Chapter III: The Alliance

Within a couple of hours, the rumor that Fideran had been attacked arrived in Nakhil's land, the Necromancer's home. The rumors said that Fideran wasn't attacked by an army. No. It was plundered by three people and that they had taken a single item from the Royal Vault: The Scroll. Said rumors were summed by the fact that the leader of Iradrius, Ercdrul, who possessed one of the three Scrolls, had been killed for the same reason.

                These uncommon actions drew Rallevec's attention and gave him the opportunity of obtaining two Scrolls in one place. Maybe, who knows, even the three Scrolls?

                And he thought so.

                Through years, from the moment he heard about Kiranara's death, he started his search for the Arcane Scrolls. He studied about her, tirelessly. Initially, to know how had she obtained such power. But with time, without notice, he already knew enough about her to a point where he was fascinated. He hired countless master writers from throughout the world to study her and write about her abilities and personality, to obtain the maximum amount of information about her that he still didn't know and that was possible to do so. He always had in mind to meet her in person, question her about her ideas and learn from the source how she had the idea of creating such a fascinating power.

                When he found out about her death, he felt desolated at the same that he wished that he was there to bring her back, to learn with her all she had to teach, and much more. To a student of the dead, death isn't the end, but a process. It was more than fascination that he had towards that powerful mage. It was devotion, even without ever having the opportunity to visit the Sect, but if an opportunity to resurrect Kiranara appeared, he would do everything that he could to do so.

                But his followers were excellent in keeping her far away from greedy people and threats. They took the precaution of maintaining few registers about Kiranara's Crypt.

                - I would give the world in exchange for that information. – He said to himself sometimes.

                The day the news arrived he sent his son, Levvic, to know what was happening around Fideran. He took a few hours until he had a name. A name that made Rallevec very attentive. When his son returned, he told him the name, almost as if he were in a trance, Rallevec repeated:

                - Akhenahi. – He said as he heard his son speaking the name as if he were appreciating a nostalgic flavor. – The person responsible to take the Scroll and maybe the one responsible to take Ercdrul's Scroll, together with his life.

                - Rumors said that she quoted phrases that made the Scroll respond to like a lock and its key.

                Ravellec turned himself to him. His eyes blinked, while he absorbed the information.

                - No one who knows the Sect could have done such a thing. Unless… - He stopped and thought about an alternative and found the conclusion. – That person is a student of the Forbidden Magic that only the Sect has access to.

                - It's possible. The information we collected said that she wore typical clothes from the Sect and she didn't try to hide that.

                Ravellec touched a pile of books written about Kiranara as if he were caressing her face. For a moment he stood there, silent, while he faced the stars, distracted. Levvic resumed speaking:

                - Maybe she's reuniting the Scrolls to bring Kiranara back so that she could guide the Sect once again.

                Those words brought life to the Necromancer's actions. He moved quickly through the tools located inside the lab, something Levvic hadn't seen in many years.

                - A fascinating thought, I must say. If we get to her we can, finally, obtain information on Kiranara's Crypt whereabouts.

                - How about the Scrolls?

                - We may need them to obtain the power necessary to bring her back.

                - And what makes you think, my lord, that once Kiranara is on your side that she'll contribute to your ideas and objectives?

                The Necromancer turned to him, expressionless:

                - There's no certainty until we see it by ourselves. I studied about her for years, I learned so little because the hundreds of books about her were mere compilations of summaries, even though they were wisely put together. There'll be no certainty that she'll be on our side and will contribute. However, there's another side to this bet, the side that she could cooperate with us and bring with her a power that never before was wielded by us.

                - But what you'll do once you've done her rebirth?

                - She'll have enough power, I believe, to recreate the Sect. If I bring her Council of faithful followers to her, it's possible that she transcends to an even higher level and that she may see me as a very useful man.

                - Father, what will you get out of this? Power? Glory? Satisfaction?

                - Yes, I'll earn something, that's for sure. What's most important isn't the acquired power or the earned glory, but to learn at a more ample and elevated level. She initiated many studies about magic, those of which are so innovative that not even the wisest person alive could wield it with prowess.

                Levvic saw in that a way to do dangerous things. Kiranara wouldn't enjoy being his servant or maybe she wouldn't like to return. It was too risky of a bet.

                - Bring her back can be your death sentence. There's no need for a master when you already know all their methods. We should only take her books and documents to ourselves.

                - But there's a need when you don't understand them fully. – Rallevec interrupted him. Without expressing rage or any other emotion, he resumed. – Don't you understand that to keep the power, you must control the one who it belongs to? There are no guarantees that we will, but look! Through years of thorough study in the art of necromancy, as if I were planting mistakes and harvesting failure. Through years, I've been coming to this place to study, a place that I adopted, however, I couldn't raise my power, even by a little bit, once I had already reached the peak of necromancy in all of its segments. Proceed with the same methods without different results won't give you what you need nor it'll give you what you desire, son.

                - Control who has power won't be a guarantee that you'll have obeyance! Your fanatism for Kiranara made you become an unfit master in the art of seeking new ways or other solutions for the problems.

                Those words had hit the mage's pride. But Rallevec was a man who learned to triumph over any kind of insult to him. When he spoke, he completely ignored his son's words:

                - You must find Akhenahi, learn about her, discover her objectives, and, if possible, bring her to me as soon as possible. Spy her and find out, as well, what does she intend to do when she manages to gather all three Scrolls. Even though she looks like she's from the Sect, I believe that she doesn't have enough ability in the art of necromancy, so if she reacts differently from what's expected, you must be following everything that happens. Go. The sooner you start your mission, the sooner you'll finish it.

                - This mission will be a complete failure…

                - Go! – Rallevec ordered this time, not because he was impatient, but due to his son's insistency. – There is no doubt that things had changed in a small time frame. We must be prepared, we must prevent ourselves from being left behind, obsolete and useless. My inactivity time's over. I'll return to the world and I'll be successful and you'll be a part of that, both on the execution, as well as on the process.

                While they spoke in his castle's dungeon. Some apprentices came, desperate, to see their master. They brought messages from the frontier sentinels. When they entered the laboratory, Rallevec gave his attention to one of them.

                - Master, I bring with us a message from Ehil, from the Frontier Guard.

                It's wasn't necessary to open and read each one of the sent messages. The frontier guards hardly ever sent messages, except in very specific cases that needed the urgent attention of Rallevec. On the first message, he quickly understood that Kendra, Sister of the Eoni-S'hai Brotherhood and Saelle's ally, has started an onslaught against his domains.

                - Go immediately, Levvic. Kendra will arrive here quickly. Go through the trail and go through the forgotten mountains and from there go to Nagstt. The third and last Arcane Scroll is in the hands of the arazna people. Consequentially, sooner or later Akhenahi will turn her attention to that place.

                - Yes, my father. I'll send messages as soon as possible.

                When Levvic left the laboratory, Rallevec gave his apprentices instructions. A battle against the Brotherhood was something that wasn't on his plans. What intrigued him was the reason why he had become the target of this sudden attention, even though there have been many years since Fideran had made their last onslaught. It was ironic, Rallevec had deduced. Being attacked again after years, once he had in his hands the vengeance of suffering an attack that almost killed him. He once again deduced, the irony. "Death," he thought, a master of necromancy, dead? I don't think so.

                He didn't have the notion if the army sent to his domain was too big or too powerful. Any ways, his power, and his territorial resistance wouldn't last long if the battle dragged on for too long. Except for the apprentices, there only remained a few skeleton warriors. This is because Nakhail has always been lacking in resources and the reason why Rallevec decided to move there was because he would have some peace with his experiments, even though from time to time, he had to search in other places for substantial resources. The necromancy studies require live research subjects, dead ones, and ones beyond death. His apprentices were collected like herbs in a field of rocks in forgotten villages. He taught them enough so that they took for themselves the only path they believed to be the true one and now there would be a reason strong enough for them to put those abilities to good use.

*****

                In Ghard there were two things that the people from Fideran always respected. One of them was the similarity that these people had to prefer peace over war. The other, their Brotherhood.

                In Ghard there are no rulers, there are no vassals from distant kingdoms, nor do they accept sovereignty in any way that manifests itself. The people of Ghard, from the moment, that that place originated itself, they opted for freedom and peace. It wasn't a land suitable for looting, however. Their Eoni-S'hai Brotherhood was led by a fair, loving, and strong woman.

                Kendra.

                This woman is responsible for maintaining an alliance with Fideran, as well as a helper in case of need. Saelle sent a request for help not out of necessity or want to get revenge on Akhenahi. Her fear, however, was that the scroll could've been taken into Rallevec's hands. Both had no sympathy for the necromancer and often made large investments to keep him away from their land. After years without news of his machinations, it was better to leave him in his forgotten and abandoned lands.

                Until now.

                Kendra had only one name, some characteristics, and a sense of who would like to have the Scroll in hands. Akhenahi, according to Saelle, could have been sent by Rallevec and Kendra thought likewise.

                On the morning of the other day that the attack on the Royal Vault took place, the Brotherhood was already aware of what had happened and they headed towards the necromancer's lands, killing any aberrations along the way that should have been long dead.

                Then, after a day of travel, they finally arrived at the dark gates at the entrance to the castle. The silence wasn't a surprise. What surprised Kendra and the others was that they came so close to the castle without being attacked.

                "Too suspicious." Kendra thought. "What would that be". She thought again when she saw some wizards in the highest tower of the castle preparing a spell.

                - Get ready! All this lull was nothing more than a distraction to a trap!

                The apprentices launched a magical sphere into the sky, which broke out and liberated souls towards the Brotherhood. When they were close to their targets, souls entered the earth, ignoring them completely. The earthquake opened cracks in the floor and skeletons with armor appeared.

                - There is your reception, Kendra, are you happy? - Rzus joked.               

                - It was to be expected that there was some trickery. Sarzen prepares his elemental warriors to keep us from being surrounded.

                - Immediately.

                The magician prepared the magic and threw it around. Some ice warriors took shape.

                - Rend, be prepared to cast destructive spells.

                - Alright.

                The skeletons attacked. Some were frozen and destroyed, others dismantled. A disassembled skeleton rose immediately. His mocking laughs were ominous. Their voices were uncomfortable:

                - We'll cut your flesh.

                - We'll impale you.

                - I want to dismember them.

                Kendra paid no attention to the whispered threats. She was used to facing creatures of the most varied types. Undead were no exception. The problem was that the undead had their dirty, unimaginable, deadly tricks.

                She drew her sword and poured a potion on her blade. She turned to the undead who was coming towards her and struck the first blow. When the blade hit the target, the potion's effect was initiated and his skeletal body collapsed into a pile of dust and armor.

                The apprentice responsible for the summoning spell had them to kill her first. The rest forced the skeletons to obey. Some were prevented from moving, precisely because they were frozen on the ground.

                - They are decreasing in numbers. We must increase the strength a little more or we'll lose to the skeletons before reaching the targets. - Zaldgin spoke to Arredius, who was responsible for the attack.

                - Rend, destroy the remaining ones!

                They heard the order. It was too late now to cast a protective spell. Rend did as he was told and destroyed the rest with the magic of light.

                The explosion blew black smoke into the air, ending the battle.

                Kendra screamed:

                - Tell your master that we came to take satisfaction of what happened in Fideran. If he doesn't show up, we'll bring that castle down immediately.

                - You won't be able to talk to the master. He's not to be found. He left the castle a few hours ago.

                Was that a lie? Maybe not. What does not make sense is that Rallevec left his disciples as if abandoned.

                - I'll ask just one more time. We don't have time for games. Where's the Necromancer?

                It was difficult to believe in mere apprentices, Arredius inferred impatiently. He thought it best to speak the truth:

                - Our master left and left us here to take care of his castle until he returns. I don't know what you want, but we didn't do anything against Fideran. You're the one who is acting with an attack.

                - I think you did. - Kendra threatened.

                Arredius did not like threats. He reacted to the threat as if offended:

                - We didn't attack Fideran. If you're not going to believe me, then why should I listen to you? Go away. You are no longer welcome here.

                - Be careful what you say, boy. - Rend threatened.

                Again, another threat. Arredius has always had a personality that is easily irritated and likes to go straight to the point:

                - You invade my master's lands believing that he has something to do with events from other kingdoms. You demand answers since we're not the guilty people. You threaten us in the place where our master has the highest voice. We won't tell you anything. Go away or come up to us and fight.

                He pointed to Kendra:

                - If you come, you will know hell.

                Kendra ordered Rzus to come up and bring that talkative boy to him. Arredius prepared his sword and ordered the rest to keep their distance. When Rzus reached him through his ability to fly, Arredius didn't wait. He struck him without mercy.

                Kendra saw him being thrown against a pillar. The other apprentices conjured bone claws that pinned him to the wall. Unable to break free, Arredius used the moment to deliver a death blow to him.

                - No! Kendra shouted.

                But Arredius didn't listen. The blade went through the body and made a sound when it hit the pillar. Rzus shouted, Arredius removed the sword and ordered him to begin the transformation.

                Within moments, Rzus had died. Shortly thereafter, the apprentices turned him into an undead obedient to his orders:

                - Get up and kill them.

                Kendra saw him go down at full speed in an insane frenzy. There was no way to cure it. Without her ordering, Rend cast magic of light.

                - I'm sorry Kendra, but he stopped being Rzus the instant he died.

                She saw an explosion. The remaining blackened pieces fell to the floor.

                - Rzus! - His voice came out angry. - You, apprentice necromancer don't know what you did. I came to get answers and not a fight. You did this and you will pay.

                With a gesture and an order, he advanced on the castle. He ordered them to destroy the gate. They went in, but they didn't find anyone. Everything was silent. Kendra went up the flights of stairs until she reached where the apprentices were supposed to be. However, there was no one else there. It was gone. Then she heard an explosion sound below. Such an explosion affected the structure so that the tower where it was started to collapse.

                Kendra ran as cracks opened and stones collapsed around her. He barely made it to the door leading to the stairs. Right behind, the structure gave way and collapsed. Another explosion occurred from a different location and through a hole in the wall, he saw the apprentices, cowardly surrounding Rend and murdering him mercilessly.

                Five blades sank into his body. Rend made a cry of pain. The last one.

                - Do it again. - Arredius ordered. He turned to Kendra and spoke to him. - Those who die tend to obey us. You will be next.

                - Don't fool yourself. I won't' fall for your tricks.

                She went down the stairs. Arredius took a different path that would lead to her.

                Sarzen was lost. That castle had many similar structures as if it were done almost as a reflection of the structure on the opposite side.

                The ice warriors accompanied him. Suddenly, he heard an explosion and then a scream. That voice was Rend's.

                - I can't believe it!

                The structure had been shaken. The ground shook and cracks appeared. Sarzen quickly fled to escape the fall. He passed a corridor that led to the right. Next to him, some statues gave way and fell on his warriors, resulting in an impact that made him run to the nearest door. As he walked through the door, he noticed that it was another corridor. Farther back the ground sizzled, cracked, and gave way. There was no time to stop and think about what came next.

                As the structure on the opposite side of the castle gave way, Kendra and Arredius fought. Blade by blade, but Arredius was having trouble keeping up with the combat experience that Kendra had acquired over the years. He decided to change the tactic. In an opportune moment, he took her arm and threw it against a pile of books. She quickly recovered and got up. When he came over to deliver a blow, Kendra grabbed him by the hood of his tunic and tossed him on a table. The crash of the blow echoed through the laboratory.

                That laboratory was Rallevec's, but for the moment, it became a place opposite to calm and meditation. It has become an arena.

                Arredius rolled to the right to avoid the blow. While the blade hit the table, he was already on his feet. In one movement, he kicked the table with all his strength. Kendra was thrown back and hit a gigantic test tube. His sword was stuck on the table. Arredius didn't give her time to think and jumped on the table.

                "He's young, and therefore fast," she thought. "And because he's fast, his muscle mass is light".

                When Arredius prepared to deliver the blow, the woman grabbed his leg with both hands and used all her strength, and threw him against a glass structure next to the observatory window. The shattering of the glass didn't stop Kendra from advancing on him and hitting him in the face with a hard punch. Then, holding him with both hands, she spun on her heels and tossed it through the window. Again, you hear the sound of glass shattering. Arredius fell on the test floor, which is in a place that can be checked through the window. Next to the window was an iron door. Kendra retrieved her sword and went through it.

                The boy was standing there waiting for her.

                - Give it up boy. I don't want to kill you. Don't force me to do that.

                -I cannot allow you to do as you please in my master's castle.

                - Your master owes explanations. I came to talk to him and would only draw my sword as a last resort. You didn't give me a choice.

                - I had said he wasn't here. That we had nothing to do with the problems of other kingdoms. This is Nakhil, not Fideran. You won't find an answer here.

                - In that case, you'll come with me.

                Arredius prepared himself:

                - We'll see.

                Kendra took one of his potions from his belt and threw it directly at the boy's face. In extinction, she cut it in two, causing the flask to release the liquid which, when it comes in contact with the air, quickly becomes gaseous.

                The smoke was moving fast. Arredius felt his body go to sleep.

                - You're going to sleep. When you wake up, you'll no longer be in Nakhil. stupid wizard.

                Sarzen ran down cracked stairs, which collapsed quickly. He passed a large hall full of structures and noticed, to his surprise, that Kendra was carrying one of the apprentices.

                - Kendra! We should get out of here fast!

                Upon hearing her name, she looked in Sarzen's direction and realized that the state of the structure was critical.

                - Let's go down here! - She pointed to a door.

                - All right. - Sarzen agreed as he ran.

                Before they could reach the door, the sound of the structure giving way alarmed even more. The less structured places had collapsed. A cloud of dust rose immediately. The problem with the fall was that half of the castle had been destroyed, as well as some stairs that gave access to the exit.

                Amid the rubble below, Kendra saw the body of Rzus and some apprentices. Perhaps everyone, except for the one she had captured, was dead.

                - Sarzen we must ... – She said when she saw Sarzen.

                Sarzen was dead at her side. When the dust settled, she realized that two had survived and killed him as professional assassins.

                - Drop Arredius! - One of them ordered.

                "So this is your name."

                Kendra threw him to the floor, impatient.

                - I hate killing children. I really do. You're free to go.

                - You'll go. Arredius will stay here with us.

                Kendra drew her sword.

                - I won't give a second chance. That idiot. - She pointed to the passed-out body. - will come with me.

                - We won't allow it. - One of them spoke and they both moved forward.

                Throughout her life, Kendra never wanted to kill children, except when she had no choice. This time, however, it would be two that she would have to kill. The blade cut one and then the other. These were precise cuts to cause painless deaths. When she ended their lives, she felt so disappointed in herself that she made a fire and burned them together with the others.

                She had come looking for answers. In return, she had to kill. She killed those who didn't need to die and didn't get any answers, in addition to having lost their friends.

                With difficulty, but insistently, she went down through the rubble to the entrance to the castle. Her horse was a little far from the entrance, perhaps frightened by what had happened. When she reached it, she placed the boy on it and tied it so that it wouldn't cause any problems or let him fall.

                She looked at the sun that disappeared behind the mountains, in a sad, and at the same time beautiful view. That day had been a lesson that Kendra would never forget.

                - I will never do what I did today. Everything that happened was a disaster. So much violence for nothing. I didn't find this Akhenahi. Perhaps she went with Rallevec to where the last Scroll is. I mustn't be long in coming to Nagstt. I must recover the stolen scroll or else Rallevec will have the power he so longs for. If that happens, what happened today will be just an ember around the fire. This I won't be able to allow.

                She looked at the boy. His breathing was even. His face, though it was cut here and there, was still the face of an innocent young man.

                - You'll take me to your master and, consequently, to Akhenahi and the Scrolls.

                She got on his horse and headed for Fideran, while behind her the castle that was strangely destroyed collapsed. Saelle should've known what was going on. When she arrived, Kendra would send a message to Ghard to the rest of the Brotherhood.

*****

                Akhenahi had decided to camp to renew her strength before reaching Nagstt. She drew up a new plan just in case. Ryarx listened with due attention, as always. When she finished eating her portion of the roast, she decided to go to sleep. The sun was gone. Ryarx thought back to what had happened at Fideran. It was difficult not to question himself, unfortunately, he thought. Leaving matters aside, he made a second attempt and tried to deduce his master's actions.

                "There would be no advantage in killing Saelle. After all, our objective was different. Anyway, what surprised me was what the master did. She used healing on someone who didn't matter to her. The solution at that moment would be to hand over the princess, but if we did that, we would be arrested and the search would have to wait. To keep them calm, she healed her. That was a perfect distraction to catch the attention of the people who showed legitimate affection for her highness. At the same time, Rennec resolved the issue in short, she didn't cure her out of pity, far from it. She didn't care about her life. She needed a distraction to which the people would give in. On the other hand, I think we've been drawing too much attention to our actions. Iradrius. Now Fideran. Soon, if necessary, Nagstt. The master understood that by killing the princess they would certainly send all kinds of people after her and that would hinder the search for the last Scroll. This is why she let her live. "

                - Caution ... - He spoke to himself.

                He looked at his things in the travel bag next to the drake and decided to make some improvements to his armor. He took a metal mesh and put it under his tunic. Under the sleeves of his tunic, he put on long bracelets. On top, he placed adjustable leather gauntlets. On his feet, he replaced the simple boots with light but sturdy metal greaves. Under the hood, he put a metal mesh to prevent daggers or something of the same size from piercing his head. Small changes made him feel more protected. Precaution has become his most valuable word and would be his greatest ally.

                He let his drake sleep for long hours. Then she woke him up and made him stand guard. The other day, Ryarx woke up quietly. Akhenahi was already awake. He noticed that she was sharpening her weapons. He got up, took the blanket, and put it in his backpack. Still, in silence, he went to light the fire and prepare the roasted meat.

                Now and then Ryarx watched his master. He never saw her in silence as profound as this. When she finished what she was doing, she threw the stone away and put the sword away. He took the canteen he was using to pour water on the blade, drank some of its contents, and put it away. When the meat was at the point, Ryarx brought a skewer to her.

                - A little meat would be good for you, master.

                Without answering, Akhenahi took the skewer. Her drake watched her with unusual interest, although she didn't dare to be unnecessarily unfortunate. Even the creature was affected by its master's silence.

                Later, when everything was ready to go, Ryarx kept his silence and would only say something again if Akhenahi spoke first. With the hood over his head, it was almost impossible to see his face. He went side by side with her towards Nagstt.

*****

                It wasn't long before both the Queen and Meven received news that Akhenahi had arrived in Nagstt. For the Queen, the time had come to meet such a human. For Meven, Larren had completed her mission and was back.

                When he saw Akhenahi enter the path he had come, he noticed that she was accompanied, but it wasn't by Larren. He looked for her in every corner and didn't find her. He was happy to see Akhenahi but worried about not seeing Larren. In silence, Meven planned to speak to Akhenahi later, since she wasn't one to express her emotions in reunions.

                Akhanahi lowered the hood. Further back, Ryarx did the same.

                - I. - Started the Queen. - am Nagstt, Queen of my people and her representative. It's a great pleasure for me to see you in person, dear human.

                Akhenahi was less polite and more direct:

                - I'm Akhenahi, from the Sect.

                As Meven had said, the Queen understood that Akhenahi wasn't a woman of irrelevant conversation, not even in presentations. She took a serious, albeit calm stance:

                - Meven told me that you would come to get one of the Scrolls. I had told him that I would gladly hand it over, if you, Akhenahi, deserved it.

                The ritualist narrowed her eyes:

                - Such a legacy is in my blood. I not only deserve it, but I will have it.

                Ryarx noticed a slight change in his state. Still, he continued to follow his instructions to remain calm and not make any suspicious moves.

                - Of that, I have no doubt, Akhenahi. However, representing the people requires responsibilities and what I'm trying to do right now is to fulfill mine.

                - I want the Scroll and you'll tell me what is necessary to obtain it, without this option, I'll be forced to take it by force. After that, there's nothing else I need from this place and I wouldn't mind seeing it on fire if I have to.

                The Queen left Meven so skillfully that he followed her with admiration.

                She didn't approach Akhenahi. She wouldn't be so careless. She kept a safe distance.

                - As I said, I have responsibilities to my people and you can help me. In return, I'll gladly give you the Scroll. I'll not demand much from you. I just want you to help us eliminate the Unspeakable and his kingdom. The moment we get rid of this threat, the Scroll will be yours.

                - So be it. - Akhenahi crossed his arms defiantly so that the Queen would know that she was nobody's lackey. - Know that I don't serve anyone, that I won't be part of your game as a mercenary does to be paid for their services. Let me also be very clear: no one gives me orders. I'm not your mercenary. I'm not your friend. I am not your servant.

                The Queen remained silent. Her servants felt a wave of growing anger at that woman who dared to utter such words to her queen.

                - Of course, we're nothing but two who have different interests. If we agree, this meeting is over.

                - I demand to see the Scroll. - Akhenahi spoke even more out of his earlier lull. Ryarx noted that she was starting to get furious and understood why she was so calm earlier.

                Nagstt turned to Meven:

                - That Scroll that you saw in our vault is the one Kiranara created, there's no doubt. Tell Akhenahi your conclusions, dear ritualist.

                - It's one of the Three. I can confirm. It passed all the tests done by me.

                Akhenahi's furious eyes fell on him:

                - If what you say is true, I order you to take good care of it, for your good. - She looked from him to the Queen. - If you lie to me, Nagstt, it'll be the first and last time.

                The arazna guards drew their swords.

                - Don't move. - Nagstt ordered. - We shouldn't treat our guests badly.

                Later, Akhenahi had said that she hadn't seen Larren. No message had reached her. Worried, the ritualist, feared for the worst. Then, suddenly, he remembered the Knights of the Unpronounceable.

                - We must get all the information from the Queen and leave for the location where the Unpronounceable is.

                Akhenahi looked at him and spoke definitively:

                - You will. I won't leave here until the Scroll is in my hands.

                - What? - He asked incredulously. - You don't believe I can win against a  kingdom alone, do you?

                - That'll be your test.

                - You said that before. I should have passed that damned test you mentioned as soon as I got here and found the Scroll.

                - And yet, despite having found it, you didn't obtain it.

                - I can't believe you're saying that.

                But Akhenahi said no more. She turned her back on him and told Ryarx to take care of the drakes.

                - One more thing, Follower. - Meven heard her say to Ryarx when he was ready to leave. – Don't listen to anyone from these people. If they talk too much, in a way that you wanted to find in your words, information to take advantage of us, deny it wisely.

                - So it will be done, master.

                When the door closed behind Ryarx, Meven knew that she had started her search for followers. She was even more distant. When she arrived, she didn't even show any reaction when she saw him. To him, she had become even more closed. She'd stay here. She'd take care of the Scroll. And if he failed, surely, she would have a plan that would secure the Scroll in her hands, no matter what the cost.

*****

                Syrh saw the man accompanying Akhenahi as she left. She followed her to the place where the drakes had stayed. With her skills, she was quiet enough not to be noticed. In turn, Ryarx walked the terrain carefully and suspiciously. Perhaps he didn't want to wake up the drakes. When Syrh noticed that they were awake, she was intrigued.

                She watched the man feed the mounts. Always in silence. One of the drakes, perhaps Akhenahi's, was looking around.

                - She won't come tonight. Don't do anything she doesn't like.

                The drake went over to a tree and was quiet in response to what Ryarx had said.

Syrh was curious as to why this reaction was taking place. She climbed a tree and continued to watch. When the man had finished preparing his things, he decided to build a fire. He looked for some sticks and pieces of wood. As he returned with the wood he had found, he noticed that the drakes remained on the alert.

                - Show up. Whoever it is.

                There was no answer.

                Ryarx pretended to shrug. He decided to prepare the fire. Syrh walked silently through the branches. That joke was causing her amusement. She walked from branch to branch quietly, albeit deftly. Suddenly, Ryarx looked up, towards her though, not directly, and saw her at a glance. Surprise. She froze.

                - How did you…? – He said.

                The ritualist pointed to the drake, who was watching her intently.

                - But it couldn't smell me. These trees have an even stronger smell.

                - It wasn't its nose that located you, it was its eyes.

                Weaving a magical web with her hands, she slowly descended the tree. A skill that caught Ryarx's attention. That skill saved her:

                - If I were you, I would pay more attention to where you step. - Ryarx warned.

                She froze. She looked at the ground and saw several scattered leaves. Among the leaves, she found ritualistic marks.

                - Protection magic?

                - There's only one way to find out. I know what it is. Feel free to discover what it may be.

                - I prefer not to risk it.

                She stepped on the spot where it was safe.

                - You were impressive in detecting me. Few achieve this feat.

Ryarx looked at her. Analyzing how she spoke, how she acted, and, above all, her clothes. She was one of the guards who had accompanied him to the entrance to the city, the mask made him think so. His master's warning came to mind. This was more important.

                - I didn't know that ritualists would come here so often. Did you like the place? – Syrh asked simply.

                - Nothing to declare. - Ryarx replied calmly but concentrated.

                The arazna stopped walking.

                - You seem to me to be a man of few words. Are you in a bad mood?

                - Let's stop this pointless conversation. I have no interest in asking you anything, let alone answering.

                The protective armor fell apart. Syrh's face appeared. Ryarx was impressed and Syrh knew immediately:

                - I would say that if you look at my face, you would try to speak even if it was a little more.

                Indeed, a beautiful female. Ryarx had to agree, even though her iris was purple, her lips were redder than any he had ever seen and her eyebrows were well-drawn. On her face were two tattoos that started below her eyes and ended on her chin.

                Ryarx cut eye contact. She smiled, but when she heard it, she was surprised:

                - Don't tempt me. You won't like the result.

                Had she got it wrong? What could that be?

                - Interesting. - Syrh said confidently. - Your reaction to seeing my face was intriguing.

                - Don't get things confused. You better go.

                The girl was more and more curious whenever Ryarx tried to avoid eye contact or talk. When she looked closely, he noticed that the tattoos on his face were intertwined. She felt an affinity for his features. He was also part of a people that followed the paths of magic and that they liked to make it explicit. While she was staring at him, the man simply took one of the bags on top of the stone and took some pieces of meat out of it. He gave some more to the drakes as rewards for having detected her. When it was over, it was finally time to roast some meat and eat. Syrh remained silent and decided to learn about him by watching him. What she had no idea was that the ritualist had been doing the same thing since she arrived. Ryarx was too intriguing for Syrh, she noted that observation alone wouldn't give her all the answers:

                - Does your feeding consist only of meat? – She asked simply, genuinely curious.

                The ritualist didn't respond. He stopped looking at her and ignored her.

                - All right. I think you want to rest from the long journey. Let's make a deal: If you tell me your name, I'll leave. I'll leave you alone, but I'll see you another time.

                Impatient and angry, he said his name.

                Syhr praised him for having an easy name. As she had promised, she left.

                Rhyarx had heard her name.

                - Syrh ... - He whispered. - Something tells me that this won't be the last time I hear it.

                Later, when everything was dark, he didn't need any kind of communication for the visitor to know that he was being watched. He couldn't blame whoever was watching him. Orders were priorities. Ryarx liked the company. After all, he was collecting information just in case and I would certainly learn about how they acted in the dark.

*****

                Meven was trying to find a way to rescue Larren, eliminate the Unpronounceable e, take revenge on the people involved in the kidnapping and return to pick up the rest of the disciples.

                What made Meven sure that Larren had been captured by the Knights was a mere hope that he knew that if they weren't responsible for her disappearance, he wouldn't know where to look. After notifying the Queen of his departure, he prepared his things, gave instructions to the apprentices, and left on his journey. Syhr had come along at the behest of the queen.

                The next morning, Ryarx saw Meven and Syrh prepare their things. As Meven put on the saddles, the spider watched how the griffins appeared to be wild. To her surprise, she noticed the other ritualist watching what they were doing.

                - Roast meat ritualist, how was your night in the fresh air?

                He didn't answer. However, Meven learned the name of the ritualist. When they first met, Akhenahi didn't introduce them. Ryarx didn't care, as he already knew enough about Meven.

                - Nice to meet you, Ryarx. I met you yesterday, but only now have I heard your name. And the most interesting thing was that someone else said it.

                Ryarx crossed his arms:

                - My name is beside the point. At the present moment, it's just a word. What matters is that you'll be on a mission under my master's orders.

                - Under her orders, in part. - Meven cut him off and continued. - I don't serve her. She's not my teacher. I'm going to rescue someone who needs me, someone who has the blood of the ancient Kiranara Council lineage, not because she "ordered" it. Akhenahi, on the other hand, is someone I must protect, as I promised that I would do it to her brother Galm before he died. Don't confuse my commitment with servitude.

                Annoyed, Ryarx spoke again:

                - For your good, Meven, it's better that you succeed in this mission. Otherwise, not all the repentance in the world will save you.

                Syrh felt his murderous aura spill over and became even more attracted. She would like to get to know you better:

                - Don't leave before my return, dear ritualist.

                - Watch him closely, Syrh. - Ryarx said threateningly. - If he's really useful in his mission, I would prefer that you tell me. In return, we can talk more about many things you want to know about me. Don't forget any details. Everything is crucial.

                She looked from Ryarx to Meven:

                - Excuse me. It's just that he seems very interesting to me and I'm very curious about things. I ask you not to be irritated when I report what I saw.

                - All right. If we go back, you can say what you saw. To be honest, I'm more concerned with the issue of not returning, than reporting anything.

                - Then strive for success. - Ryarx warned him.

                Meven looked at him:

                - Also, be careful what you say to me. My life experience has shown me that the solution to a problem is the way you deal with it.

                To Syrh's surprise, Ryarx said something that made his heart pound. It was on purpose for his manipulative aura to reach Syrh:

                - The blow will always come. If I can't deliver it, someone else will. But the blow always comes. If you fail, it won't be for me that you are failing, it's for Akhenahi.

                Still surprised, she wanted to know:

                - Do you know the saying of my people? As? Did someone tell you?

                - Yes, I know. I read in books while studying at the Academy.

                Syrh smiled proudly:

                - Collecting information makes you a person at an advantage, certainly. You are an interesting, ritualistic man. I would like to know more about you.

                - I also read about what happens to men that I fell into their temptations, arazna. I have no interest in being a victim. Don't create expectations. Only a fool would be grateful for this beauty.

                The arazna was even more interested:

                - Make sure this isn't the last time we'll see each other. As for me, I'll do my best to fulfill the same.

                Ryarx threw the hood over his head, not to hide his face, but to send a direct message:

                - Don't take me as someone who would simply die. This is also true for what your people do after they take someone for themselves. You won't have what you're looking for.

                She did the same as he did:

                - We'll see. Sooner or later, we'll know how far this will go.

                Without saying goodbye, Ryarx left.

                The arazna looked at Meven with a malicious smile and said:

                - He's a little grumpy, but he has his value.

*****

                One day later.

                Rekdra opened the cell in which Larren was being held. Chained to the wall, her mood had worsened. Rekdra smiled at his state of irritation. She ordered two horsemen to take her out. When Larren met her eyes, as she passed the door, Rekdra smirked.

                - The master wants to see you.

                - Laugh at me while you can. - Larren threatened her.

                - Always threatening, but never complies. I'm disappointed. - Rekdra sneered again in an irritating voice.

                Larren clenched her fists and released the grip on her arm. In a furious impulse, she struck a blow that hit Rekdra in the face, knocking her against the guards' table.

                - That was just a demonstration. Wait until I fully regain my strength. Until then, don't forget that I'm a woman who keeps her promises and my promise to kill you is still valid.

                - When the master doesn't need you anymore. We'll fight.

                The guards hit her in the legs with a solid metal stick. They had no orders to kill her, but beatings were allowed.

                Since she was captured while on her way to Fideran, her days have been increasingly hellish. First, they reduced their diet. Giving only small portions to keep her from starving. It was administered to be served a portion in the morning and another in the evening. Second, apart from hunger, the beatings tormented her to the point of almost passing out. Upon reading what was written in the letter, the Unpronounceable was aware of the situation. He organized troops and sent them on their way to Nagstt. In less than two days, Nagstt would be invaded.

                Larren had been brought into the presence of the Unpronounceable. This demon lived in a well surrounded by cages of different types, with the most unusual guinea pigs. In the past, he preferred the throne room in the castle above. Over time, the daylight began to bother him. His eyes were now in favor of darker places, though full of torches. Whenever Larren was brought in, she always heard screams in the halls. Screams from both men and beasts. It was like a sinister butcher shop. The smell of blood made Larren feel even more disgusted with this place. Not that she wasn't able to perform a ritual, far from it. It was because she couldn't stand the carrion that so many types of blood together were capable of.

                Carrion. The whole place was reduced to this simple word.

                The gate with thick bars was opened. It was a sign that the guest had arrived.

                The Unpronounceable put away his tools, wiped the blood off his hand with a dirty cloth, and tossed it on the table. He climbed the stairs with heavy steps. Looking at Larren's weakened state, he smiled with satisfaction:

                - Welcome, once again, to my study board.

                Larren looked at him but said nothing.

                - Are you feeling weak? Weary?

                There was silence again. The only thing that made the demon angry was when he got no answers. That little detail became a weapon for Larren. She had not answered anything since she arrived. The only way that the demon had to obtain answers was through the letter written by Meven, to be delivered to Akhenahi. Larren was faithful to Sect, regardless of the circumstances.

                - If you're not going to answer me, then I only have one last question to ask you. Think about how you're going to answer it or not.

                Larren saw that demon taller, stronger, and more fearful than a human approaching. Long, distorted and horrifying horns. Scary red eyes. There were fangs in his mouth that would easily break a sword blade. Its wings were long and equally foldable like bats. Perhaps this is why his knights use a bat as a mount.

                - I will ask only once. – He touched her face with sickly gentleness so that the tightness in his jaw grew stronger and stronger. - Do you wish to make a bond of servitude to me, or would you rather be killed here and now? Be careful when choosing.

                - I prefer a third option, in which I face you and destroy this whole place.

                The demon smiled when he heard the "third option". Such daring amused him.

                - You're either brave or crazy. However, in one way or another, you'll come to my side. You'll be a rider whether you like it or not.

                Rekdra hated her even more, because if the master didn't decide to get rid of her. Little did she know that all this hatred would not compare to what she would witness when the confrontation against Larren arrived.

                - Take her to the Ritual Chamber and start the proceedings.

*****

                The griffins took a torrent of wind that took them with twice the speed to the lands of Redraerkanis. At a relatively distant point, Meven could see the Castle of the Unpronounceable. Less than a day ago Meven noticed, while they were hiding, to his surprise, that a horde was heading towards Nagstt. Syrh had said that armies like that were sent out from time to time to try to take the Scroll. She guaranteed that it would not be enough even to make a lasting siege. After the army passed them, they continued their journey, with no further pauses to observe the long road that connects the paths between Nagstt and Redraerkanis. Finally, they had seen the Castle at the end of the path. A castle with sinister structures, as if taken by the abandonment in the light.

                Meven looked at the giant bats that hovered over long towers, which reminded him of those who had invested against him when fleeing the Temple. This time, he would take the fight to a different level. He had his reasons, in addition to making this onslaught, a vengeance that Verik deserved.

                - I don't think I need to say what they are capable of since you've been their enemy for so many years.

                - It won't be necessary. I would like to see how strong you are.

                Meven drew his sword and laughed maliciously:

                - I am capable of many things and one of them is to kill.

                Halstred and Kalln spotted the hateful griffins and as soon as they saw them, they identified Meven. It was a surprise and, at the same time, a reason to leave the formation. As he approached, Kalln blurted out:

                - We met again, damned ritualist.

                Kalln raised his spear to attack.

                Meven was surprised. For him, that rider had been definitively killed. The fact that his irritating voice came up again proved how wrong he was. This time it would be different, he vowed.

                Both knights charged against him. It didn't take long for Syrh to realize that they hated the ritualist. Which was perfect as a distraction. Poison wouldn't be enough to kill, at least, not the knights. As much as she tried, she had discovered that the most that the poison could do were to make them weak. So, she threw a magic web over Kalln. Meven took advantage of his opponent's limited movement and struck the bat's head. The armor launched sparks when repelling the sword, but nothing else happened.

                - Improvements have been made, ritualist. Especially in our weapons!

                The blow passed close to the griffin's head.

                - This time, you bastard, you won't kill my griffin.

                - So, for all intents and purposes, your life will serve in place.

                With a movement, the spider threw a poisoned dagger that slid on Kalln's bat.

                Angrily the Knight removed the web with explosive magic. He barely waited for the smoke to disappear and headed towards Syrh:

                - All arazna will be extinguished, starting with you!

                Syrh launched another magical web, but this time, in the eyes of the bat, which began to struggle, exposing the armored breastplate. The reaction she got was an opportunity that he wouldn't miss.

                She jumped off the griffin, conjured a web, and threw it on the bat's breastplate. With a firm tug, she launched herself at him. She stuck to his armor with her climbing skills, drew her poisoned sword, and struck where it was devoid of metal. The bat screeched, struggled, and tried to expel the harpoon. Kalln couldn't see what was going on, much less strike.

                Meven was surprised. He had never seen such skill and intensity. That magic was very good. The arazna was an excellent fighter. Halstred raised the sledgehammer:

                - I'll kill both of you with one stroke!

                The sledgehammer descended with such force that the impact resonated as soon as it hit the target. Meven felt that blow. But Halstred was not the only one who had made improvements. To his surprise, he noticed Meven's arm creating a magic shield, a shield made from the magic that emanated from his arm. His magical shield, while efficient, had been crushed with such a powerful blow.

                - Protective magic? This won't save you from me, ritualist.

                The black energy shield came apart after it cracked. The second blow was being prepared. This time, Meven became a shadow and jumped from his griffin and punched Halstred in the air with all his might. Now it was Syrh's turn to witness his skill.

                - Impressive. - she said when he saw Meven's blow break Halstred's helmet and part of his face.

                The blow knocked him off his mount and threw him against a part of the castle. In order not to have the same fate, Meven desperately grabbed the bat's reins. His sword, however, fell.

                It didn't matter. There were others with him. His arm became a shadow again.

                - The mount. - He put his arm in the shape of a black blade on the bat's neck. - Must follow your rider!

                The animal's column had been brought out of its flesh mercilessly. His movements stopped immediately. Meven jumped from him to the griffin and went to help Syrh.

                The arazna had witnessed such violence. She saw Meven's contempt for those winged anomalies and admired him for that. For her, killing these plagues was more than fun. It was a duty.

                Kalln also testified. He tried to draw his sword, although it was too late. Meven forced his griffin to hit the bat.

                - Syhr, get out!

                There was no need to say it a second time. The arazna was thrown to her griffin. She didn't see what happened, but she did hear it. The impact threw Kalln towards a tower housed in the castle, along with his mount that was incapacitated by the poison.

                Syrh skillfully attached to her mount. she looked down and saw the bat whirl around until it hit the ground and became a scarlet paste.

                - By Nagstt! I never thought you were able to kill like that.

                The time was not ripe for conversation, as more horsemen were coming towards them.

                - Here comes more of them. – He said while taking another sword in the cell. - We are outnumbered now, in addition to being less experienced in aerial combat. Let's go to the castle. Let's have a surprise party for them.

                Syrh smirked:

                - A welcoming party and a farewell party, right after. Before they reach Nagstt, we'll kill the Unpronounceable.

                - Exactly.

                The bats lined up and headed towards the invaders. Meven knew he would have to find a place where he could fight them on equal terms. To search Larren while he could fight, he headed towards the castle, in a dive followed by the other griffin. Along the way, he dodged some towers and passed in front of a huge painted window, so that the light would enter only the necessary amount. Through the cracks that were devoid of paint, he noticed a red light appear and heard a voice begin a rite.

                - A ritual! Maybe I can use this to my advantage.

                He took a turn in a lonely tower, so close to it that the ritualist could touch the structure if he stretched out his arm. There, just ahead was the window, besides it, this time, a knight was standing as if guessing what Meven intended to do.

                - Well, it doesn't matter. I won't stop anyway.

                Meven gained the momentum necessary to reach the window. He jumped from the griffin that instinctively made a maneuver and narrowly dodged hitting the wall. The knight raised the shield with a confident movement that the armor would cause the invader to hit the shield and fall to his death. A slight mistake, when he saw Meven release his power and strike him hard enough to make him enter the window in an impact that shattered the window in countless pieces.

                Larren saw a knight enter the scene in surprise. She saw, to her delight, a figure who she knew very well who he was. This cheered her up and she tasted what it would be like to be able to go after Rekdra and the others.

                Meven wasted no time. He hit the rider against the ground once, twice, three times until he stopped moving. He hurled him out the window without delay.

                When he became aware of his surroundings, he noticed, to his surprise and relief, Larren. Who was trapped and surrounded by priests. One of them drew a dagger and struck the blow against Larren, who was attached to the ground by chains attached to steel clips. In the blink of an eye, the ritualist reached for her arm and prevented the blow.

                - You dared to do something unforgivable. - He said coldly. He pulled the man's arm away from Larren and punched him in the face. - None of you will survive long enough to regret what you tried to do to Larren.

                Another one was thrown out the window. Two others died instantly from precise sword strokes. When the latter was killed, Meven broke the chain and helped Larren to his feet.

                - I can't fight. My forces were insistently controlled so that I wouldn't die or be able to fight.

                Meven looked around and remembered the stunned bat in the corner of the room.

                - I can fix this. That is if you don't mind receiving vital energy from that creature.

                - I don't care. I want to fight with all the power that I can offer.

                - In this case. - He walked over to the bat and beat it mercilessly on the head until he died. - It will be a pleasure to make you have your power.

                While both were preparing the ritual, above, Syrh dealt with some pursuers. She had let both griffins fight in the skies. For her unconcern, the mounts were not just large. They had strength, skill, and a brutal survival extinct. When a knight gets close enough, the spider throws a web and pulls them against the castle. The violent impact started to be Syrh's favorite song to celebrate that welcoming party. Some horsemen managed to get away in time, others tried to escape death in the impact of the hit and when trying to escape, Syrh threw webs at them and let him fall from his mount towards the ground. As the griffins were out of concern, the spider decided to enter the castle to help Meven.

                The ritual was over. She was refreshed. Larren felt his energy even more powerful. The difference between a ritual prepared by her and a ritual prepared by a deacon was very different.

                - Don't worry. The time will come when I'll teach you how to do this type of ritual. At the moment, we need to find the Unpronounceable so that we can get rid of him and go back to Nagstt.

                - Yes.

*****

                Akhenahi was in the hall where the Queen was outlining a strategy because two scouts had arrived earlier who had seen servants of the Unpronounceable march towards Nagstt. Beside Akhenahi, a queen's commander was preparing some pieces to place on the map. The ritualist paid attention to how they acted and communicated when it came to war. She also observed that there was another type of map on the table, one that showed the inner parts of the underground city. Akhenahi was memorizing its features and discovered that there was a safe where they kept forbidden magic. It would certainly be there that the Scroll was. No one tried to speak to her even to ask for her opinion. The Queen, however, had said earlier that allying with her people takes time. The Arazna people did not trust others so easily. However, it wasn't Akhenahi who asked for an alliance. She wouldn't waste any more time. At the right time, she would try to get the Scroll.

                She noticed that the others, except for the queen, judged her as a human who didn't have enough skills to be considered a worthy ally. As for the ritualist, she wouldn't go wrong with such a simple judgment. On the contrary. Each day she learned more about those people and understood that they were strong. However, she was still looking for followers. Followers who would obey without question, faithfully, while living. She decided to evaluate things more carefully.

                "Know to deduce. Deduct to understand". She thought to herself. "I'll soon get to know them to the point of knowing if they are efficient people for my plans or if I should eliminate them."

                The Queen smiled at her as if apologizing, causing Akhenahi to look back at her.

                - Dear human, we put things aside for a brief moment. I hope this meeting wasn't boring for you.

                - Don't worry. However, there's something I must comment on.

                - Proceed.

                - Part of your defenses will protect the city while the other part will fight outside. If you want to have a chance of victory with a greater chance of succeeding, I suggest that you leave some of your warriors under my command.

                The commander at her side grunted:

                - I can fight in her place, my Queen. She doesn't know our lands as well as I do.

                Akhenahi got up from the padded chair:

                - But if you fail, Commander ... - Akhenahi looked from her to the Queen. Facing her, she continued. - I don't want this to be an excuse for me not to be able to get the Scroll back. – Excuses are unacceptable.

                The Queen had thought that she had come to help, that the Scroll was just a gift for her contribution. It became evident, from that moment on, that the ritualist didn't care about what could or couldn't happen with Nagstt, as long as she obtained the Scroll. The Queen pondered that and thought it was best to give in:

                - Rehira.

                - Yes, my Queen.

                - She'll command your forces to learn from your squad the way we fight. In return, you'll learn from her everything that she can teach you. I don't want you to mumble about my decision. I don't want you to try arguing against it and lastly, I want you to reflect on my decision wisely. We'll talk another time.

                - Yes, my Queen.

                Rehira looked at Akhenahi and said:

                - I'll leave my squad under your command since that is the Queen's will. Take good care of us, dear human, lest we fail with our people. I would like to know if the rumors about you are true. To earn my respect, you'll have to do much more than steal Scrolls.

                Akhenahi noticed the accusation and wasn't ashamed:

                - Consider yourself fortunate, because I turned my attention to your squad. If you are concerned about seeing something surprising, worry about serving me effectively. To be successful in our strategy, there must be, first of all, an excellent understanding between us, especially between you and me. This understanding is nothing more: that I am in charge and the squadron will obey without question.

                Facing her, against her will, she confirmed:

                - So be it.

                - Great.

*****

                The warriors sent to invade Nagstt set up camp on land devoid of trees. In that place, the view of the sky was fantastic. The Moon was among the clouds, a Crescent Moon, vivid, beautiful.

                Under the same moonlight and without caring about mere details, Akhenahi prepared her plan and discussed the details with others. Next to them, Ryarx and the drakes remained silent so as not to miss any details. The people suggested ideas, but the ritualist dismissed them so readily that there was no time to ask the reason for the refusal.

                - We'll do as I told you. According to this map, the area is devoid of trees and this will certainly interfere with your stealth skills. Certainly, the enemy thinks the same way. My follower and I will lure them to the place where you will be waiting. There'll be no other opportunity like this to surprise them. Be ready in your positions when the time comes. That's all. Dismissed.

                Ryarx noted that Akhenahi expected everyone to go to sleep in their places within the city. She walked over to where Ryarx was and picked up a skewer with meat from the fire. The ritualist didn't look at her. he wouldn't say anything until she did.

                But she said nothing. Her silence intrigued him. To his surprise, he noticed that she looked tired.

                - Apparently, Master, you have had few hours of sleep. - He said at last.

                - In fact. Sooner or later the tiredness would affect me. I can't sleep in that place. It's a place full of mysteries, of contained power, of many surprises for fools and that contains a Queen who knows how to deal with unforeseen events.

                - Master, I ask you to rest here, next to whoever is on your side. You must keep your energies fresh. We have no obligation to care for these people. We have learned from their teachings, to take care of ourselves.

                - Indeed, Ryarx. However, these people will be mine before they know it. There are countless followers here and their Queen is a considerable force in my plans. The fact is that this place contains enough followers to keep the Sect from resisting me.

                - As you wish. I'll reflect on how I can contribute tomorrow. At the moment, if I allow myself, I need to sleep and regain my strength.

                Akhenahi threw the skewer into the fire and, while watching it burn, spoke to her follower:

                - Let us rest today so that tomorrow we can reveal ourselves. When that battle is over, I'll have not only the Scroll but the Arazna people and all the forbidden magic contained in their vault. Once this is in my hands, we'll head to the ancient city of Kiranara, so that I can learn its secrets and start my Ascension.

                - And so, your search will be complete. I'll do my best to make this happen, master.

                - So far you have done your job so I have nothing to complain about, Follower. Keep it up.

                Satisfied with these words, Ryarx bowed and went to lie down next to the drake.

                Akhenahi went to the place next to her drake. She prepared her protection spell and fell asleep shortly thereafter.

                Her drake was glad to see that she was close. Out of respect for its teacher, it remained silent and fell asleep satisfied to know that it hadn't been abandoned.

                The next morning, Akhenahi devised the strategies. She divided the squad into smaller parts and placed them at key points. The trees and the huge rocks were a place for stealth skills to have more effect. But cautious as she always liked to be, the ritualist consulted the most experienced one and discovered that they were fighting against the Unpronounceable for years on end. She concluded, then, that they would know the way the Arazna people fought. Now, however, they didn't know that they would face her. That she had valuable information about their way of fighting and that had improved her skills, either way, she would still have a difficult fight.

                After they had prepared the plan, Akhenahi called her drake and went up to the skies. Ryarx had been instructed to remain on the alert. With him, Akhenahi left some of the squad's best warriors under his orders.

                A few minutes later, when the forest boundary was replaced by a plain, Akhenahi located the invading army. She noticed that some horsemen saw him.

                - Drake, get down.

                Immediately the creature closed its wings and dived towards the ground.

                - I'll give you a name today if you survive to earn it.

                Proud of its skills, the drake released a vigorous, defiant, furious roar.

                That roar caught the knights' attention and the chase began.

*****

                Levvic watched from a safe distance as Akhenahi faced the Knights. He observed that whenever a Rider chased her, she ended their trajectory in free fall. Bats didn't compare to the speed of the drake, nor their reactions.

                - So, is this the real thing?

                A light reverberated in the air and another rider fell.

                - Dealing with the Knights as if the skies meant nothing to their riding skills. Impressive!

                A Knight, apparently one of the leaders, smiled at her in defiance of her abilities:

- Tell me, stranger, your name so that I can write when I stuff you.

                Akhenahi smiled back, but with mockery:

                - I'm Akhenahi. My name will be the last you'll hear.

                The Knight was interested, however somewhat offended that she didn't want to know his:

                - Wouldn't you like to know my name?

                - No. It makes no difference whether you say it or not. It wouldn't change the result in any way. You're already dead, only you still don't know how you're going to die.

The Knight withdrew his sword twice as large as his target and twice as heavy. With his fist on his chest, he said:

                - I'm Rhedravg. General of the Invading Knights. Remember this name, because ...

                - Enough with the small talk, don't waste my time more than you already did when you were my opponent. - Akhenahi intervened while pointing the sword in his direction. - Come and fight.

                Rhedravg had understood it. The only way to continue that conversation was through the sword. He forced his bat to attack.

                Levvic noted that every time the blades met, sparks appeared. He also noted that the Knight's brutal blows were of no use. He was wasting his energy wrongly. He hit hard and missed. He had not realized that his bat did not keep up with the drake's speed. On the other hand, Akhenahi had noticed how Meven had told him that the weakness of the Knights was on their mounts and ordered her drake to deliver a deadly breath when the knight was distracted with his powerful, ineffective blows. The bat received the acidic blow to the face. It died instantly. Rhedravg only understood what had happened when the bat stopped moving. Inevitably it started to lose altitude. Akhenahi looked at him:

                - The fall time will serve you as part of the lesson I have to teach: you think you are dangerous. Well, I am truly dangerous.

                - No! - He shouted in vain. Akhenahi simply attacked others and his attention completely abandoned him. Letting him fall to certain death.

                With so many years of experience under the skies, at that moment of his fall, the Knight had finally understood that flying is as dangerous as it reveals certain death.

                More than half of the horsemen had been eliminated. The other half lined up and chose to hunt the enemy together. Even if only two came, Akhenahi would take them to the traps. While above the persecution was fierce, below the warriors of the Unpronounceable invested across the plain to gain the forest with a quick and concentrated attack. When Ryarx saw his master go down to the marked spot, he stepped down from the drake and prepared himself. When she passed, the ritualist ordered the araznas to prepare the web spell.

                Akhenahi slowed down to make it appear that the pursuers had reached their target. A slight mistake that made them realize, too late, their folly. From both sides, magical webs appeared and would reach their targets. However, the drake had also been hit on purpose. Before falling with the drake, the ritualist noticed that Rehira had set a trap for her. She also noticed her triumphant smile when she saw that her plan had worked.

                Unable to fly because of one web-neutralized wing, the drake and its master fell, towards the water with a thunderous impact and didn't emerge.

                While that happened. At the same time, Ryarx was fighting some of the invaders. He and his squad. The fighting continued for hours and at one time or another, the ritualist made use of his portals and sent targets to places where they were immediately killed by strategically placed araznas.

                Levvic followed the most important moments of that battle, although, unfortunately, he no longer saw Akhenahi that day. At the moment, she wasn't the priority. At the moment, the ritualist's portals and the magic webs took all his attention and that was something worth noting. After the battle was over, the necromancer's son left the scene. For now, that information would have to be shared with his father, who was waiting for him not far from his current location.

                Yes, Rallevec had left his castle behind and traveled without delay to Nagstt. From there, his goal was to reunite with his son and head north, to Iferiss, the kingdom of Revnoth Kail.

                That battle had lit a war bonfire. A war that Revnoth Kail would certainly be interested in. After all, his sworn enemy, the Unpronounceable, had sent part of his forces to Nagstt. Not that that was the main reason why Rvenoth Kail would attack them. The urgency to acquire the power to face what was to come was the crucial reason.

*****