In my twenty first year, I embarked on a journey to conduct a census of Adonai and its tributary territories. My father, King Nicolai, insisted that Abram forbear the trip. And that I demonstrate my ability to lead a nation, by imposing myself upon the population and collecting tribute from them. Mother was so proud to see me go. She cried as I rode off on my steed, garland upon my staff.

  The quest consisted of myself, Prince Dyzander of Adonai, and my companions; First Knight of the Royal Guard, Belphagor the Brave, the Royal Guards; Amuel and Benedai, Simon the treasury, and the squire, Matthew. We travelled by horseback and the treasury and I rode in a carriage.

  It was a tiresome journey. We had been gone seventeen weeks, and had collected tribute from the entire southern quarter of Adonai. Next, we were headed west, to the lowlands of Pagua. Where travelling the way, through tall birch and black cottonwood trees, we were ambushed by a powerful earth magic.

  To begin, the horses became spooked and halted in their tracks. They became riled and restless. Amuel and Benedai, dismounted and unsheathed their swords. Belphagor, slowly descended as well.

  “Something’s spooked the horses.” Said Matthew.

  “What was your first clue?” Said Benedai, alert of his surroundings.

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  I emerged from the carriage, as did Simon.

  “What seems to be the problem?” I asked the group, “Why have we stopped?”

  “The horses won’t go any further, your Majesty.” Amuel explained.

  “Is it heathens?” I asked.

  “Probably.” Amuel replied.

  “I detest heathens.” Benedai uttered.

  Then a cold gust of wind rustled through the trees, and the clouds covered the sun and the forest grew exceedingly dark. Then the earth trembled. Thunder rumbled, and it spontaneously started to rain.

  “Earth magic.” Belphagor grunted.

  The earth shook so greatly, that the dirt and the rocks almost levitated as they vibrated on the ground. Amuel kicked the dirt, and Benedai dragged his longsword through it. Belphagor spit, and Simon got back in the carriage. Matthew, sat on his horse clueless.

  The rain began pelting down and the men quickly became saturated. The wind became violent, throwing up the men's arms, causing Amuel to lose his sword. The wind picked up the dirt and spun it into their faces. The men shielded their eyes.

  “How do you fight earth magic?” Matthew cried out, the sound of his voice stifled by the gusting winds.

  “You don’t fight the magic!” Belphagor shouted, brandishing his sword, “You fight the sorcerer!”

  Dyzander, was familiar with the display, and summoned the Spirit, he raised his hand in the storm, and said softy but firmly, “Peace, be still.”

  Then with those words the earth settled, and the winds died down, and rain stopped, and the clouds parted ways, and the sun came out. And from the spectre of the sun, issued for a beautiful woman.