Chapter III

Chapter III

After a long celebration of the latest victory, Matrik finally arrived at his home. His mind was still bothered by what happened earlier that day. The necromancer, whose aura made him unable to move, who talked about future being a reason for not killing him, was still alive, somewhere in the world.

Soon as he closed the door behind him, he started taking off his armor and putting it on the stand near entrance. He proceeded to his living room, passing his mirror, when something strange appeared in his eye. He took a step back and looked at the mirror, noticing a man in dark clothes. Soldier wanted to grab his sword, that he left near the armor stand, but the man from the mirror appeared right in front of him, surrounded by dark mist of magic.

The mist slowly disappeared. In front of Matrik, between him and his sword, was standing a tall man in black and gray elegant cloth. His narrow and long face with pointy nose and long ears made him look closer to an elf than a human, but rest of his body was too wide and muscled to simply classify him as an elf. His hairs were black, medium length, arranged in messy disorder. He didn’t seem to have any weapon with him. Man was standing calmly, staring at the soldier. Normally people would start to scream and ask questions at that point.

That wasn’t the case with Matrik. He quickly noticed that stranger didn’t have any weapons, so he went straight for hitting him in the face. Attack didn’t success, as the man evaded it and grabbed soldier’s arm with his hands. Then he started rotating, just to throw Matrik into the mirror, causing it to break and hurt his face. Soldier slided to the ground.

- I see - started the stranger - What they say about you is a truth. No wonder why this happens.

- What do they say? - Matrik was sitting on the floor, trying to endure the pain and get balance to stand up.

- That you will fight, no matter what. You see, I was wondering why they sent me to a simple officer. I could easily take down a general. Maybe even a king…

- You work for Eshangard’s dogs?

- Temporarily, yes. I agreed to take one work from them, in hope it’s a challenge. I was bit disappointed hearing it’s just you. In fact… I’m still disappointed.

As he said these words, Matrik jumped at his legs, making him fell on the ground. Before he could raise his hands, soldier started hitting his face, breaking his nose and causing him to bleed. Assassin shaked his hand and a short two sided blade appeared from his sleeve. He stabbed Matrik in his shoulder. Pain was incredible, and it caused soldier to fall on the ground. Stranger stood up and brushed away dust from his clothes.

- I guess that’s how it will be - he said, while snoring from bleeding nose - they paid for this poison.

Matrik wanted to scream but the pain was so strong that he couldn’t make a proper word come out from his mouth. Stranger crouched next to him.

- You see, this poison works in your body even after you are dead, causing a damage. It’s good for sending a message to others, I guess that’s what they aimed for…

He stood up and moved to the door. He looked at Matrik who was shaking in pain.

- I’m sorry, I wanted to kill you faster.

Matrik heard the door opening and closing. He couldn’t move on the ground and felt how the poison is slowly going further in his body. Hours passed, and his entire shoulder was numb from the poison. The pain was still strong, but he slowly started to endure it, making him able to stand up. He managed to get out on the street, where he felt again, passing out.

It was a night and before sun raised again, nobody passed that way. In the morning he was found by a random citizen, who took him to the healer. His friend Aidan was informed about it and went straight to the hospital.

Hospitals in Avergard weren’t the best quality places. Building was old and mostly destroyed, having just one big room full of beds and people suffering from various diseases. Also the health care was far behind one in Eshangard. Many soldiers were dying here just because of lack of hygiene in the room. Aidan passed few beds and ran into one of healers.

- Where is he? - he asked.

- Who?

- Matrik, the officer.

- Please follow me.

Healer led him in the labyrinth of beds and sick people. Some of them were in really bad state, moaning in pain. Aidan couldn’t imagine his friend being there.

When they finally got there, he looked at Matrik. He was lying on the bed with eyes closed, shaking in pain every few seconds. His right arm was all dark and destroyed so hard, that Aidan could see the bones.

- What happened to him?

- It’s a poison of Redfangs. It slowly takes over his body.

- Redfangs?

- Rare creatures. They look like wolves with slightly red fur and…

- I don’t need details! - interrupted Aidan - What are his chances?

- It’s hard to tell. First we need to get rid of that poison. We have planned a surgery in next hour.

- Surgery?

- Yes, uhh… We need to cut everything that is taken by it.

- You mean… His entire arm?

- Uhh… Y-yes.

- But he is a soldier! He needs that arm!

- I’m sorry. That’s all we can do to help him survive.

- He fought his entire life… He can’t just…

- I’m sorry - repeated healer and started slowly moving away.

- Wait - Aidan stopped him - After the surgery, will he be fine?

- He will need some medicine and time to rest, but he should be fine. That is, if he doesn’t get any infection…

- Hmm, can he be moved to my house then? This place is filthy.

- We do our best here… But yes, after surgery.

- Thank you.

Healer went away to other patients. Aidan decided to stay with his friend until it’s over. He was shocked at what happened. They both fought in many battles together, and Matrik was never hurt like this before. His home, place to which he loved to return, only place where he had his armor off, turned out to be most dangerous place for him.

- Stay strong, my friend. You will get through this.

* * *

Mernion opened his eyes. He was in a dark and cold place. His back, as well as the wound on his chest hurted. It took him a few moments to remind himself of what just happened.

- H-hello - he said, hoping to hear elven girl voice, but only answer was a soft growl somewhere close to him. He reached out in direction of the sound with his hand to find his companion, lying on the ground.

- Are you okay? Speak to me - he said as he tried to get her up from the cold earth.

- It’s fine. Just give me a moment…

As he moved hand up her arm, he felt that her skin was wet.

- Is that blood? You are hurt!

- It’s… fine, don’t worry - she shrugged him off, standing up - We need some light here.

Her hand flashed and she released an orb of light into the air. Now they could clearly see each other.

She was rather short and petite girl. Her skin didn’t seem to be as pale as other elves, mostly due to dirt in which it was covered. Also her clothes weren’t as elegant and distinguish as clothes of other elves - she was wearing a light green sleeveless top and long, red skirt made out of thick leather. Her left arm was decorated with symbol of something that looked like a twisted sun. Her long orange hairs were in messy state after latest events.

Mernion was sitting near piece of some ruined wall. His body was full of bruises and signs of contact with the ground. Wound on his chest got covered by his bear skin cloak that moved from his back to the side during the hard landing he had.

After a moment of initial awkward silence, elf girl decided to speak first.

- My name is Silandri.

- Oh… Yes we didn’t have a chance to… I’m Mernion.

- Then, Mernion, thank you for saving my life up there.

- It’s… It’s nothing, just a right thing to do. And there are others who helped in it too...

- Right thing or not, you risked a lot for a stranger - she took a small break - I promise to pay my debt.

Barbarian didn’t say anything to that, only nodded. His head was full of questions that he wanted to ask, but he couldn’t decide where to start.

- So uhh… What is this place? - he finally said.

- This? Ah, we are in lower part of the Kaghduhn. It got destroyed years ago, causing locals to move closer to the surface.

- Is that some town? Who built it?

- Ahh… Of course… Gnomes did.

- Gnomes?

- You probably saw their sculptures when you came in. They are a race that lives underground. They gave me… a home… and taught me…

Her face suddenly got sad and she looked away. Mernion stood up and softly put a hand on her arm.

- Is… everything alright? - he asked.

- They are all dead, Mernion. Minotaurs killed them. We fought well, but the odds were against us - a tear dropped from her eye and her right hand lighted up with a soft green light.

- You see this? - she raised up her hand - They taught me how to control this. And now, it’s all over again.

Young man didn’t know what to say. He wanted to cheer her up, but he knew there are no words that can help her. He remembered how he felt after his parent died. What helped him back then, was Shabal that kept his head busy with tasks in the camp.

He softly hugged his elven companion.

- You are alive - he said with calming voice - You can work to avenge their deaths. That way you will thank them for all they gave to you.

- T-thank you - between tears, she smiled slightly - But I don’t know how. And without controlling my magic… I’m a danger.

- You should come with us then. My friend Exoriss is an elven mage, he could…

Suddenly she took a step back from him.

- Elven mage? - she asked, her hand lighted up harder than before.

- Umm… Yes, they are our allies.

- Allies huh? Uhh, okay… - she nervously covered symbol on her arm with other hand - I’m fine though, it’s just temporary…

- You seem nervous, is there something wrong?

- I’m just… Not too proud of my race. That’s why I ended here after all.

- Are they after you?

- You are o-one curious human - she smiled nervously.

Mernion didn’t want to push further, but he knew that if she will join them, they will go back to this topic, sooner or later. For now, they had to somehow go back to rest of his companions.

- Do you know the way back - he looked up and turned around, making his bear skin cover fall to the back, showing the wound.

- Your chest! - shrieked Silandri - We can’t go like this. Let me help you.

- Do you have bandages with you?

- I have the magic - her hand lighted up.

- Did you ever use it to heal anybody?

- Umm… No, but it shouldn’t be hard - she got closer to him - I just need to close the wound, it should be simple.

Her hand was shaking as she slowly moved the bright light near his chest. At the first touch of it, he jumped back in pain.

- I’m sorry.

- You need to calm down, put less strength in it.

She took a few deep breaths. Her magic became weaker, almost like a mist that softly surrounded her hand. She touched the cut again, closing a tiny part of it. Then she progressed towards other end of the wound.

- How did you know? - she asked.

- I was healed with magic a few times by our mage, Paustin.

- I bet he would do this better…

- He is more experienced. Naturally he would do it faster - he looked at her, noticing she isn’t too happy with slow results - His hands are much rougher though. This feels nicer.

She cheered a bit, giving him a little smile. Mernion wasn’t sure why she cared so much about the result. It was her first time healing a wound, so he didn’t expect her to finish it instantly. He looked at her yellow eyes, that were now reflecting the green light on which she was focused. Suddenly, right below her left eye, a small cut started to appear.

- What’s happening? - he asked.

- Ahh that’s unfortunate place - she answered - I guess I have to tell you now. I was cursed. But it’s also a blessing. Normally performing a lot of magic makes you tired and eventually you pass out. In my case, it hurts my body instead.

- Who did that to you?

- It’s an old story, and not a big deal. Pain was a good punishment when I was a little, but now it’s nothing.

- I don’t want you to hurt yourself for me - he stepped away.

- Don’t be stupid now. This tiny cut will disappear in a day or two. Your wound is much more serious.

She got close to him, this time grabbing his arm with other hand. For a moment they were observing as wound from the Mernion’s chest, transfers to a cut on Silandri’s face.

- What’s the stupid idea with being half-naked anyway? - she suddenly asked.

- I am one of barbarians. It’s… It’s just how we are.

- Oh, I heard of the rebels that left their comfy houses. Is that the same group?

- Yes, although I joined not so long ago. My home town was burnt by soldiers…

- I’m sorry - she stopped for a moment - So, you guys work hard for years to look great and show it. I’m afraid that these bulls are not too impressed nor scared by that.

- You know, it doesn’t take that long if you work in camp all day… And it’s not to show it.

- Then why aren’t you wearing an armor? You must be proud of yourself - she grinned.

- No, I’m not. It’s about materials. It takes a lot of metal to craft a good armor. We have some nice leather but there is never enough of it.

- Hmm, that sounds reasonable. You people should sort it out though - she took a break for a moment - Your cloak. Is that a bear skin?

- Yes, a fir…

- First one that you ever killed? - she finished almost together with him. Barbarian nodded in answer.

- How did you know?

- You are a bit proud of yourself after all.

* * *

Deep inside the Dark Forest, on the top floor of the dark tower, a man in brown robes observed the trees that surrounded the area. It was calm and empty at that time. A scary setting for a random traveler, but not for a person who lives there for a long time. Especially if that person owns a tower created with demonic powers.

Behind him, in the room, six of minotaurs were standing on the guard. They were all armored, with long halberds in their hands. Suddenly, one of them became controlled by the demon.

- What did you do?! - he screamed, marching toward the man.

- Ahh hello, I expected your visit.

- Obviously! You disobeyed my order and messed with my stone!

- You see - he turned around - I think that Mernion can be a perfect tool for achieving our goal.

- Our goal? Killing Shabal is not my goal!

- I think you forgot what he did to you. That’s why I had to disobey.

- I haven’t forgotten anything! - screamed demon - I need to teach you some respect!

He started rushing at the short man, who raised his hand to the side, pulling his staff to it. It was a long golden staff, with a red ruby on the tip. Somewhere in the middle, it had a bold part that was used as a handle. Man pointed his staff in direction of minotaur, then casted a fireball right in his face. Body of the bull flied to the other side of the room, but demon left him even before he received the hit. Instead, he took over closest minotaur, then jumped at the man, with his halberd high up. Man rotated his wrist and a flash of blue light transformed staff into a wide, long sword. He quickly evaded the attack, then made a cut on hand of the beast. With a kick, he managed to force minotaur to drop his weapon, which allowed him to easily grab the beast by the neck, and push it over the window. A crack of breaking bones was heard up in the tower when minotaur hit the ground.

By that time, the demon took over third minotaur and was now standing in the middle, looking at the man in robes.

- You were never good at fighting closely - said the man - Lately it’s only thing that reminds me it is really you.

- Did I really change that much? Or maybe you imagined me as somebody else?

- I imagined you as somebody who wants a revenge! Somebody who will be proud of me, wanting to get a justice for what he did to you!

- I am proud of you. You just need to understand that it doesn’t matter anymore. If I succeed at my task, I will be rewarded with a good life. I’m sure that includes you.

- I… I don’t understand what you mean - he almost cried while saying it - I just want Shabal’s head…

Minotaur looked away for a moment and sighed.

- I can give you three weeks to manage that. Mernion gets stronger every moment and I can’t let him be strong enough to refuse my control.

- Why don’t you just help me? You are a demon!

- I have more important things to do. I’m sure they are preparing an army, it’s only matter of time… I need to be prepared too.

- Ugh… Alright then, two weeks and I will gift you Shabal’s head! - he laughed maniacally - I won’t disappoint you!

Minotaur shook his head.

- I still need to punish you for disobeying me.

After saying these words, demon released remaining four minotaurs from his influence, turning them into wild beasts that instantly attacked the human. Without power from demon, minotaurs were much weaker, so he defeated them without much trouble. In fact, he even enjoyed it.

- He knew I can handle it - he said to himself while smiling.

* * *

- Are you sure it’s this way? - asked Mernion - I feel like we are walking in circles.

- I’m sure about it. My initiation happened here.

- Initiation?

- Yes, initiation to gnomes society. It’s something I had to do as outsider in order to live with them.

- How was it like? - asked Mernion with curiosity.

- Hmm… Together with leader of the house I joined, I had to destroy heart of the temple that was created here. It went smooth.

- This is interesting… How come I never heard of gnomes before.

- Probably because they live deep underground. It’s just this city that got forced to move closer to the surface.

- What is that heart of the temple you mentioned?

- How much do you know about the monsters?

- Uhh… I was told that most of them are sticking to place of their birth. We don’t see many of monsters on the surface.

- Yes. That’s pretty much entire knowledge of people from the surface.

Mernion shuddered at that comment.

- So hearts of the temples - she continued - Are like you said the places of birth. They are gathering the magic to create more monsters.

- How do they gather it?

- Their child brings it to them. That’s entire purpose of monster life. Gathering the magic from creatures they killed.

- Hmm, I was told that minotaurs are different, that they move out.

- Minotaurs… Gnomes believed that they are not monsters, but a different race. Half-way between monster and human. They breed natural way and they don’t collect the magic.

- That… Makes sense. I guess our surface knowledge is far behind the gnomes.

- Yes, it is. Wait until I tell you about souls… - she got stopped by angry roar ahead from them.

- What was that? - whispered Mernion.

- Stone salamander.

They were standing in narrow street. Far in front of them, from behind the corner, appeared a head of the four legged beast. It looked like it was made out of stone, with a spikes going from the middle of it’s long head, to the end of a tail. Eyes of the beast were dark red. Four massive legs marched slowly, leaving a footsteps in paved road.

Beast noticed Mernion and Silandri. Its eyes opened wide and it started running in the direction of them. Elf quickly raised her hand to the wall on the side and with a flash from her hand, made a hole in the wall. They both jumped inside, evading deadly fangs of the monster.

- Let’s go up - screamed Silandri. While they were running upstairs, beast jumped into hole, making it bigger. On the first floor, elven girl made a way to building next to them. Suddenly salamander beast jumped out of the floor, making them fall on the ground, then started climbing up. Mernion stood up and took his weapon out, then quickly thrusted directly into left eye of the monster. Beast fell down, roaring in pain. Barbarian grabbed a hand of his companion and helped her get up, then jumped to other building. Monster didn’t let them go far, this time jumping angrily directly into other building, destroying rest of the floor on the way.

Silandri prepared to cast her magic, while Mernion stepped to the side. Beast followed him with its head, then started running at him. Barbarian decided to slide below the beast, trying to make a cut through its stone body. It didn’t give much effect and caused him to drop his sword.

In the meantime, elven girl focused her magic on the side of the beast. A bright green beam went through the length of the body, making some of the stony scales fall off, showing the dark meat of the monster.

Salamander quickly turned around to elven girl, hitting the wall with its tail, which resulted in parts of the roof falling on it. Mernion swiftly rolled in direction of his sword. Beast started running at Silandri, who tried to evade the hit. She got hit in her leg and landed just next to the beast, that ended up running into the wall and getting stuck. Barbarian thrusted his sword deep into side of the monster, then moved it to the end of the body, making it bleed hard. Beast was struggling to get unstuck, but it eventually managed it, falling out into the street.

Mernion helped elf to stand up. They looked down at the salamander, that was rolling in pain.

- We need to finish it - said Silandri - Can I have your sword?

- W-why?

- Just… please -  she insisted. Mernion gave her his sword. Her hand lighted up and her magic started going through the blade, soon taking over it. Barbarian noticed a cut that started to appear on her arm, but before he managed to say anything, she jumped out with the shiny sword in her hand.

She landed on the head of the salamander, thrusting it into it’s skull, then making a cut through it. Elven lady landed on the road in front of the dying beast, doing a tiny bow to catch the balance. From Mernion point of view, it all looked very majestic, as the beast felt to the feet of bowing lady.

Barbarian jumped down to join his companion.

- That was a good hit - he said.

- I figured it might work, a stone is hard to destroy without the magic - she said, giving the sword back to its owner.

- Are you okay? - Mernion pointed at her arm that was bleeding softly.

- It’s alright - she smiled - You don’t have to ask every time.

- It’s just… Maybe it’s better if you limit your magic…

- Maybe - she said and just walked forward.

Barbarian shook his head.

* * *

Hall of Ancestors, that’s how people of Suna Island called that place. For most of the time closed, it was opened for elders to debate about new leader. Many people thought that ascenstors themselves were participating in the discussions. The outcome was always meant to be their will.

After decision was made, the hall was open for everybody for one particular event - blessing of new leader. Every person that was living on the island would come to see it, as it might be the only chance in their entire life.

When Aryn and Kanvan arrived, the hall was full of people. Once they entered the room, a wave of whisper went through the hall and people started moving to the sides, making a way for their new leader. Elders were sitting on the opposite side on the stone thrones that were placed in a row. In front of them, there was a giant campfire, that was lighting up and warming the entire room.

Aryn went around the campfire, to the stone stairs, that were leading to platform with the thrones. Kanvan left him at that point, joining the crowd. Oldest of the elder stood up.

- Let’s get this over with - he whispered under his nose - Aryn Onner. By the will of the ancestors and elders, you are the new leader of the united tribes of Suna Island. Do you wish to take the lead and responsibility of our people?

Normally a person would just answer “yes”, but it had to be different with Aryn.

- Let me ask you something, elder - he started - I’m more than sure that you were against it. In fact, that most of you were. There is a reason why it took you so long to make such simple and obvious decision!

- Mind your words, you are not a leader yet - said shocked elder - Where is the question?

- My question is what is the power of elders, once the leader is decided?

- Our role is to overwatch you and interfere if necessary. That’s how it’s been for years.

- So if I decide to say… exile someone, can you stop me?

Elder was silent for a moment.

- I… I see where you are going with it - he started slowly - I don’t know what I should say…

- Just answer my question.

- Yes, we are able to stop you from making that decision.

- And yet you didn’t back in the days when tribe leader Ibynyd ordered me to live in the wild!

- You disobeyed his order by interfering with western kingdoms war! It was a right decision to punish you.

- It was me who moved their battles back to where they belong to. You people were fine with just watching them destroy our jungle in pointless slaughter.

- Yes. That was our leader decision and we were fine with it.

- And now, that you have another problem, you need me back.

- I can’t lie on that, yes.

- Funny, isn’t it? - he laughed - You should know something though. I am well aware of the rules here. Of role of elders, selection and so on. I am aware of certain rule, that allows me to demand your blood as tribute to my leadership.

Elder face turned confused and scared.

- Nobody… Used that law since… Cruel King…

- On that bit, let’s go back to your question. But this time you tell me, do you truly wish to have me as your leader?

- It’s… It’s what we decided. I trust you won’t abuse your rights in a pointless way.

- You won’t know until it happens - Aryn smirked.

Elder frowned and spaced out to think it through. He was a bit scared of the crazy man who held the grudge for old events, but he also knew that he doesn’t have much choice right now. It’s been said, Aryn is a new leader. He went down the stairs, to the tall young man. He bowed and took out a shiny stone from his pocket. Then he gave it to Aryn and went down to the crowd. Other elders followed the procedure, giving various gifts to their new leader. It was a tradition, a symbol of giving their power into his hands.

When it was over, Aryn turned around and spoke to the elder.

- I don’t demand your blood. However, I know how it is with you elders. You all wanted your own sons to be in my place now. So what I demand is that your sons will join me on the front line in this war against monsters.

- My son, but… There are many other man…

- Yes, who need an inspiration to join this fight. Even I will feel better, having ancestors-blood warriors by my side.

While tribes were united under one leader, the ancestors-blood families were the most important in local societies. Aryn needed them by his side, because leading the split and wild society was impossible for a single person. Even though nobody directly opposed the leader in the past, there were a stories of traitors and cowards.

Elder looked up at him.

- As you wish.

- As for rest of you - he said to rest of people gathered in the hall - Everybody who cares about his own future and is able to fight, should join me in the battle. Everybody who is a coward, better stay out of my way. We are going to bring the fight to our enemy. The victory is the only option!

With these words, the ceremony ended. Hall of Ancestors got closed once again, left empty in the wild, awaiting for elders to gather again. Many people believed that it might happen soon, that Aryn will soon get himself killed in the battle. Others believed in him. Some of them already joined him in preparation for upcoming battles.

* * *

A light of torches was seen from the stony slope that young barbarian and his elven companion walked on.

- Lights ahead, seems we are close - said Mernion.

- See, I know this place - she stopped for a moment - Uh… Elves… I need to…

She was mumbling and moving nervously. Finally, she moved one of wide straps of her shirt down the arm, covering a twisted sun symbol.

- That should do it - she summarized, then looked at confused barbarian - Uhm… Please don’t tell them about my symbol, it would only bring trouble.

- Will you tell me what is this about?

- Not now, your friends are probably worried.

They moved on and soon they arrived back in the upper Kaghduhn. Streets were full of dead minotaurs and spilled blood. A bunch of barbarians that were resting near wall raised their heads at sight of their companion and elven girl. A further ahead, a familiar elf noticed them and quickly ran closer.

- Mernion! You are alive… And you are…

- Sythaeryn, it’s nice to see you. This is Silandri.

- Hello young lady - he bowed and she answered with a nod and little smile - We should join the rest.

As they walked through the city, they saw a lot of hurt people, resting and bandaging their wounds.

- This is all because of me… - said Silandri.

- Don’t worry, we wanted to take this place - answered Sythaeryn - We just had to start it earlier than planned.

- Did anybody…

- Die? No. Barbarians are a tough kind. And so is Panwarel.

- Is he hurt? - asked Mernion.

- Yes, he got several cuts and some of his bones are broken. Exoriss is doing his magic.

They came to area where earlier was standing a giant tower. Several of torches were planted around, giving the light. Panwarel was sitting on the floor, leaning on the stone. His body was covered with bloody wounds. Some of more serious were already closed with magic. Exoriss was kneeling near his leg and inspecting it. Avenlight was leaning on the wall slightly behind them, while Shabal was walking around nervously.

- I will have to put a bug inside you - said Exoriss - Imbued by the magic, it will fix your bones.

- A bug? You can’t be serious - commented barbarian leader.

- Do it, Exoriss… - whispered Panwarel.

- It’s the most safe way with amount of blood you lost. Don’t worry, my friend, I know what I’m doing.

Shabal turned around, noticing people who arrived.

- Mernion! We thought we lost you… And you, a reason for this early attack…

- Shabal! It was my call, if you want to blame someone - said Exoriss, then faced the elven lady - Hello. My name is Exoriss. Who are you?

- I’m S-silandri and - she looked at old barbarian - it really wasn’t my intention to be c-captured.

- Mhm - sighted Shabal - I’m sorry for this. It just annoys me that we weren’t prepared. I guess I’m really getting old - he looked at Exoriss who was continuing healing giant elf.

Silandri looked over Panwarel’s body.

- M-maybe I can help? - she moved closer - I healed Mernion before.

Before Exoriss got a chance to answer, she lighted up her hand and nervously moved it forward. Her lack of calm and control caused her to shoot a magic missile right in direction of Avenlight. Gold-haired elf managed to evade the danger, with grace as if he was prepared for it.

- I am s-sorry! - said Silandri - Are you alright?

- It’s fine.

- You weren’t trained, right? - asked Exoriss - I could teach you something later.

- No n-need, I just need to… calm down.

- Yes, you do. For now please stay away.

She moved back to Mernion with a sad face. He wanted to ask what makes her so nervous, but then he figured out that it was about elves.

- So… Let’s start over again - said older barbarian - My name is Shabal and I’m the leader of barbarians. You probably heard of us.

- I heard of you, rebels that refused to be a part of war. Living in the wild as free people.

- Uhm…Yes, although now we are in war against minotaurs and their demon-leader.

- I offered Silandri to join us in fight - said Mernion.

- Oh, but… I’m not sure if that’s a good idea. It’s dangerous and…

- She killed a stone salamander. She can fight for herself.

- A stone salamander?

- A giant salamander with skin made of stone - said Silandri - I’m sure a great warrior like you had a chance to fight them before, just didn’t bother with names.

- Ohh yes, I did! - he didn’t, but he didn’t want to look weak in other people’s eyes - Impressive beasts. If that’s the case, you can come with us.

His voice got bit nervous while he said these words and elf noticed it. She chuckled silently.

- I’m sorry to interrupt - started Sythaeryn - I’m curious. What can you tell us about this place?

- She is bit tired and maybe… - started Mernion, but got interrupted by elven lady.

- It’s alright, Mernion. This is Kaghduhn, a city of gnomes. Before you ask, gnomes are the short creatures you see on the sculptures near entrance. They live mostly deep underground and purpose of their existence is to fight monsters. You should know that monsters are far more numerous here, than on the surface. This part of the city is closest to the surface, and was built after monster’s temple formed in the older part.

- This part is interesting, Exoriss - said Mernion - Remember what you told me about monsters? Apparently they stick to their place of birth because they are gathering the magic there.

- Oh? Sythaeryn, did you know about that?

- Hmm no, I always thought it’s their way of living. What are they gathering magic for?

- To create more monsters - answered Silandri - Also, you can destroy their place of gathering - heart, to kill all monsters bound to it.

- That is interesting. That information would probably made my work easier a few times… Wait, does that mean that minotaurs are not the monsters?

- Indeed, they are more like another race.

- Does that help anything? - asked Shabal - They all should die.

- What about this, monsters are dead once heart is destroyed. Minotaurs will be weaker once we kill the demon - pointed out Sythaeryn.

- Yeah. If we can kill him.

- Speaking of demon - Mernion brought his face into the light of nearby torch - I ran into his trap earlier. This symbol is… the result of magic he used.

- Let me have a look - Exoriss stood up and came closer to barbarian - I feel a strong magic.

- He used some stone with runes on it. Also someone messed it up for him, so his spell doesn’t work.

- Can I… touch it?

- Go for it.

Elf’s hand became light blue and he touched the symbol on Mernion’s face. He closed the eyes and just a second later he jumped back.

- Uhh... Demons magic. Feels like strong control spell, but it’s indeed blocked by other spell. Similar in working, but this one is much weaker and comes from normal being.

- A hooded man showed up to me. He seems crazy, he… He wanted me to kill you, Shabal.

Old barbarian looked at him with worry in his eyes.

- You won’t do that, right? - he asked.

- Of course not, he can’t control me!

- Hmm… It takes time and skill to get a full control over someone - said Exoriss - Also… I could take this spell off you, but maybe it’s better if it blocks the demon spell.

- Yes, it’s just some mad person who wants to kill me - said Shabal - I’m more curious who is he…

- He didn’t say. He was short and his voice was soft.

- Doesn’t sound familiar.

- We should focus on the demon - said Exoriss - He will want his spell to work at all cost. Sooner or later he will manage it and you need to be prepared.

- What can we do? I don’t know anybody who knows anything about demon magic.

Exoriss started thinking in silence.

- I know - he said after a moment - We need a help of Forest Guardians.

Silandri shaked a bit after hearing it.

- We don’t have a ship to get to Jafnore - pointed out Shabal.

- We don’t need to. Ever heard of the Sapphire Oak?

- No, what is it?

- A place in the east, behind Giant River. A tree from Jafnore was planted there and cherished by one of the Forest Guardians. If there is anybody who knows something about demon magic, it must be him.

- How far is it?

- It’s about three days of walk for a small group of people.

- Hmm… We can’t move the army and we should settle down here. This place looks decent enough for preparations and gathering. I hope… - he turned to Silandri - Gnomes wouldn’t mind it?

- If you are scared that they will haunt you… They won’t. They were always friendly toward me, although… Do you want to honour them?

- It would feel strange to take over this place just like that. After all, they fought monsters that otherwise would come to the surface and they died in the same war that we fight.

- Then I will initiate you to into their society. That way we will honour their traditions.

- Sounds good to me. I will order my people to move in.

- We should help you to settle down then - said Exoriss - I also need to prepare bug for Panwarel’s bones. He will have to stay here while rest of us will go with Mernion to the Sapphire Oak.

Shabal nodded and turned around, then went in the direction of the gate. Exoriss and Sythaeryn helped their wounded friend to stand up and followed the barbarian leader. Avenlight went right behind them. Mernion and Silandri stood behind for a moment.

- So… I noticed you were a bit nervous... - asked barbarian.

- I don’t trust elves. I spent years in their society and I know how it looks behind the fancy clothes and manners.

- I believe you, but… From what I know, these guys are not like elves on Jafnore. They choose to live here and help us. I see no reason to distrust them.

- Then it’s good for you. Listen just… Watch for yourself. Forest Guardians are strong beings and… Let’s just say I don’t like the idea of sharing body with them.

- Sharing body? You mean they can get inside your head?

- Yes, well… To most of elves it’s an honour and an access to a great power. I don’t think it’s worth it - she looked away for a moment - But what am I talking about, you are a human, they can’t do that to you.

- That’s… comforting.

- Surely it is - she smiled - Let’s join the rest...