The story takes place after the end of season 1.

Elora has defeated The Crone, and Kit has saved Airk.

All are preparing for the great war to come.

But this adventure has left them with wounds they must now live with.

 

Of course, this adventure, which could be considered as Season 2, is totally a figment of my imagination. 

Having adored the Willow series, all the characters,I wanted to continue to bring this magnificent adventure to life through my writing.

I'll be integrating new characters. 

I won't forget The Wyrm, Dark Elora, Dark Graydon and The Crone.

I'll go back to the past and the present.

 

I'll do my best to stay true to the characters, the story and the fans.

 

Images : My AI Artworks

 

 

 

Part 1

 Let's go home

 

 

The return journey was long and tedious. Everyone knew that they had just won a victory, but it was only the beginning of a terrible war to come. It was necessary to remain more united than ever, to find an army that would follow them, to ally themselves and to count on each other. They had to redouble their efforts, train even more. They had to be ready for the fight that was ahead of them.

 

But how? All were plagued by existential questions.

 

Willow had just sacrificed her staff to save Airk. How was he going to use his magic, how was he going to find it again ? He had to go home, find Mims, his village, his people, and come to terms with who he really was. A wizard who had lied to himself all his years or just a farmer.

 

Elora had lost too many people around her, too many people had sacrificed to save her. Graydon. It was impossible for her to erase from her memory this terrible scene of sacrifice. His presence and that of the Wyrm haunted her. She felt them in the depths of her being.

 

Kit was now Elora's protector, and she had an important task. Once again a choice that was not hers but that she accepted. What will happen as soon as she will be back? Between her role as princess, protector and Jade? Would she stay with her or join her real family.

 

Jade's whole life was a lie. Now she knew who she was. She knew who she belonged to, who her father was, who her family was. Ballantine was no more. She was torn between her duty as a knight, her true family and Kit.

 

Was Airk, who had been possessed, going to be able to forget all that The Crone had shown him ? Forget his fears, the king he could be, the life he could have had.

 

Night was falling.

Everyone found a shelter to sleep. But sleep did not come.

Elora was haunted. A presence. Suddenly, a voice :

 

- Elora....

 

She woke up with a start:

 

- Graydon !!!!

 

She prepared to leave without the knowledge of her companions of road, to return towards the Immemorial City, to find Graydon.

 

But Kit, who was not asleep, got up and called out her name:

 

- Elora what are you doing?

 

- Graydon, I have to go back.

 

She grabbed her by the arm to stop her.

 

- Elora, Graydon is..... Graydon is dead. There's nothing more you can do.

 

Elora got angry

 

- No !!!!!! I feel his presence !!!!! I must go back.

 

- I will stop you.

 

Everyone woke up to the argument between the two friends.

 

In her anger, Elora used her powers against Kit but the armor she always wore protected her and Elora was hit back by her magic. Both were thrown to the ground.

Jade ran to save Kit while Boorman and Willow approached Elora.

 

Willow: We need to get her back to Tir Asleen to protect her from the Wyrm.

 

Boorman: We all need to get back, we are all exhausted and want to find our family. But we're in the middle of nowhere again !!!!!

 

Before them lay a vast, endless desert.

 

*******

 

Meanwhile at The Immemorial City, Elora stood before a stunned Graydon. The young empress held out her hand.

 

- Come with me. I want you by my side. Together we will create a new era. My New Era.

 

He stared at her, so beautiful, so dark, her eyes once full of love and compassion, now full of anger and aggression. Slowly, he approached her and took her hand tenderly. The face of Elora was never so close to his. His look was eternal in the one of the one he loved but an impossible love. Without that he waited for it, Elora kissed him.

 

- My king.

 

Graydon changed. From the gentle prince, lover of music and literature, he became a dark man, his eyes darkened by the darkness that now flowed in his soul.

 

- My queen.

 

*******

 

The curse that prevented Airk from leaving this cursed place seemed to be gone. Suddenly, a breeze blew up. A shudder ran across the moors, followed by a tremor that echoed in the bowels of the earth. And suddenly, a breath of unheard-of power rose from the depths and cracked the ground. Caught up in the whirlwind of the incipient tornado, the sand of the endless desert rose to the heavens, spinning around as if absorbed in an ever more violent infernal spiral. All that remained was swallowed up in the giant belly of this hurricane. Lost in the heart of this cyclone, our adventurers felt the burning breath of the storm turning around them, enveloping them, brushing them but never reaching them, sparing them, strangely. It was almost unreal.

 

Willow: Let's stick together. Let's grab each other. Let's form a human shield !

 

Airk: We are all going to die !!!! I told you there was no escape from this cursed place !!!!

 

Kit: Shut up and hold me!

 

Willow: Elora, do something!

 

Instinctively, the young empress brought to life a dome of light that enveloped and protected the group of friends.

 

It seemed to them to be transported in another space time.

 

Jade: Willow, to reach The Immemorial City we had to take a leap of faith before jumping over the water wall !!!!

 

Willow: Think about the ones you love, the ones you care about, the ones you left behind to follow this quest!!!

 

Elora: No one is waiting for me in Tir Asleen!

 

Kit: Wrong!!! Sorsha loves you and is waiting for you. We need you. Tir Asleen is your home, young empress.

 

 

Suddenly the earth cracked beneath their feet and they were all thrown into a dark void.

 

 

 

Part 2

 

Tir Asleen

 

 

They were stranded by a river at the edge of a forest, exhausted, drained of all strength, it was impossible for them to stand. An army of knights faced them. Jade and Boorman tried to stand up and fight them, but they collapsed.

 

Jade: I don't have the strength to fight anymore

 

Boorman: Neither do I.

 

And lost consciousness.

 

Knight Commander: Let's bring them back.

 

 

*******

 

When Kit slowly opened her eyes, she saw her mother's face sitting beside her. The young princess was back home in her room.

 

Kit: Mother... Is that you?

 

Sorsha: Yes, it's me. You are all safe.

 

Kit began to cry and threw herself into her mother's arms.

 

Seeing that her daughter was wearing the Kymerian cuirass, Sorsha understood the duty she had to perform that would challenge her role as princess.

 

Sorsha: Your father has left you with a heavy burden. (She stroked his face and pushed back a strand of hair from his forehead.) He never abandoned you. He left at my request, to look for this famous cuirass. I beg your pardon. I should have been aware of your suffering, of this absence that weighed you down. He was always proud of the person you were going to become. He never lost faith in you. You are so much like him my child. Feisty, impulsive, but with a heart and boundless loyalty to everyone you love.

 

Kit: I... I heard his voice. He's out there somewhere. I know he is.

 

After hugging her mother with all her might, Kit asked her if she had the solution to take off that famous cuirass.

 

Sorsha smiled: The only person who can take it away from you is the one who has the Lux Arkana activity. What I know about this armor is that not only does it take courage to wear it, but also the love of someone who believes in us so much more than we believe in ourselves.

 

She placed a kiss on her daughter's forehead and then joined Jade in the hallway. She put her hands on the young woman's shoulders.

 

Sorsha: Go ahead. She's waiting for you.

 

Jade hesitated. She was only a knight, not allowed to be in these parts of the palace. She had spent her childhood tending the stables, the horses, until Ballantine taught her the art of combat and trained her in chivalry.

 

Sorsha: I owe you that much.

 

Walking hesitantly to her friend's quarters. Before passing through the door, she looked back at Sorsha who smiled back at her. She stopped in the doorway. Kit looked at her wordlessly. But their eyes spoke for themselves. Filled with tenderness for each other, with a deep love, buried all these years.

 

Jade walked over to her friend's bed and put her hand on the Lux Arcana and her other hand on Kit's shoulder. Suddenly, a flash of green light surrounded them both. Their eyes melted into each other, as if their bodies were merging without touching. Under the influence of this powerful sensation, Kit instinctively grabbed Jade's hand. The Luxe Arcana withdrew from its place, and the young princess was immediately freed from the armor.

 

Without a word, without looking away from each other, Kit caught Jade off guard by kissing her. When their lips parted, Jade took her face in her hands.

 

- I can't.

 

Then she left the room, leaving the young princess alone, her heart heavy.

 

Jade never expressed what she felt, keeping deep inside her all her emotions, anger, love. She was only a knight and Kit a princess, her duty was to serve Sorsha, Tir Asleen, be loyal and protect. Where was the place of her love? The hardest part was not the love she felt for her princess but being able to live with it.

 

*******

 

They all stood in the throne room facing the queen, her children at her side.

 

Sorsha spoke to each of them: Boorman, you are not the person you would have us believe. I forgive you all your crimes. You are free.

 

Boorman: Free... I... I can...

 

Sorsah nodded: Jade, you were Ballantine's greatest pride (Jade felt a twinge of sadness). I know you have been accepted into the Shining Legion to join the Knights of Galladoorn, if that is your wish, I will not stop you, (Kit looked desperately at her mother and Jade) but know that you also belong in Tir Asleen as an official knight of the Pacalcade. (The two friends looked at each other)

 

Sorsha approached Willow and Elora: My friend, I'm sorry I didn't listen to you. Maybe I shouldn't have kept her true identity from her and let you teach her all the magic that lies within her. (She took the hands of the young empress).

 

Elora: I guess I don't belong in the kitchen anymore.

 

Sorsha smiled: You belong here by my side. I will help you carry the weight of your new life. You will not be alone.

 

Elora: My queen, there have been too many sacrifices to protect me, Silas, Graydon... I think I should have listened to Willow and stayed with him, at his village, until I mastered all these powers.

 

The three of them looked at each other.

 

Willow smiled at Elora.

 

Willow: I'll look out for her.

 

Boorman was about to leave when Kit called out to him.

 

Kit: Boorman, I...

 

Boorman: Don't worry young lady. I have a visit to make. Our paths will cross again.

 

Then the young princess approached Willow and Elora.

 

Willow smiled at her: You are indeed the Madmartigan’s daughter.

 

She took Elora in her arms. It was her way of making up for her behavior: I'm sorry.

 

Elora: It's okay. We'll see each other again.

 

Airk: Elora, wait.

 

He approached the young woman: I... two of us...

 

Elora: Many things have changed. I am no longer that naive cook in love with her prince. But who are you really? This power-hungry person, ready to do anything, even to turn against his own kind, or this young prince, in love with all women, carefree of his true responsibilities?

 

She left accompanied by Willow, leaving Airk to face himself.

 

Sorsha took Jade to a separate room, while Kit looked on in concern and dismay. They were left alone.

 

Sorsha: Sit down.

 

Jade: Why didn't you tell me who I really am?

 

Sorsha sat down in front of Jade and took her hands: In my life I've had to make decisions for the sole purpose of protecting my family. But it turns out that some of my choices were mistakes. We were at war, my husband against your father.

 

Jade: But my mother…

 

Sorsha: I am not proud of some of the things we have done. I will not be able to undo the harm that has been done. But I am proud of the knight you have become. At no time did I hesitate to put my daughter's life in your hands.

 

Jade was greatly touched by these words.

 

Sorsha: I know I'm going to ask a lot of you, but if you want to join your family I won't hold it against you.

 

Jade thought of Kit: The Bone Reavers are the enemies of Tir Asleen.

 

Sorsha: Yes, but they are also your family. Maybe with your help you can get them on our side.

 

Jade: I.... Jade remained silent. But in that silence, Sorsha understood that the young woman was worried about Kit.

 

Sorsha: I saw you growing up, becoming friends. I saw my daughter being happy with the time she spent with you. I didn't want to break that. I know how you feel about each other.

 

Jade: She's a princess and... I don't know... a Bone Reaver, a knight.

 

Sorsha: Look at who you are in your heart.

  

 

 

Part 3

Jade

 

 

 

Sitting alone on the rocks of the Canyon Labyrinth where she used to train with Kit, Jade looked out over the vastness of the Tir Asleen kingdom.

 

She had grown up with a vengeance to destroy those who had murdered her family, The Bone Reavers. She had learned to channel all of her anger into using it on the day she would face those murderers. But her whole life was a lie.

 

She could still hear her mother's last words: "Jade, run !!!!". These words had never left her mind, nor the terrible images of that day. She could not abandon her mother and remained, sitting beside her lifeless body, crying, holding her hands. Then, in the middle of the corpses, she saw him, this man in armor, approaching her.

 

- Do not be afraid.

 

Very gently, he took her in his arms. This voice and this human warmth that enveloped her, soothed and comforted her. Feeling safe, she closed her eyes and fell asleep.

 

Jade's childhood was spent cleaning stables, taking care of horses and fighting to be accepted due to her difference in a world that was not her own. Until the day she met someone who changed her life.

 

The little Kit as usual, was having fun with her brother outside the palace, when she saw a strange girl fighting with the boys of the kingdom.

 

Kit: Who is she?

 

Airk: They say she's a savage. She won't let anyone near her.

 

Kit: We have to help her.

 

Airk: No! Kit wait!

 

Too late, the little princess had already left to defend this strange girl.

 

Kit: Leave her alone !!!!

 

Everyone started laughing and continued the fight.

 

Kit: I am Kit Tanthalos, my mother is the queen!

 

Everyone froze and ran away.

 

Airk : Yes that's right run away !!!!

 

Jade: I don't need help. I was going to slaughter them all!

 

Kit: That's not what I saw !!!!

 

Just then Ballantine arrived. "Jade that's enough. Apologize to the princess!!!"

 

Jade: But...

 

The look on her mentor's face was enough to make her give in.

 

Jade: Sorry.

 

Ballantine: Go wait for me in the stables. As for you both, I'll take you back to the palace.

 

Sorsha did not hide her anger: What were you thinking!!!

 

Kit: They were laughing at her!!! I couldn't let that happen!!!

 

The queen ordered a housekeeper to take the two twins to their room.

 

Sorsha spoke to Ballantine once they were alone: "The older she gets, the more she looks like her father. What shall we do with little Jade?

 

Ballantine: My queen, I know how to channel her anger and make it useful.

 

Sorsha nodded her head in agreement.

 

Back at the stables, Ballantine sat down next to little Jade and started talking.

 

Ballantine: You can't hit everyone.

 

Jade: I don't belong here !!!! People don't accept me!!! I'm not like them!!!

 

Ballantine: Come with me.

 

He took her to the knight training ground and gave her a stick.

 

Ballantine: Hit this straw dummy. Release all your anger without limit.

 

Little Jade let out all her anger. She hit and hit without stopping, more and more violently this dummy under the look of her mentor. Then she collapsed to the ground and began to cry.

 

Ballantine took her in his arms: I will give you your place in this kingdom and your anger will help you.

 

And so began the training that made Jade the best knight in Tir Asleen.

 

*******

 

Kit had joined her friend at the Canyon Labyrinth: I knew I would find you here.

 

Jade looked at her, smiled, but said nothing. The young princess put her hand on her beloved's arm.

 

The young knight turned to the most important person in her life.

 

Jade: I... I never apologized for lying to you about our training.

 

Kit shrugged, none of that mattered anymore: You were following orders.

 

Jade: Yes, orders. All my life I've done nothing but obey... orders.

 

The young princess was so hurt to see her friend in pain, that she wanted to share the sadness and make her feel better.

 

Kit: How about a ride to the tree of life. First one there wins.

 

Jade: A competition. She wins what?

 

Kit smiled at her and left: See you there.

 

When they arrived at the Tree of Life, the two friends huddled together, leaning against the giant tree of magic that, according to legend, brought life to Tir Asleen.

 

Jade: Do you remember our first meeting?

 

Kit: How could I forget you yelling at me.

 

Both remembered this growing friendship, becoming more and more intense over the years, inseparable from each other. A force that united them so powerfully. All those nights they spent in Jade's room to remake the world, to live epic adventures. These moments of training that both of them cherished more than anything, the only moments when they were alone, far from the palace, far from all these princely duties that Kit had always rejected. That night when the little princess, lying on the bed next to her friend, burst into tears because of her father's departure without knowing the real reasons.

 

Kit: He abandoned me.

 

That night, Jade gave her, her late mother's necklace, which she wore around her neck and vowed never to abandon herself.

 

Jade: It belonged to my mother. I took it from her body so I would never forget. I give it to you, as a token of our friendship. You and I will never be separated. No matter what happens.

 

Kit: You and I, always there for each other. No matter what.

 

*******

 

Jade: You... You changed my life. While everyone rejected me, you, Princess of Tir Asleen, accepted me as I am. With my differences. You were the only one in my life that mattered.

 

Kit stood up and looked into Jade's eyes: You filled the void in me. You were and are my one and only in my life.

 

Then, hesitantly at first, their lips met. But just as Kit became more demanding, Jade gently stopped her.

 

Jade: We'd better get back.

 

*******

 

Back at home, Wiilow was welcomed as it should be as the great Aldwin and Elora, empress.

 

Mims threw himself into his father's arms: Popa!!!

 

Willow: You're... You're okay.

 

The sorcerer turned to the young woman, both understood, her vision of crossing the Shattered Sea was only a decoy. His village, his daughter, everyone was safe. Then she approached the young empress who stood at her height and took her in her arms.

 

Mims: You are welcome.

 

A few hours later, Elora found herself alone in the private gardens of Wiilow, holding Graydon's flute in her hands. But when Mims joined her, she immediately wiped the tears from her sad face.

 

Mims: There is no shame in crying. We can't be strong all the time.

 

Elora: I... All that power and I couldn't save him.

 

Mims: He didn't act to be saved.

 

Elora smiles at her: You are all so kind and welcoming to me (She looked at the flute). I don't want any more sacrifices. I must learn to master this magic.

 

Mims: Popa will help you. Mommy took care of you as a baby before she gave you to Tir Asleen, I will do it today. Even though you are not a baby anymore.

 

Both smiled.

 

When Willow was alone with Mims, he expressed his doubts.

 

Willow: How can I help her, I don't have my stone, my magic anymore?

 

Mims: Popa, Fin Raziel and Cherlindrea had faith in you. Don't forget Elora chose you.

 

Willow: And if I had lost everything. Elora would be the only one. So much responsibility would fall on her.

 

Mims: The magic is in you. You are the great Aldwin. And if there were others left somewhere. The world is vast.

 

 

 

Part 4

Elora

 

 

The trainings were more and more intense and exhausting for Elora who still could not master this magic that was part of her. Every time she thought she could contain it, it escaped her and caused disasters. As was the case in the Skellin Mines where they almost lost Kit.

 

She felt so responsible for losing Graydon, Silas, Ballantine. She blamed herself to the core of her soul for keeping Kit from joining her father. She couldn't blame her, her anger that day on her. An anger that contained a terrible pain.

 

She fell to the ground and began to cry.

 

Mims went to the young empress and took her in his arms.

 

Elora: I can't do it. I... It's all my fault.

 

Mims: You are not responsible.

 

Elora: Of course I am! I almost killed Kit. Graydon, Silas... all... dead. For me, to save me. The more I try to control it, the more it slips away. How can I defeat the Wyrm if I can't control the power inside me ?

 

Willow approached : Then don't control it.

 

Elora looked at him.

 

Willow: This magic is all part of you. You are it. It is you.

 

Elora: I never wanted any of this. I never wanted to be Elora Danan. I just... wanted to be me.

 

At these words, Willow couldn't help but be angry.

 

Willow: That's the whole point!!! Accept who you are!!!

 

Then he left, leaving Elora alone with Mims.

 

Mims: He is very worried about you. He loves you very much. He refuses to lose one more person in his life.

 

Elora: What happened, Mims.

 

There was a short moment of silence before the young nelwyn spoke.

 

Mims: Popa never stopped looking out for you. From the day he left you with Sorsha and Madmartigan, he came to see you as often as he could. He didn't accept all the physical changes that Sorsha had decided to make. Turning you into someone you weren't in order to forget who you really were. Elora Danan. One day, Popa and Sorsha argued about you. He was hurt by what she said and never returned to Tir Asleen. Sorsha's ploy worked because over the years Elora Danan disappeared. Many rumors circulated about you. Some even said you were... dead.

 

A sect worshipping an ancient evil magic, the Order of the Wyrm, was born. For many moons they caused havoc, burning villages, causing attack after attack, leaving nothing but death and destruction in their wake, spreading fear. You, gone, nothing could stop them. An era of terror was born. This sect grew day by day, rallying more and more soldiers and even entire kingdoms to their cause. We could not trust anyone. Their goal was to wipe out every sorcerers in the world. To eradicate anyone who could do magic. Without magic, no one could stop them.

 

Elora: But how come we've never heard of it ?

 

Mims: The barrier, this force field created by Fine Raziel and Cherlindrea protected Tir Asleen. It became a refuge for all those who wanted to live.

 

One day, Cashmere knights came looking for my father to ask him to put all the witches and wizards still alive in a safe place. With mother's agreement, he left. That was the last time he saw her.

 

*******

 

Cashmere was a magnificent city, famous for its beautiful ivory tower, its streets lined with moon stones, the paladins, those knights of very high religious rank. Order reigned as long as everyone respected the rules. The people lacked nothing, hidden by the walls that protected them from attack but also isolated them.

 

When Willow arrived in Cashmere, he was immediately taken to the royal court where Hayrald Saigur, King of Cashmere, was waiting.

 

Hayrald : Thank you for coming. My concern continues to grow. Evil is not only lurking outside these walls, but I have a feeling it is already inside the city. I don't know who to trust anymore. I have surrounded Cashmere with a wall to protect us, but I'm afraid it's not enough. I brought you here to help me protect the few sorcerers we have left. Most of them have been killed by the followers of this ever-growing sect.

 

Hayrald Saigur was a king of great presence, charisma, and mutual respect shared between him and his knights. None of them would have hesitated to give their lives for their king. Golden hair and beard, with a piercing look but a face marked by the years and his imposing appearance. All muscle, in his outfit, a red and gold tunic that went down to dark pants, covered with black and gold boots, was enough to impress any opponent. But Willow knew him too well to know that behind his frightening appearance, Hayrald was a fair and upright king, or at least he tried to be as fair as possible.

 

Willow: I will lead them to the Refuge of Auzuris.

 

Suddenly a paladin ran into the throne room.

 

Paladin: My Lord, we are under siege.

 

Hayrald: Wiilow take care of the sorcerers, they are in the ivory tower, we will hold back the dark army. (Addressing the paladin) Take two men with you and accompany him.

 

Paladin: Good My Lord.

 

The army of darkness had succeeded in breaking through the wall of Cashmere. This gave confirmation to the king. The evil was inside the city. The battle was fierce, thousands of dead soldiers were lying on the ground. The houses were on fire and bloody. It was a veritable massacre. Hayrald did not hesitate for a moment, leading his army to face these hordes of demons, defending his city and its inhabitants.

 

In the midst of all this carnage, when Willow arrived at the ivory tower accompanied by the 3 knights, the sorcerers he discovered were only children, 5 in all, frightened, huddled together.

 

The leader of the paladins : This evil sect has already executed most of our adult sorcerers. They are the only ones left. Come with me, we'll go out through the underground passage.

 

Willow took each of the children and followed the knights to the underground. Where they each took a torch and walked along the dark stone corridors. When they reached the exit, they all found themselves outside the walls of Cashmere. Willow turned and thought of Hayrald. "I hope to see you again, my friend.

 

The rain began to pour and the storm began to roar. Willow spoke to the leader of the paladins, "We must reach the Refuge of Auzuris !

 

But he did not have time to save the children, for what Willow did not know, the traitor was with him. The leader of the knights turned on his own and cried out, "The Wyrm will deliver this world from suffering and despair. It will heal this world. In one swift and brutal move, he killed his two companions, as well as all the children. Willow cried out at the horror that had just been committed.

 

Paladin: Thank you for giving them to me. You'd better join your own, if you want to save them!!!

 

Willow suddenly had a vision of his village destroyed and a field of Nelwyns corpses.

 

Unable to do anything more for the children, he ran off to find his people. Just as the paladin was about to pierce the young sorcerer with his blade, the latter was stopped by one of the two knights, using the little life he had left to throw his sword which sank into the back of the traitor.

 

Willow arrived too late. His entire village had been destroyed by fire, burned to the ground. The ground was covered with Nelwyn bodies. The smell of spilled blood and burned houses infected the air. He called out "Kiaya!!!! "

 

Silas called out to him and stopped him: "There was nothing we could do. There were too many of them. I... I'm sorry.

 

And among all the dead, he found the small, inert body of his beloved. He fell to the ground and took Kiaya in his arms and held her as tightly as he could, as if not to see her escape, not to lose her. His tears mixed with the rain falling on his face and Kiaya's inert face.

 

Willow : No !!!! No !!!! No !!!! Kiaya !!!!

 

Silas at his side could not help but contain all the pain his best friend was in. Willow began to cry out in pain. A cry that echoed all the way down the valley.

 

*******

 

Elora was devastated by what she had just learned about Willow's past. She could not contain her tears.

 

Mims: Since then, we have been living underground to protect ourselves from these demons. A few days after that terrible day, Ranon blamed him for not being there, for abandoning us again for one more quest. That day he left, breaking Popa's heart for the second time. We never saw him again.

 

Elora took Mims in her arms: I am so sorry.

 

Mims: This fight is not only about you, it is much bigger. The whole world depends on you. Only you can save us all. I know... We all know it's a heavy burden to carry but you will never be alone in this. Your friends, popa, me and many others will join you.

 

 

 

 Part 5

Boorman

 

 

Boorman had finally returned home. He would be able to see his mother again, whom he had not seen for too long. Nothing had changed but him.

 

He walked through the alleys, still as dark as ever, and these houses made of gray stone and wood with thatched roofs. A place that reminded him too much of the misery in which he had grown up alongside his mother. He remembered all the times, when as a child, he used to run away from the shopkeepers and steal their bread, cheese and dried meat in order to feed his mother. His father had abandoned them a few years after his birth. He knew the smallest corners of his village, the smallest alleys to take in order to disappear.

 

In the distance he recognized the famous fruit and vegetable merchant from whom he always stole his products.

 

He moved around on his guard, his face hidden under his hood so as not to be recognized. He had never been appreciated by the locals, but he was the cause. He had spent his life stealing and lying to serve his own interests, not hesitating for a moment to abandon those who trusted him.

 

He remembered his meeting with Madmartigan. Young and skinny, he worked as a cabaret worker for his mother to help her in the tavern. He saw this man of great presence enter accompanied by 3 friends who impressed him.

 

He managed to serve them and listen to their conversation. All 4 were in search of an ancient relic. Wanting to be part of this adventure, to accompany this majestic man, without hesitation, he took part in the discussion.

 

Boorman: I can help you.

 

Allagash: We didn't ask you, kid. Get us a drink.

 

But this respectable man, silenced Allagash with a wave of his hand.

 

Madmartigan: I'm listening.

 

Boorman: I know every corner of this world. I could go with you. I am a treasure seeker.

 

Blaylock: A grave robber.

 

Boorman: No, a treasure seeker. Addressing Madmartigan: I will be useful to you. I could be your squire.

 

And so Boorman became Madmartigan's official squire and set out with him, leaving Tir Asleen by night, in search of the Kymerian cuirass.

 

He stopped in front of the Chop-Chop tavern. The famous tavern that his mother used to live in, or rather survive in. How many hours he had spent helping her. How many days, how many months waiting for the right meeting that would make his mother proud of him. How would she react when she saw him, what would she say to him? And what was he going to say to her? One more person he had abandoned. Finally, he entered, his face still hidden under his hood and sat down at the back of the room in a dark and isolated corner.

 

The place hadn't changed. Always so many people, drinking, laughing and having a good time. These were her mother's objectives when she took over this tavern: to fill the souls and hearts of the people passing through with joy.

 

Always these wooden tables, the fireplace that brought a little warmth. The cellar behind the bar and the rooms upstairs. This tavern was not only their livelihood but also their home.

 

A young waitress offered him a drink. He waited, in front of his beer mug, until the tavern was empty.

 

At closing time, his mother came and sat down opposite him.

 

Mama Boorman: So, kid

 

Boorman: Don't call me that, Mom.

 

Mama Boorman: Are you going to stay like that all night or are you going to look at me?

 

Boorman uncovered his face and stared straight into his mother's eyes.

 

Time had taken its toll on her. Tired and aged but she still had that eccentricity and tenacity as well as her strong character that had allowed her to survive all these years. Round and small in her ochre outfit, composed of a long green skirt covered with a bright orange apron tied with a cord, a white crumpled bodice tightened to the sleeves by orange strips and a brown corset attached by interlaced laces. Not to mention all the jewelry, bracelets, rings and necklaces she wore.

 

Mama Boorman: You're going to talk to me one day.

 

Boorman looked away for a few seconds, with the look of someone overwhelmed by regret: I'm sorry I left in the middle of the night to follow Madmartigan on his quest. I wanted... I wanted you to be proud of me. All my life I've done nothing but lie, steal, serve my own interests. I abandoned people who counted on me. I thought that with this armor, I could redeem my faults but, no, it was not meant for me. This cuirass was waiting for another person who was much more courageous and loyal than I have ever been in my life. Even if at the beginning of our meeting, I couldn't stand her. A grumpy old man told me before I jumped a water fall that I was a loyal and devoted person.

 

Mama Boorman: And you, who do you think you are my son. What did you really find on this quest?

 

Boorman remained silent.

 

*******

 

Sorsha found herself in the throne room in the company of Prunella who had watched over Elora throughout her life. The only one who knew her true identity with the queen.

 

She could not contain her sadness and her dismay. The return of her daughter had just made her realize that her husband would not return.

 

Sorsha: What have I done? To have seen my daughter wearing The Kymerian cuirass means that my husband... I have lost him forever. My children, because of me, have lost their father.

 

Prunella: My queen, there is always hope. Kit heard her father's voice.

 

Sorsha: What if it was just a decoy? What if she wants to go after him ? I can't stop her, knowing her. My children are all I have left. I can't bear to lose them.

 

A guard from the Pacalcade entered: My queen, King Hastur has just arrived.

 

Before giving the order to bring in the king, Sorsha asked Prunella to bring in her children.

 

Hastur: My queen

 

Sorsha: Sir Hastur.

 

Zivian Hastur addressing Kit and Airk: Prince Airk, I am glad you are alive, Princess Kit.

 

Then addressing Sorsha: Where is my son?

 

The two twins looked at each other, saddened.

 

Sorsha: I'm so sorry, Zivian, but he didn't survive.

 

King Hastur was silent for a few moments.

 

Hastur: How did my son die?

 

Kit: He died with honor, sacrificing himself to save Elora...

 

Hastur: You mean Elora Danan!!! Where is she?

 

Sorsha: We don't know.

 

Suddenly, Zivian Hastur attacked Sorsha violently.

 

Hastur: This is all your fault!!! For 200 moons Galladoorn were allies of Tir Asleen, fighting by your side to save the kingdom from darkness. We have had too many losses, Airk Thaughbaer and today my son !!!! All for the folly of one man, your husband, who set out to save a baby from a prophecy!!!

 

Sorsha: My husband single-handedly defended Tir Asleen against the Bavmorda hordes and trolls. Airk Thaughbaer fought alongside him defending the kingdom.

 

Hastur: Do your children know who their father really was and... You... A disgraced knight who preferred to hang out with outcasts. Your husband who fell in love with Princess Carissima of Cashmere broke the code of the knights of Galladoorn by betraying his own !!!!

 

Airk : That's enough !!!!

 

The young prince drew his sword and attacked the king.

 

Sorsha : Airk no !!!!

 

A fight ensued between the two men.

 

Hastur: I see that you have become more confident and aggressive.

 

Airk: You can't imagine what I have been through. I won't let you talk to my mother like that or talk about my father like that.

 

The confrontation was fierce. But Airk was thrown off balance by the king's words, which disarmed him and knocked him down. Without him being able to anticipate the attack, Sorsha stopped Zivian with a sharp blow from her sword.

 

Sorsha: Leave my kingdom and don't you dare attack my son again.

 

Hastur spoke directly to the young prince: You are like your father, a weak and incapable man.

 

Before leaving, he looked aggressively at Sorsha: From this day forward, Galladoorn will no longer be allies of Tir Asleen.

 

When Kit approached her brother to help him up, he pushed her away harshly and left the room.

 

Kit: Airk waits !!!!

 

*******

 

Kit had joined her brother in the weapons room. She was very saddened by his attitude and his pain. She approached him gently but said nothing.

 

Airk: Hastur is right. No one expects anything from me. I'm just a weakling. Besides all my conquests, what have I done? I was indoctrinated by The Crone. I fought my own sister. The Crone. She showed me the king I could have been. I am not worthy of our father.

 

Kit put his hand on his brother's arm: You are a loyal man and worthy of this kingdom. And you will be a just and good king. You are... a brother I could always count on. Even if I gave you a hard time during our childhood and still today. You are my brother. Together we will be stronger.

 

Airk: Why did mother hide the whole truth from us? Maybe we would have been better able to fight what was coming. Don't you think it's time Mother told us everything?

 

Kit remained silent, but her look was an affirmation of her brother's question.

 

*******

 

Meanwhile in The Immemorial City, Dark Elora and Graydon, sitting on their throne of glory, savored together, their coming victory. Watching their army of demons, trolls, Eborsisk, The Doom, The Scourge The Death Dogs, rise up and bind themselves to their great power to deliver the world from suffering and despair. To bring in the New Era of the Wyrm.

 

The great awakening had begun.

 

 

Part 6

Revelations

 

Galladoorn was a beautiful, prosperous kingdom known for its culture and Shining Legion. Land of welcome, place of peace and great cultural diversity. Anyone who sought refuge, could stay in Galladoorn while maintaining its traditions and customs. It was therefore possible to find products from all walks of life as well as clothes that were so different from each other and to have a great enrichment of the stories and know-how of each traveller.

The order was maintained by the Shining Legion. But, unfortunately, there was a dark side to this magnificent existence. Galladoorn had slaves. They turned against their masters and joined Bavmorda’s army in exchange for their freedom.

In their last battle between the Shining Legion and the hordes of Bavmorda, Galladoorn was completely destroyed.

 

When Bavmorda was defeated, the castle was rebuilt and Zivian Hastur was proclaimed king of Galladoorn. The reconstruction was done in order to protect the royal family as well as the people.

 

A sumptuous castle, with white stone walls, overlooking a hill surrounded by water. After the defeat against Bavmorda, protection was strengthened. Thus, to enter the castle, one had to go through a footbridge and a drawbridge. The entrance was protected by a huge harrow. Surrounded by a curtain and a walkway on which sentries walked day and night. Four guard towers located at the four corners of the castle inhabited by guards. As well as a tower, the highest in the area, in which guards could scan the horizon as far as possible. Loopholes along the walls through which archers could bow or pour quicksilver on the assailants.

 

Zivian Hastur stood alone in the dungeon with his arms crossed behind his back, looking through the window, his eyes riveted to the horizon. He had lost his two sons. His plan to have an heir in Tir Asleen was no longer a plan.

Suddenly, the atmosphere darkens, a thick black smoke emerges from the fireplace and invades the whole room. The smoke took the form of an anthropomorphic, hideous and frightening shadow. A human torso with thin and deformed arms, hands with lacerating claws, in the back, two bent wings that could cut any enemy with a sharp and sharp blow.

Zivian turned, not frightened by this evil entity in his domain and these two red irises staring at him in a repulsive and threatening way.

 

He spoke to this creature in the tone of fury : I sacrificed for you my two sons. By the pact that unites us, you promised me Tir Asleen!!

 

The creature approached as close as possible to the face of King Hastur and uttered a fierce cry that made him neither startle nor move.

 

She spoke with a voice from beyond the grave : The Wyrm honors its loyalists. Tir Asleen will be given to you. Bring us the girl and sorcerer.

 

The demon disappeared, the smoke dissipated and the light again lit up the dungeon room.

 

*******

 

er The battle was fierce and violent. The rain was pouring down, the storm burst violently, from these threatening storms. Thunder roared to tear the sky and lightning cracked the ground. Willow was exhausted, kneeling on the ground, he found no strength to stand up or fight. He fixed his adversary, the one for whom he had given everything, sacrificed those he loved and his life to protect her. Elora. She stared at him, but his gaze no longer reflected any feeling of love or compassion, only a terrible darkness and animosity were expressed in her eyes. Without a word, the young empress struck her friend with a blow of her magic. A red flash of blood appeared from her hands and struck the sorcerer in the heart that collapsed, without life.

 

Elora woke up with a start and sweat, frightened by the nightmare she had just had. A nightmare or a vision? Frightened by these images, gasping for breath, she ran for Willow. Where was he? For a moment she thought she had really lost him, when she crossed the path of Mims.

 

Elora : Where is Willow?

 

Mims : In his garden. What’s going on Elora ?

 

The girl did not answer but ran to the gardens.

 

When she saw Willow, a relief took hold of her. They both looked at each other a few seconds before the young empress began the conversation.

 

Elora : I… I just had a terrible vision or nightmare.

 

Willow listened to her without words.

 

Elora : Willow, I…

 

Willow : You were killing me.

 

Elora remained silent.

 

Willow : I had the same vision.

 

The girl approached the sorcerer.

 

Elora : How is that possible.

 

Willow : The Wyrm is growing in power.

 

Elora : And… And if I did… If I hurt everyone I love.

 

Mims intervened.

 

Mims : Elora, that will never happen. We’re here. We’ll help you.

 

Elora : And if I had to get away from all of you, disappear. Maybe that’s the way to save your lives.

 

Willow : No. We have to stay together. I’ve been protecting you since you were born. My place is to be near you, no matter what happens.

 

Elora: I can’t afford such a risk.

 

Mims : Elora, I trust you. I know you’ll never hurt us.

 

Elora : if you were wrong about me. If I wasn’t the one you all believe in. Who am I really?

 

The sorcerer looked at his daughter, who nodded his head.

 

Willow: After defeating Bavmorda and leaving you with Sorsha and Madmartigan, I joined my family. I never stopped thinking about you, worrying about you. I still didn’t understand why you chose me. I was not a great sorcerer, just a farmer. The months passed. Then one evening, Cherlindrea appeared to me in a dream.

 

Cherlindrea: I know you’re sad Willow but don’t be. Elora is safe now. Come with me.

 

Willow : She took me to Kymeria, a room where three fairies of the Grove surrounded a young woman, lying on a bed, so beautiful with bright skin and red hair, descended from Kymeria and belonging to the fairies of the Grove.

 

The fairy Aveline (love) addressed the young woman : Are you ready Sallyanna.

 

Sallyanna : This is my choice to save the world from growing darkness.

 

The fairy Anja (hope) : At the end of the ritual, you will no longer be one of us. You will forget everything about your life, your past. You will become a Daikini.

 

Sallyanna : I give up my past life and accept my future life.

 

The fairy Aela (light) : You ignored the true identity of your child.

 

Sallyanna : I accept this choice. I will cherish the child I give birth to. I will offer her my protection, my strength, my love.

 

The ceremony began.

 

Aveline, fairy of love, so sweet in her way of expressing herself, white skin with long hair and pink eyes, dressed in a tunic with a lilac bustier and a white skirt, with rose wings, said the first : Sallyanna, by my will, your child will have the strength of love, the most powerful force in the universe that will guide its fight against darkness.

 

She blew a shower of diamonds that wrapped Sallyanna’s body.

 

Anja, fairy of hope, copper skin, with long orange hair falling to the bottom of her kidneys, wearing a long green dress, surrounded by a crystalline veil, of the same colour as her wings : Sallyanna, by my will, your child will be a bearer of hope through every country, every people, every home when doubt will overwhelm them.

 

She began to play some musical notes from her lyre. Immediately the melody spread over the young woman like a cloud of crystal covering her as if to protect her.

 

Aela, fairy of light, satiny skin, with long golden hair just like her bustier dress, tied by orange roses, surrounded by a veil of glittering silver. She was holding a dove in her hand : Sallyanna, by my will, your child will bear light. It will light souls in darkness, hearts in darkness. It will bring light when the world sinks into darkness.

 

The dove landed on the young woman’s heart, and immediately a multitude of stars enveloped her breast.

 

A man, in the darkness, his face hidden by the hood of his chestnut tunic, advanced : Sallyanna, you will name your child Elora Danan. I, Aniel, give her the courage, strength and all the power of magic. Elora Danan, you will be the ultimate weapon against darkness.

 

He approached the young woman and put his hands on her forehead and belly. Immediately, Sallyanna’s body suffered from quite violent spasms. She’s passing out now.

 

Willow : Why did you show me all this?

 

Cherlindrea : So that you know and understand. She chose you because you are a brave man with a pure heart. We all know that you will always be there for her.

 

*******

 

Elora: I am… I am magic.

 

Willow: You were born of love, hope and light.

 

*******

 

Elora grew up in Tir Asleen in the greatest secrecy. To protect her from the darkness, Sorsha decided to give her a new name: Brunhilde and to change her hair color from red to blond, dyed with lemon juice and coleoptera blood.

Sorsha and Madmartigan called on a demon sorcerer named Aniel to protect her by concealing her birth mark and forbidding any use of the magic that was put to sleep.

Fin Raziel and Cherlindrea joined forces and created a magical barrier all around Tir Asleen to protect the kingdom and Elora.

 

As she grew up, Elora became a playful, smiling, gentle child who preferred to spend her time in the kitchen with her nurse Prunella rather than outside where she was often subjected to the teasing of other children.

One day, trying to escape the sarcasms of other children, she started running as fast as she could. She wanted to go as far as possible, escape, disappear. In his escape, Brunhilde crossed the path of another little girl, away from everyone, while hitting a man with straw with his wooden sword. She approached her, breathless, tears running down her face.

 

Little Jade immediately stopped training.

 

Little Jade : Hey! You can’t be here!

 

Brunhilde : I want to go away, away from this place.

 

Little Jade : Why do you want to leave?

 

Brunhilde : They never stop laughing at me.

 

Little Jade : Why are they laughing at you?

 

Brunhilde : Because of my name.

 

Little Jade : What’s your name?

 

The little girl hesitated before telling her. Lest she too make fun of her. But it was not, on the contrary, she encouraged her.

 

Little Jade : Hooo! I am too laughed at because I’m not like them. So I stay here and train. It saves me from hitting them all. Don’t be ashamed of who you are. They’re idiots, not you.

 

Brunhilde smiled : Who are you?

 

Little Jade : My name is Jade and I would be the greatest knight of Tir Asleen.

 

Brunhilde : You will protect me from all these people.

 

Little Jade : I will protect you and fight them all for you.

 

The two little girls began to laugh, when they heard in the distance the voice of Prunella looking for Brunhilde.

 

Brunhilde : I have to go. We’ll see each other again, Jade knight.

 

Prunella brought the child to the palace : You know that you must not go away.

 

Sorsha was furious, but anger mixed with worry and fear of losing the girl.

At that moment Madmartigan arrived.

 

Madmartigan : Sorsha, stop. She’s safe.

 

He took Brunhilde in his arms, went to the stables, mounted a horse and took her outside the castle. He stopped at the foot of the tree of life.

 

Madmartigan : You mustn’t run away like that, Sticks.

 

Brunhilde : I don’t want to stay here anymore. I want a place where no one will see me and can’t laugh at me.

 

Madmartigan : Listen to me Sticks. Never let anyone tell you who you are, who you are not. Know that you are a special child who will one day accomplish great things.

 

He left a moment of silence.

 

Madmartigan : You know what, I have the perfect place for you where you can be you.

 

He proposed to Sorsha to take her as an apprentice in the kitchens under the tutelage of Prunella.

 

 

Madmartigan found himself alone outside the palace in the company of Aniel who kept his face hidden under his chestnut hooded tunic.

 

Madmartigan : What did we do, Aniel. Deprive her of her powers, hide her true identity. Is this the solution to protect her and protect the world. Evil will return. It is there lurking in the shadows, waiting for its time. Will she be ready when the time comes ?

 

Aniel : She will never be alone in her fight. She is magic. Her powers are just asleep. When the time comes, she will know how to use her magic.

 

Madmartigan : I will have to leave. I have to go in search of the famous Kymerian cuirass. I’m gonna have to give up my children, my wife, Elora. If this is the only way to protect her, give my family and the world a healthy place to live and fight the darkness, I have to.

 

Aniel: When are you leaving ?

 

Madmartigan : Tomorrow night I will leave Tir Asleen. I will have to leave as a simple thief. I will not have the strength to take my children in my arms. I know they will suffer from my absence, especially my daughter. This is the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life.

 

Aniel: I can't stay in Tir Asleen, for their protection. The forces of evil would sense my presence. But don't forget, I'll be by your side and by Sorsha's. I'll watch over your children and Elora.  

 

Madmartigan kissed his wife for the last time.

 

 

Part 7

The Bone Reavers

 

 

The night had fallen on Tir Asleen, calm and soothing. A multitude of shooting stars sparkled in the sky. The whole kingdom was asleep. Except for Kit who could not find sleep. Thinking of her brother's suffering, the conflict with King Hastur, the loss of Graydon, the absence of Elora and her father who she still missed so much. She would have loved to have him by her side, to listen to his advice, to train and fight with him. She had grown up without really knowing him, ignoring everything about his life, his past. All those moments that had been stolen from her. She thought about her brother's words. Yes, why hadn't Sorsha told them anything ? To protect them of course. But at what cost ? She still believed that all together they could have prevented the rise of the darkness. Madmartigan had left her with a huge void that she could never really fill. Even though meeting Jade had brought her so much happiness. She couldn't help but be consumed by the fear that her friend would also abandon her now that she knew her true origins. She had felt her so distant since they had all returned.

 

As has been her habit since she was a child, Kit put on a black hooded tunic to hide her face and left her room to go to Jade's room. She needed her presence, her voice, her company, but Jade was more than that to the princess. She was her moral support, her presence comforted and reassured her. Not only did she feel protected by her side but she needed her in her life. The last piece of the puzzle of her existence that came to fill this last vacant space. She wanted to be loved, but she didn't know that she had been loved for some time by the person who mattered most. Jade was the only one who could fill some of the void left by her father's absence. But when she arrived, her heart broke into a million pieces.

 

Jade was about to leave.

Their eyes met. Jade could read in the emerald eyes of her beloved, all the suffering that had just torn her heart.

The young knight was caught off guard.

 

Jade: Kit... I…

 

As usual, Kit hid her pain with anger.

 

Kit: What are you...abandoning me...like...a...coward!!!

 

Kit, listen to me... I... I have to do this.

 

Kit: I'm coming with you!

 

Jade: No. I have to do this alone. I'm sorry. You... you have a kingdom to rule and I…

 

Kit let her anger out : I don't want that kingdom if you're not by my side! I... I am your princess. You are my knight and I command you to stay!

 

Jade remained calm: I will not obey this order.

 

She stepped forward to leave but Kit stepped in and pushed her away.

 

Jade: Kit, please don't do this.

 

Kit: Do what !!!! This !!!!

 

She hit her again.

 

Jade: Stop. I don't want to fight you.

 

Kit: But running away like a coward, that you can !!!!

 

The princess continued to provoke her friend, pushing her back with repeated shoulder blows.

 

Jade; Kit, stop!!!

 

But Kit became more and more aggressive : What about our sacred oath !!!! And that necklace you gave me !!!!!

 

She snatched the necklace and threw it to the ground.

 

Jade: Kit, please. I'm not breaking our oath!!!

 

Kit: Running off in the middle of the night like…

 

Jade: I'm not your father... We'll have these adventures, you and me. Just you and me. I promise you that.

 

In his rage, Kit didn't listen to her and hit her harder and harder. Jade was forced to retaliate. The princess tripped her up on the bed with her foot. Their glances supported each other. Jade could read there not only all the pain mixed with the rage but also all the desire which vibrated in her.

 

Without a word, the princess kissed passionately her knight. Lowering its guard the space of a few seconds, Jade took advantage of her to make her rock on the back and blocked her by the wrists.

Their glances burned of a devouring passion too long buried and which only asked to be released.

 

Kit : I love you, Jade. (Her voice was pleading. Her anger brought tears to her eyes that she could not hide.)

 

Jade: I've been waiting for this moment for so long.

 

When their lips met, for the first time in her life, Kit gave no resistance and let herself be overcome by a powerful sensation of pleasure that spread throughout her body and brought a fine tingling of heat to the hollows of her loins. At the very moment when their lips separated, a slight disturbance invaded the princess, a feeling of lack, similar to a suction which would have torn off a part of her soul.

 

Jade: One word and I'll stop.

 

Kit: No. I... I mean, don't stop.

 

Gently, for fear that she would become withdrawn, locked in her silence, Jade undressed her tenderly. Kit let her do it. Her body, free of her clothes, breathed in the freshness of the air that brushed against her. Jade caressed her with her hazel eyes. Without a word, she began to kiss each part of her body. The contact of her tepid lips on her skin released the first moans of a pleasure too long locked up. Her flesh quivered under the effervescence of a delicious pleasure. Her soul vibrated under the caresses of her beloved and her heart burned with passion. Kit let herself be drawn into the embrace of the amorous joust of her sweetheart. Their bodies merged as two lovers separated for ages that time had finally reunited and that transported them immediately in an infinite ecstasy, immeasurable, elusive. Nature was unleashed. The storm arose, the sea rose, a powerful gust of wind immersed Kit all of a sudden, subjected to prodigious dizziness. She plunged into the abyss of a marvelous pleasure. Jade loved her with all the tenderness and gentleness she could muster so as not to rush her. Their hands approached and their fingers intertwined.

Then, all became calm. Their satiated bodies rested, one against the other. In the silence of the room, only resounded their breaths still accelerated by the loving joust.

 

Jade kissed Kit tenderly, asleep and soothed. She got up, got dressed, put the necklace next to her sweetheart : Forgive me Kit for what I am going to do. I love you.

 

And left without looking back. Galloping her horse as fast as she could, as if to chase away her pain and the tears streaming down her face.

 

*******

 

The road was rough, long and exhausting. Alone, Jade couldn't stop thinking about Kit. She knew that his absence would tear her heart apart. That she would take her actions as a betrayal, but she couldn't do otherwise. Kit represented everything the Bone Reavers stood for.

 

When she finally reached the camp, exhausted, she collapsed. Lori, picking her up.

 

Lori: Scorpia !!!! Come quickly!!!

 

As soon as Scorpia saw Jade in Lori's arms, she ran over and picked her up.

 

Scorpia: Let's take her to my tent. I'll take care of you, little sister.

 

In the tent, Jade burst into tears and threw herself into her sister's arms.

 

Jade: I left her.

 

Scorpia: It's okay, little sister. It's okay.

 

 

When Jade was rested and full, she joined her sister outside, sitting on the stoop, looking straight ahead, and landed beside her.

 

Scorpia: How are you feeling?

 

Jade: Broken but rested.

 

Scorpia: Little sister, this is all yours if you accept your legacy.

 

They both looked out over the camp, their only home, and all those Bone Reavers who had learned to live in hiding to survive.

 

Jade: Scorpia, tell me about my family, my people. Who am I really?

 

Scorpia: For as long as I can remember, we have been slaves in search of freedom. On the one hand, used for evil purposes, and on the other, hunted down like outlaws to destroy us. We had to learn to survive, to make these Wildwoods our home and these masks our symbol of fear. Whatever you may have heard, our father was tired of all the fighting, the killing he did in the name of that Witch. Everything he did was for our freedom, but Bavmorda would never set us free. I remember the last time I saw him, he asked me to keep his promise: to free our people. A promise I have been trying to keep since I became their leader.

 

She turned her gaze to Jade: With you by my side, we will keep this promise. But first, you must not wear this outfit or these colors.

 

The young knight remained silent and followed her sister.

 

Jade was no longer a knight but a Bone Reaver. So majestic in her new autumn colored outfit. A long greenish tunic that reached to the bottom of her loins, a chestnut breastplate with epaulets to protect her chest down to her waist, forearm protectors and leggings that covered her chocolate pants, wearing a long black hooded cloak and holding the sword that Ballantine had given her.

 

Scorpia was amazed at her new sister: You are missing this.

 

She gave her three daggers and tied them to her right thigh.

 

Scorpia: I will teach you how to use them.

 

Scorpia smiled: You are finally at home little sister.

 

 

Both were walking among their own kind.

 

Scorpia: I can never imagine what you went through in Tir Asleen, or who you were forced to be. Forget everything you've heard about us. Look for yourself. Here you are their ruler. No one will ask you to be someone you are not.

 

Jade saw no aggression in anyone. Just people trying to survive and help each other, sharing meals, evenings talking together, a united and loyal community. She had struggled to be accepted in Tir Asleen, but here she felt like she belonged. She could just be, herself, no orders to follow. She could finally unleash the person she really was.

 

Jade: You were able to set them all free.

 

Scorpia: Unfortunately not. Some lost their lives in the mines. It was a bloodbath. We killed as many trolls as we could, but the more I freed my brothers, the more I saw die under the blades of these creatures. There was a tremor, rocks were falling, taking our enemies but also our kind. I immediately thought of you and... Boorman. I didn't know if you had made it.

 

*******

 

When Scorpia went down into the mines, she hid in a crevice and waited. When a troll arrived, she attacked him from behind and slit his throat with her dagger. She took the keys and started to free the first prisoners. This was the beginning of violent and bloody confrontations. The captives strangled the trolls with their chains that had held them for so many years in these dark mines where time had no hold and the light was only an illusion and the air a memory that was lost over the years. Releasing all their rage that they had stifled deep inside them without any pity for their executioners.

All of a sudden, a tremor caused the rocks to fall away, taking both the trolls and the prisoners.

 

One of them spoke to Scorpia: We have to get out or we will all die here!

 

Scorpia: We have to find a way out!!!

 

She looked around: There !!!!

 

They went through a kind of tunnel in the rock, at the end of which, they found themselves in front of a lake.

 

Scorpia: We will dive. Let's stick together.

 

They all dived. A few meters further on, Scorpia saw a glow on the surface. She moved towards the light and found herself out of the lake, away from the depths of the mines.

 

They were finally free.

 

*******

 

Night had fallen on the Wildwood.

 

Scorpia and Jade lay on the ground next to each other, looking up at the stars.

 

Jade: Scorpia, I…

 

Scorpia: You're thinking about Kit.

 

Jade hesitated : You are my sister and Kit is my…

 

Scorpia: You are a Bone Reaver first. The blood that flows through your veins is the same as mine, our father's. The family of your beloved one, hunted us down to destroy us. They stole you from your family and lied to you. I thought I was the last of our line until the day I found you.

 

Jade: We cannot continue to make the same mistakes as our elders. We can make a new kingdom, all together. Kit is not like her mother or father.

 

Scorpia: Runaway, impulsive, arrogant but in love with you. Do you think Sorsha will accept your affair? Do you think she will let her princess daughter fall in love with a Bone Reaver. Do you think Tir Asleen will accept this. We are outlaws in their eyes. We are the ones who fought on Bavmorda's side. You, my little sister, were filled with hatred and anger toward us.

 

Jade was thoughtful for a moment: And you, Scorpia... Will you accept?

Scorpia remained silent.

 

 

The two sisters enjoyed counting the stars.

 

 

 

Part 8

Graydon

 

 

Galladoorn.

 

King Hastur paced 100 paces in the throne room. Preoccupied. How could he do it? What plan could he put in place to meet the Wyrm's expectations and bring him Willow and Elora?

 

When a guard entered, distraught, out of breath and unable to express himself clearly: My Lord… I... He... The... Prrrrr…

 

Hastur got angry: Speak !!!!!! Or I'll put you in irons !!!!!!

 

The young guard didn't have time to explain when the doors to the throne room burst open, shaken by a violent gust of wind. Two beings entered.

 

The king recognized the male voice and immediately turned around.

 

Graydon: Hi. Father.

 

At the sight of his son standing before him, Zivian was stunned. It took him a few seconds to reply.

 

Hastur: You're dead !!!!

 

Graydon: Oh no, I'm alive, Father, and more powerful than ever.

 

His son was no longer the same. From a self-effacing person, entirely lacking in courage and confidence, Zivian had before him a being with a dark, evil gaze. All dressed in black, his hair slicked back. Graydon wore a gothic tallcoat embroidered with silks, the collar turned up, a black satin vest and a blood-red shirt. Gold buttons represented the Wyrm sigil. Black leather pants, knee-high boots.

 

Beside him, Dark Elora, with short, orange hair, dressed in a black leather jumpsuit, indented, tight-fitting, perfectly outlining the curves of her body. She had a dark, pernicious gaze, with everything in her eyes pointing to coldness, despair, darkness and hatred.

 

Hastur: No. You're not my...

 

Graydon: This is how you welcome the return of your son. Have I not become what you wanted me to be? !!!!!

 

Hastur: What I wanted from you was for you to give me an heir in Tir Asleen, so that I might have back what you took from me !!!!!

 

Grayon's sarcastic laughter echoed through the throne room, chilling the atmosphere and freezing the king in terror.

 

Graydon: Dermot, the prodigal son, heir to the throne, destined to rule Galladoorn and Tir Asleen.

 

Graydon exclaimed: He was weak !!!! Refusing to fight or use weapons !!!!

 

He spoke with a devilish smile : It was so easy for me to throw him out of the tree. I used his weakness, the trust he had in me.

 

Zivian couldn't contain his anger and lunged at his son to strike, but Graydon propelled him against the throne seat with a bolt of red lightning from his hand. Hastur collapsed. Grayon closed in on him.

 

Graydon: All my life you've done nothing but discredit me, humiliate me. I was not the son worthy of bearing the Hastur name. I was a disgrace to you. Look at me!

 

He took his father's face in his hands, forcing him to stare straight into his eyes, and cried out: Look at me !!!! I am the result of your expectations !!!!

 

At that moment, Queen Arianna, informed of her son's return, entered the room.

 

Arianna: Graydon, my son, you're alive.

 

Delighted to find him, she ran to him.

 

Surprised, Graydon hesitated and let his mother take him in her arms. But Darth Elora, noticing the change, immediately addressed the young man.

 

Dark Elora: Graydon, stay by my side. How can you forget what they did to you! The sacrifice of your body, your soul!

 

Rage and anger overcame him once again, and he pushed his distraught mother away.

 

Arianna addressed Darth Elora: Who are you ? What have you done to my son ?

 

Darth Elora: I am... Your Empress Elora Danan (she said in a sarcastic tone) Your son has just freed himself of all his fears, he has simply understood who he can really be. I only finished what you started when he was born.

 

Arianna, bewildered, lost: You... Elora Danan... The Empress!!!! What are you talking about?

 

Darth Elora addressed Zivian: You told her nothing, my King.

 

Hastur: You're not Elora Danan.

 

Graydon: Mother, let me tell you.

 

In the catacombs of our castle, there's a room dedicated to the sacrifices of the Order of the Wyrm. On the day I was born, my dear father took me there and laid me on a stone temple. A group of priests, 6 in all, hid beneath their charcoal-grey hooded tunics, one of whom placed me in a baptistery filled with vermiscus and began an incantation in Pnakotic. And so it was, every year on the date of my birth, I underwent this ignominious ritual.

 

By the time I reached the age of 10, father's treatment of me was a real ordeal. Regularly, he took me to this room of torment, chained to this slab of torture, gagged so as not to be heard, the priests marked my torso with the incantations inscribed in the Malatrium while humming them aloud.

 

I begged Father to stop all this. I cried. I got down on my knees. But he wouldn't listen. He treated me like an offering.

 

In the evenings, alone in my room, I would beg death to come and take me away from all this abomination. I was subject to visions of myself as a demonic, murderous, even diabolical person. The only strength that kept me going was your love, Mother. The love you gave me every day. I didn't know who I was anymore. I felt this power, this strength growing inside me. Making me invulnerable, powerful.

 

Then came that cursed moment when I pushed my brother out of that tree. That day when I felt all that strength and satisfaction. The day I felt no remorse.

 

That day, Father took me to this hellhole for the last time. He explained to the priests what I had done to my brother. Once again, chained and gagged. This time, the priests made an incantation to put to sleep all the power that was growing inside me.

But when I was infected by the Lich and Willow and Elora used the Malatrium to free me, flashes of those torturous moments came to mind. I put it down to fear, lack of courage, the weakling that I was. Throughout this quest to save the prince, I listened to Willow's teachings to Elora. I was learning. Little by little, I felt all that magic awaken, intoxicating me with an intense power. When I sacrificed myself to save Elora…

 

Dark Elora: The other Elora, the nice one, not me.

 

Graydon: It all came back to me, everything Father had done to me. All those nightmares were in fact my past. A past hidden by magic, but which the Wyrm had finally unleashed. I understood who I really was. The Wyrm had freed me of all my fears and beliefs. A lifetime of lies. It allowed me to discover my new truth. My fears and the choices I'd made.

 

Arianna was stunned by his revelations: Zivian, please tell me it's not true.

 

Hastur: Everything I did, I did for our family !!!!

 

Graydon: False !!!! You only did it for the power. You're so thirsty for power that you didn't hesitate to sell your sons !!!!!

 

In his fury, Graydon attacked his father with lightning bolts from his hands. Seeing her husband being tortured by his son and all the animosity vibrating in the young prince's eyes, Arianna tried to bring him to his senses.

 

Arianna: Graydon, please !!!! Stop !!!!

 

But he wasn't listening.

 

She softened her tone: Graydon, my son, please.

 

The young prince turned, saw his mother's frightened face and left his father, half-destroyed by the force of the blow he had just endured. The king found the strength to call the guards.

 

Hastur: Guards !!!! Help !!!!

 

With a simple gesture, Dark Elora summoned the Scourge, the Doom and the Lich, accompanied by the Death dogs.

 

The guards entered, and a battle ensued against Elora's henchmen. A murderous and appalling confrontation. Every knight of the guard perished under the weapons of the Gales and the attacks of the Death dogs. Corpses littered the floor of the throne room. Bodies pierced, shredded, dismembered, decapitated, the blood of the dead spilled onto the floor. This confrontation saw the defeat of Galladoorn's knights and the victory of the Gales.

 

Graydon: Would you be prepared to sacrifice all your men?

 

Zivian remained silent.

 

Graydon: I'll let you alive, for now. Bring back the sorcerer and the Empress and I'll decide your fate. From now on, Galladoorn belongs to me.

 

*******

 

Sitting on the throne of Galladoorn, Graydon concentrated, eyes closed, slowing his breathing. Suddenly, he opened them and uttered Elora's name.

 

At the same moment, the young empress, who had been working alongside Willow to perfect her magic training, saw Graydon's face and fell back, unsettled.

 

Elora: Graydon.

 

 

 

 

 

 Part 9

The Secret Oath of Tir Asleen

 

 

Elora: Willow... Graydon's alive. I know it, I feel it. You feel it too, don't you. I must help him.

 

Willow hesitated before answering: If that were the case, and I doubt it very much, he's no longer the man you knew, infected by The Wyrm. You've seen his effects on Ballantine, Merrick and... Airk, Graydon... He doesn't have the strength to fight.

 

Elora: That's why I have to help him. If there's even a glimmer of hope, then I've got to do it. We've got to get back to Tir Asleen.

 

Willow approached the young Empress and took her face in his hands: "You're not ready. Until you accept who you are, you won't be able to master the magic that lives inside you.

 

Elora begged: "When I looked through the light, believing I'd find Graydon's body, all I saw was an apocalyptic world in flames and ashes. I won't let The Wyrm destroy our world. I've defeated The Crone, I'll defeat The Wyrm. But I need you. I'm begging you.

 

Mims joined them at that very moment.

 

Mims: I'll go with you, Elora.

 

Willow got angry: No, Mims. It's out of the question!

 

Mims raised her voice: I will, Popa. I'll follow our Empress. She'll need all of us. She can't do it alone. We need to assemble an army to fight alongside her. Whether you like it or not, I'll be part of that army. Tir Asleen needs us. You feel it, as does Elora, The Wyrm is growing in power.

 

Willow stared at the young Empress, who implored her with her eyes.

 

Willow: My place is by your side. How can I help you without my magic ?

 

Elora: Willow, as you've always told me, magic is inside you, you just have to believe in it.

 

*******

 

Airk went to the castle library in the hope of finding answers to his questions. All the mysteries his mother had kept from him. Ever since he'd been under the Wyrm's spell, a change had taken place in him. A change that made him want to know the truth about his family and his past. King Hastur's words and Elora's never ceased to torment his mind. Ever since he'd returned home, he'd been haunted by horrible nightmares in which he heard The Crone's voice over and over again, saw Lili's face, the fight with his sister, the king he could have been and all the power that had inhabited him without any sense of fear or weakness. But what oppressed and frightened him most was the vision of that confrontation in which Kit succumbed. He could never see her assailant. He was terrified. Every night he dreaded falling asleep and seeing those horrible images of his sister, inert, dressed all in black, a tunic protected by a cuirass, leather gloves covering her hands up to the elbows, pants over which waders, a hood and a mask enveloping her face. He had refused to tell his mother. As for Willow and Elora, the only one who could possibly help him were no longer at Tir Asleen. He had to save his sister by any means necessary, even if it meant sacrificing his life.

 

The place was rather gloomy and dusty. It had been many moons since anyone had ventured into this almost forgotten place. Hundreds of books on shelves and others lying loose on a wooden table. The library, reading, was not the young prince's first passion. How was he going to find the grimoire he was looking for?

 

He faced the bookshelf and sighed : « Come on, Airk, get started ».

 

He'd been searching for hours, throwing all kinds of manuscripts on the floor: cooking recipes, astronomy, astrology, herbal medicine, naturopathy, but nothing about his family or Tir Asleen.

In a sudden fit of terrible anger, the young prince threw all the books on the table aside with a wave of his hand. He had to get hold of this manuscript at all costs - it might be the only way to save his sister.

Suddenly, he noticed a locked drawer. He tried to pry the lock off with his hand, but to no avail. Examining every nook and cranny of the room, he found nothing. Annoyed, he picked up a paperweight and struck as hard as he could. Mad with rage, he swung the object, which shattered against the wall and released a silver cleaver resembling a key. He grabbed it and opened the drawer.

 

Inside was a magnificent leather-covered grimoire bearing the symbol of royalty: the Tree of Life within a circle of lilies of peace surrounded by an octagon, entitled: The Secret Oath of Tir Asleen. The manuscript was closed by a lock, which he pushed aside, revealing its buried secrets. Calligraphic gold scrolls recounting the history of the Tanthalos family and Tir Asleen. Airk leafed through the grimoire and plunged into the past.

 

*******

 

Tir Asleen was a magnificent, prosperous kingdom of peace and plenty, the most powerful in Andowyne, with rich farmlands and ruled for many moons by benevolent monarchs. Renowned for its hospitality, anyone could find shelter here. Renowned for its rich culture and teachings, many sorcerers studied in the castle's library. It was here that Fin Raziel and Bavmorda learned magic alongside Cherlindrea.

Mikal Tanthalos, son of Tanthalos VIII, was the last king of Tir Asleen. A man of culture, arts and letters, he was renowned for his greatness of spirit, kindness, compassion and generosity. He was a king who always strived to do what was right. But all that changed with the arrival of Bavmorda.

A child prodigy, curious and intelligent, she assimilated magic so incredibly well that she earned the respect of Cherlindrea. Everyone saw her as a child of Heaven, the chosen one who would bring peace to the whole universe. But Bavmorda was destined for an altogether different destiny. When she came into the world, many creatures of the night surrounded her mother and witnessed her birth. This child had been conceived by darkness.

One evening, while she was in the castle library, the Malatrium, a grimoire containing incantations of evil sorcery, appeared to her. She began to study this forbidden magic, and the more she immersed herself in it, the darker her soul and heart became, and the darkness flowed through her veins. Not only did she feed on Malatrium, but this dangerous magic also fed on Bavmorda.

Over the years, she became such a powerful evil witch that she attracted the interest of the nascent Order of the Wyrm, who rallied her to their cause. The day she pledged allegiance to this sect, Bavmorda turned definitively to the dark side. She used her dark magic to destroy the parents of Mikal, sole heir to the throne of Tir Asleen. The young prince, under Bavmorda's spell, eventually married her.

She seized the throne and ushered in an era of violence and bloodshed. When her daughter Sorsha was born, she left Tir Asleen, taking her child with her and trapping her husband and all the inhabitants in blocks of ice. She settled in the volcanic fortress of Nockmaar, from where she continued her reign of terror.

 

*******

 

Airk had grown up in a golden bubble in which his family's darkest secrets could never reach him. But today, everything that had been buried and forgotten had been revealed to him. The young prince was discovering a side of his mother he'd never imagined existed. He had been raised and educated by a person with a dark past, acting alongside the most evil witch with the sole aim of destroying the young Elora. The same Elora she was now protecting. It was all lies and deceit. Anger overwhelmed him.

He continued to peruse the grimoire and understood one of the reasons why Tir Asleen was so coveted. The Tree of Life was not only the emblem of the Tanthalos family's royalty, it was the very essence of the magic that shaped Cherlindea's The Wand. Whoever owned Tir Asleen owned magic.

Bavmorda's presence in these parts, fanned by the dark world using magic to fulfill its evil ambitions, blackened the roots of the Tree of Life and awakened the Malatrium awaiting her coming. Her greed and thirst for power fed it a little more with each use.

The Malatrium was a manuscript with a cover made of Satyr skin, containing the incantations of a forgotten magic, too dangerous to be practiced. Anyone who allowed themselves to be seduced by this forbidden magic fell under the spell of the Malatrium, which fueled envy, power, domination and darkness. It was created by the Malevoiy, an ancient people of fairies who revelled in death and cruelty. In those ancient times, the Malevoiy ruled the world until the Daikinis drove them from Nockmaar, but their spirits continued to haunt the place, awaiting their return to restore their glory.

Flipping through this sinister part of his family's grimoire, the pages darkened as did the calligraphy. Airk felt a chill run through his body. The young prince learned that, between them, Willow and Elora had used this forbidden magic to save Graydon.

 

Airk : Elora, no you didn't.

 

It's as if the manuscript had woken up and was filling itself with the adventures of his family and all that related to it. From his kidnapping to his release. It was all there. The last empty page slowly took shape before his eyes. What it revealed filled him with terror. The grimoire had just reproduced his abominable nightmare, his sister inert, succumbing to the attacks of her assailant hidden in the shadows.

Airk brutally closed the manuscript to chase away those awful images. His family had a direct link with The Wyrm. Perhaps the magic that ran in his grandmother's veins could also live in him and his sister. Perhaps he simply had to awaken it.

He needed the Malatrium to save his sister.

 

He had to return to Nockmaar.

 

 

Part 10

The Beginning of the War

 

 

A thick, menacing fog thickened, enveloping everything in its obscure veil. In the midst of this dense mist, an evil presence was gradually revealing itself. The Shadow of Bavmorda emerged, revealing a face of great blackness, without soul or compassion, its eyes dark. The blackness of her soul gave off an aura of malice and perfidy. She advanced slowly, her gait imbued with arrogant confidence, her smile unhealthy.

She spoke, coldly, in a whisper: "Kit... My child, join me. You are bound to me by the blood of the Six that flows in your veins. I'll show you the extent of your power. Your destiny is far greater than you know."

Kit woke up abruptly, breathing hard, instinctively seeking Jade's comforting presence at her side. But her heart clenched painfully as she discovered an empty space.

Anger welled up inside her, mingling with the lingering fear of the nightmare that tormented her. She saw the necklace lying on the bed beside her. She retrieved it, clutched it tightly in her hand until it bled and cried out.

 

"Jade, no !!!!

 

Tumultuous emotions surged through her. She felt overwhelmed by the fear of abandonment and betrayal. The wound caused by Jade's gesture was deep. Kit felt bruised in the soul.

 

She got up and dressed in a hurry. Just as she was about to leave, her brother burst into the room and slammed her against the wall.

Putting his hand over her mouth, she had no time to react or lash out at him.

 

Airk: Don't shout. Okay !

 

Knowing his sister, she struggled and pushed him away.

 

Kit: What's the matter with you!

 

The young prince took a quick look around and when he saw Jade's bed unmade, he couldn't help teasing his sister.

 

Airk : You've had an excellent night.

 

The young princess gave him a cold, disillusioned look. This was neither the time nor the place for such jokes. Overwhelmed by Jade's absence, she fought back tears as she clutched in her wounded hand the necklace whose value had just been shattered.

 

 

Kit: What... No... Nothing happened... And then stop! How do you know I'm here!!!

 

Airk: You think I didn't know about your little nocturnal escapades? This tension between you two. Finally, it's about time you accepted your feelings for Jade. We'll have to talk about it, but right now…

 

Kit: I don't have to talk about it with you.

 

Suddenly, cries of pain echoed outside. Kit wanted to get out, but her brother held her back.

His attitude was incomprehensible. He was fidgeting, preoccupied, expressing himself without calming down.

 

Airk: Listen to me carefully. We're under siege.

 

Kit: What!!! Mom, we've got to help her!

 

When Airk saw the outfit his sister was wearing, the one from his nightmares, the terrible images that haunted his nights were superimposed and suddenly his throat and stomach knotted, followed by tremors throughout his body.

 

Kit: What's wrong with you?

 

Airk: I'll take care of Mom. I'll get her away from Tir Asleen. There are too many of them. We can't fight them alone. You go to the Bone Reavers and find her.

 

Kit: She abandoned me!

 

Kit's voice broke.

 

The young prince laid a compassionate hand on his sister's shoulder, sensing her pain and distress. He could see the pain in her eyes, caused by Jade's absence. He tried to comfort her.

 

Airk : No, believe me. She hasn't abandoned you. She... Sometimes duty forces us to make difficult choices. Don't let fear cloud the love that unites you. Come away with me.

 

He suddenly took her by the arm and led her running to the stables, which had not yet been taken by storm.

 

He took his horse, a handsome stallion with a shiny black coat, and gave it to his sister:

"Here, go with Midnight and don't look back. Whatever happens."

 

He gave her their father's sword, which he had hidden in one of the stalls.

 

Airk: Take it, I got it from the weapons room. I know how much it means to you.

 

Kit was a little confused by her brother's behavior and didn't quite understand his actions.

 

Kit: Airk... What are you going to do? I'm staying with you…

 

He lost his temper with his sister. He'd never acted like this towards her before.

 

Airk: For once in your life, do what I ask. Go away!

 

He struck Midnight so hard that the latter galloped away.

With his sister finally out of the way, the young prince spoke to himself: "I'm going to fix everything, little sister. I'm going to save Mom, I'm going to save you and our kingdom. That's what a great king must do. Go and find her. She loves you as much as you love her. Your love is powerful."

 

*******

 

Airk had not been able to give the real reasons why Jade had left. Honoring the promise he had made to the young knight during their last discussion before she left. Knowing his sister, she would have exploded in anger and acted on impulse.

That day, Jade was training in the same place where she used to do it with Ballantine. The straw dummy was still there, worn and unusable, but the young knight refused to remove it. It reminded her of all the lessons her mentor had taught her and how to channel her anger for battle. But today, she was angry with the whole world. She felt so devastated and helpless. Ballantine's absence created a huge void in the kingdom and in her heart.

She remembered all those moments spent by his side, his wise words, his attentive listening. All the times he had comforted her, supported her in her choices. All she had left were her memories and that place with that straw puppet. She couldn't hold back her tears, a mixture of rage and sadness.

The kingdom had lost a great man, a guide and protector. But for Jade, he was her father figure, her pillar. She expected to see him storming into the stables, as he had all too often done when she was a child.

It was her duty to honor his memory by continuing to draw on the values and wisdom he had passed on to her. But there was a dilemma.

When Airk arrived, he hesitated for a moment before starting the conversation, unsure of what to say, not wanting to hurt her any more than she already was.

 

Airk: I'm sorry.

 

Jade : I'm fine, Your Royal Highness.

 

Airk raised an index finger as he approached Jade : Actually, Airk, I'll be fine too. Especially since you're going to be part of our family.

 

The girl glowered at him.

 

Airk: Well, I admit it's a bit premature. But…

 

Jade: Please, stop.

 

Airk: Why do you refuse to simply express your emotions? You've lived your life camouflaging your love. I still remember our conversations as if they'd taken place the day before. Why do you forbid yourself to live this love to the full?

 

Jade: You don't understand! You're royal blood destined to rule and I... I don't even belong to Tir Asleen. You represent everything my family stands for and I... I represent the enemy of your kingdom. Where does my love fit into all this?

 

Airk: You've always been there for my sister, protecting her, putting up with her moods, and believe me, that's not easy. Don't forget, you gave up your dreams to follow her and guide them all to The Immemorial City to save me. You have as much a place in this kingdom as your love.

 

Jade: I only did my duty.

 

Airk: Oh, no, you've done much more than that. I know it's complicated for you right now. Don't you think you're entitled, even for a few moments, to live fully what you want?

 

Jade: I can't. What happens if I give in? And with all due respect, Your Highness, you're in no position to give love advice.

 

Airk: I must say, you're not far wrong.

 

The young prince stopped joking and took on a much more serious air.

Airk : What are you not telling me?

 

Jade didn't answer and turned her back to him. The young man had no choice but to insist, forcing his friend to answer.

 

Airk : Knight, your prince has given you an order.

 

Jade turned and looked him straight in the eye.

 

Jade: I must leave Tir Asleen. I must understand who I am, discover my past, my family. Know who my father was, learn who my sister is, who the Bone Reavers are. I know it will break Kit's heart, but I have no choice. And... that's not all. I have to convince them to join our cause. Kit can't know.

 

Airk kept gesticulating: Kit this, Kit that, breaking Kit's heart, and your heart, Jade, who's going to pick up the pieces of your heart.

 

The young man approached and placed his hands on the young knight's shoulders.

 

Airk: It's not the prince talking to you, but your friend. I promise I won't tell her. It won't be the first time I've made you this promise (he said, smiling). But this time I'm asking you for something in return. Promise me you'll let yourself be carried away by your feelings, without thinking about the aftermath. Don't choose this suffering over your love. This place has become your home. You're as much a Bone Reaver as you are a Knight of Tir Asleen.

 

Jade: I'll leave tonight. Be there for her when she discovers I'm gone.

 

*******

 

Demons, The Wyrm's henchmen, were rising, their sinister silhouettes silhouetted in the darkness that pervaded Tir Asleen's surroundings. Their red eyes shone with an evil glow as they let out demonic roars that seemed to make the Cherlindrea barrier tremble and give way.

Sorsha's guard hurried into the room, his face flushed with concern. "Your Majesty, we're under siege! You must flee, there's no time to lose!" he cried, trying to convince her.

Sorsha leapt to her feet, her mind on the alert, and declared in a determined voice: "I will not flee. I will defend Tir Asleen at the risk of my life. Who's attacking us!!!"

The guard didn't expect another reaction from his queen, knowing that she was a fighter, ready to defend her kingdom and all those she loved. He hesitated before replying. "Sir Hastur, my queen, surrounded by an army of demons."

As Sorcha processed this terrible revelation, a deep sadness came over her. How could he have betrayed their long-standing friendship and alliance? The queen felt bitter at the betrayal, but she had to concentrate on her defense strategy. She couldn't let her emotions overwhelm her. Her kingdom was in danger.

Demons were rising from all sides, sowing chaos and destruction in their wake. The sky, once lit by the glow of stars and moon, was now darkened by the black clouds that seemed to be descending on the royal city.

The streets of Tir Asleen were in chaos, houses burning and cries of despair filling the air. Inhabitants were desperate to escape the violence befalling their former haven of peace.

The battles were fierce, the monstrous creatures seemed innumerable, a raging force that knew neither fatigue nor pity. Every corner of the long-flowered city was the scene of a bloody battle, witness to the bloodshed.

As the attacks continued, hope seemed to flicker. Yet the hearts of those who defended Tir Asleen never wavered. They drew strength from their love for their kingdom, their family and their queen.

Arrows flew through the air, mingling with the flames spewed by monsters from the underworld. The fury of war was unleashed, the cries of demons and the clash of weapons echoing through the air like an evil concert.

At the center of this inferno, King Hastur stood at the side of his knights, knowing that the outcome of this battle would determine his future. He cried out with such violence that his men trembled. "Find the Empress and bring her to me!!!, I'll get the Queen!!!"

His guards scattered in search of Elora.

Hastur was determined to gain control of Tir Asleen. His plans had failed. He would not fail, he would see his ambitions through to the end. He had waited too long for this moment.

Under his ruthless leadership, his men searched every street, every nook and cranny, sowing fear and corpses at every turn.

 

Airk made his way to the palace's weapons room, his thoughts intermingling with one another, his mother, his sister, his father, as well as his emotions, fear, courage. Among the gleaming weapons and shields was a suit of royal armor his father had made especially for him. It was magnificent. The breastplate was intricately decorated with the symbols of Tir Asleen and the royal family. Finely chased silver leaves ran along the edges, representing the growth and prosperity of the kingdom. The shoulder pads were meticulously carved, imitating the shape of an eagle's wings, in homage to freedom. Rosette motifs adorned the metal. In the center of the chest, Tir Asleen's gold emblem, the silver helmet, represented the head of an eagle with a visor decorated with precious stones, as if to symbolize the gaze of the royal bird.

The young prince contemplated the tack with emotion, remembering Madmartigan's last words in this place. He was just a child then, unaware that this would be the last time he would see his father. "My son, this armor will be yours. But you must wear it only when you feel worthy of it, when you are ready to assume your responsibilities as a future king, to protect your kingdom and your subjects."

The time had come for Airk to be the prince the whole kingdom had been waiting for, to prove his worth and fight for his family, for his heritage. Doubt crept into his mind. Would the knights follow him? With determination, he grabbed the armor and put it on. It fitted his body perfectly. Long forgotten, it had become the symbol of his devotion to Tir Asleen. It had become the armor of a prince ready to face the enemy. He was ready to prove himself worthy of his title and his people.

As he prepared to face the dangers that awaited him on the battlefield, Airk felt a deep desire to have his father by his side, to guide him in his decisions. It was as if, by putting on this armor, he felt connected to Madmartigan and sensed his presence, courage and strength.

He threw himself into the battle, feeling his father's mental strength invade him, protecting him and overcoming his fears. Determined to save his mother, he fought his way through the demons. The sharp blade of his sword, forged from steel of exceptional quality, gleamed in the glow of the demonic flames. Every blow the young prince struck demonstrated his skill and agility as a warrior. Airk fought with fervor. He dodged demonic attacks, weaving in and out of enemy ranks.

The Pacalcade knights froze for a moment, having never seen this armor before and unaware of who lurked beneath. But when one of them heard the prince's voice calling for him to join in the rescue of the queen, the news quickly spread across the battlefield.

"It's the Prince !!!! The prince is with us !!!!"

Suddenly, as Airk would never have expected, the knights rallied to his side, forming a united force. The young prince, surrounded by his loyal defenders, amid shouts and clashing swords, made his way to the palace.

The small group, led by Airk, made their way up the stairs and through the darkened corridors. After a fierce struggle, they reached the throne room, where Sorsha was battling demons with the help of her guards.

In the grip of a powerful rage, the young prince, followed by his men, engaged in an epic duel, steel against claw. In the end, they succeeded in defeating the monsters of darkness.

Airk approached his mother, ready to fight him: "Mother, it's me, it's Airk!!!" He lifted the visor of his helmet.

Sorsha was weakened, but her stunned face lit up at the sight of her son.

 

Airk: Mother, we must go !!!! We cannot save Tir Asleen.

 

Sorsha: Kit, my daughter, where is your sister!!!

 

 

Airk: She's not in the kingdom. I... I sent her to the Bone Reavers.

 

Sorsha didn't hide her astonishment, but felt reassured that her daughter was safe.

 

Airk: We'll talk about it later. We've got to go!!!

 

Just as they were about to leave, the large door suddenly opened, revealing Hastur accompanied by his guards. His furious, feuding gaze fell on Sorsha.

The queen stood up proudly without flinching or showing the slightest sign of fear.

Silence settled over the room, heavy, oppressive. Everyone was waiting. They stared at each other.

Sorsha faced Hastur, her former ally now an enemy working for The Wyrm. Disappointment and sadness mingled on her face as she stood, sword in hand, ready to confront him. The king advanced with a reassured step, his eyes once filled with friendship, now fixed on the queen with coldness and ambition. She blamed herself terribly for not having foreseen her former friend's action. For not having prepared her domain for this eventuality. She who was ready to force her daughter into an arranged marriage with the son of this traitor to unite their two monarchies.

Anger burned in her veins. How could she have been so blind? How could she have agreed to sacrifice her daughter's freedom for this sordid alliance?

The desire to seize the throne of Tir Asleen had corrupted the once noble mind of the King of Galladoorn.

 

Sorsha : Your thirst for power is blinding you, Zivian. To think I was ready to give you my daughter. I trusted you.

 

Hastur: This marriage was of little importance - all I wanted was an heir. As soon as their union was consummated and the child born, your daughter would have had a terrible accident that would have cost her life!

 

At the sound of these words, Airk couldn't contain his rage and lunged at the king, ordering his knights to do nothing. This fight was between him and the king. Hastur did the same with his guards.

The throne room became the scene of an epic duel between Sorsha, Airk and Hastur.

Swords clashed. The young prince fought fiercely, his movements guided by anger and a thirst for vengeance for his sister. Sorsha fought with grace and agility, showing Hastur that she was not just a queen but a fighter. The self-hatred of having been ready to send her daughter to her death, fueled her aggression and her movements.

Hastur's ferocity was unrivalled, but Airk's determination and Sorsha's strength were superior.

Mother and son fought as one heart, one soul. They were no longer two rulers fighting, but the symbol of resistance against treachery and darkness.

Unfortunately, Hastur managed to wound Airk, but overcome by rage, he continued to fight, ignoring the pain.

Finally, in a final burst of violence, the queen and prince struck a final blow that sent the traitor stumbling. Hastur on the ground, the young man in the grip of the fury and vengeance of their last confrontation in this place, was ready to end it all, the blade of his sword against the fallen king's throat. But Sorsha interrupted him.

 

Sorsha : My son! Let's not sink into cruelty. We're not like him.

 

Airk turned away from Hastur reluctantly, but he understood the wisdom of his mother's words.

Suddenly, a loud noise echoed through the palace corridors, startling the queen, her son and the men in the room. Hastur wore a cynical smile. A shiver of apprehension ran through the room as everyone wondered what was going on. Everyone prepared to face this new threat, but their queen gave the order to leave.

 

As they left the throne room, Sorsha couldn't help wondering how Hastur and the demons had managed to break through Cherlindrea's barrier. In the corridors, the answer came when Airk and his mother saw the demonic glances of Graydon and Elora in the distance.

Horribly shocked by what they saw. Graydon alive, Darth Elora so different, could not have been the instigators of this attack.

Airk's heart sank as he saw his ex-lover turned entirely to darkness. It couldn't be. Elora was so bright, so full of love and hope.

 

He murmured to himself sadly, "Elora... How…"

 

He wanted to run to her, but his mother stopped him, "No, she chose her own path."

Sorsha was terribly distraught by this Elora, lost in the darkness, this child she had protected so much all these years, to the detriment of her children and her husband. How and where had she failed in her duty?

 

Heartbroken, Airk took one last look at the Empress before looking away.

Betrayal was everywhere, and the threat far greater than they had imagined.

 

As she left, Sorsha ordered the soldiers to evacuate, taking the inhabitants with them.

The queen and her son left the kingdom with their men. Now they had to find somewhere to take refuge and look after the young prince.

They turned one last time to see Tir Asleen sinking into darkness.

 

Sorsha: We will take back our kingdom, my son. We will save our world.

 

Airk: How mother. Elora is…

His voice broke.

 

Both knew they would have to gather their forces and find trustworthy allies. Evil had already spread to Andowyne.

 

Sorsha spoke to herself, thinking of her worried friend, "Where are you, Willow?

 

 

 

 

 

Part 11

Redemption in the Heart of Darkness

 

 Empty of customers, the Chop-Chop tavern seemed peaceful. The tables, once occupied by lively customers, were now carefully cleared.

 

Boorman was helping his mother. Those familiar gestures, which they had performed many times before. His broom glided silently across the floor, picking up the last remaining crumbs and dust. From time to time, he glanced at Elianor, the heart and soul of the tavern. Dressed in a worn apron, she tackled the tables. Having her son by her side was a joy to behold. All those years of running this place alone. Every corner of this place had been engraved with memories of their history.

He watched her tenderly, her face betraying her old age and fatigue, her features drawn by the weight of the years. Her once agile gestures moved slowly, but always with the same determination.

Boorman felt a pang in his heart when he saw the way she'd aged, but he also felt deep gratitude for the woman who'd put up with his difficult behavior.

He approached her and took her hands tenderly.

 

Boorman: Rest. I'll take care of everything.

 

Elianor looked up at her son, meeting his loving gaze. Every movement he made seemed to be an attempt to redeem his past mistakes.

The Chop-Chop tavern was their refuge, their sanctuary.

 

Painful memories still haunted Boorman. Shadows from the past that refused to fade. The wounds caused by the actions of the father who had abandoned them at birth and reappeared in their lives had left deep scars. He couldn't help but feel responsible for the return of this toxic man, too focused on his selfish pursuit of his own interests.

 

That day, when the tavern was enveloped in a warm atmosphere. The day that man appeared, angry and threatening.

Weighed down by the weight of his guilt, Boorman couldn't let his mother be victimized again. His eyes burning with rage, he stood up to his father.

 

Boorman: That's enough !!!!

Boorman's father: Get out of my way, you brat!!!

Boorman: You have no rights here !!!! Get out of my way!!!

Boorman's father: I'm your father!!! You owe me respect!!!

Boorman: You lost respect the day you abandoned us!!!!

He remembered his mother's tears shed silently, in secret. He clenched his fists, his face overwhelmed with rage.

Boorman's father: What are you going to do, you brat!!!!

Boorman: Kick you out!

 

His father's cynical laughter rang out, his voice full of contempt and arrogance.

A violent confrontation erupted between the two men. Despite his father's imposing stature and his frail, skinny frame, Boorman drew unexpected strength from within himself. Determination burned in his eyes, unabashedly driven by the will to protect his mother. Every blow was driven by rage, hatred and regrets. Every harsh word of this odious man fueled his anger. The memory of those moments when his mother wept, enduring the consequences of this abject man's violence, nourished in Boorman a courage he had never believed he could possess. He countered attacks, unsettling his adversary. Finally, after an exhausting exchange of blows, he defeated his father and threw him out of the tavern.

 

Boorman: Watching you and hating you every day has taught me to fight and grow stronger, to savor this moment. Listen to me, because I'm not going to say it again! Don't ever come back to this place! If I see you again, believe me, I won't hesitate to kill you!!!

 

The words came out with force and violence, each of them carrying the weight of years of anger and suffering mixed with a satisfaction at having put him down.

 

The memory was distressing, and Elianor approached her son and took his hands tenderly.

 

Elianor: My son, I know what you're thinking. It's all in the past.

 

He offered her an affectionate smile, albeit one laden with regret and remorse. Suddenly, his gaze froze as his eyes turned to the window.

Boorman: What the…

 

He approached it, joined by Elianor. An ominous mist in the distance obscured the horizon.

 

Elianor: What's going on, son?

 

Boorman turned to his mother, worried: "It's... towards Tir Asleen. The last time I saw this dark mist, engulfing the kingdom, Tir Asleen was attacked by The Gales."

He clenched his fists, looking anxious and heartbroken: "Mother, I must…"

Elianor: My son, you have protected me in so many ways. Now they're the ones who need your protection.

Boorman: I won't let the darkness destroy everything we love.

He took his mother's hands in his for good-bye and set off in the direction of Tir Asleen.

 

*******

 

The march seemed interminable, every effort made to overcome the fatigue, suffering and defeat that weighed on everyone.

Sorsha moved on, silent, the overwhelming vision of Darth Elora emotionally crushing her. Beside her, tired, Airk tried to forget the pain his wound brought with every step, more concerned for his mother, sister and now Elora. He forbade himself to sink. The knights and the residents followed close behind, their faces closed. Everyone bore the scars of battle, of all they had lost. Their homes, their kingdom reduced to ashes and invaded by darkness.

Suddenly, under the weight of pain, the young prince staggered. His face tensed, his breathing jerked. Two knights rushed to his aid and support.

 

Sorsha rushed to her son: "Bring me something to bandage!!!! Quickly!!!

Those present rushed to bring their queen what she needed to treat the prince.

 

Sorsha: It's okay, Airk, breathe easy.

The young man winced in pain.

Sorsha: You've finally decided to wear the armor your father created for you.

Airk: I just hope I'm worthy of it.

Sorsha tenderly stroked her son's cheek: "My son, this armor is a symbol of your strength, your courage and your heritage. Through you, your father is with us. Knights will not hesitate to follow you. Your father would be proud of you, just as I am."

 

Sorsha's words touched the young man deeply. He'd never imagined she could be proud of him. After all, he'd always had this carefree attitude, spending his time chasing girls and not taking his role as prince seriously. But perhaps having the courage to don that armor and defend his kingdom showed a side of himself he'd never explored, and made his mother proud.

 

For the first time in his life, Airk saw the sadness hidden in Sorsha's eyes. He understood at that very moment that behind every look, every action, every choice, every mistake, lay a woman who had endured many hardships, many sacrifices to protect all those she loved.

A wave of compassion and gratitude washed over him.

 

Sorsha: All those I tried to protect, all destroyed now.

Airk put his hand on his mother's, "I know how hard it is, but we can't give up.

 

And for the first time, he saw tears rolling down his mother's cheeks.

 

Sorsha: I've... I've sacrificed everything, your sister, you... Because of me, you've grown up without your father. And... Elora, how is that possible? Where did I go wrong? Her eyes were... so dark. We've lost her, my son. If this ever got out, it would be the end of all hope.

 

She spoke with such sadness.

 

Airk: We'll save her, Mother. We'll find a way to bring her back.

 

The young prince thought of his sister, that terrible nightmare and now Elora. Perhaps his plan to return to Nockmaar, to retrieve the Malatrium, could save them both.

 

Sorsha : It seems so impossible. She's the only one who could save us from the darkness, but she's joined it.

Airk: We'll make it. We won't be alone. We'll find allies. Unity will be our strength.

Sorsha : May you be right. In the meantime, we need to find shelter for all these people. You need to rest. We all need to rest.

 

Both looked at each other, thinking the same thought.

 

Airk: Mother, if we head for the Wildwoods, Scorpia will kill you as soon as she sees you.

Sorsha : It's the only safe place and I'm willing to take that risk. Besides, we've got Jade and your sister's out there.

 

Airk nodded in agreement.

 

*******

 

Arriving at the edge of Tir Asleen, Wilow, Mims and Elora came to an abrupt halt.

A strange mist enveloped the kingdom in a mysterious, threatening veil, plunging it into darkness. The once majestic trees now stood like gaunt sentinels, their twisted branches reminiscent of hooked fingers ready to grab them at the slightest movement. Ominous whispers echoed in the air, creating a mixture of muffled voices and demonic laughter, making the atmosphere oppressive.

The sight of Tir Asleen devastated, weighed heavily on the hearts of Willow, Mims and Elora.

A shiver ran down their spines.

 

Elora looked around worriedly: "What happened?"

Willow frowned and scanned her surroundings. His heart sank, fearing that the enemy had taken over the kingdom: "This mist... We're too late."

But Mims didn't let herself be carried away by despair: "We've got to get in, Sorsha, the princess, the prince might still be there and need us."

Willow looked at her daughter with a gleam of anguish in his eyes: "Mims, it's too dangerous. We don't know what's waiting for us inside. We don't know if they're still..." He didn't have the courage to finish his sentence.

Elora gave Willow a look of reassurance: "Mims is right. Within these walls are my home, my... family. We must do everything we can to find and save them."

Willow took a deep breath, his gaze turning to a ravaged Tir Asleen stretching out before them. "All right, then. Let's go, but let's be careful. We don't know what we're going to find behind these walls."

 

They advanced slowly and cautiously, their faces hidden by the hoods of their tunics. As they entered the city, a scene of horror unfolded.

The royal palace was a shadow of its former glory. Standards fluttered in tatters. The castle walls were bloodstained and chipped, etched with the symbols of the Wyrm.

As they made their way through the rubble and mutilated bodies, the wind seemed to contain the echoes of the lamentations of the victims of this carnage. Buildings once majestic, reduced to disfigured carcasses, devoured by flames.

 

Traces of an all-pervasive battle, shards of broken weapons on the ground. Stealthy moving shadows hinted at a malevolent presence in this once prosperous place.

They were horrified and frightened. The smell of burning flesh and putrefaction made them nauseous. They covered their mouths and noses with their bandanas.

Seeing all the horror, Elora whispered to herself, her voice breaking: "It'll set the world on fire. Everyone you love will die."

Willow and Mims looked at her in incomprehension.

 

Elora: "It's all my fault. If I'd agreed to submit to the Wyrm, Tir Asleen, Sorsha, Kit, Jade, Graydon, all this could have been avoided." she murmured, her voice overwhelmed by pain.

 

Willow: Elora, you can't blame yourself for what happened. We'd all be in the Wyrm's grip, our souls corrupted. We'd have lost all our humanity. You did the right thing.

Mims took her hand: "We can't let guilt weigh us down. We must fight to restore hope and light to our kingdom. In the midst of this darkness, you are our beacon of hope, Elora."

 

The young Empress took a deep breath and returned her shy smile.

 

With every step they took, the fog thickened and the silence became stifling.
Suddenly, an intensely dark mist began to rise from the ground. The resulting shadows seemed almost alive.

Wllow couldn't hide his growing fear: "Let's stay united and vigilant."

Mims: I hear something, barely audible whispers.

 

Silhouettes, indescribable, like spectres, emerged from the mist.

 

Frightened, Mims drew her sword, ready to fight.

A shadow, deformed, dark and menacing, rose up in front of them. Suddenly, it let out a piercing, frightening cry, before other shadows gradually encircled them, becoming dark bonds that held them back. Their grip grew tighter and tighter, immobilizing them completely.

 

Willow exclaimed: "Elora, use your magic !!!!".

 

But the young Empress was once again overcome by doubt, despite all the training she had undergone with Willow.

 

Mims tried to reassure her: "Elora, don't doubt your powers or who you are. I believe in you. You're stronger than you think."

 

The young woman turned her gaze to her friend. "What if I couldn't master all this magic? What if I'm not the person you all expect me to be?".

 

Willow tried to encourage her: "Magic isn't limited to formulas. It comes from the heart. Forget your doubts. You want to save Tir Asleen, your family!!! So focus on your emotions, your fears, your anger. They're part of you. Let them guide you to magic."

 

She stared at the devastated kingdom, thought of her family, their suffering, their distress. Anger began to seize her, fueled by the desire to save those she loved. Her magic awoke and intensified. An orange glow enveloped her entire being, almost burning. The chains that held them captive broke and the demons dislocated.

Freed, they all exchanged emotionally-charged glances. Willow's gaze was full of gratitude, reflecting the trust and hope he had placed in her.

Elora understood at that moment that to master her magic, she had to tap into her deepest emotions.

 

After braving the demons, they finally arrived in the throne room, but what they found was devastating. Their hearts clenched painfully. Elora's eyes filled with profound sadness.

 

The young Empress spoke in a trembling voice: "Graydon…"

 

She rose to join him, heartbroken, but Willow and Mims held her back.

 

Willow: Elora, no... It's not Graydon anymore.

 

She insisted, saddened: "I must help him."

 

Mims tried to reason with her not to act impulsively. "Elora, we have to understand what's happening. For now we must stay hidden."

 

The young Empress nodded, even though it seemed difficult.

 

Willow fixed his gaze on the mysterious figure standing in the darkness beside the young prince of Galladoorn. "They're not alone. That shadow…"

 

Suddenly, a shrill howl ripped through the air behind them, chilling their blood. A demon emerged from the shadows, its eyes blazing. Graydon and Hastur, drawn by the tumult, turned their gazes to the group.

 

Graydon flashed a cruel smile: "Well, look who's come to us."

 

The three friends now found themselves face to face with the enemy, with no way out.

 

*******

 

Kit completed her long, lonely journey, carrying the burden of Jade's abandonment and the confusion of her brother's behavior. Her mind was cluttered with deep pain as she entered the Bone Reavers' home, her body exhausted by the journey's twists and turns. However, when Lori, thinking she had overpowered her, stopped her in her vulnerability, the young princess drew unexpected strength from within herself to defend herself.

 

Kit : Let me go!!!

 

The ensuing fight was marked by a silent rage, an affirmation of her resolve not to let herself be broken. Despite her crushing fatigue, Kit fought on, blocking every blow her opponent landed, precisely dodging every attack. The determined look in the young princess's eyes showed her determination to fight to the bitter end.

Just as the confrontation was becoming more intense, Scorpia arrived. An electric tension permeated the air.

 

She spoke coldly: "Well, if it isn't our princess, tumultuous, arrogant and impulsive!!!"

 

Kit glared at her, eyes burning with anger but also pain. "You don't impress me. I still have the strength to face you." Her words were imbued with a determination not to back down in the face of adversity.

 

The two women stared at each other. Tension emanated from their expressions, reflecting a mixture of defiance and mistrust. Each was ready to measure herself against the other. Determined to prove their strength and worth.

Then, in the midst of this visual challenge, a familiar voice called out: "That's enough!!!"

 

Silence fell. Kit turned her attention to Jade. As the two lovers stared at each other, their eyes reflected a multitude of emotions. The love they had shared was still present, but doubt, anger and hurt had overcome the young princess. She no longer recognized Jade as the person who had left her after their night of love, transformed by the difficult choices she'd had to make. The distance between them seemed both closer and wider. A complexity of feelings overwhelmed Kit. She clutched the necklace in her bloodied hand as tightly as she could.

 

 

 

  Part 12

Between Light and Darkness

 

 

The room was plunged into stifling darkness, a blackness that seemed to thicken around them, squeezing their chests and smothering their breath. Feeble moonbeams managed to penetrate through the stained glass, creating shadows that accentuated Graydon's malevolent gaze.

 

The young prince sat beside his father, his devilish smile enhancing the menacing aura that permeated this place.

 

Facing them, Elora stood tall, wounded by Graydon's demonic appearance, which seemed to come straight from an apocalyptic nightmare. The beats of her heart echoed in the oppressive silence, an unsettling reminder of an imminent confrontation. By her side, Mims held her sword, ready to fight, while Willow couldn't tear his gaze away from that shadow, close to the prince of Galladoorn.

 

A deep anxiety knotted the young Empress's stomach as she struggled to maintain a composed face. Her hands trembled slightly as she stepped forward, trying to reason with her former friend.

 

Elora "Graydon, you can resist the grasp of darkness." Her voice quivered with suppressed tears.

 

The young prince stared at her, his once gentle and loving eyes now filled with a sinister gleam. He burst into laughter, a thunderous laugh.

 

Graydon: "Resist? Why would I do that? The darkness has allowed me to become who I'm meant to be."

 

Mims approached slowly, taking Elora's hand and pulling her slightly backward. "It's too late. He's made his choice," she murmured. Her eyes betrayed a mixture of fear and responsibility, determined to protect the Empress, even at the cost of Graydon's life.

 

A heavy silence fell over the group. Emotions were palpable, ranging from Elora's despair to Galladoorn's cruelty.

 

The young Empress, deeply fearing that Mims might be right, refused to give up. "Do you remember confessing your love to me, of the man you wanted to become?" she implored.

 

Graydon retorted in a frigid tone, "Nonexistent love. I was but a weakling, swayed by illusions."

 

Elora pleaded, "Graydon, please, don't let The Wyrm turn you into a monster. My greatest regret is not stopping you from using The Wand to protect me. I thought I had lost you." Her voice was filled with sadness.

 

Graydon responded, "You are right about one thing. I did die that day, only to be reborn much more powerful than you could ever imagine. Soon, this entire kingdom will bow before me. My greatest regret is preventing The Crone from killing you. But I will rectify that."

 

Graydon's words felt like a stab in Elora's heart. Her face contorted upon hearing the name "The Crone," a mixture of pain and anger visible on her expression. She was torn between the compassionate being she once knew and the malevolent entity he had become.

 

Meanwhile, King Hastur watched the scene silently, wearing a satisfied smile. Unmoved, he awaited a simple signal from his son, his eyes fixed on Elora as an impending threat.

 

Willow felt the weight of the situation pressing down on his shoulders. He was aware that he couldn't let the darkness triumph. Without hesitation, but with every fiber of his being quivering from within, he addressed Hastur: "How could you betray Sorsha, Tir Asleen, and the memory of Madmartigan?"

 

Hastur slowly turned his gaze towards Willow: "I've waited so long to seize control of Tir Asleen. Moons of having to stay in the shadow of your queen and her husband, when everything destined me to be the ruler of both kingdoms. But Madmartigan decided otherwise!!! The most unbearable part was the birth of his two offspring, which condemned me to be nothing more than the mere king of Galladoorn!!! Darkness offers true power, the power you never wanted to grasp. You could have been the greatest of sorcerers, Willow, but you chose to be weak, lingering in the shadow of Sorsha."

 

Willow remained undeterred by Zivian's words. "True power lies in light, love, and compassion, not in tyranny and destruction."

 

Hastur let out a chilling laugh. "You are so naive. You all believed in that hope you placed in your Elora Danan. So many sacrifices to protect her! Look at her!!! Helpless. Where are your powers, young Empress!! What will you do to save your friends and your kingdom!!!"

 

Tension reached its peak as the battle between light and darkness began.

 

Suddenly, the air vibrated, and shadows emerged from the void, taking the form of demons behind the small group of friends. Faced with this threat, Elora raised her gaze, locked eyes with Hastur, and spoke with a firm and determined voice: "What I'm going to do! I will fight no matter the cost, with all my strength. I am not alone. We are united by love and light, which will triumph over darkness!"

 

The group prepared for the confrontation. Mims tightened her grip on her sword, resolute. Willow sensed a threat much darker than the ones embodied by Graydon or Hastur looming in this gloomy place.

 

The young prince of Galladoorn let out a sarcastic laugh that echoed through the room. "Where is your army, Elora?" He spread his arms, presenting the demonic shadows ready to obey him. "Look around you, with one word from me, they will all act with the sole purpose of destroying you."

 

Despite the threat, the young Empress didn't waver. "Is this truly what you desire? Deep down, you love me, and you didn't hesitate to sacrifice yourself out of love for me."

 

Graydon, furious, shouted, "Enough!" He unleashed a blood-red bolt of lightning that struck Elora in the chest, sending her tumbling to the ground. Mims rushed to protect her, and Willow knelt beside the young Empress, gently cradling her face in his hands. He whispered, concerned, "Elora?"

 

The young woman gave him a weak nod to reassure him. Then he turned to Graydon and Hastur with determination. "You're destined to be a great sorcerer, not an evil creature! Your hearts have been corrupted by darkness!"

 

He whispered to Mims, "We must protect her at any cost."

 

Mims replied, "I'm ready to fight to the end."

 

Feeling the weight of the situation, he lowered his head slightly. "Mims, I'm sorry for getting you involved in this."

 

Mims reassured him, "Popa, I chose to be here."

 

Elora stood up and declared, "No, no one will fight for me anymore. No one will die for me!" She allowed all her anger to erupt in a deafening scream and released a blinding bolt that sent Graydon crashing to the ground against the throne seat. She immediately regretted her action but knew deep down that she had no other option.

 

The throne room fell into absolute silence as Graydon regained his senses, filled with anger. Elora was prepared to fight him, though her heart was heavy. Suddenly, a shrill cry pierced the air. A demon rushed towards the young Empress. Instinctively, Mims positioned herself between the creature and her friend, engaging in a brutal battle. In this merciless struggle, the young Nelwyn was violently thrown to the ground, her sword slipping out of her reach.

 

Despite his fears, Willow picked up the sword and rushed to his daughter. "Mims!!! No!!!"

 

The young Nelwyn cast a desperate look at her father and whispered almost inaudibly, her breath caught, "Use your magic."

 

But Willow's eyes reflected doubt and uncertainty about his abilities as a great sorcerer.

 

A bright light began to emanate from Elora, growing more intense, drawing on her buried feelings of anger and rage. She fixed her gaze on the demon that had attacked Mims. She forced it to retreat, screaming in pain until it disintegrated.

 

Breathing heavily, she turned to Graydon and Hastur, an enigmatic smile on her face. "Do you still doubt my power?" Her words resonated as a challenge.

 

Mims and Willow had joined Elora, all of them standing resolute, ready to act at the slightest movement. A shadow slithered behind Graydon like a whirlwind of darkness, emitting a devouring aura. The same shadow that Willow had sensed since their arrival.

 

He addressed Elora, "Do you feel it? This presence, so dark, so powerful."

 

The young woman nodded, concerned. "It's as if... It's vibrating within me."

 

As she spoke these words, the shadow manifested and spoke in a sinister voice, "It's simply because all this power is within you, young Empress."

 

The shadow advanced slowly, revealing its true form. The sight of what it truly was plunged Elora, Mims, and Willow into an abyss of despair and terror, extinguishing any light within them.

 

Elora could only murmur, "This can't be."

 

Mims, wide-eyed, exchanged a look with her father, and they both realized that they were facing an unimaginable situation.

 

With a trembling voice, Willow said to himself, "What I feared the most."

 

Mims added, "No, Dad, it can't be... Elora."

 

The two Eloras stared at each other, one with an icy gaze. The young empress seemed bewildered, unable to accept the appearance standing before her. Dark Elora scrutinized her with a mocking smile, devoid of any compassion and love. Only darkness, coldness, and the shadow of death remained.

 

Elora finally said, "No... You can't be..."

 

Dark Elora interrupted, "You."

 

Dark Elora violently lunged at the Empress, seizing her throat, choking her, and throwing her to the ground. A battle of terrifying intensity unfolded between the two Eloras.

 

Dark Elora: "Tell me, how will you fight the dark part of yourself?"

 

Elora struggled to catch her breath. She drew upon her magic, invoking the energy of light that had always resided within her. "With love and hope, far more powerful than the hate and affliction you represent." The darkness surrounding her wavered. A burst of blinding light emanated from her.

 

Dark Elora, pushed back by the light, rolled on the ground and swiftly got to her feet. Her demonic gaze filled with fury.

 

Dark Elora: "Love and hope can do nothing against the power of darkness."

 

The young Empress, standing, created a protective barrier of light around herself to shield against her doppelganger's attacks. But it proved to be insufficient. Dark Elora charged, igniting a fierce confrontation. The battle between the two Eloras became increasingly brutal. The throne room, witness to this epic struggle, trembled under the intensity of conflicting powers. Their swift and deadly movements created incandescent sparks that streaked through the air.

 

Elora fought for her soul and the fate of the kingdom, but under the malevolent force, she faltered. Her strength waned, the pain from Dark Elora's lightning bolts became unbearable. She felt her resistance diminishing.

 

Dark Elora: "I am what you could become if you let anger, fear, and power dominate you. The darkness within you that you've long suppressed. Where is your protector and her famous Kymerian Cuirass now? Who will come to save you?" Addressing Hastur and Graydon: "Let's finish this! Dispose of them!"

 

Mims and Willow, on the brink of desperation, searched for a way to turn the tide of the battle.

 

Graydon struck Willow, sending him sprawling to the ground, unable to resist the prince of Galladoorn's overwhelming power. Mims felt torn between her duty to the Empress and her love for her father. Seeing him lying helpless fueled her anguish. Willow's words echoed, "Save Elora!" but she found herself confronted by King Hastur, who prevented her from acting. A battle became inevitable. Mims's gaze couldn't help but turn toward Elora, who fought against her diabolical doppelganger, and her father in peril.

 

Graydon showed no mercy towards Willow, holding him down, determined to finish him. "Where is your so-called sorcerous power, you who deceived the world with your tale of victory over Bavmorda? Show me what you are truly capable of!"

 

Devastated and feeling near death, Willow suddenly had a vision – Kaiya, so real and close that he almost seemed able to touch her. Her words of encouragement resounded in his mind: "My dearest, I have always believed in you, in your abilities. Not once did doubt shake the confidence I have in you. Protect her as you have since her birth. Rise, my husband, and fight." Instinctively, Willow slid his hand into his pocket, clutching his late wife's hair strand, a constant reminder of his guilt for leaving her.

 

Just when all seemed lost, hope emerged. Accompanied by a handful of Shining Legion knights who refused to ally with Hastur, Boorman forcefully confronted Zivian, who was about to strike Mims on the ground. With a mighty gesture, he threw him backward. "It seems I wasn't invited to the party," he quipped. Mims got back on her feet, as demons appeared from all sides. The throne room turned into a bloody battlefield.

 

At that very moment, Graydon and Dark Elora were caught off guard. A blood-red female warrior with an infernal aura unleashed unimaginably powerful dark powers and violently flung the Prince of Galladoorn. The impact was so brutal that he rolled on the ground, disoriented and unable to rise. A powerful and icy bolt struck Dark Elora, sending her out of reach of the young Empress. When she got back up, a familiar figure stood before her, although his face remained hidden beneath a chestnut tunic. "There is only one being capable of attacking with such power," she said.

 

Dark Elora remained impassive, facing her former trusted assassin. "Aniel, you can never escape who you truly are. My former loyal companion."

 

Aniel replied solemnly, "I've paid a heavy price for my mistakes. It's time for you to pay for yours."

 

Dark Elora retorted, "I am more powerful than ever since your betrayal."

 

She launched a treacherous attack, but Aniel managed to evade the fatal blow. Meanwhile, the battle between Boorman, Mims, and the Shining Legion knights against the demons and Hastur raged on.

 

The blood-red female warrior sliced through the creatures with her two sharp swords. She effortlessly crouched down and, without even glancing over her shoulder, impaled a demon trying to attack her.

 

Aniel called out, "Kida, save the sorcerer!"

 

She made her way to Willow, surrounded by creatures. With precise movements, she decapitated all, one by one, then extended her hand to help him up. "Come with me, sorcerer."

 

Aniel rushed to Elora, holding her in his arms. "Kida, we must leave this place. The Empress's life depends on it!"

 

While the knights held the demonic creatures at bay, and Boorman fought Hastur, Aniel carried Elora in his arms, with Mims and Willow close behind, making their way to a hidden door. Each of them wielded their weapons to fend off the demons encircling them. Kida kept Graydon at bay, controlling him with her demonic power.

 

Finally, they reached the passage, but not all could escape.

 

One of the knights said, "Save them, Boorman. We will hold them off."

 

The knights of the Shining Legion sacrificed themselves to ensure the group of friends could escape.

 

Boorman blocked the door with a heavy iron bar. It was with a heavy heart that he heard the battle on the other side and the cries of the knights, sacrificed to preserve the Empress's life.

 

 

They all carried the heavy burden of the knights' sacrifice, especially Boorman. He approached Willow, saying, "Glad to see you again, my friend." His voice was filled with emotion.

 

Willow replied, but his eyes betrayed a mix of relief and sadness, "Likewise." He paused briefly and then added, "I thought all the knights of Galladoorn were against Tir Asleen."

 

Boorman said, "I encountered them at the kingdom's entrance. Not all of them accept Hastur's massacre." He paused again and continued, "They informed me that Sorsha and Airk managed to escape."

 

Willow fell silent for a moment before adding, "And Kit."

 

Boorman said, "I don't know. She's unbearable, but I've grown quite attached to her." His voice cracked.

 

Willow turned his gaze to Elora and asked, "We almost lost her today. Without… Do you know who they are?"

 

Boorman shrugged, "Not in the least. Don't you sorcerers all know each other?"

 

Suddenly, the two friends were interrupted by Kida. She said, "Hey, you, the eccentric one. Take care of the Empress!" There was no empathy in her voice.

 

Boorman chuckled slightly and said, "I think that's me."

 

He then took Elora to help her move, while Willow approached the two strangers skeptically, asking, "Who are you? How can we trust you?"

 

Kida responded sharply, "We saved your life, sorcerer. Isn't that enough?"

 

But Aniel stopped her with his hand and said, "Indeed, you can't trust us, but you must, for we are bound by an oath to a mutual friend."

 

Kida and Aniel spoke with a coldness devoid of empathy, love, and compassion, which raised suspicion among the group of friends.

 

A brief silence followed until Willow replied, "Madmartigan."

 

Aniel said, "We need to get the Empress to safety so she can regain her strength."

 

Boorman added, "I know a place we could go, but I can't guarantee a warm welcome."

 

 

Part 13

The Renewed Promise

 

 

Kit stood before Jade, her heart torn between anger and pain. Clutching the bracelet in her hand with such intensity that it accentuated the hurt and heartbreak she tried to ignore.

 

Their eyes bore the traces of past emotions. The burning memory of their night of love remained engraved in the young princess's mind. She longed to take Jade in her arms, kiss her tenderly and share once again the love that had united them, but the pain of abandonment held her back. She wanted to understand why she had made this choice, why she had left her? Kit felt bitterness and sadness bubbling up inside her. Finally, she whispered in a broken voice, "Jade, your face."

 

She turned abruptly, rage in her eyes, to face Scorpia "What have you done to her!"

 

"Nothing. She's just found her true family and realized who she really is." Scorpia replied firmly.

 

Kit felt disconcerted, no longer recognizing the woman she loved. The young knight no longer wore Tir Asleen's colors. Her face was painted with strange patterns. Her eyes, framed by intriguing rhombuses, made her mysterious and fascinating. Each finely drawn rhombus seemed to be a window into the deepest recesses of her soul, her courage, her suffering, the trials she'd faced and the difficult choices she'd had to make. A tale of adversity, bravery and sacrifice.

 

As Kit remained silent, struggling not to sink, fatigue overwhelmed her, she staggered, but before she could give in, Jade took her in her arms. "I'm here, I've got you," she murmured, as she headed for her tent.

 

The atmosphere was intense, a mixture of tenderness and uncertainty. When Jade approached to offer her some care, Kit refused, the pain still too great. The young Bone Reaver could see the distress in her eyes, the suffering that her departure had caused. "Let me take care of you. she said tenderly.

 

"How can you heal a wound you caused. You abandoned me after you and I... Do you know how I felt when I woke up without you by my side! Anger, but worst of all was the pain that squeezed my heart like an anvil." replied the princess, her voice broken.

 

- I never meant to hurt you. I feel terrible about it. Don't think I've gone light-hearted.

 

- I don't know who you are anymore. You wear their colors, you look so much like them.

 

- The blood that runs in my veins is General Kael's, but what I've always felt for you is rooted in my soul.

 

Jade gently took Kit's hand, and she finally accepted her help, feeling the soft, warm skin against her palm. Their fingers joined, sending a shiver through the young princess' body.

Seeing the bloody hand, she couldn't help but feel guilty. The blood-stained necklace at the center of the wound reflected all her lover's suffering: "Why did you inflict such pain on yourself."

 

"So I don't forget." She replied in a weak voice laden with emotion.

 

"It's going to hurt." Young Bone Reaver's tone was reassuring and gentle.

 

Kit nodded slightly, her eyes fixed on her sweetheart's face. The tension between them was heavy, but there was also a desire to break down barriers, to find a way to be together again.

When Jade applied the disinfectant, a slight burning sensation was felt. Kit closed her eyes briefly, to contain the pain, while Jade watched her intently. She knew that healing this wound went far beyond a simple bandage; she also had to soothe the emotional fracture it had caused.

 

After tending to her hand, she took the necklace, cleaned it meticulously and slipped it gently around the princess's neck.

 

Their breaths intermingled, the space between their faces slowly shrinking. Every millimeter brought their lips closer together. However, before they could seal the moment with a kiss, Kit pulled back slightly, unable to let go completely.

Jade was well aware that the wounds of the past could not be erased with a simple gesture. She tenderly caressed her cheek and whispered, "I won't abandon you. I'll be here when you wake up, by your side."

 

"Yet you did. You betrayed our oath." Overcome with desire and fear, Kit searched for signs of truth in her companion's gaze.

 

"I never betrayed our oath Kit, just as I won't break this one. I know our paths have been crooked, but my heart and commitment to you are sincere."

 

Just as Jade stood up, ready to leave, her heart heavy, she felt a gentle hand catch hers, holding her back. Her gaze settled on the princess's, filled with deep emotional intensity. "I can't deny how I feel about you, Jade. Even though you've broken my heart, I can't hate you." Before she could react, Kit sealed the space between them in a soft, intense kiss.

 

Surprised at first, the young Bone Reaver let herself be carried away by the passion and desire taking hold of her.

 

After a moment suspended in time, their lips gently parted, but the physical contact persisted. Their foreheads touched, and Jade's eyes gazed into those of her Beloved, intensely reflecting love and passion.

 

"Let's move forward together." Kit murmured uncertainly.

 

Jade let out a smile, feeling her heart race with a mixture of joy and relief. Gently, she took Kit's face between her hands before kissing her. The princess didn't resist. The contact of her lips on his rekindled an ardent pleasure, burning every inch of her body.

Their hands linked, gently exploring every inch of skin, seeking to know each other again after this painful separation. Emotions held back for too long were released in an act of deep, intimate love. Clothes fell away with an almost shy delicacy, revealing their naked bodies in the subdued light. Every gesture was filled with respect, seeking to offer as much pleasure as to receive. When Jade's hands sensually caressed Kit's body, she let out her first moans of delight at the touch of her fingers on her skin. She responded with gentle touches, exploring her lover's body with newfound tenderness. In a surge of passion and love, they abandoned themselves to each other, finding a way to draw closer and heal together.

As the night wore on, their gestures became more affectionate, slower. Kit looked away at one point, overwhelmed by a multitude of contradictory emotions. Not wanting to let the shadows of the past tarnish this moment, Jade delicately took her partner's face between her hands: "Look at me. Trust me, trust us. She placed her hand in Kit's, intertwining their fingers, reinforcing their oath. Every kiss was a promise. Every whisper of pleasure that escaped her lover's lips was a spellbinding melody for the young Bone Reaver, attentive to her partner's every reaction. Exploring every inch of her skin with a tenderness that reflected her desire to cherish her. Jade knew exactly how to give Kit pleasure.

The bed became their sanctuary, where they loved each other with intensity. They had found their way to each other. Kit snuggled up to Jade, letting her breath settle little by little. She let her fingers brush the soft skin of her beloved. The quietude of this moment seemed to encourage her to express what she was feeling, while trying to banish her anxieties. In a barely audible whisper, she let out the words that weighed on her heart: "I love you.

She thought Jade had fallen asleep. A slight smile played across her lips.

 

Just as she was feeling soothed, entwined in her lover's warm arms, Kit was suddenly overwhelmed by a dawning anxiety. Her muscles tensed and her breathing became irregular. Convulsions shook her entire being.

Jade, who was holding her close to her heart, was startled by her sudden movements. She gently took Kit's face between her hands to reassure her and understand the source of her distress.

 

"Kit, it's me, Jade. Wake up, my love. Look at me, everything's all right. I'm right here with you. Breathe gently."

 

Although the young woman's tremors were calming, her eyes betrayed a certain terror.

 

"She's... She's calling me." She said in a voice filled with concern.

 

Jade arched an eyebrow, confused "Who's calling you?"

 

She hesitated a moment before answering, seeking comfort from her Beloved. "My grandmother. I see her face, I hear her voice, it's so real. I feel like I'm losing control of myself, like she's pulling me into the darkness, like she's waiting for me." She paused briefly and stared at her companion. "What if I'm just like her."

 

Jade tenderly stroked her sweetheart's cheek, murmuring comforting words. "Listen to me, my love, you're not like her. You're much stronger than you think. Your heart is pure."

 

She kissed her on the forehead. "We'll face this ordeal together."

 

The two lovers held each other, aware that the battle against the darkness had only just begun. Jade tightened her embrace, enveloping Kit in a protective gesture. Seeking to keep her safe from the evil presence of Bavmorda that haunted her nights. In her embrace, she was ready to face the darkness that threatened to take her love away.

 

  

Part 14

Co-Writer : Elodie DragonMistic

A Fragile Truce

 

 

 Airk's wound was getting worse, his face betraying every quiver of pain. Every step he took became a torture. Fatigue engulfed every fiber of his being, adding to the affliction gnawing at his battered body. Despite the physical support of two knights, standing was becoming insurmountable. The looks he exchanged with his mother expressed his heartbreak. Sorsha, determined to stay strong, tried to hide her worries. But every grimace of pain on her son's face distressed her inside. She noticed the blood seeping through the bandage, signalling that the wound had reopened. The situation was becoming urgent. But despite this torment, Airk showed his courage by moving forward, silently.

Sorsha took his hand, trying to give him some fragile comfort in the midst of this agony "We're not far off, my son. You've got to hold on." she murmured.

The young prince replied with a strained smile, "Oh, I have no intention of weakening, Mother."

 

*******

 

Meanwhile, Kit and Jade shared tender moments, slowly learning to rebuild their relationship. But despite their best efforts, the young Bone Reaver felt an overwhelming guilt tugging at her heart every time she met the gaze of the one she loved. In a fit of tenderness and devotion, she gently wrapped her companion's wounded hand, her fingers gently curling around the bruised palm. She could still feel the tension caused by the pain, as if through this gesture she wished to erase both visible and invisible wounds and restore trust. Kit, sensing the reassuring warmth of this contact, allowed herself to be soothed by it, and responded with a gentle squeeze of her hand, accepting this silent promise to move forward together.

Jade led Kit to meet her people, trying to reveal to her that behind their murderous appearances lay beings seeking to survive and free themselves from the chains of slavery they had endured for so many years. Every face the young princess came across bore the scars of a long struggle to win their freedom, scars etched into their flesh.

Kit realized just how much she had been raised in a golden environment, but above all in a world of false truths and deceptions. She could feel the weight of this past with every step she took, the wary, angry glances cast at her because of what she represented in their eyes.

Jade spoke confidently, "Look at them Kit, they're just people, used, hunted, simply trying to survive and free themselves from all these years of oppression." The young woman noticed the fatigue and resilience on every face. Jade continued, "They're not murderers, just victims of a conflict between two kingdoms."

Kit looked down for a brief moment, before meeting Jade's eyes. She was trying to go beyond the convictions sown in her since childhood. "I hear your words, Jade, but they served the cause of Bavmorda."

"For a promised freedom they never got." Jade replied firmly. She put her hands on Kit’s shoulders "Tir Asleen is not innocent in this war, kidnapping their children to make loyal soldiers and making their families look like murderers. Isn't that what Sorsha did to me."
Kit felt the full weight of guilt for his family's actions toward the Bone Reavers.

 

Night had enveloped the Wildwoods in its nocturnal veil. Jade silently approached Kit. She found her sitting by a fire, her gaze lost in the dancing flames, her thoughts oscillating between anger and pain. She spoke, her voice heavy with sadness and bitterness: "I grew up in a world of privilege and lies. In the end, we're not so different from each other." Jade took her hand, squeezed it tighter and continued, "My grandmother, my parents, are at the root of all this."
- We're not our parents, you don't have to carry this heavy burden alone. Together we can try to reconcile our two peoples."

- You're forgetting one thing, Jade: Scorpia. She'll never accept it. This dispute between our two peoples is too deep-rooted and the idea of reconciliation is impossible to contemplate."

 

At that very moment, an ominous noise erupted from the surrounding woods, plunging the two young women into anguish. Elusive shadows moved swiftly through the darkness. Disarmed and unable to face the impending danger, they exchanged worried glances, sharing their fear. However, as the silhouettes drew closer, the night revealed familiar faces, leaving the two young women with expressions of surprise and questioning. But when they recognized Sorsha, Airk, the knights and the people of Tir Asleen, anxiety gave way to calm.

Kit ran to her mother, happy and relieved to know she was alive, but also worried: "Mother, you shouldn't have. If Scorpia sees you". Anxiety choked her voice.

Sorsha tenderly stroked her daughter's cheek, observing her with a slight smile, "For you, for your brother, no risk is too great." A gleam of pride passed through her eyes, illustrating her love for her children and her dedication to protecting them.

Meanwhile, Jade looked after Airk, helping him to stand.

 

Suddenly, heavy footsteps and angry voices could be heard in the distance. Scorpia appeared, surrounded by Lori and her men. Her face froze in an expression of fury as she caught sight of Sorsha "What a nice surprise!" she spat contemptuously.

Sorsha, thinking more of saving her son and the people of Tir Asleen than her own life, tried to calm the situation. "Scorpia, we've been attacked by... my son is wounded, we must treat him without further delay. I implore your clemency. We seek refuge for the people of Tir Asleen. Do what you want with me, imprison me if you wish, I don't have the strength to fight. I've just lost everything. But please accept my request."

Despite Sorsha's pleas, Scorpia remained ruthless "Seize her!"

Her men rushed to capture her, but Kit objected, "Let her go!" receiving a blow to the jaw that sent her stumbling. Tension mounted as the situation degenerated into a coming clash between the two clans. The knights, ready to defend their queen, prepared to confront the Bone Reavers. Lying on the ground, Kit glanced at Jade, asking for help.

Wishing to put an end to this impending conflict, young Bone Reaver violently cried out "Stop it! Enough hatred and violence! Look at yourselves! Is this what you want, to sow even more pain and death! Sorsha came to us to protect her people and heal the prince." She addressed her sister, "What do you want? To give the image of a heartless, bloodthirsty person? Don't you think we've suffered enough from this image? As your sister, I'm just as much in charge of our people as you are. I order you to take care of the prince and cease all conflict!"

Everyone remained silent, waiting for an answer from Scorpia. The two sisters looked at each other, one pitiless, the other pleading. "I grant your request, Sorsha. The prince will be cared for and your people protected. As for you, you remain my prisoner, along with your knights. Lock them in the pit!"

When Jade approached Kit to help her up, she pushed her away.

 

Moments later, the young princess approached the pit where her mother and the knights were imprisoned. Her heart beat violently, overwhelmed with anger "I'm going to get you out of here, Mother."

Sorsha tenderly took her daughter's hand through the bone bars "My daughter, listen to me carefully. The danger is far greater than I could have anticipated. Betrayal is all around us. If you and your brother stick together, you're all I've got left. Don't venture down paths you might regret."

- Sometimes, to save what we love, we're forced to take regrettable action." The young princess replied aggressively.

 

*******

 

Entering the tent, Jade discovered Kit gripping her sword, preparing to fight. Concerned, she called out to her, "What are you doing?"

Without even looking at her, the young woman replied in an angry voice, "I'm going to free my mother."

The young Bone Reaver tried to reason with her, but to no avail: "Listen to me! I'll find a solution. Trust me."

- Trust you!!! You let Scorpia imprison my mother!!!"

- But I saved your brother and your people!

A heavy silence fell, broken only by Kit's gasping breathing. She stared at her lover and lowered her tone of voice for a brief moment "You've become one of them."

Jade stretched out her hand to hold her back, but Kit firmly rejected it: "We can fix everything, we can bring peace between our two peoples."

The young princess glared at her, her eyes burning with intense rage and pain, "The only way to bring about peace is for me to kill Scorpia."

Kit stormed off, carried away by her fury.

"I can't let you do it." Jade murmured, her voice full of regret.

 

*******

 

The young princess screamed Scorpia's name angrily through the Wildwoods, her cry ripping through the air, making every tree branch shiver. "Scorpia !!!! Scorpia!!! I'm waiting for you!!!"
- I'm here.

Kit turned abruptly, her fiery gaze staring at the Bone Reaver leader with all the hatred coursing through her veins. "Free my mother!"

Scorpia stood up to the young woman, ruthless and unafraid of the threat posed by the princess.

- You know I can't do that.

- Release her, I command you. She clenched her fists, trying in vain to contain the rage that inflamed every fiber of her being, overwhelming her with uncontrollable power.

- I don't take orders from you, Princess. Do you know why you're still free? Because of your closeness to my little sister.

Kit remained silent for a while before speaking in a sharp voice: "I challenge you. If I win, my mother goes free."

- And if you lose?

- I take her place.

- Bring me my sword, Lori. she ordered curtly

 

The two young women faced each other, fury bubbling up in Kit's eyes, meeting Scorpia's coldness which provoked her "Come on!!!"

In a burst of anger, the young princess lunged, crying out with weapon in fist, but her sword clashed sharply against a blade. Surprised and shocked, she discovered Jade standing in front of her: "She’s my sister Kit. I can't let you do it."

Faced with the one she loved, the young woman froze, plunging her gaze inflamed with rage into that of her lover, where all the love she felt for her shone. In this visual exchange, a comforting warmth emanating from Jade seemed to seep into Kit's tormented soul, gradually calming the torrent of hatred that had invaded her. A few tears began to roll down the princess's cheeks, overwhelmed by all the tenderness reflected in Jade's eyes. She lowered her guard, exhausted, "I can't fight you." And walked away, her heart heavy with inner conflict.

Scorpia approached Jade, her incisive gaze expressing unwavering determination "You know I can't let her go free after what she's just done."

- Let me handle her. I need to talk to Sorsha.

Before leaving, Jade turned back to her sister, her grave expression showing the urgency of the situation "What threatens us is far greater than this conflict between our two peoples. Only you can maintain this truce, thin as it is."

 

 

 

 Part 15

 Co-Writer : Elodie DragonMistic

 A Wonderful Reunion... or Almost

 

 

Dejected, Elora clung to Boorman's arms, her thoughts turned to her evil double. How could she protect those she loved, having been confronted by her darker side, far more powerful than she was ? A strong sense of anguish seized her.

Remaining behind the group, Kida approached Aniel, sharing her concerns about Willow in their Pnakotic language "Ana ekallu dannu ul uḫabbu ša kiṣiršu?" (How can such a powerful sorcerer lose his magic ?).

- La nādi lā ištaqqal šarru. Ana nakāšu miṯallim narkabtišu, ina mušakku inaššu tamītim (He hasn't lost his magic. Since the death of his wife, for which he feels responsible, he has lost all self-confidence). Aniel replied serenely.

 

*******

 

As he gradually came to, the first face Airk saw when he opened his eyes was that of his sister. He smiled tenderly as he took her hand, gently recovering from his injury.

- Hi, little sister. he murmured

- How are you feeling ?

- I’m fine.

He tried to sit up, but a slight pain made him wince. Noticing the dark expression in his sister's eyes, he questioned her with his gaze, but she ignored him and asked.

- What's happened ?

The young prince lowered his bitter eyes and spoke sadly.

- We've lost Tir Asleen. King Hastur and his demons attacked us. He betrayed our mother, our father, our alliance.

Kit's fingers tightened violently around her brother's, as anger flared inside her.

- I never trusted him. She glanced at the armor, "What's that armor?"

- Oh, it was Father who conceived it for me, believing I would become the person he so hoped for. The memory of what his father had expected of him, and the person he had become, tore at his heart.

As he spoke, the terrible vision of his nightmares was superimposed on the image of his sister, creating intense anxiety within him.

- Airk, what's happening to you ? Kit asked in concern.

- I want you to know that I love you and will do anything to protect you. He replied, his voice trembling. Then, thinking of Sorsha, he added, "How's our mother?

- Scorpia had her imprisoned.

Seeing his sister's worried look, the young prince tried to reassure her.

- Don't worry, Jade will find a solution. She's with us. Just trust her. We must avoid aggravating the existing conflict. Promise me you won't do anything stupid.

But Kit's silence proved otherwise. Intrigued, Airk insisted, "You won't do anything stupid ?"

The young woman didn't answer and left, despite her brother's insistent calls, "Kit! Kit!"

 

*******

 

At the same time, Jade approached the pit where Sorsha was imprisoned.

- I'm sorry, my Queen, I'll get you out.

For the first time, the queen of Tir Asleen confided in the young knightess.

- I didn't want it to happen like this. I never wanted to separate you from your family. she declared regretfully.

She paused briefly before continuing.

- When Ballantine saw you in the middle of that dust, that field of corpses and those cries of suffering, holding your mother's body in your arms, he wanted to protect you, to save you. He told me you were the greatest gift life had ever given him, the reason he wanted to fight the darkness.

Jade, distraught, felt a few tears roll down her cheeks, the loss of her adoptive father still too present in her heart.

Sorsha looked at the young woman, her eyes filled with remorse.

- For all the love he felt for you, he was consumed by this secret. He wanted to reveal the truth about you so you could have a choice. All he did was obey my orders.

Although Jade was deeply touched by the Queen's words, her concern for Kit outweighed any other emotion.

- I've come for Kit. She tried to kill my sister. All that rage, that darkness in her eyes, was so frightening. said the young woman.

Sorsha remained silent, overwhelmed, before answering with gravity.

- I've been dreading this moment. If you only knew how much I wished her father were here.

She stared at Jade, deeply saddened.

- I feel my daughter is in danger, but I feel so helpless.

After a short pause, she continued.

- As she grew older, I could see her taking a greater interest in her father's adventures, sharing moments of combat, turning a simple piece of wood into a sword rather than bending to the obligations of her princess rank. I tried to take her away from all this, but soon realized it was impossible. When Madmartigan left the kingdom, I had to find someone to channel her battle lust, and that was you. All this training had but one goal.

- Whatever the danger, I'll protect her, Your Majesty.

Sorsha looked at the young woman with esteem.

- Not only are you on your way to becoming a great knightess, but also a great leader.

 

*******

 

After her conversation with Sorsha, Jade hurried back to Kit. Worried that she couldn't find her in the tent, she set out to find her in the night-darkened Wildwoods. Restless thoughts raced through her mind, following her companion's recent actions. When she spotted her at the foot of a tree, sharpening her sword, a feeling of relief came over her. She sat down beside her. But the young princess ignored her.

Jade placed her hand tenderly on that of her lover, who was clutching her weapon.

- Kit, we need to talk. You can't run away from this discussion.

The young princess stood still, her gaze riveted on her sword, letting a short silence settle between the two of them, before speaking, her voice laden with sorrow.

- I couldn't control it.

- Control what ?

- That voice, my grandmother, hammering away in my head that Scorpia's death would free my mother and bring peace. Until…

Kit turned her tear-filled eyes to the one she loved and continued.

- I could never hurt you, Jade.

The young Bone Reaver took her beloved's face in her hands.

- I know. She murmured, before hugging her.

When Kit freed herself from her embrace, she looked into her lover's eyes and kissed her. She let herself be submerged by the soothing softness that only Jade could give her.

 

*******

 

The first signs of fatigue were beginning to show. The cold night air was making everyone's limbs ache. Moving through the darkness in the heart of the Wildwoods was like going blind, knowing that danger could arise at any moment. The crackling of branches and twigs brought them to a halt, each on his guard.

"Don't take another step." Aniel ordered curtly, sensing an imminent threat. He addressed Kida, "Ana āluk tappānu." (Stand ready).

But despite the warnings, Boorman took one step too many. A strange sensation of pressure seized their feet. Nets materialized, lifting them up and trapping them several meters above the ground.

Kida, annoyed, snapped at Boorman, "You eccentric fool. What part of 'don't take another step' don't you understand ? I swear, as soon as we're free, I'll gut you and I'll do it very slowly with relish!!!" She reached for her sword to slice through the ropes of the net.

Everyone shouted, "Wait! Don't do anything!!!" Too late, the fall was brutal.

Lying on the ground, a furious Aniel berated Kida, "Šūtu inaššu wa āleku!" (You do it again and I'll kill you !).

- Anā ul ukallim. Ina qabluša rēmu mīšu. (I don't think so. You need me too much.) She ironized.

Just as they were about to rise to their feet, the Bone Reavers surrounded them, ready for battle. Fearless, Kida grabbed her two swords, defying their attackers. "Come on, I'm waiting for you. I'm going to let off some steam !"

However, Mims, trying to reason with her, murmured, "I don't think it's a good idea to provoke them."

Lori replied aggressively to the warrior, "With pleasure."

Just as everyone was preparing for the confrontation, Lori ordered his men to stop abruptly, having recognized the young Empress. Suddenly, the sound of his voice changed from aggressive to gentle, "Elora."

All eyes turned to him in astonishment. He approached her and wrapped his arms around her. The young woman was exhausted, both physically and mentally.

- What's happened to you? he asked in a sympathetic voice.

- It's a long story, Lori. she said, her voice breaking.

- The Empress must rest. interjected Aniel.

- Follow me.

 

He set them up in a tent, so they could spend the night warm and rested, had some food brought in and joined the leader of the Bone Reavers.

- Scorpia, I came across Elora in the woods, accompanied by Willow, Boorman, a Nelwyn, a being with a hidden face and a crazy ally. I put them up in a tent for the night.

- You did what! What were you thinking, Lori!

- It's Elora, and I couldn't leave her at the mercy of the dangers of the Wildwood.

- You know that the only danger to the Wildwood is us. Do they know about Sorsha?

- No, they don't.

- Post a guard in front of the tent entrance for the night. I'll take care of them tomorrow at dawn.

- Ok.

- Lori, it's not Elora, the sorcerer or Sorsha I'm worried about, but the princess. Keep an eye on her.

 

Inside the tent, the atmosphere was quite tense. Mims stood by Elora, watching over her, while Boorman kept a watchful eye on Kida and Aniel, communicating in Pnakotic. Willow approached him.

- Do you trust them? Boorman whispered.

- They know Madmartigan, so yes... a little.

But when Willow noticed the way Boorman was staring at Kida, his eyes wide with fear, he couldn't help but smile.

- Are you afraid of her?

- No, absolutely not. Nothing scares me. (He leaned towards his friend.) Don't you think she's a bit... psychopathic?

- She's a warrior. They're driven by a single goal: to protect Elora. They'll do anything, no matter what the circumstances or sacrifices.

Impatiently, Kida watched the guard at the entrance to the tent, ready to emerge despite the darkness. Aniel laid a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

- Pulû, Samāšu. Šumma libbišu ina šat iqbi. (Wait. It's better to wait until daybreak.) He murmured in order to hold her back.

- Mīn ša arhu innūnišma? Anāwum lā šumma ina hūrummūtī. Ina ša anāwum lā šumma napāḫuwa āru!!!! (What do you think they're going to do with us? We're not their guests. Otherwise they wouldn't have posted this guard!!!)

Willow, aware of the tension between the two individuals, tried to ease the situation to avoid any action that might arouse the hostility of the Bone Reavers' leader.

- We know Scorpia, she won't hurt us.

- I hope you're right, sorcerer. Kida replied curtly.

Before lying down, she glared at Boorman, who didn't sleep a wink.

 

*******

 

Dawn was gradually breaking over the Wilwoods. Scorpia, accompanied by Lori, headed for the tent where the group had spent the night. She observed each of them, noting their fatigue and emotional state. However, her attention was focused on Aniel and Kida, whose eyes met, determined. Lori stood by her side, ready to act at the slightest sign of agitation from the warrior he never took his eyes off.

-What are you going to do with us? Kida asked in a loud, firm voice, breaking the heavy silence.

The two women clashed visually, each challenging the other. Until Scorpia, suspicious, called out to Kida in a stern voice, "Who are you?"

Seeing the tension escalate, Elora took the initiative of intervening to calm things down.

- We've been through some dramatic events, Scorpia. Tir Asleen has fallen into the hands of... (She didn't have the courage to pronounce Graydon's name or her own.). We don't know if Airk, Kit, Jade or Sorsha are still alive. Without them (she turned back to Kida and Aniel) and Boorman, we wouldn't have survived. You're our only refuge.

Memories of that terrible battle surfaced, bringing to mind the demonic faces of those who had attacked them.

Scorpia looked questioningly at Lori. The Bone Reaver's eyes left no doubt as to his answer.

- Bring them here. she ordered.

As he left, all eyes turned to Scorpia, concerned and questioning.

 

Moments later, Lori returned, accompanied by Jade, the princess and her brother, whose wound was still slightly sore. All remained briefly motionless and silent, before realizing that each of them had emerged alive from this terrible battle. However, the reunion was short-lived, abruptly interrupted when Airk caught sight of Elora's face. He rushed towards her, screaming, with the aim of killing her, before everyone's incomprehensible eyes. But before he could reach her, Kida intervened violently, throwing him to the ground, brandishing her sword to cut him down. Ready to pierce him with her blade before everyone had time to react, Kida was stopped dead in her tracks by Aniel.

- ša rēšu. ša māru Madmartigan. (He's the prince. Madmartigan's son)

She calmed down, sheathed her sword.

- Aššū lu ikkaru ana bānūtu šarri. (You know what I think of the royal family.)

- Ana aššū. Ina ša kī ana qātīšu. (I know. But don't forget our oath.)

Kit rushed toward her brother while verbally assaulting Kida, her gaze darkened, overwhelmed by anger.

- If you attack my brother again, I'll kill you!

- Oh how I fear !!!! It's with great pleasure that I'll plant my blade, lacerating every inch of your princess body, while savoring the pain in your eyes!!!!

The young woman was about to pounce on the warrior to fight her, but was stopped by Jade.

- Kit, take care of Airk.

- Wonderful family reunion. You can't find Lori. Ironized Scorpia.

- Wonderful, indeed.

As soon as the prince was up, he spoke in a panic.

- Elora has become a disciple of the Wyrm !!!!

- What? What are you talking about? Kit questioned.

He turned to his sister.

- She took everything from us!!! Our kingdom is nothing but a vast burnt field with destroyed homes, a chaotic place!!!! (He took her by the shoulders.) Please, listen to me, she and Graydon are acting for the Wyrm.

Kit could hardly believe her brother's words, when Elora intervened in a broken voice.

- Look at me, Airk. I'm not her. I'm certainly the cause of everything that's happened, but believe me, it's not me.

The tension had become too great, with everyone unsure of what to think and how to act. In an attempt to soothe the enraged spirits, Willow intervened.

- Let's calm down and discuss everything that's happened. We need to find an explanation.

 

 

 

Part 16

Co-Writer : Elodie DragonMistic

 Confessions & Secrets

 

 

While everyone gathered outside for a feast prepared by Lori, Jade discreetly retreated with her sister.

- You should release Sorsha.

- You know I can't do that.

- As leader of the Bone Reavers, anything is possible for you. We need her. Your gesture will unite our forces and strengthen our confidence in you. I'm not asking you to forget your resentment, but simply to accept this truce.

Jade joined the group, while Scorpia headed for the pit where Sorsha was imprisoned.

 

- How are my children? asked the Queen.

- They're still alive.

The leader of the Bone Reavers looked at the queen of Tir Asleen, pondering, before speaking.

- I will order your release and that of your men. But know that this gesture does not put an end to our conflict. Here's the deal, Sorsha: in exchange for your freedom, as soon as this situation is settled, you'll become my prisoner again.

- I accept and I'll keep my word, but my children mustn't know.

With a simple nod, Scorpia ordered his men to free the queen and her knights.

Meanwhile, Kida approached Lori, who was busy preparing the meal.

- We have many faces, warrior.

Lori looked at her in astonishment. Without waiting for a response from her, she dipped her index finger into the pot and tasted the soup, finding it excellent.

- A mixture of sweetness and aggressiveness. she quipped before leaving.

Finding herself alone, Lori murmured to herself, "She's completely crazy."

She sat down beside Boorman, giving him a cold look. He stared at her briefly, a slight fear in his eyes before addressing her.

- Why are you sitting there?

- This seat suits me perfectly. I could do something if you did anything stupid, eccentric.

When Scorpia arrived accompanied by Sorsha, Kit and Airk took her in their arms.

- I'm ok.

Kit exchanged a brief look of gratitude with Jade.

As soon as the Queen of Tir Asleen caught sight of Elora, a feeling of relief and hope came over her as she realized that she had not become a disciple of the Wyrm. She approached her, taking her hand to comfort her.

- I thought I'd lost you forever.

 

Sitting side by side, everyone felt a heavy, questioning atmosphere. Their gazes crossed, each trying to understand the existence of Darth Elora and Graydon's transformation into the Harbinger of the Wyrm.

- How is this possible for Graydon? We saw him die. Kit said firmly.

Kida and Aniel shared a look that brought back painful memories, recalling their dark past as assassins of the Wyrm. The female warrior spoke up.

- He was propelled into another space-time, giving him the illusion of acting alongside the true Empress. He's convinced that his actions will save your world, but it's all a lie - his true purpose is to destroy it.

- What's all this about Elora? Jade asked, puzzled.

Sorsha replied, sharing the dark moments of the Tir Asleen attack.

- During Hastur's attack on the kingdom, we came across Graydon and Elora, plunged in such Machiavellian darkness that, in just a few seconds, all my hopes were dashed. I was convinced that she had sunk into darkness.

Feeling the full weight of the situation, the young Empress spoke up, devastated.
- I don't know what triggered the existence of my dark side. All I know is that it's far more powerful than I am. I couldn't fight her.

- How can I be sure you're the real Elora? Kit replied firmly.

Her remark aroused Kida's anger.

- We'd never have saved her if she weren't the Empress.

They glared at each other.

- Believe me, Kit, I saw death in her eyes. Interjected Airk.

- There was such hatred in her voice and such demonic violence. Mims added.

Willow spoke up, mentally immersing herself in the memory of that terrible battle in which everyone almost lost their lives.

- Faced with the diabolical forces of Graydon and Darth Elora, who threatened to destroy everything, we were powerless. If Elora embodies hope, light and love, her double embodies despair, darkness and death. Just as she can save our world, she can also destroy it.

Suddenly, to everyone's surprise, Airk rose to address Willow and Elora.

- You used the Malatrium to save Graydon. Elora, you said you learned the forbidden magic when you were in Nockmaar. The Malatrium fed on you and gave birth to your evil double.

- How can we destroy her? Kit asked with determination.

Kida turned to Aniel before answering.

- She can only be destroyed in one way.

- Which way? Kit asked.

- The two are linked. If one dies, so does the other.

The young princess held Kida's gaze coldly before replying sharply.

- Don't even think about it. There must be another solution.

- Princess, if I had wished the Empress dead, it would already be done.

Kit rose to her feet in anger and approached Kida.

- Who's to say you're not a disciple of the Wyrm ready to kill us all!

The female warrior remained unperturbed by the young princess's rage.

- If my aim was to kill you all - and believe me, I'd love to put my blade through you - you'd all be dead by now.

Kit drew her sword.

- What are you waiting for?

- Don't provoke me, Princess. I'll tell you how it is. If your royal family had allowed the Empress to use her powers, instead of hiding them, maybe we wouldn't be where we are today. My ultimate goal is to protect the Empress and eliminate anyone who poses a threat to her.

Kit angrily swung her sword at Kida, but Aniel abruptly intercepted her gesture, triggering a furious exchange of glances.

- You shouldn't face her. he said.

He turned to Kida.

- Kū. Lā šumšu uldu. (Stop. Don't provoke her.)

- Attē, kīma ša naqû, ina kūdušišu u kīma anašišu, illikū amēlu ušākul, lā izuzzu ša ilī. Lā tišimma ša atta adī, Aniel. (You know as well as I do, if they had let the Empress follow her destiny, there would have been less suffering. Don't forget what you've lost, Aniel).

- Anāku annaša lā išannak? (How could I forget?)

- Why don't you show us your face! Kit exclaimed furiously at Aniel.

- I wouldn't do that if I were you. interjected Kida firmly.

Just as the princess was about to remove the hood that concealed Aniel's face, Aniel took a firm grip on her wrist and spoke in a neutral tone.

-You still have a lot to learn, young princess. I'm not asking you to trust us. But know that we are not the enemy.

Jade approached Kit, placing her hand gently on her shoulder to soften her anger.

- Kit, it doesn't matter who they are or where they come from. I know this is hard for you. You've just lost your kingdom, you almost lost your brother, your mother. But we need all the help we can get to understand, protect Elora and save our world.

- Not everyone fights just for Elora, Jade.

Kida watched Jade silently, noting the tranquility in her voice and the wisdom of her words. She noticed how the Bone Reaver's every gesture seemed to soothe her lover. Although devoid of emotion, a mystery was driving her to take an unusual interest in Jade. Aniel sensed the incipient change in his sister-in-arms, but remained silent.

- I have to leave for Nockmaar! cried Airk.

Astonishment flashed across everyone's faces, followed by a moment's silence, broken by Kit's sharp reaction.

- It's out of the question! Nockmaar is too dangerous a place, awash with dark magic. she exclaimed.

- I absolutely must go there. insisted the young prince.

- You're not going anywhere. Nockmaar is cursed and will use your fears and anxieties against you. You won't know the difference between reality and illusion.

Seeing the situation worsen, Sorsha intervened, trying to reason with her son.

- Airk, my son, your sister is right. Bavmorda's spirit haunts this place, and the family link could facilitate its intrusion into your mind.

The young prince let his anger towards his mother get the better of him.

- Mother, isn't it a bit late to tell me about the ties that bind us to Bavmorda? It's hard to admit, but the excited one is right: our family is responsible for the current situation! You created Bavmorda and taught it magic within our walls!

Sorsha tried to appease her son by justifying her past actions, but to no avail.

- Airk, calm down! Your grandmother was destined for an entirely different destiny, but she chose to turn to the darkness.

- But you chose to hide the truth from us! If you'd only prepared us, maybe we wouldn't have lost our father, maybe Elora would have been ready to embrace her destiny. All those years of meeting her within the walls of our palace, living and growing up in ignorance, surrounded by secrets!

- My sole aim was to protect you and your sister.

- It was also to protect us that you hid the existence of the "Secret Oath of Tir Asleen" from us.

Sorsha couldn't hide her anger and amazement.

- What have you done, Airk? she asked.

- I read it. Every page I turned revealed our history, our past, until the last one, when... (Airk couldn't finish his sentence, seeing his sister's death again). Whatever it takes, I'm going to Nockmaar, I've got to save... our kingdom.

As Airk made his intentions clear, a heavy tension grew between him and his mother. It was at this point that Kit, unperturbed, spoke up in a trenchant voice.

- I preferred my girl-chasing brother to the one who thinks he's a savior.

The impact of Kit's words was clearly reflected on Airk's face, betraying the wound inflicted.

Aniel decided to intervene in the discussion, remaining calm and firm.

- Young prince, by reading the "Secret Oath of Tir Asleen", you have inadvertently awakened the link between it and the Malatrium. Both manuscripts feed on magic: one on light, the other on darkness. The Wyrm is now aware that the Empress' power has been reactivated. That's why your mother placed it under seal.

Faced with this quarrel, Scorpia couldn't help but ironize, addressing Lori.

- In the end, I won't have to kill them, they'll do it themselves.

- This family is consumed by a terrible suffering, that of the loss of Madmartigan. Willow replied.

At the same time, Kida, unperturbed, took the plate from Boorman's hands.

- That was my meal.

- I could, if I felt like it, come and slit your throat in your sleep.

- Okay, you can keep it. I'm not hungry anymore anyway.

To everyone's surprise, Mims spoke with courageous determination.

- I'll accompany the Prince to Nockmaar.

Willow strictly objected, her eyes betraying deep concern.

- Mims, you don't know the dangers that await you out there. It's far too risky. I refuse.

- Popa, we all have a duty to fulfill in this coming battle and mine is to accompany the prince.

- I can't let you. You're all I've got left. I can't risk losing you.

Willow's last words broke off. Mims tried to reassure him.

- I know you're inconsolable over the loss of Mom and Ranon, but you can't protect me forever. I have to do this for myself, for my family, for my village, to honor my mother's memory.

Willow's anger reached a peak, a fury that was out of character for him. He answered categorically.
- I'm telling you again, there's no way you're going to Nockmaar !!!! I've already let you come with us, which I should never have accepted!

Unable to bear any more discord among her companions, Elora cried out in a voice tinged with anger. Her words resounded, cutting short all argument.

- Enough is enough! We won't get anywhere tearing each other apart. We must remain united if we are to face what lies ahead. Only our solidarity will enable us to overcome this!

Then she addressed a request to Scorpia.

- As leader of the Bone Reavers, join us, bring us your help, your warriors, to fight the darkness.

But Scorpia was adamant.

- My only fight is for the freedom of my people, young Empress.

- There will be no freedom for anyone if we lose this war. Kit replied authoritatively.

Scorpia fixed her with an icy stare before replying with contempt.

- You can't understand, Princess, the daily struggle to obtain freedom, you who have always had it all, without ever having to fight and without deserving it.

Hurt and irritated by Scorpia's words, Kit retorted aggressively.

- Don't think you know my story. Your hasty judgments only reveal your ignorance about me.

Exacerbated by this conflict between the two people she loved, Jade exploded in anger.

- I've had enough! Do as you please, but find some common ground. I don't want to know what it is. You, Scorpia you're my sister, Kit you're... I love you. It's impossible for me to choose between the two of you. You're on your own, but when I'm around, I don't want to hear you attacking each other!

She moved away to regain her composure.

Scorpia and Kit looked at each other silently, before speaking up.

- I don't think we have much choice, Princess.

- No, we don't.

- Just because I won't attack you in my sister's presence doesn't mean I like you.

- The same goes for me.

- I'll go with you, Elora. Lori announced.

Scorpia, surprised, turned around.

- Lori, I forbid it.

- With all due respect, Scorpia, I've devoted my entire life to serving you. Today, I place myself at Elora's service with or without your consent.

 

*******

 

When everyone had dispersed, Elora found herself alone with Sorsha.

- My Queen, I cannot deny my share of responsibility. Dark Elora was born of my mistakes, the fusion of forbidden magic and my own pain. she confessed.

Sorsha responded by taking her in her arms.

- Don't blame yourself, my child. We're all bound by events we couldn't foresee. I too have made my own mistakes.

The young Empress gazed into the queen's eyes before speaking gravely.

- We need to discuss this, but if the only way out is for me to…

- Unthinkable, we'll find a solution.

At that very moment, Kida burst into the conversation.

- Empress, if you order me, I'll do it.

 

*******

 

At the same time, Willow found himself alone with Boorman, sharing his fears.

- Faced with the power of darkness, I felt totally helpless, seeing myself die, losing my daughter as well as Elora. Mims is right, I can't hold her back any longer to protect her. The thought of losing her tears at my heart.

- I'll go with them to Nockmaar. I'll look after your daughter and protect her. And then I'll be away from the psychopath, hoping she doesn't come with us.

A smile spread across Willow's face, as Kida and Aniel were joined by Sorsha on the outskirts of the camp.

- Thank you, Aniel, for saving Elora.

- I've simply honored our oath, my Queen.

- About my daughter, I know she can be... tempestuous at times.

Kida couldn't hide her anger and enmity towards Kit.

- She deserves to be taught a lesson!

- Kida! Attû tušannû ilatu! (Kida, you're addressing the Queen!) Aniel reprimanded her.

The female warrior apologized.

- Please excuse me, my Queen.

- Your daughter is still young, Your Majesty. She'll learn from her experiences. added Aniel.

When Sorsha left, Kida took the opportunity to chat with her brother-in-arms.

- You should tell the princess who you really are.

- The less she knows, the better.

- More secrets, what are you going to do the day she finds out?

Aniel remained silent. Just as Kida was about to leave, he held her by the arm.

- I've noticed the way you look at young Bone Reaver. I know you don't know what the word "love" means. Stay away from her. She belongs to the Princess.

- Nobody belongs to anybody. she replied, before walking away.

 

*******

 

Alone, deep in thought, Elora was startled to notice Airk's presence.

- How do you feel? he asked.

- Apart from the fact that everyone wants to kill me, I'm surviving. What about your wound?

- Oh, I'm surviving.

The young prince took a deep breath before continuing, hesitant at first.

- Elora, I know I'm not the person you hoped I'd be... But my feelings for you…

Before he could finish his sentence, Elora gently cut him off.

- Airk, I like you a lot, but things have changed.

- I love you, I'm ready to make an effort, to be the person you want me to be.

- I'm not asking you to be someone else. I can't afford to let anyone love me without their life being in danger or them deciding to kill me. I'm sorry, Airk.

A heavy silence fell between them. Airk accepted, with a heavy heart, the reality of this extinguished love. He left her alone.

On the way, he bumped into Aniel, who startled him.

- Sorry, young prince, I didn't mean to frighten you.

- I wasn't.

Yet the look in his eyes betrayed the opposite.

- Okay, maybe a little (he paused briefly).

- I need you to tell me what "The Secret Oath of Tir Asleen" showed you on its last page.

Airk hesitated. Aniel insisted.

- I need to know, young prince, so I can protect you.

The mention of this passage sent shivers of anguish down Airk's spine.

- Ever since I've been under the spell of The Crown, I've had this terrible nightmare of my sister, her inert body pierced by a sword. The manuscript showed me the same scene. But I don't know who her shadowy assassin is.

Aniel felt the burden on the young man's shoulders.

- The Crown has revealed fragments of your and your sister's destiny. Don't take for granted the images it has implanted in your mind.

- What if these images are just a tiny part of the secrets that surround my family?

- The mysteries of the past are often the shadows of the present. The answers you seek are often linked to what we prefer to forget.

Airk snapped.

- I want to find out what's been hidden from me. I must save my sister, even if it's only a fragment of her destiny. I'm ready to do anything for her, even sacrifice my life if necessary!

- Young prince, some truths, no matter how painful, should remain buried.

A twig snapped and Aniel and Airk turned, discovering Mims.

- Sorry, I didn't mean to disturb you. she said awkwardly.

Aniel replied serenely.

- I was just about to leave.

Airk was staring at Mims with his intense gaze, which unsettled her. She broke the silence.

- It's brave of you to go back to Nockmaar.

- Courageous or just plain crazy. replied Airk, pausing briefly.

They looked at each other with a shared depth of soul before the young prince continued.

- I've had to learn to live with the loss of my father. I don't know if I can go on without my sister.

Mims, her eyes filled with deep empathy, let out a sigh.

- The pain of loss makes us think we can't go on. But we find the courage and strength to go on, for them, for their memory, to keep them alive in our hearts.

Airk smiled slightly.

- I've inherited a kingdom, but I don't know how to govern it, how to make my people, my knights, proud of their prince and future king. I live constantly in my father's shadow. Will I be able to live up to his legacy?

Mims approached Airk.

- My Prince, don't try to be your father, be yourself.

- Who am I really? Perhaps Nockmaar will provide me with some answers.

Mims looked away, observing the depths of the Wildwoods.

- The road to Nockmaar will be paved with great dangers. We'll have to be ready to face the unknown and its demons.

  

 

Part 17

Co-Writer : Elodie DragonMistic

Hastur's Pact

 

 

 

In the depths of Immemorial City lay a hellish abyss of nameless horror. A devastated realm of terror, under a dark sky lacerated at regular intervals by incandescent lightning. The ashen earth was cracked by centuries of endless chaos and scorched by the fiery flow of vermiscus. The air, filled with dust and sulfur, suffocated all life.

Demonic entities wandered among the darkness, their silhouettes distorted, hunting and devouring each other, in order to satisfy an overflow of murderous, bloodthirsty instincts. Their cries of suffering mingled with the heavy roars of fire tornadoes.

A whole satanic army was rising, waiting to spread to the surface.

At the heart of this damned land stood a colossal, dark, pyramid-shaped tower, flanked by sharp turrets, like arrows spreading their poisonous venom, menacingly casting its evil shadow.

Dark Elora and Graydon advanced at a slow pace.

- What is this place ? asked the young fallen prince, his voice tinged with concern.

- The Wyrm's lair, replied Dark Elora firmly.

She approached the walls and placed her hand on the cracked walls.

- These symbols are of great beauty, her fingers slowly caressing the pnakotic inscriptions. I can feel all this power emanating from the vermiscus, she dipped her hand into the viscous liquid, which flowed along the cracks, and brought it to her lips.

Graydon couldn't avert his gaze, fascinated by Darth Elora's calm and assurance.

- Those chains... a cold shiver ran down his spine as he realized what they imprisoned. They're... dismembered remains. What's this, my Queen, the wall of torture ?

- Oh, no, my dearest, Darth Elora clutched one of the rusty chains. Our Master knows how to punish traitors and satisfy his bloodthirsty instincts.

The two lovers moved among the withered corpses, hearing the clatter of their footsteps. A distant sound reached Graydon's ears.

- Can you hear it ? he asked, searching with his eyes for the source of the sound. It sounds like murmurs of agony.

- Prisoners for eternity in their prison of martyrs, that is our Master's sentence, breathed Darth Elora.

Graydon took his lover's hand, offering himself comfort.

Both came to a halt just a few yards from a huge curtain of fire, terrifying and glowing, projecting orange flashes across their respective faces, accentuating their evil appearance.

A terrible roar pierced the air, shaking and shaking the earth beneath their feet. A satanic creature emerged from the flames of hell, its irises as amber as vermiscus, its monstrous, diabolical silhouette silhouetted against the curtain of lava, accompanied by an aura of indescribable terror.
The vermiscus flowed down the body like infected sap, flooding the spine. The creature's hideous, terrifying face was scarified with pnakotic symbols, carved into its ashen flesh. Four horns dominated its skull, from which viscous liquid seemed to emanate. Its mouth, with its sharp teeth, reinforced its abject nature.

- How could she have escaped you ! the beast's otherworldly voice roared with such violence that the whole room seemed to crack.

Graydon tightened his fingers around Darth Elora's as she tried to calm the Wyrm's fury.

- I had her, my Master. She was at my mercy, if Aniel and Kida hadn't intervened to save her.

The Wyrm let out a howl of rage.

- I'll deal with them in due course. I'll crush them in this room and savor every moment of their suffering. As for the Empress, there's no room for error if you don't want to end up like those corpses at your feet.

- I'm much stronger than she is, my Master. I felt her weakness during our confrontation.

A heavy silence followed, weighing on the already anxious atmosphere, before the Wyrm continued.

- I had pinned all my hopes on Bavmorda. She was the best of my subjects and could have ruled by my side. But her mistake proved fatal. Don't disappoint me, Elora.

A dark, phantasmagorical figure materialized beside the Wyrm, distorted by the curtain of fire. The surrounding darkness personified icy cold and indescribable terror.

 

*******

 

Tir Asleen's Tree of Life had been infected. Its diamond-white foliage, once sparkling with a thousand colors, was slowly fading. One by one, the leaves fell to the scarred ground, still bearing the scars of past carnage. The corpses of the knights of the Pacalcade lay alongside those of the demons they had fought. From the trunk, once resplendent with life, a blackish, viscous liquid gushed forth.

Hastur, the cursed king, accompanied by two guards, rejoiced at the deterioration of the Tree of Life. His eyes shone with an evil glow as he stroked the blackened bark with his fingertips.

One of the guards dared to break the silence.

- My Lord, the Tree is dying.

Hastur replied, flashing an evil smile, his eyes fixed on the Tree.

- It's not dying. The magic within is fighting a battle from within. Malatrium seeps into his veins, corrupting every filter of his being. Soon, it will sink for good, and I will reap the rewards of my long wait. I will forge the weapon that will allow me to possess the forbidden magic.

The guards looked at each other and shuddered, aware that they were witnessing a dark pact of betrayal.

 

After the reconstruction of Galladoorn, following the defeat by Bavmorda's henchmen, Hastur was proclaimed king. But his thirst for vengeance and power, born on that dark day, only intensified. Determined to take his revenge and extend his reign over the entire kingdom of Andowyne. He remembered the fateful encounter that enabled him to hatch his diabolical plan.

 

*******

 

Hastur wandered alone in the royal gardens, absorbed in his dark thoughts, trying to come up with a plan that would enable him to carry out his machiavellian schemes. The scent of the surrounding flowers could not dampen the whirlwind of hatred and ambition that haunted him.

He sat down at the edge of a fountain, carved from gleaming white marble, and dipped his hand into the cool, crystal-clear water, which flowed between his fingers. He looked up at a marble goddess holding a jar, from which the sparkling stream of water gushed.

He stood there for a moment, his gaze lost, his thoughts searching for betrayal and conquest. The melody of the water soothed the place, contrasting with his unquenchable desire for power, which burned within him and seemed to feed on his cruel designs, pushing him a little further into the darkness. Hastur would do anything to achieve his goals, even if it meant betraying his own.

As the murmur of the fountain seemed to whisper words to him in Pnakotic, the shadow of his demonic face superimposed itself on his reflection in the translucent water. The surrounding elements gradually darkened. The flowers wilted and the water in the fountain turned black.

The whispers intensified in his mind, prompting Hastur to get up and head for the hedge maze. A diabolical place, with a winding, deceptive path. Each step seemed to draw him deeper into the darkness.

- Who goes there ! cried the king, having sensed a presence. He tightened his grip on his sword, ready to fight.

A phantasmagorical entity formed within the thick mist. A spectral voice echoed in his mind.

- We can offer you anything you desire.

- What do you know of my desires ? Who are you ? demanded the king firmly.

- The Order of the Wyrm. Join us and Tir Asleen will be yours.

- What's the price ?!

- Your youngest son.

Zivian hesitated for a moment, though his desire for power was far too strong.

- This is impossible !

A demonic laugh roared.

- Your blood is so corrupted by hatred and greed that your son's life is lesser in the face of your dark designs.

Zivian remained silent before making his decision.

- All you have to do is submit. Bow before me !

The cursed king complied, kneeling before the entity.

- Do you renounce your son ?

- Yes, I do.

- Do you agree to join the Order of the Wyrm and devote your life to its purpose ?

- I do.

An icy laugh rang out, as the darkness receded, returning clarity to the garden and crystal-clear water once more. The pact had been signed.

 

Hastur rose to his feet, his eyes bloodshot and his face contorted with hatred and greed. He left the gardens. When he reached the throne room, he motioned to the guards to leave him alone.

The cursed king sat on the throne, his right hand clenched on the armrest, feeling all the power of the Wyrm mingling with his blood. Fleeting shadows appeared around him. A slight machiavellian smile played on his lips.

  

 

Part 18

Co-Writer : Elodie DragonMistic

Alliance & Sacrifices

 

The night weighed heavily on everyone, after the conflicts and revelations of the day.

 

While the Wildwoods bathed in oppressive darkness, Elora, still reeling from recent events, sought a semblance of serenity amid the chaos that reigned in her mind. Alone, her eyes fixed on a dark, starless sky.

The images of her evil double, and her feelings of guilt, kept haunting her. She felt responsible for having created such a threat with her magic. Torn apart by the fear of putting all her loved ones in danger by staying by their side.

As she wrestled with her thoughts, a familiar presence approached. Turning, her gaze fell on Willow's, marked by a shared concern.

The sorcerer strove to offer her a reassuring smile, despite the gravity of the situation.

- I feel like everything's slipping away from me," she murmured. My magic, my evil double, and this guilt that keeps eating away at me.

- You're not responsible," Willow replied gently.

After a short moment's silence, the Empress spoke in a weary voice.

- I'm scared, Willow. What if I can't fight her ? I'm afraid of what I've created. The more I involve you all in my fight, the more I put your lives at risk.

- We all made the choice to follow you on this quest, because we all believe in you. Your fight is our fight.

Elora smiled faintly. The two remained in silence, pondering the dangers they would have to face.

 

Suddenly, voices were heard nearby. Elora and Willow headed towards the commotion, and found Scorpia and Jade arguing.

- Why won't you help us!" cried Jade, her fists clenched.

With arms folded and a hard stare, Scorpia replied firmly.

- I'm not a follower, Jade! I pledge allegiance to no royalty that has made us slaves and outlaws! I honor our father by my actions, and this thirst for freedom that was stolen from us! You are my sister, you should be fighting on my side, not theirs!!!!

- There's no side to choose, Scorpia! We must all stand united! The world is sinking! I need my sister, she begged.

Tension was at its height and all eyes were on the two sisters. Kida, observing the scene, approached and raised her hand, demanding silence.

- Scorpia, I have a proposal for you," the female warrior declared, her tone authoritative and cold. A friendly duel, you and me. If you win, I'll respect your choice. But if you lose, you'll commit yourself to our side.

The leader of the Bone Reavers raised an eyebrow, smirking.

- I accept your challenge. It could be very interesting," she retorted, her voice sharp.

Everyone, intrigued, formed a circle around the two fighters.

The duel began under the reflection of the moon through the dark sky. The female warrior, quick and precise, dodged the Bone Reaver's attacks. Scorpia fought relentlessly, never reaching her target. The fight grew in intensity, captivating the crowd's attention.

Kida found an opening and delivered a precise punch to her opponent's stomach, forcing her to the ground on one knee. Scorpia gasped for breath, coughed up blood and looked up at the warrior, her eyes filled with rage.

Kida turned to the group, all surprised by the outcome of the duel, her voice resounding as powerfully as the rumble of thunder.

- Listen to me, all of you! There are others like me in the Wyrm army, far worse! Just one of them can wipe you out without you having time to inflict the slightest scratch on them! We need every possible alliance to protect the Empress and defeat the evil that threatens you all! Including you, Scorpia," she said, turning back to the Bone Reaver leader.

A heavy silence followed, faces marked by worry and fear.

Elora, who had witnessed the scene, approached Scorpia, still on the ground.

- I solemnly promise you, Scorpia, that if you help us defeat the Wyrm, I'll free your people and give you a land to settle in, without you ever having to flee or hide again.

The leader of the Bone Reavers agreed to join the quest with a nod of her head.

 

*******

 

Kida had decided to spend the night sharpening her swords, taking advantage of her solitude. Aniel joined her, observing her before breaking the overwhelming nocturnal silence.

- You gave us a very fine demonstration," he said ironically.

The young woman replied without looking up, assiduously continuing her task.

- I had no choice, we need everyone to fight what threatens us. You know what the Wyrm is capable of.

The warrior sat down beside his sister-in-arms, feeling the weight of their shared past.

- Oh yes, I know, Kida. We took part in so many massacres in his name," he murmured.

She put down her blades and turned her gaze to her friend.

- We were convinced we were doing what was right," she said. We were shaped in a world of lies and deceit. We paid the price. You lost Thaïs.

Aniel closed his eyes for a brief moment, letting himself be invaded by memories of his beloved.

- Thaïs," he breathed. A woman of unshakeable courage, despite the chains of slavery under the yoke of the Wyrm. Her wisdom brought me such comfort.

Kida nodded, remembering the rare moments when she had crossed paths with the young woman, but remained silent, letting her friend-in-arms express her loss and pain.

- She had this grace that brought me a glimmer of hope in this chaotic world, bringing out my human side. Our love was forged in suffering. To see her murdered by the hand of the Wyrm... Aniel could not continue.

The young female warrior laid a compassionate hand on her acolyte's shoulder.

- Her death will not be in vain. We will fight so that this world does not sink under the enslavement of this demon. No one will suffer. We'll go all the way to protect the Empress.

Aniel nodded.

- It won't be easy, my friend, killing Darth Elora means killing the Empress.

Kida clenched her swords, determined.

- We'll find a way.

- What if this is the solution? As you saw, she, like me, was unable to fight her.

- Then I'll act accordingly.

The two wartime friends remained immersed in silent reflection. Kida examined her blades, gleaming in the moonlight.

- Ready to use," she exclaimed proudly.

 

*******

 

Meanwhile, seated not far from the scene of the duel, Boorman exchanged a few words with Scorpia, trying to lighten the mood.

- You've taken quite a beating," he said, laughing lightly.

Scorpia growled.

- Shut up!" Softening her tone, she continued. I've got to admit, she's formidable, fast, precise, fearless and incredibly strong.

- I agree, it's better to have her as a friend than as an enemy," Boorman looked serious. We need you. You're also an exceptional female warrior. Your support could make all the difference.

The leader of the Bone Reavers paused briefly before replying.

- Do I really have a choice? I've just made a fool of myself in front of my people. And if I'm going to fight, I might as well do it alongside my equal.

She stood up and turned back to her lover.

- There's a place for you in my tent waiting for you. If this is to be our last night, we might as well make the most of it," she said with a wink.

Boorman raised an eyebrow, surprised by Scorpia's invitation. He glanced around before answering and following her.

- If you need me, I'm all yours.

 

*******

 

Airk and Mims were checking their equipment and supplies for the journey they were about to embark on at dawn. The young prince seemed lost in thought.

- You seem preoccupied, my prince," questioned young Nelwyn.

Airk sighed, letting his intense gaze wander to Mims, who looked down in confusion.

- I'm afraid for us all. What if I can't save my sister, can't resist my grandmother's spirit? I've fallen once, what guarantee do I have that I won't fall a second time?

- We're all afraid, my prince. But it's this fear that makes us stronger, more courageous. We must fight it, not let it overwhelm us.

The young man smiled weakly, knelt down and placed his hand on Mims'. She blushed at the carnal contact and immediately withdrew it, embarrassed.

- What am I going to find out?

- Whatever it is, we'll face it together.

The young prince nodded. Both went back to work. Their eyes often met, charged with emotion.

 

*******

 

Unable to fall asleep, Kit and Jade decided to train for battle as usual. They drew their swords, their movements perfectly synchronized. Kit, attentive to her partner's emotions, noticed that Jade was distracted and preoccupied.

- What's wrong, Jade? Aren't you with me? she asked, parrying an attack from her opponent.

The young Bone Reaver sighed.

- There's too much conflict. We need to stay united, if we're to defeat the Wyrm. And with what happened earlier, I don't know how Scorpia will react to Kida. She humiliated her in front of everyone.

The princess laughed softly.

- I must admit, it was rather satisfying to see her get beaten up by the other crazy girl. Oh, that doesn't mean I like her.

- Kit, this is my sister we're talking about," reproached Jade.

After a brief moment of heavy silence, the young princess spoke up.

- Airk is hiding something from me. I can feel it, I can see the fear in his eyes.

Jade stepped closer, taking her lover's hands in hers.

- Maybe he's just trying to protect you. We're all afraid of the growing threat, especially the power of Darth Elora. If we can't defeat her without hurting Elora, what will we do?

- I don't know, Jade. We'll do what we've always done. We'll fight together.

- I'm tired, I'm going home to bed," she said wearily.

Kit kept her eyes fixed on the dark silhouette of her companion, and sighed before joining her.

 

*******

 

The first light of day was breaking through the Wildwoods. The atmosphere was oppressive. Everyone gathered round, aware of the gravity of the situation, ready to separate for their respective journeys.

- Willow, what should we do now?" asked Elora, her voice trembling but determined.

- It's time to gather the army around you. We're going to head for Cashmere. We're going to demand an audience with King Hayrald Saigur," Willow replied confidently.

His thoughts took him back to the day when Cashmere was besieged by the Wyrm's henchmen, and the wizards he was to lead to safety were murdered, betrayed by the head of the guard. For many moons, he had thought he would never see his friend and king again. Yet against all odds, Hayrald had emerged victorious from that battle, rebuilt his kingdom and continued to rule wisely.

They were about to meet again for the first time since that terrible ordeal. Willow wondered how his friend would react to seeing him again.

Sorsha crouched down to the sorcerer's level and laid a comforting hand on his shoulder.

- Hayrald will be on our side. He's fully aware that evil was already inside his kingdom. You have nothing to reproach yourself for," she told him compassionately.

- Not only did I fail, but I lost Kiaya and Ranon that day," he said sadly.

He turned his worried gaze briefly to his daughter, who was standing beside Airk and the three knights preparing to leave. An anguish overwhelmed him at the thought of never seeing her again.

 

For her part, Kit watched her brother, a lump in her stomach, knowing he was about to leave for a dangerous place. She approached him.

- I don't want you to go," she told him in a trembling voice.

The young prince took his sister's hands in his own.

- Kit, I have to go. It's my duty to our people.

- I know there's something you're not telling me.

Airk sighed.

- I'm not hiding anything from you, little sister. Don't worry, I'll be able to cope with our grandmother's power.

The young woman couldn't help thinking of the loss of their father, a pain she didn't want to relive.

- And if..., she couldn't finish her sentence.

Airk smiled sadly and hugged his sister.

- I promise I'll come back. You'll never lose me. I'll always be there for you.
They held each other for a moment, then reluctantly parted.

 

Meanwhile, Boorman and Scorpia moved away from the group, finding a more intimate place to say their farewells. Boorman took her hand and looked at her intently.

- I'll be back," he said softly.

The leader of the Bone Reavers nodded.

- I leave you no choice.

He smiled and took her in his arms.

- We've still got a lot to live for together," he whispered.

They kissed for a long time, forgetting for a moment the dangers that awaited them. Then, with a look full of promise, they parted, each taking his or her place in the group.

 

Willow, meanwhile, was looking for Mims. When he found her, he rushed over.

- Mims, promise me you'll be very careful. You're all I've got left. Come back to me," his voice was full of concern.

Nelwyn hugged her father.

- Popa, I promise. Understand that I must leave with the prince, she looked him straight in the eye.

- I understand," Willow nodded sadly.

 

Before Boorman left with the prince, Sorsha and Willow called out to him.

- Look after my daughter. Losing her would destroy me. And if the prince gets too close to Mims, you knock him out," said Willow.

- Boorman, protect my son, in the name of your faithful friend," added Sorsha gravely.

Boorman agreed to their request.

- Don't worry, I won't let them out of my sight.

As he was about to leave, Kida intercepted him.

- Hey! The eccentric!

- Oh no, not her," he grumbled, before turning, forcing himself to smile, not reassured.

- Come back in one piece. Only I have the right to gut you.

- I'll do my best," Boorman replied, before slipping away.

Willow, Sorsha and Kit watched as Airk took Mims with him on his horse, before riding off with the other knights and Boorman.

 

 

Part 19

Co-Writer : Elodie DragonMistic

The Trap

 

 

 

As the wind rushed through the Wildwoolds, Airk and his team rode silently. The young prince couldn't help thinking about the promise he'd made to his sister, but more importantly, would he really have the strength to fight his grandmother's power? Having discovered in Tir Asleen's Secret Oath, which he had entrusted to Aniel, Bavmorda's omnipotence. A shiver of fear ran down his spine. How was he going to save Kit, seize Malatrium, and above all get back from Nockmaar alive? He knew that, despite all the bravery of Boorman and the knights who had decided to follow him, he would have to prepare to face this terrible ordeal alone. The fact that he had agreed to let Mims accompany him, and had put his life in danger, was beginning to make him regret his decision.

— Mims, he sighed in a soft voice, I'm not sure I made the right decision in accepting your choice to follow me... Should anything happen to you...

The young Nelwyn woman, sitting at the front of the prince's horse, turned abruptly and gave him a cold look, preventing him from continuing his sentence.

— I may be a Nelwyn, but I'm not weak! You would do well to remember that, my Prince !

— It's not you I'm worried about, he murmured. It's your father. If I get out of this alive, I'd better not go back without you, he paused briefly before continuing. Let's forget protocol, since we're all going to have to fight for our survival.

Mims didn't reply, returning her gaze to the road, overcome by a feeling of doubt and fear, in the face of the threat that awaited them.

A few meters behind, accompanied by the knights, Boorman, preoccupied not only by Kida's words, but particularly by this mission which seemed far too risky, quickened his pace slightly, drawing closer to the young prince.

— Let's be optimistic! I know all the nooks and crannies of Nockmaar, having...

— For trying to loot my grandmother's castle, cut in Airk, smirking.

— No! Absolutely not! I... risked my life to save everyone from the curse that rules this place! Trust me! replied Boorman, placing his hand on his chest.

— Could it be that the real reason you've come is because of a certain warrior you've been trying to avoid? ironized Mims.

Airk laughed.

— It's better to have her as a friend than an enemy, and given your relationship with her, let's just say she's not on the best of terms with you.

— She doesn't scare me! It's not the psychopath you have to fear the most, Boorman sighed.

— Oh, I'm not so sure, she's very powerful, replied Mims. I wouldn't like to be in your shoes.

— Maybe I'd better stay in Nockmaar after all, Boorman muttered to himself.

Despite his sarcasm, the idea of returning to this cursed place weighed on him more than he cared to admit.

 

*******

 

For their part, Willow, Elora and Sorsha led the group towards Cashmere. The journey would be long and perilous, but King Hayrald Saigur remained their best chance of gathering an army.

Kit moved on, her face closed and her gaze far away. Sensing her companion's inner turmoil, Jade entwined her fingers around those of her lover.

— We'll see him again, she said softly.

The princess nodded, but her silence spoke volumes about the heaviness of her heart. She suddenly stopped, forcing Jade to do the same, and plunged her gaze into that of the Bone Reaver. Her irises shone with a fragility she usually hid behind her mask of a tumultuous princess.

— I... her fingers tightened around Jade's, as if to hold her back. Promise me you'll never leave me, Jade. I don't care what kingdom I inherit one day. My life is you.

The young woman felt her heart clench at this confession. She took Kit's face in her hands and stroked her cheek tenderly.

— Nothing will separate me from you, Kit, she murmured before kissing her.

The princess slowly stepped aside.

— If you only knew how much I need you.

Jade replied with a smile.

Aniel, who was bringing up the rear with Kida, observed the scene with a discreet glance. His heart clenched, rekindling in him the loss of Thaïs, who was now just a shadow, a memory that had never ceased to haunt him, the woman of his life lost forever. He sorely missed the warmth of her presence, the softness of her voice. He would have given anything to feel the touch of her hand against his, but it would remain empty forever.

As for Kida, she advanced in silence, her face impassive. She was a warrior shaped by violence, war and destruction. From an early age, she had learned that killing was the only way. The Wyrm had stolen her humanity, forging her in rage and hatred, making her insensitive. But ever since she had crossed paths with Jade, strange sensations had arisen. Emotions she couldn't put a name to. She felt something growing inside her, like a new breath of life.

Aniel took the opportunity to ask Kida to explain her duel with Scorpia.

— Qibi-ma, ša'alti ša'alta ana muḫḫika ina qabalka imti Bone Reaver. (I'd like to ask you a couple of questions about your duel with the Bone Reaver.)

— Qbû-ma, ul īde ina libbīya, tazkur-ma ! (We've already talked about it, I had no choice, remember?) retorted the warrior dryly.

— Ul ša šu-ma ana dabābi-ma atta idū-ma tukallimšu-ma ina ṣīrišu-ma tukallimšu-ma. (That's not what I'm talking about, but knowing you, you could have beaten her a lot quicker.)

— Ana ša-ma tukallimšu-ma ina tīmim-ma kīma ana tīmim-ma atta tukallimšu-ma ? (I wanted to put her at ease, as we used to do back in the day, remember? )

— Enūma, īnu-ma ša'altu aḫritu. (Oh, yes. But I have one last question.)

— Atta tīdi ša anāku akāšad-ma ? (You want to know if I held back ?)

— Enūma,.. šū ša šu. (Er...yes, that's right.)

— Enūma, makkūru ša anāku iddinakkūšu ittišu ša imūtu ina ša anāku akāšad-ma. ul tukallim-ma ana šimāti. (Of course I did, the blow I gave her could have killed her if I hadn't held back. And it wouldn't have served.)

Kit, seeing Aniel and Kida speaking in their own language, turned around, annoyed.

— Hey! What's with all the whispering?

— What are you talking about? asked Jade.

On hearing Jade's voice, Kida flushed slightly, and Aniel, seeing his sister-in-arms in trouble, intervened.

— We were just reminiscing.

The two young women looked at each other, intrigued by his answer.

— They're lying to us about old memories, I'm sure, Jade, Kit pretexted.

— I think so too, but maybe they're just telling us that so we don't have to worry.

— So as not to worry us! They've been hiding things from us from the start, and we've had to insist on getting answers!

— My love, I can understand that, but surely they have their reasons for doing so.

— Sorry Jade, but I've had enough!

— No! Kit doesn't do that! she said, trying to stop her companion from confronting her.

— Aniel!!! I want to know what you and Kida were talking about! cried the young woman.

— It's none of your business, Princess! Kida scolded her.

— Calm down, sister, then, turning to Kit, Aniel tried to temporize the situation. I'm telling you, Princess, Kida and I were reminiscing, trying to find a way to defeat the Wyrm and our brothers.

— I don't believe you for a second! scolded Kit.

— You should! said Kida in a cold, direct tone.

Kit began to get angry.

— I don't know what's keeping me from smacking you!

— Simply because you know you don't stand a chance against me, challenged the female warrior.

Kit was about to punch Kida in the face when Willow angrily intervened.

— THAT'S ENOUGH YOU TWO!!! Stop behaving like children! We've still got two days to get to Cashmere, so either behave like two responsible adults, or split up and stop talking to each other until we get there. What's it going to be?!

Kit and Kida looked each other straight in the eye, the tension between the two women palpable. Kida broke the visual link and addressed the sorcerer.

— We're going to behave like adults, you have my word sorcerer.

— I like that better.

They all resumed their walk, Kit turning back to Kida.

— It's not over yet, she said in frustration as she walked away.

— THAT'S for sure, Princess, Kida said in a low voice.

Aniel approached his sister without a word. Kida addressed him in a whisper.

— I must warn you that if she attacks me again, I'll have trouble keeping my sword in its scabbard.

— You'll have to control yourself. But in case you do, don't kill her, just teach her a lesson.

— Fine, I'll just play with her for a while.

Aniel turned his head towards his sister-in-arms. What he saw in her eyes, that cold, calculating gleam, immediately made him understand the female warrior's intentions.

— Kida, lā tepuš ! (Kida, stop!) he ordered in his deep voice.

She turned back to him, eyebrows furrowed, pretending not to understand. But it was more provocation.

— Mīnu epēšu ?! (Stop what?!)

— Iddakka, iddi annû pānu (I know you, I know that look,) he said.

She burst into bitter laughter, stopped walking, and stared at him with icy intensity.

— Annītam, ū mīnu pānu, Aniel ?! Atta tūša bārû ? (Ah yes, and what a look, Aniel?! Have you become a soothsayer?)

— The one you cast in search of prey. That look. Aniel could feel anger welling up inside him, but he kept his cool. Jade isn't prey, Kida. She loves Kit, a feeling you don't know about, since you're devoid of all emotion.

The words struck Kida like a blade, but she didn't show it.

— Love? And what did it get you, eh, my dear brother in arms? Apart from suffering?! she breathed contemptuously. I'm not like you, Aniel. I'm not broken by loss. Maybe she'd still be alive if you hadn't been so weak!

It was the first time since they'd met that they'd clashed like this, ready to come to blows.

— It's time I put an end to it! growled Kit. Advancing towards the female warrior, she drew her sword from its scabbard.

— Kit! What are you doing?

Jade tried to stop her, but in vain.

—Come and measure yourself against me! the princess challenged the female warrior.

Kida couldn't help smiling icily. She drew her blade, with a calmness at odds with the princess's ardor.

— Very well, she replied hoarsely. Let's see what you've got.

Before the fight could begin, a horrified Jade stepped forward to stop them, but Aniel gently grabbed her by the arm, preventing her from continuing.

— Let them, he murmured in his deep voice.

— But Kida's going to kill her! exclaimed Jade, her eyes wide.

— Trust me, she won't hurt her.

In a split second, Kit lunged at Kida. Their blades clashed violently. Blows rained down. The fast, brutal warrior struck with disproportionate force. Each of her attacks forced Kit to retreat.

— Is that all you've got, Princess? she taunted.

The duel intensified, becoming more ferocious. The princess was unable to reach the body of her assailant, who was far too agile, and was soon in trouble. All her blows were effortlessly blocked by the female warrior, who counter-attacked with merciless precision and never wavered.

Kit, furious, attempted a low blow, hoping to destabilize her rival. But Kida anticipated the move, deflected the princess's blade and disarmed her with a powerful gesture. The sword flew a few metres before hitting the ground.

In an instant, Kida had her blade pointed at the princess's throat. Gasping for breath, both frightened and enraged, her irises darkened, Kit felt the coldness of the blade against her skin, as Jade looked on in terror. As for Aniel, he remained motionless, holding the Bone Reaver by the arm. The fight had been a simple game for the female warrior.

— Remember this, princess: I never lose, she told her in a cold, austere tone.

— That's enough! Sorsha's voice inveighed against the two fighters. How dare you act like this! What Willow told you wasn't enough! Kida, you're supposed to protect my daughter, not confront her! As for you, Kit, you're the princess of Tir Asleen, so act like it! This isn't a playground! Take responsibility!

In the grip of her anger, Sorsha addressed the entire group in her clear, powerful voice, not as a female warrior but as a queen.

— As Queen of Tir Asleen, I order you all to put your differences aside! We need each other, we'll never win this war alone!

Silence fell heavily. Jade rushed towards Kit, but when her eyes met her companion's dark prunes, a wave of dread ran through her body.

— I'm sorry, my Queen, Kida apologized, but her words weren't really an apology.

While Aniel, stoic, fixed her with his sharp gaze.

 

A heavy silence fell over the group as they made their way along the wooded path. Aniel cast furtive glances around, while Kida walked at a slow pace, her warrior instincts on the alert. She scrutinized every movement in the shadows, ready to react to the slightest threat.

— Something doesn't feel right, murmured Jade.

Then they heard the cry of a young girl.

— Did you hear that? asked Elora, worried.

Without waiting for an answer, they all moved cautiously in the direction of the voice. All except Aniel and Kida.

— It's a trap, Kida whispered to her brother-in-arms.

— Probably, replied the female warrior.

— Are you diving with them or am I?

— I think you need to vent, so... I'll leave you to it.

— Thank you, she said with a smile.

— But don't kill anyone.

— Ah! That's not fair.

— All right, then. You can knock them out if you want.

— It's still not fair, but I'll settle for it.

Aniel joined the others, and found a frightened young girl.

— What's going on, my child? asked Sorsha tenderly.

But the queen didn't have time to get an answer before an arrow stuck in the tree beside her.

— I think we've got our answer! exclaimed Scorpia.

— Run...quickly! cried the frightened girl. Or they'll get you all!

— Who? asked Scorpia.

She didn't have time to get an answer when Aniel barely caught an arrow that was about to go into the head of the Bone Reaver leader.

— I don't think we have time for that, retorted the warrior.

— Quickly follow me, I know where he won't be able to reach us, suggested the young girl.

Wanting to escape the danger as quickly as possible, they all followed the child. She led them behind a rock large enough for their enemies not to see them.

— Where the hell is he? snapped Lori.

— I didn't have time to see, retorted Aniel.

They were all wondering how they were going to get out of this situation. Elora sensed something.

— Wait, something's not right here.

The next second the ground gave way beneath their feet, sending them tumbling into a pre-digged chasm, all except the girl, who was joined by a man who congratulated her.

— Well done little one, as always.

— Thank you, replied the child.

— I can't believe I've been taken in by these common thieves!

— What are you going to do with us? asked Sorsha firmly.

— To show our good faith, I've brought a rope to get you out, retorted the thief.

— That's very kind of you, ironized Sorsha.

— But not before you've left behind your money, your jewels...and your guns too.

— Who do you think you are? exclaimed Kit. We haven't got all day!

— It's the price of my freeing you.

Seeing everyone trying to find a way out of the situation, Jade moved closer to Aniel, who had stayed behind.

— Where's Kida? she whispered.

— You'll see, he says with a slight smile.

The thief spoke one last time.

— Well, if you don't submit to my demands, I have no choice but to leave you in this...

He didn't have time to finish his sentence when Kida sprang up and threw him and the girl several yards.

— Aniel, what are you doing? she shouted.

— I've been waiting for you!

— Don't just stand there, help the others get out! I'll take care of them!

— Kida, don't forget what I told you!!!

— I'm not promising anything!

At the same moment, an arrow arrived just behind Kida's head. She caught it without difficulty and broke it in two with one hand.

— Aniel gets out of this pit, you take care of these two, I'll take care of the archer!

— Did you spot him ?

— Not yet, but I'll find him.

An arrow was shot and Kida caught it in mid-air.

— I've got you, she murmured.

The archer was hundreds of meters away, perched in a tree. Knowing he was spotted, he shot his arrows as fast as he could. But Kida, with her sword, shattered them one by one. She reached the spot where the assailant was standing. Feeling trapped, he tried to shoot one last arrow, but found his quiver empty, much to his amazement.

Kida delivered a violent jab into the trunk, snapping the tree in two and toppling the archer. He tried to flee, but was caught by the female warrior. She threw him into the air, landing him in the pit the group had left.

Kida joined them, while Aniel threw the thief in the same place as his acolyte.

— Where's the kid? asked the female warrior in an authoritative tone.

— I'm working on it, replied his brother-in-arms.

— We don't have time to look for her, ordered Elora.

— She's their accomplice... retorted Kida.

— I don't care! As you've made clear, we're no match for the Wyrm and his army. We don't know when or how he'll attack. If we want King Hayrald Saigur to agree to join forces with us, we need to get to Cashmere as soon as possible!

Kida took a few seconds to calm down before replying.

— Very well, Your Highness, but... what do we do with these two?

—Let's leave them where they are. They'll find a way to escape.

The young girl intervened.

— You're not going anywhere!

Everyone turned to see the young girl holding a knife to Sorsha's throat.

— Free my friends and I'll let you go! she ordered.

— MOTHER! Release her at once or I'll... scolded Kit.

— One more step and I'll bleed her!

— Raven, let her go, intervened the thief.

The girl complied. Kit ran to her mother and hugged her.

— Uh...before you go, I'd like to ask you a question, said the thief.

— What do you want to know? asked Kida.

— Did you say the Wyrm?

— How could you possibly know the Wyrm? asked Willow, astonished.

— When I was a child, Wyrm soldiers attacked my village. They killed everyone, men, women and even children, as did my friend. If I'm alive today, it's because one of them spared my life and told me to stay hidden until they left. I swear that if I had even the slightest chance of avenging my family, I'd fight this scum all the way to hell if I had to.

— Me too, please let us come with you, begged the archer.

Kida picked up the bow and questioned its owner.

— How strong is your bow, archer?

— A hundred pounds. What's that for?

— Impressive, for an ordinary human.

— At least that's what the seller told me.

— Well, you got ripped off. It's only four-twenty.

— I stole it anyway.

— Why am I not surprised, Kida whispered back.

She turned back to Elora.

— Your Highness, I don't know if these two can do anything for us, she glanced at the girl and the thief. But I think the archer would be very useful. A man using a bow of such power is rare, and even rarer are those who can aim with such precision as he has demonstrated. When do you think?

— It's rare that you say positive things, Kida. If you say they can be useful to us, then they're welcome. Even a little help is always precious.

— You won't regret it, I swear, exclaimed the thief.

Kida jumped into the pit and brought out the two prisoners. The two men and the girl headed for Elora.

— By the way, I'm Lorcan, a thief by profession.

— And I'm Eldor, the best archer, at your service, Your Highness.

— What about you? Elora asked the young girl.

— Raven.

Willow knew Eldor's reputation was well established. An archer like him would be a real asset to the team.

— Eldor and Lorcan, I've often heard of you, but I've always considered you a myth, Willow said. Well, we've still got a long way to go before we get to Cashmere, so let's get going.

— Wait! stopped Lorcan. Did you say Cashmere?

— Yes, why, is there a problem? worried Willow.

— A very big problem, I'd say. Since his last attack and betrayal, King Hayrald Saigur will be difficult to convince. He refuses all alliances. He's become very distrustful and unapproachable. You'll need more than just a speech.

Sorsha and Willow looked at each other, silent, while Kida intervened.

— We don't intend to argue for long, replied Kida. If negotiations fail, I'll take it upon myself to convince him.

— NO!!! Kida, we've got this!!! exclaimed Willow, Sorsha and Jade in unison.

— We'll follow you, answered Lorcan, as he helped Raven.

All set off again with their new allies. Aniel noticed the concern on Kida's face.

— Don't tell me you regret your decision regarding our new fellow travelers, asked Aniel.

— I'm not worried about the two men, they're harmless, but I have my doubts about the girl.

— What do you mean?

— My instinct is to be wary of her.

— In this case, we must remain vigilant.

— There's more to it than that, Aniel.

— What are you trying to say?

— Lorcan's story, I know who the soldier was who spared him.

— Who is it?

— Me.

  

Part 20

Co-Writer : Elodie DragonMistic

Nockmaar

  

 

The journey towards the Black Mountains was rough. The paths were nothing but sharp rocks, and the atmosphere grew colder and more sinister. The hills loomed menacingly above a thick mist, making the air almost unbreathable. The group gradually lost themselves in the gloomy fog, while the macabre shadow of Nockmaar loomed on the horizon.

— We must remain vigilant, Boorman murmured, knowing the dangers they were about to face.

All nodded, a shiver running down their spines. Airk could only concentrate on one thing : the power of Bavmorda, which he felt coursing through his veins as he approached the cursed fortress. His grandmother had terrorized entire generations, and somehow her spirit was still present.

They moved on, silent, tense and unsettled, their only sounds the screech of the wind. The black mountains were a desolate landscape, with no vegetation left. The rocks had been corrupted by forbidden magic. The land had been rendered barren. Not a blade of grass or flower, not an ounce of life remained, just endless devastation.

 

After hours of exhausting walking, the imposing and terrifying fortress of Nockmaar lay before them, its mist giving the impression that the castle was on the move, waiting for its prey. Despite having been abandoned many moons ago, an evil presence persisted in this damned place.
Airk, Mims, Boorman and the three knights, despite their bravery, felt an icy chill run through them. Nothing to do with the cold mountain wind. Nockmaar was the very embodiment of Bavmoda's dementia, a place where evil had taken root. The titanic gates were engraved with Pnakotic symbols.

Airk took a deep breath, summoning up all his courage. He knew what he was up against, but his sister's life depended on the success of this mission.

— Let's go, he breathed.

 

They all dismounted. Just as they were about to cross the threshold, the young prince felt an austere presence beside him, and his vision blurred. He found himself thrown into an infernal vortex that took him back inside the castle to the time when Bavmorda ruled. The smell of blood and black magic, the chanting of forbidden ritual incantations, invaded his mind. He could see his grandmother in all her evil glory. She looked up, and for the first time, Airk met her gaze, a reflection of that corrupted, power-hungry soul.

— You can't save her, my dear grandson. She's already mine. Fear runs in your veins, just as it did in your grandfather's blood. You're so much like him. You lack your father's courage and strength.

Airk was unable to make the slightest movement. The witch showed him images of Tir Asleen on fire, of his mother dead in battle among her knights, of kingdoms in ruins, of peoples on their knees. Then she showed him his sister, pierced by a blade held fast by a shadow, that accursed shadow whose face he couldn't make out.

— Her fate is tied to mine, my child, whatever you do, Bavmorda sneered sadistically.

— NO ! cried the young man before collapsing to his knees, sweating and shaking with terror, haunted by his grandmother's words and laughter.

Boorman rushed to him, helping him to his feet.

— Airk, don't let the visions of this cursed place overwhelm you.

As Boorman pulled him to his feet, the young prince hid his anguish from everyone so as not to appear weak. His grandmother's horrific face was eating him up inside. He clenched his fists to chase away the vision of his inert sister. He stared at the dark doors and addressed his companions.

— Don't let your fears get the better of you ! Let's not split up !

Everyone exchanged glances, looking to each other for strength and encouragement. They tightened their grips on their weapons, ready to face the darkness of Nockmaar.

 

The group passed through the entrance. A suffocating smell of decay and ancient magic permeated their nostrils. The castle was plunged into semi-darkness. The stone walls were gnawed by years of evil spells, impregnated with Pnakotic writing, and rusted chains hung from the ceiling and floor, attesting to Bavmorda's barbarity.

— This place is cursed. It breathes death, murmured Mims, the intonation of her voice betraying her fears.

Boorman had lost his usual smile and mockery, reliving those moments petrified him. He addressed his companions gravely.

— Whatever you see or hear, don't trust it. Don't show your fears or anxieties.

— I have a feeling that something is watching us, replied Mims. In the end, it's better to suffer the sarcasm of the woman red warrior than to be here, she added.

The knights, standing back, kept their hands on the hilt of their swords, ready to intervene, fighting their fears. Suddenly, in the dreadful silence, a crack was heard. Mims jumped and instinctively grabbed Airk's arm.

— What was that ? she asked.

— It's... it's probably nothing, just... an old wall crumbling, replied Airk, trying to keep his cool.

The Nelwyn suddenly realized her gesture and quickly withdrew her hand, her cheeks flushing slightly. She lowered her eyes, embarrassed by this involuntary demonstration.

— Sorry, she murmured, avoiding the Prince's gaze.

Although focused on their mission, the young man couldn't help but feel an unexpected emotion at this contact.

— It's nothing, we're all a little tense, he replied.

— Can you feel it ? asked one of the knights.

They all turned to him, looking worriedly expectant.

— This... this castle is alive. It's waiting for us, he continued, unable to conceal his panic.

A vision once again seized the young prince: his grandmother flashing a Machiavellian smile.

— She's here, he murmured to himself, his heart pounding in his chest. Let's not stray from our goal. We must find the Malatrium.

At the mention of this damned name, Boorman couldn't contain his anger.

— The Malatrium ! But you've gone completely mad ! This manuscript is cursed ! You want to make the same mistake as Willow and Elora !

— I absolutely must have that grimoire, with or without your help !

— But that's insane ! Boorman thought better of it. Wait a minute... this is why you brought us all here, to risk our lives ?!

Airk lashed out at his friend, his rage out of control.

— It's the only way to save HER !!!

— Save who ?!

A heavy silence fell, dreadful before Mims answered for the young prince.

— The princess.

Boorman couldn't hide his amazement at this revelation.

— Explain yourself, Airk.

— I... since my return from Immemorial City, every night I've been haunted by this terrible nightmare in which I see my sister... dead.

— Do you think that cursed book…

— Grimoire, cut in Mims.

— Yes, grimoire, whatever, is going to help you save her ?

— The Malatrium is linked to my grandmother, so it's linked to Kit, to me... If it's the only way to save my sister, I'll take that risk. Either you follow me, or you leave this fortress, but I'll go all the way.

He turned back to the knights and addressed them in an authoritative tone.

— It's the same for you, and for you Mims.

— My Prince, I've given you my word as Nelwyn, and I won't go back on it.

The young man nodded, waiting for his other companions to respond.

— I promised to look after you, Boorman relented.

The three knights pledged allegiance to their sovereign.

— Well, discussion closed. Let's get on with finding that damned grimoire.

 

Airk led the group cautiously through the dark corridors of Nockmaar. Suddenly, a barely audible murmur, seemingly coming from everywhere and nowhere, crept into the knights' minds-

— Do you hear that ? asked one of them, frightened.

— Yes, replied another, his eyes scanning the dark walls warily.

— I don't hear anything, Boorman retorted, turning to Mims and Airk who confirmed his words.

But the murmurs continued, growing louder and more insistent, creeping into people's minds. Soon, the knights began to look at each other suspiciously, their hands clasped on the hilt of their blades.

— You're just a dirty traitor ! spat one of them. You're spying on me and you want to bring me down !

— No, you're the traitor ! retorted another, his eyes wide with rage. You're plotting in the shadows !

The third remained silent, but his hate-infested gaze wavered between his two companions.

The knights inveighed at each other, as if possessed by an invisible dementia. Their eyes were empty, their words meaningless. They drew closer, their swords raised.

— What… ? asked Airk, turning around.

— Stop it ! shouted Mims, You're brothers in arms !

But the whispers were far too powerful, these sinister voices stirring up their deepest fears.

The first knight drew his sword.

— I won't let you betray us ! he roared, hurling himself at one of his companions.

Their blades clashed in a din, merging with their cries of insanity. Their attacks were brutal. Each struck with a face distorted by a rictus of hatred.

Airk, Mims and Boorman stared in horror at the murderous madness.

— We've got to stop them ! exclaimed Mims.

— We can't do anything, it's not them anymore... Nockmaar has already taken them, Boorman retorted, watching the bloody battle unfold before their helpless eyes.

The knights were lashing out at each other, their madness taking over their minds, their gestures increasingly disordered and violent. The ground became a reddish pool as the first knight pierced his companion, who in turn received a mortal blow to the throat. The last survivor stared at the bloodied bodies, a demented expression in his eyes.

— I knew... I knew they were traitors, he murmured under his breath.

His empty irises turned back to Mims.

— And you... you act for them !

Nelwyn stepped back, startled.

The knight, in one last burst of madness, brandished his sword and rushed towards her, howling like a beast.

— No !!! cried Airk, throwing himself in front of Mims to protect her.

The man, possessed by Nockmaar's dementia, swung his blade with uncontrollable fury, but Airk parried the blow. The shock echoed through the gloomy silence of the castle. The knight, now a puppet of madness, attacked again. Driven by a protective instinct, the young prince retaliated, having no choice but to pierce his attacker's torso with his blade. The latter collapsed to the ground, still overwhelmed by his alienation.

Silence fell again, heavy and icy.

Boorman laid a hand on the young prince's shoulder, his eyes riveted on the inert body.

— Nockmaar is not only a cursed place, it attacks the minds of all who dare cross its threshold.

— We... we've got to keep going, ordered the young prince, taking his eyes off the demented massacre.

— Let's hope we don't end up like them, Boorman muttered.