Enemy of My Enemy

The Land of Dawn is now covered in darkness. Cities were left in ruins and those who surrendered were forced to work for their own conqueror. The remaining tribes who were trying to oppose the new power were left hiding in caves and mountains, doing their best to rally together and find a way to save the Land of Dawn. The Celestial Palace, which was once a home for the gods is now a stronghold for refugees and survivors of the burnt kingdoms.

Famine spread throughout the land. The areas that are far from the streams experienced drought. Majority of the animals were left untended that they started to eat each other's carcasses.

"How did we get here? How did not one of our protectors predicted this very moment?" These are the questions that bug the mind of the citizens of the fallen cities. The people were divided and that's what Khufra the tyrant was really waiting for—Division.

Where It All Began

Centuries ago, Khufra, a tyrant who tried to conquer the Land of Dawn was cursed by his very own partner, Eslora into a deep sleep. Eslora loved Khufra that though her tribe didn't give Khufra powers when he requested for one, she still gave him one. The reason why Eslora bounded her husband is that she thinks Khufra's quest for power is already too much. That is why, though Khufra is someone that she really values, she did what she thought best and finally end her lover's cruelty. Unfortunately, hundreds of years later, an earthquake occurred and the monument built by Eslora for Khufra was destroyed. This cataclysmic event unbounded Khufra and awakened him from his slumber.

Days after Khufra's release from his grave, he immediately went out to look for people who can help him start his quest for power again. He remained in the shadows of the jungle for a very long time, pondering about the betrayal of her love. He spent most of his time listening to the stories of those who pass by the jungle so he could get more information about how this new world has been operating. The people of this century wouldn't recognize him and kids will surely be afraid of his appearance. Aside from that, once they know that he's alive, they will surely stop him and that's the last thing he wants to do. He can't let his plans halted again.

The Land of Dawn that Khufra woke up to is so different from how it was before. The technology's better and the population is booming. The races were at peace with each other and the darkness was at bay. Everything's as peaceful as the forest he's currently staying at. The sound of the chirping birds and the breeze of the southern wind that makes the trees whisper is the proof of that.

"No, let's stay away from this part of the jungle."

The tyrant heard a small voice 30-40 meters away from his position. This made him ran towards a large cave and listened there until the intruder's gone. A young lady with a large scythe who was wearing a red Robe named Ruby and her friends from the Elf Kingdom named Harith and Nana were hunting for wild boars in the jungle when they passed by the cave where Khufra is.

"My parents told me to stay away from this part of the jungle because this is near the place where the legendary blacksmith's prison is located." said Ruby.

"Blacksmith?" asked Harith.

"He's one of the leaders and the best blacksmiths of our clan. Legend says he's the one who made the hammer used by the son of Minos. He was imprisoned somewhere for not complying to the orders of the king which is his older brother. This blacksmith declined because he thinks his brother king stole Vexana's hands from him.

That was the day that Khufra's been waiting for. The young girl's story rang a bell at the back of his head. He needs people who hate the Land of Dawn to start the chaos that he's planning. Khufra's not sure if the story was true since it was told by a kid but he thought that if it will make him one step closer to his planned domination, it's worth checking. He needs to find this man called the Blacksmith and ask for his help.

Motivated by hatred and power, Khufra didn't waste any moment. He waited 'til it's dark and then started to roam around the forest looking for the prison.

"The hammer of Minos is something that the people of the Land of Dawn fears and if this blacksmith is the one who made it, then he can also give me the power I need."

He was already losing hope when he remembered that he has the power to speak to the stars in the sky, a power Eslora gave her before she betrayed him. This power is how astrologers see the past and also predict the possibilities in the future. Since stars have been there for a very long time, they see everything that's happened down below.

"Vega, the northern star, speak to me." said Khufra.

"Is it true that there's a blacksmith prince who was imprisoned for not following the order of the king of Martens?"

"Yes. Who you're looking for is near the shortest mountains to the west." answered Vega.

The power left by her former lover and astrologer Eslora still proved itself useful to him after all. When Khufra found out that it was true, he didn't waste a minute and traveled to the prison before the dawn appears. The tyrant arrived in his destination and saw an arc-shaped building hidden below the dead mountain. He peeped and saw a man lying on the ground. With the use of his powers, he broke the lock and immediately ran towards the man to check if he's still alive.

The blacksmith was so surprised by the appearance of Khufra that he stood up and grabbed his large hammer preparing to fight.

"I'm not your enemy, child. Our enemy are those that put you here." said Khufra.

"Our?" asked the blacksmith.

Khufra told the prisoner the reason why he went there is that he needs his help and that he will free him in exchange for his loyalty. The blacksmith declined the request since he hates tyrants—they make him remember his brother king. The blacksmith wants to get revenge but not by doing it with someone who craves the same power as the people who imprisoned him. Her beloved queen Vexana, the one that he secretly loves, the reason why he did his best to become the best blacksmith of the land is also gone so he doesn't have a reason to fight anymore. Imprisoned for years, the blacksmith lost all hope.

Khufra laughed at the prisoner's reason for denial.

"I was betrayed by my very own love centuries ago and I want to bring her back just so I could get revenge and destroy her again and again. But you, your intentions were pure and I know that you were different from me. I could help you get your queen back if you want."

"How can you do that? Even the Queen's personal doctor, the smartest among the land—Faramis—was not able to help her when she started to lose herself for the demon. What assurance can you give to me?" replied the Blacksmith.

"My child, you've been imprisoned for years, you don't know how this world can make you powerful again. I can help you. What's your name?"

"Terizla." replied the blacksmith.