Battle of Cardell

The group approached the villages surrounding the castle but hid in the shadows of the trees. Men in black armor patrolled the village.

Odi pulled Amias aside. "I know that since we first met on Wakemark, you did not like me very much, and rightfully so. I was a Nite," Odi paused, collecting his thoughts. "I just wanted you to know that I'm glad we met."

Amias smiled at his friend. "I'm glad too."

____________________________________

"There are only a few guards guarding the castle at this time," Odi said as the group inched closer to the gate. "On three, we charge past them and into the throne room which is just on the other side of the main door. Amias, go to the villages and gather anyone willing to help us fight." Amias nodded and rode off toward the villages.

The group dismounted their horses and snuck as close as they could to the gate without being seen. Askari came with Lauren in an attempt to protect her for Mlinzi. Odi held up one finger, then two, and then three. "Now!" he yelled. Lauren and William drew their swords and charged the guards. William curled his hand as a burning ball of solar light formed and he flung it at the guards. Lauren remembered how he told her that each knight had their own element. Lauren led the charge through the door and into the throne room.

The walls of the throne room were pure white with dark details etched on the walls. Nites lined the room, standing at attention. A red wool rug lined the path from the door to the onyx throne. A man cloaked with dark fur robes sat on the throne. Across his lap, lay a silver sword. In the middle of the cross-guard, lay a golden rose. Lauren suddenly remembered her dream. Ben had said something about a flower he needed to save him. That was it! Lauren nudged Odi and told him what she had discovered. Odi's eyes widened and nodded.

Icas Thornton sheathed his sword and stood. He smiled as he slowly approached Lauren. "Ah, the prophesied Moonstar. I was beginning to wonder if you would show up. May I ask what brings you here?"

Lauren gritted her teeth. "You know darn well why I'm here. I'm here to give the Eddeathrians back their country."

Icas's smile dropped when he saw Odi standing next to Lauren. "I had such big plans for you Odi. Just like Fallon."

Lauren's heart dropped when she heard Icas mention Amias's father.

"Speaking of which, I do not see the brave son of Fallon," he chuckled to himself.

"He's on his way!" Lauren spat back. "He's gathering reinforcements from the village!"

"So he's at the village?" Icas said. Lauren instantly realized that Icas had tricked the information out of her. Icas turned to his guards. "Find the brat and bring him to me." The guards bowed and left the room. I just doomed us. Lauren thought. An outburst startled her from her thoughts.

"You were one of us!" Elina shouted, then she hesitated. "I-I loved you!" Lauren's eyes widened. That's why Elina was so untrusting of her. She didn't want anyone else to betray her. Maline placed a hand on her friend's shoulder.

Lauren noticed a hint of sadness in Icas's eyes before it left. "It didn't have to be that way," he said.

"I told you before, I will not join you," Elina said, crossing her arms over her chest."

Icas's eyes darkened. "Have it your way. Guards!"

A dozen guards entered the room with swords drawn and crossbows at the ready.

"This is it," William said, walking up next to Lauren who focussed her attention on Icas again.

"Icas, you have one chance. Step down and leave Eddeathra."

"No," was his only answer.

Lauren nodded, understanding. She turned to her friends. "Ready?" Everyone nodded. She turned back to Icas and the Nites. "For Fallon! For Eddeathra!"

________________________________

The battle was in full swing. The Knights of Evermore fought using their magic abilities while Lauren fought Icas with her sword. Askari stopped any Nites from trying to kill Lauren from behind. Lauren and Icas exchanged blows with their swords. Lauren had practically never held a sword before and was trusting her instincts and somehow, she wasn't dead. Icas, who had been very well trained, could not understand why this teenager was putting up such a fight.

Suddenly, the large doors to the throne room were thrust open. A hundred village men stood, with their weapons ready. In the middle, stood Amias, glaring daggers at Icas. Taking advantage of Lauren's distraction, he raised his sword and brought it down, full force.

Lauren raised her sword just in time to block the blow. The tip of Icas's connected with the cross-guard of Lauren's sword, right where the Starstone lay. The Starstone shattered upon impact. The fighting immediately stopped. Everyone turned to see pieces of turquoise glass-like stone flying everywhere. The Starstone was gone.