheese.

“I do enjoy cooking. I find that it occupies the mind and helps eliminate worry for a time.”

“I need to make sure Alec is alright.” Talia started for the door.

“They won’t let you in dear. I tried this morning, myself. Only the keepers are allowed entry, so I arranged for Mayella to take care of Alec this morning. She was more than happy to perform such an important task.”

“Do you always think of everything?”

Kristiana smiled as she took up her seat at the table.

“Hardly, though I have found that it never hurts to try.”

Talia sat herself at the table and began to fill her plate. As Talia’s stomach grew less empty, she relaxed and decided to place her faith in her teammates. After a few moments, Eliza came back with Zelus behind her.

“We need to make sure that we have an action strategy.” He spoke as he came in. “I will take my team and storm the labyrinth. If we get there early enough, then maybe we can beat the knight there.” Talia shook her head.

“I do not know if that will work. In my vision, your team had already arrived and had been defeated by the time we made it inside.”

“In your vision, had not the other teams arrived before you as well?” Talia thought for a brief second, then nodded. “I am counting on your team to meet us there ahead of everyone else. Together, we stand a much better chance.” Eliza placed her hands on Talia’s shoulder.

“I need you to take the lead today. You are the only one who has a clue as to what we are walking into today.” Talia could feel her anxiety swell , but knew that Eliza was right.

“Alright, first thing we need to do is…” Talia began to explain her plan to Eliza and Zelus as they counted down the last few remaining moments before their trial began.

“Ladies and Gentlemen. This is the moment that you have all been waiting for. The battle of the labyrinth is about to begin but, first, let’s take a look at the four remaining teams.” Keagan began to introduce the teams competing as Eliza addressed Team Kaldur.

“Alright everyone, I am going to have Relina take the lead today. Rowan, Colette, I need both of you up front to cover her. Giles and I will provide ranged support.” Rowan and Colette raise their hands.

“Colette,” Eliza said.

“Not that I am complaining, but why the sudden change? All of our work has been assuming that you lead and I provide support.”

“This is true. I understand that what I am asking is a little unorthodox. However, it has come to my attention that our best odds of everyone making it through this will require us to press on as quickly as possible and take up arms against the enemy in front of the Aneiran Blossom inside.” Rowan lowered his hand, having caught on to Eliza’s subtle hints. Colette seemed satisfied with Eliza’s answer and then turned to Talia.

“So then, what do we do first?”

“First, I must cast a rune on myself. There are many hidden traps inside that will be otherwise undetectable; yet, I fear that I cannot maintain such a strong enchantment on so many people. Colette, once we are inside we will have no choice but to rely on my eyes.” Rowan clapped his hand on Talia’s shoulder.

“We are all counting on you. We all have faith in you.” Talia smiled and turned to face the entrance to the maze as Keagan finished his speech.

“And, once again for this final battle, the use of magic is allowed. May the best team win.” The horn bellowed and all four teams sprinted towards their entrance. Once inside, Talia halted the group and prepared her rune of detection. First, she traced out the diamond crest of the rune and then drew the eye within its center. Casting the rune on herself, Talia’s vision became enhanced and, for a brief moment, the intense increase in perception made her feel nauseous and overloaded.

“Relina, are you alright?” Rowan asked as he and Colette caught her mid stumble.

“Yes, I am alright. I am just not used to the strain this rune places on its caster. I am ready now.” She spoke with confidence as her mind began to catch up with her enhanced vision. She straightened herself and then lifted her shield.

“Let’s go!” Talia stepped forward and began leading her team through a hasty run of the labyrinth. She led them through various twists and turns and, through detection with her enhanced vision, she noticed an array of traps lying ahead of them. Talia threw her hand up, signaling the halt.

“There are several traps ahead of us. They are magical in nature. I suggest we press through, but move carefully to avoid them. We will need to move single file so that we do not trip any of them.” Everyone confirmed that they understood and moved into position. “Eliza, Giles, I need both of you to remain in the center with Colette standing between you. I saw movement about one hundred paces ahead and we may need to defend ourselves from an ambush.” Again, everyone confirmed their understanding and moved in place.

Talia led the team forward, begin sure to move slowly enough that her team could replicate her movements. As they approached Talia’s suspected ambush spot, she had to slow further until they were nearly stopped.

“Relina, don’t we need to hurry?” Eliza whispered.

“Just up ahead there is a wall of fog. There are three people inside the fog, waiting to attack us.”

“One of the other teams?” Talia focused on the insignias on the armor of the troops before them.

“They are temple guards from the Grand Cathedral. I wonder why they are…?” As she paused, she could hear a fight break out in the space ahead of them that they were inching towards.

“About fifteen paces ahead the traps dissipate. Run ahead and then fan out into defensive formation. Rowan and Colette at my side. Giles, Eliza fall back behind.” Everyone fell in place as they broke past the danger zone and followed Talia’s lead around the corner.

Several more of the guardsmen were fighting a free-for-all between a large number of beasts and what appeared to be members of Team Tatianna.

“Keep going, we will use this to get ahead of them. Everyone move towards the fog wall.” Talia pointed in the direction they had been headed previously. Everyone turned and charged. “I am going to knock the guards out of the way. I do not wish to harm them.” Colette spoke up.

“Why are they even here?”

Giles had an answer.

“They must be the guards that were imprisoned after the attack on the Grand Cathedral. They are traitors.”

Talia shook her head.

“These were all once just and noble men. The crimes they committed were not their own. They merely followed the orders of the high priestess Angelica. She is the one who has betrayed us all.” Team Kaldur looked at the enraged woman before them.

“Is that you mistress Talia?” Talia heard a voice from within the fog wall. “It is, it is milady Talia.” The man ahead of her spoke as he dropped his weapons and fell to his knees. “Please milady, I forfeit to you what little life I have remaining. It does my soul good to see you alive.” Team Kaldur watched on as the other two guards followed their comrade’s lead and prostrated themselves.

“We are sorry milady. We did not know about Lady Angelica.” Talia held up her hand to calm the chatter.

“What are all of you doing in here?” Without lifting his forehead from the ground, the guard in front responded.

“We were ordered by the Imperial council to fight the cadet knights in order to obtain our pardons.” Eliza lifted one of the abandoned guard swords from the ground and examined it.

“These blades are dulled. You would be lucky to defend yourselves from the beasts with one of these. How do they expect you to fight the cadets?” The guards did not answer. Talia’s eyes grew wide as the answer occurred to her.

“They have sent you here to die have they not?”

“It is the least that we deserve.” The guard closest to Talia spoke. “By doing this, they have freed our families and have granted them a clean slate. Now, they will not be condemned for our mistakes.” Colette looked to Talia with confusion on her face.

“Relina, what exactly are these men talking about? Why do they keep calling you milady Talia?”

“Colette, I promise that I can explain later, however, we have to keep moving. Sir, I am sorry for your situation and you have my forgiveness but we must make haste. Someone I cherish is in grave danger and I must away to the labyrinth’s core.” All of the guards gasped in unison.

“Milady is too kind. We are unworthy of your forgiveness. We shall defend you from behind if it please you, milady.”

“Thank you, though I would rather you stay safe.” Talia spoke as she and her team dashed off in the direction they hoped would take them into the center of the maze. Several twists and turns later, Talia could hear tops of the marble columns closing in ahead of them.

“We are almost there,” she spoke as she continued to lead her team successfully through the fields of magical traps. “Just a little bit farther and we should…,” Talia and the others halted as they heard screams.

“What are these things? They won’t die. Why won’t they die?”

“That sounded as if Sir Nathan is in trouble!” Eliza yelled. “And it came from ahead of us. Has it already started?”

“Team Zelus, are you alright?” Rowan yelled. Many members of Team Zelus responded with panic, but Zelus yelled back.

“Keep moving, your path does not cross ours. We can handle this.” Talia nodded to no one and then turned to her team.

“Full speed ahead, there are no enchantments I can detect.” Talia started to sprint and her team followed her.

“Will somebody tell me what’s going on? Who is at the center, and why is everyone so worked up about getting to them?”

“Colette, keep moving!” Talia yelled as in front of her appeared two pathways. Talia recalled the magic trap field from her vision to the right, though it seemed as though the shrine were right there.

“We cannot go that way,” Talia said. “If we go this way instead, we can take a few extra turns and come out on the other side.”

“Relina, is this the path?” Eliza asked.

“Yes, Zelus asked that we mark the path with an arrow so that they may avoid it. I only hope that their path takes them a different route.”

Again, Colette and Giles spoke up.

“Relina, we are following you and will continue to do so, but you need to tell us what is going on.” Talia looked at Rowan and Eliza who both nodded.

“Alright, but we have to keep moving,” she started as she proceeded down the path on the left. “I can tell you everything later, but I will tell you now that almost seven months ago, Zelus, Eliza and myself came back from the Grand Shrine of Aneira with two fallen heroes.”

“Sir Marec Kaldur and Sir Alec of Highmooria.” Giles interjected.

“Correct.” Talia spoke.

Colette interjected, still not seeing the connection.

“But, they are both dead and entombed in the hall of the honorable dead.”

“Wrong,” Talia said.

“What?” Giles and Colette were more confused than before. Talia led them around another turn. She knew one more would take them to the path leading to the shrine.

“We returned with two fallen heroes, this is true, however, only one was dead. Sir Alec is still alive and is recovering at the center of this labyrinth. He is in grave danger. We fear someone is here to kill him.” Colette and Giles nearly stumbled from the shock of it all.

“So, you’re saying that Alec needs our help?” Colette asked.

“Yes, he has already been attacked once; I think whoever did it is ahead of us now, trying to get to him.” Colette clenched her fist tightly as she stepped forward.

“We are already out of time then. Come on, tiny Keep up.” Colette took off after punching Giles in the shoulder.

“You and I are the same size!” He yelled as he ran after her.

“Let’s save Alec!” Rowan spoke as he, Talia and Eliza all darted after Giles and Colette. They quickly made their last turn but the straight shot between themselves and the shrine was filled with beasts.

“Relina, what’s the plan?” Talia began to count their numbers.

“I see seventeen sabre wolves. Giles, Eliza! I need both of you up front picking off the leaders. Only target those closest until the rest of us engage. Rowan, Colette and I will jump in front as the remaining wolves get in close.” Eliza and Giles stepped forward, readied their bows and then fired. As the first two arrows struck their intended targets, the sabre wolves torn between confusion and cannibalism, began to feast. However, some of the wolves wizened up and turned their attention towards their ambushers.

“Here they come!” Talia yelled as the remaining wolves began to charge head first into oncoming fire. “Move in!” Talia yelled again as the first of the wolves reached their front line. Talia, Rowan and Colette all rushed in front of Giles and Eliza and began to slash the wolves with their swords and shields while the archers fended off the last few stragglers. As Talia pulled her blade out from the ribs of the last sabre, she pointed her sword ahead.

“More are coming. Charge for the doors!” Everyone lifted their weapons high and charged. As they ran, they could hear the growls of more oncoming beasts. Talia looked to either side as she dashed by and saw that many of the hungry, feral hounds had noticed their presence.

“Once we are all inside, we need to close the doors!” Talia was growing short of breath, running as fast as she could all the while weighed down by heavy armor and maintaining an advanced rune. She and her team ran the last few lengths, Colette, Eliza and Rowan arrived first and began pulling the doors closed as Talia and Giles came up the rear. As the heavy stone doors slammed shut, they could hear the wolves ramming into the doors to no avail. As they rested for a moment to catch their breath, something clicked in Talia’s mind.

“Why were the doors already pulled open?” Immediately everyone snapped into scouting mode, readying their weapons and surveying the area. “Everyone keep sharp. We have to move to the Aneiran Blossom. It is just ahead, but keep on the lookout for danger. “Talia whispered as they slowly inched forward. Talia motioned for Colette to peek around the corner for any signs of trouble. As she pulled her head back around, she looked to the others and raised one finger and then pointed in the direction she had just looked.

“Is everyone ready?” Everyone nodded and Talia who began to count to three, “one, two…THREE!” Everyone yelled out as they stormed the corner.

“Scree!” Oz cried out as he batted his wings and paws as Talia and the others charged.

“Wait, STOP!” Talia yelled as Colette and Giles charged. The two stopped as did Oz as they all stared at Talia. “Colette, do you not know what he is?” That is no monster that is Oz, Alec’s Lion Hawk.” Colette’s eyes grew wide knowing now what she had almost tried to do.

“Forgive me Oz, I did not know.” She pleaded as she dropped to her knees in reverence.

“She is Highmoorian as well, Oz.” Talia spoke as Oz turned his head sideways. “She was a baby during the fall.” Oz was still staring intently at Colette when Eliza interrupted.

“Oz, Talia thinks that Alec is about to be attacked again.” Oz began to chirp merrily while turning his head behind him to direct the five knights. They followed his lead and saw several slain sabre wolves and a dead Valdurn lying on the ground.

“You’ve been busy,” Rowan muttered, but Talia spoke up again.

“Oz, I think that the death knight is on his way here.” Oz’s feathers rose and his lionesque body tensed up and shook as he growled menacingly. “That is why we are here Oz, to help defend Alec.” It was at that moment, however, that they realized Oz was not looking at them. As Oz pressed his way passed them, Talia and the others turned and could hear their massive stone doors opening.

“Get ready everyone!” Talia whispered to her team as she pulled her own weapons out and prepared to do battle. Slowly everyone edged in closer towards the opening in the wall.

“Scree!” Oz cried out as he lunged at the first thing that came into view.

“Ow, ow, ow, ah hey, stop it, you stupid bird!” Zelus yelled as he defended himself from Oz’s attacks. As Oz relented, Talia and the others approached.

“Have you seen anything?” Zelus shook his head.

“No, nothing at all, What about you?” Talia shook her head.

“No, just a lot of monsters that Oz killed.”

“Are you certain that it happened today?” Talia began to question herself. There had been too many things that had not been as she imagined. She had not foreseen the near encounter with Team Tatianna and she had not seen the guards even though they had chosen the same path as her vision. Talia grabbed her now throbbing head as she attempted to place together all of the overlapping pieces.

“I’m…I’m not sure. Everything has been so strange, not quite adding up.” Eliza, Zelus and Rowan all began crowding her.

“It’s alright, Relina. We all still believe in you. Perhaps, we have more time to prepare,” Zelus told her as he patted her on the back. “I know this has been the hardest on you of all.”

“Look out!” Giles yelled as his tiny body slammed into Colette, knocking her out of the way of a charging Tatianna. As everyone turned to see what had happened, the rest of Team Tatianna arrived ready to brawl.

“Earth alignment,” Darius spoke as he entered the battle. As Team Zelus minus Anton turned to face Tatianna, Team Kaldur turned to face the rest of the Tartarian team.

“Take care of the others,” Rowan spoke. “I am familiar with Dervish magic.”

“Alright Rowan, we leave him to you.” Talia and the others turned towards the other Tartarians as four Dormeeran cadets arrived.

“I call upon the eternal flame,” one of the Dormeerans spoke as he ran his first two fingers across the flat side of his scimitar, which caused it to burst into flame.

“Well this couldn’t be any more interesting,” Eliza muttered as Oz swooped in, knocking down two of the Dormeerans.

“I call upon the spirit of the wolf, wolf familiar.” Talia fought off another Tartarian as the fifth member of Team Tatianna, Carlo Cratia, summoned a ghostly wolf, which jumped at Colette.

“You were saying!” Talia yelled..

“Anton, what are you doing? Come help us!” Zelus yelled out

Talia turned her back long enough for one of Darius’ whipping vines to graze her.

“Talia! Anton is attacking Alec!” Called Zelus.

Something snapped in Talia and she was no longer concerned with her big secret. She began to dip into the deep well within her and allowed for her divinity to flow out.

“Scree!” Oz cried as he attempted to attack Anton. Anton turned quickly and threw a fistful of black orbs at Oz, which burst into a cloud of asphyxiating smoke. Oz fell to the ground hard as Anton threw two sets of orbs with cords holding them together, which wrapped around Oz’s limbs, ensnaring him.

“Alec is safe. I am only here for this.” He held the Sidonis sword in the air as he ran towards the open window where a Dormeeran soldier was lowering a rope.

Anton threw the sword up to the Dormeeran who caught it in midair and reached out as if to help Anton. As Anton scaled the wall, the Dormeeran unhooked Anton’s belt and threw him back. Talia fought to move passed the swirl of violence and began to chant as she watched the Dormeeran throw a firebomb, igniting the Aneiran Blossom.

“Get out of my way!” She screamed as she unleashed an immense rune of force that knocked everyone, including her allies to the ground. “Alec!” Talia cried as she remembered her vision and looked to her left to see the fountain. She threw her hand out causing it to burst into a shower over the tree. As the flames began to die out, a badly burned Anton leapt from the base of the tree with a wet cloth covering Alec. Anton sat Alec down gently and checked his pulse.

“He’s alive,” he managed through ragged breaths as he moved away and collapsed on his side.

“STOP THIS AT ONCE!” Talic roared, confirming to all, that he was indeed Talic the Lion. He tore through those who failed to stop brawling and with one punch to the face, knocked Tatianna unconscious.

“Is he alright?” He asked as he approached Talia who was now kneeling beside Alec, tending to his every scrape.

“Yes, he will be just fine. Anton saved him.”

“Anton also almost got him killed.”

Talia shook her head.

“There was a Dormeeran that did it, though I do not argue that Anton is guilty as well.” As Valascaan guards began to flood the room, Talic pointed at Anton.

“Tend to this one’s wounds and then throw him in a cell. I and only I shall be allowed access to him until further notice. I want Mayella to tend to his wounds.” After the guards removed Anton’s limp form, Talic untied Oz who lunged at Alec.

“See, Oz, he’s alright. We got to him in time.” Oz wrapped himself around Talia and Alec and growled at everyone else he did not trust.

“LEAVE US ALONE, NOW!” Talic roared and everyone left, save Team Kaldur, and Zelus who remained behind.

“We have to go after the Sidonis sword.” Talia spoke urgently as everyone gathered around.

“My wife has already begun the chase. She ran after the other thief the moment we realized what had happened.” Talic looked up at the damaged Aneiran Blossom. “Do you think that you can repair it?” Talia looked up at the tree herself.

“Nature magic is not my specialty. I may be able to help it along, but I would probably need Tear’s help.”

“Well, today is a most curious day then isn’t it?” Kristiana appeared with Tear standing beside her.

“I had a vision that Alec needed me, and so here I am.” Tear looked up to the Aneiran Blossom. “I shall begin immediately,” she spoke while those around her still gawked with shock. Finally, Eliza broke the silence.

“Mother, were you able to retrieve the sword?” Kristiana shook her head with anger.

“Sadly no, it appears that our friend had more than one accomplice. They managed to get away with the sword, but they won’t get far. Not only did I manage to badly wound a couple of the thieves, I did manage to capture our friend, the Dormeeran. They shall require medical attention and will need to stop soon.” Kristiana clenched her fist angrily as she looked at Alec; Talia could tell that it was a mother’s love that drove her rage. As Tear began chanting, several guards entered the room.

“We have been ordered by the Imperial council to gather everyone and bring them to the assembly chamber. Talia turned to Oz as everyone else save Oz and Tear turned to the guards.

“Oz, can you stay here and watch over Alec and Tear for me?” Oz purred as he brushed against Talia. Talia stood and moved to join the others as the guard shouted once more.

“My orders state that everyone is to accompany us!”

Kristiana smiled, still clearly on the verge of visiting insanity.

“Does that include the lion hawk? Or how about the two direwolves that I put out on patrol? Oz, Baldur, Aurick, come here please.” Oz stood and growled as he towered over everyone. After a brief pause, the two hulking direwolves appeared at the group’s flank. “I’m terribly sorry dear,” Kristiana turned to Eliza. “I wish I had asked your permission first, but I needed the boys’ help looking for clues.” Eliza stared at her mother as she managed to yet again save the day.

“It’s alright, Mother,”

Zelus leaned in towards Eliza.

“Your mother is scary.”

“You would do well to remember that while courting MY daughter, BOY!” Kristiana spoke with her back to him as she readdressed the guards.

“So, I think the direwolves and the lion hawk strongly desire Tear and Alec to stay here. Is that alright with you?” The guard, having surely soaked his breeches, simply nodded and then turned towards the exit. “Let the nice ignoramus through.” Kristiana said as she marched in the lead as Oz, Baldur and Aurick settled back down. Talic turned to the guards as he passed by, shaking his head and shrugging his shoulders while Talia, Zelus and Eliza could manage little more than a wave goodbye to Tear and their animal champions with all of the snickering they were doing.