The Blade ((Open))

[Emiryal ♕]

Reru had expected the Hero might counter his spell. He was quite a worthy opponent, so much that even Reru was having trouble holding his ground against him. Without Ender's influence he would've been hit by now if not fatally injured. "Brenton?!" he said. Was he joking! Brenton was likely to kill him, if not just because Reru was on the Empire's side. But what other choice was there? This battle was a stale mate. Reru could've continued to draw on Enders endless power but then what would become of Shaelren? And he wasn't even sure how to confine the Hero to the sword again.

He blocked one of the swings, catching the blade on his. "You want me dead? So be it," he said. Reru dropped his sword, the instant it left his hand it vanished. Reru looked dead serious in the few seconds before the next swing struck what to most would've been a fatal blow. But he didn't react any more than to the force behind the blow. No pain showed on his face only a calm certainly before he collapsed and his body turned into pure energy and faded into nothing.

----------

Shaking Reru found himself next to his crystal and Ender. It had taken a while for the energy to reform him, but his soul was in the crystal and the dark magic infused in his body ensured the only way he'd die was if the crystal was destroyed. He sat there for a moment as if in shock. He'd never actually done this before, he'd never been killed and had to regenerate his body. It wasn't exactly pleasant for him, but he hadn't died. His sword was next to him, having transported it here moments before the Hero had slain his body. He picked it up now. that fool Shaelren should've listened to him when he had the chance. Brenton, he had to find Brenton. He stood up summoned his wings then tore a rift in the Nether back to Ellesmera. If anyone was going to bring a new age it was going to be him not that Hero! He flew towards the city, avoiding the location of the citadel and where he'd known the Hero had been last. He reached out with his mind searching for Brenton. "Brenton," he called when he sensed the kings mind. "I need your help."

[Brenton]

The Hero felt the blade cut through Rerukusu like he never existed and actually smiled as his task was completed. Now he just had to figure out how to destroy those who deserved it deserved it and then take the world as his own. Even with that nuisance Shaelren interrupting him he still bested the Fairy-man and created a new foothold for himself. Now he would never be sent back to that sword ever.

Brenton was in the center of Ellesmera examining the pedestal with interest as he thought about what was in the book in his hand. The Blade of the Nether, crafted by mages long ago and one known simply as the Hero, was infused with energy. It was responsible for deaths no one could explain and eventually the Hero was slain. According to the tome, the Hero lived in the Blade and would always return when a noble person stepped forward. The only way to dispel him was to take the Blade and shove it back in the pedestal. Yet the Blade was gone and the pedestal was fading away.

Just then Reru contacted him asking for help and the king looked up in surprise. He drew Undbitr but walked cautiously towards Rerukusu. You come here asking for my help, Rerukusu, but I am not Empire friendly anymore. Why do you seek me out?

[Emiryal ♕]

Reru hovered a few feet off the ground. He held his sword but he left it pointed down, indicating he didn't intend to attack. "Shaelren sent me. The Hero in the Blade of the Nether took him. I tried to stop him fought him, but the Hero is powerful nor do I know how to bind him back into the blade. I allowed him to slay me so I could come find you, Shaelren said you would know what to do," he said.  "I'm not here to harm you. I do need your help," he said in the ancient language.


A small fox like creature emerged between two bushes near the house. She looked at the Hero and trotted right over to him. "So you've returned," Terra Nova said. "It was inevitable that you would. Should you attack anything that is mine you know I'll defend it," she warned. What she referred to was the earth and nature as well as the members of the earth branch. those were her charge to protect. "How long has it been now? A few thousand years?" She had seen the Hero before but unless he harmed what she protected she'd not attack him, she was peaceful and rarely instigated an attack.

[Brenton]

Brenton nodded a few times a slipped the book into his pocket right before a blood red bracelet appeared on his left wrist. My knowledge and energy is all I will give but the Hero is the enemy of the Guardians as well. Use this well, Brenton son of Brom Brenton looked at the bracelet and then walked to the edge of the city, knowing Shaelren well enough to find him. Take the Blade and shove it into the pedestal before the Hero has been free for a full day. It should send the Hero back and seal him again until unleashed. Yet after a day the Hero is around until the host is dead.

Already the king could see the house and hoped Isilee ran before Shaelren arrived. Hero, release him and give up your sword now or the full wrath of two Branches will befall you.

[Emiryal ♕]

Reru followed Brenton his sword in hand ready to fight. "That's not going to be easy," he commented to the king before they arrived and found the Hero. He had barely managed to leave the match at a stale mate let alone get the sword from him. He smiled when he saw the Hero again. "Surprised to see me?" he asked. "I told you, you can't kill me," he added. He hovered near Brenton but was ready to move in an instant to attack or dodge an attack.

"Make that three," a voice said as the Earth Elder dropped from the sky from his dragon's back. The massive brown dragon circled over head unable to land here. There was not enough space unless she crushed a few trees.

Tera Nova darted to Rakaio's side teeth bared. She had warned the Hero that she'd protect her own and Rakio was one of hers. If he was getting involved now so would she. "You are out numbered Hero, facing the wrath of three branches and their guardians, you can't win this one," he said. He had his sword drawn and ready.

[Brenton]

Rakaio had arrived as well with words of defending the forest? Brenton blinked in awe but saw the attack coming at just that moment, barely able to raise Undbitr in time to block the attack. If Laetri and Anurin showed up or even their guardians then there would be less chance of failure but Anurin and Laetri spent most of their time building the citadels again. The Blade of the Nether snaked out again at insane speeds and Brenton was once again barely able to defend against it. Hero, a future like yours is unattainable and this is suicide. You face three very capable opponents with the power of Guardians backing them. Listen to my words like you once did for Inferno and stand down. Brenton could see a flicker of doubt cross the Hero's face and he jumped. With intensity and ferocity he swung Undbitr but it wasn't meant to be as the king stumbled and was punched by the Hero. He fell backward and Undbitr skittered off into the brush out of his reach.

[Emiryal ♕]

Reru immediately flew at the Hero placing himself between the Hero and Brenton. His blade was once again glowing as he drew power from Ender. And with that he swung at the Hero, faking a blow to his legs before making his real attack to hit his arms. He channeled the magic energy into his strength behind the blow and were the Hero not such a hard opponent just the force behind it was bone shattering strong.

"Terra, help him," Rakio said as he darted for the Hero swinging his sword at his back to flank him. "Brisingr," he shouted condensing the fire into a solid intense beam and at point blank range it would be hard to miss. It would be difficult to defend against multiple attacks and he was counting on the difficulty helping even the fight a bit.

The earth guardian nodded at Rakaio's request and the fox darted over towards Brenton. She reached for him, touching him on the shoulder with her nose sending healing energy into him. That punch ought to have done some damage. She barked a fox like sound and bush Undbitr had gone under moved aside as Terra came near and dragged the sword back to Brenton.

[Brenton]

Brenton felt his bruises and broken nose heal as Tera Nova ran over and helped him before getting Undbitr back. Before the fox could run back into the fight, Brenton felt the bracelet get warmer and suddenly Inferno was speaking into his mind as well as Tera Nova's. The Hero is stronger than you Brenton and I hate to say it. The last time it was all of the Guardians joining together to vanquish him. Unfortunately I will only help you with my energy. I'm sure Ender is helping through Rerukusu and I can sense you, Tera Nova. Fight hard but don't kill the boy if you can take the Blade. Be careful though for the sword attacks royalty.[/b] With that he ended the contact and Brenton bellowed, shooting pure energy from his left hand directly at the Hero who crumpled under the three attacks. I'm sorry, Shaelren Thorsson, you will not die in vain.

[Emiryal ♕]

Terra Nova flattened herself to the ground to ensure Brenton wouldn't hit her with the beam of energy. Not that he was aiming for her but just a precaution. She barked again that high pitched fox like sound and attempted to summon a shield around Shaelren to protect him from death but still allow the blows to hit. It was hard to tell if she'd managed to do it or if she'd been to late when the Hero crumpled under the attacks. She would've responded to Inferno but she had more to worry about than that.

Reru hovered above the Hero waiting just in case it was not true and he somehow had survived. The Physic Elder looked tired but adrenaline kept him ready to fight if needed. Drawing so much of Ender's power and keeping control of it was difficult, and he'd been doing it for quite some time now. The supply of energy was endless but his strength and focus was not.

Rakaio grabbed for the sword as soon as the Hero collapsed and backed away a few steps. Reru looked at him shocked. "Don't touch that!" he warned not sure if Rakaio was royal or not. He didn't know much about the origins of the other Elder actually. Rakaio smiled at Reru. "It's fine Reru, I'm not of Royal blood. Terra said it would be safe enough anyways," he said.

[Brenton]

Brenton rolled to his knees and stood up stiffly, feeling intense pain in his left arm from the beam but within moments it was gone and he was once again able to walk with ease over to look at the thirteen year old boy who had been corrupted. His chest had stopped rising and his skin was cold as Brenton looked at him, tears shining in his eyes. Shaelren had been nothing more than a boy who joked around and even in the face of danger he had seeked out someone who cared about him. Brenton looked at Reru and Rakaio before disappearing into thin air. He soon was at the hut where Oromis had lived and he walked in but Celia wasn't there. Oh well, he had to deal with the Blade now. Instantly he was gone again and by Reru with his eyes haunted.

[Emiryal ♕]

Terra was the first to speak when Brenton returned. "It had to be done, don't blame yourself," she said. "Last time we lost an Elder in the fight, this time someone still payed that same price." The fox like guardian went over to the body and with a single thought grew a small patch of flowers nearby in tribute to the lost life.

Reru sank to the ground, his wings pulsed still with the energy he'd drawn from Ender and his blade was shining. But he seemed to be in pain from it as he stuck his blade in the ground and leaned on it for support. He couldn't feel pain so this wasn't really painful for him. What he was struggling with was to hold the energy in check and not let it escape his control and destroy everything around him. Without a target to use the energy on he didn't have anywhere to disperse the energy. This must be the way Ender felt when he didn't release enough energy. Reru glanced up at Brenton when he reappeared. He wasn't sure what to say though.

Rakaio listened as Terra spoke to Brenton. "There wasn't any other way," he said. "I'm sorry it had to be like this. Where is the pedestal for this sword?" he asked. "It needs to be secured and put back. I'd rather not have to keep it."

[Brenton]

Brenton looked up at Rakaio in pain but nodded before speaking slowly and sadly. The pedestal rests in the middle of Ellesmera covering the city in frost and darkness. It is surrounded by shards of pulsating crystal that cast an eerie light while stone warriors guard it. If you wish to return the Blade then you must be with royalty so the guards will allow passage. We must hurry though, Rakaio, and thank you all of you. With that Brenton looked at Shaelren and hefted the dead body into his arms. He would return the young lord to the city to be buried with everyone else who died honorably.

[Emiryal ♕]

Rakaio nodded as Brenton spoke. "When this is done, I will be at his funeral," he said. Shaelren deserved the respect. "I hope you are right about those guards, if not we'll have to find out something else to do," the earth elder said. If the guards wouldn't let him pass even when being with someone royal that meant Brenton or Reru would have to put the sword back and then they would risk letting the hero out again.

Terra Nova was watching Reru. "Let the energy go, just get rid of it," she said. The fox like guardian was sitting at Rakaio's feet now. "If you loose control the energy will disperse and do harm, direct it before that happens."

"Yeah but direct it to what?" Reru asked. He was watching Terra Nova, but before anyone answered him he seemed to get it. He looked up at the sky, he could direct it anywhere as long as it had a purpose. He waited until Entas' circling cleared the sky above him. Then he stood holding his sword above his head and directing a beam of energy into the sky. It struck the clouds as though it couldn't pass through them. Where the energy touched the cloud it darkened and the dark color spread as the energy stream continued. It didn't take long for him to release all the excess energy, and when he was done the clouds above ellesmera were all dark, and it began to rain. He hadn't harmed the clouds just turned them to rain clouds. It seemed a fitting tribute and a good use of the energy. Reru dismissed his wings and his sword was no longer glowing. He seemed tired but at ease now and he didn't seem to be in pain from struggling for control of the energy.

"Let's get rid of this cursed blade," Rakaio said started for the location Brenton had described.

[Brenton]

Brenton followed Rakaio, rain running down his face in rivulets and leaving stains where it washed away the dirt that had covered him. Slow and steady. Always had the tortoise won the race by being slow and steady but slow had killed Shaelren today by being too late. Honor and respect. Someone who died a hero to the elves was given a memorial and honorable ceremony but this boy had been thirteen and had seen more heartache than a grown adult. Death. Was death really necessary in a situation such as this where the host was so innocent and had so much to do in life?

The glow of the crystals came into view ahead as a simple herald to the end of the trip and Brenton ducked his head. Ahead was a new world for them all with a task of getting the sword back into the pedestal. The king stepped up to the stairs with guards barely moving as Rakaio also passed. Well it was time to finish this so they could all live on. Suddenly a movement in Brenton's arms and Shaelren lunged for the Blade, fingers wrapping around the hilt. The elven Hero disappeared at a dead sprint.

[Emiryal ♕]

Reru could only helplessly watch as the Hero took the blade and vanished into the forest. While his supply of energy was endless thanks to Ender, his strength to maintain control of it took a lot of effort and he couldn't summon the strength to control that energy now. He'd used up all he could and having been killed and re-materializing had taken a lot out of him.

Rakaio drew his sword the instant he realized what had happened and was about to pursue when Terra stopped him standing in his way. "You can't beat him alone, Reru can't help you this time and even with Brenton you are no match. I don't want you dead. Dark times have fallen...we must prepare for the next encounter, we need the other branches," Terra Nova said. Rakaio clenched his fist around his sword's hilt then put it back in it's sheath. Terra Nova was right.

[Brenton]

Rakaio, Rerukusu, we have many days of war ahead of us besides the Empire and Varden fighting. It is time a hall was constructed for times like this, where the Branches must convene to discuss tactics. Until then you are both welcome to join me in my chambers to figure out a plan. It will give you time to rest as well, Reru. Brenton spoke and then looked at both of the elders. He was not an elder but Ragdar was nowhere to be found and Inferno backed him with the energy.

It was dark and silent in the ruined halls of Naelrathe where a thirteen year old boy held a sword while tears fell from his face. They tried to kill you, imprison me, and yet you weep over shedding blood? What are you, a blubbering baby to not handle death?

The boy shook his head and blood flew from his blonde hair like rain. One of them was in love with me and did whatever I wanted. You shouldn't have used me to tell her to stab herself. The boy stood in the hall and tried not to look at the black haired elf maiden with a knife in her chest and trust in her eyes. Already the Hero was killing innocent people.

[Silver]

Ender was covered in total darkness, his closed eyes didn’t let any light be seen, anyone who passed by wouldn’t had seen him at all. Under his massive claw was Reru’s crystal, he was guarding it carefully, he still wasn’t able to forgive Reru’s action to bring back his dead dragon, but he decided to give him a second chance, let him prove himself worthy once more. He wasn’t doing so for himself or for Reru being his branch’s elder, but for Avendel, he always kept his mind open for her if she needed help or support, or even just to share a thought or a feeling, and that way he knew how painful was for her everything what was going on, she felt like if she had lost her rider, and he wanted to give her a chance of getting him back somehow.

He felt an odd sensation that made his heartbeats become faster, his scales shiver and his muscles become tense. He hadn’t felt that sensation in a long time, and it can only mean one thing. His eyes shot open as he realized the odd energy filling the Nether. He got up immediately and grabbed Reru’s crystal before opening his wings and flying at maximum speed to the darker, colder and most hidden part of the Nether, a part that only he knew to reach. He Managed to see the pedestal with the sword that he had been guarding for so long just before it disappeared, going to the normal world. He roared as he opened a portal in an attempt to get it back immediately, but when he tried to cross it the sun bathed him, forcing him to retreat into his own dimension with a roar of pain, frustration and rage, closing the portal. He started to walk on the now empty island where the pedestal once was and was only able to know to know what was going on through Reru’s eyes, thing that made his frustration only grow while his energy healed the serious burn that the sun left on his head and neck when he tried to cross.

When the sword was being retrieved to the pedestal he started to calm down, waiting patiently for them to put the sword back on its place to force it back to the Nether. But when it was taken away from them in the last moment he couldn’t help but roar and stomp the ground with his claw. The energy he accidentally unleashed with his anger and frustration was strong enough to destroy the islands near to the one he was standing on, and some of those feelings leaked through the link he had with Avendel and Rerukusu thanks to their intensity. He couldn’t help it, he knew how terrible the blade could be, especially if the holder’s will wasn’t strong enough. Through a portal of the size of the tip of a needle he immediately reached for Terra’s, Inferno’s, Reru’s, Brenton’s, Rakaio’s and his dragon’s minds to know exactly what was going on and wanting to hear ideas to solve it quickly, his strong emotions were like a terrible tsunami against their minds, not being able to hold back like he usually did to avoid invading their minds or breaking their barriers, and even less to hide himself at all.

[Emiryal ♕]

Rakaio nodded at Brenton's words. "Thank you King Brenton," he said. He was rather at a loss of what to do now, they couldn't fight the Hero on their own, that was certain. "We will need to summon the other branches. With your permission Terra Nova and I will stay here in Ellesmera while we wait for the others," he said.

"Ender, what is it?!" Avendel asked reaching out to him using Reru as a link between them. She had no idea where he was at but feeling his feelings she knew there was something wrong. Maybe it involved Reru maybe not. Since being revived she had not left the Nether, she had chosen to stay in this realm and often was on an island just far enough from the citadel to not be detected by Reru. Her scales were changing color, only slightly. Kami's scale color had been slightly lighter than her original color and after being revived her scales had started to turn back to her original color. The Nether was something of a cage to her, she couldn't tear rifts in it to get to the other realm, but she didn't want to so she had never asked Ender to make one for her.

Reru looked enraged as Ender's emotions overwhelmed him. The tsunami of it was just to much for him, he felt a driven need to hunt down the Hero and fix this. Anger at what he'd done, not just now but before from Ender's memories. Without a word to the others he opened his translucent wings and took to the sky, igniting fire in his hand burning hot with as much intensity as Ender's emotions. While he couldn't feel the pain from it he ignored the fact the fire was doing him harm. In anger he sent a blast of fire at the pedestal. It did no harm except to blacken the grass and vegetation around it. No sooner had he done that he fell from the sky landing hard a yard or two away from the others, unconscious. He'd been drawing on Ender's power so he hadn't exhausted his energy but he'd lost control and the magic had turned on him doing him harm, he was barely breathing.

Rakaio fared better against the tsunami of emotions. As soon as she had felt it Terra had put up a barrier of protection on herself and Rakaio blocking the worst intensity of Ender's mind. "ENDER CONTROL YOURSELF! THIS ISN'T GOING TO HELP!" She yelled at him. Despite the circumstances she still didn't appreciate his carelessness and not holding back especially on her. "The secrets I hold aren't for you to know Ender," she said, repeating what she'd told him long ago. She knew he wasn't after that but with his strength and not holding back like he usually did he risked breaking her barrier and into the full extent of her thoughts.

[Aelodil]

The leader of the Water Branch, Laetri, stood up and stretched. His body ached after the long hard work of the past few months. Riptide, the Guardian, had shown himself and offered them his help in repairing the citadel. After that it was just a matter of work and will power. Oblivious to all the wreckage and carnage going on out above the sea. Laetri walked out the main palace and observed the preparations for the final touches of the citadel. According to Riptide, however, there was one tiny little key they still needed. It was nothing much. Just a small pearl necklace, but apparently it was important for the Elder of the branch to keep it with him or better, on him, at all times. Laetri had went out searching but ended up coming to the conclusion with Riptide that the necklace must have been lost outside of sea during the war of the Branches. That was the only reason Laetri was leaving the Citadel right now. It was so close to being finished it was frustrating to have to leave but he had explained the situation to everyone else and they had solemnly agreed. Finding Agaravel, he smiled and nodded."Now is the time we reappear to the world, dear friend." he said to her happily.

Beautiful sapphire colored scales glittered on Agaravel's body. Laetri smiled as he admired the magnificence of it all."Laetri?" she asked him wonderingly."Yes? What is it? Is there something wrong?" he responded to her, using his mind rather than his mouth because if he had tried the wind would have sucked away his words far before they reached her ears."Why do you want to take a detour to Ellesmera? Is there something on your mind, little once?" she asked him. He sighed. He didn't bother asking how she knew. Ever since the Branches were announced once again they had shared an even deeper bond than that of one of Rider and dragon."Not much, really. I just feel the need to stop by once again. It has been a long time since we've been there." he responded to her question. She snorted and after that they flew in silence. As they approached the forest, the eerie silence instantly put them on guard. Dropping down to a low hover, Agaravel deposited Laetri before landing herself. Laetri looked around, puzzled. For some reason he fault drawn to this location. He moved through some bushes and found himself in the middle of a group he never had expected to see together."Why hello there." he said, with a smile on his face. Soon enough, Riptide was there, standing beside Laetri. A bewildered Laetri jumped up in shock and shot daggers at Riptide. Riptide neighed back at him, the equivalent of a smile for him. Laetri sighed and loosened up, putting the smile back on his face as he turned to the others expectantly.


Anurin stood there, sweating and breathing heavily. He felt like he had just lifted a thousand rocks and transported them around. Of course, he might as well have done that. Rebuilding the Citadel had been very hard. The fact that twisters seemed to like to randomly appear in front of the Riders and their dragons while they flew around trying to piece together the solid cloud-like substance didn't really help. With a 'poof' he fell down onto the surprisingly solid clouds. The clouds may have been solid but they were as soft as a feather-stuffed pillow. A huge shadow covered the sun from his sight and he frowned. He recognized that shadow, but the last time he had seen Vanilor, he had been dozing off, dreaming of hunting down an elk the size of a mountain and eating it.

Vanilor dropped down and landed on the clouds that somehow supported his weight."Come, Anurin. There is a disturbance in Ellesmera. Can you not feel it?" he resonated to Anurin. A little annoyed now, Anurin stood up and said,"I did feel it. But I thought you were still dozing off. Now that you are here, let us go and ride the winds." Anurin responded. Vanilor shook his head and lowered himself so that Anurin could climb onto his back. Once Anurin was seated, Vanilor took off, flying surprisingly fast for a dragon his size. Within moments, the background went from clouds and the sun, a mixture that reminded Anurin of Heaven to a gloomy and eerie forest that was silent and black as dark. Vanilor landed near a specific place, twisting his body to avoid crushing anything and Anurin jumped down. The group he meant was not one he expected to see. And the pedestal they were surrounding and the lack of a blade troubled him. His face darkened and without a word being said, he realized what must of happened. Someone must have seen the blade, definitely a person of royal blood, and took it. He realized why he felt the tugging sensation to be here now."Hello, friends. It is good to see you all. It is sad that the reason why we all gathered here were due to such a dark situation. But please, expect the Air Branches help as well." he said, eyes flashing dangerously.


Seeing an old man with what seemed a walking stick trod through the forest most probably wouldn't be that intimidating. But this was no ordinary old man. This old man was Camarat, the Wizard. He trod with purpose. He had felt the weird and dark sensation earlier. If what he expected was true, then that would be bad. He knew of the Blade, of course, for how could he not? His own sword, Vasilis, in respond to his thinking of the name of the Blade seemed to shudder and hiss in its sheath. He walked to where he had last felt the dark energy dissipate and was stunned to see such an exotic group. He frowned and muttered an ancient curse under his breath. This was indeed a bad omen."Hello everyone. On a normal circumstance on a normal day I would be glad to see you. But now, on this day, I am overjoyed. Now, would somebody do me a favor and tell this old man of what happened here?" he asked.

[Brenton]

Brenton was midway through replying to Rakaio when he fell to his knees. Pain wracked his body as the half elf tried feebly to block the mental assault. That was until Vaentr, Grazael, and Inferno leant their strength to him. He breathed heavily but slowly Brenton stood up and nodded. "Rakaio, you are allowed to stay as is any who are willing to aid us. Although with attacks from Ender we may be dead soon. Ender the sun is blocked by your Nether energy so join us."

Suddenly people began to appear such as Laetri, Anurin, Riptide, and Camarat. The Water Elder simply nodded and Brenton returned the greeting. It was Anurin who broke the silence with a declaration to back them up. The half elf king smiled and bowed slightly. "Thank you, Anurin-elda, for your aid. This is indeed a dire situation."

Turning to Camarat, all joy vanished and he sighed. All of a sudden it felt like he was the oldest here. "Young Shaelren Thorsson, enjoyable as he is, has done something terrible. This morn a sword appeared in our city with promises of heroism. The boy drew the sword and immediately was attacked by Rerukusu. The fight brought Rakaio and myself in. We bested him but Shaelren returned, fleeing with the weapon. It is the Blade of the Nether and he, the Hero."

Unknown to most, Kialandi had been standing in the shadows listening. It was when he heard Brenton start talking to Camarat that he stopped listening though. A bellow and he shoved through to the king, slamming his fist into his face and drawing his sword. Kialandi glared around and his eyes showed he was beyond reason. He wanted to be a hero and live a good life. Did you not notice how the boy fawned over the human girl and then went to her hoping he could be her hero? No, all you see is a lord who drew a sword and did bad deeds. I see a boy who stole food in a market but only enough to live. A boy who was courageous and willing to learn, always helping others. That is Shaelren Thorsson yet you belittle him by saying he is terrible. Kialandi put the tip of his sword to Brenton's throat with malice in his gaze.