Mr. Wisniewski's Classes
The sounds of footsteps and small chatter fill the hallway. Two figures walk towards the end of the hallway, the taller figure holding the smaller one’s hand as he leads the way. The smaller figure looks up at the taller figure.“Dad, could you tell me a story before I get there. I’m a bit nervous,” quivered the child.“Of course son, I have the perfect tale. It all began a few years before you were born…Once upon a time…”***“Is it time to go Matthew?” asked an excited voice that seemed to wake the goat from his slumber. Matthew opened his eyes seeing a young boy, no young man, no older than seventeen filling up his knapsack with various items around their tiny dwelling.“Faiz, it’s not even dawn yet; let me sleep a little longer,” quivered Matthew as his eyes started to close.“But you and Himanshu promised we would finally go to Organizatiaz to see the Great Wizard and find out about my parents.” On cue, the little pitter-patter of yorkie feet echoed through the wooden floors and a tiny yorkie head appeared at the door of Matthew.“Wake up Matthew! We did promise the kid we’d travel to see this Great Wizard and find out about where he came from,” voiced Himanshu with a bit of authority. Matthew sat up reluctantly trying to stifle a yawn.“Fine, we can get going as soon as the sun appears upon the horizon.” Faiz smiled inwardly, happy that he was going to finally get the answers he had been looking for. Ever since he could remember, which wasn’t too long since everything was foggy, he had been living with Himanshu and Matthew, two magical creatures that had apparently found him in the forest and looked after him. Faiz truly appreciated everything that they had done for him in the last few years but he yearned to find out where he actually came from, who his parents were and who he actually was. Finally, he was going to get the answers to these very questions from the Great Wizard, the most powerful and most all-knowing person in all the land.Soon, Faiz with a full knap sack and a sword at his side along with Matthew, the goat, and Himanshu, the yorkie, made their journey towards Organizatiaz and answers to the questions that had plagued Faiz. The three companions walked in silence as they made their way through the Forest of Prepotonia, keeping their eyes open for any sign of danger.“Himanshu, I know you’ll probably not answer this question, like you always do, but why can you and Matthew talk when the other animals I’ve seen just have normal animal sounds,” asked Faiz. Himanshu gazed at this companion, seemed to pause for a moment and then growled. Faiz stepped back startled at his friend’s reaction.“Get down kid,” neighed Matthew as he rammed into Faiz’s chest knocking him down.‘What’d you do that for?” snarled Faiz before seeing an arrow buried in the ground where he had just been standing.“Kid, run up for it. We’ve got company. Matthew and I will distract them while you head towards the clearing up ahead. Ameyville shouldn’t be too far. We’ll catch up to you there,” commanded Himanshu. Faiz nodded and ran, only looking back once to see his two friends poised and ready to take on whatever sent that arrow his way. He knew they could handle themselves seeing them take down lions, bears and other gigantic beasts. The two were small but extremely smart and he would never question them. Faiz ran and ran towards the clearing.As he rounded the bend, the town of Ameyville in his sights, he stopped running placing his hands on his knees trying to catch his breath. “That certainly was an inauspicious start to our journey,” he joked to himself. Upon uttering the last part of his phrase, a whizzing sound pierced his ears and then the scene went black.***Faiz awoke finding himself in a grimy cell, his belongings all taken from him. He rubbed his eyes trying to figure out anything about the situation he found himself in.“Hey friend,” uttered a voice that took Faiz aback. Faiz spun around and noted the young man it had come from. Standing before Faiz was a young man about his age, but covered in soot from head to toe. The only thing on him that appeared to be clean was a white bandana that seemed to glow every so often.“Hey there yourself,” muttered Faiz, “it looks like you’ve been here for a long time.”“I’ve lost track to be honest; but I’ve traveled all over the world searching for something. I was on my way to Ameyville in fact but was thrown in here before I could even step foot in the town,” explained the dirty young man.“I was going there myself, but the same thing happened to me too,” echoed Faiz. “Is there any way out of here?”“Not that I know of, but now that I have a cell mate I have an idea.”“Wait, before I hear any crazy idea, I don’t even know your name. What is it?” asked Faiz.“My name is Brian. What is yours?”“I’m called Faiz. So what is this idea of yours?” Brian leaned in and whispered his idea into Faiz’s ear. Faiz nodded, his eyes widening as Brian finished his explanation. “You know, it’s so crazy it might just work. So should I hit you first or…”Before Faiz could even finish his sentence, Brian decked him in the midsection, his breath flowing right out of him. Brian followed it up chopping Faiz across the back of the head and then slamming him into the bars.The guard came running from his post trying to find the key to open the cell to stop this apparent brawl. Brian continued to pummel Faiz as the guard finally opened the cell.“Stop that at once you two!” ordered the guard who ran into Brian pinning him to wall. Faiz took the opportunity to grab the guard from behind pulling him off of Brian.“Now Brian!” Brian preceded to his the guard with a bevy of punches knocking the poor man out unconscious. Faiz relieved the guard of his keys. Prisoners in other cells were cheering wildly watching this all unfold.“Should I free them all?” asked Faiz. Brian nodded and Faiz unlocked the cells. Prisoners swarmed forth running in every direction. Faiz and Brian watched this all unfold. The rest of the guards fell to the sudden outbreak of prisoners who trampled them right in their tracks.“Look up there Faiz,” stated Brian who was staring at a staircase that seemed to lead to an area that oversaw the whole prison. “I bet our possessions are there and I bet we can find out who the mastermind of this whole place is.”“Yeah, I want to give them a good piece of my mind!” exclaimed Faiz as the two made their way up the stairs. As the two made their way up the staircase, a sudden feeling of dread and darkness soon began to creep into their minds.“Do you feel that Faiz?” questioned Brian.“I do and it definitely doesn’t feel good, but we can’t turn back now,” stated Faiz whose hand was on the doorknob. “We can take down whatever is in there.” He turned the knob and the two stormed in only to see a desk cluttered with papers along with a chair that suddenly spun around revealing a woman dressed in a dark robe. Her dark eyes burned holes through them and the two could only shudder in this woman’s presence.“So you two are responsible for the mess in my prison. No matter, I have what I needed from here,” stated the woman coolly. “I should use one of my spells to burn you to ashes, but that would be a waste of good magic but it’d be so worth it to see you two burn.”“Who are you?” asked Brian, trying to muster as much courage as he could. Faiz stood there dumfounded and frightened as his knees shook.“I am Grace, your death!” Her eyes flared and magic started to flow all around her. Faiz covered his eyes. Brian, on pure instinct, ripped the bandana from his head hurling it towards Grace. The bandana flashed a brilliant light as it flew through the air. Grace disappeared as the bandana landed where she had once stood. Brian retrieved it putting it back on his head.“What did you do?” asked Faiz.“This bandana has protected me numerous times and I figured it was the only chance we had. I don’t think it did much, but that Grace character certainly didn’t want anything to do with it.”“Or maybe she really didn’t want to waste her time with us. She did say she had what she was looking for. I wonder what that was,” pondered Faiz.“Maybe there is a clue on one of those papers there,” pointed out Brian. The two ransacked the desk. Most of the papers were meaningless and incoherent, but there was one that stood out.“Look at this Faiz. It says something about the Adverbial minds. I’ve traveled around there before. I wonder what is there,” thought Brian out loud.“I don’t know Brian, but maybe we need to find out. Whatever it is, I bet it’s nothing good. Lets get our stuff and get out of here.” Faiz and Brian found their belongings and soon made their way out of the prison. The two exited out of the side of a mountain.“I’m not sure where we are but I think if we head north we should be able to find some landmark and make our way to the Ameyville and then to the Adverbial minds,” preached Brian.“Yeah, and maybe we can find my two friends that I was traveling with.” The two young men talked about their lives Brian learning about Matthew and Himanshu and what Faiz was searching for and Faiz learning that Brian had been traveling the world searching for his family having not seen them for years. “So you and I are looking for the same thing it seems.”“It seems so,” echoed Brian, “it seems so.”***After some time the two young men found themselves tired and hungry. Both had been running on adrenaline and were starting to feel the effects of not eating.“What I wouldn’t give for some chicken or even vegetables,” uttered Faiz as he held his stomach, which started to growl on cue. Brian nodded in agreement holding his stomach as well. Just as the two young men could go no longer, a tent seemed to appear out of nowhere. It wasn’t just any old tent but was almost as big as a circus tent. The purple walls seemed to flutter in the wind and delicious smells soon made their way to the two young men’s noses. Without even a second thought, Faiz and Brian ran through the tent opening and found themselves in a whole new world, or at least in their minds.“Welcome to Konark’s Traveling Tavern young travelers. Have a seat and enjoy our world famous meals,” chirped a fairy as her wings fluttered behind her. Faiz and Brian could only follow obediently as she brought them to a table and filled two mugs with a sweet smelling juice. The two sat and gulped down their drinks not even taking a breath. The fairy filled up their mugs again and again the two greedily drank.“Geez boys, why don’t you save some room for desert? My name is Michelle and I will be taking care of you. I’ll start you off with our chef, Konark’s, special.” Faiz could only watch Michelle flutter away.“Boy is she cute,” cooed Faiz. Brian ignored his friend and continued to gulp down his drink as Faiz awaited the return of Michelle, who promptly delivered two plates with the most succulent meat that anyone had ever seen. Brian not even minding his manners, devoured his food as Faiz continued staring at Michelle.As Brian ate and Faiz stared obsessively, a muscular man made his way into the tent, a huge sword attached to his back. Tattoos and scars adorned his body but the two boys paid little attention to this new customer. Michelle’s eyes immediately went towards this new comer, a hint of concern as she made her way over to this traveler.“Hi there, welcome to…” she gulped at the traveler unsheathed his sword.“Show your true form you vile beast. I’ve come for my revenge!” exclaimed the traveler as he swung his sword in Michelle’s direction. She narrowly averted the blow, but her form was no longer that of a fairy, but of a beastly ogre. “Now you will pay!” The traveler swung his sword slicing the ogre into two. More ogres marched from the kitchen making their way towards the traveler. Brian and Faiz, no longer in their stupor, watched intently as this traveler mowed down the ogres with extreme precision. Not one ogre was able to lay a claw on this man as bodies began to pile up on the ground. A huge ogre made his way towards Sam.“You dare destroy my minions. Nobody messes with Konark and lives to tell about it!” screamed Konark as he charged the traveler. The man stood his ground never taking his eyes off of his opponent as the massive ogre continued his charge. Faiz and Brian looked on unable to take their eyes away from the scene. Konark swung his massive club at the traveler. The traveler sidestepped the strike, slashing his sword so fast that Konark and the two young men who were watching couldn’t even count how many strikes had hit. Konark dropped his club and then dropped to his knees, hundreds of slashes covering his body. “Who are you? Why are you doing this? I will give your precious gems and whatever you want to spare me,” pleaded the ogre.“Like you spared my wife,” growled the man as his sword impaled the ogre right between the eyes. “There is no mercy for you. Now I have one more to avenge,” stated the man as he took out the sword from the ogre’s head and placed it back into his sheath. It was then he noticed the two young men who stood there dumbstruck at what they had just witnessed.“Are you two okay?” asked the man.“Yeah, we are thanks to you. Who knows what would have happened if you didn’t show up!” stated Brian.“We really appreciate it, uh…we don’t know your name.”“My name is Sam.”“Thank you Sam. I heard you mention something about a wife. What happened to her?” asked Brian. Sam sighed and seeing that the two young men were shaken from this ordeal decided to let them relax and tell his story.***Sam had been a simple farmer living a simple life. He took over his parents’ farm after they had both died and did well enough to survive and make a little extra selling his surplus. Sam never enjoyed venturing into the city to sell his wares. He preferred the quiet life and would have died content in those regards but that all changed when she walked into his life.It was an unusual night with monstrous thunder and lightning storms that had been going on for a few days. Sam had been unable to tend to his farm and sat by his fire trying to keep warm and planning on how he was going to get his farm back on track once this storm passed. As he was deep in thought there was a knock at his door. Startled, Sam sat there unsure of what to do. Then the knock came again, this time more desperate sounding. Sam jumped from his chair and ran to the door. He opened it and she stood there. Their eyes met, locked and then she passed out into his arms.Sam took her into his home and placed her on his chair covering her with a blanket. He watched over her as long as he could until he succumbed to slumber sleeping on the floor by her side. Morning soon arrived and she awoke, seeing Sam fast asleep. She poked him gingerly and he leaped up startled by this action.“Why’d you do that?” he shouted angrily. She frowned but upon seeing this Sam changed his tone. “I’m sorry; I was just taken aback by your actions. I’m not really used to people,” he muttered his eyes transfixed to the ground.“I’m sorry; I just couldn’t help it. You looked so cute…” and then she stopped midsentence seeing Sam blush before her. “Anyways, I want to thank you, uh…I don’t know even know your name.”“It’s Samuel, but you can call me Sam. And what is your name?”“I am Rohita and I will be eternally grateful for you rescuing me!” proclaimed Rohita as she hugged Sam intensely. Sam, reluctant at first, returned the hug holding her tight. For some reason, this seemed right to him. She pulled away and the two looked at one another.“What brought you to my door last night?” asked Sam. Rohita, gulped, wiped her eyes and told Sam of the life she ran away from. Sam shook his head in disgust at what she had been through and as she finished her story, he held her close. Normally, he didn’t know how to react and interact with other people, but it was just natural instinct with Rohita and he felt like there was a light in his world now and he could finally see. “Rohita, you can stay here until you are ready to leave,” whispered Sam. Rohita held him tighter. Sam didn’t want her to leave and his wish came true. Rohita stayed with him and eventually he proposed to her. She accepted and soon the two were wed. Sam had never known what love truly was but he knew now and he swore that he would be with Rohita forever.Both he and Rohita worked on the farm and would travel and see the world. On one such journey, they found themselves in an enchanted tent enjoying one another’s company and the best food they had ever eaten.“So, honey do you think it’s time to talk about children?” asked Rohita. Sam smiled and stared at his wife lovingly. He never really thought about children before, but seeing the happiness upon Rohita’s face, he could only nod in agreement. The fairies refilled their drinks and Sam felt his eyes getting droopy. Rohita’s eyes soon closed and her head landed upon the table with a thud. Sam reached out to his wife and saw from the corner of his eyes. The fairies and the chef turned into ogres before his eyes. He shook his head trying to shake off the dizziness that was overcoming him. He pulled out his dagger and charged the closest ogre, Michelle. He swung his dagger wildly connecting with open air as Michelle slapped the dagger from his hand before smacking him across the tent. Sam tried to get up, looking at Rohita once more before succumbing to unconsciousness.***Sam awoke in a dingy cell in some kind of cavern. “Rohita!” he screamed over and over again sobbing between every scream of her name, wondering where she was and if she was okay.“Shut up you blasted human! We are trying to eat here!” wailed an ogre from behind the cell door.“Yeah, that Rohita tastes quite good and you are ruining our meal,” chuckled another ogre as he chomped on whatever he was chewing.“No!” cried out Sam as he fell to his knees sobbing uncontrollably not able to contain his emotions. “Rohita, why?” Sam pounded the ground, his fists and fingers bloodied from his outrage of the loss of someone who was everything to him. In the background, the echo of clanking swords filled the other side of the wall. Sam was too emotionally devastated to even notice the door to his cell open up and two humans, a man and a woman, their swords bloodied stood watching him.“What should we do with him brother?” asked the woman.“Well, it’d only be right to take him with us,” responded the man who walked over to Sam tapping him on the shoulder. “You are free my friend.” Sam looked up, tears streaming down his face.“Freed…I know not the word. My life is nothing now without her,” muttered Sam who tried grabbing the man’s sword. The man moved instantly, avoiding the awkward lunge with ease and followed the move off with a punch to Sam’s face, knocking him unconscious.“Poor fellow,” the woman whispered, “He must have lost someone dear to him like we did, Ishaan.”“But that’s no reason to want to end things Manasi,” stated Ishaan, “perhaps when he comes to, we can talk some sense into him and get him to our master.”“That seems like a good idea; let’s collect some of this loot and take him with us.” The two warriors collected what loot they thought was worthy and Ishaan carried an unconscious Sam on his back as the two went back to their camp.Sam awoke much later in a sleeping back next to a fire and sat up, studying his surroundings. It was a typical outdoor camp and then he studied his two rescuers. Both the brother and sister were adorned in a green armor and both carried long swords at their sides. As Sam looked at the two, immediately they felt his stare and both looked in his direction. Sam’s eyes went downward, tears beginning to fall beyond his control.“Why didn’t you just leave me to die? I have no reason to go on living!” wailed Sam. Manasi walked over to him, slapping him across the face. Sam’s tears stopped momentarily.“Listen, you may have lost someone extremely dear to you. Ishaan and I lost our parents and yeah, we were saddened but you know what. You are alive and you do have a reason to go on living!” exclaimed Manasi.“And what is that?” roared Sam.“You can avenge her. You can train yourself to get revenge on whatever took her from you,” explained Ishaan.“How?” questioned Sam.“Our master can teach you. She has taught us and she can do the same for you if you prove yourself worthy. But you aren’t going to do anything in a state such as this,” chimed in Manasi. Sam wiped his eyes. “Listen if it ogres that took her from you, then they are still out there. We only killed a small group of guards.” Sam eyes perked up as he looked up to the sky.“Okay Rohita, I will avenge you. I don’t know if that is what you would want me to do, but I must do something and afterwards I can rest and join you if I am worthy,” whispered Sam.***The three soon would make their journey back to their master. It was a rather uneventful journey and three did little talking although once in a while Sam found himself talking about Rohita and all the times that they had. Ishaan and Manasi listened intently, somewhat relieved that their companion seemed to be in better spirits. They had been traveling for three days and the weather was starting to get rough, so the three decided to spend the night in a cave and set off to their master’s in the morning. Little did the three know that there was something else in that cave.As the three companions were readying their sleeping arrangements, a loud roar thundered from the back of the cave. “Who dares disturb the mighty Abhiroop from his slumber?” raged a voice filled with anger. Manasi and Ishaan quickly readied their swords and charged the giant.“Stay back Sam! We will take care of this!” ordered Ishaan as he raced over to get the first strike on the giant. With one fell swing on his hand the giant knocked Ishaan to the wall knocking him out. Manasi moved in but was hit with another epic chop from Abhiroop that sent her spiraling into the wall as well. Sam stood there motionless, not sure what to do. Sam lifted a dagger from his sheath holding it out in front of him. Abhiroop looked at Sam, laughing cruelly.“Ha ha ha ha little man! What a weakling you are? You can’t do a thing!” bellowed the giant. Sam dropped the dagger, the clank of the weapon echoing throughout the cavern. He dropped to his knees in disgust. And then an image came to his mind…Rohita. He saw her clearly as if she was there in front of him. Energy flowed throughout him and Sam no longer seemed in control of his body as he ran towards Abhiroop somersaulting in the air and landing a devastating elbow to the giant’s nose. Abhiroop stepped back, startled at this attack. Sam continued his assault pummeling the beast with blow after blow. The giant could do nothing but try and keep his arms up to avoid Sam’s punches and kicks.After one last kick Sam collapsed to the ground exhausted at the energy he had used up. The giant sensing a chance went in for the kill. Out of nowhere a golden light zipped through the cavern hitting the giant right in the eye. Abhiroop cried out in pain and ran towards the back of the cavern. Sam looked up seeing a woman adorned in glistening golden armor, a golden sword in her hands. And then he passed out.“I see my students need some work, but this one right here has potential…if he could just harness that power he may…well we shall see,” uttered the golden warrior to herself.***Sam found himself in room covered with a blanket. On the walls were various murals depicting different warriors battling various monsters. Sam studied them intently and as he was deep in his viewing, a woman came into his room.“Hello Sam, I’m glad that you are awake. How do you like these settings?” asked the woman. Sam studied her realizing she was the woman that he saw in the cavern.“You are the one that saved us from that giant. Where are Ishaan and Manasi? Who are you?” spit out Sam in rapid succession.“Slow down young one. Ishaan and Manasi are cleaning the floors, punishment for losing to a giant. I am their teacher, Muskan the Mightblade and I must say that I was quite impressed with that display of power you had there. Now if you could just harness it, you may be one of the greatest warriors ever. What is it that you fight for?” asked Muskan.“I want to avenge the woman who meant everything to me,” explained Sam.“I see…well I will train you if you desire.”“I want nothing more,” answered Sam.“Good, let me introduce you to your classmate who you will be training with.” Muskan led Sam around the school, passing the training grounds and weapon rooms. Trying to take in the atmosphere, Sam did not notice that Muskan had abruptly stopped in the middle of a training room and walked right into her. Sam bounced off of her falling to the ground. Muskan was so much smaller than he was yet it felt like he walked right into a brick wall. “It’s not an opponent’s size that matters most; remember that always,” Muskan warned Sam.As Sam dusted himself off, he noticed in the middle of the room a massive figure doing push-ups on one hand, actually one finger with a giant boulder on his back. Sam gasped in amazement at how strong this man was.“Ahem,” coughed Muskan and the muscular man stopped his push-ups and sprung right up at attention in a mere second. “Let me introduce you to Ryan; he will be your training partner Sam.” Sam put out his hand to shake Ryan’s hand, but Ryan just looked away coolly.“He doesn’t look like he can keep up with me,” muttered Ryan who started to resume his training regimen.“Oh he will be able to keep up with you in no time. He practically defeated a giant using only his fists and feet,” explained Muskan. Ryan’s head cocked to the side and he began to size Sam up.“We shall see,” he spat and went back to his workout. Sam followed Muskan out the door and went back to his room to rest. Sitting in bed, he thought about all that has happened. It certainly was rather quick but he felt he now had a purpose: to avenge Rohita.***Two years had gone by. Ishaan and Manasi completed their training and had left to seek those responsible for their parents’ deaths. Ryan and Sam continued their own training with Muskan the Mightblade. Sam incurred many scars from sparring with Ryan who was quite tough on him and he also earned four tattoos to symbolize his mastery of his powers. He had a bear on his right shoulder, an eagle on his left, a lion on his right arm and a snake on his left arm.It came time for the final test and both Ryan and Sam waited anxiously for this moment.“Are you nervous Ryan?” asked Sam who saw his training partner pacing back and forth; it was rather unusual for Ryan to show any kind of emotion so it struck Sam.“Bah, of course not. Leave me alone!” exclaimed Ryan who stormed off to be by himself. Sam knew that Ryan was on the edge but didn’t bother to pursue. Even though the two trained for almost two years together, they never became friends of any sort. Sam tried to befriend Ryan, but Ryan would have none of it.“Sam, it is time for your trial. You will enter the Cave of Trials and overcome your challenge. If you fail, well let’s just say that you better not fail if you know what is good for you,” joked Muskan. Sam nodded and walked into the cave. A grey mist enveloped him and then he saw it…he was back in the tent with Rohita and saw the scene happen all over again. Rohita’s head hit the table and Sam tried to defend her only be brushed away like a bug by the ogre. Sam felt his emotions rise, energy waves seeping from his skin, but he remembered his training. You cannot let one’s emotions get the best of you and one must focus on control. This contradicted his desire for revenge, and was the most difficult lesson for him. Sam closed his eyes and channeled his emotions, controlling himself. The scene faded but he did glimpse Rohita one last time. Her name appeared on his chest and proved that he had conquered the final challenge. He grazed her name and smiled. As he exited the cave, smoke filled his nostrils. His school was on fire and then he saw Ryan standing over his master, Muskan, a bloody sword in his hands, his master’s sword in fact.“Ryan, how could you?” Sam screamed. Ryan looked up and grinned. His eyes were as black as night. Sam unsheathed his sword and sprinted towards Ryan. Ryan did not budge. Just as Sam got close an invisible wall stopped him in his tracks and he was propelled backwards. A woman appeared out of thin air and stood next to Ryan.“Ryan, I have the item. We can leave now,” commanded the woman.“Whatever you say, Grace,” answered Ryan who sneered at Sam and kicked Muskan in the ribs. The two teleported out of the school as it continued to burn. Sam crawled over to his master turning her over so she could face him.“Master!” Sam cried.“Sam, I haven’t much time but promise me you will use your powers and skills for good,” coughed Muskan. Sam nodded. “Don’t let revenge be the only thing…” But her voice stopped midsentence. Sam shut her eyes, gathered his things in silence and started off on his quest to find Konark and the ogres, Ryan and this Grace character.***“And that’s my story, so if you guys are okay, I will be on my…” stated Sam.Brian interrupted him, “Wait, you are looking for Grace. So are we.” Sam’s eyes glinted and he listened to their story.“Listen, I think you would be better off leaving this to me,” explained Sam. Sam looked at the two young men’s expression drop and felt a pang of guilt. “Okay, how about we go to Ameyville which isn’t too far from here, settle in and then we can check out those Adverbial Mines.” Faiz and Brian nodded.“We were both on the way their in fact,” said the two in unison. The trio gathered themselves and made their way towards the town. As the companions reached the outskirts of town, a stand manned by a goblin stood just outside the city gates.“Welcome travelers, I am Suvin, a humble merchant that is trying to sell my wares,” stated Suvin in perfect human tongue.“We have no need of your wares goblin; be gone,” commanded Sam and the three walked right by. Suvin continued to stare his eyes transfixed upon the three and the fancy sword strapped to Sam’s back. He snickered inwardly and soon left his stand and ventured off to a hidden door by the wall. He pushed in a stone and a stairway appeared. He hopped down the stairs in three bounds and hit a button on a skull that closed up the door.“Boss, three easy marks made their way into town. One has a sword that could fetch...” sputtered Suvin but before he could finish, a hissing sound made him shut his mouth.“I know you fool. I’ve already seen them and have contacted Vikas. Now we just wait,” hissed the mysterious boss.“Yes Aditi,” Suvin answered.***So, Faiz, Brian and Sam were making their way through the town of Ameyville. The town had seen better days and the people were suffering, but they tried their utmost to make the most of their lives and tried to remain positive.“So, Sam, why is this town named Ameyville?” asked Brian scratching the bandana on his head.“A great hero named Amey had saved this small village from a horde of demons, so the people decided to name the town after him. Soon enough, the town grew and thrived for some time. But, on another note, why do you wear that bandana on your head kid?”“I don’t know…I woke up one day with them on my head and it’s brought me good luck for the most part ever since. In fact, it seems magical to me,” stated Brian as he gently grazed the fabric on his head yet again.“Faiz, stop staring at those girls over there and get back over here!” yelled Sam, his brow furrowed, thoughts of his lost love coming back to him like a haunting memory that would never leave him.“Sorry, ever since I saw that fairy, or should I say ogre, I just feel compelled to find a real girl to call my own; I’ve never had feelings like that before,” cooed Faiz as his eyes gazed yet again on a pretty maiden.“Listen, kid, it’s called growing up and I’m happy for you, but we got some serious business to take care of. There will be time for loving later. Let’s move it shorty!” motioned Sam and the three walked further into town to find a room for the night.Meanwhile, in the lair of Suvin and his mysterious boss…“So, boss what’s the plan?” snarled Suvin while taking a bite of ham off of a bone, the juices dripping down his chin mixing with his warts and patches of chin hair.“Patience, you sniveling idiot; we have to wait for our muscle to show up. Keep eating and leave me alone!” exclaimed this boss as she gulped down her ale, her mind focused on their latest conquest.“But, Aditi we don’t need to wait for Vikas the Crusher; he’s as dumb as dirt. I admit he can crack a skull with his bare hands, but we don’t need him.”“Quiet Suvin, and leave me in peace. You’re lucky that I keep you around!”Suvin continued eating in silence thinking that he was lucky that Aditi, the malignant creature that she was, didn’t carve him up and let him rot. Plus, if it wasn’t for her, he would not have made the fortune that he has accumulated. The two of them were bleeding Ameyville dry, taking everything that they wanted.Now, back with our heroes as they make their trek through Ameyville…The three companions soon found themselves at the local inn, although Faiz was certainly slowing their journey down constantly being distracted from the various girls that entered his sight.“Sam, isn’t this inn, the mayor’s office? That’s quite strange!” quipped Brian, a look of curiosity on his visage.“It is. Amey, the mayor, is rather shrewd and figures that he can get a good look at travelers that stay in his town, so he set up his office at the inn, which he runs with his wife,” stated Sam, a look of relief that they can finally find some peace for a little while.“How do you know so much Sam?” asked Faiz who was finally not distracted, at least for the moment.“I spent a year looking for that blasted ogre Konark and traveled all around. That sneaky beast had a traveling tent that never stayed in the same spot, so I journeyed all through this land. I pay attention, something, my young friend that you need to work on.”“I get it; you need to loosen up and get ov…”“Enough!” Sam interrupted, “let’s get inside and get some rest.” Sam didn’t mean to snap at the boy, but he knew where this conversation was heading, and he didn’t want to think about Rohita. Not until his revenge was absolutely complete.The trio entered the inn, Faiz and Sam both silent, while Brian, wide-eyed, observed all the intricacies of his surroundings. A few demon skulls adorned the walls with various axes and shields. Amey, the Axe-Master, as he was known, was magnificent with axes and pulled off moves that can only be truly described in epic ballads.“Welcome to Ameyville’s Inn. I’m Shruti, the mayor’s wife and owner of this fine establishment. What can I do for you fine gentlemen?” asked Shruti, a huge smile beaming on her face.“Just a room for the night,” stated Sam matter-of-factly, a hint of fatigue in his voice.“No problem; we have a room ready for you right now in fact. I just need your names to register in our log. The mayor likes to keep an accurate list of all these things,” indicated Shruti, her eyes scanning the three companions carefully.“My name is Faiz the Fabulous,” boasted Faiz.“Don’t pay attention to him. It’s just Faiz. I’m Sam,” grunted Sam, shooting an admonishing look Faiz’s way. Faiz ducked his eyes towards the ground, starting to feel like he was being scolded by Matthew and Himanshu, his two loyal friends. Speaking of his two friends, Faiz immediately remembered that they were supposed to be here.“By the way have you seen a talking goat and a yorkie?” questioned Faiz.“I’m sorry I have not. We don’t usually get strange visitors like that,” answered Shruti. Brian listened intently still taking in his surroundings and finally spoke.“And I’m Brian.”Shruti, who was writing down the names, immediately dropped her pen as Brian stated his name. She studied Brian, shaking her head from time to time before averting her eyes from him completely. “You’re in room 103. I must, I have to prepare, lunch, I mean dinner. Good day to you,” stuttered Shruti as she rushed through a door, not looking back at the companions.“That was certainly odd,” Faiz commented, “it must be that bandana on your head Brian.”“I suppose,” noted Brian, a nagging feeling now picking at his brain, something he couldn’t quite grasp just yet. He figured it’d be best to not dwell on and followed Sam and Brian to the room.Meanwhile, back at the lair of Suvin and Aditi…“Rrrgghh, where are the heads that I need to crush!” bellowed Vikas as he stormed through the door, his feet stomping a path that left the ground sore, or at least it could.“Have patience my good friend; there seems to be a warrior among the three that may give you the challenge that you’ve been looking for,” Aditi slyly spoke, her words calming Vikas down just a bit. Vikas was a half-breed…a cross between a giant and a human and was easily prone to fits of rage and destruction, a gift, or perhaps a curse of his giant blood-line.“You know patience isn’t one of my strong points.”“I’m aware, but one must be cautious when going up against a mysterious opponent, especially ones that may possess items that could be quite valuable. Suvin is spying on them as we speak.”“Good, but don’t make me wait too long; I get antsy when I’m not crushing heads.”***The trio of heroes soon drifted off to sleep or at least tried to. Brian’s mind kept going back to that odd encounter with Shruti; there seemed to be something that he was missing or couldn’t remember. For all his life, Brian was alone, traveling from place to place with only that bandana as his only valuable possession. He never knew where it came from, but it was always with him and he intended to hold on to it. Most people, if they were in Brian’s situation would have cursed their lot in life, but Brian went through each day with a smile on his face and a positive attitude. He never really thought about where he came from, never really thought about anything in his past, but now, those questions were beginning to creep their way into his mind. Something about the way that innkeeper looked at him was stirring up these emotions.Outside the room near the window, a figure lurked, watching the trio attempt to sleep. “The two boys are just that, two boys, although the one with the bandana on his head is a bit odd. The man with the sword will be a challenge for sure. That sword of his seems quite valuable too, my reward when Vikas rips his head off,” Suvin whispered out loud. The evil goblin watched for a few more moments and then made his way back to Aditi and Vikas to report his findings.The next morning, the three companions awoke, although Faiz took a little longer to get out of bed since he was hugging his pillow imagining it was a pretty girl. “One more kiss baby,” cooed Faiz in his sleep.Sam gave Faiz a swift kick, waking him from his sweet slumber. “Wake up you slacker! We’ve got things to do!” stated Sam strapping his sword to his back and then adjusting his boots.“Geez, Sam, I was so close. Can’t you let me sleep just a little bit longer,” muttered Faiz as he stifled a yawn.“Get up now! We have to get on our way. I have a bad feeling about things; we should be on our way immediately,” cautioned Sam.“Sam, I feel something here. I’m not sure what, but I feel like I’m drawn to this place. Can we stay just a little bit longer? I promise that we’ll leave soon,” pleaded Brian with sincere concern in his voice.“Alright kid, just a little longer, but not too long.”“Thanks, Sam. Could we go see Amey, the mayor?” asked Brian.“Yeah, that wouldn’t be too bad I suppose. Let’s go Faiz, you lazy bum!” scolded Sam. Soon, the trio was ready to make a visit to the mayor, whose office was only one floor down. Sam knocked on the mayor’s door, and the three entered.“Hello mayor Amey, I am Sam and these are my two traveling companions, Faiz and Brian. We wanted to have a chat with you about…”“About how you are going to die!” screeched Suvin who spun around the velvet chair at the mayor’s desk. “What are you doing here?” yelled Brian.“Getting rid of you three and taking your valuables. Go Vikas!”Vikas stormed from the corner of the room, his giant club swinging in Sam’s direction. Without blinking, Sam side-stepped the vicious blow, planting a swift kick to Vikas’s knee knocking him to his knees.“Aaarrghh!” bellowed Vikas charging at Sam ramming him through the door and into the main chamber. Sam crashed against the wall and sprung up with his sword drawn, ready for action.“If you got hit with that minor move, then this will be an easy fight,” taunted Vikas, licking his chops swinging his club wildly in the air.“You’re an idiot. I just wanted to draw you into an open space away from the boys. You don’t stand a chance against me; you never did!”“Brave talk for a little man! You’re nothing compared to me!” screamed Vikas as he charged Sam yet again. His club swung menacingly from side to side. Sam’s eyes never left the half-giant that charged him. Vikas swung downwards smashing the ground where Sam stood leaving a giant hole. Vikas grinned thinking he had slain Sam and lifted his club up only to see the smashed floor. “Over here you moron!” taunted Sam sitting in a chair at the far end of the room with his legs on the table, mocking Vikas with his relaxed pose.“How’d you…never mind. It doesn’t matter how you got there. Once I get a hold of you, you won’t know what hit you!” growled Vikas who decided not to charge, but to eye his opponent.“I’ll tell you what. I’ll defeat you without using my sword,” stated Sam with the utmost confidence.“How dare you, you maggot? You dare to mock the Mighty Vikas! Prepare to have your head smashed!” Vikas, rage overflowing within him, dashed towards Sam without the slightest thought, sheer animal instinct guiding his movements. Sam continued to stare, never taking his eyes off the brute. Vikas drew closer gaining speed, his club raised to strike. Sam continued his gaze.“Ugh!” Vikas cried, slumping over before falling to the ground, Sam’s sword sticking through his back. Vikas cried out one final word, “How?” before he drew his final breath.“It was easy you brute. I’m faster than you and more skilled. As you swung your club, I got behind you and killed you before you even knew what happened. And I lied…I will always use my sword. Perhaps in your next life, you’ll know that,” stated Sam as he retrieved his sword from Vikas’s dead corpse. Meanwhile in Amey’s office…“While Vikas takes care of that jerk, my boss and I’ll be finishing you two off for sure,” snickered Suvin as he slipped a dagger off his belt, taking it in his hands.“What boss?” snipped Faiz, his eyes searching around the room.“This boss you fool!” screeched Aditi as she slithered out from a door towards Suvin’s side.“You’re a medusa!” cried Brian, some unknown fear stirring in the pits of his core.“You’re a sharp one for sure!” mocked Aditi, “you two are going to perish in no time!”Faiz drew a dagger from his belt holding it in front of his eyes, trying to avoid Aditi’s gaze. Brian pulled the bandana over his eyes which allowed him to see slightly but still prevent being turned to stone. Suvin inched closer and closer to the two as Aditi watched, a smile perched on her lips. “You two are finished!” Suvin yelled lifting his dagger in the air to strike a death blow, a sinister smile growing on his face.Without warning an axe flew from the opposite direction embedding itself into Suvin’s skull, knocking him to the wall, bloody and lifeless.“You aren’t going to kill my son you beast!” exclaimed Amey another axe hoisted in the air ready to strike Aditi.“Amey, how dare you oppose me!” screamed Aditi, anger swelling within her.“You lied to me. You said Brian was in your evil clutches and while he was trapped with you, you made me give you control of the town. It seems you’ve deceived me because he stands before me now. I will drive you out you evil beast!”Amey swung his axe into a circular pattern above his head gaining force and speed. He threw his axe with all his might towards Aditi. The axe connected with her sending her crashing into the wall.Faiz and Brian stood motionless, amazed that in the span of a minute Amey had taken care of the two evil creatures. Brian, tears welling in his eyes, looked upon the man who was his father. Amey turned around and finally looked his son, Brian, in the eyes, a tear falling from his as well.“My son…Brian, it’s so good to see you. I thought that I would never see you again!”“Ame…dad! I never thought I had a family. I’ve been alone for so long!”“Brian, where were you all this time?” Amey asked embracing his son with a long hug.“I’ve been all over the world with only this bandana and a faint thought that if I kept looking, I’d find that thing that would make me complete,” stuttered Brian, choked up with emotion.“So, Aditi never had you in her clutches. I’m a fool.”“Why did you think that dad?”“Many years ago, I believed that you were kidnapped by Aditi. That evil creature had convinced me that she kidnapped you along with my seal of the great wizard, which I had placed in the tag of that bandana you have on your head. That seal allows for a great power to be awakened for whoever possesses it. I used that seal long ago to defeat the demons that plagued this very town.”“That explains why I felt so drawn to this. I always felt like it was watching over me.”“It was the seal. My son, your mother…I have to get your mother now. She recognized you right when she saw you and it’s time for a full family reunion.” Amey opened the trap door that he had come from and entered. Soon, both he and his wife, Shruti emerged, tears of utter joy falling down her face like a waterfall. The three soon embraced in a heart-felt hug, not letting one another go for some time.“Ah how touching…a family reunion. How I hate family reunions!” screamed Aditi, “Now you can embrace forever, in stone!”“Brian, get down!” Shruti and Amey yelled in unison, pushing their son to the ground as Aditi’s gaze turned them both to stone right before Brian’s eyes.“No!” cried Brian, sadness flowing in him, a profound sadness that enveloped him. “Now, it’s your turn. I must admit I’m a bit upset that Suvin is dead, but he can be replaced. Now it’s time for you to die!” Aditi stated drawing her weapon, not wanting to waste another stone attack.“Brian, we need to get out of here!” cried Faiz trying to shake Brian from his stupor. Brian just stood there rigid, unmoving and unresponsive. Aditi slithered closer to the two, ready to strike. A white light emitted from Brian’s ‘magical’ bandana filling the room with light brighter than the sun. Aditi, screeched in pain dropping her weapon, the clank echoing against the floor.The bandana disappeared, a seal imprinting itself on Brian’s forehead, a white light now covering Brian’s body. Raw energy flowed through Brian. His eyes made their way to Aditi, who was writhing in pain on the ground; the white light around Brian grew brighter and resembled a flame dancing around him. Aditi’s screeches grew louder and louder. The light emanating from Brian was burning her skin, burning right down to her soul.“Brian, what’s happening to you?” screamed Faiz, grabbing Brian’s shoulders trying to get his attention. Brian’s eyes turned towards Faiz, the white light slowly dissipating before extinguishing completely. Brian slumped to the ground, unconscious from this experience. Faiz watched over him as Aditi slithered her way out of the room and far away from this scene. Faiz thought faintly about going after her, but figured it would be best to stay with Brian since he had very little fighting ability.“I took care of that brute…what happened here?” asked Sam dumfounded by the scene before him. Faiz explained how Aditi appeared, how Amey saved them, about the family reunion, Aditi turning Brian’s parents to stone, how the seal imprinted itself on Brian and about the white light enveloping Brian.“That’s quite amazing. I would have never guessed that Brian would be in possession of a seal and what’s more, you were able to withstand a seal awakening at such a range,” stated Sam as he looked upon the stone statues of Amey and Shruti.“What do you mean?” asked Faiz.“I don’t know too much kid, but what I do know is that when a seal awakens, anyone too close is burned by it except the seal bearer, and burnt to a crisp. The fact that you were unaffected by it, is quite intriguing indeed.”“How do you know this?”“Like I’ve said, I’ve been around a few places and have seen a few things. I don’t know everything, but there may be a scholar in the city of Organizatiaz that may know of something,” mused Sam, who was looking at Faiz curiously.“That’s where I was going originally before I got caught up in this whole mess.”“Well, kid, I think we may need to make a visit there very soon. Let’s take care of Brian and figure out what our next move is.”The next day…“Well, mom and dad, I’m so happy that I finally got to meet you even if it was for a brief time. I wish things could be different, but they’re not. I’m going to continue the journey with Sam and Faiz. We have some evil being to stop and I need to find out about this seal and how to cure you guys. I swear that I will not rest until you’re both back to flesh and blood. Goodbye mom and dad. The next time I see you, I’ll be able to take you both in my arms and tell you all about my journey,” Brian whispered to his parents kissing each of them on their stone foreheads.Brian walked out of the inn meeting up with Sam and Faiz. The three traveled onward.“So, it’s the Adverbial mines first for us,” stated Sam, “and I think it’s time I teach you boys a few moves.”“And after the mines onward to Organizatiaz!” exclaimed Brian and Faiz in unison. The trio walked in silence, but it was not a doom and gloom silence that permeated their group; it was a silence of hope, a silence of the unknown, a silence to conquer that unknown, together.***Two days had passed and the trio made their way towards the Adverbial mines, abandoned mines that have been infested with monsters, but was also known to possess a great treasure, a treasure of unspeakable power.“How much longer till we’re there Sam?” moaned Faiz who was sweating through his tunic. “I can’t believe you’re making me carry a sword, shield and full pack of supplies.”“Listen kid…I admit there is something about you that I’d like to find out more about, but you need to build up your strength, stamina and fighting skills. You’re lucky that you don’t have to do one fingered push-ups with a boulder on your back. It ain’t too much farther, but I think it’s time to set up camp for the night and do a training session with you two,” commanded Sam, who was already setting up camp and getting things prepared for this intense training.“Aww man!” complained Brian and Faiz in unison. Both dropped their gear, set up their spots and prepared for a grueling session with their taskmaster, Sam. For hours, the two went through an assortment of exercises and positions finishing their training off with a regiment of push-ups with their full gear on. Afterwards, Brian and Faiz passed out not even taking their gear off, too exhausted from their grueling workout.“So this is what it could have been like if I had my own…Rohita…well, I can’t dwell on that,” Sam stopped his thought out loud as he watched his two younger companions nod off in slumber before going through his own training routine to keep his skills and senses sharp.“Wake up sleepy-heads!” yelled Sam already dressed and ready for the travel ahead. “We’re only about a half-day’s journey from the mines. Let’s get a move on. We may even have time for another training session!”“Not another one,” moaned Faiz rubbing his sore shoulders.“It ain’t so bad,” motioned Brian who was already getting his gear together.“That’s easy for you to say. That seal of yours seems to heal your body too. Can’t you share?” asked Faiz, who already knew that wasn’t remotely possible. The seal was Brian’s and Brian’s alone and all the powers that it possessed have yet to be discovered.“Come on you two; let’s go already,” motioned Sam and the trio soon made their trek towards the mines. The companions traveled for about two hours in complete silence. Sam wanted the boys to learn how to use their senses to full capacity particularly the ability to listen and smell, two vital senses especially when confronted with darkness.“AAAHHHH!” a voice screamed that came from a clearing up in the road.“What’s that?” questioned Brian.“It sounded like a girl’s scream,” commented Faiz drawing his sword and shield running ahead without thinking.“What’s that kid doing?” bemoaned Sam as he dashed after Faiz with Brian right behind him.As Faiz neared the clearing he saw an Elven girl lying on the ground with a menacing man standing over her, a spear pointed at her neck.“Now girlie, you are going to give me all your gold and then chant one of your fancy magic spells on me to give me good luck,” commanded the bandit with a smirk forming on his lips. Faiz, reacting on pure instinct sprinted as fast as he could towards the bandit, smacking the spear down with his shield before planting a well-placed kick along the chin of the bandit knocking him a few feet away.“Are you okay?” asked Faiz as he reached out his hand towards the Elven girl. Her head had been down the whole time, but she finally looked up, transfixed at the site of Faiz. She reached out her hand.“Look out!” screamed the girl, but it was too late as the bandit plowed into Faiz sending him spinning towards the ground.“Who do you think you are messing with Ashfaq the Swift-spear? I’ve killed men for a lot less, but I think I’m going to have fun toying with you boy,” taunted Ashfaq who was twirling his spear from side to side, not taking his eyes off of Faiz.“I don’t care who you are. No one should ever mess with a pretty girl!” smirked Faiz, wiping the dirt from his clothes, getting his sword and shield ready for action. The Elven girl looked on, not sure what to think of this situation.“Sam, there’s Faiz. Let’s go help him,” quipped Brian who was readying one of his father’s axes, a weapon that he planned on mastering.“No, I want to see how this plays out. Plus, if Faiz gets in any trouble, I’ll jump in. But, there’s something about Faiz that tells me that he’s got this.”Ashfaq continued twirling his spear from side to side in an almost hypnotic movement, one used to catch his opponents unprepared. Faiz knew from the short amount of training that he already had that he needed to focus on Ashfaq’s body movements, not his spear’s movements. Ashfaq sensing that his opponent wouldn’t be fooled by this display changed up his tactics and charged at Faiz with his spear outstretched like a knight’s lance. Faiz held his ground planning to block this attack with his shield and then hit Ashfaq with a sword strike. Ashfaq had anticipated this response and right as his spear was parried by Faiz’s shield, he stopped his charge using the spear as a pole vault and jumped over Faiz hitting him was a kick, smacking Faiz in the back of his head. Ashfaq landed, his spear already poised for another attack as Faiz stumbled backwards, disorientated.“Listen boy. You don’t stand a chance against me,” commented Ashfaq who started to charge Faiz again. Ashfaq sprinted in Faiz’s direction stopping a few feet before Faiz and then smacked him with the back end of the spear, again in the back of the head. Faiz fell to the ground dropping his sword and shield, stars spinning around his head. Faiz desperately tried to regain his balance, but could barely see straight. He kept thinking about the girl and that filled him with strength and energy, more than he had ever known before. Ashfaq, wanting to toy with Faiz, flung the back end of his spear at Faiz’s face. Faiz’s hand reached up grabbing the spear and pulling it from Ashfaq’s hands.Ashfaq stood motionless not understanding where this boy could garner such strength and realizing that this may be more than he had bargained for. Ashfaq watched as Faiz stood up with the spear in his hands. Faiz snapped the spear in half throwing both pieces to the ground.“You know what…I think I’ll be going. This is definitely not worth it,” quivered Ashfaq as he ran in the opposite direction. A flying axe came from out of no-where crashing against his back, knocking him to the ground and a sending him on a one-way trip to the underworld. Faiz stumbled to the ground, not able to maintain the energy he had used as he faded into unconsciousness.***Faiz awoke much later in his sleeping bag. “What happened? Is she okay?”“You defeated a bandit, well sort of defeated a bandit,” stated Brian.“Is the girl okay?” questioned Faiz.“Why don’t you ask her yourself?” chided Brian as he pointed towards the other side of the camp. Faiz looked towards the girl finally taking a good look at her. She was shorter than he was with long flowing brown hair, deep earth-brown eyes, long pointy ears and a smile that gave him goose bumps. She was wearing light green leather armor with a green cloak draped around her back and carried a staff with a statue of an eagle on the top. Along her belt were different pouches and she wore a ‘half-moon’ necklace on her neck. Faiz couldn’t believe the site before him and began blushing profusely. She walked over to him extending her hand and Faiz reached out to grab it. Before he knew it, she had her arms around him, hugging him tightly.“Thank you so much. I can’t imagine what would have happened if you hadn’t showed up,” the Elven girl excitedly stated as she continued to hug Faiz.“Ah, it..it wa, was nothi…nothing,” Faiz stuttered turning an even brighter shade of red.“How can I thank the person that saved my life? I don’t even know your name.”“My name is Fa, my name is Fai, I mean my name is Faiz,” muttered Faiz totally frazzled by being held so tightly. Sensing that she was hurting Faiz a bit, the Elven girl stood up.“Faiz, that’s a wonderful name. I guess it’s only fitting that I tell my hero, my name. My name is Gwendolyn but you can call me Gwen.” Faiz continued his gaze, the name Gwen imprinted on his brain.***“So, Gwen, what brought you out to this area?” asked Sam, observing Gwen and trying to gage her abilities and her purpose.“Well, it’s not a pleasant reason. I was going to go to the Adverbial minds to catch a traitor from my village, a traitor that stole a very valuable relic and murdered the high elder.”“That’s great we’re heading to the Adverbial minds too, I mean it’s not great about the traitor and murder,” stuttered Faiz, stumbling over his words from sheer excitement. Gwen looked at Faiz, understanding that he didn’t mean any insult and continued her explanation.“I decided to go after her, but got tricked by that nasty bandit. He claimed he was injured and when I went to treat his supposed wound, he attacked me. If it wasn’t for Faiz…” she gave Faiz a wink, “I wouldn’t have made it.” Faiz again turned a bright red, averting his eyes from Gwen and looked directly towards the ground.“We should head there together. There is strength in numbers,” stated Brian in a cheery voice.“I agree. Gwen I think you should travel with us. I know one member of our group would be more than delighted to have you with us,” joked Sam, a rare smile forming on his face. Faiz glanced at Sam, cursing him under his breath, but secretly was elated about this proposal.“I’d be more than happy to join you,” expressed Gwen continuing to look towards Faiz, trying to hide her excitement as well.“It’s settled then. We will head to the mines together,” boasted Brian, and the four companions ventured forth towards the mines.As the four companions traveled the path towards the mine, Sam’s mind continued to churn, wondering why this young Elven girl would be the only one on this dangerous quest. Usually, Elves traveled in groups. “Gwen, why are you on your own for such a dangerous quest?” questioned Sam curious as to her response.“I guess it all started a few days ago, the day she showed up…”***It was a typical day in the Elven village of Nounio and everything seemed normal. The Elves lived with the land planting crops, hunting only what they needed and practicing their magical arts. Elves were instinctly adept at magic and some of the greatest mages in the land were of Elven descent. Gwen and her best friend, Smitha had been training their magical skills, particularly working with elemental and healing spells at the school.“Gwen, do you ever wonder what else is out there? This village is so boring. I don’t know, I just want to see the world,” pined Smitha.“Smitha, I admit things are a bit dull, but I’d rather deal with that then the unknowns of the world,” chimed Gwen as she blended some powders for one of her spell components.“Perhaps, but what I wouldn’t give for something exciting to happen,” Smitha sighed as she chopped up some magical herbs. Gwen nodded and continued working, a foreboding feeling welling up inside her. She couldn’t put her finger on it, but she felt that Smitha was right about something happening, and that it wouldn’t be the excitement that they were looking for.Later on that day, a visitor had arrived to the village seeking to have a council with the Elven Elder to discuss magical theory. This had the village in an uproar because, for one, they rarely ever had visitors, and two, this guest was a human, a human said to have powers that rivaled the Great Wizard of Org, himself. Many of the Elves tried to get a peek at this guest, but as quickly as she arrived, she was ushered into the Great Chamber of Nounio. Gwen and Smitha were two of the many Elves that wanted to catch a glimpse of this great wizard.Smitha could hardly contain her excitement at this event. “Finally, something exciting has happened here. I want to get a look at this wizard. I’ve never seen a human before, and a human so powerful. That would definitely be a site. I wonder if they have fangs.”“Smitha, don’t you remember from our studies of history that humans are pretty much like us minus the pointy ears,” chided Gwen shaking her head at her friend’s folly.“Well, I’m going to meet this wizard; I’m going to sneak into the chamber and look,” vowed Smitha and she ran off before Gwen could even react. Gwen stood there for a few moments, and then decided to get back to her house. It’s not like Smitha could get into the chamber anyways. The door was sealed and you could only enter if you were invited or knew powerful magic. Smitha had potential but it would be a long time before she would get to that kind of magical level, if she could ever stay patient enough to get there.Later that day in the evening, an eerie fog slid through the village. Gwen engaged in her studies barely noticed, and only finally picked up on it when the fog began to blind her from her book.“Hmmm,” she pondered getting up from her chair. Gwen exited her house only to find that the fog grew thicker and heavier. “Lightas!” Gwen exclaimed and the eagle on top of her staff emitted a bright white glow allowing her to see a little bit in this fog. Gwen decided to make her way towards the Grand Chamber since the elder would be there and he might know what’s going on. Fear began to fill her as she grew closer and closer to the chamber.“Something isn’t right about this,” Gwen whispered out loud to herself as she came upon the entrance. The great door was smashed open and that fear began to grow inside her. She didn’t know of anything that could smash that magical door. She bit her lip, trying to fight over her anxiety and entered the chamber. The fog grew less dense and Gwen was able to see without her magical light.“Unlightas!” she commanded and her light dimmed until it was extinguished. She found herself in a narrow hallway adorned with various murals, scrolls and charms. A silver door stood at the end of the hallway, slightly ajar. Gwen knew that there was something beyond that door, so she slowly walked towards that door and opened it with much trepidation.The village elder lay on the ground lifeless, Smitha standing over him, an evil smirk plastered on her face.“Smitha! What happened? Did you?” Gwen shouted, not believing what was happening. Smitha turned her eyes towards Gwen, eyes that were totally blackened and no longer the sweet shade of brown that they once were.“Vertigo Darkia!” snapped Smitha as dark bolts of energy shot from her staff towards Gwen. Gwen ducked and rolled into a table, using it as cover.“Smitha, why are you doing this?” Gwen pleaded. Again, Smitha launched more dark bolts of energy towards Gwen. Gwen continued ducking behind the table, realizing that she’d have to take down her best friend, who was definitely not herself. Before Gwen could even set up an offensive spell, a presence of pure darkness filled the room. Gwen was paralyzed with fear and all she could do was shut her eyes, not wanting to see what happened next. The table she was hiding behind went flying towards a wall, splintering into millions of pieces. Gwen, fearing this was the end, peaked just once, and saw the human mage standing next to Smitha, the mage’s arm around Smitha’s shoulder. “Excellent work Smitha. Thank you for taking out that meddlesome elder for me. I found the Relic of Nounio I was looking for,” proclaimed the mage.“It is I who must thank you, Grace. You’ve opened my eyes to the true power that I possess. Should I kill this interloper?” asked Smitha showing no emotion towards Gwen.“No, you can leave her be. We have much work to do. Our next stop is the Adverbial Mines. Let us make our leave,” Grace replied and then cast a teleportation spell. The two vanished without a trace; the fog in the village lifted. Gwen, shocked beyond belief, passed out from this encounter.***“I awoke much later, made sure that the rest of the village was okay and headed towards the mines. I felt like this was my fault, maybe if I had gone with her, this wouldn’t have happened” noted Gwen, her happy visage, now one of grief and sadness.“So, Grace is involved again,” snapped Brian.“It would appear so, my young friend,” began Sam, “and it seems like we are going to have to put a stop to her.”“We’ll make sure that Grace pays and we’ll get your friend back,” added Faiz as he placed his hand on Gwen’s shoulder trying to reassure her, but also trying to reassure himself. It seemed that Grace was definitely a force to be reckoned with and Faiz was unsure if he and his companions would be up to the task.Soon enough, the heroes found themselves at the entrance of the Adverbial mines. The cave reeked of death, the wooden planks that once covered the entrance lay broken along the ground, rot and decay setting in. The four companions stood, taking a deep breath before entering. Sam led the group, followed by Faiz, Gwen who lit her staff, and Brian took up the rear. Sam figured that if they were ambushed by monsters, Brian would be able to handle an initial assault given his power of the seal that was growing every passing day. Sam knew that this would be dangerous and he really wanted to do this alone, but he knew that his newly-found companions would not turn back. He figured that if they got into trouble, he could hold off any attack while his group escaped.“Keep it quiet. Only talk if it’s absolutely necessary. We don’t want to alert any monsters or Grace if she’s here,” whispered Sam, his eyes looking straight ahead. The group traveled for a while in silence down the long winding path traveling further and further into the earth, not encountering anything; the silence was odd and something truly seemed amiss.“Sam, do you find it’s odd that we haven’t encountered any creatures in here?” questioned Brian, tightening the hold on his axe even more.“I agree; this whole place is rather strange indeed. I see a larger cavern up ahead. Perhaps, we’ll find something there,” cautioned Sam. Gwen stood closer to Faiz, her shoulder grazing Faiz’s. He backed away at first, but then stood close to her. He looked at her, seeing the focus on her face, and he tried to focus himself on the task at hand. The companions found themselves at the cavern’s forefront and gasped at what was before them.Hundreds of monster filled the cavern, but they weren’t alive. Their corpses littered the ground, the smell of blood lingered in the air.“Sam, what’s going on?” asked Faiz.“This is horrible!” gasped Gwen. Brian just stood with his mouth wide-open, shocked at the scene before him.“I don’t know Faiz. Whatever did this ain’t no joke!” replied Sam, his senses trying to pick up any sign of whatever did this and if it still was there. And then a force seemed to hit him in all directions, sending him flying against the wall. Before anyone could even react, a muscular man slammed into Sam simultaneously. Sam’s body crashed against the wall with such force that it left a huge crater. Sam tucked into a ball rolling a few feet out, his sword drawn ready for action.“I see that you’re still alive,” announced Ryan, “I should have killed you back then.”“Cough, cough,” moaned Sam, wiping blood from his mouth before spitting out some more. “Well, you have your chance. Faiz, Brian, Gwen, get out of here!” commanded Sam.“I don’t think so!” boasted Grace who stepped into a clearing as she incinerated the monster corpses in her path. “I think this will be the end of your little group here. I recognize you two from my dungeon,” stated Grace eyeing both Faiz and Brian.Brian’s energy level started to rise, the white light coming forth from his pores. Suddenly, a dark bolt of energy struck him from behind knocking him to the ground and causing the white light to disappear. Brian’s eyes closed and he passed out from the massive energy loss.“Well, well, if it isn’t little Gwen. Is that your boyfriend by you? He could do better,” taunted Smitha, who was ready to send another deadly energy blast at Gwen. Gwen chanted, “Evitos armoria!” and a green fire engulfed her body, a shield that would protect her from Smitha’s dark energy.“What has happened to you? If I have to beat it out of you, I will!” shouted Gwen as she charged at Smitha.“Well, it looks like my minions are occupied and that just leaves you, ha ha!” taunted Grace, a look of evil malice spread across her face as her eyes focused on Faiz. “I don’t know what it is, but something about you just irritates me, maybe it’s your ugly face or that stupid expression that you have now, but just know this, I won’t be dealing with it for much longer.”Grace lifted her scepter and started chanting, “Itos, enos, smilo, vutos shug!” A dark wave of energy emitted from the top of her scepter shaping into a ball. Grace pointed it towards Faiz who decided to charge at her with his sword drawn, knowing that might have been his only chance. The ball of dark energy flew at Faiz with lightning speed striking him in the chest and exploding filling the whole chamber with a deafening boom.“Looks like your little friend is done for,” laughed Ryan taunting Sam who was trying to defend himself from the multiple blows that Ryan was sending his way.“Faiz!” cried Gwen taking her eyes off of Smitha, long enough that Smitha was able to smack Gwen with her staff knocking her over to the ground.“Ha ha ha! This certainly has been fun!” announced Grace, a wicked smile again forming from one side to the other.As the smoke cleared, a huge crater filled the center of the clearing, but instead of finding a smoldering corpse, Faiz stood unharmed for the most part, although he was quite sore all over from the splintering rocks that nicked him during the explosion.“What? Impossible…how can this be? Well, maybe I just aimed badly. No matter, I’ll just send another blast your way,” grunted Grace, a bit of frustration in her voice.“I don’t think so, Grace!” boomed a voice from the other side of the cavern.“Well, if it isn’t Sophie, the great apprentice of the Wizard of Org,” mocked Grace, although on the inside, she was beginning to feel a bit of pressure. “Your timing is as awful as when we were in the Academy, Sophie, and it’s a shame that we won’t be able to catch up on old times, but I must be going. I don’t have the energy to do battle with you just yet. We have what we came for,” stated Grace, a bit of annoyance mixed in with her voice. Within a flash, Grace, Smitha and Ryan disappeared.Sam, weary from the sneak attack and repeated blows that he took, collapsed. Brian and Gwen were also unconscious leaving only Faiz as the lone conscious member of the group. Faiz looked on at Sophie not really sure what was happening.“Who are you exactly?” asked Faiz.“I am Sophie and I’m the head wizard at Organizatiaz, well for the time being but that’s a story for another day. There will be time for talk later,” commanded Sophie. She cast a teleportation spell, and all the companions vanished in a flash.***Within moments the companions found themselves in Organizatiaz, the fabled city of magic and knowledge. Giant towers littered the landscape along with a multitude of shops, homes and various other places of learning. Faiz found himself in a room with his companions who were beginning to come to their senses.“So, lady, what’s going on? How do you know Grace? I heard your conversation,” questioned Faiz.“Let us take care of your companions first and once they are taken care of, I’ll answer all your questions as best I can,” stated Sophie matter-of-factly, already summoning fairies to come in and take care of the group. Three fairies flew through the room, their little wings fluttering rapidly as they cast their magical dust on the companions. These fairies were much different than the ones that Faiz saw long ago at Konark’s Pizza Shop; they were much smaller and a whole lot faster but other than that they looked the same. Faiz watched as dust sprinkled him, all his cuts and bruises healing right before his eyes. The rest of his group, soon stood up totally healed, Faiz relieved that everyone was okay.“Thank you,” stated Sam as he dusted himself off.“You’re welcome!” exclaimed the fairies in unison as they continued to flutter around the room making sure that everyone was okay.“Thank you, Krisha, Alekhya and Joanna. You have been most helpful. I will call upon you three later after I’ve talked with our guests,” commanded Sophie and the three fairies flew off.“So, lady, where are we? And who are you?” asked Sam, suspicious of every situation.“As your young companion knows already, we are in Organizatiaz and my name is Sophie, the head wizard here. Well, at least for the time being.”“So, we’re in Organizatiaz and we can meet the Great Wizard of Org!” exclaimed Brian already coming up with questions about how to cure a Medusa’s gaze and about the seal.“Well, unfortunately, the Great Wizard is not all that well. Perhaps, you can meet him later, but for now, let me hear about everything that’s gone on with you, particularly involving Grace,” stated Sophie. So, the companions told all of their tales, Sophie nodding at various points and sighing at others. Faiz noticed that everytime Grace’s name was mentioned, that Sophie’s face would cringe and get a bit wrinkled. Soon, enough the group was finished with their tales.“Interesting, most interesting indeed,” nodded Sophie.“So, how do you know Grace? Who is she exactly?” asked Faiz, knowing that there must be some deep connection between the two of them based on the conversation at the mines and how Sophie reacted everytime the name was mentioned.“I can’t get into it all right now because that would be quite the story. Let’s just say that she and I were rivals in the Academy and that we were both vying to be the head apprentice to the Great Wizard of Org. Something happened with Grace and she just exploded leveling half of the Academy and injuring the Great Wizard,” solemnly stated Sophie trying to keep her emotions together.“Then I see Grace is quite the force to be reckoned with,” commented Sam weighing the seriousness of this situation.“Perhaps it is time for you all to rest,” mentioned Sophie, “Joanna, Alekhya and Krisha, bring our guests to their quarters. Tomorrow after a night of slumber, I will take you to meet the Great Wizard.” The fairies zoomed in and guided the heroes to their rooms. Faiz watched Sophie as her eyes happened to be upon him, a curious gaze shot in his direction, almost as if she knew him from somewhere. Faiz shook it off for now feeling the thralls of slumber upon him as he and his companions followed their fairy guides to their sleeping quarters.***“The Great Wizard came from a land far way, la la la la la,Brought from a magical shining ray, la la la la la,Met magic creatures that guided him through, la la la la la,Taught him the magical arts, that’s what they’ll do, la la la la la,To destroy a great evil from conquering the land, la la la la la,The evil was vanquished by his mighty hand, la la la la la,But beware evil can never truly disappear, la la la la la,And a new hero will emerge to stifle the fear, la la la la la.”Faiz and his companions awoke to the melodic singing of Joanna, Alekhya and Krisha who sang the song of the Great Wizard of Org. Their sweet voices filled the room and inspired the group to arise, all feelings of weariness dissipating with the singing. As soon as they arose, ready for the day, the fairies flew off to inform Sophie that they were awake and ready.“Faiz, the fairies sing so lovely, don’t you think?” asked Gwen as the companions followed the hallway towards the grand study.“Huh, I guess so,” muttered Faiz, his mind seemed to be elsewhere.“What’s wrong Faiz? You don’t seem to be yourself,” questioned Gwen, a hint of concern in her voice.“It just hit me. When I started this journey, I intended to come to Organizatiaz with my two friends, Matthew and Himanshu. I haven’t seen them for a while and I kind of miss them. I hope that they are okay,” pondered Faiz.“I’m sure they’re just fine,” chirped Gwen, trying her utmost to cheer Faiz up. Faiz nodded, and forced a smile, his mind now focusing on his two friends and everything that has been happening to him. He found it hard to believe where his journey has taken him so far and questions about everything that has been going on with him began to rain down, flooding his brain like a vast ocean. Faiz tried to shake it off and focus on the moment, meeting the Great Wizard of Org.Soon the companions entered the grand study seeing Sophie and her three fairies circling around the room in a buzz, flying from corner to corner. The sun shone through the grand windows lighting the room in spectacular fashion, the luster blinding the heroes as they entered. Majestic tapestries adorned the walls and bookcases crammed full of books seemed to fill every corner of the room. As the heroes eyes adjusted, they soon noticed a man in a grey cloak standing by the windows staring at the scenery before him. He stood up with the help of a staff and seemed to be hunched over only so slightly. His long grey hair touched his shoulders and even with all the people in the study, he still continued his gaze of the landscape as if he didn’t notice their arrival.“Welcome to the Grand Study!” announced Sophie as she ushered in the companions who stood by the door trying to take in the scene before them. Joanna, Alekhya and Krisha stopped their flight and landed on Sophie’s shoulders, sitting there every so comfortably. Faiz, Brian, Sam and Gwen walked closer to the center of the room, which seemed to grow larger with every step they took.“Wow, this room is endless!” exclaimed Brian, his eyes growing larger as he tried to figure out where the room ended.“It’s an enchantment the Great Wizard put on the study. The room will expand based on the needs of the enchanter. Our Great Wizard keeps boundless artifacts, books, maps, scrolls and other ancient relics in here. Not to mention, he holds, or we should say held meetings in here,” chirped the fairies in unison. “Have a seat on the couches over there,” pointed Sophie as she walked towards the velvety couches that seemed to appear out of nowhere. The companions complied and found themselves sitting in couches that contoured to their bodies, fitting them in snugly and comfortably.“Wow, this feels like I’m in water!” blurted Gwen as she bounced up and down in her seat. Sam sat stoically, not admitting that this felt quite comfortable. Brian continued to look around the room and take in all the wonderment. Faiz watched his friends, but still his eyes were drawn to the wizard.“So Sophie, what’s the connection between you and Grace? What happened?” asked Sam, who wanted to get right to the heart of the matter. Faiz thanked Sam under his breath for asking the same question that he wanted to know the answer to.Sophie sighed, looked over to the Great Wizard who still did not notice his guests, arose from her seat and walked over to the wizard. She gently tapped him on his shoulder, and he finally turned around slightly, acknowledging Sophie, but not saying a word. The three fairies continued sitting on Sophie’s shoulders, unmoving and silent. Sophie reached out her hand and grabbed the Great Wizard’s hand, leading him to the couches. The Great Wizard trudged slowly. The companions all looked upon the Great Wizard realizing that something was truly wrong. Finally, Sophie got him to a sturdy chair that again materialized out of the air, and gracefully sat the wizard in his chair.“Are you comfortable?” asked Sophie. The Great Wizard nodded. Sophie returned to her seat. “Great Wizard Paul, you have special guests here today!” announced Sophie in a sweet and caring voice. The wizard looked up and studied each guest. He looked upon Gwen, studying her before moving on to Sam, focusing on his visible tattoos, then Brian and the seal upon his head, which he gazed at for quite some time before finally looking at Faiz. He stopped in his tracks and looked intently at Faiz. A fire burned in the Great Wizard’s eyes, his back straightened up, his lips started to curl, “Ugghh, ugh, Fa…ug..iz!” Suddenly, he bounded out of his chair, standing upright without his staff, excitement coursing through the old wizard’s bones. The Great Wizard hurtled over his chair and towards a desk that appeared at that instant. Piles of papers and other works littered the desk; the Great Wizard brushed them aside before finding a small journal that he scooped up in delight. Sophie and the companions watched in amazement, befuddled at the actions of the wizard who mere moments ago was sitting there rather lifeless. As quickly as he ventured towards his desk, he glided back even faster handing the journal to Faiz whose hands were outstretched before he even knew it. As the journal landed in his hands, the old wizard returned to his chair, sitting there like he was before, sitting there as if nothing happened.“Great Wizard Paul! What happened?” exclaimed Sophie who stood by his side trying to inspect what could have possibly come over him. She then turned her attention to Faiz who sat there dumfounded with the journal in his hands. The rest of the group looked towards Faiz at this moment and everyone there sat there amazed at what had just transpired. “What just happened? The Great Wizard hasn’t done anything like that in years ever since Grace’s attack,” Sophie stated, exasperated and at a lost for any kind of explanation. Faiz finally looked at the journal in his hands. It was worn out and looked as if it was completely filled. However as Faiz flipped through the pages, he could not make sense of anything on them.“I wish I knew!” quoted Faiz, “but one thing is for sure, I have no idea what any of this writing is.”“Let me see,” demanded Sophie. She had never seen this journal before and the fact that the Great Wizard had taken such action to give it to Faiz must mean something. Faiz handed Sophie the journal and she flipped through it.“I can’t make any sense of this either; this is some kind of writing, some use of symbols that I’ve never seen before.”“What does that mean?” asked Sam.“I’m not sure,” Sophie stated looking upon the Great Wizard to see if he’d give any kind of sign. He sat there motionless like before, oblivious to everything that was going on.“Is there anyone here who might be able to decipher this?” questioned Brian trying to come up with some kind of solution for this dilemma.“Unfortunately, there is no one here who can do such a thing. If I am unable to, then there is no one in Organizatiaz who can, but there may be someone in Librario who can,” pondered Sophie out loud, her mind already in motion thinking of how to decipher her mentor’s journal.“So, why don’t we take it to Librario?” motioned Gwen thinking that this would be the easiest solution to this problem.“You’d do that?” questioned Sophie.“Well, what else do we have to do, it’s not like we have anything better to do,” chided Sam, sarcasm dripping from his words. “But seriously, before we do anything, I think you need to tell us what happened to the Great Wizard and what the connection is with Grace.”“I suppose you are right. It all started…”***Fifteen years ago in Organizatiaz, the Great Wizard of Org was taking on students to continue his work and learn the ways of magic. He felt that a new generation of wizards would be needed to keep the lands free from evil and he even had to admit that he could not live forever. He had people from all over the world come take a test to see if they’d be worthy of studying under him. Elves, draconians, humans, dwarfs, halflings, and various other creatures came forth to Organizatiaz to take this test to find out if they’d be chosen. Everyone who undertook the trials, failed. Paul was ready to give up when a young human girl, the daughter of two servants that had come with their master (who had failed the test miserably) had ventured closer to him to get a good look at the Great Wizard and the tests that everyone had failed. She squinted her eyes and gazed upon a ball on a pedestal and the task was to pick it up. Every mage and would-be wizard tried their best, but they were all unable to move the ball even an inch. The young girl moved closer to the ball, almost as if it were calling to her. She reached out her hand about to touch it when a voice screamed.“Sophie, get away from that. You aren’t allowed to touch that!” her mother yelled as loud as she could. Sophie’s fingers were mere inches away from the ball and she couldn’t stop herself as her hand engulfed it and picked it up with one swift motion. The Great Wizard watched in wonderment as this little girl, no more than ten years of age, picked up the ball that no one else had been able to. He clapped out loud, a huge smile beaming on his face.“Congratulations, my new apprentice. The magic truly flows within you!” beamed Paul. Sophie stood there in shock, not truly realizing what she had done.“But all I did was pick up a ball!” exclaimed Sophie.“That’s the point. This ball can only be picked up by a select few, those who have the potential for great magic that you can only dream of. This ball is from the magical realm of the La’Shar. If you can grasp it, then you are truly worthy of great magic and the chance to summon magical familiars,” stated the Great Wizard. All Sophie could do was smile; she always felt like there was something special about her and now she knew why. Sophie was allowed to keep the ball as a reminder of this important day of discovery. She made sure to keep it in a pouch by her side always.Sophie’s life drastically changed and she moved into the towers of Organizatiaz with her family and began to study under the Great Wizard. Her training was rigorous and not only involved magic, but also focused on endurance, social skills and all aspects of being a Great Wizard of Org. ***A few years later…One day while walking through the streets of Organizatiaz, the Great Wizard and Sophie were discussing magical theory and various other topics. They were so absorbed in their discussion, that they didn’t notice a sly, quick footed thief making her way towards them. She struck quickly, nabbing the sack at Sophie’s side and dashed off into an alley.“Vinorf!” Sophie commanded and a series of vines sprung from the ground trapping the would-be thief dead in her tracks. Sophie and the Great Wizard walked casually over to where the thief was trapped. She was desperately trying to break free from the vines, but everytime she cut one vine, another few vines took its place. Eventually, the thief was completely bound by the vines and was unable to move.“Releason!” The vines slowly drew back into the ground. The thief, exhausted from all the energy, fell to her knees, Sophie’s sack falling to the ground. The magic ball skirted out. The thief grabbed the ball instinctly, placing it back in the bag with her last bit of energy.“Impossible! This girl was able to pick up the ball as well,” exclaimed the Great Wizard. Sophie stood motionless before grabbing the bag from the thief and placing it back on her belt, a look of wonderment on her face as well.“Young girl, who are you and why are you resorting to stealing? Do you realize what you’ve done?” asked the Great Wizard.“I steal because I have to. My parents are long gone and I have to take care of myself. I don’t have to tell you anything more!” huffed the thief still trying to recover from being bound.“Young girl, do you not realize who I am! I am the Great Wizard of Org and you just picked up a ball from the realm of La’Shar, something that only a few people in this whole world are able to do!”“There’s no way you can be the Great Wizard…it can’t be,” stuttered the thief who was now beginning to see the error in her ways as she began to recognize the Great Wizard. Everyone who lived in Organizatiaz has seen the Great Wizard at some point.“Listen, you are to come with me and Sophie, my apprentice. You will be taken care of and you will learn the ways of magic,” stated the Great Wizard more like a command than an actual sentence. “But what is your name so I know what to call you?”“My name is Grace.”***Seven years passed from that day and the two girls continued training under the Great Wizard growing up before his eyes. Both Sophie and Grace were quick learners who managed to conquer every challenge placed in front of them. Sophie excelled in elemental and defensive magic while Grace excelled in enchantments and offensive spells. The two together formed an almost unstoppable team. Some even said that together, they could even give the Great Wizard a challenge. Soon the day came when the two would make contact with La’Shar and connect with their familiars. Familiars are creatures born of great magical energy that dwell in a magical realm outside the realm of Edisonia. Some of the most powerful wizards are able to make contact with this realm and bond with a creature that stays at their side until they pass on. The Great Wizard Paul had two familiars: a giant magnificent wolf of lightning and a Pegasus, a flying horse that could fly around the world with speed unheard of and unimaginable. The Great Wizard decided that this would be the final challenge for his two protégés and once this was completed both Sophie and Grace would be full-fledged Great Wizards worthy of following in his footsteps and one day protecting the land from all who would dare harm it.“So Grace are you ready for this?” Sophie asked, a bit of nervousness in her voice.“Of course, I’m prepared. I just hope you are,” chided Grace matter of factly. Sophie continued to pace back and forth while Grace sat on the couch, her feet on an ottoman made out of slime that massaged her feet as she sat. Even though the two girls had trained for years with one another and gone through countless experiences, the two were never that close. Sophie tried to befriend Grace, but Grace would brush her attempts aside, never really allowing anyone for that matter to get close to her. However, even though the two never were the best of friends, they truly did work well with one another. The Great Wizard of Org was truly upset that his two protégés never developed a friendship; it was his greatest failure that often plagued him, but he knew that both were excellent mages and that both were wise beyond their years. So, he was reassured that his legacy was in good hands.“Okay, Sophie you’re up first,” commanded the Great Wizard. “You’ll be fine. I admit I was nervous the first time I made contact with La’Shar. It’s just like learning to swim; you have to just jump in and eventually you figure it out.”“That’s easy for you to say…and that’s a horrible simile. You start off in shallow water when swimming so you don’t drown.”“You got me there Sophie, but one thing I will say, no wizard has ever drowned in La’Shar, absorbed by the magic there, yeah, but no drowning,” joked the wizard.“How reassuring!”“Just have a seat and place your hands on the crystal orb on the table. Close your eyes and let the magic draw you in,” whispered Paul, trying to calm his pupil down with a soothing tone. Sophie placed her hands on the orb, closed her eyes and let the magic overtake her. Soon her consciousness left her body and she found herself floating in a realm of lights. Pink, blue, white, yellow and a multitude of other colors bombarded her as she continued to float. She tried to remember that she would have no control over where she’d go and she soon found herself surrounded by three distinct lights, a powdery blue, a neon pink, and a bright yellow. The lights danced around her zipping in and out like lightning bolts before stopping right in front of her eyes. Sophie focused her vision and soon made out three very unique fairies.“Hello, Sophie! We have been waiting for you!” sang the three fairies.“My name is Joanna,” the powdery blue one chirped.“And I am Alekhya,” the neon pink one quipped.“And I am Krisha,” the bright yellow one hymned.“We will be connected always and we are here to serve you no matter what!” exclaimed the three fairies. All three began to circle around Sophie once more turning into pure magical energy, magical energy that matched their colors. Without warning, the three shot themselves through Sophie completing the magical connection. Before Sophie could even react, she found herself back in the Grand Study, Great Wizard Paul looking over her.“Well, how did it go?” Paul asked.“Why don’t you see for yourself?” jeered Sophie. Instantaneously, Joanna, Alekhya and Krisha emerged out of thin air circling around the Great Wizard before landing on his shoulders, laughing the whole time.“That is truly amazing. You have three familiars and I only have two…looks like you finally beat me in something,” joked the Great Wizard. Sophie could see through his fa?ade though; he was truly proud of her and that meant so much to her.Impatient and hearing laughter Grace entered the Study seeing both Sophie and the Great Wizard laughing, three magical familiars dancing around the both of them. “Ah hem!” coughed Grace trying her best to get their attention.“Ah Grace, I see that you are ready to go through your joining ceremony,” stated the wizard trying to suppress his laughter.“Yes, I see that you were successful Sophie. Congratulations,” muttered Grace trying her best to downplay Sophie’s accomplishment.“Thank you Grace. I’m sure that you will find success too,” spurted Sophie unable to hide her excitement of her success. Having two familiars was truly rare, but to have three, well, that was a special feat indeed.Grace nodded and made her way towards the table with the orb. Sophie and her three fairies left the room; a ceremony like this required as few distractions as possible. Besides, Sophie wanted to find out more about her familiars and what they were capable of.Time continued to pass yet Sophie heard nothing. Suddenly, a piercing scream echoed through the air. Sophie and her three familiars burst through the door to see Grace passed out at the table. A magical portal of pure black energy was slowly forming over her; the Great Wizard waved his staff chanting an unknown spell that sealed the portal. He slumped over, exhausted from the ordeal.“Sophie summon the nurses to take Grace to the infirmary,” commanded Paul.“What happened?” questioned Sophie.“I don’t know. Just get the nurses.” The Great Wizard then trudged over to his chair and sat with his hands over his face. For the first time ever, Sophie saw the Great Wizard tired and defeated, yet she didn’t know why.***A few weeks passed by. Grace was still unconscious but was starting to get better. Her pale skin was beginning to get some color back and her breathing and other life functions were starting to get back to a normal pace. The Great Wizard was not seen for the next few weeks except for a quick public visit or for dinner. During those appearances, he was gaunt and tired; his eyes drooped and it looked like he hadn’t slept a wink at all. He stayed in the Grand Study working on who knows what.It wasn’t until the fifth week after the incident that Grace finally awoke, but it wasn’t the happy event that everyone thought it would be. Sophie sat by Grace’s bedside watching over her and her three familiars, Joanna, Alekhya and Krisha sang soothing hymns to give Sophie energy and to keep her hopes up. That moment, Grace’s eyes opened, but they were not the shade of brown that they used to be. They were pure black. Grace sat up, an evil grin forming on her face.“Grace, you’re awake!” Sophie exclaimed.“Sleepnois!” Grace chanted. Sophie’s eyes closed slowly. Sophie watched as her familiars fell from the air to the ground, sleeping soundly. She tried to resist the enchantment, but it totally came out of nowhere and had a newfound power backing it up, a power she ultimately was not ready for. Sophie slipped into slumber, her last image of Grace walking out the room.When Sophie finally awoke, she sprinted to the Grand Study. As she arrived, the smell of fire and ash filled her nostrils. She continued her sprint even faster, finally arriving at the door, or what was left of it. Sophie entered the chamber to find half the walls gone, books and items splattered all over the floor. There she saw the Great Wizard lying on the ground motionless.“Great Wizard!” Sophie screamed as she ran over to check on him. She turned him over so his face would be upright. He opened his eyes.“Grrraace,” he muttered before passing out.***“And that’s pretty much what happened. After that Grace was nowhere to be found and the Great Wizard, although he recovered physically was never quite the same. The castle was repaired and soon I began to search for Grace, but was never able to find much. She’d appear here and there causing some destruction and taking certain items and then would disappear. It wasn’t until the last few months that Grace has been very active,” explained Sophie.“That’s quite a tale,” Sam stated. “And I take it that you’re thinking that there might be some clue in that journal about what may have happened to Grace the day of the ceremony.”“You are very good at reading people,” commended Sophie.“Thank you! Well, we will definitely travel to Librario and see if we can decipher this journal,” stated Sam.“Of course we will!” exclaimed Brian and Gwen, almost in perfect unison.Faiz nodded, “Yes, there is reason why he gave it to me and I intend to find it!”“So it’s settled, I will send you to Librario right away. But before I do that, Brian, here is a book that may have the answers you seek. It’s the Great Wizard’s notes on the seals. I never read much of it, but it may be useful to you. And to break the curse of the Medusa, you have to take her head and just her head and bring it to your parents. That will turn them back,” explained Sophie.“Thank you so much!” cheered Brian as he took the book from her hands.“I will send you just outside of Librario. Look for the Bookworms, they will be able to help us,” stated Sophie.“Aren’t you going to come with us?” asked Gwen.“I wish that I could but I must remain here and monitor Grace’s actions. If we can figure out what she has been up to, perhaps we may have a clue.”“Understood,” said Gwen.And with that final discussion, Sophie prepared to send the group to Librario.***In a flash, the companions found themselves at the outskirts of Librario, within a few hundred yards of the fabled city.“A guy could get used to traveling like that,” joked Faiz as he dusted himself off, even though there was no dust.“Yeah, and if you did you’d put on a few too many pounds,” chided Sam, “and that wouldn’t be good for your combat training.” Faiz nodded and the rest of the companions gathered themselves and headed off towards Librario. Faiz, Brian, Sam and Gwen remained quiet for the rest of their trip, although Faiz and Gwen exchanged playful glances with one another here and there. Finally, after a couple of minutes the group reached the gates of Librario. The city was surrounded by a massive wall with only one gate as entranceway into the fabled city. Over the walls, one could glimpse various building of different sizes all with the insignia of a book on their roofs. Even the gate that led into the city was shaped as if it were a giant book.“Shouldn’t the gate be open?” questioned Brian, who always seemed to ask the right questions.“It should be. The city is usually always open to the people. Let me go check it out!” announced Sam as he ran up the wall with the quickness and agility of a jungle cat. The rest of the group watched in amazement as Sam cleared the wall in a matter of seconds.“Is he even human or is he something else?” blurted Gwen in utter amazement. She had seen many magical creatures and spells in her training, but never had she seen someone move with such grace and skill.“He’s human alright…trained for a long time to develop those skills to avenge his lost love,” answered Faiz as he looked straight at Gwen before shooting his eyes downward when her gaze matched his own.“In any sense, I guess we should find out soon, what Sam found out,” voiced Brian, as he gently touched the seal on his head which was starting to glow ever so faintly.“Hey Brian, your seal is starting to glow,” noted Faiz, “is everything alright?”“Yeah, it just tingles a little, but other than that it’s nothing.”“I’ve certainly gotten myself into a group of rather peculiar people,” chuckled Gwen as both Faiz and Brian laughed along with her. A creaking sound arose from the gate as it slowly opened, Sam standing right in the opening of the gate. He motioned the rest of the group to come through and the companions studied the city. Everything was quiet. There was not one person on the streets. All the houses and buildings were lifeless; the whole city in fact was lifeless.“This is certainly odd,” indicated Gwen.“Yes, this is quite odd indeed,” continued Sam. “When I scaled the wall and surveyed the city, something didn’t seem quite right. The only building that had any light coming from it was the main library at the center of this place.”“Should we go and check it out?” suggested Brian.“I think that would be the idea. But I do have a bad feeling about this,” mumbled Sam as the group made their trek towards the main library. They walked in silence, their hands on their weapons, ready to draw them should the need arise. As they neared the library, the air grew colder nipping their skin, digging right into their bones. Darkness blanketed them as they drew even closer to the library.“Firos-lightas!” chanted Gwen as a swirling fire appeared at the top of her staff giving the group some warmth and a little more light to see as they came to the door of the great library. Faiz drew his sword and took out his shield. Gwen readied her staff with her hands and Brian grasped his axe. Sam nodded and opened the door as the four heroes entered the library. As they entered the grand chamber of the main library, the door behind them closed abruptly. The fire on Gwen’s staff faded into nothing and a slew of torches on the walls lit up in succession. The four companions frantically looked from corner to corner trying to determine what was happening.“What’s going on?” screamed Gwen. Her staff hit the ground and her body soon followed. “Ugh!” moaned Brian as his seal dimmed. His axe clanked against the ground and Brian soon fell to the ground moaning in distress.Sam fell to one knee, using his sword to keep him upright. But in only a few seconds, he fell over his sword making a loud screeching noise as it hit the ground. Faiz looked around not knowing what was happening. He ran over to Gwen holding her head upright. Her body was warm and burning up. She was sweating profusely and Faiz touched her cheek trying to wake her, but it was to no avail. He looked over to see that Brian and Sam were following the same symptoms. Brian moaned and Faiz made out the words, “Father and Mother.” Sam was twisting and turning as if he was fighting some internal battle. Faiz didn’t even have to hear Sam to know that it had something to do with Rohita, his lost love. Faiz gently laid Gwen’s head back down and stood up. He didn’t know why he was being affected by whatever was happening, but he didn’t have time to think about that. He had to do something and he had to do it quickly.“Whoever or whatever is doing this better stop this right now!” he yelled at the top of his lungs. His voice echoed throughout the hall. His friends soon stopped moaning and yelling in their unconscious state and then two sets of footsteps echoed in the room before stopping a few yards from him. Two figures emerged, but Faiz was unable to see much of anything besides their outlines.“Bravo indeed! Very few people have ever been able to resist our illusions. I must say, I am rather impressed,” a voice mocked Faiz.“Indeed brother, who would have ever thought that a mere boy would be able to resist our magic,” another voice chuckled, “although it doesn’t really matter.”“Absolutely, it doesn’t matter. He won’t be living long enough anyways,” scoffed the other figure.“Who are you? Do you work for Grace?” demanded Faiz as he readied his weapon.“Grace? Never heard of her,” chided one of the voices.“And I suppose before you die, you should at least know the names of your killers,” cackled the other voice. “I am Girish the Grim, master of illusions and the arcane!”“And I am Ved the Vicious, trickster of the gods themselves!” taunted the other brother, “and now it’s time for you to die!” The two brothers launched magical missiles, silver lights of energy that resembled arrows, towards Faiz. Faiz held up his shield blocking a few of the blasts, but some of them broke through cutting through his skin, sending him backwards. Faiz began breathing heavy, his arms and legs seeming to lose strength with each passing second.“Ah, I see our friend is growing a bit weak,” Girish noted, a sinister smile forming on his face.“Indeed, if only he would have realized that every arrow that strikes him, no matter how small the cut, saps his energy,” boasted Ved as he laughed out loud, his laugh sending shivers down Faiz’s spine. Faiz charged at the duo with what strength he had left, but again more magical missiles formed from their fingers and flew towards Faiz, faster, much faster than before. These blasts continued nicking his skin and soon he found himself on one knee supporting himself with his shield before falling to the ground from sheer exhaustion. As he fell, the journal the Great Wizard Paul had given him slipped out of his knapsack and fell before his eyes, before flipping to the last page. As Faiz’s eyes began to close, he glanced at the words on the page. These words appeared clear and with his last bit of energy he muttered the incantation on the page, “Un Himanuth Fe Lightnina Koo, Matius Fung Wingas Qoup, Appearaio.” A shining golden light filled the room blinding Faiz and the two brothers, Girish and Ved. The light was piercing and spectacular and when it finally disappeared, a small yorkie and a goat stood in the middle of the room in front of Faiz.“Himanshu, Matthew,” mumbled Faiz.“Hey kid, long time no see,” quipped Himanshu.“Did you miss us?” joked Matthew.Faiz stared at his two friends wondering how in the world they got here. “What are you doing here?” asked Faiz with his last ounce of energy before succumbing to sheer exhaustion and passing out.“Taking care of you kid,” growled Himanshu.“I take it the seal is off of us now,” boomed Matthew.“I believe that it is now Matthew.” Matthew grinned and Himanshu soon followed.Girish and Ved stood there during this event, baffled by the magical light and the appearance of a yorkie and a goat and then laughed hysterically at the obscurity of a talking dog and goat.“Seriously, a talking dog and goat! That’s the best that you have, ha ha ha!” exclaimed Girish.“What are they going to do, lick us to death!” joshed Ved laughing so hard that he almost fell over. “I think I feel like dog tonight. They say there’s a lot of protein there!”“As long as I get the goat. I feel like making myself a goat burger!” mocked Girish.Himanshu and Matthew looked at one another and then magic filled the room, a pure wave of raw magical energy that blew Girish and Ved back against the wall. Lightning bounced off the walls before merging with Himanshu. He grew larger and larger, the lighting synching with his skin, tiny bolts dancing around his body. A tiny tornado covered Matthew before dissipating revealing a majestic horse with wings, massive horns and gusts of wind-clouds covering his hooves.“It’s been a long time since we’ve been able to unleash our true forms!” boasted Matthew.“It certainly has been and what do you know. We have some toys to play with,” joked Himanshu as both he and Matthew turned their attention towards Girish and Ved who were just getting to their feet.The two brothers launched magical missiles towards Himanshu and Matthew. Himanshu opened his mouth shooting out lightning bolts that blasted through the projectiles turning them to smoke. Matthew flapped his wings as a mini-tornado formed gathering up the rest of the magical missiles and sent them back towards their attackers. The missiles cut through Ved and Girish as both screamed out in pain. Never before had one of their attacks been redirected back at them.Girish fell to his knees as Ved ran with all his remaining strength towards the door. Himanshu galloped towards him, cutting him off from his escape, firing one giant lightning bolt at Ved which hit him square in the chest. His skin smoked as the lighting traveled through his body, cooking his insides killing him in an instant. His charred body fell to the floor, the smell of cooked flesh filling the air.“I think you overdid there,” chided Matthew.“Well, it has been awhile since I’ve been able to let loose,” stated Himanshu.As the two were bantering back and forth, Girish took the opportunity to make his way towards an unconscious Faiz and picked him up, holding a knife to his throat.“Listen, I don’t know what you are and I don’t care. I don’t want to end up like my brother over there. So if you value this kid’s life, I suggest you get out of my way and let me through,” grunted Girish, who could barely stand on his own.“Whatever you say,” grumbled Matthew. In an instant, Matthew disappeared from sight only to reappear behind Girish laying a swift kick to the back of his head sending him flying into a stone wall. He landed with a thud on the ground and stayed there unmoving. “And you’re the one telling me I overdid it,” voiced Himanshu, “that kick of yours killed him before he even hit the wall.”“Well, he shouldn’t have threatened the kid. Anyway, I sense a dark artifact here. Let’s take care of it,” commanded Matthew.“I sense it as well. Should we take care of the kid and his companions?”“They’re fine…they should be waking up soon,” commented Matthew.The two walked towards the door that Girish and Ved had come from, their muffled whispers barely able to be made out.“Should we tell the ki…”“Not yet…we just remain in ou…”***Sam, Brian and Gwen soon awoke, groggy and worn out from their ordeals.“What happened?” asked Brian, rubbing his eyes and then scratching his chin.“I think we were dealing with an illusion, a powerful illusion that had us dealing with dark memories,” stated Sam grimly.“Where’s Faiz?” Gwen asked as her eyes scanned the room looking for him. His body lay motionless and she ran over to him, kneeling beside him and placed his head on her lap. Her fingers grazed his face and soon his eyes opened.“Where are Himanshu and Matthew?” Faiz blurted out loud.“What do you mean?” questioned Gwen. She looked around the room and saw a charred and smoking body along with another body near the wall. “You don’t mean those two?”Faiz straightened himself and looked at the two bodies of his attackers. He nodded his head and explained to the group about what happened.***“So, you’re telling me that those two attacked you. And that as you were about to be killed, you read a page from the journal and then your two friends appeared,” uttered Sam, his head shaking in sheer disbelief.“Yeah, that’s what happened. But where are my friends?” asked Faiz. And on cue, the pitter patter of little yorkie feet and the clip clap of goat hooves entered the chamber along with some slithering sounds.“Ah Faiz, I see that you are awake,” barked Himanshu who ran towards him, licking him on his face.“It’s good to see you again,” cheered Matthew who galloped towards him as well, nudging his head with his own.“So, what happened? How did you guys get here?” asked Faiz.Himanshu and Matthew looked at one another and told Faiz about how they just teleported there and how the two villains had turned on one another fighting over some artifact or something and how they ended up killing one another. They talked about how they found the artifact and destroyed it which freed the inhabitants of Librario from a nether-plane. The companions nodded, although Sam continued to eye the two storytellers a bit more than the others. Something didn’t add up, but he didn’t want to ruin such a moment between Faiz and his two friends.After the two finished their tale, five figures that had been standing at the door the whole time finally slithered their way towards the group. Their bodies appeared soft and squishy and they looked like giant worms, giant book worms to be exact. As they came closer, each one had a feature that distinguished them from the rest.“Thank you for coming to save us,” the worms chanted in unison, “for we owe you many thanks for destroying the artifact and freeing us and the people of Librario from the nether region.”“I am Sai the Sagacious,” stated a worm with poofy hair that resembled a mushroom.“And I am Aris the Articulate,” announced a worm with a large hooped nose ring.“You can call me, Sanjna the Swift-minded,” chattered a worm with long brown hair that came down to the floor.“My name is Stephen the Sharp-witted,” noted a worm wearing a huge clock necklace.“Which leaves me, Lingxiao the Leader,” boasted a worm with a long white beard and glasses, “we are in your debt. If there is anything that you need, we’d be glad to assist you.”“You’re actually worms!” exclaimed Faiz and Brian in unison, their eyes widening as they glanced at the five book worms.“What were you expecting with a name like book worms?” chided Sanjna, the swiftest of the five.“My apologies for my young companions and their poor taste in manners,” stated Sam, bowing to the five book worms. “I’m glad that you and your people were rescued and we do in fact have need of your help.”Sam explained everything that had been happening so far and the book worms all looked at one another once the story was concluded.“The Great Wizard has been hit with a great enchantment indeed. Who would have thought that a man of his power and prestige would be in such a state? I remember when we challenged him to a reading contest and he arrogantly boasted that he could out-read the five of us in one day. Little did we know that he cloned himself a thousand times and beat us soundly,” sputtered Lingxiao, his respect and admiration oozing with every word.“In any sense, let us see this book that he gave you. Faiz, is it?” articulated Aris. Faiz handed Aris the book and the five worms slithered over to a table and begin perusing through it. The companions watched as the worms fervently looked through the pages on the journal, shaking and nodding their heads and flailing their arms at various points.“Do you think they know how to read it?” asked Gwen.“I don’t know. It looks like they are making some progress, but the looks on their faces doesn’t seem to support that they know much at all,” acknowledged Sam, who was studying the book worms intently. Faiz sat on the ground, still exhausted from his ordeal, Matthew and Himanshu snuggling up by his side, beginning to fall to fits of slumber. Gwen nestled up next to Faiz as well, her eyes beginning to close as he wrapped his arm around her shoulders. Brian sat down as well, opening the book that Sophie had given to him about the seals.After some time, the five book worms made their way over to the companions. The heroes jumped to their feet, anxious of any news about the journal and what secrets it may possess.“So, what does it say?” blurted out Faiz before the book worms could even get a word out.“I’m glad to see you are so excited, but I would curtail any enthusiasm about this matter,” quipped Stephen.“Yes, it is quite unfortunate, but we were not able to decipher a single page, besides the page that you were able to read, Young Faiz,” stated Sai.“It is our belief, that this journal is under an enchantment and can be read only by the one who was given the journal,” informed Aris.“And that it will be revealed to the bearer of the journal as he gets stronger,” said Sanjna.“We are sorry that we couldn’t be much help here, but it seems that the Great Wizard wants you to read it when you are ready. However, it does seem that when you’re under extreme stress, pages of the journal may be able to be read,” explained Lingxiao.“So now what do we do?” asked Brian.“Well, if we may make a suggestion. We were discussing that you could travel to the Mountains of Woe and undertake the Trial of Champions. Perhaps completing that trial will allow Faiz to unlock more of the pages of the journal,” said Stephen.“The Mountains of Woe!” exclaimed Sam, shaking his head in disbelief. “I don’t know if that’s even possible. The trip to get there goes through an encampment of orcs and other vile creatures. On top of that climbing the mountain is supposed to be near impossible!”“That’s why it’s a suggestion,” pointed out Lingxiao.“Maybe we could have Sophie teleport us or something,” replied Brian.“Yeah, that’d make it a lot easier,” proclaimed Gwen.“No!” Faiz fumed, “this is something that I need to do and if I’m going to get stronger and be able to read the journal, then we need to do this, the hard way!”“I never would have thought that you’d ever be up for something like that,” admitted Sam. “It won’t be easy at all, but if that’s what you want to do, then so be it.”The book worms all nodded to one another in agreement. “Well, tonight you all can stay in our guest rooms and then we’ll give you whatever supplies that you need for the journey ahead.”“Thank you, that would be most gracious,” noted Sam. The book worms guided the companions each to a room where they rested for the night.***“So, what have you guys been up to?” asked Faiz as plopped himself on the bed next to Himanshu and Matthew, who were finding a spot on the bed to sleep.“We were just watching our home while you were gone,” replied Matthew.“It seems you’ve been up to a lot while you’ve been away,” implied Himanshu, a little grin forming on his face. “Seems like you made yourself a girlfriend!”“Shut up Himanshu!” threatened Faiz as he flung a pillow at Himanshu. Matthew poked his head into Faiz’s chest and three friends wrestled with one another, reliving old times that they had at the farm. After a few playful bouts of wrestling, Faiz explained everything that had happened to him. Matthew and Himanshu listened intently. Soon, Faiz was fast asleep with both Himanshu and Matthew close by.“The kid has been through a lot, hasn’t he?” questioned Himanshu.“Yeah, he certainly has. Well, we’re here to help him out now,” expressed Matthew.“Of course, but I don’t know how long we can hide our true forms.”“I know, the Great Wizard instructed us to watch over the lad and never reveal ourselves unless it was a dire emergency. And with everything that has been happening, I think a dire emergency may happen sooner than later,” confided Matthew.“I think you’re right. Hopefully, when we do, it’ll be when he’s truly ready,” whispered Himanshu as he laid his head on Faiz, closing his eyes to let slumber take him.***Morning soon arrived and the heroes prepared themselves getting the supplies that they needed for the journey. The people of Librario stood outside the Great Library and all along the streets cheering and thanking the heroes for rescuing them from the vile clutches of Ved and Girish. Faiz, Brian and Gwen beamed with pride as they walked along the streets towards the entrance. Sam continued his pace, acknowledging the peoples’ accolades, but showed little emotion towards them. His focus was on the task at hand, The Mountains of Woe and how they would get there in one piece.At the entrance, Sai, Aris, Sanjna, Stephen and Lingxiao awaited the companions to give them one final farewell and wish them luck on their way.“Thank you again, great heroes! You will always be welcome back in Librario,” expressed Sai.“Again, we are sorry that we were not much help to you with the journal. Hopefully, you will be able to find more answers along your journey,” reassured Aris.“It’s no problem at all,” assured Faiz, “it gives Sam more reason to train us even harder.” Faiz looked over at Sam, giving his a wink.Sam couldn’t hide a faint smile at the thought of more combat training and the fact that Faiz was actually welcoming it, or at least seemed to be. He wouldn’t after Sam got through with him.“Well, again we wish you much luck on your journey,” emphasized Sanjna.“Yes, you will need it. The Mountains of Woe aren’t any joke. I wish, we could tell you what the trials are exactly, but even we don’t know,” warned Stephen.“That’s okay, whatever it is, we’ll handle it,” assured Brian, his voice filled with confidence.“And now you have us with you!” boasted Matthew. Most of the companions laughed at Matthew’s joke along with the book worms.“Excellent! Well, you will forever be in our thoughts and prayers,” proclaimed Lingxiao. The companions nodded and soon made their way through the gates and on route to the Mountains of Woe.“So, was it wise sending them there?” asked Sanjna.“It’s what the Great Wizard wanted,” noted Aris.“Yes, but shouldn’t we have told them that?” questioned Sai.“It was the only bit of text that we could decipher,” quipped Stephen.“Sometimes in life, you need to be pointed in the right direction. You don’t always need to know why that is the direction you must travel. Faiz and the rest of the group must figure that out for themselves. It seems Fate has something in store for them,” lectured Lingxiao. And with his final thought, the book worms slithered back to their library.***The companions had traveled for hours along the forestry terrain following a path that used to be commonly used as a trade route with Librario. Birds and other forest creatures roamed the landscape, making their presence known with various animal sounds and ruffles from the bushes.“The animals certainly seem to be rather pleasant around here,” commented Gwen as a bird landed on her shoulder.“I’d say they must like the company,” mused Faiz as his eyes met Gwen’s. Her face grew an ashen red.“Or maybe it’s that our food packs are so tempting,” commented Brian, who was unaware of the flirting Faiz was trying to employ. Himanshu and Matthew giggled amongst themselves at Faiz’s expense.“Yeah, that must be it,” grumbled Faiz, shooting Brian a glance. Brian shook his head, smirking at his mistake. He had been traveling with Faiz for a long time now and was truly happy that he found such a friend. Brian never made many friends along his travels, but Faiz seemed more than just a friend, he was like a brother to him. “I’m sorry,” mouthed Brian to Faiz. Faiz formed a slight smile.“It’s okay,” whispered Faiz, for he too, was happy that he met Brian along this journey.“Stop!” commanded Sam who was leading the group. Everyone stopped dead in their tracks.“What’s going on?” asked Gwen, who instinctly grabbed her staff. Brian and Faiz also placed their hands on their weapons, ready to pull them out at a moment’s notice. Himanshu and Matthew hid behind Faiz for the time being.“There is someone or something following us,” explained Sam. “Come out now!” he commanded. The rest of the group took out their weapons and stood poised, ready to strike at whatever was following them.From the right side of the path, the bushes rustled and soon parted revealing a bird-like girl, an Aeroian to be exact. Her wings were an earthy color and matched her brown hair which came down to her shoulders. Her eyes were a piercing blue and matched her armor perfectly. Giant wings were etched into her shoulder pads and a mace was slung at her side. She looked exactly like a human except for the giant wings that extended out of her back.“Who are you? And why are you following us?” demanded Sam, breathing a sigh of relief at the sight of an Aeroian, a race that was generally on the good side.“You don’t remember who I am! You saved me from a giant boar, Sam!” announced the girl as she embraced Sam in a hug before he could even react. Sam pushed her away, brushing himself off, embarrassed that he was not able to defend himself better from this assault. The rest of the companions tried to stifle a laugh, not used to seeing Sam in such a state.“I’ve saved a lot of people in the day, so you’ll have to excuse my memory. And that still doesn’t explain why you were following us,” noted Sam, studying the Aeroian keenly.“How can you not remember me? I’m Winnie, your betrothed!”Faiz’s mouth dropped in disbelief. Brian and Gwen stood there dumfounded. Even Himanshu and Matthew did a double-take when this bombshell was revealed.“Oh no, not you!” uttered Sam, realizing exactly who Winnie was.“Sam, I didn’t know you had two different brides,” joked Faiz, not believing that the stoic Sam was actually somewhat flustered by all of this.“She is not my betrothed!” exclaimed Sam.“How can you say such things my love! Ever since you saved me, it was destined by Aeroian custom, that he who saves you from distress is your love forever more,” quoted Winnie with the utmost conviction.“I saved you from a boar. That’s all I did. I’m beginning to regret that decision. Do you know how long it took to get away from you?”“Our love brought us together! I was visiting Librario when those two goons attacked and captured everyone. And when I saw you leaving, I knew destiny had brought us back together!” avowed Winnie, oblivious to Sam’s actual feelings.“Aren’t you going to introduce us?” chided Faiz. Winnie finally turned her attention to the rest of the group and gave them all a passing glance before reverting her gaze back to Sam.“You are going to get your butt kicked in our next training session for that horrible sense of humor of yours, Faiz,” grunted Sam.“Hello, Winnie, I’m Gwen,” she stated as she extended her hand towards Winnie trying to calm the situation somewhat. Winnie shook her hand and Gwen introduced her to the rest of the group.“What a cute group you have here Sam. I’ll fit in perfectly!” pronounced Winnie.“What!!!” exclaimed Sam, “there is no way that you are coming with us and there is no way that we are betrothed, destined or whatever you want to call it!”“How can you say such things my love? It was destiny the first time we met. I remember that day so fondly…”***“Winnie, it’s time to go and gather supplies in the forest!” screamed her father while she lay in bed, day-dreaming about a prince coming to rescue her from her mundane life. Winnie was completely oblivious to her father’s yelling and continued the fantasy in her mind.“Are you even listening to me? I swear you drive me crazy like your mother did,” uttered Adithya as he stood by her door, “but you’re still my daughter and I love you. Now get up, you have chores to complete.”Winnie finally broke out of her daze. “What were you saying dad?” asked Winnie still rubbing her eyes trying to bring the fantasy back to her mind.“Ugh when will you ever get that fantasy out of your mind? You know that you are betrothed to Jeffrey, our elder’s oldest son,” muttered Adithya, frustration dripped with every one of his words. But it didn’t seem to be frustration with her.“Why do I have to marry that oaf? He can’t even tie his own boots!” argued Winnie. “How I wish someone would rescue me from some danger, so that he could be my betrothed, like you did for mom?”Adithya looked at his daughter, pain tearing at his insides like a dull knife scrapping against his skin. He knew that Jeffrey was not the right match for his daughter and he would argue against it, but the village elder decreed that Winnie and Jeffrey were to be joined in holy matrimony. And when the elder makes an edict like that, the rest of the village had to choice but to listen.“I wish someone, anyone would come and save you like I did for your mother, Monica. May her spirit rest in peace,” sobbed Adithya as he sat next to his daughter on her bed.“I wish mom was here too,” admitted Winnie, tears falling from her eyes.“Me too,” whispered Adithya as he held his daughter close trying to suppress any more tears. “Who knows? Maybe someone will save you and rescue you from all this,” joked Adithya trying to get his daughter to smile.“Yeah, if someone were to save me from danger, well, they’d be saving me not only from that, but from Jeffrey as well,” affirmed Winnie, wiping the tears from her eyes. “Well, get dressed. I’ll make you some breakfast and then we can do our work for the day,” stated Adithya and he got up to get things started. Winnie wiped her eyes one more time and rose from bed. Her father could get on her nerves sometimes, but she knew he meant well. And she knew that if he could do anything to stop this wedding that he would have.After a fine breakfast of some roasted egg whites and toast, Adithya and Winnie went about their daily chores, which in this village meant hunting and gathering for food. Adithya was one of the finest hunters/warriors in the village and would always bring back a fresh catch. In fact, it was during one of his routine hunting trips that he met Monica. She had been gathering fresh herbs and plants when she wandered away from the main group totally unaware that she was lost. Suddenly, a wild boar came out of nowhere and attacked her. If it wasn’t for Adithya, she would have been a goner. And since it’s Aeroian custom that one is betrothed to the person who saved them, Monica was forever to be with Adithya.As Adithya and Winnie set about to do their daily jobs, a certain young man stumbled his way over to them.“Hello Winnie. I’ve decided to accompany you on your gathering today so we both can have some alone time,” cooed Jeffrey, drool coming out of the creases of his mouth.“Lucky me,” uttered Winnie already knowing that she wouldn’t be able to get out of this. Jeffrey was the elder’s son, and pretty much did whatever he wanted to. And since his father ran things, he made sure to get his way. “I know; you certainly are rather lucky indeed,” slurred Jeffrey as he eyed up Winnie.“Well, let’s get this over with. Goodbye father; I will see you soon,” noted Winnie as she waved goodbye and made her way into the forest with Jeffrey who followed right behind her. Adithya looked on, shook his head and readied his hunting gear. Adithya looked up into the sky.“Oh Monica, if you are listening to me and if you could just help your daughter out. If you could send a good-minded soul your daughter’s way to save her from this, I will finally give up drinking ale. I know how you always hated when I had a swig or two…please help out our Winnie if you can,” vowed Adithya as he ventured forth into the forest.Winnie and Jeffrey traveled through the forest looking for herbs, well at least Winnie was. Jeffrey just stood there staring at Winnie while she picked the various herbs that were needed. She fought the urge to say something mean his way knowing that he would talk back to her and that was something she had no wish to have. Perhaps if Jeffrey was just a normal Aeroian in the village, he would have been alright, but being the elder’s son spoiled him and made him arrogant and misguided. Unfortunately, this was not a world of ‘what-if’s’ and Winnie was faced with the daunting realization that Jeffrey would be her husband in the foreseeable future.“I could watch you work all day,” stated Jeffrey as he twirled a twig in his hands. Winnie bit her lip and continued picking herbs. Jeffrey, getting frustrated that Winnie wasn’t talking to him, threw the stick into the bushes ahead. “You’ll learn to answer me soon enough, when we are finally wed.”Winnie brought her hand to her forehead and turned around to face Jeffrey, ready to let him have a piece of her mind. She may have to be stuck with him, but she wasn’t going to let him bully her into submission. As she was about to speak, a loud thunderous roar echoed from the bushes where Jeffrey had thrown his stick.“RRRRGGGHHH!” bellowed a huge boar with tusks as sharp as blades. Its eyes were a bright red, its fangs dripped with blood, and its coat of brown fur was matted and dirty. The boar peered at the two, pure primal rage in its eyes. Winnie stiffened up, paralyzed with fear. Jeffrey took one look at the boar and ran in the direction of the village, not paying his future bride any attention or consideration.Winnie was too scared to even curse Jeffrey’s name as he ran off with his tail between his legs. The boar kicked his back legs and charged at Winnie. It got closer and closer, close enough for Winnie to smell the blood from its breath. Winnie closed her eyes. She knew she would be with her mother, Monica soon.“Rrrrgghh!” the creature echoed, but it was not the same vicious cry that it had mustered earlier. This was a cry of pain and fear. Winnie opened her eyes. A sword was impaled in the boar’s spine; it twitched with a few spastic moves of its legs before stopping altogether, dead.A muscular man with tattoos peering out of his cloak retrieved the sword wiping off the boar’s blood on his pant legs.“Are you okay?” he asked. Winnie sat there dumfounded, not even appearing to breath. The man turned around and Winnie fainted from the sheer shock of the whole experience.“Great, just what I needed. Well, her village doesn’t seem too far off and it’d be a shame to let another beast get this meat. It shouldn’t be too hard to carry the both of them back,” the man said to himself as he scooped up both the dead boar and Winnie between his arms and made his trek towards the Aeroian village.***Winnie awoke much later in her bed to voices downstairs from the kitchen. She felt much too tired to make the trip down the stairs, but she strained her ears to pick up what was being said. She recognized her father’s and the elder’s voice, but it was the third voice that intrigued her.“Thank you Sam, for saving my daughter. If there is anything at all that I can do to repay you, just tell me and it’ll be yours,” Adithya stated.“Ah Sam, what a nice, strong name,” Winnie thought out loud to herself.“No need to thank me. I just happened to be there at the right time. But there is one thing you can help me with. Have you heard of Konark the Ogre?” asked Sam.“I’m sorry to say that we haven’t heard of him. Why do you ask?” questioned the village elder.“No reason…just looking for him, that’s all,” retorted Sam coldly.“Well, again, thank you for saving Winnie. Adithya, I’m thinking we need to get her wedding with Jeffrey done as soon as possible,” proclaimed the elder. Winnie shot up out of her bed, a determination had filled her giving her energy to stand up and beam down the stairs before her father could even respond.“Wait! He saved me while your cowardly son ran away. By custom, he is the one I’m betrothed to!” exclaimed Winnie barely catching her breath.“But he is not an Aeroian,” replied the elder.“It is not written that one has to be an Aeroian,” debated Adithya, who now had a way of getting his daughter out of the mess of marrying Jeffrey. The elder sat there speechless, totally at a loss for words. He knew there was no way to argue against this.“I suppose you are right Adithya. Oh, how Jeffrey will be so disappointed,” muttered the elder as he got up from the table and made his way to the door. “Good night,” he added and left the house.Sam sat there the whole time not paying attention, not realizing the impact of what had just happened. Adithya beamed, looking up towards the sky and Winnie finally looked at Sam, her betrothed. Sam was a human, but was rather striking for a human. His features were dark and his eyes were piercing. The scars and tattoos that were visible drew Winnie in even more. He was much older than she was, but he didn’t look it at all. Winnie grinned inwardly that luck was now on her side. “Well, I must be going. I have things to do,” declared Sam.“Of course, thank you again. Good luck with whatever it is that you are looking for,” Adithya related. Sam nodded and waved towards Winnie before exiting the door. Winnie stood there speechless. She wanted to say so much to Sam but he was gone before she even knew it.“This is wonderful. You don’t have to get married to Jeffrey anymore. You are free. I guess your mother came through!” proclaimed Adithya.“What do you mean father? Sam is my betrothed and he just walked out the door. I have to find him,” urged Winnie.“No you don’t. He isn’t Aeroian. You don’t have to marry him.”“But our customs…no he is the one for me. It was destiny just like with you and mom. I don’t care that he isn’t Aeroian. He is the one meant for me!” declared Winnie as she ran to her room. Adithya shook his head and looked up towards the sky once more.“Well, Monica I guess this is a lot better than Jeffrey. And I guess it’ll be no more ale for me,” confided Adithya as he made his way towards bed.Winnie soon left the village trying to find Sam. She would find him here and there declaring her love for him. Everytime, Sam would shake his head telling her that he wasn’t the one. After the last time, Winnie decided to train her fighting abilities. Perhaps, if Sam could see how strong she became that he would finally see that she was the one for him.***“So, I’m more than elated to find you again. I’ve been training myself so you’ll see that I’m worthy,” pointed out Winnie as she took the mace from her belt and swung it in an intricate circular pattern. The rest of the companions watched as Winnie displayed her weapon skills. Her movements were like a dance and she moved the mace so fast that it was hard to even see more than a blur. Sam, was impressed with how fast Winnie worked her weapon, but tried hard to refrain from showing any sign of that.“Look, I’m glad that you have been bettering yourself, but I have to tell you, that I will never be your betrothed. There are plenty of other guys out there for you. Take Brian over there,” noted Sam as he pointed over to Brian, who looked up at the mention of his name.“But it’s destiny, we are…” uttered Winnie. “RRRRRGGGGHHHHH!” stormed a loud monstrous voice that echoed through the companion’s ears. “There you are! You’re the confounded creature that landed on my head and woke me from my slumber,” threatened the treant, a creature that was a living and moving tree that was known for fits of rage.“I’m sorry. I didn’t know. I was just resting from a long flight,” stressed Winnie.“I don’t care what your reason was. No creature ever lands on Riya the Ringwood and lives to tell about it. And since I’m awake now, I’m rather famished. I see that I have a nice buffet to choose from. Ha ha ha! And that one over there looks mighty tasty,” she pointed towards Sam, revealing her sharp teeth and slithering tongue.Before Riya could even make a movement, Winnie glided through the air like a lightning bolt, moving so fast that no one could even see her except for Sam, who was able to see a slight blur. Winnie wailed at Riya with blow after blow from her mace. In a matter of seconds, Riya was backtracking trying to shield herself from Winnie’s hailstorm of strikes.“How is she moving so fast?” asked Brian trying his best to see what was happening. Faiz and Gwen squinted their eyes but were unable to see a thing. The three were beginning to grab their weapons ready to help out.“Steady your hands,” commanded Sam, “there is no need to intervene. She has this pretty much taken care of.” The companions relaxed their grips on their weapons. Winnie continued to flail away on Riya with speed unheard of. Finally, Winnie relaxed her attack and flew a few yards away from Riya. Riya gathered herself, opened her mouth and released a dark blast towards Winnie that moved like lightning. Brian, Faiz and Gwen clenched their jaws, fearing the worse. Sam stood there motionless. Winnie darted out of the way at the last second, flying towards Riya, flying right through the great treant, leaving a gaping hole in Riya’s torso. Riya fell, sending shockwaves through the ground. She took her last breath and then closed her eyes for the last time. Winnie landed next to Riya, exhausted from the battle that she just fought.“That was amazing!” Gwen exclaimed. “I think you move even faster than Sam.”“Thank you Gwen,” Winnie blurted out trying to catch her breath. “I think she will fit in with us quite nicely,” began Brian. “Having eyes in the sky can’t hurt either.”Sam nodded in agreement but knew that this was going to be more than he bargained for. “Alright, Winnie, you can come with us. But if you mention anything more about betrothed, then we’re leaving you.”“Whatever you say my lov…I mean Sam,” avowed Winnie who was blushing a bright red.“This keeps getting more and more interesting,” narrated Himanshu.“It certainly does…ha ha,” laughed Matthew.“Should we set up camp for the night?” asked Faiz.“I suppose we should. We’ll get started back on our journey first thing in the morning,” replied Sam. And with that, the heroes set up their camp and slept for the night. “I’ll take the first watch.”Later that night, while on his watch…Sam stood on a tree, making sure it wasn’t a treant, to get a better view of the journey ahead. He grazed the tattoo with Rohita’s name gently with his fingers, looking up at the sky.“I know you are watching over me my love. Ever since you’ve been gone, I’ve felt empty and a shell of my former self. But traveling, especially with this group, makes me feel something again. I will never forget you. You are my strength, my everything. Please continue to watch over me and the rest of my friends. Goodnight my love,” mused Sam. Sam got back down from the tree and woke Brian so he could take the next guard shift. If they were going to get to the mountains, then Sam was going to need to get a little sleep.***Sam awoke at the crack of dawn and roused the rest of the group from their sleep except for Brian who was on guard duty.“Why didn’t you have Faiz relieve you from guard duty?” asked Sam.“I wasn’t tired. In fact I feel quite energized. I’ve been reading about the seal and it seems that it supplies me with energy to go a few days without food, water and sleep. And I’d still be able to function at full strength. I don’t want to test that too often, but I wanted to check it out,” responded Brian rapidly, not even drawing a breath in between sentences.“Yeah, I wouldn’t test that unless necessary,” agreed Sam. The rest of the group got themselves ready and soon they departed towards the direction of the Mountains of Woe. The companions walked in silence for the most part, although Winnie shot Sam a few playful glances which just left him shaking his head as he led the group onward. Brian continued to study the forest keenly, letting his curious nature take over. Gwen and Faiz walked in unison exchanging a few looks and a little bit of whispered small talk. Himanshu and Matthew trailed behind Faiz and Gwen watching their friend and nodding here and there. Sam abruptly stopped in his tracks and got on one knee close to the ground trying to examine an imprint. The rest of the group stopped, watching Sam curiously. Sam leaned his nose towards the track and inhaled a whiff, coughing a bit afterwards.“Just what I’m afraid of…Orcs!” stressed Sam as he stood up to face the rest of the group.“What’s the big deal about Orcs? We can take them. Shoot Sam, you could probably defeat a whole thousand of them by yourself,” noted Faiz.“I only fight when there is no other choice. And one can only do so much against so many. Besides, you knucklehead, there aren’t a thousand orcs around here. Based on this imprint along with what I know, I’d say there is probably a hundred thousand orcs in an encampment a few miles from here.”“So, why don’t we just go around them then?” asked Gwen.“That won’t be easy with the terrain around here. Swamps and bogs surround the main path, the plains that we need to go through. We won’t be able to get through that on foot very well,” indicated Winnie.“She’s right. Unless we can fly like her, we’re going to have a very rough trip on our hands,” explained Sam. “I didn’t think there would be this many orcs around now.”“Well, I guess we’re going to have to tough it out and move through a swamp,” stated Brian.“I guess you’re right,” responded Sam, “I guess you’re right indeed. Well, there’s no sense in wasting time just standing here. Let’s get moving.”The group continued their journey, but now veered due west towards the swamplands and away from the orc encampment. Little did they know a few pairs of beady eyes watched them from the trees above.***After a few hours of traveling, the companions finally made it through the forest and were at the edge of the swamp. They were going to have to trudge through some thick swamp land, boggy and murky water up to their knees. Himanshu would have to be carried by Faiz through these watery parts because he was much too small to walk through the water. Plus, yorkie fur is a pain in the butt to clean.Dead and decaying tree branches littered the murky waters. The heroes couldn’t even see their reflection in the blackish water. Their boots and pant legs were splattered with mud, yet they moved on. The sun barely shone through the trees above; the trees formed a blanket that kept out most of the sunlight, but enough was able to shine through for them to see their way. When the evening came, the group would find a place to set up camp along drier land so they could build a fire and dry off. Walking through the swamp sapped the companions of energy and made them rather glum and quiet as they continued their trek.Soon night came and the group decided to set up camp in a dry area, starting a fire and taking off their boots so they could dry off. They would never be as clean as they once were though from the splattering of mud and grime all over them. The group huddled around the fire. Himanshu and Matthew snuggled up next to Faiz and Gwen. Sam stood by the fire looking out ahead. Brian sat down on his backpack with his book in his lap. Winnie sat down trying to clean off her wings from all the mud that accumulated on them.“This reminds me of back when I traveled around,” quipped Brian trying to make some conversation as the group sat by the fire trying to keep warm. “That must have been rough traveling all by yourself,” noted Gwen, “it must have been tough without having your parents.”“You didn’t have your parents with you?” asked Winnie curiously. Brian explained his story about how he was all alone with only the magical pair of underwear. Faiz piped in about how the two met and Brian finished the rest of the tale about how he finally met his parents, Amey and Shruti and how they were turned to stone.“That’s so tragic Brian. I’m so sorry. I lost my mother, Monica a few years ago. She died of a horrible fever,” explained Winnie, watery-eyed.“I’m sorry to hear that about your mother Winnie,” replied Brian.“Thank you Brian. I’m sure you’ll get your family back soon enough.”“I’m sure I will Winnie and for the time being, I have all of you as my family,” explained Brian. The rest of the group smiled at Brian even Sam, who tried to hide his grin. Winnie smiled as well and nodded her head.The group soon rested for the night except for Brian who took the first watch. He wanted to test his limits and since he felt no tiredness at all, he decided to let everyone sleep. Brian stood by the fire keeping his senses sharp, trying to determine any possible threat. Who knows what creatures lurk in the swamp?An hour passed yet Brian felt not an ounce of tiredness. He decided to read more about the seals. He was almost complete with his reading and found it downright fascinating. The Great Wizard apparently bestowed seven symbols to worthy individuals many years ago. Even though each seal was given, its true powers couldn’t be unlocked until certain events were met. It involved either an extreme circumstance or catalyst, such as the tragic loss of a loved one or during a fatal wound. Brian would have taken the fatal wound if it meant his parents wouldn’t be statues. Brian also found it compelling that as he grew stronger in his abilities, so does the seal’s powers. However, the powers that a seal bestows to its owners vary and depends on the bearer. All Brian knew for sure was that his body didn’t tire easily, he healed wounds at an accelerate rate and his movements and strength with an axe were at super-human levels, as he liked to think. He could only imagine what else the seal held for him and wondered what it did for his father, Amey. He wished deeply that he could ask his father all about it.As Brian pondered all of this, he failed to notice that six pairs of beady eyes peered at him and the group from the brush. Without warning, a slight buzzing sound flew towards Brian, a small dart impaling him in the neck. Brian instantly reached for his neck and touched the dart. He pulled it out and examined it briefly before looking out in the direction that it came from.Brian stood up readying his axe. He was going to yell to warn the others, but a whole slew of darts flew in his direction. Some bounced off his armor but others found their way into his flesh. Brian felt his body begin to stiffen. He tried to scream, but no sound came out of his mouth. He fell to his knees trying desperately to get the rest of the darts out of his skin. To his horror, he watched as six figures emerged from the brush firing darts at the rest of the group. The darts found their targets, and all the companions were hit and were now unmoving. Brian tried once more to arise and fight off the attackers, but he was unable to move anymore.As the six figures stood by the fire talking amongst themselves, Brian saw them to be six orcs. Never before had Brian felt so helpless. He watched as the orcs cast nets over the companions. They were going to take them somewhere, probably back to their camp. One particularly disgusting and mean-spirited orc began kicking Winnie as he started to drag her off towards the forest. Anger welled up in Brian and he felt his fingers began to tingle.“Woof woof!” barked Himanshu.“What do you think you’re doing?” demanded Matthew. Brian’s heart skipped a beat. At least Matthew and Himanshu were unaffected but what hope did these two have against six deadly orc warriors. The orcs laughed to themselves. One even began licking his chops, obviously thinking about the meal he was about to have. Brian’s arms began to tingle.“I guess we have no choice!” exclaimed Himanshu. Magical energy swirled around both Matthew and Himanshu and right before Brian and the orcs’ eyes, they both transformed into a giant wolf of lightning and a majestic Pegasus. The rest of Brian’s group still was unmoving. Brian’s shoulders and back began to tingle.The orcs stood there dumfounded at the sight of Himanshu and Matthew. One orc tried stabbing Himanshu with his sword. Himanshu dodged the clumsy blow and chomped down on the orc’s arm with his teeth. Lightning bolts surged through Himanshu’s mouth and then the orc who shook violently, smoke flowing off his body before slumping to the ground dead. Brian’s toes and legs started to tingle.Two of the orcs attempted to throw a net around Matthew, but the Pegasus was too fast for their awkward attempt. Matthew flew above their heads, sending a mini-cyclone with his wings that blasted the two orcs and their net miles into the sky and miles away from the campsite. When they finally landed, they would be nothing but mashed piles of nasty orc corpses. Brian was beginning to stir and be able to move.The other three orcs looked at one another knowing that they were surely outclassed. They decided to run away, but not before the one orc who was kicking Winnie earlier picked her up and slumped her over his back. Brian watched as Himanshu and Matthew chased after the orcs, but the one with Winnie was getting away in another direction. Energy surged through Brian, the same white light that filled him earlier, was now surrounding him. Brian stood up and without even thinking ran in the direction of the orc who had taken Winnie. His strides were stronger, faster, and more powerful than he ever knew. He ran through trees and bushes almost as if they weren’t there. Soon, he caught up to the orc with Winnie who was slowing up, unable to run very well carrying another.The orc looked back, sweat dripping down the back of his neck as Brian grew closer and closer. The orc dropped Winnie and sprinted as fast as he could away from Brian. Brian stopped and picked up Winnie laying her next to a tree. Winnie eyes were barely open. Brian stood up, looked back at Winnie and continued his pursuit of the orc.***After Himanshu and Matthew finished off the two orcs that they were chasing, they returned to the camp in their smaller forms. Everyone was beginning to stir, Sam starting to realize that something had transpired.“What happened?” asked Sam as he gathered himself and surveyed the campsite. He noticed the dead orc and the orc nets and put two and two together.“Orcs attacked you all. They fired poisonous darts that seemed to paralyze you guys. Brian fought them off,” answered Matthew.“Where are Brian and Winnie?” asked Gwen, a hint of concern in her voice.“One of the orcs ran off with Winnie in a net and Brian went after her,” replied Himanshu.“Well, based on these tracks it looks like there were six orcs. Three sets of orc tracks run off into the forest but what’s odd is there are giant animal tracks going after them along with Brian’s track going off in this direction,” stated Sam as he lifted a bit of dirt up to his nose to sniff for a scent.“Giant animals? What the heck is going on here?” exclaimed Faiz. He looked in the direction of Matthew and Himanshu who seemed to be slinking away as Sam was making his observation.“Right now Faiz, we need to focus on Brian and Winnie. Gwen you come with me. Faiz, you stay here and clean up our camp site,” commanded Sam and he and Gwen followed Brian’s tracks. Gwen lit up her staff and the two rushed through the forest following Brian. After a few minutes of scavenging through the forest, Sam noticed a body laying next a tree. Sam pointed this out to Gwen and the two made their way towards what he just saw. “Winnie!” Gwen shouted as she got closer. Winnie’s eyes began to open and she looked at Sam and Gwen.“What happened?” asked Winnie. Sam tried to explain about the orc attack and how Brian went after her. Winnie tried to follow along, but was a bit too disoriented to listen.“Gwen, take Winnie back to the camp. I see more of Brian’s tracks going in this direction. It looks like he placed Winnie here and continued his pursuit of the orc. Let Faiz know what’s going on, but wait for me to come back. I shouldn’t be too long,” noted Sam and with a flash, he continued tracking Brian. Gwen helped Winnie up and the two began walking back towards the campsite.“Gwen, was there a white light out?” asked Winnie in a daze.“I don’t think so. It may have been Brian. Faiz mentioned how Brian glows when his seal is working, so maybe it was him,” answered Gwen matter of factly.“I see,” commented Winnie, a tiny bit of uncertainty in her tone.***Sam returned to the camp much later, as dawn was in its early stages. Faiz, Winnie and Gwen sat by the fire, the campsite devoid of any orc bodies and their weapons. Faiz made sure to get rid of these. Matthew and Himanshu lay by the fire, sleeping.“Where is he?” questioned Faiz, his brow creased with concern. Gwen and Winnie awaited Sam’s answer anxiously.“I tracked him to a clearing, but that’s where things get sketchy. Brian was ambushed by orcs. I found over fifty dead orcs, but no Brian. Based on what I discovered, they captured him. I could see tracks of his being dragged away,” stated Sam glumly.“Oh no!” shrieked Gwen. “Not Brian!” Faiz shook his head, falling to the ground, pounding it with his fists. Matthew and Himanshu looked up curiously.“Wait, you said captured. Isn’t there a chance that Brian is still alive?” asked Winnie.“There’s a chance, I suppose, but it’s a real long shot,” replied Sam quivering a bit.“Then we need to go after him. He saved me from what I can tell and I owe him,” announced Winnie already getting up and springing to action.“I know. But we are never going to get to their encampment in time,” answered Sam, frustration and anger in his voice. “There’s just no way we can make it in time to save him!”“There’s a way!” suggested Himanshu. Both he and Matthew were standing up, a look of determination in their eyes. They exchanged glances and suddenly magical waves of energy enveloped the two of them. When the energy disappeared, both were in their true forms, the lightning wolf and the winged Pegasus. “We can get there in no time if you use us!” commented Matthew. The companions stood there speechless, totally perplexed by what just happened.“Wait, you’re the Great Wizard’s familiars aren’t you?” asserted Gwen.“How is this happening?” questioned Faiz, not at all sure what to make of the situation. “What is going on here?” “We are the Great Wizard’s familiars and there will be time for explanations later Faiz. Right now we have to save your friend,” commanded Himanshu.“You’re right,” quipped Faiz. “Exactly, now Faiz you and Gwen hop on Himanshu. Winnie you and I will take Matthew and head towards the orcs encampment. I’ll be damned if I let them hurt Brian!” vowed Sam. The heroes did as they were told and Himanshu sprinted through the forest following Matthew in the air above.***Within minutes the companions were at the outskirts of the Orc encampment studying the scene trying to get an idea of what kinds of numbers they were dealing with and also where Brian was being held captive.“Why can’t we just storm in there and take them all out?” scorched Faiz eyeing the encampment, anger flowing through his veins.“That would be a last resort. Listen Faiz, we need to keep our heads about this. We go rushing in there and there’s no telling what may happen to Brian or to us. One lucky spear throw or arrow from one of those blasted orcs, and we’re dead,” retorted Sam. Gwen and Winnie listened on and looked towards the camp trying to make any observation that could help.“May I make a suggestion?” began Himanshu, “Orcs are impressed by might and brawn. Maybe if we allow ourselves to be captured, we could challenge their toughest fighter and get our freedom and more importantly, Brian back.”“Yeah, in our Master’s one dealing with orcs, he challenged their greatest warrior and defeated him soundly. That orc group never bothered Organizatiaz again,” added in Matthew.“But that seems rather risky,” commented Gwen, looking at Faiz to gauge what he thought of the plan.“Well, here’s the smart part,” asserted Himanshu.“I can stay right here. If something goes wrong, I can storm in there and get you out quick,” replied Matthew, “Himanshu can go in his yorkie form. He and I are connected, so I will be able to see what he sees and know what he knows.”“You guys share a brain?” asked Winnie a bit of curiosity in her tone.“No, our Master placed an enchantment on us. If we concentrate, we can see what the other sees. It has proved very helpful in a few, should I say difficult situations,” expressed Himanshu.“It seems like the only option that we have at the moment,” notified Sam. “I guess that’s the plan.” And with that, the heroes got themselves set. Sam, Gwen, Faiz, Winnie and Himanshu in his yorkie form, ventured into the orc camp.***“Halt, who goes there?” grunted the orc guard at the entrance of the encampment, waving his spear menacingly at the group. “We are here to meet with your leader!” expressed Sam, never taking his eyes off of the guard.“Do you have a death wish or something? Why would he want to meet with you?” stressed the other guard at the entrance who held his spear right at Sam’s face. Sam moved his fingertips in direct contact with the spear’s tip, crushing the point with a single move. The orc guard jumped back, averting his gaze away from Sam.“So what exactly do you want with Samyak, our chief?” asked the other orc watching the group of travelers carefully as he lowered his spear.“We wish to barter with him for the release of a prisoner. I believe we may have something that your leader, Samyak, may be interested in,” answered Sam. The orc nodded his head.“Follow me,” commanded the guard as he led the group through the orc camp. The camp was littered with tents and other crude dwellings where the orcs lived. Little orc children ran around the main paths playing racing games. Orc women were busy doing chores. Orc men were building new dwellings, banging out armor and weapons and practicing fighting moves against straw targets.“This seems like any normal village to me,” expressed Faiz. “They are just like any race.”“Orcs a lot more civilized than goblins, I will tell you that. But, they are always thinking about expanding their lands and that is where the conflicts arise,” explained Sam.“It’s a shame. If we could just be more tactful and use diplomacy, this land would probably avoid much bloodshed,” suggested Winnie.“If only we could,” noted Sam as he shook his head. The companions continued walking until they came up to a giant, more splendid dwelling that stood out from the rest. It was massive and took up at least a few hundred yards. “It looks like the coliseum in Verbos,” noted Winnie as she gazed in wonderment at the dwelling.“What’s a coliseum?” asked Faiz. Gwen looked on as well wondering what one was too.“It’s a place where warriors fight one another,” indicated Himanshu.“Why would they want to do that?” questioned Gwen as she grabbed Faiz’s arm holding him closer to her.“It’s usually for sport or for entertainment of the crowd, but sometimes it’s to the death. Orcs are lovers of fighting and a coliseum would be right up their alley,” began Sam, “and I would venture to say that we are probably going to have to do some fighting of our own if we are going to get Brian out of here.”The heroes were brought through the main door and were led through a series of hallways that seemed to go in a circular fashion. Torches along the doors lit the way dimly. The stench of sweat and blood filled the hallways. This was a place of darkness, of destruction, of death.“I don’t like this place at all,” commented Gwen. Faiz nodded his head in agreement. The rest of the group did so as well. But they didn’t have much choice right now and had to move on.Soon the group came before a large chamber with a giant golden throne. Various wall scrolls and paintings depicting battle covered the walls. Statues of great orc warriors led up to the throne. A giant of an orc sat there as two other female orcs fed him grapes and fanned him. As the group neared the throne, a dozen or so body guards stood by the walls, poised for action. Due to the dim lighting they blended in with room, but Sam and Himanshu saw them before they even got close. The orc sitting in the throne eyed the guard that was leading this group and waved his hand. The guard and the two female orcs by his side left. The bodyguards remained; their hands relaxed their grips on their weapons.“Greetings travelers. I am Samyak, the great chief of this camp. What do I owe the pleasure of your visit?” stated the chief in perfect human tongue. Orcs usually don’t speak very well, but Samyak spoke better than most humans actually did.Sam stepped forward, “My good chief we humbly stand before you to ask for the release of one of our friends that you have captive.”“And would that be the young man with the strange seal on his forehead, the one that killed fifty of my best warriors,” snapped Samyak.“That would be the one,” answered Sam.“Why should I release him to you?” retorted Samyak, anger building in his throat.“Because we challenge your toughest warrior to combat!” responded Faiz who stood next to Sam. “And when we win, you will honor our request.”“Ha ha ha! Certainly very bold that young one is!” mused Samyak. “Alright I accept, but on one condition.”“And what would that be?” asked Sam, snapping a look at Faiz’s way that made Faiz step back.“You must fight my two champions…”“We accept!” roared Faiz, interrupting the chief. Samyak smirked at the impulsive young man and scratched his chin.“As I was saying after I was so rudely interrupted…you must fight my two champions and I will choose the member from your group to take on this challenge,” dictated Samyak, his eyes lighting up. “And when you lose, you will all be my captives. Ha ha ha!”The companions looked at one another, concern at what may happen. The guard from before came back and led the group to a waiting room, leading them in and then locking them inside. The room was sparse, littered with a few weapons, a table and some chairs.“Faiz, I could strangle you right now, but that won’t do us any good. You should have waited till he was done with his condition,” stressed Sam.“I’m sorry. I just want to find Brian and get him out of here,” professed Faiz.“I know. We all do, but we do have to be cautious about this. Now to come up with a plan,” began Sam.“He is probably going to choose Gwen to fight in the arena. Orcs have no love of elves and she is the smallest out of all of us, besides me right now,” asserted Himanshu.“What are you trying to say?” sputtered Gwen.“I didn’t mean any offense, but if I were him based on our looks, I would probably choose you,” explained Himanshu. “I’m not saying that you aren’t capable because I know that you are; it’s just that you appear to be the weakest out of all of us.”“Yeah, I’d agree,” prompted Faiz. Gwen shot him a look and stormed off to the opposite side of the room looking anywhere but at Faiz.“Why’d you say that kid?” asked Sam. “What’d I do?” faltered Faiz, looking towards Gwen with pain in his eyes. “You hurt her feelings you oaf,” lectured Winnie, “if I were you, I’d go apologize right now. If my betrothed ever said…”“Just talk to her kid,” interrupted Sam eyeing Winnie who looked down at the ground, ashamed at Sam’s admonishing look. Sam wasn’t totally angry with Winnie. He knew that she couldn’t help it. Seeing Faiz and Gwen and their relationship starting to blossom brought back memories of Rohita. Sam, took a deep breath, whispered her name to himself and sat down motioning Winnie and Himanshu to come join him.“Let’s try and give them some privacy, whatever little privacy we can give those two,” stated Sam. Himanshu lay down by Sam’s feet and Winnie sat down in a chair next to Sam thinking quietly to herself. She had a lot on her mind. Two people saved her from certain danger. One of them was sitting next to her right at this moment; the other was in an orc cell awaiting certain doom. Winnie looked at Sam, but the feelings that she had for him weren’t quite the same anymore. She didn’t want to admit it, but every passing moment, it became more and more clear to her. Sam was a noble man, the strongest man that she had ever met, but his heart would never be hers. It belonged to Rohita, and would always belong to her. And now there was Brian, a kind hearted young man that saved her. Was she betrothed to him now? The answer to that question seemed so close yet so far away from her. Faiz walked up behind Gwen wrapping her in his arms. She pushed him away slightly and then turned around to face him, tears streaming down her eyes. Gwen drew Faiz in closer, her cheek resting against his chest. Faiz held her closer.“I’m sorry Gwen. I don’t think you are weak at all. If anyone is weak here, it’s me. Sometimes my mouth gets me…”whispered Faiz, “in trouble sometimes. I don’t always think things…”“Through,” Gwen interrupted.“Yeah, but I’m thinking my words through now. I don’t want to lose you. I’ve never felt things like this before for another person.”“What are you saying Faiz?” asked Gwen looking Faiz directly in the eyes.“I’m saying that I…”“Winged girl, you’ll be the one fighting!” screeched a voice that entered the room interrupting the tender moment between Faiz and Gwen. Gwen let go of Faiz startled by the intrusion of a well-dressed orc. Sam, Himanshu and Winnie stood up.“Was I interrupting something, oh well. Winged girl, Samyak has chosen you to fight his two champions,” taunted the orc. “Now, you all come with me to the arena.”Winnie turned towards Sam, his mind already trying to deduce the reason behind this choice. It just didn’t make sense to him. He didn’t want to admit it to Gwen, but he was sure that she would be chosen. There had to be something up with Samyak’s choice. But what was it?***Sam, Faiz, Gwen and Himanshu were brought to a great balcony that overlooked the arena and found themselves with Samyak, his two female servants and his collection of bodyguards.“How do you like our view?” laughed Samyak as his servants continued fanning him. Gwen and Faiz eyed Samyak cruelly while Sam scoured the arena floor for any sign of Winnie.“I see that you are looking for your winged companion. She will be entering from the northern gate,” gloated Samyak sensing what Sam was looking for.“So, why did you choose her?” snapped Sam now meeting Samyak’s gaze.“Oh, I think the answer to that question will be answered very shortly,” indicated Samyak. Sam looked towards the arena and saw two figures emerge from the southern gate. He gasped as an Aeroian male and a slender female orc armed with arrows and a heavy crossbow entered the arena. The orc appeared to be a worthy adversary given the arrows which could shoot Winnie out of the sky. Samyak neutralized Winnie’s greatest advantage, flight. But that wasn’t the worse of it. The Aeroian would be able to attack Winnie from the sky putting her at a distinct disadvantage. Samyak had the perfect battle plan in place. “How can this be?” exclaimed Sam.“Were you expecting two orc warriors? I never said that both of my champions were orcs did I. Ha ha ha!” taunted Samyak. Sam scowled at Samyak and faced the arena.“What’s wrong Sam?” asked Faiz.“Yeah, Winnie is a great fighter. She should be able to take down those two with no problem,” added Gwen.“Winnie may be a fine warrior, but Samyak has her at a huge disadvantage. She won’t be able to fly at all,” commented Himanshu.“Correct, and there’s something about that Aeroian that unnerves me,” disclosed Sam. “This may be some trouble.” The group huddled close together waiting for Winnie to emerge from the gate and enter the arena.***Winnie stood at the gate, anxiously awaiting her opponents. She cleared her mind of all thoughts, focusing only at the task, the battle at hand. She knew that she was a fine warrior and could hold her own in any battle, even one with so much at stake. “I have to win this and save Brian. I owe him that,” muttered Winnie to herself. The chains from the gate pulled forward, opening the gate to the arena. Winnie walked through, looking up at the great balcony, finding her friends. She gave them a glance and then looked forward to her opponents who slowly walked towards her. As they drew closer Winnie stood there shocked beyond belief at her opponents.“Hello Winnie, it’s been awhile hasn’t it,” sneered Jeffrey, his hands clasped on the two daggers at his belt.“What are you doing here?” answered Winnie, who grasped the mace at her side.“Is this the ugly wench from your village that broke your heart,” asked the orc standing next to Jeffrey, grinning the whole time.“Ah my sweet Divyaa, she is from my village, but broke my heart. I think not. My heart belongs only to you,” professed Jeffrey as he blew Divyaa a kiss.“That’s just what I wanted to hear my love,” answered Divyaa catching Jeffrey’s kiss and sending one back.“What is going on here?” exclaimed Winnie, disgusted at the scene before her.“Jealous aren’t you, of what you could have had,” hissed Divyaa.“Ah Winnie, I’d tell you the story about what happened after you left the village, but I’d rather just kill you,” ranted Jeffrey grabbing his daggers and gliding towards Winnie who barely had time to defend herself, lifting her mace up to deflect Jeffrey’s blow. ***“Why is she talking to that Aeroian? Does she know him?” asked Gwen, befuddled by the scene in the arena.Sam focused his eyes studying the Aeroian in the arena. And then it hit him like a ton of bricks.“I’m afraid so. That’s Jeffrey!” answered Sam.“The Aeroian that she was supposed to get married to,” noted Faiz. “This isn’t good is it?”“Ha ha ha! I would venture to say that it isn’t good at all for your friend there,” interrupted Samyak, grinning a vindictive and malicious smile that reeked of pure evil.“Why is Jeffrey in your employ?” questioned Sam.“If your friend can somehow survive the first initial assault, maybe I’ll tell you. But, I have a feeling that this won’t last long,” vowed Samyak. “Now, I’m done talking with you. I have a bloodbath to watch.”***Jeffrey continued his assault on Winnie flinging knife swing after knife swing in her direction, utilizing both of his blades in deadly combinations. Winnie deflected blow after blow, but it was clear to her that Jeffrey was just toying with her. His combinations would be effective against most opponents, but it seemed as if he were holding back. Divyaa readied an arrow in her crossbow but was just casually watching, a sinister grin upon her lips.“Jeffrey, why are you holding back? Is that really the best you can do?” uttered Winnie as she stepped back out of Jeffrey’s attack range.“Winnie, if I used my full strength right now, you’d already be dead!” replied Jeffrey as he steadied his stance, placing his daggers back into their scabbards.“That was your mistake your overconfident fool!” grinned Winnie as she charged at Jeffrey with blinding speed. Her movements were a blur. Divyaa squinted her eyes, shaking her head in disbelief that someone could move that fast, but that disbelief soon turned into a cruel and mocking laugh.Jeffrey sidestepped the maneuver hitting Winnie with his right elbow as she glided past him. Winnie fell to the ground, sand and gravel adhering to her face. She tucked and rolled out of the way as quickly as possible, holding her mace in both of her hands. A small trickle of blood flowed out of her mouth. Winnie readied herself, but fear began to well up in the pit of her stomach. In all her training, no one had ever been able to deflect her attack that well. Sure people could avoid it, but to be able to counter it with such a devastating move and on top of that without an actual weapon, was truly something that made her think twice about attacking so recklessly.***The companions stood in the balcony at the ledge watching Winnie’s battle with Jeffrey and Divyaa intently. Sam and Himanshu watched stoically. Faiz held Gwen who could barely look down, fearful and scared at what was going on.“Himanshu, I think this is the time for you to slip out and look for Brian,” whispered Sam. Himanshu nodded and slowly left the balcony in search of Brian. Even though, the two barely said anything to one another, each had an idea of what was in mind. Sam feared that this fight may not go well and was already thinking of contingency plans just in case. Finding where Brian was located was of the utmost importance and Himanshu was the only one who could roam around the arena, roam around the orc encampment unnoticed.Samyak and his orc bodyguards continued to watch the fight below mesmerized by the scene, laughing everytime it appeared that Jeffrey had dished out punishment to Winnie. Samyak’s servants continued filling his cup with wine. The cruel orc guzzled it down before his servants were even ready to refill it.“Ha ha! This shouldn’t last long at all. I’m too smart for my own good!” boasted Samyak.“I suppose you are,” answered Sam not turning towards him; his gaze continued to be on the fight.***Winnie kept trying to keep some distance from Jeffrey, trying to regroup and come up with a plan. Everytime she would get some distance, Divyaa would fire an arrow at her feet just as a reminder that she was still there. Winnie knew that if Divyaa wanted to put that arrow in between her eyes, she could have easily.Jeffrey sliced the left blade and right blade in a cross-shaped movement releasing a blast of green energy right at Winnie. The force of the blast sent her flying towards the wall with a thump. Winnie slumped to the ground. Jeffrey glided right in front of her. Winnie looked up.“Jeffrey, why are you doing this? What about our village?” pleaded Winnie, blood trickling from her mouth.“Winnie, I suppose before I end your life I can tell you about what happened!” answered Jeffrey.***“Well, I must say that she lasted longer than I would have thought. But that may be because my champions are toying with her, ha ha ha!” exclaimed Samyak, laughing the whole time.Sam turned to face Samyak. Faiz and Gwen stood silent, hoping that Winnie could somehow get out of this predicament.“I’ll tell you what. Since, you will be my prisoners soon enough, do you want to know why I have that blasted Aeroian in my camp?” taunted Samyak. Sam’s eyes lit up with rage. He grabbed the hilt of his sword ready to lay waste to the entire group, but held himself back. Until they could locate Brian, he couldn’t act. And, he may have to jump into the fray and save Winnie soon.“That fool Jeffrey was flying over our camp a year ago when our scouts saw him. We thought he was an enemy scout, so we shot him down from the sky or at least tried to. He flew around our arrows like they were nothing. He landed in our camp and starting attacking my troops. His right hand was glowing a bright white light and there was some kind of seal that was shining through. Eventually, our numbers overwhelmed him,” stated Samyak.***“When you left, my father became quite ill. He laid in his deathbed, his life slowly ebbing away. Each day he got worse and worse. The night before he finally died, he read his will. I was not going to be the elder of our village. He gave that to your stupid father, Adithya. A commoner being the elder! I was outraged and stormed out of his room and into the study, ready to take anything valuable and leave that cursed village. I took his fabled daggers, some coins, and a strange golden cloth that looked like it could fetch a fair price,” wailed Jeffrey. Winnie looked on, in her mind, trying to buy time for one last attack, trying to wait for the right moment.“I went to show the old man that I was going and taking his valuables. As I stood over his bed, he reached his hand out, not for me, but for that stupid cloth. I grabbed it from him and a white light filled the room. When it was over, my father was no longer living, but I had a new found power, a seal,” ranted Jeffrey lifting his right arm up to show a seal. Jeffrey laughed out loud, gazing fondly at the seal and all the power it represented to him.***“I knew that he was a seal bearer and oh how I wanted a seal of my very own. But it’s not like I could kill him and get it. I decided the best thing was to convince him to work for me slowly plotting the day when I could make that seal my own,” boasted Samyak.“Another seal of the Wizard,” Sam thought to himself. Faiz, listening the whole time, held Gwen closer.“If there was only some way that Jeffrey could hear this, maybe that would save Winnie,” whispered Faiz to Gwen. Gwen eyes perked up. She began moving her fingers and hands taking out some powder from one of her pouches.“Magnifico auda maximo,” uttered Gwen as she threw the powder up in the air. It slowly dissipated into the air, no one except Faiz noticing what Gwen had done. “He will now,” she whispered into Faiz’s ear.“I had my lovely servant Divyaa befriend Jeffrey. After all, what man can resist the charms of lady? Ha ha! He was putty in her hands. Soon Jeffrey would begin working for me and I had a spy who could help me take over a certain Aeroian village. And every day that he was in my employ, I grew closer to understanding the secret of the seal. I even had Divyaa fake being in love with him. What a fool!” roared Samyak slapping his knees in a pure fit of laughter.***“…fake being in love with him. What a fool!” echoed throughout the stadium. Jeffrey, upon hearing the entire rant, turned around to face Divyaa. She was no longer smiling, but had an arrow nocked and ready to fire at him.“Is this true?” asked Jeffrey, his eyes watering up. “Is this true?” he screamed. Divyaa released her arrow. Jeffrey stood there swiping it from mid-air with his dagger. He flew towards Divyaa ramming into her and knocking her to the other side of the arena. Jeffrey stood over her, tears falling from his eyes like a waterfall. Winnie sat there watching this all transpire, taking a deep breath that she was safe for now.***Samyak, who took a little while to realize what was going on, threw his cup away in disgust, outraged at what was happening.“Guards kill them now!” he ordered. Sam, realizing that he could now unleash his fury, danced through the crowd of bodyguards slicing and dicing them before they could even get off an attack. Sam sliced the closet guard with a quick chop before stepping to his right and somersaulting off the wall taking out another two with assassin-like precision with a well-placed swing. As he landed, he rolled under another guard aiming his sword upward before tucking and rolling into another two guards swinging his sword delicately through the air taking them both out of commission. He dashed over to the last few guards with two swift steps, striking the remaining with a few well-placed swipes of his sword. Samyak looked on, fear building up, beads of nervous sweat dripping down his neck. Sam pointed his sword at Samyak.“You’re next!” Sam cried as he slowly made his way over towards Samyak. Samyak’s two servants ran off but Sam paid them no attention.“Aren’t you forgetting about your friend?” bellowed Samyak.“Oh, I believe that will be taken care of!” prompted Sam and on cue, Himanshu, in his lightning wolf form, saddled up next to Sam, Brian hunched over his back unconscious for the moment.Samyak looked on in sheer disbelief knowing that his trump card was no longer in place. He dashed for the ledge and jumped off into the arena. He landed awkwardly and ran towards the southern gate. Sam, Gwen and Faiz were totally unprepared for Samyak’s desperate actions and watched as he ran away.Jeffrey continued gazing at Divyaa, his emotions in a whirlwind of pain and anguish. Hearing a great thud, Jeffrey turned around to see Samyak running away. Anger and sheer hatred churned inside Jeffrey as he watched the orc who was behind all his suffering. Jeffrey flew over to Samyak headfirst, knocking the giant orc into the wall. Jeffrey’s fists pummeled Samyak who could only feebly defend himself. Each cry of pain made Jeffrey hit harder and harder. Soon Samyak was not defending himself and his cries ended. His arms lay lifeless at his side matching the rest of him.“Hey love!” smirked Divyaa sinisterly. Divyaa had awoken and had an arrow ready in her crossbow aimed and ready to fire at Jeffrey. “I can’t believe how gullible you are. I could never love a pathetic creature like you. And now, you will suffer!” Divyaa had the crossbow aimed at Jeffrey but in a flash turned and fired at Winnie who was still recovering propped up against the wall. The arrow released.Winnie closed her eyes knowing that this was probably the end of her. A soft breeze flushed against her face and she opened her eyes to see Jeffrey hovering over her, an arrow sticking through his chest. Blood trickled from his wound. Jeffrey plumped to the ground on his knees and met Winnie’s eyes.“Winnie I’m sorry that I let my anger over you and everything in the village overcome me. I couldn’t let you die,” sputtered Jeffrey, blood now flowing more from his grievous wound. “I’m sorry.”“Jeffrey, you can’t die now! Why did you take that arrow for me?” Winnie pleaded. Jeffrey reached out his hand grabbing Winnie’s right hand.“It was the only thing I could do to save you Winnie,” coughed Jeffrey, “I think you will use this better than I ever did!” A blinding white light filled the area stopping everyone in their tracks.Winnie felt a surge of power flow through her. Her wounds were healing and she felt reenergized. A seal now was imprinted on the back of her right hand. Jeffrey collapsed finally, his head falling on Winnie’s lap. Winnie laid Jeffrey on the ground and closed his eyes with her fingertips and then stood up eyeing Divyaa with a new found power.Divyaa stood there not totally understanding what had just happened but as Winnie stood, Divyaa starting sprinting in the other direction. A green wave of energy built up around Winnie flowing into her mace. Upon instinct, Winnie swung her mace in the direction of Divyaa. A huge energy blast speared towards Divyaa incinerating her upon impact. There was not a trace left of the poor orc warrior. Winnie’s eyes fluttered and closed. She collapsed to the ground, unconscious from such a surge of energy.Sam, Faiz, Gwen, Himanshu with Brian slumped over his shoulders went down towards Winnie. Sam grabbed Winnie delicately carrying her in his arms. The group left the orc encampment. No orc stood in their way; fear dwelled in all the orcs at the display of power that this group had at their disposal. The companions walked towards the spot where Matthew was waiting. Everyone was silent, but it was a silent relief that they all made it out of there alive. The group set up camp and rested for the night. Brian and Winnie needed their rest from all the events that had just transpired.***Sam stood watching over the group sleep by the fire. He wanted everyone to sleep and he was too wired and not really able to sleep much on his own. Himanshu and Matthew stood next to him.“We wanted to say thank you for taking care of the kid for so long,” began Matthew.“We know that without you, he wouldn’t have gotten this far,” stated Himanshu as he licked his paws.Sam regarded the two familiars nodding. “I was just at the right place at the right time. It looks like fate has brought us all together,” pronounced Sam.“Fate certainly has a hand in all of this, that’s for sure,” commented Matthew. The trio continued to watch over the group saying nothing more. They didn’t need to. Each of them understood one another without the need for words. ***The group soon awoke in the morning, although Faiz still woke up groggily trying to get a few more minutes of sleep. Gwen gently kicked him awake. Normally Faiz would have thrown his pillow at her, but seeing her pleasant smile, gave him the willpower to get up as quickly as possible and resist attacking her with his pillow.“So what happened? I remember chasing after an orc and fighting a bunch of them, but then it’s all a blur,” urged Brian.“It’s a long story, but I guess we have some time,” reassured Winnie. The group told Brian the story and both he and Winnie paid close attention to the moment with Jeffrey and the seal.“So you have a seal as well Winnie! If you have any questions, I know a few things,” explained Brian, who was trying to get a peek at Winnie’s seal maneuvering his line of sight to try and garner a look.“If you want to see it Brian, you just have to ask.” Winnie held out her hand and Brian grabbed it, turning it over to get a better look at the seal.“Interesting, it looks exactly like mine except that it has a green tint to it. The book never said anything about a seal being able to transfer from one person to another person like that,” sputtered Brian speaking so fast that it was hard to figure out everything that he was saying.“Well, whatever the case, I guess we’re seal buddies,” joked Winnie. The two shared a brief laugh. The rest of the group got themselves ready and were going to continue their journey to the Mountains of Woe.***The group decided to give Himanshu and Matthew a break. After all, carrying a few people on one’s back can be rather taxing. Also, a giant wolf of lightning and a Pegasus tend to attract a lot of attention, so the companions decided to try to keep a low profile. Since they didn’t have to worry about the orcs anymore, the group ventured directly to the Mountains of Woe, which should only take them about two days of solid traveling on foot.“Hopefully, we don’t encounter any more wicked creatures or evil doers on our trip,” joked Faiz.“You just jinxed us all!” complained Brian with a smirk on his face. Faiz playfully pushed Brian and Brian smacked him back in the arm. Winnie and Gwen laughed at the two’s actions and continued chatting about various things. Himanshu and Matthew nipped at Brian and Faiz’s heels joining in on the fun. Sam watched all of this stoically. He tried to remain emotionless, but watching the two boys joke around with one another brought a slight smile to his face. And of course it brought thoughts of ‘what if’ crashing down on his being. Sam tried shaking those thoughts out of his mind, but they were stuck there, imprinted in his heart, imprinted in his soul. He walked transfixed on these thoughts when a certain voice snapped him out of his trance.“Hey Sam, do you think we should set up camp here for the night?” asked Faiz. Sam nodded his head in agreement.“I’ll scout the area ahead,” began Sam and he walked off to clear his head for the moment and gather himself.Faiz and Brian set up the tents while Gwen got the fire going with a little magical help. Himanshu and Matthew lay down resting, although they really didn’t need it. They made sure to stay alert this time to avoid another orc experience. Winnie gathered some wood for the fire and helped get the meal started with Gwen.Sam soon rejoined the group and sat down near the fire. He grabbed a bowl and ate, devouring the hearty soup lifting the bowl to his mouth. When he removed the bowl, the rest of the group broke out in laughter.“What’s so funny?” Sam grunted.“You should see your face right now!” giggled Winnie along with the rest of the companions. Sam grabbed his sword to see his reflection, wiping his face immediately.“Why didn’t you tell me I had black soot all over my face?” questioned Sam still working on his face with his sleeve.“Well, we kind of did by laughing!” replied Faiz. Sam nodded and smiled for the first time in a long time. Maybe this is what ‘feeling’ something is like. The group finished their meal and retired for the night. Faiz, Himanshu and Matthew took the first watch.“So, now that I finally have you guys alone, how is it that you are the Great Wizard’s familiars?” asked Faiz.“Kid, I wish I could tell you, but that’d be a long story,” explained Matthew.“Then why are you with me? Shouldn’t you be with the Great Wizard?”“The Great Wizard commanded us to watch over you and that’s what we’re doing,” divulged Himanshu.“Why did he have you guys watch over me?” pleaded Faiz.“He never told us why; he just said that you were important and were needed,” answered Matthew. “If we knew more, we would tell you, honest kid.”“Okay, you guys have been with me forever it seems and I trust you two completely. Maybe I’ll find some answers once I make it through the Mountains of Woe,” uttered Faiz. Himanshu and Matthew nodded and the trio continued their vigil of the group protecting them from any danger if it should arise.In Winnie and Gwen’s tent, the two girls were trying to sleep, but both were plagued by their thoughts.“Gwen are you awake?” whispered Winnie, sitting up and stretching her back and wings.“Yeah, are you?” answered Gwen.“Well, duh, of course I’m awake if I’m asking if you are,” countered Winnie.“Fair point! So you’re having trouble sleeping too!” sputtered Gwen trying to stifle a yawn.“Yeah, I have a lot on my mind and I’m guessing that you do too, Gwen. And I’m guessing it has to do with a certain young man that you’ve taken a fancy to.”“You’re right. But what about you, Winnie? What is keeping you awake? Is it about Sam?”“Yes and no. I thought everything was all clear. He saved me and he was my betrothed and that was it. But now everything is all murky.”“Why?” asked Gwen.“I don’t know. It just is. I’m all confused. Is he still my betrothed? What about Brian? He saved me too,” uttered Winnie, frustration dripping with every word.“Well, I don’t have an answer for you. It’s something that you have to figure out yourself. But I do know one thing about love…it isn’t something that is forced or a law. It is something that just happens,” professed Gwen.“Hmmm…I guess that is a way to look at it. And what about you Gwen? Are you in love with a certain someone?” joked Winnie.A pillow smacked Winnie in the face and the two girls giggled hysterically. Both fell asleep soon after.***The group eventually reached the base of the Mountains of Woe, but what they didn’t realize was there was a village at the bottom of the mountain, a village of Beastmen. Beastmen were human-like animals that ranged from lions to bears to cats to rabbits to apes to pigs. Beastmen tended to seclude themselves from the rest of the world and would find remote spots to build their villages. Most of the other creatures in Edisonia avoided them. Of course, the Beastmen also went out of their way to avoid any other creature.The companions stood at the outskirts of the forest spying the Beastmen village trying to be cautious and avoid any potential trouble.“Sam is there supposed to be a village here?” asked Brian.“Not that I know of, but Beastmen tend to build their settlements really quickly. Why they built their village here is the question that I want answered,” replied Sam.“Why don’t we just ask them?” commented Gwen.“Beastmen aren’t known to be too friendly to outsiders, but the fact that there village isn’t in a remote location isolated certainly tells us something,” emphasized Sam.“Yeah, it certainly does tell you something!” proclaimed a voice from above in the trees. A figure somersaulted from the top branch landing gracefully in front of the group. She had pure grey fur with a few white spots here and there. Her ears were pointy and little sharp fangs glinted as she smiled. The figure wore light earth-toned leather armor and had a long slender bow along with a case of arrows strapped to her back. Her finger and toenails were sharp but taken care of although a small simple ring adorned one of her fingers. A long grey tail protruded from her backside and waggled around as she gathered herself. She stood upright eyeing the group.“What brings you this way travelers?” asked the figure.“We are here to take on the trials at the Mountain of Woe!” indicated Faiz.“You certainly don’t look like much especially with a little dog with you!” announced the Beastman.“You better watch what you say, you cat!” barked Himanshu.“Never judge a book by its cover,” noted Matthew. The cat Beastman studied the group a bit more intently, nodding an apologetic gesture Himanshu’s way.“I apologize. You are correct. So you want to challenge the Mountains of Woe? Then follow me,” ordered the Beastman. The group followed her into the village. Wooden cottages littered the village along with a few tents here and there. All the Beastmen in the village stopped what they were doing. As the companions walked through the village, every Beastmen was staring at them with looks of wonderment and amazement.“I’ve never felt so popular before,” joked Faiz.“I don’t think they’ve ever seen anyone like us before,” mused Winnie, “I know that I’ve never seen a Beastman before.”“You’re right. Most of us have never seen humans or an Aeroian or talking animals before,” began their guide. The heroes continued following the cat Beastman towards a stone house adorned with murals of various Beastmen. It was a simple dwelling but certainly stood out compared to the wooden structures or tents that most of the Beastmen lived in.“And here is our stop. Welcome to the council chamber where we determine if you are worthy of ascending the Mountains of Woe,” stated their guide. “Please enter.” The group did as they were instructed and soon found themselves in a vast room furnished with fine couches, drapes along with paintings and statues.“Welcome to our village!” exclaimed a Lion Beastman to the group. He was massive and stood at least seven feet tall. His mane was well-groomed and full and he had numerous piercings along his ears. He wore a long flowing robe that seemed more like a toga on him. His muscles were taut and full almost as if they were ready to spring at any moment.“Thank you Sruti for bringing our guests here,” stated the Lion Beastman, “you may return to your watch. I will summon you later.”“Of course Lord Akshay,” Sruti noted and turned to take her leave. She looked upon the group. “It was nice meeting you. Perhaps we will see each other again.” And with a nod, she left the dwelling to return to her post.“So, I take it that you are all interested in going through the trials of the Mountain of Woe,” inquired Akshay. Sam nodded at Faiz. Faiz explained why they needed to go through the trials not getting into too much detail but focusing on the journal and the Great Wizard. Akshay listened on with keen interest.“The Great Wizard you say! He’s the reason that this village is here,” explained Akshay.“I was wondering about that. Why exactly is your village at the base of the Mountains of Woe?” asked Sam. Akshay cleared his throat.“It’s a long story. It all began…just kidding. It’s not really that long at all. My people and I were traveling the land living in isolated spots for a while before moving to another one. It was after all, the way our people did things. One day we had visitors, a terrible wizard and his mercenary band. We were totally unprepared and they captured us all intent on selling us as slaves. We were locked in cages for days and I figured we were as good as done. When all hope was lost, the Great Wizard appeared and defeated the evil wizard and his band of mercenaries. He freed us and we owed him our lives. All he asked was that we build a permanent village at the base of the Mountains of Woe and that we watched over things there. We owed him our livelihood so I agreed. Plus, to tell you the truth, staying in one spot isn’t too bad after all. So we traveled to the Mountain and set up our village and have been living here ever since,” admitted Akshay.“So have you had a lot of visitors?” asked Brian.“Actually lad, you are the first that we’ve had,” admitted Akshay. “Now, rest here tonight and tomorrow I will have Sruti lead you to the entrance of the Mountains and the trials. If the Great Wizard guided you here, then that’s all I need to know.”“Do you know what the trials are?” questioned Faiz.“I’m afraid I don’t have a clue. No one from this village has ever attempted the trials. We’ve never had a reason to I must admit,” replied Akshay. “Now, come we will prepare a feast and then you can rest your weary bones.” The companions all looked at one another, a huge sense of relief in their visages. Even though there was still much to accomplish, it felt good to have a comfortable place to sleep and a feast to boot.***After a night of great food, enlightening conversation with the rest of the Beastmen (and finding out that Gwen had a soft spot for cats) and a good night’s rest, the companions awoke refreshed and ready to take on the trials that lay before them.“Good morning friends,” greeted Sruti, “I have been chosen as your guide and will take you to the entrance of the Mountains.”“That’s great!” exclaimed Gwen who was enchanted by Sruti and her fur. The heroes gathered their items and got themselves ready for their journey.“It shouldn’t take too long to reach the entrance. There are a bunch of trails but only we Beastmen know the best route to get there,” explained Sruti. Just as Sruti was finished talking, Akshay entered to speak to the group.“I wish you much luck and that you find what you are looking for,” expressed Akshay, “may the Great Wizard look down upon you and give you luck.” Akshay waved as the group and Sruti began taking the path towards the trials.The Mountains of Woe were covered with lush trees and bushes that grew along the mountain. Animals and other woodland creatures scurried to and fro. The sun was shining brightly down upon the land giving it an ember glow. There was nothing ominous about these Mountains, nothing that would tie it to the word, Woe, based on what the eye could ascertain.The group traveled for a while making small talk here and there and observing their surroundings. Even though everything seemed peaceful, the companions had been through enough already to know that they should always keep their senses sharp and focused. You never know what may happen.“It shouldn’t be too much longer. I’ve traveled these paths numerous times and could lead you there blind-folded,” assured Sruti.“But this is the first time you’ve ever brought people to the entrance of the Mountains. How do you know how to get there?” asked Sam, curious about her response.“Although that is true, Lord Akshay made sure that all the would-be guides knew how to get there. But he forbade us from going inside. I admit I’ve peered in, but I didn’t see anything that would make me think this Mountain holds anything special,” responded Sruti. Sam stroked his chin pondering what was just said.After an hour of solid traveling, Sruti stopped the group.“Okay, after this last stretch of trail, we will be at the entrance. I don’t know what you’ll find in there, but I hope that if you do, it will help you out,” stated Sruti.“Won’t you come in with us?” asked Winnie.“My job is to guide you there and of course to bring you back. I will be waiting outside the entrance for your return,” replied Sruti. “I see,” commented Winnie. The group continued moving forward and soon found themselves on a ledge that blended in with the foliage that had a gaping entrance into the Mountain. The entrance was pitch black; a strange sensation filled the group as they looked upon it.“Okay, my friends I will wait here for your return. Good luck!” expressed Sruti as she found a spot against the Mountain’s wall to lean on.“Thank you Sruti,” vowed Faiz, “we shall return soon, I hope.” The rest of the group said their thanks and entered the dark and foreboding entrance. Gwen lit her staff and the companions entered the Mountain of Woe. Sruti peered in, feeling some unknown force compelling her to enter the cave. She stepped back and got back to her spot against the Mountain, somewhat flustered at the nagging feeling that she should go in.***The heroes traveled down the long and narrow cave using Gwen’s light to guide them. No one spoke for no one knew what to expect. After a few minutes of traveling, the group stumbled onto a cavern that was quite vast. As soon as they were all in the cavern, sparkling lights blanketed the room. Crystals of various lights and pigments gave off a multitude of light. Gwen extinguished her light and the companions looked on in amazement.“Aren’t these lights pretty!” Gwen exclaimed.“It’s amazing for sure!” expressed Brian. “I’ve never seen so many different types of crystals in my life.”As the group continued to look around, a figure emerged from the far end of the cavern. The crystals’ light bounced off the golden armor that adorned this figure. Her long shiny hair captured the light and added to her image. As she got closer, Sam gasped, “Master!”Before Sam could even finish that word, she stood in front of him smacking him on top of the head. “You must be referring to my late sister, Muskan the Mightblade, rest her soul. I am Muskan the Dauntless. Never make that mistake again,” she exclaimed.“Owh! Yeah, you two are definitely related,” uttered Sam as he rubbed his head.“So, I take it that you’ve have come for the trials,” implied Muskan.“Yes, we have!” answered Faiz. Muskan eyed the group carefully studying each member. “I see that we have two seal bearers amongst you and two familiars. This is quite the diverse group that we have here. Not to mention a pupil of my sister,” announced Muskan.“How can you tell all of that?” asked Matthew, stunned that anyone would be able to determine what he and Himanshu actually were.“Yeah, how do you know that I have a seal?” asked Winnie. Brian nodded as she asked her question.“Well, the seal part is easy. I can see them on you. Their magical imprint is a clear as day to me. And for the familiars, well I recognize the auras that you two have. You might as well drop those forms and reveal your true self,” explained Muskan. Matthew and Himanshu transformed and stood at attention. “Now, it’s very simple. An entrance will open up for each of you as you venture towards the back of this cavern. Although, you two familiars, you will be going together. There will be seven entrances that you will be taking…”“But there are only six of us if Himanshu and Matthew go together,” interrupted Faiz.“I suppose you are right. But did not another come up with you to guide you here,” explained Muskan. She snapped her fingers and a puff of smoke filled the chamber. As the smoke cleared, Sruti stood there totally perplexed. “Now, the gang is all here!”“Wait!” exclaimed Sruti, “I’m not supposed to be in here!” Muskan eyed her keenly giving her a stare that kept Sruti stiff and rigid in place.“Oh, but you are!” emphasized Muskan, “and you will be going through the trials too. This is not a request.” Sruti was about to open her mouth and argue, but knew that it would be fruitless. “Now as I was saying, each of you will take an entrance, it does not matter which. You will go through the most difficult challenge that you have ever faced. If you succeed, you will come back that much stronger. If you fail, you won’t come back at all! You all have a reason that brought you here; destiny has brought you together and now it’s the time to embrace your fate.”The companions all glanced at one another. No one needed to say anything at all. They couldn’t back out now knowing that each of them had a reason to continue with this journey. Gwen ran to Faiz hugging him tightly. Sam patted Brian on the back and gave Winnie an approving glance. Himanshu and Matthew locked eyes, determination filling them. Sruti, still somewhat taken aback from all of this, felt that this somehow seemed right. All of them walked towards the entrances and towards the challenges that awaited them. Each disappeared from sight as they stepped through the entrance.“I pray that you know what you’re doing Paul, you damn fool, setting this all in motion,” whispered Muskan after all the companions had stepped through their entrances.***As Himanshu and Matthew entered their trial, a series of brilliantly flashing lights pelted them, limiting their vision. The lights slowly faded and the two familiars found themselves back in La’Shar. “There’s no place like home is there Matthew,” chided Himanshu.“I suppose there isn’t, but what concerns me is what we’re going to have to face here,” commented Matthew as he curiously scanned the area looking for any sign of trouble.“What’s the worst it could be? We’ll probably face our dark halves or some evil doppelganger,” predicted Himanshu. Matthew was about to reply, when a massive wave of energy shot through La’Shar, the force sending Matthew and Himanshu into a tailspin. The wave disappeared and there was only silence, eerie silence. Both familiars righted themselves.“What the heck was that?” questioned Himanshu.“I don’t think it was an evil doppelganger,” joked Matthew. Then they heard it. A rumbling filled La’Shar, a rumbling that shook Matthew and Himanshu to the core. Both readied themselves for what would come their way. Both could sense a presence of pure unbridled power, power that made the hair on their bodies stand up. A presence drew closer slowly taking shape. First horns took shape on its monstrous head followed by vicious fangs dripping with acid. A massive body formed, taut and chiseled to perfection every muscle perfectly proportioned. Arms and legs came into focus matching the perfectly sculpted body. Before the two familiars stood a familiar of legends, the most destructive and powerful of all familiars, a familiar so powerful that he had to be banished to the furthest regions of La’Shar never to return.“Josh the Tormentor!” exclaimed the two familiars in unison, fear building in the pits of their stomachs. Josh stood there eyeing Matthew and Himanshu cracking each knuckle on his massive hands slowly, never taking his eyes off of the two. He twisted his neck to the side, the crack of his neck sending echoes across La’Shar. His mouth formed a wicked and malicious smile. And then he disappeared, moving so fast that Matthew and Himanshu couldn’t even react. Two vicious blows sent the two familiars spiraling backwards hundreds of yards. Before Matthew and Himanshu’s trajectory even stopped, Josh stood behind them in their flight and delivered another deadly blow that sent them flying in the other direction. Josh watched as Matthew and Himanshu flew through the air crashing into a mountain. The force of the impact created an explosion of rock and smoke that formed a mushroom cloud covering the two familiars. Matthew and Himanshu in a matter of seconds, were bruised, bloody and beaten badly. Never before had the two ever experienced such a beating.“Ouch, did you get the number on that wagon that ran us over,” joked Himanshu, stretching himself out trying to rub out the soreness.“Now isn’t the time for jokes. We need to figure out how to get through this otherwise we’re goners,” coughed Matthew as he spit out blood. Himanshu nodded and the two stood readying themselves against the massive familiar known as Josh the Tormentor.Josh slowly walked towards the two, each step echoing across the land leaving a deep imprint in the ground. Josh was so powerful that even the landscape of La’Shar bent to his indomitable will. Josh soon stood before his prey; his eyes looking beyond them it seemed.“Pathetic,” he uttered with extreme contempt. He pointed a finger at Matthew and Himanshu launching a fiery blast of energy in a concentrated beam towards the two familiars. Himanshu focused all of his lightning to create a shield to deflect the blow. The blast from Josh hit the shield shattering it and made direct contact with the two familiars, knocking them to the ground, dead. As Matthew and Himanshu slowly faded away, their bodies disappearing, they heard Josh echo the word, ‘pathetic’ yet again.***“Wake up!” cried a voice.“Huh, who is that?” asked Himanshu.“Where are we?” uttered Matthew.The two familiars found themselves floating in a darkened landscape. Blackness and nothing surrounded them.“You are in your minds, a last defense I placed in you two,” commented the voice. Before their eyes stood a glowing figure, dancing white lights covering him.“Master!” cried the two familiars, elation at hearing the voice of the man who they owed so much to.“Himanshu and Matthew, my two faithful friends. We do not have much time and you need to get back to your trial,” stated the Great Wizard.“But how are you here?” asked Matthew.“I’m not really here. I’m an enchantment, a last ditch spell designed to help you if you were ever defeated,” explained the Great Wizard. “Now, I believe you are fighting Josh, the most powerful of all familiars. And he had his way with you two.”“Yeah, how do you know all of this?” questioned Himanshu.“This is all supposed to happen, but we don’t have time to get into all of that. Just know that all will be revealed to you soon enough,” stated Paul as he looked at his familiars with the utmost respect. Both Himanshu and Matthew stopped their questions and were now ready to listen to what he had to say.“I truly wish we could chat like old times, but that cannot be. Now answer me this. Familiars all resemble some magical or mythical creature. What does Josh resemble?” asked the Great Wizard. Matthew and Himanshu pondered that question before speaking.“He looks like a giant demon,” quipped Himanshu.“But not really Himanshu. He looks like a human with a monster head,” replied Matthew.“Exactly, my boys. Himanshu, I’d smack you in the back of the head for such an incomplete answer but we haven’t the time,” commented the Great Wizard. “Now, how do you suppose he got that way?”“What do you mean got that way?” asked Matthew.“Think about it. Compare him to yourselves.” Both Matthew and Himanshu thought about this latest notion.“He is in an advanced form, kind of like the next level,” blurted out Himanshu.“Yes, a form that is more powerful than your forms,” implied the Great Wizard, “but you both can achieve that level as well.”“How?” exclaimed Himanshu. “Find your reason to fight. Find that what you care about and that will give you the push you need to obtain your true forms!”“True forms,” pondered Matthew, “what we care about most.”“You will be rising up once more. If you fall again, there will be no second chance,” claimed the Great Wizard. “You’re going?” asked Himanshu. “It’s way too soon.”“I know, but the spell is at an end. I know that the two of you will figure it out. Thank you for everything that you’ve done for me,” voiced the Great Wizard as his image slowly faded before disappearing altogether. “Now, wake up!”***Matthew and Himanshu arose, their bodies healed of all wounds. Josh was looking in the other direction totally oblivious to their resurrection. “Hey, horn-head!” shouted Himanshu.“It’s our turn!” screeched Matthew. Himanshu’s mouth opened wide, the lightning circling all around into a giant ball of pure electric energy. Matthew’s wing flapped back and forth at extreme speeds, cyclones forming and growing and growing. Both unleashed all their energy towards Josh, who turned around to face a blast of electric and wind that blanketed him completely. The brightness of the blast covered the landscape of La’Shar. Matthew and Himanshu were huffing and puffing, worn-out from exerting all of their energy into one epic blast. As the smoke cleared, Josh still stood there, a tiny cut on his cheek. He wiped it away with his hand, smiling wickedly at the two familiars.“How did you two come back? No matter because if that’s all you got then it’s about time I finished this,” mocked Josh the Tormentor. Matthew and Himanshu stood there flabbergasted; they had put everything into that attack and all it could do was scratch the beast. Josh crouched in a fighting stance, energy wrapping around him circling him. Rocks and other small objects around him disintegrated as the waves of energy around him grew.Matthew and Himanshu looked at one another, desperately trying to figure out how they could possibly win against something so powerful. Memories of their times with the Great Wizard flooded their minds. All of the adventures that they went on with him, all of the people and towns that they saved from evil-doers, all of the moments where they were with the Great Wizard bombarded their conscious. Memories of taking care of Faiz and all of the moments with him soon followed. Josh fired a gigantic blast of energy that leveled the mountain behind Matthew and Himanshu. The two familiars did not move but were right directly in line with the massive blast. It destroyed numerous mountain ranges before finally fading away. As the smoke cleared, Josh wore a humongous grin, thinking he finally finished off the two familiars. However, that grin soon shifted.“Impossible,” Josh uttered, “how can you two be standing?”Standing before the blast stood Matthew and Himanshu, but they were not the lightning wolf or Pegasus that they were before. Both were similar to Josh having massive and sculpted figures, but Matthew still had his wings, hooves just for his feet and a horse’s head. Himanshu, was still covered in fur, but looked more like a giant werewolf with lightning still crackling around his body.“How is this possible? Wimps like you getting your final forms! No matter, you won’t get a chance to test those forms out for long,” roared Josh as he charged the two familiars. Matthew and Himanshu watched as Josh inched closer, but this time they were able to see his movements and react. Matthew flew out of the way of Josh’s charge while Himanshu tucked and rolled to the left, sending a lightning blast at Josh. The blast singed his skin. Josh screamed, “Aarrgh!” An animal and primal scream filled the landscape. Josh’s eyes turned blood red and he continued to pursue Himanshu who would jump out of harm’s way everytime Josh got close. Matthew continued his watch from above, flapping his wings faster and faster at speeds that he never dreamed possible. The force of the whirlwind that he was creating grew to epic proportions. Himanshu looked up quickly giving Matthew a wink. The two familiars knew exactly what they wanted to do. Himanshu stood still awaiting Josh to charge at him in his blind rage. Josh wasn’t even paying any attention to Matthew who began to aim his massive whirlwind. Josh jumped into the air above Himanshu ready to strike him with a double-fist strike. Himanshu waited for Josh’s descent and then bounded from the spot as Josh’s fists crushed the spot where he was. Matthew fired his whirlwind at Josh. The wind sucked Josh in spinning him round and round, slicing his body with precise cuts. Himanshu shot a blast of lightning from his mouth that combined with the whirlwind. The electric bolts traveled through the whirlwind shocking Josh. Each volt seared his skin causing blisters to pop up. Josh screamed in pain, his body being assaulted by both wind and lightning.When the whirlwind finally faded, Josh plummeted to the ground, his body creating a huge vibration. Himanshu and Matthew looked on, relieved that this battle was finally over.“Wooh, it’s finally over!” grunted Matthew who had landed next to Himanshu.“I’ll say these new forms are quite powerful, but I’m whooped,” groaned Himanshu. The two walked over to where Josh laid. Josh opened his eyes, but they were no longer the blood red color that they were earlier, but were now a pale grey. Josh turned his head to look upon the two familiars.“Congratulations. I didn’t think anyone would ever be able to best me. Just one warning…you cannot stay in those forms too long. You’ll lose your mind. That’s what happened to me,” whispered Josh. “You have a great destiny; I can see that now. Good luck you two.” Josh closed his eyes and breathed his last breath. Himanshu and Matthew bowed their heads, reverting back to their original forms. In their minds they could see their master nodding his approval.***Brian walked through a darkened passage that spiraled all around before seeing daylight before him. As he got closer to the light, he saw a town take shape. It was Ameyville that stood before him. Brian dashed as fast as he could and found himself at the town square. Brian rushed to the Inn hoping to see his parents, even if they were stone.Brian entered the Inn and to his father’s office where his parents were, but they were no longer stone. They were flesh and blood. “Father! Mother!” exclaimed Brian as he rubbed a tear from his eye. “How did you become free of the petrification?”Amey and Shruti turned around but looked right past Brian. They walked right through him and into the main hall. Brian, pain filling his heart, turned around to follow, but they disappeared from his sight. “Mom! Dad!” Brian screamed. The scene faded to black and Brian found himself by a campfire. Faiz, Sam, Gwen, Winnie, Sruti, Himanshu and Matthew all were by the fire eating food, laughing and having a good time.“Guys, you’ll never believe what happened to me,” rambled Brian. No one reacted or even acknowledged that he was there. Brian walked over to Faiz reaching out to touch his shoulder. His hand went right through Faiz sending Brian into an off-balanced tumble. The scene again faded into black. Brian shook himself off and stood up, standing in a void, an empty void.“Must stink that no one ever really sees you, huh,” mocked a voice.“Who said that?” cried Brian.A figure emerged from the ground and Brian found himself staring at himself, an exact copy of himself.“You did!” jeered the other Brian. “Well, the dark and true part of you that is.”“What are you talking about? There is nothing dark about me,” claimed Brian.“That’s what you keep telling yourself. But I’m there lying in wait. You come off as cheery and happy, but there’s a pain inside of you that keeps growing, that pain of not belonging, not really being a part of anything. Oh, you keep telling yourself that they care, but they don’t. How could anyone care about you! Darkness and misery fester in you. That’s me or should I say the real you!”“This can’t be happening!” Brian exclaimed.“Oh but it is. And it’s time that I took over. I’m tired of hiding!” The other Brian charged at Brian with his axe swinging in a twirl. Brian barely was able to deflect the blow, taking out his own axe in the nick of time. The other Brian continued his relentless assault, striking with his axe repeatedly. Brian deflected each of the blows, but he wasn’t able to form any kind of counterattack. The other Brian was not relenting, not stopping at all in his attack. While Brian grew weaker with every blow, the other Brian seemed to get stronger, seemed to have more energy. The other Brian struck high with an axe swipe which Brian averted, but the other Brian anticipated that and sent a kick into Brian’s midsection. Brian stumbled over holding his gut.The other Brian stood over Brian who lay hunched over on the ground. Brian looked up.“See even now you realize that I’m right. That’s why you can’t even fight back,” challenged the other Brian. “It’s time to end this once and for all!”The seal flashed bright and the other Brian stood motionless. Brian was stunned and then the light formed into a giant flash that floated before him.“Seal bearer! I have been with you always and know all about every part of you, every thought, and every desire both dark and light. You have to accept that you have a darker side,” a majestic voice echoed.“Who are you?” cried Brian.“I am the seal and yet am a part of you,” declared the seal, “and we haven’t the time for dawdling. You need to get through this!”“How do I do that?” asked Brian.“You must accept your other side,” repeated the voice. “If you do not, then it’s the end.” The light slowly faded and time resumed.Brian watched the other Brian began to swing his axe to finish him off. As the axe loomed over his head, Brian wailed, “I accept you and I accept me!” The other Brian stopped in his tracks and then disappeared. Brian felt a much welcomed relief flood through him; he touched the seal on his head. It felt different. He held up his axe to see his reflection and saw that the seal had changed. Before it was a singular triangle shape with some intricate symbols inside, but now the symbols within the triangle branched out covering his forehead completely. The designs resembled roots branching across Brian’s forehead. Brian’s seal blazed a bright white light that slowly faded. He stood up, gathering himself, and then held his head down in silent thought.***As Winnie walked towards her trial, her mind fluttered with notions as to what she may have to deal with. Would she have to fight some evil beast? Would it be something or someone from her past? Winnie shook her head trying to clear her mind and focus at the task at hand. As Winnie exited her path she saw her village before her. Banners and tables filled the square. Aeroians stood talking merrily and partaking in some kind of festival.Winnie walked towards the crowd recognizing this as a wedding ceremony immediately from the official wedding banners and the decorations. All the Aeroians stopped what they were doing and stared at Winnie.“Why is everyone staring at me?” questioned Winnie, confusion beginning to overcome her. “Who’s getting married?”“Winnie, it’s you!” the crowd chanted in unison. Winnie finally noticed that she was wearing a gorgeous wedding dress and then it finally hit her. Before she could even react, the crowd jolted her to the temple where her marriage was to take place. Winnie couldn’t even move being forced to enter and go on with the ceremony. As she was pushed into the temple’s entrance, she saw her fate. Her father, Adithya, stood with a huge smile beaming on his face talking with the village elder that would be running the ceremony. Adithya looked at his daughter and nodded, happiness overwhelming him. Then she saw it. Sam stood at the holy alter dressed in fine linens, his hands folded at his midsection in reverence. Standing next to him was Brian who was dressed exactly the same and mimicking Sam’s pose. Both of them beamed as Winnie was ushered to the holy alter.“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to join Winnie in holy matrimony following the strict customs of our people,” announced the elder. Winnie fidgeted her nerves on edge. “Winnie, you who were saved by both Sam and Brian are now betrothed to the two of them as is Aeroian custom.”Winnie stood motionless. She always imagined that she’d get married someday, but nothing like this. She looked at Sam but did not feel what she thought she had for him. Did she ever really love him? Or was she so blinded by tradition? Sam was a good and noble man, but just because he saved her once doesn’t mean she has to love him. Then she looked at Brian. He had also saved her and was a kind and good hearted young man. Does that mean she has to love him? These thoughts flooded Winnie like an over-flowing stream.“Why?” she screamed, “why do I have to follow tradition? Shouldn’t there be feelings involved?” Winnie pushed off all the people surrounding her and spread her wings, flying through the crowd and out to the forest. She flew for miles and miles before landing in a clearing.“Why can’t I just choose what and who I want?” she cried.“You can my sweet daughter,” a voice hinted. And then Monica placed her arms around her daughter and hugged her tightly.“Mom, what are you doing here?” questioned Winnie, tears flowing down her eyes.“How could I let my only daughter suffer like this?” Monica uttered as she drew her daughter closer. Monica let go and looked her daughter in the eyes. “I always wanted to tell you this, but I never got a chance to. Adithya, your sweet father, never rescued me.”“What are you saying mom?”“What I’m saying is that your father never saved me. We made the whole story up so we could get married. It was love at first sight when we met, but because of our traditions we would never be together. So your father and I made up the story about me being rescued. I was never attacked by a boar. Adithya just happened to kill one that day and we put our plan in action. No one ever questioned it and we lived happily ever after.”“Mom…sniff.”“Why are you crying now?“Mom, what is love?” asked Winnie.“There is no definition. It’s just that feeling that you have when a person becomes more important to you then yourself. Adithya filled my heart with such wondrous feelings and I would do anything for him and I know that he would do the same for me.”“How do you know when you’re in love?”“You’ll know it when you feel it. Listen, my sweet Winnie. My time is short here. Follow your heart and let it decide what is best for you,” Monica stated lovingly.“Thank you mom. I think I know what to do. I will follow my heart and push tradition aside. Besides, tradition already has been pushed aside by two members of my family, might as well continue the trend,” joked Winnie.“That’s my daughter. And if you see your father tell him I’m watching over him.”“I will mom. I love you!”“I love you too Winnie!”Monica faded before Winnie’s eyes. The seal on her hand grew brightly with a green flame. Much like with Brian’s, the intricate symbols expanded, spreading out along her forearm like roots of a tree. Winnie felt a new sensation, a sense of peace in her heart and mind.***Sruti walked through the dark and foreboding cavern finally exiting into a lush and full jungle. A cool breeze brushed against Sruti’s face.“Hmmm, I wonder what I’ll find here, although this certainly seems familiar,” Sruti thought out loud to herself. Sruti continued walking, not sure of what her destination would be, but knew that she just had to keep moving. As she walked, a musky fragrance filled the air, a fragrance of meat cooking over a fire. Sruti sprinted towards the smell, using both her arms and legs to leap through the jungle like a cat. She grew closer to it and stopped just at the outskirts of a clearing where three Beastmen were sitting by a fire cooking some beast that would probably be dinner. Sruti observed more closely and studied the three Beastmen. It was clearly a family of Beastmen that were cats just like her. The biggest was the father, a massive figure with taut muscles and gray fur. Then there was the mother who was lithe and graceful covered with beautiful white fur. Lying asleep in a basket was the third, a little baby with a gray coat of fur with patches of white.Sruti was baffled. Everything about this situation seemed familiar but she couldn’t quite put her paw on it. She continued to watch, mesmerized by the scene before her.“Shriyu dear, how is the deer cooking?” asked the mother cat Beastman.“Ariocie, my love, it is cooking quite fine. How does little Sruti sleep?” asked Shriyu as he poked the deer with his spear.“Sruti is sleeping soundly. I can’t wait till we meet up with the rest of our group. It’s been a long time away from the rest of the tribe,” whispered Ariocie, trying not to wake Sruti.Sruti watched the scene unfold, tears streaming down her eyes. She hadn’t seen her parents for a long time since she was a baby. Sruti’s heart raced as she continued gazing upon her parents. Her heart jumped even further when she heard the war cries of hobgoblins. Before Shriyu and Ariocie knew it, a pack of hobgoblins swarmed the campsite completely surrounding them. Shriyu and Ariocie stood back to back armed with spears, Sruti in her basket in-between them. The hobgoblins charged all at once with their swords and clubs flailing wildly. Shriyu and Ariocie held off the enemy advances covering all their flanks as they continued standing and moving back to back, not giving the hobgoblins a clear strike. Hobgoblin after hobgoblin fell by their weapons, their bodies piling up. Sruti nocked an arrow and fired it the goblins, but her shot went right through the hobgoblin almost as if it weren’t there. She ran to join her parents in their battle but everytime she tried to shoot one of the hobgoblins with her arrows, the shot would go right through them. She ran next to her parents, trying to reach out and make contact, her hand passing through her parents as if they were ghosts. “Mom! Dad!” Sruti screamed but they never heard her. Sruti dropped to her knees watching the scene before her, knowing what would soon happen. An arrow flew from the brush striking her father, Shriyu squarely in the chest. He stumbled briefly but continued fighting the hobgoblins nearby. “Ariocie, I think I may be done for. I want you to grab Sruti and run like the wind. I will hold them off!” commanded Shriyu.“I don’t want to leave you!” pleaded Ariocie still holding off a few hobgoblins at bay.“I don’t want that either but you must. You must protect our daughter and get her to safety,” groaned Shriyu, the pain from the arrow beginning to take its toll. “Now, go!” Ariocie grabbed Sruti from the basket and tucked her against her chest as Shriyu went on the offensive to keep the hobgoblins busy.Ariocie turned back to look one last time at her husband and began her sprint. An arrow struck her from behind. And then another and another. Ariocie fell to the ground making sure to cradle her daughter from the fall. Ariocie laid on top of Sruti as more arrows implanted themselves in her. Shriyu cried out in pain charging towards his wife and child. Arrows continued to pelt him digging into his flesh as he found himself falling to the ground. He crawled to his beloved Ariocie, draping his arm around her before moving no more. He looked at his baby daughter, sadness in his eyes.Sruti watched the scene before her crying in agony that she was powerless to stop this. She cursed her inability to do anything at all to save her parents. The hobgoblins looted the campsite taking the deer and her parents’ weapons. These hobgoblins quickly left, not even realizing that they left one survivor lying under her parents.“Sruti, my darling baby,” coughed Shriyu, “I’m sorry, ugh, that we won’t be able to see you grow up, uargh. The only thing I can give you is this ring that was given to me by that great wizard when you were born. He just appeared, ugh, like he was destined to be, uargh, there. It, uagrh, is supposed to protect you. May it, ughh, protect you my darling Sruti.” Shriyu placed the ring in her tiny hand, gazing at his daughter once more, before his breath finally stopped.Sruti glanced at the ring that she wore on her left hand. It glimmered slightly in the light. She took it off and examined in closely. The design was a simple triangle with intricate patterns inside. It looked strangely familiar to the symbol on that boy’s head and on the Aeroian’s hand from the group she guided to the trials. Sruti put the ring back on and walked next to her parents’ bodies. She knew she couldn’t do anything, but she still reached out to touch them. As her hand was within inches of her parents, the ring flashed brilliantly, a pale blue light covering the area. When the light finally subsided, a triangular blue symbol was etched on her ring finger, intricate symbols branching out onto her palm and the back of her hand. Sruti was filled with a power that gave her newfound energy. As she got up to rise, two voices called out to her.“Sruti, my dearest daughter, you have grown so strong,” commented her mother Ariocie. “I’m so glad that we are able to see you one more time.”Sruti stood there dumfounded, tears strolling down her face once again.“My darling daughter, I wish we could be here to guide you through these tough times that you are now part of, but we cannot,” admitted Shriyu, “but I can see that you’ve unlocked a great power.”“What is this power?” Sruti asked.“I think you have companions that will be able to explain that better then we could,” answered Ariocie. “We must go, but it was wonderful to see you one last time,” responded Shriyu. “You can’t go yet!” cried Sruti. Her parents moved closer to her embracing her in one giant hug before disappearing from her sight.“Goodbye sweet Sruti!” echoed two voices as they faded away. Sruti wiped her eyes one last time. She gazed at the seal now imprinted upon her, the memory of her parents and their last moments etched in her mind now like a painting that would never fade. It made her sad that they were gone, but knowing how much they really cared about her gave her a renewed strength. The blue on her seal flashed a bright pale blue.***Gwen slowly walked through the dimly lit passageway finding herself in what appeared to be a dungeon filled with torturous devices. There was a rack that stretches a person out, various whips and weapons designed to inflict pain and other restraining apparatus all of which were covered in dried blood. Gwen gasped as she gazed upon the center of the room. A giant man covered in a dark black mask stood over two tables. Lying on one of the tables was Smitha and on the other table was Faiz. Both were restrained and looked like they have been through so much pain at the hands of the man in the dark mask.Gwen ran towards the center of the room but as she neared, the man in the mask blocked her path.“Get out of my way!” exclaimed Gwen. The man in the mask stood there motionless.“I cannot move; it is my duty,” stated the man in the mask. Gwen tried to peer around him to get a better view of Faiz and Smitha but was unable to see much except that they were both still alive.“Why are you doing this to them?” cried out Gwen who couldn’t bear to see either of them suffering like this.“It is the duty of Roshan the Executioner and you have been tasked with choosing one of them to live. The other will die by my hand,” stated Roshan stoically, no emotion with any of his words.“How can I make that choice? I can’t,” pleaded Gwen, tears of the utmost pain falling down her cheeks.“I will now awaken the two from their unconscious state. You will have two minutes to talk with them and then a choice will be made. If you cannot make that choice, I will execute both of them chopping off their heads with my axe.”Gwen stood their motionless as Roshan the Executioner placed a vial under both Smitha and Faiz’s noses. Both woke up immediately struggling in their restraints. Roshan looked at the two and both stopped their movements.“Time is wasting,” voiced Roshan as he stood off to the side of the chamber, polishing his axe. Gwen eyed him with malice, shook her head and ran in-between the two tables. Both Faiz and Smitha looked at her, relief in their eyes. Gwen started to tear up watching the two as they stared at her.“Save me!” cried Smitha, “I’m sorry that I betrayed the village and you. How could I ever do that to my best friend?”“Save me!” exclaimed Faiz, “I want to grow old with you and be with you always.” Right after their brief statements, the two passed out yet again. Gwen stood there frantically, wiping the tears from her face, sniffling as she thought about their words. How could she be asked to make such a decision? Her mind raced with thoughts of the two of them and what they truly meant to her. Smitha was, no is her best friend. She may have made a mistake, but everyone makes them. And Faiz, well, he had her heart. There was no doubt about that. How could she choose between them?Roshan the Executioner walked up behind her and asked, “What is your decision?” Gwen turned around to face him, uncertainty and fear running up and down her spine.“I can’t make such a decision; it’s not possible,” uttered Gwen, as she dropped to her knees, her hands on her face.“Well, then it is both of them then.” Roshan walked over towards Faiz lifting his axe high above his head ready to send it down to finish off Faiz. Gwen looked up. She couldn’t bear to lose either of them. “Take me instead. I choose me. Let them both live!” shrieked Gwen as she slowly began to rise. Roshan looked at her, confusion in his eyes. He lowered his axe and stared at Gwen. “Take me instead!” she screamed. Roshan walked over towards her raising his axe up high ready to strike. Gwen looked one last time at both Smitha and Faiz. She closed her eyes knowing that this was the only decision that she could have made. Memories of Smitha raced through her. Smitha had always been with her since her parents were gone. And although her time with Faiz was brief, she thought fondly of all the times with him and how she felt things that she never felt before. Her only regret was that she never had the chance to tell him how she felt, never had a chance to kiss him just once.Roshan raised his axe bringing it down in one swift motion. Then Gwen felt it, a strange sensation filled her, a red piercing light filled the room. Roshan melted, his body turning to goo, his axe clanking against the floor. Gwen heard his agonized screams of pain as he died.Gwen opened her eyes and saw her necklace glowing with a blazing red light. It disappeared and she felt a mark taking shape on the back of her neck. Gwen couldn’t see it, but she realized quickly enough that she was in possession of a seal. The intricate triangular symbol was now on the back of her neck with intricate symbols branching out on her back and shoulders. She stood up and walked over to the tables. She touched Smitha’s hand. “I will bring you back, I promise you,” vowed Gwen.She then turned towards Faiz taking his hand and leaning in close. “Faiz, I promise to tell you how I truly feel about you.” She kissed his cheek. Both Smitha and Faiz faded and the scene faded to black. Gwen’s seal lit up to a fiery red.***Sam continued walking through the passage, the light getting darker and darker. His eyes began to close on him, drooping lower and lower. He fought to stay awake, but soon his eyes closed as he fell to the ground.When Sam awoke, he found himself in a bed in a room that was quite familiar to him. He was in his house at the farm. Every detail was precise and he shook his head in disbelief. This couldn’t be real he thought to himself. And then she stepped into the room to open the curtains.“Rohita!” Sam exclaimed.“Yes dear, it’s me. What has you all excited?” Rohita asked as she opened the curtains to let the sunlight in.Sam jumped out of bed, running out the door and gazing outside. He was at his farm and everything was exactly as he remembered it. To his left was the great oak tree that had always been there. And to his right was the barn where the cows were kept. And there was his farm, that he tilled almost all his life. He stood there stunned. A pair of arms wrapped around him. It felt like it always felt and Sam turned around to gaze at his beautiful Rohita. This couldn’t be real he kept telling himself. “Pinch me, I must be dreaming,” he commanded. Rohita grinned at him and complied pinching him tenderly. And then Sam noticed it. He didn’t have any scars, he didn’t have any of the marks, he did not have Rohita’s name tattooed to his chest. It was bare.“Honey, what’s wrong?” Rohita asked.“I feel like I’m in a dream. Is this all real?” Sam asked.“You were crying out in your sleep, something about Faiz and Great Wizards and stuff like that,” answered Rohita. Could that have been a dream? Sam thought to himself. Maybe this is reality.Sam embraced Rohita passionately, holding her tightly, tears streaming down his eyes. “It was awful honey. I had lost you!” exclaimed Sam.“I’m right here for you! And so is our daughter!” Rohita added.“Daugther?” questioned Sam. And on cue, a little girl ran from the house and hugged Sam’s legs tightly. Sam looked at his daughter, shock and wonderment etched on his face.“Yes, our daughter, Vinaya,” answered Rohita.“Daddy, were you having a bad dream. I heard you through the walls all night,” began Vinaya, “don’t worry, I’ll protect you.” Vinaya grinned slightly. Sam picked his daughter up hugging her tightly. With his other hand, he grabbed Rohita’s hand and the three of them walked into their home.***At the dinner table, the family ate as usual although Sam had tons of questions.“I really feel like I’ve been sleeping forever and that I missed so much,” noted Sam. “I truly don’t remember anything. I feel like such a louse.”“Honey, you don’t have to apologize for anything. That dream must have seemed so real to you. What do you want to know?” asked Rohita.“I don’t even know where to begin. We got married?”“Yes, it was a small ceremony, but you looked so handsome in your suit. Although you complained that the shoes were too tight,” joked Rohita. “Here, I’ll get out the picture book so you can see.” Rohita walked off to get the album and Sam turned to watch his daughter, Vinaya eat, or in her case play with her food.“What is it daddy?” asked Vinaya as she piled some peas on top of her mashed potatoes making a picture.“Nothing honey. I just never imagined beyond my wildest dreams that I would have such a beautiful daughter. I never thought I’d have this life; I thought it was lost,” muttered Sam.“You’re so weird daddy. I’m going to help mom find that album.” Vinaya blurted as she ran off to the other room. Sam took a deep breath, a breath of relief. He stood up, curious as to what creative picture his daughter tried to make. Perhaps he would look into getting her some paint and brushes. Sam’s mouth dropped when he saw the picture his daughter had made. It was a perfect rendition of Konark cooking Rohita. “No!” Sam screamed. Rohita and Vinaya came sprinting in the room only to find Sam on the floor, hysterical tears streaming across his face.“What’s wrong honey?” asked Rohita as she held her husband.“Yeah, daddy what’s wrong?” Vinaya sneered.“The picture that Vinaya made,” stuttered Sam. Rohita stood up and looked at the plate.“It looks like mush,” responded Rohita. Sam stood up and looked at the plate again and this time it was just a mish-mash of food. He shook his head and looked at Vinaya. Her eyes pierced his own and he stepped back.“I think I just need to rest. I’m sorry to worry you honey,” prompted Sam as he walked to his room and plopped on his bed. Sam’s mind was at unrest. Something just didn’t seem right about this situation. Every fiber of his heart wanted this to be real, but that nagging feeling kept creeping its way into his thoughts. As he was lying in bed, he thought about all the things that happened after Rohita died and those memories seemed so fresh, so vivid to him. If this was real, why couldn’t he remember anything about being married to Rohita and having a daughter. Sam stood up and gazed out the window. He saw that a strange light was glowing from the barn window. Feeling compelled to investigate, he snuck out the door and made his way to the barn. A feeling of dread and malice filled the air as Sam drew closer to the barn. He reached for his sword instinctly, but it was not there.“Damn it, I forgot that I don’t have that,” cursed Sam as he stood next to the entrance. He pushed the door open and gasped at the scene before him. Vinaya stood over a demonic circle symbol while Rohita was chained up against the wall. “Vinaya, what are you doing?” screamed Sam.Vinaya’s form slowly shifted from a cute little girl to a monstrous imp, a dream sucker, a creature that invaded one’s psyche. She grew horns and her skin transformed to a rough gray tone. Her eyes turned a blood red and a monstrous smile formed. Sam stood there horrified, his hands trembling as his supposed daughter turned to an evil demon.“Scared are we now dad?” mocked Vinaya.“What’s going on?” pleaded Sam.“When your beloved Rohita died,” Vinaya grinned turning to look at Rohita chained up to the wall, “I snuck into your mind, your psyche, and began feeding on your grief. Your pain made me stronger and to think that a pathetic emotion like love fueled my power. I continued to grow and then you went through the trial, the perfect opportunity for me to make my move.”“But Rohita and all of this?” cried Sam.“Rohita was part of your trial, but I twisted it to suit my needs. You see, I planned on toying with you, but I realize that you’re a smart guy. I’ve been inside you for so long after all. So, I’m going to end this now. When you fall before me, I will take over your body and finally be able to be in your world,” narrated Vinaya.“I will never allow it,” demanded Sam.“Oh, but I think you will. You see Rohita over there, that’s her soul and if you do anything foolish, I will wipe her soul from this world forever!”“You devil!” sputtered Sam.“So, you will fall before me and be reunited with your beloved in the afterlife. Then you can be with her always,” mocked Vinaya viciously. Sam stood there looking at Rohita. He could not risk her soul and his life was nothing compared to hers.“Fine, I will fall before you. What do I have to do?”“Ha ha ha! I knew that you would do my bidding. All you have to do is stand in this circle. When my spell is complete, you will be reunited with your beloved and I will have the physical body that I’ve always desired. It’s hard living in someone’s psyche.” Sam grunted inwardly and stepped towards the demonic circle, falling to his knees. He never took his eyes off of his beloved.Vinaya started her spell, chanting incomprehensible grunts and noises. Sam felt his energy slowly draining out of his body; his breath grew more labored and arduous. “Sam,” whispered a voice. Sam’s head turned and he glanced around the room. Vinaya was continuing her spell. Rohita’s soul was chained up to the wall.“Sam, just listen,” the voice continued.“Rohita is that you?” whispered Sam low enough so that Vinaya could not hear him.“It’s me and you have to get up and fight this creature,” commanded Rohita.“I can’t sacrifice your soul; if that were to happen I couldn’t live with myself.”“And I cannot have you giving up your life for this. It’s not your time yet. I so wish that you could join me, but you have so much left to do. Sam, I order you to get up and fight,” urged Rohita.“But Rohita,” pled Sam.“No buts! You get up and fight. Look inside for the power. I’ve always been and will always be with you. No demon, no spell will ever take that away!” “I love you more than anything!” exclaimed Sam. “And I love you more than you can imagine, now look inside to find the strength to save yourself!” replied Rohita. The tattoos on Sam’s body returned, Rohita’s name glowing an orangey hue. A burst of light filled the room, a brilliant light that singed the evil demon, Vinaya. She shrieked in pain. A triangular symbol appeared behind the tattoo of Rohita’s name, intricate symbols and markings joining her name and spreading across Sam’s chest.Sam stood up, orange energy flowing throughout his body. Rohita’s soul was gone and Vinaya lay on the ground, her skin singed.“Fool, your love is gone forever!” sneered Vinaya. In the blink of eye, Sam stood behind the burnt demon grabbing her neck and snapping it with one quick twist. Sam dropped Vinaya’s lifeless body to the ground.“She will always be with me,” uttered Sam as he held his hand to his heart. Rohita appeared before Sam.“That demon was wrong. My soul is still with you although my time is short here. I must return to the afterlife,” began Rohita. “Sam, you need to let go of the pain of my death.”“I know, it’s just that l didn’t know what to do without you. I sought revenge, but after killing that ogre, I still felt nothing,” quibbled Sam.“Revenge does not solve anything. You need to find something to live for,” indicated Rohita. “I never told you this, but there was a reason that I came to your house that fateful night.”“A reason?” Sam questioned.“Yes, my love. I was traveling trying to escape my cruel life. I was ready to give up and was lying on the road ready to die. A wizard dressed in gray happened upon me and chanted a spell giving me strength. He told me that there was a house just a few miles away with a man that would help. Before I could even ask, he was gone. I walked there and the rest was history.”“Great Wizard Paul!” exclaimed Sam.“There was a reason he sent me to you. And there is a reason that you travel now with those companions of yours. Live for that reason!”“You’re right my love. I should know that you are always right,” joked Sam.“That’s the sense of humor that I fell in love with,” confided Rohita, “now, I must go. Goodbye my love. I look forward to the day when we can be reunited.”“Goodbye my love! You’ve saved me yet again. You saved me from a dreary and meaningless life before and now you’ve saved me from myself. I love you, always and forever!” professed Sam.“And I love you, always and forever!” Rohita faded from Sam’s sight. The seal on Sam’s chest shined with an orange tint. Sam traced Rohita’s name with his finger.***Faiz walked through the passage, the light getting brighter as he neared the exit. He found himself in a plain looking room with just a table and a chair. The walls were rather mundane and ordinary. Faiz slowly walked to the table and noticed that a journal was sitting there. It resembled the journal that the Great Wizard had given him. Faiz checked his bag only to discover that it was empty. He reached for the journal on the table, but before he could even touch it, the pages spun wildly landing back and forth before landing on the first page. A voice called out, “Sit and learn.”He sat down and glanced at the pages. Instead of jumbled symbols, it was as clear as day. Faiz brought the journal closer to him. He read the first line out loud… “Many, many years ago…” Faiz found himself watching events from the distant past.Seven heroes stood in a crumbled monument fighting off hordes of monsters and other evil creatures. A giant frog familiar shot out bubbles and wielded a katana blade with expert precision. He leaped from spot to spot knocking the enemy forces off balance with his accurate strikes. He wore a bright red kimono that flapped in the air with every movement.A lithe and spry Beastman danced through a horde of monsters firing arrows with the flick of a wrist. A steady stream of arrows flew through the air striking their targets. She glided through the air with well-placed jumps, using her cat claws to bounce off the pillars to guide her movements and reset her attacks.An Aeroian girl flew through the air in-between enemies striking them down with her club. Her wings fluttered with each strike and her movements were so subtle and slight that it didn’t even seem like she was giving much effort. She moved so precisely that enemy attacks always struck the air, yards away from her.An elven girl adorned with a magical shield surrounding her hurled spell after spell at the enemy ranks decimating the enemy numbers. Enemy arrows and other attacks bounced off her shield and struck the attacker. She smiled in-between each spell at each attack that repelled off her protective shield and back onto the attacker.A powerful warrior with long flowing hair swung his giant sword chopping off the legs of a giant creature. He jumped upon the beast’s belly, gliding quickly towards its head, plunging his sword through the creature’s skull all in the matter of a second. He dashed to the next opponent jumping upon the creature’s back, slicing its neck in two.A young woman wielded an axe spinning it in the air like a propeller rotating around hordes of the enemy slicing them to pieces with vicious hits. She was like a whirlwind, a mini-tornado as she spun through the enemy striking them down. All that was left in her wake was enemy body parts.Finally, the last hero stood on the forefront on top of some rubble. Energy waves built around him, growing larger and stronger. He released the energy into the crowd. Every remaining enemy fell to the ground lifeless. “Took you long enough Arnav,” joked the axe-wielding woman as she cleaned off her axe on one of the enemy’s tunics. “It was because your attack was so dizzying Shivani. It made me nauseous,” chided Arnav.“You two need to be more focused on the task at hand. That was sloppy. What have I been teaching you two, and Arnav don’t think because you have such a strong power that you can get lazy,” admonished the large warrior with the giant sword.“Sorry Kevin,” replied Arnav and Shivani in unison. “Why don’t you give them a break?” began the Aeroian girl as she landed right next to the gathering group. “After all, we did defeat a huge force of the enemy.”“I suppose I can for the time being Zeal, but just this once,” announced Kevin eyeing his two pupils.“Thank you,” stated Zeal. The Elven girl soon joined the rest of the group.“What did I miss now? Another tongue lashing from Kevin,” jeered the young Elven girl.“Geez am I that bad Sahana?” questioned Kevin who couldn’t help but smirk a little bit.“You can be a bit of a task master here and there,” stressed Sahana, “but we forgive you.”“Could someone help me comb my fur on my back? It’s a little matted from some monster blood,” requested the Beastman.“Really Jolie, that fur of yours is always getting dirty and matted. I don’t know how someone who shoots arrows gets so messy,” replied Sahana.“So is that a yes then Sahana,” implied Jolie.“I think I’ll pass on that,” laughed Sahana. The giant frog shrunk down to a tiny frog landing on Jolie’s shoulders.“Maybe I can give you a hand?” announced the now smaller familiar.“Really Ritvik and how are you going to do that? With your tongue?” joked Jolie.“If you want me to, I can. My tongue is quite hygienic,” stated Ritvik.“Eeewwhh…gross. Maybe I should cut you up and have some frog soup if you keep that up,” threatened Jolie.“Okay, I’m kidding. Can’t a guy make a joke?” murmured Ritvik. The rest of the group laughed and made their way to the meeting spot. After any battle the companions always tried to make light of the situation. The seven heroes made their way to a clearing in the forest not too far from their battle.As they entered the clearing, a man wearing gray robes appeared before them. His long brown hair came down to his shoulders and he walked with vibrancy and energy.“Greetings my friends. How did the battle go?” asked the man wearing gray.“I think you already know how that went Great Wizard Paul,” stated Arnav.“I suppose you are right. Well, let me get right to it. You did well taking out most of Abby’s forces, but that cruel witch still has a few tricks up her sleeve,” expressed the Great Wizard.“Of course she would have something else up her sleeve. Her evilness knows no bounds!” exclaimed Shivani, anger building up inside of her.“Patience Shivani. I know that all of you have your reasons as to why you are fighting against her, but we need to be cautious. Now, I think I may have a plan for our final assault, where we can end this here and now,” explained the Great Wizard.***The scene faded before Faiz’s eyes and then resumed…A dark and foreboding castle built into the mountains loomed before the heroes and the Great Wizard. Black clouds and an eerie fog surrounded the castle adding to the ominous feel.“Abby is inside playing her final trump card, summoning the Three Sinistrils, creatures that are the embodiments of the purest of evil on Edisonia,” lectured the Great Wizard. “We need to get to her before she can complete the ritual.”“But that isn’t going to be easy. We’re going to have to deal with her four generals, the toughest and vilest of her forces,” commented Kevin already envisioning the battle in his mind.“We’ve come so far to stop now. Whatever they throw in our way, we’ll just knock them down,” vowed Jolie as she cleaned her paws, sharpening them for this final encounter.“Unitas, filleia luckas!” chanted Sahana as a sparkle of light touched each of the companions. “I’ve chanted a good fortune spell for all of us; now we’ll have good luck.”“Thank you, ribbit, although don’t you know frogs with three spots on their backs are the best luck of all,” joked Ritvik as he transformed to his larger form. “So what exactly is the plan?” asked Zeal sensing that they needed to start focusing on the task at hand.“I don’t suppose we just barge right in there and take the fight right to them,” urged Shivani.“No, we won’t do that it plays right into Abby’s hands. What do you suggest Great Wizard?” asked Arnav.“I think we need to divide our forces. The main goal is to stop Abby from summoning the Sinistrils. Of course her generals, will get in our way. Arnav you and I will head directly to stop Abby. Only you have the power to stop the summoning. The rest of you will take on her generals. And yes Shivani, you all will barge in the front door while Arnav and I sneak in to take out Abby,” instructed the Great Wizard.The rest of the companions nodded their heads. They made their final preparations silently knowing that this was it. Arnav and the Great Wizard walked off on their own to have a final conversation.“Arnav are you prepared for this?” asked the Great Wizard.“I don’t know. Can I really do this? Is this the will of Edisonia?” questioned Arnav, a hint of hesitation in his voice.“Listen Arnav. I can’t even pretend to know what you are going through. You are the living embodiment of this world, a creation of the land itself to protect against the Sinistrils. And to have to give up your…”“Please don’t talk of it anymore. I know what I have to do but I don’t want to think about it,” interrupted Arnav.“I understand my friend. Whatever you do, I will be behind your decision,” reassured the Great Wizard. “Let us depart and get started with the task at hand.” The two walked off towards the castle planning to sneak in while the rest of their group started their assault at the gate. ***“Huff, huff!” breathed Ritvik trying to catch his breath. He licked the gashing wound on his shoulder trying to stifle the blood flow.“What’s the matter frog-boy? Did I hurt you too much?” mocked the Minotaur familiar that loomed over him ready to swing his massive sword down upon him.“Nah Anish, you stupid bull! Your breath is just killing me,” joked Ritvik.“How dare you!” cried Anish as he swung his sword downward. Ritvik leaped over the deadly blow, spitting giant bubbles at Anish that exploded in his face. Ritvik landed on his Anish’s head kicking him before jumping towards safe ground to continue his attack.Anish charged at him leading with his head trying to spear Ritvik with his horns. Ritvik stood his ground readying his katana, using both hands to strike with maximum force. Anish drew closer gaining speed and momentum. Ritvik’s eyes never left Anish. Anish lowered his head even more ready for the impact. Ritvik side-stepped the attack, slamming Anish with a vicious strike from his katana blade. Anish twisted his head at the last moment trying to avoid being decapitated. His horns flew off landing on the ground next to Ritvik’s webbed feet. Ritvik followed through with another swing, but Anish darted off to the side rolling to safety before standing upright.“Aarrgghh!” cried Anish touching the stumps where his horns used to be. “How dare you cut off my prized horns? I’m going to rip off those squishy legs of yours!”“I’d like to see you try!” taunted Ritvik. Anish charged at Ritvik yet again his sword raised high and ready to strike. Ritvik again stood his ground ready to counter the attack. Anish stopped within a few feet twisting his sword on an angle parallel to the ground and swung at Ritvik’s midsection. Ritvik redirected his katana, anticipating an attack from above, and was barely able to block the vicious strike. Ritvik was knocked off balance falling to one knee. Anish stood over him ready to strike. Ritvik looked up knowing he didn’t have enough time to deflect any attack.An arrow flew through the air striking Anish directly in his eye. Anish screamed in pain as he frantically tried to drag the arrow out of his eye. While he struggled to get it, more arrows found their path into his flesh. Ritvik looked in the direction of the arrows, seeing Jolie nocked and ready to let loose a whole other barrage of arrows. He winked in her direction and rolled out of the line of fire and away from Anish. Jolie released the arrow quickly replenishing it and firing four more in succession. Each arrow found its mark hitting Anish directly in his chest. Anish bellowed in pain even more and started his retreat. Ritvik squatted low on the ground and then sprung. He flew through the air towards Anish. Ritvik swung his sword on a downward angle. His strike found its mark, slicing Anish into two. Anish’s body began to fade and then vanish from sight.“You’re lucky I was around there froggy,” joked Jolie as she retrieved some of her arrows that didn’t disappear with Anish’s death.“I certainly am. I am in your debt Jolie,” replied Ritvik. “I need to recover, so I’ll be turning to my smaller form.”“Hop on my shoulder and I’ll watch over you,” noted Jolie. Ritvik hopped on Jolie’s shoulder and the two continued onward towards the main structure of the castle.***Swords clanked with one another; sparks flew as each sword strike bounced off one another. The blows were so fast and furious; on-lookers would think they were mini-lightning bolts dancing midair. The two warriors stepped back after a flurry of strikes and eyed one another. “I see that you have improved greatly my pupil,” stated a warrior woman who wielded two short swords. Her armor was light blackened leather with small spikes along the shoulder pads. Her helmet covered her eyes, dark and angry eyes that eyed her opponent.“After fighting your army of monsters, it’s only natural that I’ve improved Master Akanksha,” Kevin snapped getting into an offensive stance. He held his sword with both hands next to his side, upright and ready to strike.“Well, it will all be for naught. Today your life shall be forfeit,” boasted Akanksha who positioned both her weapons in a cross pattern. She stood there waiting for Kevin to make his move. Kevin, becoming impatient, rushed towards Akanksha with blinding speed. For a brief moment, Akanksha lost sight of him, but only for a moment. As Kevin flung his sword strike down, Akanksha was able to deflect it with the sword in her left hand and counter with her right sword. Kevin shifted his body to avoid the blow, but was now off balance. Akanksha kicked Kevin in his midsection sending him flying into the wall. Kevin bounced off the wall and landed in a roll getting back to his feet in one swift motion. Akanksha was already upon him, bringing both her swords down upon him. Kevin held his sword parallel to the ground to block the attack and used a leg-sweep to knock Akanksha off balance. Akanksha fell backward totally unprepared for this maneuver, but was able to tuck into a roll and stand back up holding her swords in position to defend herself. Kevin stood up. “You still have never answered me. Why did you join Abby and her army?” asked Kevin, as he caught his breath.“If you defeat me, then perhaps I will tell you,” taunted Akanksha, “but I don’t foresee that happening.” Akanksha stood still, a dark reddish energy surrounding her. Kevin stood aghast. This was his master’s ultimate power, something that couldn’t be stopped. He knew that if he stood any chance he would have to counter this power of hers with something similar. He closed his eyes and concentrated on focusing the energy within him and around him. An orange energy flow started flowing through his body and his skin soon sizzled with tiny orange bolts that danced around him.“I see you have finally figured out how to channel your energy; let’s see if it can stand up to mine!” Akanksha focused all the energy whirling around her into one blast firing it right at Kevin. Kevin remembered all the training that he undertook with her. He recalled how she took him and trained him to be the best he could be. He remembered the day she turned on her students destroying her dojo, leaving him barely alive. It was as a clear as air to him. He knew that he had to finish this; he had to avenge his friends and he had to know why she would do such things. Kevin took a breath and did the same, unleashing a fiery bolt of orange energy towards his master. The two blasts collided creating an epic explosion. When the smoke cleared, Kevin stood balancing himself on his giant sword. Akanksha lay on the ground, her body smoking. Kevin slowly made his way over to her gazing at her. He kneeled down next to her and took off her helmet.“Master!” he cried, “why did you turn on us?”“Kevin, you’ve grown so, arrgh, strong,” whispered Akanksha. She looked into his eyes. “I forgot the number one lesson that I taught all of you. I let power get to me.”“But why master?”“You learned to fight to protect people, to protect the people that you cared about. Urrgh, I learned originally for revenge. I got my revenge, but those negative, arh, emotions never left me. I craved more power and when I was promised it, my dark, ugh, urges took over.”“Master, it’s not too late,” Kevin pleaded.“It is too late, but I see it clearly now. Kevin you have surpassed me and I could not be prouder. It looks like you are the master and I’m now the student. True power isn’t something that you just get and practice; true power, agh, is earned. Never forget that,” uttered Akanksha. She turned her head and breathed her last breath. Kevin took his fingertips and closed her eyelids. He made his way towards the main structure in the castle.***Sahana, Zeal and Shivani stood eyeing the other two generals, the Twin Fangs, Vandhitha and Vidhi, twin sisters that were a deadly combination. Vandhitha was a skilled fighter wielding a magical scimitar that froze the air as she swung it. Her sister, Vidhi, was a Fire-Bringer, a weaver of fire that could control the smallest of flames into the deadliest of weapons. The combination of fire and ice was a deadly blend that their opponents could not deal with.“Every time we try and get close, those two repel our attacks and keep us at bay,” grunted Zeal, hovering in the air above her two companions.“We need to do something. If this keeps up, we won’t be around too much longer,” uttered Sahana. “We have to come up with a plan.”“I think we need a diversion. Something to keep them off guard,” quipped Shivani. Vandhitha and Vidhi looked on, their arms crossed, smirking at their opponents. They liked to watch their opponents squirm and struggle before they finished them off.Vidhi struck her staff against the ground a spark forming a tiny flame on top of her staff. The flame grew larger and larger taking shape. The flame crackled forming the shape of a dragon.“Let’s see them avoid my Dragon-fire attack, sister,” grinned Vidhi.“I bet you only finish off one of them and I of course will have to clean up your mess,” boasted Vandhitha. The three companions watched on in awe as the fire dragon took shape. It would only be a matter of time before this attack was launched. And if they tried to get in close, Vandhitha would use her vaunted scimitar to freeze them in their tracks.“We need to turn their attacks on one another. And I think I have an idea. Zeal, you need to draw that ice witch’s attention and get her after you. You’re the fastest amongst us. You need to make her strike that fire attack which we’ll make sure is fired at us,” instructed Sahana.“At us?” questioned Shivani.“Well, not exactly. It’s time I show off one of my illusions,” disclosed Sahana. Shivani and Zeal nodded knowing exactly what Sahana had in mind.Zeal flew towards Vandhitha directly. Vandhitha was not totally ready for this sudden change of tactics. Most of their opponents went after her sister and her deadly fire attack. Vandhitha deflected the series of blows that Zeal threw at her. Her ice would not form while she was on the defensive; it only formed with an offensive strike. Zeal furiously continued swinging her club with precision keeping Vandhitha on the defensive.On cue, Sahana and Shivani made their move towards Vidhi and her growing fire attack. With Vandhitha occupied, Vidhi was vulnerable. The two charged at the Fire-Bringer who would be unable to fight either of them since she was concentrating on her final attack. Vandhitha who was busy holding off Zeal’s onslaught back-pedaled further away from her sister and saw this from the corner of her eye. She ducked under Zeal’s attack and rolled underneath her since Zeal was gliding through the air. Not worrying about the Aeroian, Vandhitha ran towards her sister. Zeal stood back and watched Vandhitha sprint towards Vidhi.Sahana and Shivani were within a few feet of striking. Vidhi looked up ready to unleash her attack. Her sister was close ready to strike as well. Vandhitha jumped in the air towards Shivani and Sahana her sword poised and ready to strike downward. Vidhi unleashed her attack, a fiery blast that zigzagged towards the two companions. At the same time, Vandhitha’s scimitar was slicing through the air, glacial ice forming at a rapid rate. The fire and ice attacks met at the exact same moment. An explosion of fire and ice particles filled the air, a smoke cloud covering the battlefield. Vidhi looked on only to see that her attack worked. The two opponents that she had faced were lying their lifeless, but it was the third body that concerned her the most. She ran to her sister kneeling besides her in an instant. Vandhitha was caught directly in the blast and was killed instantly. Vidhi, anger dwelling and growing within her, punched the body of the Elven girl next to her dead sister. Only when she made contact, the body disappeared along with the other one. She turned around only to be struck with a wicked axe chop. Her lifeless body fell to join her sister.Zeal flew to join Shivani who was wiping off the blood on her axe. Sahana soon joined them, a smile of relief on her face.“That certainly was quite an illusion you made there Sahana,” commented Zeal, “you even had me fooled.”“I’m just glad that it worked. If it didn’t, I don’t think that we would have won this battle,” replied Sahana.“Well, the important thing is that we did. Now come on, we need to continue onward!” emphasized Shivani. The three companions continued onward to the main structure of the castle.***Arnav and the Great Wizard trekked up the stairs cautiously making sure no monster or one of Abby’s warriors caught them off guard.“I think our friends have Abby’s forces occupied for the time being,” predicted the Great Wizard, “and I sense a dark presence growing.”“I sense it as well. Let’s make haste,” commanded Arnav. The two sprinted up the remaining stairs that twisted around in a circular pattern. The two said nothing as they continued their path to the top tower. The dark presence grew stronger and fiercer. Arnav and the Great Wizard finally reached the top. Abby was kneeling in the center of a demonic circle chanting in some unknown tongue. A dark portal was slowly forming behind her with dark energy waves seeping out.“Stop this madness at once Abby!” shouted the Great Wizard. Abby looked up, but the blue eyes that she once possessed were now the darkest shade of night.“Ah, if it isn’t the Great Wizard? Come here to see what true wizardry looks like,” taunted Abby who was slowly rising to her feet almost as if she were being pulled on strings. “I see the Sinistrils already have control of you, but I know you can fight this. You have to!” demanded the Great Wizard.“It’s too late you fool! The true masters of this world will be here soon!” threatened Abby, “and with their power, I will rule this land by their side!”Arnav began to glow a bright golden light. Energy waves and beams formed around him and started to bounce off the walls. As waves struck the dark portal, it began to shrink in size.“The key won’t be able to close this door!” Abby shouted. “I’ll make sure of that!” Abby fired an array of dark blasts directed at Arnav. The Great Wizard stood in front of Arnav waving away the dark blasts with a swipe of his staff.“Abby I will not allow you to stop Arnav!” vowed the Great Wizard, who continued his guard stance. “Arnav is the key to closing this portal and preventing this evil from ruling this land!”“But that means that you’ll have to strike me down! And I know that you cannot do that, right dad!” taunted Abby laughing manically. The Great Wizard grunted deeply, the fact lay before him so plainly and clearly. The mixture of emotions within him caused him to lose focus. Abby sent another blast directed at him that struck him squarely in the shoulder.“What’s wrong dad? You wouldn’t harm your daughter now would you!” mocked Abby. “I’ll do what I have to do!” grunted the Great Wizard as he continued to defend a defenseless Arnav. The energy continued to grow stronger as Arnav began to hum a quiet tune. The Great Wizard knew that Arnav was so close to shutting the portal permanently, preventing the Sinistrils from ever coming to the world. The Great Wizard fired a blast of light from his staff that struck Abby directly. Abby crumbled to the ground.“No!” cried the Great Wizard, “I never intended to hit you like that!” He ran over to his daughter who lay lifeless on the ground. As he turned her over, Abby’s eyes opened up and she used an invisible wave to send the Great Wizard flying into a wall. He crashed against the wall, a few ribs cracking on the impact. Abby stood up and walked towards Arnav, a small dagger in her hand. Arnav continued his trance, the dark portal growing smaller with every passing second. Abby raised the dagger above Arnav’s head ready to finish him off. “Now this ends!” she professed. Then a gray blur rammed into her knocking the knife out of her hand and knocking Abby to the floor.“I can’t have you doing this Abby. I know it’s not you…it’s those evil Sinistrils. I know that my daughter is in there somewhere,” professed the Great Wizard.Abby stood up gathering dark energy around her. A giant and massive wave of energy surrounded her quickly taking shape. The Great Wizard chanted, “Un vitos protectia un fitas!” A clear bubble surrounded him and Arnav. Abby fired her dark energy at the two, the blast completely covering the protective bubble.“This must hold,” pleaded the Great Wizard. The dark energy slowly seeped in tearing through the shield. Waves of dark energy pierced both the Great Wizard and Arnav. The Great Wizard tried to protect Arnav hovering over him to take the brunt of the blast. Arnav’s trance faded, the dark portal starting to grow again, but this time much faster. A giant claw began reaching through the portal.“Come Ariyana and Stephanie, our way is almost clear!” growled a voice.“Yes Surabhi, I can almost feel it!” roared Stephanie.“Continue to concentrate on our puppet; this is not done yet!” commanded Ariyana. The voices stopped for the moment, but more claws now reached through the dark portal. The Great Wizard knew that he had little time to waste. The dark wave subsided and he began his move. He fired an energy blast at Abby, a series of quick blasts that kept her off balance. Arnav continued his trance, but it would take time to get the needed energy to begin closing the portal. The Great Wizard took a deep breath and then focused his energy. “Lightas windas infuritos!” A giant whirlwind of lightning spiraled towards Abby. It moved so fast that Abby couldn’t react as she was sucked into the whirlwind, lightning bolts nicking her skin. The Great Wizard held his head down not able to watch the attack on his daughter. He didn’t want to hurt her, but the world was at stake. The whirlwind subsided and Abby landed to the ground. Arnav’s trance grew stronger; the portal started to grow smaller.The Great Wizard walked over to his daughter fearing the worst.“Hey stupid wizard,” taunted Surabhi from the portal, “you do know what happens to your daughter if the portal closes shut?” The Great Wizard ignored her continuing to limp towards Abby.“I don’t think he does sisters,” sneered Stephanie.“Indeed, he doesn’t realize that when this portal closes his daughter will be trapped with us forever,” wailed Ariyana.“And how we are going to enjoy torturing her for eternity!” laughed Surabhi maniacally. The Great Wizard looked towards the portal and towards Arnav and then his daughter.“I’m sorry Arnav,” pleaded the Great Wizard. The Great Wizard took out an ancient book. “I never intended to try this, but I’m left with no choice.” He began chanting from the pages. The Sinistrils were silent for the moment. “Portas LaSharinga touras, vito ungha wuqisk, vanisio!” “Ha ha ha! You may have stopped us for now. But we will be back,” sneered the three Sinistrils in unison.“And although you saved your daughter from endless torture from us, you did not save her life. That we have taken,” roared Surabhi.“Your failure will haunt you forever!” taunted Ariyana.“And we will come back to take this world!” predicted Stephanie.The dark portal was engulfed in a flash of white light and disappeared. The Great Wizard stumbled to his knees, his hair now a grayish color. Arnav snapped out of his trance dazed and confused.“What did you do?” roared Arnav.“I couldn’t let them take my daughter,” cried the Great Wizard, “so I sent the portal to La’Shar.”“You fool!” snapped Arnav. “My spell wasn’t complete! The portal isn’t fully closed.”“It’s closed enough that they won’t escape for a long, long time.” Arnav stood up next to the Great Wizard smacking him across the face.“I can’t believe you’ve done this!” proclaimed Arnav. Arnav walked down the stairs in complete silence. His sacred duty could not be fulfilled. The Great Wizard, with tears streaming down his face, walked over to his daughter kneeling beside her.“I’m sorry that this happened to you. I thought I could make everything okay but all I did was mess things up. I vow to you that I will make this right. If it takes me my whole life, or countless lifetimes, I will make this right,” sobbed the Great Wizard.***Arnav and the rest of the heroes went their separate ways. Arnav, having not completed his duty, was absorbed back into the land becoming part of the fabric that watched over things. Everyone in Edisonia called the group heroes and they were treated as such. Each went back to their homes and lived their lives in peace. Edisonia was at peace for a while. The Great Wizard went into seclusion. No one had seen or heard of him for hundreds of years. It wasn’t until the last 100 years in Edisonia’s history that Great Wizard Paul had returned.***Faiz’s eyes opened from what seemed like a trance. “I can’t believe all of this happened.”“It did Faiz,” spoke a voice. A door appeared from the side of the room and Arnav walked through.“Arnav?” questioned Faiz not sure if it really was him.“You may call me that, but names for us our meaningless. We are born of this world to protect it,” replied Arnav.“Born of this world?” asked Faiz not really comprehending all of this.“When this world is ever threatened, beings are born, created from the world itself, and tasked with protecting it. It’s only happened once and you saw the results.”“So, what am I supposed to do?”“The answer is quite simple yet complicated. I would just advise you to do what you feel you must,” advised Arnav. “You are not exactly like me.”“And what is that supposed to mean?“You have freewill. I admit that I was hesitant about my role, but ultimately, I would comply. You are not bound like me to follow the will of the world. You have the ability to make the choice. I know deep down, you know what you have to do.”“Why am I different from you?”“It’s the will of this world. How can freedom and freewill be granted from the Sinistrils if our chosen one does not have freewill of his own.”Faiz sat there stunned at all of this. Everytime he thought he had a grasp of the situation, another curve came his way and would throw him off course.“So, I take it that these Sinistrils are back or coming back,” stated Faiz.“They are and history is repeating itself yet again although I’d say that your friend the Great Wizard had a hand in that. Faiz you have a destiny that is coming crashing down upon you. The choice of how you handle that will be in your hands.” Arnav walked back through the door. The door behind him disappeared and the scene changed back to the Mountains of Woe and the cavern where the trials had begun.***The companions all began to stir waking up from their trials. All of them stood up ready to discuss everything about their trials. Voices spoke over one another until…“Enough!” commanded Muskan the Dauntless who watched all this transpire. “I see that you’ve all completed your trials and there will be much time to discuss everything that happened. However, Faiz, I believe you need to discuss yours immediately.”Faiz looked around bewildered at first seeing that all his companions were staring at him waiting for him to speak. Faiz began his tale describing how he was reading the Great Wizard’s journal and saw the past with the seven heroes, the Great Wizard, his daughter and the three evil Sinistrils. He explained how the world would be ruined if the Sinistrils were summoned. Everyone in his group nodded in amazement particularly everytime the Great Wizard was mentioned. However, Faiz made no mention of him being a creation of the planet nor did he mention that he was the chosen one who could save the world. He couldn’t explain it to himself let alone his friends. Every time he thought about it, his insides began to burn.“So are you saying that the Great Wizard has been involved with this for countless years? How?” exclaimed Gwen.“I don’t know how, but he is,” explained Faiz.“The Great Wizard has traveled through time orchestrating this whole thing,” commented Muskan, “and it will be nearing its conclusion soon.”“So, what are we supposed to do?” asked Brian.“Well, I don’t know about you, but I plan on getting back to my village. I may have received a great power, but I have responsibilities to keep and I have no reason to get all wrapped up in this,” stated Sruti.“We understand Sruti. There is no reason for you to get involved with us and all of this. Maybe we can control our destiny or maybe it controls us. I like to think that we have a say in things,” mused Winnie.“In any sense, I suggest we head back to the Beastman village and take it from there. We are all tired and worn out from our trials. A little rest and recovery is in order,” suggested Sam, who seemed more at peace than ever before. The rest of the group nodded and headed out of the cavern.“Good luck heroes!” called out Muskan as she went back to her chambers. “You are going to need it,” she whispered to herself as she vanished into her room. The companions made their way out of the cavern and towards the evening light. A gentle breeze brushed against the group, a sense of relief filling them as they breathed in the fresh air.“I smell smoke!” barked Himanshu.“I sense something as well,” added Matthew, “a dark presence.” Sruti wiggled her nose, smelling the smoke as well.“The village!” shrieked Sruti as she galloped down the mountain.“Matthew and Himanshu, I think we may need your bigger forms,” suggested Sam. The two familiars transformed to their second forms and the companions hopped on. No one spoke, but everyone knew what was probably waiting for them in the Beastman village, Grace.Matthew gliding through the air and Himanshu sprinting down the mountain top followed Sruti who was running with reckless abandon. Branches and trees scrapped her as she made her way down the mountain, her only goal to get to the village. The smoke got thicker and darker the closer the companions got to the village. Sruti arrived first seeing the village in shambles. All the huts and houses were burning or in ruins. Bodies of Beastman littered the landscape. And there in the center of the village where Akshay, the village chief’s dwelling used to be stood a few figures. Sruti sprinted to the group. A giant muscular man was holding Akshay up by his throat. Never before had Sruti ever seen someone be able to manhandle Akshay like that.A woman veiled by dark magic was speaking. “Where is the relic?” she demanded. Akshay looked towards her spitting at her feet. The big muscular man threw Akshay through the air into a crumbled column. The impact shattered the column even more. “Stop right there!” shrieked Sruti unable to stand back anymore. She unleashed a bevy of arrows at the muscular man. The arrows struck him bouncing off of him like they were nothing.“It seems we have another pest to crush,” commented the woman veiled in dark magic. “Palak, Saloni and Sruthi, I think it’s time you got into the action.” Before Sruti could even load another arrow, three shadowy figures surrounded her, circling her from all directions. Sruti squatted gathering tension in her legs and released flying through the air a few yards away from the three figures. They slowly took form, the shadows turning to flesh and blood. Each figure was pale armed with a small dagger. They all looked exactly the same. Palak, Saloni and Sruthi all wore dingy colored black dresses. There was nothing extraordinary about any of them except for their pupil-less eyes. The whites of their eyes were dreadful and brought involuntary shudders from Sruti.Sruti nocked an arrow and was ready to let it fly when she heard voices behind her. Thinking that it was more of the enemy, Sruti twisted backwards ready to let more arrows fly. Behind her wasn’t the enemy at all. It was Matthew and Himanshu carrying Sam, Faiz, Gwen, Brian and Winnie. The heroes dismounted and stood beside Sruti ready to engage the enemy in battle.“I see Grace and her lackeys are at it again,” noted Sam as he eyed Ryan from afar. Grace and the rest of her group stood still watching as the companions took their positions. “Grace?” questioned Sruti.“Yeah, she’s the one behind all of this. Or perhaps it’s those Sinistrils from Faiz’s story that are truly behind all of this,” explained Brian. “In any sense, I think it’s time we find out!”Grace and her two minions Ryan and Smitha soon stood next to Sruthi, Saloni and Palak.“I swear you are like roaches. Everytime I turn around you’re up in my business and even worse it seems like you multiplied,” chided Grace. “Sruthi, Saloni and Palak, please dispose of these pests. Ryan, Smitha, let’s go! We will have to look elsewhere for the relic.”“Wait Grace! What’s your goal? Is it the Sinistrils?” blurted out Faiz trying to figure out what was going on. Grace eyed Faiz coolly, a small grin soon forming on her face.“Sinistrils, hmmm. Seems like you’ve learned something, but it will do you no good. Your lives will end here,” sneered Grace and in an instant, she vanished along with Ryan and Smitha.“Ah sisters, I think it’s time we got this bloodshed started,” croaked Saloni.“Indeed sisters, I do feel the need to feed,” cackled Palak.“They look so tasty,” whined Sruthi, “I so want a few bites!” The three sisters soon started convulsing, their skin turning a blood red, wings starting to sprout from their backs. Demonic energy surrounded the three forming a barrier around them as they began their transformations.“Oh, great, demons,” complained Sam. “Those aren’t normal demons,” commented Matthew. “Not at all. Those are blood demons!” exclaimed Himanshu.“What exactly are those?” asked Sruti, not taking her eyes off the demons in front of them.“Consider it an unholy combination of demon and vampire. All of the strengths but none of the weaknesses,” explained Matthew.“What are we doing standing around and watching them? Let’s finish them off before their transformation is complete!” shouted Faiz as he charged the three sisters.“No!” shrieked Gwen who watched in horror as Faiz was sent flying back into a tree from the magical force being released from their transformation. Gwen rushed to Faiz’s side. Faiz lay unconscious as Gwen held him upright.“The kid certainly is reckless ain’t he!” quipped Himanshu.“Yeah, patience isn’t one of his virtues to say the least,” added Sam. “Is he okay?” shouted Brian.“He’ll be alright, but I don’t think he’ll be up anytime soon!” proclaimed Gwen.“You watch over him. We’ll take care of the rest,” assured Winnie. The rest of the companions minus Gwen and Faiz stood poised and ready to take on the three blood demons. The surge of demonic energy subsided and three blood demons stood ready to strike. The three sisters had grown twice in size; their skin was completely red, their veins popped out and giant bat-like wings sprouted from their backs.“I felt like I was trapped in a shell. It’s good to be free,” grunted Saloni as her tongue flicked around her lips.“Do you feel it? I sense an intoxicating magical energy coming from them. I can taste it now,” snarled Sruthi.“Yes, let’s make haste. I’m starving,” clamored Palak. The three blood demons snapped into action moving towards the companions methodically.“Cover one another!” commanded Sam. “Let’s work together to take these things down! Winnie, you and Brian take the one on the left.” Brian and Winnie nodded back at Sam making their way to attack the blood demon. “Sruti, hop onto Matthew and take to the air and target the one in the middle.” Matthew craned his neck to allow Sruti to hop on. “Himanshu, you and I will take on the one to the right. Don’t worry, I’m not jumping on you. I want you to pelt her with your lightning attacks and keep her off balance while I move in for the kill.” Himanshu grinned and went into action.Gwen looked on propping Faiz’s head in her lap. “Faiz, what happened? I’ve seen you take magical blasts of energy before and get up like it was nothing,” whispered Gwen. “Just promise to wake up soon you lunkhead.”***Faiz awoke in a darkened chamber in his mind. He scratched his eyes wondering where he might be. It only seemed like moments ago he was with the rest of his group about to fight some demons.“What’s going on?” he uttered out loud. The echo reverberated throughout the chamber; the sound magnified and pierced his ears. Faiz dropped to his knees. It was more than the sound hurting his ears. It was the multitude of emotions that were swirling around him like a whirlpool. Everything was happening too fast and he didn’t want to admit it to anyone, but he severely doubted himself and his abilities.Tears started to stream down his face as all his doubts flooded him. “Why am I this chosen one? I didn’t ask for this. I just wanted a simple life, maybe get married, have a kid or two and spend the rest of my days in peace,” sobbed Faiz.“My son,” soothed a voice. Faiz looked up to see a beautiful woman adorned with a green dress. Her earthly skin glowed with a golden hue. Faiz wiped his eyes, shaking them in disbelief.“Mom, you’ve got to be kidding me,” bemoaned Faiz. “And is dad standing behind you? And where are all my brothers and sisters,” sneered Faiz with anger bellowing in his voice. The woman stooped down next to Faiz wrapping her arms around him and held him tight. Faiz felt all his anger leave him instantly. This was not his mother, yet she was in some sense.“I see that you feel it. I am the spirit of this planet,” explained the woman. She took her arms off of Faiz and guided him to stand up. “So you are Edisonia in a sense?” asked Faiz.“Yes, but please call me Priti. I like this name much more and it’s more fitting. But onto more important matters. I know you have questions for me.”Faiz put his head down looking towards the ground. He tried to open his mouth, but nothing would come out.“I know that you doubt yourself. That is why you were knocked out by those demons so easily. Your power comes from your belief in yourself. Why do you doubt yourself?” Priti asked, tenderness in her voice. Faiz looked up and then rubbed his eyes.“This is all too much too fast. When I first started on this journey, it was just so much simpler. But with every step, there is some twist or turn. And once I feel like I get a grip on things, I’m thrown for another loop. And now, it seems that the world is depending on me. I don’t even know if my friends can depend on me. I don’t want to let them down. And I don’t want to let Gwen down, but I just feel so helpless,” quipped Faiz. Priti nodded and smiled, laughing a bit out loud.“You are so human it’s scary,” joked Priti. Faiz looked at her in disbelief. “Listen Faiz, every living creature on this planet feels the same things that you do. I admit, you may feel a bit more than most, but I can assure you that all your friends feel that too.”“So, what am I supposed to do then?” questioned Faiz.“It’s so cliché, but you need to do what your heart tells you. Think about when you felt the most sure of yourself, think about the times when you felt no doubts. It’s about time you woke up. Goodbye Faiz, my son!” Faiz focused on Priti’s closing words. He remembered those times when he felt no doubts. He saw Matthew and Himanshu, Brian, Sam and the rest of his friends. And then he saw the moment he saved Gwen from that bandit. He never felt more sure of himself in that moment. All these thoughts filled his mind; he had his answer.***In an instant Faiz found himself staring at Gwen’s face. Gwen wasn’t looking at him but was staring off at the battle with the blood demons. Faiz reached his hand up grazing Gwen’s cheek faintly. Gwen looked down, her eyes bulging when she saw Faiz awake.“Faiz, you’re awa…”“Sheesh,” interrupted Faiz, putting his finger on Gwen’s lips shushing her. “I want you to listen before I lose my nerve. I’m not sure what I am exactly, but I know one thing for sure. I want, no I must protect this planet and everyone on it.” Gwen looked at him, confusion in her eyes. She moved Faiz’s fingers from her lips.“What are you talking about Faiz? You must have hit your head really hard or something.”“Gwen, there was one part of the story that I didn’t tell you about. I’m not human or anything like that at all, but rather a creation of the planet itself, much like Arnav from the story in the past. And it’s my duty to save this planet.” “Faiz, that…”“Let me finish,” interrupted Faiz, “I wasn’t sure if I could save the planet. I’m still not entirely sure, but when I think about everyone and about you, I just don’t want to lose you. Gwen, I’m in love with you and I want to protect you and everyone on this planet!” expressed Faiz. Gwen’s mouth quivered. She grabbed Faiz’s face drawing it closer to her own and pressed her lips against his. After their tender embrace, Gwen pulled away and gazed into Faiz’s eyes.“Faiz, I don’t care if you are a mole on a troll’s back. I love you more than anything and will stand by your side. You aren’t alone with this. You have me and all of the rest of us! Now get your butt up. We have to help our friends!” Gwen stood up and reached her hand out to help Faiz get to his feet. Faiz held her hand tight even after he stood up. “Let’s go!” exclaimed Faiz. The two of them joined the fray ready to help out the rest of their companions. Faiz felt a surge of energy flood his body coursing through his veins.***Winnie fluttered through the air exchanging blows with the blood demon. Brian looked on waiting for his moment to strike. “Aawwhh, how cute! You’re doing all the work while your boyfriend down there just sits on his thumbs,” mocked Saloni. Winnie ignored her comments focusing on the task at hand. If she could get the demon off balance and chasing her, Winnie could lead her right into Brian’s axe.“It looks to me like you’re the jealous type talking about boyfriends,” joked Winnie, “I’m guessing that an ugly beast like you doesn’t get much attention from the male demons.” Saloni snarled wickedly and flew at Winnie ready to strike her down. Winnie turned around and flew towards Brian who stood with his axe ready to deliver a deadly blow. Winnie flew closer and closer to Brian, spiraling up at the last minute, just a few inches away from his face. Saloni, who couldn’t maneuver quite like an Aeroian, flew right into Brian’s axe swing. Brian focused his seal’s energy into his weapon which glowed brightly as he swung. The force of the blow forced her to the ground. Brian lifted his axe up and chopped downward severing Saloni’s head from her neck finishing off the cruel blood demon.Winnie landed next to Brian. “That worked out so well,” stated Brian.“It certainly did,” responded Winnie. “We definitely work well together.” Winnie smiled and the two looked at one another momentarily before averting their gazes from each other.“Well, we should get out there and help the others,” stuttered Winnie.“Yeah, I agree,” stammered Brian trying to refocus on the situation at hand. The two moved on to aid their companions.***Matthew flew through the air as Sruti pelted the blood demon with arrow after arrow. Although each point found its mark, the blood demon continued chasing the two in the air as if the arrows were more of an annoyance than anything.“You stupid cat! I can’t wait to skin you alive and eat that delicious flesh of yours,” threatened Sruthi as she continued to draw closer to the heroes.“Why aren’t my arrows working?” asked Sruti, who continued to fire them even though they weren’t that effective.“Have you tried focusing that seal power of yours? I’ve seen the others put energy into their attacks. That might do the trick,” suggested Matthew as he continued to glide through the air and out of harm’s way.Sruti closed her eyes trying to focus her newfound power, but nothing seemed to be happening. Sruti opened her eyes and asked quietly, “Matthew how do I do that exactly?”“Think about the things important to you. Think about how you got that power. That’s what I would do.” Sruti closed her eyes again and thought about everything in her life. She thought about her parents who gave their lives to protect her. She thought about her village and all her friends. She thought about Chief Akshay being assaulted and thrown around like a doll. Energy started building in her core and flowing throughout her body. Sruti’s body glowed a pale blue filling the evening sky and momentarily blinded the blood demon Sruthi.Sruti opened her eyes and focused all her energy into her arrow. She released the arrow. It screamed through the air finding its mark, hitting Sruthi directly in the skull. The blood demon cried out in pain as the arrow and the energy contained within it exploded in the air. A charred demon’s body fell to the ground unmoving.“Remind me not to get you mad,” joked Matthew. Sruti laughed as did Matthew.“Don’t worry. I’m partial to horse-like creatures. My best friend was a horse,” began Sruti, “but let’s gets to the others.” The two flew towards their companions.***Himanshu fired lightning blasts at the blood demon rapidly. Each blast grazed the demon knocking her back only slightly. Sam walked towards the demon his sword drawn and ready to strike.“Nice strategy you have there, but it will do you no good,” roared Palak. “Lightning has little effect and I see that you plan to strike while I’m off balance.” Sam grinned.“You see right through me demon! Himanshu, stop your attacks!” shouted Sam. Himanshu, somewhat hesitant, stopped his lightning assault. “Do you have a death wish or something? That plan was your only chance,” pronounced Palak. “No matter, you won’t have long to regret that decision.” Palak charged at Sam, her legs bringing her to Sam in mere seconds. Sam stood there motionless. Palak swiped at Sam with her claws. Her claw hit nothing but the solid end of Sam’s broadsword. The force of the blow sent vibrations down her arm. Before she even had a chance to react, her arm was no longer attached to her body.“Aarrghh!” Palak screamed.“What’s the matter demon? Do you need a hand?” joked Sam. Himanshu looked on watching a true master go to work. Before Palak could even reply, Sam moved in slicing and dicing the blood demon with precise cuts. With Sam’s last chop, he turned around walking towards Himanshu. Palak still stood up, but soon fell to the ground as a pile of body parts.“Did you even need my help with that?” commented Himanshu.“If we’re going to defeat Grace, then we’re all going to have to help each other out,” replied Sam. “Come on, let’s go and check on the others.”***The companions that were involved in the battle all met up in the center of the village. “I see that everyone was successful,” noted Sam. Everyone nodded and then footsteps made their way towards the group along with a boisterous yell.“Hey guys! You didn’t save any for us!” yelled Faiz who wore a smile as big as a canyon on his face.“Faiz, you’re awake!” expressed Brian.“It’s good to see you back in action!” proclaimed Himanshu and Matthew in unison.“Could you be careful next time? Some of us worry about you a bit!” began Winnie as she eyed Gwen.“I’m sorry guys. I won’t be so rash again. There’s something that I need to tell…”“RRRGGGHHH!” interrupted a monstrous cry. The group turned around to see the three blood demon’s corpses merging to form a disgusting creature.“You’re all dead!” it screamed. The monstrous blood demon fired a blast of fire right towards the group. Faiz lifted his arm and the fire disappeared.“Enough of this! Begone you foul demon!” shouted Faiz. Faiz shined with a golden hue. His eyes turned a bright golden color. The blood demon froze in place slowly decomposing before the companions eyes. Faiz gracefully walked closer and closer to the demon. Its body faded further and further before disappearing completely. The golden light retreated and Faiz regained his normal color.“What the heck was that?” questioned Sam. Gwen trotted next to Faiz wrapping her arms around him.“Tell them!” commanded Gwen. “Alright,” replied Faiz. Faiz told them all about how he was the creation of the planet and how he was the chosen one destined to save the world. He mentioned how he doubted himself and wasn’t sure if he could do it. The rest of the companions listened on intently.“And so here I am!” finished Faiz. “Faiz, I think I speak for all of us when I say that we will stand by your side and see this through,” began Sam. The rest of the group nodded in agreement. Even Sruti, who was unsure of her role, could plainly see that she was now a part of this and couldn’t resist anymore.“I know we have a lot still to accomplish, but what was this Grace character doing here?” asked Sruti. Before the group could even reply, a lion Beastman slowly trudged his way to the group.“I think I can answer that,” coughed Akshay who was shaking uncontrollably as he walked. Sruti and Sam ran over to him helping him walk and find a seat on a rock. The group gathered around and waited to hear what Akshay had to say.“Listen quickly, I feel my time is short,” stuttered Akshay, his breath becoming more labored with every passing moment.“Don’t say that Akshay,” pined Sruti, trying to hold back her tears. She had cried enough today and tried to remain strong. Akshay looked at Sruti as a father would look upon his daughter, trying to give her no cause for concern, even though there was.“Sruti, you need to focus on the task at hand and it has something to do with the relic. The item that group wanted, the relic of this village is no longer here. I had given it to a traveling fortune teller named Dayashree a year ago.” Akshay paused and then continued, “She had made very accurate predictions and said she needed the item, and she mentioned the Great Wizard. That was all that I needed to hear. So, I gave her the relic without question.” Akshay began coughing uncontrollably holding his side. Sruti ran over to comfort him, but Akshay stopped her in her treks with a stare. Akshay gazed at Sruti. “You must find Dayashree and fulfill your destiny.” Akshay closed his eyes, his head nodding off to the side. Sruti caught him before he fell gently guiding his body to the ground. She crossed his arms and turned away to face the rest of the group who had stood by silently.“Let’s go find this Dayashree and make that witch Grace pay for what’s she done here,” vowed Sruti. The rest of the companions nodded.“So, where can we find this fortune teller?” asked Faiz. Everyone shook their head except Winnie, who seemed to be rather quiet.“What’s bothering you Winnie?” questioned Brian who was rather astute in noticing people and their behaviors.“I’m embarrassed to admit this but I know where Dayashree is,” admitted Winnie.“Why would you be embarrassed by that?” pondered Gwen.“Let’s just say, that I went to a certain fortune teller in order to find a certain someone when I apparently lost the trail,” noted Winnie who glanced Sam’s way. “She has a dwelling on Verbos Island, which is a day’s travel from here if we make haste.” With that statement, the group set out for Verbos Island and to find Dayashree before Grace and her cohort did.***“You know, I’m not used to carrying so many people on me,” chided Matthew as he glided through the air at a much slower pace than he was accustomed to.“We’re making good time Matthew. Just keep it up,” commented Sam trying to keep the familiar in good spirits. Winnie flew along side the group while Gwen, Faiz, Brian, Sruti holding Himanshu in her lap in his yorkie form and Sam huddled close together sitting on Matthew.“There it is!” exclaimed Winnie pointing out a smaller island covered by dense brush. The group landed upon the shore, Matthew gasping to catch his breath from the strain.“I think some of you need to go on a diet,” joked Matthew who turned into his goat form.“Or maybe someone needs to stop munching on all that junk food,” commented Himanshu with a tiny yorkie grin.“Now is not the time for jokes. We need to find this Dayashree before someone else does,” pointed out Sruti, who was already sniffing the air for any sign of life.“Winnie, where is Dayashree’s dwelling exactly?” asked Sam trying to refocus the group on the task at hand.“If I remember correctly, it should be in the center of this island. It’s a pretty straight forward path to get there.”“Okay, then let’s move out. We don’t have time to waste,” commanded Sam. The group followed Sam along the path. The dense brush resembled a vast jungle with palm trees covering the landscape. The trees acted like natural camouflage making it near impossible to see anything other than green from the sky.It didn’t take long for the group to reach the center of the small island and standing before them was a rather simple dwelling. The roof was made from the same palm trees that littered the island and the walls were strewn together with vines and bendable branches. On the door hung an animal skull with a necklace of multi-colored beads strewn around its neck. Before the group could even get close, a lithe and springy young man stood in their path. He appeared out of thin air and even caught Sam, Himanshu and Matthew off guard.“Who goes there?” stated the young man, a look of utter seriousness sprayed across his face.“We are here to see Dayashree,” explained Faiz, “it’s about an important matter.”“That’s what everyone says when they come here. It’s my job to make sure that my mother doesn’t waste her time on riff raff like you.”“Who are you calling riff raff?” blurted out Faiz. “We don’t have time to waste; the world is at stake.”“I’m calling you riff raff!” proclaimed the young man, “and I’ve about had enough of you.” The young man disappeared from the companions’ sight before reappearing right behind Faiz knocking him to the ground with a well-placed punch. Faiz fell hard but stood back up swinging his right hand at the young man but only hit air. The young man appeared behind Faiz once again and hit him with a kick in the mid-section making Faiz gasp for air. “Enough Dhruva!” exclaimed a voice; “You are too rash like your father!” Dhruva stood perfectly still with his head down.“I’m sorry mother. I was just…”“You just weren’t thinking and just asking on impulse. But enough of this!” Dayashree looked towards the group eyeing them all and studying them. “I apologize for my son’s behavior. Faiz, creation of the planet and the chosen one, Brian, son of Amey and Shruti, Sam, tragic warrior thirsting for revenge, although I sense that has cooled somewhat, Gwen, Elven mage seeking to bring your friend back, Sruti, daughter of Shreyu and Ariocie, Matthew and Himanshu, familiars of the Great Wizard, and Winnie, daughter of Adithya and Monica, I remember you coming here long ago looking for information about a love of yours, but you all stand here today on a collision course with the past and your destinies.”“How do you know all this?” questioned Faiz, his mouth wide open at how much Dayashree knew about the entire group.“If there was time I’d prepare you some tea and we can sit down and talk about my amazing abilities, but we haven’t the time. You are here to take the relic,” stated Dayashree matter of factly.“Yes, we are, but why does Grace want it?” asked Gwen, curious about the point of these relics. It seems that Grace and her group have been after various relics for some time now.“An excellent question there. I can see why Faiz adores you so much,” chided Dayashree. Gwen and Faiz both blushed at that statement and Dayashree continued. “As you know Grace is trying to free the Sinistrils from their banishment and she needs seven items to open the portal permanently. She has six of these relics and only needs this last one to start the ritual.” Dayashree held up a necklace. Faiz stared at it; it seemed familiar to him, but he couldn’t quite recall where he had seen it before. “This was the necklace that Jolie the Beastman wore, one of the seven heroes from long ago.”“I remember it now. She was wearing it. So the seven relics are items from the heroes of the past,” pondered Faiz out loud.“Exactly. Now, we must protect this item at all costs,” stated Dayashree. She threw the relic to Faiz who promptly caught it with pure instinct.At that moment a tiny clear-like blob flew from both Himanshu and Matthew and landed in front of the group. The two merged together forming a creature that combined both familiar’s forms, creating a grotesque merging. The creature had a distorted horse’s head with vicious fangs and spikes, a wolf-like torso with lightning cracking all over his skin and hair, blackened wings, and the legs of a Pegasus with razor sharp claws instead of hooves. It stood on its hind legs towering over everyone. The group looked on in horror at the disgusting monstrosity that stood before them. Before they could even react, the creature grabbed Gwen in its clutches, holding a claw to her throat. Gwen stood there motionless; one false movement and she would be done for. Sam went to grab his weapon, but one glance from the vile creature and he rethought his tactics. One false move and Gwen would be dead. “Don’t move anyone,” commanded Sam.“Ha ha! Foolish heroes, this was way too easy!” mocked the creature.“Don’t you dare hurt her or else I’ll..” cried Faiz.“Or else what. You will do nothing,” sneered the beast.“What do you want?” asked Sam, trying to buy some time and stall the creature. If he could just find an opening, he was sure he could rescue Gwen before any harm came to her. “Everyone, stand down!” he commanded. The creature smiled wildly, his vicious fangs dripping with saliva.“That’s easy. I want that relic for my master, Grace,” roared the evil creature. “And if you give it to me, I will spare this girl’s life.” The creature moved his claws closer to Gwen’s throat grazing her skin slightly.Without hesitation, Faiz responded, “Fine, just don’t hurt her!”“I knew I chose wisely to bide my time. I’ve been hiding on your two familiars since the Beastman village waiting for the right moment to strike.” Himanshu and Matthew shook their heads, angry with themselves for not even sensing this vicious creature. “How dare you attach yourself to me!” exclaimed Matthew.“Matthew, do you sense it now, he’s one of us,” explained Himanshu, a look of concern in his tone. “That’s Cary, the Copy-master.” Matthew shuddered at the near mention of his name. In familiar lore, there are certain familiars that are legends like Joshua the Tormentor, but Cary the Copy-master was just as bad, perhaps even worse. He could take on the forms of any familiar that he had come in contact with.“I see my reputation precedes me. Ha ha ha!” snorted Cary, “but I have little time for small talk. Chosen one of this planet, if you value this girl’s life, hand over that relic.” Faiz walked towards Cary, never taking his eyes off of Gwen who was able to catch her breath somewhat as she watched Faiz.Faiz threw the relic in the air towards Cary who promptly caught it. “Now release her!” Faiz commanded.“A deal is a deal, I’ll release her alright, release her from her life.” Cary’s claw moved swiftly. A flash of blood filled the air. “No!” screamed Faiz seeing a body fall at Cary’s feet. The rest of the companions stood in shock, the moment happening in a mere second.“Hmmm, it seems I’ve gotten myself a bit bloody. No matter, my task is done! Ha ha ha!” bellowed Cary as he disappeared in a flash of light. The group ran to the body covered in red confused at what just happened.Faiz turned the body over only to see it was Dhruva, barely clinging to life. “What happened?” exclaimed Faiz. Dhruva looked at Faiz and then to his mother Dayashree who was instantly at his side.“I guess I am too impulsive. I couldn’t let that girl die. I teleported in her place and moved her to safety,” muttered Dhruva who looked towards his mother. “I’m sorry mom.”“Please don’t apologize Dhruva,” stuttered Dayashree. “You did what you thought was right, now go be at peace with your father. I look forward to joining the two of you soon.” Dhruva smiled and then took his last breath as he reached out to touch his mother’s hand. A single tear fell down Dayashree’s cheek. Over a few yards away, Faiz saw Gwen sitting against the house, befuddled about what just happened. He ran over to her taking her in his arms and holding her tight.“I thought I lost you,” whispered Faiz into Gwen’s ear. Gwen sat there just holding Faiz tight. The rest of the companions helped Dayashree move her son’s body. ***After burying Dhruva next to his father’s grave, the companions stood around disheartened at the events. Dayashree knelt silently by her son’s grave quietly praying.“Grace has all the relics! The Sinistrils will be coming back soon,” Brian predicted, “and then it’s the end of the world as we know it.”“There’s gotta be something we can do,” noted Sruti.“There is something we can all do!” a boisterous voice called out. A man in a gray cloak followed by a familiar face and three floating fairies made their way to the clearing.“Great Wizard Paul!” exclaimed Faiz.“It is I…and we have little time to waste. I will not make the same mistake I made so long ago.”***“How are you back? When we saw you last, you were quite out of it,” commented Gwen curious about such a drastic change.“Now that Grace has all the relics, she’s concentrating on summoning the Sinistrils. The enchantment that she placed on me is no more. But, that is of little concern. We must stop her!” The rest of the group listened intently. “I cannot force you to come with me to stop her, but I do need your help.”“You’ve set this, all of us, in motion for this very moment,” stated Faiz, still not sure about what the Great Wizard had in mind.“I did and I apologize for helping things along. Perhaps if I handled things differently, it would be different. But pondering changes in the past does little for the present.”Brian stepped forward. “Great Wizard Paul, I will join you and stop Grace. I want to be able to bring my parents back and if the Sinistrils return, I won’t be able to do that.”“I too, will join you,” explained Winnie. “Someone gave their life for me, and I need to repay Jeffrey and the only way to do that is to save Edisonia. Plus, I can’t disappoint my mother.”“I must avenge my village and use this power I have to protect the future,” decreed Sruti. “I know now that it’s my destiny to try.”“Master, you know that I will accompany you to the end,” barked Himanshu standing next to the Great Wizard. Matthew soon joined him.“I can’t let Himanshu have all the glory,” jeered Matthew. Faiz stood there seeing his friends volunteer for this final fight. All the doubts that plagued him before disappeared.“Great Wizard…I know that you were involved with this long ago. It’s my destiny to fight with you and to make sure that this time, the forces of good are successful. I have to protect this planet and everyone on it!” proclaimed Faiz as he looked towards Gwen. She stood next to Faiz placing her arm around his waist drawing him in.“And I will protect you!” announced Gwen as she kissed his cheek. “Plus, I have a certain friend I have to bring back.” The rest of the companions looked towards Sam who stood silent during all these proclamations. “When I started this journey long ago, it was all about vengeance. I sought nothing more than that. But revenge is an empty emotion and ultimately brings you nothing. I will fight with you, not for revenge, but to protect this world and to honor my love. She would want that as do I!” expressed Sam.“It is settled then! We go forth to save this planet and everything we care about!” announced the Great Wizard.***“Sophie, teleport the group the group to a spot near Grace’s lair, in the forest a few hundred yards away. I will catch up with them shortly. Then I want you to head back to Organizatiaz and monitor things from three,” requested the Great Wizard. Sophie nodded.“Of course,” replied Sophie.“Thank you. I owe you so much,” answered the Great Wizard.“And I owe you so much, but we can talk later after this is all over,” and with those final words, Sophie cast her spell enveloping the companions and they disappeared from site.The Great Wizard walked over to Dayashree and the graves of her son, Dhruva and her husband. “Dayashree, my friend, I am sorry for your lose,” sighed the Great Wizard.Dayashree looked up from her, her eyes red with grief. “Just avenge his death and make it worth it. Destroy those Sinistrils once and for all!” cried Dayashree. The Great Wizard placed his hand on her shoulder.“I plan on finishing this once and for all,” vowed the Great Wizard. He walked away leaving Dayashree in peace.“You better finish this,” whispered Dayashree to herself.***The companions found themselves in a clearing a few hundred yards away from a castle surrounded by a giant chasm. The only entrance to the castle was a steep wooden bridge.“She couldn’t have picked a nicer place, huh,” joked Matthew.“So, should we just walk right in,” commented Himanshu.“I think we need to come up with a plan; it doesn’t pay to be rash in this situation,” replied Sam, his mind already determining the right course of action.“We should indeed come up with a plan,” spoke a voice and the Great Wizard appeared in the middle of the group.“Well, we better not do what you did last time,” noted Faiz. The Great Wizard nodded and the companions all huddled together to come up with a plan, an effective battle plan.“So, it’s settled. Is everyone set?” asked Sam. Everyone agreed and the group made their final preparations for the upcoming battle.***Faiz and Gwen walked off a little ways on their own. They held one another’s hands tightly speaking not a word to one another. Faiz, swiftly, brought Gwen closer to him pulling her into him.“Gwen, I promise that I will protect you and everyone!” vowed Faiz as he saw himself in her eyes. Gwen hugged him closer, not wanting to let him go.“Faiz,” Gwen cried, “you’re not going to come back. You’re going to sacrifice yourself to save the world. I don’t want you to…”Faiz placed his hand around Gwen’s neck drawing her head into his chest tightly. He held her trying to get his thoughts in order. He gulped and then spoke.“Gwen, it is what I have to do. Knowing that you will live and that the world will be saved is what I want. I just want you to…”“Please say no more,” interrupted Gwen. “Just hold me right now!” Faiz and Gwen held one another tightly. Even though no words were said, both knew the eventual outcome. Both did not want to think about that moment.***“Are you sure about this master?” questioned Himanshu.“I’ve never been more sure of anything,” replied the Great Wizard. “I trust you two not to say a word about this.”“Of course Master,” answered Matthew.“Good, promise me that you will honor my request when this is all done.”“Absolutely,” uttered the two familiars in unison.“Thank you my friends. Let us finish this once and for all!” vowed the Great Wizard. The three moved back to the clearing with the rest of group.***Matthew and Winnie flew over the castle walls and landed in the courtyard. Himanshu stormed through the gates plowing through it like it was paper. Following him was the rest of the companions synchronizing their movements in perfect harmony.Suddenly a flash of light filled the courtyard and hundreds of monsters and other vile creatures filled the yard. Standing at the top steps stood Ryan, Smitha and Cary watching their forces descend on the heroes.“Faiz, save your energy for the final encounter with Grace and the Sinistrils,” stated the Great Wizard. “We need to move quickly.” The heroes spread out starting their final assault against Grace’s forces.The companions destroyed the multitude of monsters with ease, but the real challenge began as Grace’s cohort walked down the steps.“Well, I must say that I am somewhat impressed with your abilities,” mocked Ryan, “but it all ends here.” Ryan flexed his muscles, his veins popping out as he seemed to gather energy around him.“Yes, who would have thought that little Gwen would be such a good fighter,” jeered Smitha, a dark barrier forming around her.“Why all this talking? Let’s get to killing!” roared Cary. He charged towards the group. Matthew and Himanshu stood in his way.“I think we will take this if you don’t mind,” bellowed Matthew transforming into his ultimate form.“The fact that this guy was attached on me, just irks me,” bellowed Himanshu, joining Matthew and transforming to his final form.“You guys stand no chance. I have your powers and a variety of a thousand familiars at my disposal,” sneered Cary. Cary sent a poison gas cloud at the two familiars that Matthew swiftly blew away with a slight movement of his wings. Ryan walked slowly towards Sam brandishing a shiny sword.“That’s our master’s sword,” yelled Sam, “and I plan on taking that back.”“Then you will die trying; you stand no chance against me,” Ryan stated coolly. Ryan jumped through the air swinging his sword downwards at him. Sam blocked it with his sword being driven back from the force of the blow.Smitha stood eyeing Gwen coldly. “So, what are you going to do? Try and bring me back to our village.” Gwen returned the stare and then looked towards Faiz and the rest of the group.“I will take care of her. You guys go and stop Grace,” commanded Gwen. The rest of the group moved on up the stairs, Faiz stopping to take one last look at Gwen before moving on. Gwen tried to clear her mind of Faiz and focus on taking care of Smitha.***“So, you have your ultimate forms huh! It will do you no good. Behold my power, a thousand familiars,” roared Cary, as his body grew even larger. His body grew more and more grotesque.“Matthew, let’s finish this clown off once and for all,” growled Himanshu.“I agree. I don’t like someone using my powers and the fact that he looks so ugly using them just irks me completely,” grunted Matthew. The two familiars moved in unison, waving in and out of motion towards Cary, keeping him off guard as to where they would strike. Cary blocked a lightning punch from Himanshu with his forearm, but was unable to avoid a swift kick from Matthew. The force of the blow sent Cary flying into the castle wall. The impact created a crater in the foundation. Himanshu jumped through the air landing on Cary’s torso, his two feet crushing Cary’s ribcage. Cary moaned in pain, the force of the blow was like nothing he had ever felt before.The two familiars stood ready to strike again. Cary stood up slowly, rubbing his stomach. The smirk on his face was long gone and was now replaced by a scowl. The grotesque familiar fired an elemental blast consisting of ice, lightning and wind towards the two. But the blast was slow and predictable, the two heroes able to avoid it easily. As Himanshu and Matthew steered away from the blast, Cary made his move. With a burst of speed, Cary darted towards the two striking them with his monstrous claws. Matthew and Himanshu spiraled towards the wall striking it hard.Cary moved in attempting to step on Himanshu, but at the last second, Himanshu rolled out of harm’s way as Cary’s strike dented the ground. Matthew launched a whirlwind Cary’s way, catching the evil familiar in his storm. Himanshu fired a gigantic blast of lightning into the whirlwind. The lightning danced throughout the windstorm electrocuting Cary. His screams echoed with the zipping of lightning bolts and the movement of the wind. The wind cut into Cary’s skin and the lightning surged through his body. Cary’s body fell to the ground. He lay there motionless as Himanshu and Matthew morphed to their second forms.“Let’s get moving,” grunted Himanshu and both he and Matthew moved onward.***Ryan and Sam’s swords continued to clang against each other and their movements were blurs as they clashed with one another. Neither said a word, focusing on their opponent. Neither wanted to admit it, but this battle would take all their concentration.Both stopped their assault, eyeing one another with intensity in their eyes.“I see you’ve improved a bit Sam,” mocked Ryan, “finally stopped mourning over that woman of yours.”Sam took a breath inhaling deeply. “Ryan, it is you who are weak. You fight for yourself and you will never win in the end.” Sam darted towards Ryan’s left swinging his sword on a sideways slant. Ryan blocked with his own sword and followed with a counter at Sam’s shoulder. Sam sidestepped the blow and swung his sword downward hitting Ryan in his foot. Ryan screamed in pain pushing Sam a few yards away from him.Ryan roared and energy circled him. His skin grew darker; his veins popped even more and energy surged throughout him. He charged at Sam with reckless abandon with such force that Sam wasn’t totally prepared. Ryan barreled into Sam driving him against the castle wall. The force of the impact broke through the wall sending the two onto a ledge.“You could never compete with me,” gloated Ryan who stood over Sam ready to kick him over the edge. Sam closed his eyes, seeing Rohita before him. He glowed a bright orange, the light blinding Ryan momentarily. Sam sprung up torpedoing into Ryan with his head, before lifting him up and flipping him behind him and over the ledge. Ryan plummeted down the chasm. His screams of terror could be heard, but grew quieter and quieter until they were heard no more.Sam grazed the seal intertwined with Rohita’s name delicately with his fingers. He looked up to the heavens and then continued onward to aid his companions.***Gwen and Smitha circled one another neither making any sudden moves. Soon both combatants stopped, standing still.“Why are you doing this Smitha?” pleaded Gwen trying desperately to understand why her best friend would have done such a thing.“Gwen, you are some na?ve and stupid sometimes. I’ve always thirsted for more power, more excitement, and the ability to do whatever I pleased. I’ve realized that potential now and I don’t intend to let it go,” retorted Smitha as she fired a dark blast of pure energy at Gwen. Gwen deflected the blow with a defensive spell and launched her own counterattack. The blast bounced off Smitha’s shield but Gwen had anticipated that and had moved in for a more direct strike, swinging her staff down upon Smitha. Smitha avoided the blow, dodging the attack. Smitha moved her arms firing an invisible blast towards Gwen that sent her flying backwards a few yards.“You can’t compete with my powers now nor will you ever be able to,” sneered Smitha, launching more dark energy blasts at Gwen. Gwen was able to deflect most of the blasts with her defensive spells, but one broke through hitting her square in the chest. Gwen fell to one knee gasping for air. Smitha walked towards her slowly savoring this moment. Her lips contorted into a twisted smile and her eyes darkened even more.“You know that I’ve always resented you. Everyone in the village always took pity on you because your parents died. You didn’t deserve their sympathy. What did you do?” ranted Smitha, moving her hands in an intricate pattern weaving them to and fro. “It’s a shame that this is the last moment that you’ll ever have. That boyfriend of yours will never see you or hold you again. I can’t wait to dance on his corpse,” mocked Smitha. Gwen, rage growing in her heart, felt herself overcome with energy as she rose almost instinctly. Smitha stood back, fear building up in the pits of her stomach. Gwen’s eyes glowed as energy circled around her. All of it gathered at her staff’s tip forming a giant ball of pure energy and rage. Smitha continued to back pedal and soon turned around running away. Gwen released the energy blast, which honed in on Smitha. The blast flew encompassing Smitha completely. Gwen slumped down to the ground gathering herself. She walked over to what remained of Smitha.“I’m sorry my friend, but I can see that it was too late for you,” sighed Gwen who wiped her eyes. She continued onward to help in the final encounter.***Faiz, Brian, Winnie, Sruti and the Great Wizard traveled through the castle sprinting past the grand hall and audience chamber before a horde of giant spiders and various demons stood in their way right before the entrance to the throne room where Grace was opening the portal to release the Sinistrils.“Faiz you need to break through this and get to the throne room to stop Grace!” exclaimed Brian as he chopped a spider’s legs bringing it to the ground before finishing it off swiftly.“Go on ahead. We’ll hold these things off for you,” shouted Winnie as she flew through the air bobbing and weaving between giant spiders and demons, smashing them with well-placed mace strikes.Sruti jumped upon a ledge and started firing streams of arrows clearing a path to the throne room’s entrance. “Hurry up and stop her!” shouted Sruti. Faiz passed the dead and wounded enemies making his way to the entrance. The Great Wizard followed suit staying with Faiz stride for stride. Faiz looked back to his companions who were busy taking care of the enemies who were encircling them.“Great Wizard Paul, let’s make sure this ends here,” vowed Faiz. The Great Wizard smiled, nodding in agreement. Faiz pushed open the chamber door and the two ran inside. The door closed immediately behind them as they entered a darkened chamber lit with candles and torches. A demonic circle was drawn upon the ground with Grace standing in the middle of it. The portal was growing larger and larger with every passing second. Grace looked at Faiz and the Great Wizard, a sinister smirk upon her lips.“You are too late!” decreed Grace who started laughing manically. “The portal is near open and soon the Sinistrils will make their way to Edisonia and then this world will be ours!”“It’s never too late!” shouted Faiz who started shining with a bright golden hue. The magic burned strong within him. “I will give my life to stop you!” Faiz’s light burned even brighter filling the room with a light more intense then the sun. Grace fell to her knees screaming in pain. Faiz spoke, his voice echoing throughout the chamber, “I will end this now! I see why this planet gave me free will. I have the strength of not only the planet, but of my heart. I will not allow this portal to ever open again!” The portal shrank growing smaller and smaller before fizzing out to nothing. Grace lay on the ground unmoving. Faiz’s energy was used up as he fell to his knees. He smiled knowing that his task was finished. “Great Wizard, the portal is gone but why am I still here?” asked Faiz.The Great Wizard uncovered his eyes and surveyed the situation. “I don’t know Faiz but you did it!” However, just as the Great Wizard finished his statement, Grace stood up as if being controlled with strings. Dark energy surrounded her and dark flames filled her eyes.“Foolish creatures!” roared Grace, but it was not her voice. Her voice reverberated with three distinct voices, all merging to create a monstrous echoing tone. Faiz and the Great Wizard stood there motionless. “We had been plotting our return for years. Do you really think we hadn’t thought of every contingency plan?”“But how?” cried Faiz, still trying to catch his breath.“I suppose we can tell you before you all die. As you closed the portal down, we sent our essences to our vessel, the one you call Grace. We now control her completely. Once we take care of you, we’ll start our destruction of this planet.” “Over my dead body!” exclaimed the Great Wizard.“Just what we had in mind!” sneered the Sinistrils. Without warning, Grace zipped behind the Great Wizard a monstrous sword of darkness slicing into the Great Wizard. Blood flew through the air as the he fell to the ground. Faiz looked on. “No!” he screamed as he charged Grace his sword glowing a golden light. The two clanked swords and Faiz continued his assault. Grace continued deflecting each and every blow with ease. Faiz swung his sword as Grace caught it between her fingertips, twisting Faiz’s sword from his hands before throwing it aside. She waved her hand sending Faiz flying into a wall.“You know, I’m going to enjoy killing you. Hopefully, you are more of a challenge than that pathetic so-called Great Wizard,” mocked Grace. Faiz tried shaking his head clear needing to defend himself. The Sinistrils controlling Grace walked over to him slowly wanting to savor this moment. She lifted her sword ready to finish Faiz off. Faiz closed his eyes, visions of his friends filling his mind and visions of Gwen. “I don’t think so,” coughed the Great Wizard. He stood up with support from his staff, his cloak thrown aside. A huge gaping wound was strewn across his chest, blood dripping to the ground. But all along his chest and arms were intricate symbols, ancient symbols that were glowing slightly. “I have one last chance,” he muttered. Grace’s eyes widened. “You can’t be serious. You can barely stand. What can you possibly do?” jeered the Sinistrils through Grace. Faiz looked on.“I’m sorry Grace that I was unable to save you. Abby, I will see you soon,” whispered the Great Wizard and then he dropped his staff tracing the markings on his left arm and chanting, “Vitos neusin anubu sealious invictus…”“No!” screeched the Sinistrils, “using your soul as our prison!” Grace sprinted to the Great Wizard just as he completed his incantation finishing it by tracing the markings on his right arm. A white globe encircled both the Great Wizard and Grace.“I take your evil into me and as I die thanks to that killing blow you inflicted upon me, so do you!” exclaimed the Great Wizard. The Sinistrils screamed in pain as their essences were absorbed into the Great Wizard. “Surabhi, Stephanie and Ariyana, your evil will never plague this land ever again!” Grace’s lifeless body fell to the ground. The white globe of light faded as Faiz neared the Great Wizard. Faiz caught him in his arms guiding him to the ground. The Great Wizard gazed at Faiz, his eyes beginning to close. “Faiz, take care of this planet. I know that I leave it in good hands.”“I will,” vowed Faiz.“Now go. This castle will fall apart, the magic keeping it intact is no more,” commanded the Great Wizard. Faiz stood up looking at the Great Wizard before sprinting out of the throne room. The Great Wizard watched him go. “I can finally rest,” he coughed, “Abby, I will see you soon.” He closed his eyes.***Faiz entered the chamber seeing all his friends taking on the horde of remaining monsters. “Come on, this place is going to come crashing down!” shouted Faiz. Brian, Winnie and Sruti along with Himanshu, Matthew, Sam and Gwen who had joined them after their individual battles all looked in Faiz’s direction. They all stopped their battling only striking monsters in their path as they made their way out of the castle.“What happened to the Great Wizard?” asked Gwen as she was sprinting by Faiz’s side.“I’ll explain later,” grunted Faiz. The two continued their run with the rest of the group and made their way through the courtyard getting to the bridge. The castle walls were crumbling falling into the chasm below. As the companions stood at the edge of the bridge, a bloody and beaten Ryan stood there blocking their path.“I shall not let you pass!” he roared.“Nor will I!” bellowed Cary as he appeared next to Ryan. Cary stood as a clear blob. “Ryan, let us finish them for Grace!” Cary enveloped Ryan merging with him. Ryan grew larger taking on a variety of characteristics of various familiars. “You shall die!” they shrieked. “Maybe we can fly over them,” suggested Matthew already looking in what direction he could fly.Sam looked beyond the bridge seeing her in his mind. He shook his head not believing that Rohita was there yet again. She held her arms wide open in a welcoming gesture, a huge smile on her face. Sam, knowing what he had to do, charged the Cary-Ryan monstrosity, looking back only once.“What are you doing?” screamed Faiz. The rest of the heroes looked on.“Take care of her, kid!” he commanded, “take care all of you!” He turned back focusing on that monster ahead. Sam rammed into the merged creation taking them both over the ledge into the chasm below. The monster screamed in terror. Sam closed his eyes, Rohita the only thing he saw. “I will be with you soon my love!” he gently spoke holding his heart as he disappeared into the chasm.“No!” shouted Brian. “Come on, we need to move it or else his sacrifice will be in vain,” stated Himanshu. The rest of the companions crossed the bridge as the castle crumbled to nothing falling into the chasm disappearing as if it was never there. The group stood there watching the castle and all traces of it vanish into the chasm. Faiz placed his arm around Gwen’s shoulder holding her tight. “So what happened?” asked Gwen. The rest of the companions waited for Faiz’s response. Faiz turned to face them all and explained everything that happened.“The Great Wizard gave his life to destroy the Sinistrils forever,” commented Sruti. Himanshu and Matthew held their heads down.“He had planned on that this whole time,” added Matthew.“It’s what he had devoted his life to,” noted Himanshu. The companions all bowed their heads in reverence. After a brief moment of silence for both the Great Wizard and Sam, Faiz gazed at the horizon as the sun rose to the sky.“This is what we fought for; let us never forget everything that is important to us,” as he held Gwen. “I guess it’s time to head home.” EpiloguePeace was restored to the land of Edisonia and the land began its recovery from the devastation and all the losses that were incurred. The heroes were forever remembered in the lore of history and monuments were soon built in their honor. In fact, pilgrimages made by many people are still made following the journey that these great heroes undertook.*Brian continued his search for Aditi, the medusa who turned his parents to stone. Aided by a certain Aeroian, Brian was able to defeat the medusa and reverse their stone condition. Soon, Brian took over as a mayor of Ameyville allowing his parents time to retire and enjoy their granddaughter.*Winnie decided to join Brian on his quest to free his parents from their stone curse in order to pay Brian back for saving her life on their adventure. She decided that she would not be held captive to Aeroian custom and would live her life the way that she wanted to. During her travels with Brian, the two grew close and soon realized the budding feelings of love that they both shared. She moved with Brian to Ameyville and struggles with dealing with some over-anxious grandfathers who dote on their granddaughter Monica a little bit too much.*Sruti went back to the Beastman village intending to rebuild it and become a bigger part of the world at large. Sruti focused on getting her people to be more involved with the other races. Eventually, the Beastman village was rebuilt and Sruti was elected the chief of the village. It became a huge traveling point as many people on pilgrimages made their journey to relive the adventure of the great heroes.*Gwen and Faiz married soon after in a beautiful ceremony at Organizatiaz with all their friends and many of the people they met along their journey. Sophie, the newly appointed Great Wizard of Organizatiaz presided over the ceremony. Faiz and Gwen decided to stay in Organizatiaz. Matthew and Himanshu, following their master’s last wish, stayed with Faiz and soon grew attached to Gwen and Faiz’s little boy, Samuel Paul. They especially loved to roll in the grass playing with little Samuel Paul for hours on end. Faiz and Gwen made sure that little Samuel Paul was always watched over.***“Dad, I’m scared,” cried a little boy standing in front of the door of the classroom. He held his dad’s hand tightly, not wanting to let go. Faiz kneeled down looking into his son’s eyes.“Samuel Paul, there is no reason for you to be scared. You are named after the two bravest people that I have ever known,” replied Faiz shaking his son’s hair. Little Samuel Paul wiped away his tears and looked fondly at his father.“Okay dad, I will be brave. I will try and remember the stories of your adventures,” answered Samuel Paul, who let go of his father’s hand and ran into the classroom. He looked back one more time at his father before joining a group of boys.Faiz watched his son for a few more seconds before turning around and leaving. He gazed at the sky. “Sam, I hope you are laughing as you’re seeing this,” he whispered as he walked out of the school.Fin ................
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