by A E Stanfill
“Your story makes no sense, how could my father or King Edward have anything to do with the Great War? It was almost a million years ago.”
“That's true, it doesn't. But the story goes like this Your father and Sir Edward, along with a few others, were chosen by the gods. They were taken from their time and brought to this one, to aid in the Great War. Those same men and women were given weapons of great power; in the end, if not for them, your world would not have been what it is today. Whatever happened when they returned back to their own time is of no concern to me, but here they were legendary,” Robin explained.
“I had no idea,” Leon muttered. “He never spoke of it to me, is that why the Cromwell bloodline is so special like you say?”
“The Cromwell bloodline is powerful, but it is also cursed,” Robin responded. “For you see Collin was also of the Cromwell bloodline. Because of that, Brom was the only one that could kill Collin and destroy the Reaper Blade. Now he has been killed by the Dark Knights, and here you stand before me.”
“What are you trying to say, Robin?”
“Don't play coy with me,” Robin grumbled. “I know that you have heard rumors of what you are truly meant to do. I also know that your father has appeared before you, and tested your metal.”
“How do you know such things?”
Robin started to hear voices calling out to him, “That is not important at the moment, as your time to leave here draws near,” he said. “Listen to my words very carefully, you cannot forget once you return to your realm. There is an Amulet that your father had hidden from the world until the day you were ready to accept your destiny. Find the Amulet, keep it safe. Then in three years’ time, take the Amulet to the Tomb Of Carnage. When the moon covers the sun, place it around your neck and bathe in the light, afterwards all will become clear.”
Leon wanted to talk further, but everything began to spin, which was something he had become accustomed to. Something was different about how he returned this time, as images flashed through Leon's mind. The images were of his father being slain by the Dark Knight, and when that knight turned to face him, it was none other than Ulrich. “You dirty dog!” he shouted, throwing punches into the wind.
“Stop it, Leon, you're safe.” When Leon awoke, Lady Catherine was kneeling by his side. “You're safe, Leon,” she said with kindness.
“Where am I?” Leon moaned.
“You are in the Hyss Woodland,” Catherine answered. “Land of the Elves.”
“How did I get here?”
“Lady Catherine saved our hides,” Gawain interrupted.
“No, you are the ones that saved us,” Catherine smiled, which made Gawain blush.
“Long story short,” Gawain coughed. “You broke the shackles that had Lady Catherine, Henry, and Jeffrey bound. Then you took it upon yourself to challenge Alistair, which did not go well mind you. When it seemed as though we were doomed, Lady Catherine cast a spell of blinding light. That gave us the chance to retreat, so now we find ourselves here.”
“Neither Alistair nor Caine has tried to chase us down?” Leon vaguely asked.
Lady Catherine laughed at the slightest notion of such a bold move being made, “Alistair would not dare such a thing, not even he would be willing to defy the Elvish people by showing up in these woods unannounced.”
“Yet here we are,” Leon responded. “What makes you think they will be so accepting of us?”
“The Academy has done the Elvish people many favors,” Gawain answered. “And I know the leader personally, she is a kind woman. I also believe she will give us aid, and a place to rest for a few days.”
“Can we hurry?” Henry interrupted. “I'm starving.”
Jeffery smacked Henry on the back of the head, “Think with your head, not with your stomach for once.”
“I cannot help that I'm hungry.”
“You're always hungry,” Jeffery huffed.
“Would you two put a cork in it,” Gawain grumbled, before looking back down at Leon. “Can you stand?”
“Shouldn't be a problem,” Leon said, he tried to get to his feet, but his legs were still wobbly. “I seem to be weaker this time around.”
Lady Catherine grabbed hold of Leon's arm and helped him up, “Well Alistair was trying his best to choke the life out of you.” she said.
“True,” Leon mumbled. “That's about all I remember.”
“We need to get moving,” Gawain said.
“As I said, they wouldn't dare chase us here. You know that, Master Gawain,” Catherine chuckled.
“Master Gawain is right,” Leon sighed. “Nobody is safe from Alistair's wrath, now that he possesses the Reaper Blade.”
Lady Catherine hissed, “Do you think you know more than I?”
Leon shook his head, “No disrespect to you, Lady Catherine. But the Reaper Blade’s power is something that mortal men cannot handle for very long. It won't be long before it consumes Alistair's mind. When that happens, there is no limit to what the man will do.”
Lady Catherine looked over at Gawain, “Is that true?”
“It is,” he said. “That is why I want us to keep moving. I believe we will be safer once we get to the Elves village.”
“Like we have a chance against Alistair and Caine,” Henry whispered.
“Shut up.” Jeffery elbowed Henry in the gut. “If anyone can defeat the likes of them, its Master Gawain.”
Gawain led them deep into Hyss Woodland, as it was the first time that any beside Gawain had been this deep into the Elven Forest. Leon was in awe at the sight of such greenery, as were Henry and Jeffrey, but Lady Catherine seemed like she did not care for such trivial things. But still Leon could not believe what he was seeing; the trees were green and lush, like the grass beneath his feet, and an unknown fruit grew from the branches. Flowers bloomed bright red, pink, and blue, the fragrances they put off were absolutely wonderful. Even though it was winter, it seemed as though the cold did not have an effect on this place.
“What keeps this place so green, even in the harshest of winters?” Leon muttered.
“It's Elven magic that keeps this forest alive,” Gawain answered.
“What of the berries that grow from the trees?” Henry asked with drool clearly running down the sides of his mouth. “They look so delicious.”
“Don't even think about it, Henry,” Gawain warned. “If you do not know the differences in these berries and fruits, it could be dangerous. You wouldn't want to die of poisoning would you?”
“No,” Henry grumbled. “It's just they look so good, and I'm hungry.”
“We just ate not long ago,” Gawain said
“It doesn't mean that I'm not hungry,” Henry whined.
“By the gods, how have your friends put up with you this long,” Gawain snapped. A noise coming from up in the trees took his attention elsewhere. Gawain then came to an abrupt stop, “Do not move another inch.” he whispered.
“Gawain, what has gotten into you?” Lady Catherine questioned.
“We're surrounded,” Gawain answered.
“I see nothing of the sorts,” she responded. “It's just your imagination.”
“Not on the ground.” Gawain pointed up toward the trees, “Up there, and there, and there.” There were what looked to be people in the trees, wearing clothing made out of leaves, baring masks made of the same material. They all had their bows aimed at them, ready to fire arrows at any sudden movements, “Those are Elves, be mindful that right now they see us as the enemy.”
“Usually, you are not this easy to get the jump on Gawain,” a voice called out.
“I believe this is the first time you have used this tactic,” Gawain shouted back.
Someone stepped out from around the back of a tree, “Your companions are quite loud.” The person pulled off the mask, revealing gray eyes, a straight cut chin, and long silver hair. “This is unlike you, Gawain,” he smirked.
Gawain walked up to the man and took his wrist, “It has been to
o long, Aurelius,” he laughed.
Aurelius pulled Gawain into a hug and slapped him on the back. “Far too long, my friend,” he smiled. “So tell me Gawain, what brings you back to these woods?” He motioned for the others in the trees to lower their weapons.
“We seek aid from the evil that chases us,” Gawain answered.
“And them?” Aurelius asked. “Can I trust in them the way I trust in you?”
“You can,” Gawain nodded.
“Then tell me their names.”
“This young man here with the brown hair, and the goatee on his face, is Leon. That one goes by the name of Henry, the one standing beside him is Jeffery, double trouble as I like to call them. And the good lady here is none other than the beautiful Lady Catherine.”
Aurelius walked up to Lady Catherine, taking her hand in his, “You are right about one thing, she is beautiful,” he smiled and kissed her hand.
“I didn't know Elvish men were such gentlemen,” Catherine blushed.
“Will you help us or not?” Gawain hissed, stepping in between Aurelius and Lady Catherine.
“I can see why you like her,” Aurelius whispered. “You know that I cannot answer that question. But I shall take you to the one that can.”
“Divine Counselor Allora,” Gawain responded.
“The one and same,” Aurelius smiled. “I'm sure she will be happy to see you well. I need to handle some business first. Apparently, Allora felt a strong disturbance enter the Hyss Woodland and like always I was sent to investigate.”
“Did you find anything?”
“Just you,” Aurelius answered, then looked up at his men in the trees. “Aa' lasser en lle coia orn n' omenta gurtha,” he spoke in an Elvin's tongue, none could understand what he was saying, except for Gawain of course. When Aurelius was done speaking, his companions disappeared from the trees, not making a single noise, nor disturbing any leaves that hung from the branches.
“Please follow me, to the town of Rehakadi.” The Elvish town of Rehakadi was in the middle of Hyss Woodlands. Homes were mainly inside of the trees, and the same fruits and berries grew in the town as they did in the forest, along with the same flowers. Bulbs grew from the tree branches that seemed to glow a bright blue, which were the town's source of light. Different smells of fragrances filled the air, and Henry was quick to point out the smell of meats, bread, and figs. “Your friend seems hungry,” Aurelius laughed.
“He's always hungry,” Gawain chuckled.
“Maybe Aurelius should remember his manners, and be kind enough to offer food to our guests,” a female voice called out. When they all turned around a female stood before them, with long flowing blonde hair with a touch of gray. Her skin was ivory and fair, her eyes shimmered a light blue like sapphires in the sun. But when she spoke the lady had a certain sternness to her voice.
“Divine Counselor Allora,” Aurelius stammered. “Forgive my foolishness, of course, I shall offer them food.”
Gawain tried his best to hold back his laughter, “Don't scold him on my account.”
Allora walked up closer to Gawain, looking him over from top to bottom, “Is that you, Sir Gawain?”
“It's been a long time, Allora,” Gawain smiled. Allora's eyes lit up, and she pulled Gawain into a warm embrace. “I've missed you too,” he smiled.
“The last I saw of you, you were nothing more than a mere boy,” Allora gasped. “Now look at you, all grown up.”
Seeing the overly friendly confrontation between Allora and Gawain made Lady Catherine fume with anger. “Is there a place I can freshen up around here? I'm feeling a little dirty,” she snarled.
“Oh yes, please forgive me,” Allora said. “I shall have someone take you to your sleeping quarters.”
“What about me?” Henry interrupted, patting on his stomach, “Can you not see that I'm starving?”
“Forgive me, Henry,” Allora chuckled. “I have not forgotten about you,” she said, still with a warm smile on her face. “Kallen,” Allora called out.
In seconds Kallen appeared, he was an older man with a slight curve to his back. “You called, Divine Counselor?” he bowed.
“I did, Kallen,” Allora responded. “Take Lady Catherine here to one of our guest quarters. Afterward please take Henry, that boy there, to the dining hall so he can feast.”
“As you wish, Divine Counselor.” Kallen humbly bowed. “Please follow me.” He turned and slowly walked away with Henry hot on his heels, while Lady Catherine walked away glaring back at Allora.
“Something wrong, young Jeffery?” Allora asked. “Do you not wish to join your friend in the dining hall?”
Jeffery shook his head, “No, I'm not hungry.”
Allora walked up to Jeffery, and placed her hand on his shoulder, “Sooner or later the sadness will pass, and light will shine showing a new path for you to take.”
“I hope you are right,” Jeffery forced a smile to his face and turned to walk away.
Allora looked back to Gawain and Leon, “Aurelius, please leave us. I need to talk to these two alone.”
“Of course.” Aurelius bowed and walked away.
“What is this about, Allora?”
“I would like to have a quick chat, just not here,” Allora answered. “If you wouldn't mind, please follow me.” She leads them through the town, down a dark corridor, and into a large garden.
“Is all this necessary?”
“It is,” Allora replied. “There are ears wandering the streets, I do not wish for them to hear this conversation.”
“It must be important to have us all the way out here.”
“That it is.”
“Then talk freely, we shall tell you anything you wish to know.”
Allora nodded with approval, then began with her questioning, “Gawain, I felt a powerful surge of evil just a day or so ago. Would you know anything about that?”
“Why not just read our minds?”
“What? She can read our minds?” Leon gasped.
“That's how I knew your names without asking,” Allora smiled.
“Wow. That's amazing,” Leon gasped again. “Are you reading my mind now?”
Allora's face seemed to contort with anger, “No,” she snarled. “For some reason I cannot read your mind when you're focused. And I taught Gawain long ago how to keep others from doing so, even me.”
“Interesting,” Gawain muttered. “But to answer your question, the Reaper Blade has been restored, that was the evil you felt.”
“How is that possible?” Allora acted as though she was in a state of disbelief. “That dark blade you speak of was broken many moons ago, the pieces were scattered throughout this land. Nobody has ever been able to retrieve them.”
“Yeah about that,” Gawain sighed, scratching the back of his head.
“What have you done?”
“We may have gone on a quest to retrieve the pieces of the Reaper Blade.”
“What!”
Gawain ducked his head slightly, “In our defense, we had no idea what we were after at first,” he frowned. “Once we realized what we had done it was too late.”
“To be honest we did try and stop them, but there were too many innocent people around. We couldn't just let them get hurt because of our stupidity,” Leon interrupted.
“And what of your companions?” Allora snarled. “I read their thoughts. I have seen the images of Gawain fighting Caine. Leon, you were fighting another young man.”
Leon looked away for a brief moment, “That's all true, I cannot deny that. But let me tell you the whole truth, the other I was fighting with was my friend Ulrich. He's a good person deep down, his mind has just been poisoned by Caine, and the man holding the Reaper Blade is the now King of Drasal, Alistair.” Speaking the man's name made his heart burn with a fiery rage.
“So you could save the people of the Academy, but you could not stop the Reaper Blade’s resurrection,” Allora grumbled.
“What you didn't see when you read o
ur companions minds, were the Dark Mages, and their leader, Zerius,” Gawain explained.
“Zerius was involved?” Allora gasped out of fear. “This could only mean one thing.”
“Why do I have a feeling this won't be good?”
“Because it won't be,” Leon added. “Not only has the Reaper Blade been resurrected, but the true owner of that blade, Collin Grimewall, will soon be brought back from the land of the dead. Or at least his powers will be.”
“How do you know that name?” Allora hissed. “Gawain, did you tell him of that man?”
Gawain held his hands up, “It wasn't me. I only know little of Collin Grimewall, and it was the information you shared with me long ago. And I sure as hell didn't know he could be brought back from the land of the dead either.”
“It wasn't him that told me,” Leon said.
“Then who?”
“Does it matter?” Gawain barked.
“I guess not,” Allora calmly answered. That brought a sigh of relief from Leon's lips, for he knew he had already said too much. Robin had forbidden him to talk about where he had been, and who he had been talking with for that matter. Until it was necessary, Leon was supposed to keep all of the things he had learned to himself and share them with no one. “There's only one way you could know as much as you do because the Academy is not allowed to teach such things. But only prepare others for the coming.”
Allora gave Leon a stern look, which made him feel uncomfortable, “I can see the worry in your eyes, Leon. But do not worry, I will not talk of such things just yet. However let me explain one thing; what you have learned is not completely right. For you see there is one that carries Collin's true powers inside of them, and when the time comes for that person to claim the Reaper Blade Collin will try and claim the host or maybe even work with the host if he cannot take them against their will. It all depends on who is stronger.”
“Either way, it sounds like we are screwed.”