Chapter XII: A Moment Of Wonder

The wind was strong; and together with the sand the horsemen kicked up during the battle, a sand-screen was created. It obscured the sun. Bodies of dead men, dead trolls, dead horses, together with wreckage from the destroyed machinery lined both sides of the river.

The battle was finally over. But this was only the first installment of what was to come.

The horsemen gathered the bodies of their allies, burying them while piling and burning those of their enemies. The people of Wonder, hearing that Diantre's men have been vanquished, opened the gates as the Elienor horsemen marched in slowly in ranks. They received a hero's welcome as the people lined the streets to the gates cheering and clapping.

Shaiya stood at the gates, one hand shielding her eyes from the sand; waiting anxiously for Stone whom she had not seen during the battle with the evil men and whom she feared dead.

"Do not be sad Shaiya. I mourn for the loss of my friend too..." Ragen said as he and Dremor walked up to her. They were the last ones to enter the city.

"The dead cannot be brought back to life, My Lady." Dremor said.

Ragen and Dremor tried their very best to persuade Shaiya back into the city keeps, not knowing that the seeds of love have already been sown between Stone and Shaiya.

Visibility was low, and the air filled with orange sand and dust brought up by the wind. It was hot and warm and the heat was clogging her thoughts... "Is he dead... is he really dead?"

Reluctantly, Shaiya gave in and turned away to enter the city when suddenly, in the corner of her eye, she caught a glimpse of a silhouette; walking slowly against the wind. He was twice the normal size of a man and he looked war-ridden and every step he took seem to take away an ounce of air from his lungs. He was fatigued, his head hung low, sweating profusely under the hot sun, lips parched to whiteness.

Shaiya turned back, wanting to make sure what she had just seen. Anxiously, she ran out into the raging sandstorm, with Ragen and Dremor following close behind.

Stone was already worn out from the battle, not to mention Zarekov who now lay unconscious over his shoulder; as well as the dead Thyezza who lay over his other shoulder.

"Oh Stone! You're alive!!" Shaiya said, her tone relieved and happy and on the verge of tear; glad that Stone was still alive. She caressed Stone's face an swept off some sand that had accumulated in his hair.

"You look bad, you'll need some rest." Shaiya continued.

"You're one lucky man!" Ragen came up and said as he saw Thyezza's dead body.

Stone forced a smile.

"Come, let's proceed in." Captain Dremor said as he helped to carry Thyezza while Zarekov was left to Ragen.

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Four days have passed

A soft ebb of light seeped in through the curtains as the sun began showing its shy face. The morning breeze that accompanied it was gentle and soothing; the curtains fluttered and danced with the flow of the wind, its silver-colored edges shimmering beautifully in the morning glow.

Stone was lying on a bed. It was soft, filled with fine feathers and it provided the much needed comfort he needed ever since he began his journey from LeonCita. He was still in a deep sleep, exhausted after the battle. The battle at Wonder may be over, but the battle against Diantre has just began. In his dreams he dreamt of the wonderful times he spent hunting with his father. He dreamt of the lush gree forests and the smooth-flowing rivers of Wonder. Most importantly, he dreamt of Shaiya; such a fine lady with a serene heart.

A voice woke him up. It was Shaiya, all this while, she has been by his side, praying to the Gods that he would be alright, and clasping his hands, rubbing it at night so he may not feel cold.

Stone opened his eyes. Streams of light immediately shot into his eyes. But it was not painful, nor did it hurt, for Shaiya was there, standing up right in front of him, holding his face. The light illuminated her beautiful face, it was a sight to behold, a sight no man can resist.

Zarekov and Ragen rushed in as soon as they hear Shaiya's joyful voice. They rejoiced.

"Welcome back." Ragen said.

Construction and repair works have already began, the river has been released and crops have been re-planted. The people of Wonder were more than happy to usher in their previous rulers than Diantre's armies.

Formal introductions were also made for Zarekov.

For three months, there was no news of war elsewhere. For three whole months, there was peace. The peace seemed so surreal, almost like calm before a brewing storm. And for three months they rejoiced, almost reluctant to leave and forgoing their mission to destroy Diantre.

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Ragen, Stone, Zarekov, together with Captain Dremor and Shaiya's sisters, Ribba and Thiaan were all in the castle's main hall. They were all seated. Stone was looking at the Lightbringer sword, feeling its jagged edges and contemplating how many souls have been lost because of this sword. Ragen was at the same time, looking at his Soulburn sword; cleaning it with a clean piece of cloth and with a pipe to his mouth. Rings of smoke billowed from the pipe as Ragen took every single huff and puff. Zarekov stood by a side, eyes affixed on the Orb of Morgaden, the one thing that he would gladly like to lay his hands on but yet it is also the very thing that he hated for it has indirectly caused his father's death.



All of them were waiting for Shaiya to speak. She was seated on a large armchair, with Ribba and Thiaan behind her, and Captain Dremor beside her.

"Do anyone of you here know what this is?" Shaiya said as she pointed to the Orb now perched on a pedestal in the centre of the hall.

"It is, if my eyes were not playing a trick on me, the Orb of Morgarden." Ragen replied.

"The Orb of Morgaden? Pardon me, but I've never heard of it before." Stone questioned.

"It is a powerful item which summons forth a mythical magical dragon to fight for whoever yields the Orb in its power. It has the power to eradicate our enemy, Diantre." Zarekov said.

"But, from whence did you obtain such an item?" Stone asked.

"We found it in one of the rooms after Thyezza fell. It was safely locked in a magical chest that opens only to whoever owns it. But since Thyezza is dead, the chest opens, revealing the Orb of Morgaden."

"If he had such a thing in his possession, why didn't he use it?"

"Call it luck, if you may. Thyezza could have underestimated us, ultimately leading to his own downfall. Or it could also be that he doesn't have the powers required to wield it." Ragen said.

"I called for a meeting to discuss the future of WOnder, as well as to discuss the future of middle earth, my friends. This orb could very well turn the tidings. We cannot wait longer for Diantre to rebuild his forces." Shaiya said.

"I agree with Shaiya, we must take the battle to his doorstep." Stone gestured.

"No one else has ever seen the Orb before, much less use it, we are unsure of its powers! Surely you cannot use something that none of us knows how to use?" Ragen disagreed.

"And besides, who would fight for us? Captain Dremor and his men? Even so, it would still be one up against a hundred. Surely, you wouldn't want to bring them to their deaths." Ragen said.

"I guess you're right, Ragen." Stone sighed.

"Very well then, I propose that the Orb be safekept until we know how to use it to our advantage. Meanwhile, I will travel to Draga together with Ragen to look for news on the whereabouts of the other half of the Lightbringer sword."

Ragen nodded in agreement. Shaiya, though reluctant to leave him, had to nod in consensus in view of larger matters at hand.

"Do you mean the Lightbringer sword?" I may be able to help you on that!" Zarekov suddenly spoke.

"What?! You know of its whereabouts?" Stone asked in excitement.

"I once overheard Thyezza talking to one of his soldiers about this. He said the sword can be located further east of Pattavium, in the Valley of the Dead." Zarekov said.

"... The Valley ... of the... Dead...? That cursed place." Ragen muttered.

"Legend has it that the City of Sculls deep within the valley has been obliterated in just one night by a fearsome beast, the Balrog. Since then, no one who entered the valley has ever made it out alive again. Its only entrance covered in a thick fog all year round, hence giving it its name." Ragen explained.

"As to its exact whereabouts, I do not know." Zarekov continued.

"This is great news indeed!" Stone exclaimed.

"I will move out tomorrow morning to retrieve the sword."

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In the garden, more grows than the gardener sows. Especially at night, the garden seems to come alive. Purple cone flower seed pods frequently visited by wrens and sparrows, getting their last meals before hitting the hay in their nests high up in the trees above. There were the occasional fox prints, imprinted in the soft soil of the garden. Two white pines dead from pine wilt, taking their place is a new shoot which just emerged from the soil. Life after death ---- that is the way nature works. An eagle owl highly perched overhead, looking for the greedy rabbit that feasted on the lettuce and garlic leaves for a late-night snack.

The garden seemed to be more of a woods, with lots of wildflowers and native trees mixed with dogwoods, redbuds, and mimosas lining up alongside a twisting pathway leading deep into the garden. The pathway led to an arched marble bridge over a small pond. Small fish glided within its waters, occasionally flipping its body on the surface of the pond, coming up to take a breather. The water droplets that they bring up glistened like stars under the beautiful crescent moon as if they were iceflakes falling down in the shape of stars.



The bridge arched forwards, stretching all the way across the pond, like a hunch-backed old man stretching himself with feet on one side and hands on the other side of the pond. The local flora attracted all kinds of different insects, lizards, frogs and snakes, each emitting strange noises and low hummings that seem to strike the perfect symphony of nature. An old oak tree stood firm on the other side of the bridge, together with some truffles under it, as if welcoming visitors into a mystical realm.

Stone stood on the bridge and looked down into the pond. He looked older, rugged from the journey thus far. He undid one of his buttons and felt for the scar left behind by the monster that claimed his father's life in LeonCita. It was still throbbing with pain, so real as if the monster were right in front of him. He then held the necklace that his mother left behind, as tears began to trickle down his cheeks.

"It must be hard on you to bear all that burden unto yourself." Shaiya said as she put a cloak over Stone's shoulders.

"You're so engrossed that you didn't realize I've been here all the while." Shaiya continued and stepped behind Stone and embraced him. Like an angel spreading her wings, protecting him from whatever outer elements that may harm him and giving him warmth and comfort in this chaotic world.

It took some time for Stone to compose himself as he turned around while still holding her hands and said in as gentle a tone as possible, "Shaiya, you know I cannot accept your love for me."

"I have a task on hand, and this task would probably claim my life. You still have your people. You do not need to die with me! I do not wish to drag you down the path I've chosen."

"You've rescued me from the darkest trenches of this earth. You've given me and my followers hope, hope that the end can still be salvaged. Without you, Elienor could have gone down the history books!" Shaiya said.

"My soul belongs to the people of Wonder and to the Elienor clan, but my heart and my body have longed to belong to you, Stone. Do you not understand my feelings for you? Let me go with you!" Shaiya continued, on the verge of tears.

"But you might die if you've come along with me."

"I'll die an even faster death as soon as Diantre attacks Wonder again!"

"I will follow you to whatever end, Stone."

Nothing else was being said.

"An embrace that seemed to last forever, a deep passionate kiss; the blue moon the only witness of their love.

Chapter XI: Stone Versus Stone

It was soon moonfall. As the sun began to set beyond the horizon, radiating beams of red, orange, yellow and purple, an attack was imminent. Stone, Shaiya, and Inoyue were now in a simple wooden shack as they waited for night. The last beam of light soon disappeared. The moon revealed its shy self as it emerged from behind the clouds, illuminating the plains with a soft light. The stars ever so glittering as they began to dance around the moon, blinking on and off as if in symphony with one another. It was Stone who broke the silence.



"I believe it is time. We will proceed as planned."

"Very well then." Inoyue said.

That night, Langthorne forest sprang to life. It was as though the whole forest moved. The trolls began to move out, forming neat ranks in front of the forest. The trolls were well-equipped, ironically with weapons and armor that their masters gave them which they are now using it against them. Some carried bridges, wooden planks tied together with thick, strong vines. Some carried siege weapons while others carried spiked clubs and donned heavy shouldermails, helmets and platemails. The Elienor Clan followed behind, armed only with bows and arrows and short swords. For them, this was a battle for survival, a battle for the continuation of their clan. It would, very well be their last battle. Led by Stone and Shaiya on horses, the men began their march behind the trolls towards Wonder.

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"Master Thyezza, our scouts report that the trolls have moved out."

"Good, let them come. Prepare the armies in front of the gates!"

One by one, the evil men moved out, until the whole of Wonder has been emptied. Thyezza stood on a butte, a great spur of rock above the vast flat plain. His army of evil men flanked his sides. The victor seemed to be clear-cut and outright, as both sides marched to the river, stopping only where arrows were out of range of attack.

"Hold your fire!!" Stone commanded.

The evil men across the river, are the people who have destroyed your homes, killed your friends, your families. They took away all that you hold dear to and forced you to live off rocks, bark and roots. Don't show them any mercy, and don't expect to receive any. Men, and women from the Elienor Clan, fight with me, and regain what you have lost!! Stone said as he rallied the troops.

The trebuchets rocked into motion as the trolls loaded large rock slabs and fireballs onto the man-killing machines.



"Fire at will!!" Stone said.

Barrage after barrage of arrows fired across the river, hitting the charging evil men as they were laying the bridges across the river. The trebuchets swung into action. Large stone slabs plummeted into the sea of evil men, killing them in an instant as though they were ants. Many of them were set on fire, running around in panic trying to look for water to extinguish the fires on their bodies. Wave after wave of evil men rushed forward, dodging arrows and stone slabs as they made their way across the river, trampling on the dead bodies of their fallen allies on the way. There was no stopping of their onslaught.

"Charge!!" Thyezza commanded as he transformed himself into the stone giant.



"For Elienor!" Stone shouted as he drew his sword. The trolls charged forth, swinging their spiked clubs and hitting the evil men as they crossed the bridge.

"Do not under-estimate me, human!" A large monstrous voice boomed across the plains, engulfing all other voices on the battlefield. A large stone giant came forth, squashing and smashing the trolls with every foot forward and with every swing of the hand. Their spiked clubs were useless against the stone beast. Thyezza pounded the ground with his 2 strong fists, sending shockwaves so strong that the trebuchets were reduced to nothing but mere rubble. Many fell backward as they could not withstand the strong shockwave. Evil men fell into the riverbed as they lost their balance.

"Thyezza, I am your opponent!!" Stone said as he rode his horse away from the battle, bringing Thyezza away with him. Stone charged into a group of evil men, his blade cutting through several evil men with efficient and deadly strikes.

"Groarr!! I will crush you!!" Thyezza said as he followed Stone, crushing whatever that stands in his way, regardless of friend or foe. Thyezza soon caught up and was hot on his heels. Soon, they were both a distance from the battle.

"Boom!!" Thyezza sent a bone-crushing fist downwards. Blood splattered everywhere. Stone lay on the ground, his sword thrown to one side. He heaved a sigh of relief, glad to see that the blood was not his and his body was still intact.

"Poor thing." Stone thought to himself.

Leaving Stone no time to rest, Thyezza sent another fist downwards, this time directly towards Stone. Stone rolled to the left, the fist narrowly missing him, hitting instead a large rock, sending rock pebbles flying everywhere. The attacks did not stop, it became more incessant as Stone dodged blow after blow from left to right. Suddenly, Stone rolled forward, picked up his sword and got between the giant's legs and thrust his blade into the beast's leg.

"Clank" There was hardly any scratch or indent from the attack.

"Give up, human... your attacks are useless against me!!"

Suddenly, the giant lifted his leg to stomp Stone. When Stone realized, it was too late,there was no way to escape, the large stone foot was already heading towards him, death seemed to be inevitable.

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Deep in the underground cavern below the plains, another battle is brewing. Zarekov heeded Sallam's words and headed into the cavern. Beads of sweat lodged deeply in both his brows. His body heating up and his breath turning heavier with each step. The air was turning increasingly stale. Zarekov was akin to food for the hydra. He had no shield to fend off the hydra's attacks, nor had he any armor to protect himself. All he had was a cloak and two short knives. Zarekov moved slowly, his mind spinning, trying to come up with a plan to defeat the hydra.

All of a sudden, a flash of green light appeared before him, blinding him for an instant. With lightning speed, a hydra head striked Zarekov. It caught hold of his cloak and lifted him into mid-air. Zarekov was scared now, afraid that he would die here. He was left dangling and he panicked and struggled to break free from the hydra's grip. He swung from left to right as the hydra slowly emerged from the river. It was huge, extremely large. It had heads that looked like snakes, voracious teeth lined its huge mouth. Suddenly, the cloak tethered and broke under Zarekov's weight and he was freed; giving out a plomp sound as Zarekov fell into the river underneath him. The serpent hissed and dived back underwater to look for its prey.



Zarekov swam as quickly as his legs would propel him. But the hydra was faster. With blinding speed, the hydra quickly entangled Zarekov with one of its heads. The constricting motion left Zarekov gasping desperately for air underwater. The hydra continued to tighten its bind and Zarekov writhed in pain, losing precious air from his lungs as they emerge as air bubbles at the surface. With a last breath of air, Zarekov plunged his knife into the soft underside of the hydra's neck. The hydra' grip released and Zarekov broke free as he swam towards the surface and clambered back onto land. He knelt on all fours, breathing heavily, gasping for air, water droplets dripping incessantly, forming small puddles at his hands and knees. The hydra retreated backwards and resurfaced. One of its heads slowly turned into stone and crumbled into fine dust.

Zarekov knew he could not defeat all of its heads. He needed to get out quickly.

He stood up, still trying to reach for more air. The hydra stopped its attacks. Suddenly, a new head began to grow out from the spot where it had just been destroyed! Zarekov was left speechless and motionless, knowing that his doom is near. Without hesitation, Zarekov charged at the hydra, striking it with his remaining knife and kncking down another of its heads which quicky grew back. The hydra retaliated by attacking with all nine heads simultaneously in nine different directions. One came in the direction of Zarekov. Zarekov stealthily jumped backwards; later putting his knife into the hydra's neck when it came back up. The hydra hissed even more angrily and launched another attack. Zarekov dodged. The hydra attacked continuously as though it had gone insane; attacking and bashing at the walls of the cavern, sending rocks falling and narrowly missing Zarekov. Zarekov had nothing left to attack the hydra with. He climbed onto the cavern walls, where he fell into a small opening in between the walls. He was now trapped and cornered, bu at least the tight crevice provided some soothing comfort and safety from the danger outside.

A hydra head slithered past the hole, only to return to face Zarekov. The hydra head hissed and unleashed its tongue to reach for Zarekov, only to miss him by inches.

Zarekov was scared and retreated into a ball, hoping that the tongue would not reach him.

Suddenly, 5 loud booms came from above the ground. The earth shook violently and a large piece of rock and earth and dust fell and hit the hydra head.

"A cave-in!!" Zarekov thought to himself.

On all fours, Zarekov climbed out to safety, only to face the hydra again, the shaking continued and rock and debris continued to fall. The hole that saved him was soon filled by rock and sand. The cavern walls finally gave in. It caught the foot of Thyezza, causing him to lose his balance, falling into the gaping hole that he had just created with his bare fists, at the same time rescuing Stone from the verge of certain death.

"What the...?" Thyezza was shocked as he fell into the hole, only to land on the hydra underneath. The hydra striked back, but this time not at Zarekov, but at Thyezza instead. Its attacks were useless against the stone giant. Thyezza quickly picked himself up and grabbed hold of all of the hydra heads as it was attacking him again. With superhuman strength, Thyezza held the heads under his arms and began to close his grip. In an instance, the heads were squashed and turned into fine dust, bloodcurling screams from the dying hydra filled the cavern until it was finally dead. Zarekov saw the chance to escape and nimbly climbed out of the hole.

Stone regained himself, picked up his sword and moved closer to the edge of the hole to see whether Thyezza was dead. He saw no one else, but Zarekov who scrambled out to safety. Zarekov lay on the ground, motionless, breathing heavily as fatigue overcame him. Numerous cuts and wounds dotted his body, but he is still alive. And for that, Zarekov was glad.

"Who are you?" You look worse than me..." Stone asked.

"I...I'm Zarekov. Let's.... get out quick!!"

Suddenly, a large mass rocketed out of the hole. It was Thyezza, who leapt out of the hole with all his might. The battle with the hydra drained him, but he was still confident with dealing with the 2 enemies in front of him.

"You again!! Zarekov. I'll make sure I destroy you completely this time..."

Thyezza was angry, really angry now. He picked up a large rock effortlessly and tossed it towards Stone and Zarekov. With a heave, Stone managed to drag Zarekov to safety in the nick of time.

"Hey, Zarekov, get up!! Quick!! We have got to defeat him and get out of here! The fate of the Elienor Clan lies in my hands..." Stone said as he shook Zarekov, trying to instill some strength into him.

"The... the charm... the pebble charm... Thyezza can be defeated if we destroy it... or if... the charm is not on Thyezza himself; he will no longer be invincible." Zarekov forced himself up, using up whatever last bit of strength that is left within the inner depths of his body, his chest still burning from the hydra's grip.

"You'll have to distract him. I'll steal the charm from him. For I am the Master Of Thieves, Zarekov."

Stone looked at him in doubt but soon nodded, trusting the man whom he just met; for the enemy's enemy is your ally.

Stone stood up, sword in hand and provoked Thyezza.

"Hey, Thyezza, have your fists gone soft?" I can't seem to feel the pain. Come on! Let's have a real fight!"

"Roar!! Why you... You will regret this!" Thyezza bellowed as he gave chase to the running Stone.

They soon reached an area filled with different kinds of rock formations. Some were grotesque-looking with jagged edges and jutted out of the earth like a thorn. Some took the shape of small animals, kind and gentle-looking. Some were small, only a small mound at most; while some were large and gigantic and arched in peculiar directions and awkward angles. Stone hid behind a rock, waiting for Thyezza who soon arrived.

"Where are you? Human!!"

No answer.

"Hmmpph... I will crush every single rock till I find you!"

His actions are faster than his words. With each pound of the fist, Thyezza crushed the rock formations as though he were crushing paper.

"I'm here, Thyezza!!"

Thyezza turned towards the direction of the voice and crushed the stone. Stone darted back and forthm in and out of different rocks, taunting Thyezza to move further into the rocky ruins. Zarekov was already in position as he knelt on a large spur shaped in the form of an archway.

Thyezza moved until he was now directly underneath the spur, crushing rocks in his sight as he was being toyed by Stone. Zarekov made his move, pouncing onto the giant's head. The giant struggled frantically to get Zarekov off but to no avail. With a swift flick of the hand, Zarekov plunged his fingers into the giant's left eye socket and removed the charm. The giant froze, then shook violently, swaying back and forth. Zarekov lost his balance and fell off, the charm flung off his hand, hitting a rock and shattered into pieces.

"Now!!" Zarekov commanded.

Stone charged forward and plunged his sword into Thyezza's thorax.

"You, are human after all, Thyezza." Stone said.

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On the other side of the battlefield, the trolls have been overrun. They have dealt heavy damage to the evil men and have acomplished their purpose in this war. Many of the evil men have crossed the make-shift bridges and are re-grouping on the other side of the river. There were still about a thousand of evil men left.

Both sides of the river were littered with the bodies of both defeated allies and enemies. Inouyue was amongst them, multiple arrows lodged in his neck and several other parts of his body. Shaiya had no time to think about the deceased, for now she must do her best to remain alive. They have also regrouped, with only 50 of them left, and many were already injured.

This will be the place of their final stand. As the remaining Elienor Clan prepared themselves for battle, Shaiya took a glance at the eastern sky. The sun started to peek through.

"This, will be my final sunrise... It's so... beautiful..." Shaiya thought to herself.

The evil men began to close in slowly. When suddenly, as if it were a gift from the heavens, the war horns sounded, followed by cries of "For the Lady!!"

"Captain Dremor!! Ragen!! We're saved!!" Shaiya said as a drop of tear trickled down her cheeks.

The evil men were clearly frightened by the presence of the fresh reinforcements. They regrouped and moved to face the incoming attack. The plains would be the deathbeds of these evil men. The white rays from the sun blinded them . It was intense, as if telling the good people to garner hope in these troubled lands. The Elienor horsemen were quick, hittint the evil men and felling them with efficient strikes.

It was as though a fireball had just hit them.

The axemasters wielded their heavy axes around them as if they were light as feather. The horse archers efficiently pull their bowstrings taut and let the arrows fly with pin-point accuracy towards their foes. Blades were swang around gracefully, efficiently dispatching the evil men.

The evil men fell swiftly.

Cries of victory soon echoed across the battlefield.