Chapter Four

Not long after the servant had left, had she returned to escort Kobi and company into the throne room of Avalon Castle. It was a massive room with a winding staircase going up almost eight hundred feet. A long white and green rug stretched all the way from the door to the throne, which was about fifty feet and several elven guards in black leather stood along the rug who appeared so motionless that if Kobi didn’t any better, he might have thought they were statues.
Once at the base of the platform where the Green Throne of Avalon sat, an adviser spoke up to announce Her Grace, Lady Queen, Tava Avácsh. Kobi was unsure what to expect of the Elven Queen, he had heard stories of House Avácsh and he knew about their dark past from all books he had read, but Brandon trusted her so Kobi decided to give her the benefit of the doubt.
Queen Tava entered the throne room, companied by two bodyguards before taking her seat upon the throne and speaking. “Greetings envoy of Dragton. I am Tava of House Avácsh and Lady Queen of Iiauskana,” she introduced before continuing. “I recently heard of High King Samuel’s death, know that you have my deepest sympathies and condolences.”
“Thank you, Your Grace. He is greatly missed, but that is not why we are here before you.” replied Kobi.
“No, I didn’t think so. The message from E’la Aiqua said that you had an urgent message for me? So, let us hear it.”
“<sigh> Ok than. Queen Tava, on the behalf of High King Brandon Tront, I, Kobi Hael, hereby request the military aid of the Elven People.”
“Right to the point, I like that. It does gladden me to hear that Brandon is your new High King. Dragton can truly prosper under his rule, and if this is to happen,” She paused before stepping down to meet Kobi face to face. “We mustn’t let our friends in Dragton fall.”
“You’ll aid us then?”
“It will take some time to activate the army, but yes. Report back to High King Brandon that the Kingdom of Dragton will have the support of the Elven People. And as a sign of this agreement, I will be sending 500 of my best rangers along with you.”
“Thank you, Your Grace.”
“Once you leave here, go straight to the Guard House and report to Lord Captain Nasir Undoos, my assistant here will show you the way,” Tava said turning to leave. “Tell him, I said to mobilize the 1st, 2nd and 3rd battalions for immediate departure to Dragton.”

****

Finally making landfall at the port of Maria’s Harbor, Brandon’s adviser started to plan for the trip to Farhold for the World Summit. With the rebellion beginning anew, it was not very safe for foreigners to travel. Not to mention that this time of the year was the prime hunting season for the great scorpions that are common in the desert. Even without all these dangers, it is still a clever idea for the common folk to have at least two or three Samurai Guards accompany them, just in case.
Before travel to Farhold, Brandon enjoyed walking the streets, looking into each shop and stall; or visiting the Cherry Blossom gardens. There was something about the way the garden felt that would always put Brandon’s mind at ease. The Nomads sure known a lot about tranquility in these quiet and peaceful places.
Sitting underneath one of the larger of the trees, looking up at the statue of what seemed like an ancient samurai from Nomadic legend when some woman came walking up. She was carrying a basket with what looked like pink petals in it. It did not take long to realize that she was cleaning up all the leaves that had fallen from the trees. Her name was Miya Sasaki, and she was quite lovely to behold knelt down in her white dress, red hair blowing in the wind as she picked up each charry-Blossom leaf.
Brandon tried to give her a hand, but right at that his attendee came up. His transport to Farhold was ready to leave. Just as he started making his way out of the garden, the woman stood up and briefly spoke. “Keep a weathered eye on the road, rebels are out in force right now.” She said. Turning back, Brandon replied. “Thank you. I’ll let my Guard know.”
At the southern gate of Maria’s Harbor Brandon met with his ‘Nomadic escort’ alongside those Dragon Knights that came with him. And of course, they had prepared his palanquin to ride in, which he simply just walked past and mounted one of the Nomadic horses that were nearby.
Though his Dragon Knights continued to persist against it, they knew that it was foolish. Brandon never liked to ride in the royal palanquins. He preferred to be seen rather than to hide in a small 5’ by 6’ man carried, jewel encrusted box.
The road was long and apart from a few desert rats the size of dogs and an occasional bandit party moving around, it went was not too bad. At the border of mountain valley in which Farhold was located, Brandon and his escort were met by Samurai Captain, Sako Kobayashi. “Hold there! Due to recent attacks against the City of Farhold, all travelers must prove intentions before moving forward! By order of Lord Regent Naru Yamamoto.” He stated.
Brandon rode up and dismounted from his horse before approaching the Samurai. “I am Brandon of House Tront, High King of the Kingdom of Dragton. I’ve come to Farhold for its World Summit gathering.” He said.
“Ah, yes High King Brandon. We have been expecting you,” said the Samurai. “My men will escort you from this point on.”
“Thank you, captain. It will be good to see Farhold again, I have not been there since-
“You won’t be going to Farhold, Your Grace.”
“Why not?”
“Due to recent rebel activity, Farhold isn’t safe.” The Samurai paused. “The World Summit is to be held at the Abbey of Swords.”
“The Abbey of Swords? I thought that only Nomads were permitted to enter its halls.”
“You’re right and under normal conditions, you would not be allowed to enter. It is a great honor to walk the Abbey. Don’t ruin it.”
“I won’t dream of it. I’ll make sure my men understand that nothing is to be touched while inside.”
“Good, this way.”

****

Standing on the docks of E’la Aiqua, Kobi stared across the vast waters and hoped that they were not too late to stop the attack by the Republic of Bargrossa. And he hoped that Sarah was safe. A few rocks were perched on the wooden planks nearby, so Kobi picked a couple up and started to skip them across the surface of the water. After about a few minutes Rylee and Astolfo appeared along with to Elven troops and Lady Queen Tava. “Everything’s nearly set for departure,” said Rylee.
“Good. I’m anxious to get back to Dragton.” Replied Kobi.
“I have to say. I’m also getting a little excited to see Dragton.” said Astolfo.
“I’m more worried than excited.”
“Queen Tava any news of an attack in Dragton?” asked Rylee.
“No. It’s all quite right now, but I can’t say for how long. Bargrossa isn’t known for patience.” Tava said.
“You still have time, but you should hurry!” said a mysterious knight that approached.
The Elven soldiers suddenly drew their swords and placed themselves Lady Queen Tava and this mystery man, as to Elven protocol. “Identify yourself, NOW, or died where you stand!” one of them stated.
“I mean you no harm,” the man said still not complying to remove his helmet.
“I said identify yourself now!” The Elven knight was getting impatient.
“I’m afraid I cannot do that, not yet.”
“I am Your Queen, and I order you to reveal yourself!” commanded Tava.
“<sigh>Fine, so be it. You have always been the most stubborn of my children.” The man gently removed his helmet and almost instantly, both Elven Knights dropped to one knee and bowed their heads. Tava herself, simply just stood, frozen in place with the look of shock and surprise on her face. Almost like she was looking at a ghost.
“Father?! Is that really you?” Tava finally spoke.
“It’s so good to see you. You made me so proud.”
“I don’t understand. How is this possible?” Tava asked. “I saw your body burn.”
“What you saw was not me, but a body double enchanted with my exact looks.”
“Queen Tava? Who is this?” asked Kobi.
“My father, Lord King Túron Avácsh”
“Former Lord King.”
“It’s an honor meet you. I am-
“Kobi Hael of the Human Kingdom of Dragton. You are Rylee Campbell, Lieutenant of the Dragon Knights. And you, Astolfo du May, Paladin lieutenant and last true heir of the Sapphire Throne of Arcadia.”
“How did you know all that?” inquired Kobi.
“Since my…death. I have traveled a lot and I’ve seen things, things you should know before you go.”
“What things?”
“Come. Follow me.”
Túron led Kobi and his friends, his own daughter and the two elven knights to a small stone house that was cutting into the rocky hillside near the outskirts of E’la Aiqua. The structure seemed ancient, predating the rest of the city by hundreds if not thousands of years. Túron placed a hand on the wall and almost like magic, a large doorway rattled open revealing a winding staircase going down beneath the city.
Before heading down, Túron turned to his daughter and spoke. “Tava, my dear? I advise you to order your guard to stay here. This is holy ground we are about to go to. Master Hael, Lieutenants Campbell and Astolfo, it is best that you three leave your swords with these soldiers as well.”
“We’ll get them back, right?” asked Rylee.
“Of course, but they must stay here. Weapons are not permitted inside.” Túron answered.
After leaving their swords with the Elven guards. Kobi and the others followed the former Lord King down for what seemed like forever. Finally, they walked came into a large room that stood about twenty-five feet from floor to ceiling. A large lit fireplace at the far wall and eight thick pillars lined up along the center width of the room.
Other than the giant fireplace, the whole room was poorly lit, with only a few torch braziers burning on each pillar. Túron walked forward until he was in front of the fireplace. “Master Hael, please step forward.” He stated.
“What’s going to happen to me?” Kobi questioned. “Will I be harmed?”
“I assure you; you will be fine. The fire is designed to show your destiny and what will await you soon.”
“Future seeing is forbidden by Elven law! Not to mention in accurate.” State Tava.
“This predates any elven law. In fact, the culture that designed it predates elves in general.” Explained Túron.
“Elven culture is the oldest on Iiauskana. So, what could possibly predate it.” Wondered Astolfo.
“Centaurian! The keepers of Time and Space.” Túron paused. “But we talked long enough. Go on Master Hael, stick your hand in flame.”
“Um…o…k?” Kobi said as he stretched out his arm and reached into the fire. For several moments, Kobi experienced multiple flashes of what seemed to memories, these flashes were soon followed by a sudden and overwhelming sense of pain; and Kobi let out an excruciating scream before falling to the floor.
Quickly, both Rylee and Astolfo rushed over to him. “Kobi are you alright?” Rylee said, concerned.
“What the hell did you do!” Astolfo threatened while glaring at Túron.
“Master Hael…Kobi, tell me what it was that you saw?” Túron said grabbing Kobi’s shoulders.
“BACK OFF! You done enough! I should-
“It’s ok Astolfo. I’m all right.” Said Kobi, regaining his footing.
“Tell me Kobi, what you saw in the flames?” Túron repeated.
“I don’t know, I saw flashes, blurred images. It is all unclear. I’m sorry,”
“I can clear up the images and help you make sense of what you saw if you let me.” Túron replied again.
“Kobi don’t, I have a bad feeling.” Said Rylee.
“It’s ok, I need to do this. Help understand these flashes.”
“Ok, close your eyes and hold very still.” Túron said placing his hand on Kobi’s forehead. “Concentrate and focus on the first set of images. Tell me what you see?”
“Um…mountains and…snow”
“What else do you see?”
“A fort, it’s buried in the snow. There’s soldiers coming down from the mountain and marching north?”
“It is the Snow-Wolf Pass and the guarding garrison you see and as for the soldiers. What do they look like?”
“They have black armor, and banners with a gray wolf.”
“The army of Bargrossa! It’s the invasion!” Rylee stated again.
“Anything else?”
“Um, a town, not just any town. My hometown, Royton Vasey…it is…it is burning! Oh gods, ah! Stop!” Kobi yell, grabbing his head and pulling away from Túron.
“That’s enough father!” commanded Tava.
That evening, while onboard the Golden Empress. Kobi pondered over what he saw in the flames. He still was not sure if it all was true or just some sick magic trick. Whatever the case he one thing was for certain, he had to get back Dragton and find Sarah so that he could protect her from what might be coming.

****

About the same time in Ablion, Sarah was beginning to face her own fate as she hosted the bounty hunters, Tirance and Colton, at the Hael Estate. The power that lay dormant within her blood was starting to awaken. The same power that Dana was known for before her ascension. Sarah first began to feel lightheaded and dizzy as she listened to Tirance go on about one of his bounties since he first met her and Kobi. Midway through Tirance’s story, Sarah collapsed taking a chair down with her. Tirance and Colton immediately rushed over to her.
Her breathing labored, and her forehead was hot to touch. Tirance pick her up and carried her to the bedroom while Colton rushed out to find a healer at Sora’s request. Even with her own healing abilities, she knew that she could not do much.
After several hours, the healer determined that Sarah’s illness was neither health nor caused from her pregnancy. He said that the cause was most likely magical in nature, but he also said that he never seen a case this severe. Most cases of magic related illnesses were somewhat mild and often responded to treatment. However, Sarah was not improving and was in fact getting worse.
The healer mentioned that there was another treatment option he could try, a special rite of sorts; but it would be extremely dangerous giving Sarah’s current condition. He asked Tirance and Colton if she had any next of kin in the city. Of course, not knowing much about her until a few months ago, Tirance said that her closest relation was her recent boyfriend, Kobi Heal, whom Sora said was on assignment for High King Brandon.
More hours went on by before Sarah began to wake. Tirance was still there not wanting to leave her alone while she was out cold. He was a bit of a softy, though he might debate it. The healer left almost as soon as he had arrived, but not without taking some of Sarah’s blood since the magical energies in her were so strong it warranted further study. “Where am I?” Sarah groaned.
“You’re awake, good,” Tirance replied. “You are in your home, I carried you to your bed after you collapsed yesterday.”
“Where’s Sora?”
“Here I am Ms. Sarah!” replied Sora, flying out of an open drawer.
“You know when Kobi will be back?”
“I’m not sure, Sarah.” said Tirance. “I talked to an official from the High Council who said that he was still in Iiauskana.”
“Oh,” Sarah said, holding her knees close to her chest. “I want him back so bad.” She continued with a couple tears starting to develop in her eyes.
“It’s understandable, you miss him” Tirance consoled. “I’d offer to stay, but me and Colton must be heading out soon.”
“Don’t go! Not yet.”
Tirance paced away a few feet and sighed. “I suppose I can stay for a couple days until you’re back on your feet. Colton still needs find out exactly where our target will be.”

****

Somewhere in the northmost part of the Golden Hills in Dragton, Bryon Velastegui was walked out of the makeshift tent at the ruins of Amsa to meet with the representative from the Golden Knights Mercenary Company. Bryon, now captain of the rebel forces in this area, and as such, it was his duty to talk terms with any potential ally the Rebellion might have.
According talk around the camp, the representative was quite well-known, both in the Company and throughout the whole of Andorra. The common folk called her ‘Artoria the Mighty.’ A name she relished. She was accompanied by two of her fellow mercenaries, their golden armor giving them away even before Bryon got close. “Hello, sorry to keep you waiting. I’m still not quite use to this cold.” Bryon said, as he walked up. “I trust that you’re here to talk terms for manpower in our cause?”
“Yes, we are,” replied Artoria. “The invoice provided by a Micheal Velastegui, stated that you are looking to hire our services for 20,000 men, correct?”
“Yes. We plan on taking the city of Fydale, preferably with the least amount of bloodshed if possible.”
“I can’t promise that there won’t be bloodshed, but our soldiers are yours to command. Providing that you pay the appropriate sum, of course.”
“What’s your price?”
“Forty thousand gold dragons, all up front.”
“Forty huh,” Bryon paced a couple of feet to his right before turning back. “We can pay you thirty thousand now and another fifty after we take the city. Deal?” Bryon continued, hold out his hand.
Artoria looked once at the knight to her right, then to the other before she raised a side smile and nodded. “We have a deal as long as you pay up.” She said grabbing Bryon’s hand.
“You have my word.”
After composing a letter to her commanders about the deal, Artoria spent the rest of the day walking through the encampment. She wanted to check out the ‘soldiers’ that she would be fighting alongside. “These people are not but common farmers and merchants with minimal combat experience.” Artoria thought to herself.
It was not long before she came across the command center, which was settled in old Town Hall of Amsa. And though the building was in shambles with no roof to speak of, it was still a remarkable sight for sure. The Dagor were truly masters of all the architectural marvels before the time of Man…and yet, there was a familiarity that Artoria could not place. Like she had been here before. In a past life…maybe?
The inside of the Hall, though mostly exposed now, seemed to be froze in time. Almost like some sort of magic spell was keeping everything so well-preserved that would seem that the Dagor abandoned the city yesterday. In all her years, Artoria felt in ah as she walked through till, she came to the War Room to find Bryon discussing attack details with his commanders. Artoria knocked on the open door as she walked in. “Excuse me? Might I come in?” she asked.
“Of course, miss…” Bryon paused. “I’m sorry, I don’t believe I got your last name?”
“I never gave it. My family name does not exactly get a lot of respect in Dragton. I just simply go by Artoria, nothing more.”
“Ok, Artoria. We were just talking about the best ways to launch our attack. When can we expect your mercenaries?”
“I just sent word to the Company this morning, so you will have the Golden Knights by the end of the week.” Stated Artoria.
“I see,” Bryon paused, walking around to the head of the table. “Then we shall attack Fydale the fortnight after the arrival of the Golden Knight Mercenaries. Any objections?”
A unison ‘no’ from all the commanders filled the ancient room echoing off the walls before everyone began to separate and go about their regular duties. Only Bryon and Artoria remained. Artoria slow walked alongside the war table, looking at the little figures the were meant to represent the rebel forces perched on a map of Northern Dragton. “You know? You don’t really come off as a militia leader.” asked Artoria.
“I’m not. It’s only while my father is away in Ceden,” Bryon looked up. “What about you? You don’t look like the mercenary type. What’s your deal?”
“That’s complicated.” Artoria said turning to leave.
“So is life. Come on, tell me. I promise not to utter a word to everyone.”
“It’s personal and my business! So drop it!” yelled Artoria.
“Ok, fine. Business not pleasure,” Bryon said walking away from the table. “Your mercenaries, will they be bringing any siege equipment?” he asked.
“I said to bring a battering ram and four siege towers. Anything else?”
“No. That will be it, Artoria. You are dismissed.”

****

Meanwhile in the Forbidding Desert, Brandon, now at the sacred Abbey of Swords, was walking the its halls of its most distinguished sword masters. Nomads really knew how to honor their heroes in a way that seemed to rival any memorial of Dragton. Brandon stopped in front of the statue of one Nomadic Hero. The name plate at the base read:

Hirai Sasaki:
Sword-Dancer and Master of the Sheai
Died in Battle:
1A-377

Ever since he was a little boy, Brandon had always been interested in ancient Nomadic history. More Specifically, that of the form of magic the Nomads know as the Spirit Sword. He wanted to know why only Nomads could use it and why it was no longer a thing, if it ever was. Reaching into his pocket, Brandon grabbed a piece of flint and a striker to light the candle that was parched near the statue’s feet; before he clapped his hands together and bowed his head.
It was in this moment that he was joined by two people that were walking past. One was Dragtonian like Brandon and he seemed to recognize him. “Brandon? Brandon Tront? Is that really you?” he said.
“Howard Dane? What are you doing here, my brother?”
“Uncovering a Gnomic lost city, remember. You authorized the expedition.”
“I did?”
“Yeah, I have the official order right here,” Howard said, pulling out a rolled up piece of paper.
“I remember you doing research on this project, but this order is dated on the day I was away with Jamie?” Brandon questioned.
“If you didn’t authorize it than who?”
“It must have been my uncle, High Councilor Séguier. Why did he not inform me?”
“So, since you had no knowledge of this expedition. Do I have your blessing to continue? We already made some extraordinary discoveries.” Inquired Howard.
“Yes, of course. In fact, why don’t you fill me in with what you found? I still have some time before the summit.”
“Oh, you’ll going to love this. Come with to my chambers.”
Howard Dane led Brandon for a few minutes until they came to a large bedroom on the second floor of the Abbey. The room looked more like some study hall than a bedroom. Apart from the bed near the far corner and the dressers there was ancient statues, artifacts, tombs and scrolls scattered all over the floor and tables. Howard walked over to the centered-most table and picked up one of the artifacts. “Check this out?” he said to Brandon, who looked over the artifact closely.
“What is it?”
“It’s an carving knife for creating stone slates,”
“I see, but it looks Dwarven not Gnomic.”
“That’s because it is Dwarven.” Howard said excitingly.
“How can that be? The Dwarves as far we know never migrated between continents.”
“I have a theory about that.”
“Go on?”
“Well, as you just said, Dwarves have never left Arren before; largely because of their fear of water,”
“Right?”
“I believe that these Dwarves didn’t come from Arren, but right here in the Forbidding Desert.”
“But why haven’t we found any trace of them before now?”
“Maybe because their culture was overtaken by the Gnomes or even the early Nomadic tribes. Take your pick.”
“It might be the lost Gnomic city, but you surely have changed history.”
“And there’s still much more to uncover.”
Suddenly a knock appeared at the door that interrupted Brandon Howard’s discussion. It was one of the Nomadic attendees for the Lord Regent of Farhold. “Excuse me, Professor Dane?” he spoke.
“Yes? Can I help you?” replied Howard.
“I’m here for High King Brandon. The Summit is about to begin.”
“And now to my least favorite activity, politics.” Brandon said sarcastically. “Keep up the work Howard. If anyone can find the lost city, it’s you.”