Blaystone - Guss House - Guss:

  Guss paced the small room, his jaw clenched tight as he watched Sonya fold clothes with shaking hands.

  “My love, everything will be fine,” Sonya said without looking up. “Jan will find Tito. He’ll clear this up.”

  Guss came to a halt. “Sonya, you don’t understand. Xander’s been wanted for fifty years. For war crimes.”

  As he turned to their daughter, Guss said gently, “April, why don’t you help mom fold the clothes?”

  April looked up at her father, still holding him tightly. “Okay, Dad,” she whispered, wiping tears from her face.

  ◆◆◆

  Haylen - Front gate - Jan:

  I’ve been riding for quite some time now. It’s about to be dawn. I’m almost at Haylen. Jan looked back at the black leather saddle bag. I need to get rations as well.

  Jan spurred his horse forward as Haylen’s gates came into view. Tall stone guard towers flanked a wide gate of black steel, sharp iron spikes jutting from its surface like teeth. Four guards manned the entrance—two on the ground, two in the towers above.

  The guards were clad in grey steel full body armor. “State your business,” one spoke sharply.

  “Sir, I must see General Tito,” Jan said as he reached for his black saddle bag.

  “Ha! This kid wants to speak to General Tito,” the guard mocked. “Get lost, boy. Go back to your family.”

  Jan pulled the seal from his satchel. “You don’t understand. Look at this.” He held it out for the guard to see.

  The guard’s demeanor shifted. “Who the hell are you? To have this, you must have served the Dela Mar kingdom some fifty years ago.”

  “My father, Guss Blackherd, served with Tito and the king of Dela Mar,” Jan explained.

  The guard’s eyes narrowed. “Alright, I’ll entertain this. But if you’re lying, well...” He chuckled darkly. “You’ll be killed for falsehood. Do you understand?”

  Jan nodded solemnly. The gate guard returned the seal.

  “Guard, get the carrier pigeon. Gate servant, write this down,” the guard commanded.

  As the guard dictated to the servant, Jan shifted nervously. His eyes scanned the bustling crowd around the gate. Suddenly, a flash of blonde hair caught his attention. His heart leaped as he recognized a familiar face in the crowd.

  A woman of average height with a slim build stood nearby. Her long blonde hair framed a face marked by a scar on the left cheek, and her striking purple eyes seemed to search the crowd with purpose. Her pale skin bore a few other scars as well, and her eyebrows formed a low-lying arch.

  Is that Liz... in town? “Liz!” Jan shouted. “Hey, you got to let me through the gate!”

  Did someone call my name? Liz looked around quickly.

  “Milady, everything alright?” The town guard stared at Liz.

  “Yes, everything—”

  “Liz! Liz!” Jan shouted again.

  Okay... who is calling me? Liz looked around again. Is that Jan? “Excuse me,” She murmured as she hurried over to the young man.

  “Kid, stop yelling, you’re making a scene here,” the guard said.

  “Liz, talk to this guard.”

  “Sir, let him pass. He’s loyal,” Liz said as she stood next to the guard.

  “Oh, umm, yes milady. He has a seal.”

  “That’s fine. Let’s go, Jan.” Liz started walking through the gate. Jan followed closely behind, leading his horse as they entered the small courtyard.

  “Why the face, Jan?” Liz asked.

  “I need to see Tito!” Jan said desperately. “Braxton Knights showed up and want to arrest Xander for wearing Dela Mar armor.”

  Liz’s eyes widened. “Be quiet. Let’s talk somewhere private.”

  Jan stopped her. “There’s no time. They’ll be there this morning.”

  Liz scratched her head. Balsmith’s reports are true. If Braxton Knights are there, they’re going to arrest him for war crimes. But Jan is saying they want him for wearing Dela Mar armor? That means they don’t know who Xander is. “Are you sure it’s Xander?”

  Jan looked at Liz. “Yes! Liz, can you go instead of Tito?”

  “No, I can’t,” Liz replied. “Tito and I are ordered to detain Xander by the queen of the Order of the Seraphs. We just arrived a couple of minutes before you saw me.”

  ◆◆◆

  Blaystone - Guss House - Guss:

  “Guss, what are we going to do? It will be dawn soon. The Braxton knights will be here soon,” Sonya said, her hands trembling slightly as she clutched the blanket.

  Guss gently set his hands on Sonya’s. “It will be okay. We’ll tell them he’s not here, that he left in the night. We can stall until Tito arrives.”

  “Darling, what if Jan didn’t find Tito?” Sonya asked. She stared down at Guss hands covering her own.

  “My love, Jan will find Tito,” Guss said with a faint smile, staring into Sonya’s eyes.

  “Um... Umm... Darling, I umm... Did something. I used a potion on Xander.”

  “What?! What kind of potion? What did you do, Sonya?” Guss let go of her hand. He threw off the blanket as he hurriedly got out of bed.

  “Guss, where are you going…? Guss, it was just a glass illusion potion.”

  “Oh Sonya, why would you do that…?”

  “It only creates a shimmering field around him, bending light to make him appear smaller. But it only lasts until he moves a limb. I’m not sure if he’s still under its effect.”

  “I know what it does, Sonya.” Guss glared at her. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

  “I... I thought it might buy us some time,” Sonya replied, looking away. “I’m sorry I didn’t mention it sooner.”

  “We’ll discuss this—” His eyes widened. He looked at Sonya and brought a finger to his lips. Oh no. “Do you hear that?” he whispered. “Sounds like armor clanking.”

  Sonya and Guss quickly dressed to greet the Braxton Knights. April rushed into their bedroom to find them already prepared.

  “They’re almost here,” April said breathlessly, her eyes darting between her parents.

  “We know,” Sonya replied, her voice tight. “April, I need you to hide and be quiet.”

  “Why? I want to stay with you. What if they—”

  “They’re here. April, go to your bedroom and get underneath the bed.” Sonya waved April toward the door.

  “Okay.” April ran to her room and closed the door. This will be a tight fit. She slipped underneath the bed and grabbed the blankets to make them hang over the edges.

  A loud knock rattled the front door. “Open up, you old little shits!” the squad leader called out, laughing maliciously. His knights joined in the laughter.

  Sonya and Guss exchanged looks, and they both fell silent. They took a deep breath and made their way downstairs.

  ◆◆◆

  Haylen - Courtyard - Jan:

  “Where’s Tito then?! We have to go now!” Jan insisted.

  “Listen, Jan, he’s in the inn getting us a room. We’ve been riding all night,” Liz explained.

  “So have I!” Jan snapped back.

  “Jan, I can’t go without Tito. You don’t know Xander like we do,” Liz said.

  “Okay! Let’s find Tito,” Jan conceded.

  “He’s at the inn, Jan. We’ll check there first.”

  Jan looked up at the sky. “Oh no, it looks like it’s going to storm.”

  Liz chuckled at him. “Don’t worry about that.”

  Jan gazed at Liz with confusion. “Okay.”

  As the two rushed to the inn, Jan noticed it was crowded with early morning patrons and guests.

  The two walked into the inn and approached the counter where the innkeeper stood. Liz asked, “Did you see a man with silver hair?”

  The innkeeper nodded. “Yes, he checked in for two and left. I think he said he’s going to the smithy.”

  Jan’s face fell. “Come on, to the smithy,” Liz said. She grabbed Jan’s arm and bolted out of the inn.

  ◆◆◆

  Blaystone - Guss House - Guss:

  Guss peered out of the window near the front door. There are more than four knights now. On the porch - are they expecting a fight? Guss turned to Sonya. “Follow my lead.”

  Guss opened the door slightly. “You’re here early,” he said.

  “Old timer, we are coming in to get the criminal,” the squad leader said.

  “Hold on, it’s early. Surely you can wait a few minutes while my wife gets dressed?” Guss asked nervously.

  The squad leader, already annoyed with Guss, said, “You get five minutes. The boss couldn’t make it and I’m feeling nice today.”

  “Guss, what happened to telling them he isn’t here?” Sonya whispered angrily.

  “Sonya, I panicked,” Guss replied.

  “You only stalled for five minutes. What the hell!” Sonya whispered angrily.

  “It’s all I got!” He snapped back.

  Suddenly, the door was kicked open and slammed into the wall. “Haha! I really meant two minutes. Oh, looks like your old wife is dressed anyway. Alright, boys! Find me that man. A few of you bring these people outside. It’s such a nice morning. Clear skies, the air feels good here. Never know, I might just move into this house.” He laughed maliciously.

  Fuck… Fuck… They’re in the house. I need to relax… My heart’s racing. Breathe, April, breathe! She clenched her fists. Shit! they’re already upstairs.

  ◆◆◆

  Haylen - Blacksmith - Jan and Liz:

  The two rushed to the smithy, spotting the forge master. Liz shouted over the sound of metal being worked. “Did you see a silver-haired man?”

  “Yeah, he gave us his blade to work on not too long ago. We told him it would take five minutes, but he didn’t want to stay. Do you know him?” the Forge Master asked Liz.

  “Yes, he is my husband,” She replied. The Forge Master looked surprised.

  “Well, here then,” he said, handing her the blade. “Free of charge, it’s on the house. It’s a beautiful blade.” Liz nodded at the Forge Master.

  “What way did he go?” Jan asked.

  “He went to the market area for food, I guess. That’s the way I saw him go,” the Forge Master said with uncertainty.

  “Liz—” Jan started.

  “Be quiet, Jan. Come on, let’s go. He shouldn’t be far.”

  ◆◆◆

  Blaystone - Guss House - April:

  “Let go, old timers, outside in the grass and kneel.” The squad leader ordered.

  Sonya and Guss exited the house and walked over to the front yard. They glanced at each other with fear. The dew-laden blades of grass dampened their knees, a stark contrast to the warmth of the rising sun on their backs. The air was thick with the scent of morning dew and the acrid smell of the knights’ unwashed armor.

  “I said kneel!” the squad leader shouted. “I hate you people. You Seraphs always think you’re better than the Braxton people. It pisses me off!” He picked his nose and flicked a booger on the ground.

  The squad leader looked at the entrance of the house.

  “Let me go, you monsters! You fucking assholes!” April screamed. She gripped the Braxton knight’s wrist while he dragged her outside by her long red hair.

  No, they found her... Guss face paled, his hands trembling.

  Sonya’s eyes widened in horror as she looked back at April being dragged out.

  “Hey boss, she has fight in her today,” the knight said as he dragged her to the end of the porch.

  “Good. I like when they have fight in them. It’s better when I break them.” The squad leader walked toward April and bent down to her ear. “Kneel like a good little bitch. I know you are,” he whispered.

  “Fuck off!” April yelled.

  “Come here...” He grabbed her by her red hair and yanked her over to her parents.

  “Now kneel,” the squad leader ordered, forcing April down.

  April dropped to her knees, tears streaming down her cheeks as her hair fell across her face.

  “Oh… Boss, the guy from yesterday is still sleeping. We don’t want to go near him,” another knight reported from the front door.

  Guss and Sonya exchanged a quick, meaningful glance.

  The squad leader turned to look at the knight, then back at Guss and Sonya. His eyes narrowed suspiciously. “Watch them, I’m going back into the house.”

  Guss looked at Sonya with concern, then at April.

  A few minutes passed before the squad leader came back out of the house. “Okay, how do you wake him up?” The squad leader asked.

  Sonya answered weakly, “We don’t know.”

  The squad leader bit his nails and spat out the clippings. “Okay,” he said, pacing around. “I’ll ask again. How do we wake him up?”

  “We don’t know,” Sonya pleaded.

  “Okay, you fucking bitch,” the squad leader snarled. Without warning, he punched Sonya in the side of the face. She fell to the ground as blood dripped down her cheek.

  “Sonya!” Guss yelled. He curled around her to check if she was okay. Tears welled up in his eyes as he gently cradled her head, and his hands shook violently. He clenched his jaw tight and looked back at the squad leader. “I am going to kill you!”

  “You what, old man? You can barely stand. I bet your prick doesn’t even work anymore—probably can’t even please that old hag of yours. HAHA!” The other knights joined in the laughter.

  Guss looked back at Sonya.

  “Mom!” April screamed before turning back to face the squad leader. “I HATE YOU!”

  She lurched forward. The squad leader backhanded April, and she landed on the ground on all fours.

  “I didn’t say get up. Do that again, forget about being my wife. I will fucking kill you.”

  He knelt down to April and grabbed her chin. “Oh, I made you bleed.” He wiped the blood off her lip. He let go of her and stood up, staring down at the red haired woman. “Now shut up, both of you.” The squad leader walked toward the house.

  The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

  ◆◆◆

  Haylen - Marketplace - Jan and Liz:

  The marketplace bustled with life. The air was filled with a cacophony of voices haggling over prices, the aroma of fresh bread and roasted meats. Fruits and vegetables were displayed in wooden stalls.

  “Liz, we are never going to find him,” Jan said, desperation in his voice. His eyes darted from face to face in the crowd, hope dwindling with each unfamiliar visage.

  “Jan, he is here. We came in together,” Liz insisted as they surveyed the marketplace for Tito.

  She approached a food merchant. “Excuse me, sir. I’m looking for a tall man with silver hair. He’s wearing red and black armor.”

  “Yes, he was over there buying meats,” the merchant replied, pointing.

  “Where did he go?” Liz asked excitedly.

  “I don’t know, to be honest.”

  Liz and Jan walked over to the meat merchant. “Good evening, what can I help you with? We have yulk legs for half off,” he offered.

  “Sorry, a man with silver hair bought meats from you not too long ago,” Liz explained.

  “Oh yeah, good-looking chap. He went to the bakers at the end there,” the merchant said, pointing.

  Jan glanced over at Liz. What if we can’t find Tito in time?

  ◆◆◆

  Blaystone - Guss House - Guss:

  The squad leader stopped at the porch. Wait... He turned slightly back to Guss. “Hey, old man, how do I wake him up?” the squad leader shouted at Guss.

  Guss looked up, his eyes red-rimmed. “I don’t know. We don’t know what’s wrong with him,” he replied, gently moving Sonya’s hair back to wipe the blood off her unconscious face.

  “You don’t know, huh…? Okay, old timer.” The squad leader looked back into the house. “Everyone out.”

  The rest of the guards poured out of the house, gathering around the squad leader.

  “What is it, milord?” one of them asked.

  The squad leader grinned. “Follow me.” He walked back over to April and stood behind her, towering over her. “Men, hold her down.” Two knights moved to restrain her by the shoulders.

  “Hey, let go of me!” This isn’t happening right now.

  The squad leader reached out, grabbing a fistful of April’s hair and yanking her head back.

  “You’re a fucking pig.” April spat on the squad leader. Tears streamed down her face.

  The squad leader bent down to April’s eye level and gripped her chin. “Pig, you say?” he sneered, his foul breath making her gag. He released her hair and straightened.

  “I’ve been patient with all three of you,” he declared, gesturing towards Guss, Sonya, and April. “Do you know who I am? I’m Jax, nephew of Sinjin Flamestreak, the First General of the Kingdom of Braxton. I’ve been treated like a commoner in this forsaken place.” His voice took on a more menacing tone. “You calling me a pig? I’ll show you what that really means.”

  He bent down to April’s eye level again. “I always get what I want,” he whispered in her ear.

  Guss watched on helplessly, still cradling an unconscious Sonya.

  Jax stood up, looking down at April with cruel satisfaction. “There are those eyes,” he said, grinning. “Full of fire. I wonder how long that will last after I break you.”

  April’s face turned pale. “I’ll never do what you want, you bastard. Not that you could do much with that small cock of yours anyway.”

  “My... My... You bitch!” Jax slapped April again and again, relentless.

  April was on all fours as blood and saliva dripped from her mouth.

  Jax grabbed her and got her to straighten up as she knelt. He whispered something foul in April’s ear.

  “XANDER!” April screamed.

  Jax straightened. Oh, did he finally wake up? He walks like a cave troll. His attention shifted to the doorway. One hand still gripped April’s hair tightly, spinning her around. “Look who finally woke up, boys,” he laughed.

  ◆◆◆

  Xander’s Dream:

  “Rose, I killed them,” Xander said softly.

  “My sweet brother,” Rose said gently. “One moon my story will end. You, brother, are Eternal, the Champion of Dela Mar.”

  ◆◆◆

  Blaystone - Guss's House - Xander:

  Xander’s eyes fluttered open, his vision blurry. He gazed to the left and the right. Where am I? Is this the spare bedroom?

  Is that April screaming…? Why is April screaming? What’s going on? He removed the holey covers and slowly got out of bed. Fuck, what is happening? Why is everything spinning and why does my head hurt? Step by step, he made his way down the stairs.

  As Xander reached the front door, he took in the scene—the knights, April’s evident distress, Guss cradling an unconscious Sonya. His eyes locked onto Jax, and the veins on his forehead began to pulse. He gritted his teeth.

  “Wait, what the hell? Who the fuck are you?” Jax snarled. “You look different from the man in the bed. What kind of trick is this?”

  This is my chance to get away from this asshole. April struggled to free herself from his grip.

  “Men, get in front of me while I deal with this,” Jax ordered. A few knights moved slowly as they positioned themselves between Jax and Xander.

  Jax yanked April’s head back roughly, and his other hand traced a threatening path down her neck. He leaned in, breath hot on her skin. April’s eyes widened, and she tried to recoil from his touch.

  Xander stepped off the porch, his eyes never leaving Jax as he approached.

  “What are you going to do, you big pansy? You can’t do anything! HAHA!” Jax’s grip tightened.

  “Shut up!” Brilliant red zeal erupted from Xander’s body. Shockwaves pulsed outward as the grass and ground began to crack, the red zeal pouring upward into the sky. The air thickened around them. The red zeal came crashing back down on Xander, trailing behind him like a comet’s tail as he approached Jax. With each step, the ground beneath his feet cracked and cratered, unable to withstand the sheer force of his power.

  Guss looked up. The air has thickened. This isn’t his Sigil Zeal. This is his own energy. It’s been so long since I’ve felt it. It feels different. He held Sonya tighter, kissing her head gently as the space crackled with power.

  “You’re fucked now!” April said as she wiggled from Jax’s grip.

  “No way this is real... Who the fuck is this…?” Jax quickly bent down. “Listen, bitch, tell me who that is now!”

  “That’s Xander Blight!” April smiled. “I’ll dance on your grave when he’s done with you!”

  “Wait, what?! No… Xander Blight? No, it can’t be. My uncle said he’d avoid Xander at all costs... said he was on another level entirely.”

  Xander’s right arm transformed, becoming grotesque with scaly black and red skin, thicker and more muscular. Veins pulsed visibly beneath the scales, and bony protrusions emerged from his enlarged hand. The area around him shimmered with heat.

  “Kin’pyro Gunda!” Xander yelled. His arm erupted in flames, the intense heat causing the air to warp and distort. In a blur of motion, Xander charged. He spun, using the flames jetting from his arm for momentum. He moved past the knights with inhuman speed, leaving smoldering craters in his wake. The acrid smell of melting metal filled the air as the first knight fell with a clank of armor and a heavy thud. A significant portion of his armor liquefied, causing the knight’s organs to spill out onto the ground.

  Xander pivoted, his flaming arm piercing through the second knight’s chest armor as if it were paper. The knight’s scream was cut short as his armor glowed white-hot, melting around Xander’s arm. His arm still embedded in the knight’s chest, gripped the man’s helmet. The metal warped and bubbled under his touch. “I’ll kill you all!” Xander yelled. He wrenched his arm free and hurled the knight’s limp form toward the muddy path, where it landed with a sickening thud.

  The third knight swung his sword desperately. The blade met Xander’s fiery arm and instantly liquefied, droplets of molten metal splattering the ground with a hiss. The knight stumbled backward. “Umm, milord?”

  Guss watched the battle unfold, a grim smile on his face. Beside him, Sonya’s eyes fluttered open, widening at the scene of destruction before her.

  ◆◆◆

  Haylen - Bakery - Jan and Liz:

  Liz and Jan arrived at the baker’s market, which bustled with people. The rhythmic sound of dough being slapped onto wooden boards could be heard.

  “Miss, how can I help you?” a baker asked Liz.

  She turned to him. “I’m looking for a man with long silver hair, about this tall,” she gestured.

  “Oh yes, he went into that building with another man,” the baker pointed.

  “A man?” Liz muttered to herself. They quickly entered the building. Inside, Tito and the other man turned to see who had arrived. Jan noticed a bald, short man with stocky shoulders, a mid-sized beard, bushy eyebrows, and dark brown eyes.

  “Balsmith, I’m so glad you’re doing better,” Liz said with delight. Balsmith nodded with a smile, “Thank you.”

  “Love...” Tito softly cupped Liz’s chin and leaned in for a kiss before he noticed Jan standing behind her.

  “Tito, we need to leave!” Jan exclaimed, grabbing Tito’s arm.

  Tito gently removed Jan’s hand. “Jan, what’s going on?”

  “Braxton knights showed up at my house trying to arrest Xander for wearing Dela Mar armor,” Jan explained hastily.

  “Wait,” Liz said. She turned to Tito. “The Braxton Knights... they only know about the armor. They have no idea they’re hunting Xander Blight.”

  “Alright, we must detain him before chaos breaks out,” Tito said with concern. “Jan, you must stay here with Balsmith. He can take you back home.”

  Jan looked confused. “I can’t leave with you?”

  “No, you can’t. Love, let’s go,” Tito said. Liz nodded.

  “Why?” Jan pressed.

  “I can only carry one,” Tito replied cryptically.

  “Carry one?” Jan echoed, perplexed.

  “You’ll see,” Tito said as he and Liz left the building.

  ◆◆◆

  Blaystone - Guss’s House - Xander:

  Xander turned to Jax and took a menacing step forward.

  “I’ll kill her!” Jax unsheathed his dagger and pressed it against April’s throat. “Don’t come any closer!” he shouted, his voice cracking with fear.

  “Boys, let’s go! Mount up!” Jax ordered. The knights moved hastily, their armor clanking loudly.

  “I’m taking her as my wife. This is your payment for me letting you live,” Jax said, trying to sound confident. “You’re wanted for war crimes by the Kingdom of Braxton.” His mind raced. This bluff has to work. She’s the only thing keeping him from killing me right now.

  “I am not going to be your wife!” April spat.

  “Shut up, you little bitch!” Jax hissed, then whispered to April, “I’m not going to die because of this asshole.”

  As Jax began to back away, his knights already at their horses, Xander halted. The veins on his face became more prominent, and his burning arm glowed even brighter than before.

  Dark clouds began to form overhead, and thunder rumbled in the distance.

  “You’re not going to kill her. Using a woman as a shield is pathetic and weak,” Xander said as he took one slow step forward.

  Jax laughed nervously. “That’s right, and I’m going to leave with her.” He licked April’s neck. “You taste so good.”

  “Did you just lick me? Xander, get him off me!” April grabbed Jax’s hands as she tried to stand up.

  You want to stand? Fine, we need to move anyway!” Jax took a step back as he watched Xander.

  Suddenly, thunder crashed and lightning struck, immediately materializing Liz and Tito. The grass was scorched with black marks and smoke rising from the impact. The dark clouds loomed ominously overhead.

  Everyone startled at the lightning, except Xander. In a split second, as Jax turned to react to the lightning, Xander dashed toward him and April. Before Jax could fully turn his head, his arm was already in Xander’s grip, melting from the intense heat.

  Xander quickly glanced at Tito, then refocused on Jax. Jax’s arm fell off at the shoulder and hit the ground. Jax looked down at his severed arm, then back at Xander.

  “AHHHH! What in the gods did you do to me?!” Jax screamed, releasing April’s hair and stumbling backward. He fell and clutched his shoulder stump where his arm had been completely cauterized. His knights quickly dismounted and rushed toward Jax.

  Liz and Tito swiftly surveyed the area. Liz hurried to Guss and Sonya while Tito approached Xander with purposeful strides.

  Xander grabbed April’s arm and swung her behind him protectively. He began striding toward Jax, briefly turning his head toward Tito and Liz before refocusing on his target.

  “Guss, are you okay?” Liz asked. What happened to Sonya? She’s bleeding from the left side of her head.”

  “I think we’ll be alright,” Guss replied, his voice strained.

  The knights reached Jax, who screamed, “Kill him!” They unsheathed their steel swords with a sharp metallic ring.

  Jax looked back and forth, slowly struggling to his feet.

  “Xander, you have to stop. You can’t kill him,” Tito said as he walked faster toward Xander.

  “I don’t care,” Xander snarled. “I’ll kill all who come for me.” Red zeal erupted from his body again, the energy flowing upward. His eyes began to glow red, and the air crackled around him. The red zeal crashed back down on Xander as it had before.

  “Xander, you don’t understand,” Tito pleaded. “If you kill him, you could start a war.”

  “April, come over here!” Liz called out. April glanced at Liz and rushed to her side.

  “Enough!” Tito’s voice boomed across the battlefield. He turned to face the intruders, his presence radiating authority. “Braxton knights have no right being on Order lands. I am Tito Stormlight, General of the 1st Platoon. Jax, I know who you are—kin to Sinjin Flamestreak. You need to leave now!”

  “No! He dies here. He’s on The Order of the Seraphs land unwelcomed. He hurt Guss and violated his daughter!”

  Jax looked back and forth, slowly struggling to his feet.

  I have to stop him. Can I stop him? Tito sprinted toward Jax.

  Without warning, Xander dashed toward Jax and the knights.

  “First Testament!” Xander roared. He cocked his hand back, fire shooting from his arm as he accelerated even faster.

  “Shit, I won’t make it!” Tito yelled. “Shattering Howls!” He pointed his arm skyward, and lightning crashed down on Xander. To Tito’s shock, Xander seemed unaffected.

  “Dad, is that Tito’s Arc Sigil power?” April asked, her eyes wide with curiosity.

  “Yes! This is the power of a General for The Order of the Seraphs,” Guss replied.

  Xander reached Jax as two knights stepped in front of their leader. With a war cry, Xander’s flaming augmented arm pierced through the first knight’s chest plate. He quickly removed his arm from the knight, who collapsed lifelessly to the ground, and turned to face the other.

  The second knight swung his sword downward, striking Xander’s forehead. Small drops of blood trickled down Xander’s face.

  The knight took a step back. “Did I kill him?”

  Xander grabbed the steel sword with his left arm and pulled it from his head, the wound sealing itself as the blade withdrew.

  He swung the hilt at the knight’s helmet with devastating force. Blood poured down the knight’s back plate and chest plate as he collapsed, the steel sword still impaled in his skull. Xander quickly stepped over the body and continued toward Jax.

  I can’t move... my body won’t move. “I—”

  Xander grabbed Jax by the throat with his left arm and lifted him off the ground. “Do you feel death?”

  “Uck o!” Jax grabbed Xander’s hand as he squirmed around, his legs kicking frantically.

  Xander slowly pierced Jax’s chest with his augmented arm.

  “F ill—” Jax coughed up blood as he grabbed at his throat.

  Xander quickly ripped his arm out. Jax’s heart was still pumping, exposed and spurting blood from the valves.

  Tito halted his charge, realizing he couldn’t control the situation. He looked at Liz, his face etched with the weight of failure.

  The remaining knights charged at Xander. Undeterred, Xander's right arm burned even brighter than before.

  “Do something, Tito!” Liz urged.

  Fuck! Tito looked at Liz and nodded. “Love, I’m not sure if I can stop him without instigating a fight with him.” Nevertheless, he steeled himself for confrontation.

  The clouds rumbled with lightning and thunder as Tito began to chant, “Thor’s Hammer!” Lightning generated from his body, meeting with a bolt from the sky. The lightning crashed back down to Tito, forming a solid lightning hammer in his hand.

  Xander dashed towards the knights, spinning with his arm cocked back. “Second Testament!” he roared.

  In that instant, Tito hurled the lightning hammer at Xander. A massive explosion erupted as Xander’s Second Testament collided with the charging knights. The knights were instantly incinerated, their ashes replacing where they once stood. Jax’s remains mixed with those of his men.

  Tito’s hammer struck Xander with tremendous force, launching him far back across the battlefield.

  Scorched earth and scattered ash marked where Jax and his knights had fallen. The smell of burned metal and flesh filled the surrounding area. Craters from Xander’s steps and Tito’s lightning hammer pockmarked the ground.

  Liz rushed towards the area where Jax and his knights had been, desperately searching for any signs of life among the destruction.

  “Is anyone alive?” she called out. It’s just ash.

  Tito positioned himself in front of Liz. His eyes scanned the battlefield. Where is he?

  April stood up and glanced over to her parents. Her eyes fixed on the scorched earth where Jax had been. Her hands trembled slightly. She whispered to herself, her voice barely audible, “It’s over... it’s really over.”

  “Guss, is it over…? Ugh, my head hurts.” Sonya gently touched her head.

  “Yes, love.” Guss gently kissed Sonya’s forehead.

  Guss and Sonya slowly stood and walked over to April. Guss placed his hand on April’s shoulder, but April barely seemed to notice. She glanced at Xander. “He saved me, but at what cost?”

  Xander’s clothes were torn from tumbling and being struck by Tito’s lightning hammer.

  Fuck, that hurt. I’m not healing as fast as I did with the head wound... Why? I have blood dripping from my ribs. Xander started to walk toward Tito. Now Tito wants to fight? Fine. Red zeal began to show around Xander once more.

  Tito gestured to Liz with a nod and took a few steps back.

  Lightning struck Tito, the electricity splashing around him as the air started to crackle.

  “Tito, who are you with? You attack your best friend with intent to hurt,” Xander shouted.

  “Xander, I serve the queen of the Order of the Seraphs. She is the daughter of King Dela Mar. Your—” Tito began.

  “We are your allies and trustworthy friends, and always will be,” Liz cut in, exchanging meaningful glances with Tito.

  Xander stared at them blankly.

  “I need you both to power down and cool off,” Liz commanded.

  Xander and Tito complied, Xander’s red zeal fading and Tito’s storm clouds dissipating.

  Xander made his way toward Tito and Liz.

  Liz stood next to Tito. “You think he will come willingly?”

  “I don’t know, love.” Tito looked at Liz.

  April gazed at the ashes of the Braxton men. Suddenly, she broke away from her parents’ grip and ran over to the ashes. She kicked them, scattering the remains. “Fuck you... scum,” she muttered. She spat on the ashes and walked back toward her parents.

  Guss quickly pulled her back, exchanging a worried glance with Sonya.

  April... Xander thought as he reached Tito and Liz.

  “Xander, we need you to remain calm and listen,” Tito said. “You’ve been summoned by the queen of the Order of the Seraphs. We’re to detain and escort you to her.”

  “Fifty years have passed, Xander. A lot has changed, and politics are worse than ever,” Liz added gravely. “What happened here may have grave consequences.”

  “Liz, I’ll deal with the consequences when they come. I have no regrets. Tito, I’ll meet this queen peacefully. But how did she know I was alive?”

  “Balsmith was able to report in after he recovered. We weren’t sure how stable you’d be with your memory loss.”

  “So Balsmith survived, huh?” Xander asked.

  “Yes, he did. Balsmith credits you for his survival,” Liz confirmed.

  Xander turned to Guss and Sonya. “Are you two going to be alright if I leave?”

  “Yes, we’ll be fine,” Guss assured him.

  Suddenly, April ran up to Xander. “Wait, you can’t leave yet!” She grabbed his hand, attempting to tug him towards the house.

  “Wait, April—” Xander began, but April cut him off.

  “Shut up and follow me,” she said sternly. Xander complied, matching her pace back into the house.

  “April, why are we in he—” Xander’s question was interrupted as April grabbed his torn shirt, pulled him close, and kissed him.

  Xander didn’t reciprocate. “I don’t understand, April. What was the kiss for?”

  “Well, it’s my, umm, way to say thank you for saving me. Look...” April paused. “My dad always spoke about you in his war stories. I loved that man in the story. You showed me a glimpse of it today. I could never repay you for saving me. But your honor won’t even allow you to kiss me back?”

  “No,” Xander said firmly. “I will not suggest such acts. You are beautiful and young. You will find a suitor who will marry you and make you happy… April, there is no need to thank me. If I wasn’t here, none of these things would have happened to you.”

  “It doesn’t matter, Xander. I’m glad I met you. I saw the person my father spoke so highly of.” She smiled warmly. “If you’re going to meet the queen of the Order of the Seraphs, let’s get you some new clothes.”

  From outside, Guss voice called out, “What are you two doing in there?”

  April rushed through the house, where she found some clothes and boots in the attic that would fit Xander. She returned and handed him the clothing.

  Xander glanced at April.

  “What?” She asked.

  “I umm... need you to leave the room so I can change.”

  April chuckled before rolling her eyes. “Okay.” she said, turning and exiting the house toward Guss and Sonya.

  Xander finished dressing and approached the others. He leaned down and hugged Guss, who whispered something in his ear. Xander’s face brightened, and they exchanged nods. “I will see you soon, old friend,” Xander said to Guss with certainty.

  He’s still Xander, but there’s something different, something... dangerous. I hope he finds his way in this new world. Guss watched as Xander said his goodbyes.

  Sonya winced as Xander touched the side of her face, the bruise from Jax’s strike still tender. “Xander,” she said softly. “What you did was necessary, but be careful. The world has changed, and actions have far-reaching consequences now.”

  Sonya hugged him tightly. “Next time we meet, hopefully it will be under better circumstances,,”

  Xander chuckled, “I hope so.”

  He walked up to April and hugged her, leaning in to whisper something in her ear. She smiled and chuckled.

  “Guss, Sonya, Balsmith will be escorting Jan back here. They should arrive sometime around nightfall today,” Tito informed them. “Thank you, Tito,” Guss replied, and Tito nodded. “Any time.”

  “Alright, Xander, let’s go. We have a two moon walk ahead of us. We can get horses at Haylen,” Liz said.

  “Xander, once we get to Haylen we can get horses there.” Tito pointed to the sky. “Look, a white dragon.”

  The group watched the white dragon in the sky.

  “Tito,” Xander called out. “Tell me about this queen.”

  Tito exchanged a glance with Liz. “You’ll see soon enough. Let’s go now, we have some walking to do.”

  There’s something he’s not telling me. Xander studied his old friend’s face, but Tito had already turned away.

  Tito, Liz, and Xander left Blaystone for Haylen as April, Guss, and Sonya waved goodbye.