Chapter 46

  Duel in the Plains

  Dotted around the Ranear Plains were campsites maintained by the kingdom for adventurers to use, should they need to. Each site was made around a tall waystone that served as a landmark, and had several flattened places for tents to be set up. The camps had fresh water sources and forageable plants, though wild game had learned to steer clear of them. A small patch of trees surrounded the campsite, contained within the lesser barrier formed by a hidden crystal somewhere nearby.

  A mighty spruce tree that had stood for decades stretched out it's limbs, awaiting the coming rainfall. The clouds above seemed to darken by the hour, and soon the downpour would begin. The spruce never saw it coming.

  With a gutteral bellow and burst of energy, Rex’s greatsword slammed into the trunk of the tree and gouged out through the middle. Rex made another angry noise and finished it off, felling the tree and watching it crash to the ground with a thunderous cacophony of branches. Rex stood fuming, fists clenched and red in the face.

  “Real mature, Rex.” Evan chided, “Why don’t you cut down the whole forest? Get a grip.”

  “Can it, Evan!” Rex snapped, spinning to bear down on the leather bound Feral, “Keep running your mouth and I’ll shut you up myself, one of these days.”

  “Relax Rex.” Fara said in a soothing voice, “There are meditation hollows here. Why don’t you go reflect.”

  “Ugh!” Rex grunted, spinning around again. He stomped off towards one of the alcoves of meditation, stamping heavy footprints as he left.

  Evan shook his head and sat on the edge of a park bench that was green with age and mildew. “Good thing no one is around, I suppose.”

  “Just ignore him.” Fara said, “He’s all bluster and no balls.” Her tail tapped against the ground in annoyance, the mace-tip impacting the ground.

  “How can I ignore that?” Evan asked, pointing at the fallen tree. “He could cut me in half with no effort.”

  “True.” Fara said, “But if he did then he would never get what he wants, and he knows it.” She hopped up to sit on the bench by Evan and leaned back. The bench was not designed with a Senne in mind, so her feet didn’t reach the ground and her head reached no higher than Evan’s resting elbows.

  “So he’s just a bully, but needs to keep up a reputation.” Evan said.

  “I wouldn’t say that.” Fara said, “He does try to help people.”

  “Only if he gets something out of it.” Evan said, sighing again. “Oh well. It’s still an amazing bounty. It’s no wonder the guy is worth so much, he’s as slippery as an eel.”

  The meditation hollow that Rex moved to had flowers around it. Like most other hollows, this one had a firm back wall to sit against that also formed a low ceiling above. They were meant to allow you to feel safe, though not all were so restrictive. Rex sat down without removing his armor and concentrated on his breathing.

  Focus. Silence. Reflection on his goals.

  His anger at losing his quarry need not be so extreme. Any objective worthy of his attention was bound to be challenging, needs to be challenging.

  Rex took a deep breath and felt calm. Losing here was nothing to lose sleep over. Whatever squabble the enemy was having with itself was not important. Vero and Michael must have had a falling out, had Rex not arrived the destruction would only have spread. Capturing Michael for the bounty was paramount, but the others should be slain. Rex nodded.

  "I will stop at nothing to claim that bounty. It is inevitable that I claim it." He said to himself. Speaking his goal, reaffirming his purpose, Rex felt his anger ebb away. Then tension he was holding left as he exhaled.

  Rex scooted out from the meditation hollow so he could stand up, the roof was too low for him. Stretching, Rex spoke to himself, "I should go apologize to Evan."

  Feeling weightless and relieved, Rex headed back towards the others. Evan sat alone on the bench as Rex approached. The sniper rolled his eyes and huffed, "I was hoping for a few more peaceful minutes."

  Rex paused, frowning. "Yeah, well. I'll set up the tents." He said, turning and walking away. Evan could live without an apology.

  The bounty hunting students of the Myrrh Academy of War began a silent rest at an adventuring campsite. They had failed this day, but felt determined to continue their quest.

  Sebastian staggered forward, then fell to the ground. When he didn't get back up, Wolf dragged him to his feet. Sebastian blinked and looked around, "Where am I?" He asked, then yawned.

  "It's alright, buddy," Wolf said, heaving the man onto his back, "I'll carry you."

  "Thank you." Sebastian said, closing his eyes.

  Wolf caught up to Yan with long strides. "Is he okay?" Wolf asked.

  Yan looked at the snoozing Sebastian, "He doesn't look too bad." She said, "Guess we all need some rest."

  "Aint that the truth."

  The open fields around the party offered no cover for as far as they could see. The distant mountains behind them were already out of sight, though the cloud cover was only getting thicker and reduced visibility. Yan kept watch with Wolf and Sebastian.

  After a couple of minutes Hyato and Michael returned, "Done," Hyato reported.

  "Good job," Yan said.

  "These Anozori are tough," Michael said, "They keep getting back up."

  "Were you hurt?" Yan asked, touching his shoulder with a soft caution.

  Michael shook his head, "I'm fine to press on. We need to find a good place to camp, right?" Yan nodded.

  Everyone started walking at Yan's lead, who held a compass to navigate east. Wolf carried Sebastian along, "Too bad we don't have a magic cottage or something." Wolf said.

  "That could be useful." Hyato agreed.

  “No time to muse about imaginary housing.” Yan said, “Stay focused, there could still be Zori about.”

  “If there are,” Michael said as he lifted his sword, Oronbyr, in front of him, “I’ll take care of them.” He pulled his arm back and threw the sword with all his strength, causing it to spin like a black saw blade as it soared ahead, slashing a swathe of grass as it flew.

  “What did you do that for?” Yan asked, nudging Michael on the shoulder.

  “Just because.” Michael said, holding his hand out. A glow appeared before him for a moment, and then the Oronbyr was in his grip once more. “I know what I’m doing.”

  “Oh.” Yan blushed, “Right.” She watched as Michael threw his sword and summoned it with Arm Return a few more times as they continued through the Ranear Plains. The path that Michael cut with his sword throws was making proceeding even easier.

  “You’re getting really good at that.” Yan said as Michael summoned his sword into his hand.

  “Thanks, I want to make a new technique.” Michael said, “I’m just... trying to come up with something to counter Sorcery.” He examined his sword, then put it away. “Got any ideas?”

  Yan pursed her lips and looked skyward in thought. “Well. I’m not sure. My sneak attack kind of worked on him, but then he was using that barrier.”

  Michael nodded, his mind rerunning the battle in his head. “Yeah, but you can only really sneak attack someone once.” Michael said. His hair fluttered about by a stray gust of wind, “I need a technique that will work despite all that. An ultimate move.” His half cape fluttered behind him.

  “That sounds cool.” Wolf said, “I’ll help you when we spar.”

  “Thanks,” Michael said, raising his voice a little to go over the wind. “When we make camp we can do that.”

  Hyato said something, but the wind drowned him out, so he spoke a little louder, “And ask Sebastian too.”

  “Good idea.” Michael said, nodding. The others didn’t seem to hear him, “What’s with all this wind?” Yan stopped in her tracks, then Wolf and Hyato stopped as well. Michael turned around, but nothing was there, so he gave Yan a questioning look.

  Yan pointed upwards behind Michael, and he looked where she indicated. Hovering above them was the large form of a ship. Held aloft by some unknown magic, the hull and side of a ship could be seen descending towards them. It had an awful lot of cannons.

  The airship was made with more metal than wood, but the design after a seafaring ship could still be seen. Perhaps this ship did sail the seas, there were a fair amount of barnacles encrusted to the bottom of it. As it neared the downdraft of wind it gave off became more intense. There had to be propellers or something hidden by one of the many vents. Michael was impressed at how silent it's approach was, as he fought to keep panic from rising to the surface.

  Though the airship did not make a sound, the wind it gave off drowned them out. Michael moved to be near the others, and Hyato put up a meteor shield in case they were bombarded. Yan glanced at Sebastian, who was still sound asleep on Wolf’s back, and wished he was awake to lend a guiding voice.

  As the airship touched down in the field about thirty yards ahead in their path, the winds it gave off died down and the party could hear themselves think again. Oh no... Michael thought.

  A landing platform extended, but before it reached the ground someone leapt over the rails. He landed with grace and skill that matched Yan, then stood with an imposing visage that rivaled Wolf. His silver hair was held back out of his face as he glowered at the party. “I finally tracked you down.” Mien said, as the landing platform touched into place behind him.

  “This is bad... what do we do?” Yan said to Michael.

  “I can take him.” Wolf boasted. His bravado crumbled as his weary leg almost gave out and made him stumble.

  “I don’t know.” Michael said. From aboard the airship two figures appeared. Pierre and Kris stood at the top of the landing ramp, and they weren’t alone. Appearing from the deck to loom over the side rails were more and more warriors, sailors, that all seemed rather imposing in their own ways. They gave the impression of a motley gang of pirates.

  “Now that we’ve been reunited, Michael,” Mien said, “I propose that we duel. You versus myself, no outside interference.” He had a neutral expression, but a hint of a smirk showed on it.

  “Oh yeah? Why should I, Mien?” Michael asked, taking a single step forth and slipping into a stance.

  “Well,” Mien huffed, “I suppose if you would rather your crew,” He paused, looking over Yan, Hyato, Wolf, and Sebastian; the group of tired travelers, one even already unconscious. “Did battle with my crew.” Mien indicated the dozen or two folk on the ship behind him, as well as the now more imposing Kris and Pierre. “That can be arranged.” Mien held his arms to his side, and waited.

  “Well,” Michael said, “He’s left me with no choice.”

  “That’s crazy, there must be some way out.” Yan said.

  “We could run,” Hyato said.

  “Outrun an airship?” Yan countered. Hyato conceded.

  “I think you can take him.” Wolf said, “You’ve been getting way stronger.”

  “Mien is a Myrrhmidon,” Yan reminded Wolf. The Champion frowned, worry appearing on his face.

  With a clap of his hands Michael gathered attention. “No use fretting over it.” He said, “This deal is ideal. We can’t take on all of them as we are now. Besides, I have been getting stronger.” He turned and looked to Mien, who remained standing with an aura of patience. “If you guys think of a better plan, let me know.”

  “Why did Sebastian have to fall asleep now of all times.” Wolf complained.

  Michael faced Mien and drew his sword. "Okay fine. I accept your challenge." He said. "Lets move away from the ship."

  "Worried about canonfire?" Mien asked, "I don't intend to use outside help, that's the whole point of a duel."

  "Not that." Michael said, "I don't want to damage the ship."

  Mien started to laugh, then remembered the battle against the Bandit King. "Fair. Lets move aside then." Mien walked away from the airship and towards an open field. Michael matched pace from the other end of a space they’d been maintaining. The onlookers of both parties followed at a safe distance.

  After retreating to the open field Mien took a stance and drew his swords. Michael stood at the opposing end, taking a light stance to be ready to move. “Someone give a signal,” Mien said. His eyes did not leave Michael. The two pale haired warriors stared off and silence fell over the battleground.

  Hyato looked around then nodded, “Begin!”

  Michael leapt into action without a moment’s hesitation. He jumped towards Mien at high speed and slashed for an opening attack. Mien slipped to one side and returned with a single slash made using both his swords. He cut into Michael, but the cut was only skin deep. “You’ve gotten tough.” Mien commented.

  “Tough as Zori.” Michael said, unleashing a surge from the side of his body. The burst caught Mien unawares and struck, but Michael was launched away and unable to follow up. By the time Michael had his feet the former prince had recovered and was charging at Michael!

  Mien slashed in front of him, sending arcing blades of energy towards Michael. Instead of dodging or parrying the attacks, Michael struck the ground and unleashed Dark Blade. The energy erupted from the ground and disrupted Mien’s advance. The man spun in the air and began to swing his swords around him, creating a sphere of control with the edge of his weapons. Michael stopped himself from jumping into that deathtrap.

  As Mien reached the ground he slipped into a new stance, just a few yards away from Michael. The battle had restarted, all the momentum was lost. “You cannot defeat me with cheap tricks.” Mien said.

  Michael held Oronbyr aloft, taking a stance he had learned from Hyato. “My tricks don’t come cheap.”

  “Swordplay? Bring it on.” Mien and Michael moved towards one another at the same time. Michael’s sword became a blur of black as he slashed, while Mien parried each attack with his swords one at a time. As Michael continued to try and land a blow Mien ducked in low to the ground and spun his sword with a quick stroke to Michael’s shin. The attack made its mark before it could be avoided, drawing blood.

  Michael grimaced and decided to imitate Wolf instead. He struck with so much force that his arms began to ache. Mien tried to parry like before, but found his weapons knocked aside once, twice, and thrice after another. Mien hopped back, Michael charged in, and their swords clashed. Michael had brought his blade down with all his might, one handed since the hilt was too small. Mien blocked with both swords crossed before him, his confident look replaced with trepidation. Mien was being pushed back... by Michael’s one armed slash!

  Mien’s body turned into silver energy and the pressure vanished. Michael was propelled through him and tumbled to the ground. He rose at once and faced Mien in his Energy Form. “You make up for what you lack in skill with monstrous strength.” Mien said, “However I will not yield to such things.” His shimmering form became solid again as he reverted to normal, “Let’s see how you handle my power.”

  Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  For a moment the air around Mien darkened, then he exploded with force towards Michael. His swords spun once as he pulled them back, then he thrust hard enough to crack the air with his energy. Michael brought up his sword and arm in defense, emitting a surge of energy, but was slammed back by the shockwave of Mien’s attack.

  The Myrrhmidon did not slow his assault, lashing into Michael with heavy strikes that carried with them swathes of silvery force. As the attacks bore down on Michael’s defenses, more and more pain laced up Michael’s arms. He jumped back to dodge, and Mien followed to deliver a heavy downward blow.

  As the duel began, Hyato watched from aside with the others. He folded his arms and tapped his foot, “This is ridiculous.”

  “What choice do we have?” Yan asked, glancing back at the airship of vagabonds, “Why are those three traveling with Pirates anyways? I thought they were, like, soldiers.”

  “Can’t judge someone by their appearances.” Wolf said, “Anyone could be hiding a dark past.” He set Sebastian down and sat to watch the fight. “Michael has been improving.”

  “Yeah, really fast.” Yan said. “I’m not sure our battle would have gone the same now. I should practice.”

  Hyato glanced at Yan, “Is he really that much better?”

  “I mean, I haven’t been fighting him.” Yan said.

  “He is.” Wolf said.

  The three watched Michael and Mien’s battle grow more intense. A stray surge struck the ground near them, creating a small gust of wind. The dozing Sebastian shot up, “Woah!” He yelped, “What’s going on?”

  “That’s a good question.” Hyato grumbled. He pointed at the ongoing battle as Sebastian looked around.

  “Wow, seriously. What’s going on?” Sebastian repeated, looking between the duel and the airship.

  Yan fetched Sebastian some water and offered it to him. “Mien arrived with some pirates and forced Michael into a duel, threatening to fight all of us with all of them.” Sebastian gulped down the water as she spoke. “And now Michael is fighting a Myrrhmidon in the middle of the Ranear Plains.”

  Sebastian finished the waterskin. “Well, what happens if Michael loses?”

  The others all blinked, and Hyato frowned. “He... didn’t say.” Hyato said.

  “Michael gets arrested when he loses, right?” Yan asked.

  “Maybe.” Sebastian said, “What happens if he wins?”

  “Didn’t say...” Hyato said.

  “But don’t count on it.” Wolf grumbled, snapping a finger and pointing at the battle. Michael was slammed into the ground.

  The sounds of battle were replaced by ringing. Michael could taste blood and dirt in his mouth, grass on his face, and pain. Such severe pain, but Michael did not feel any anger, he wondered why.

  Before Mien could deal a finishing blow Michael pushes himself to his feet, aiding the lift with a burst of wind. He fell into a loose stance, not picking up his sword, fists before him. One eye shut closed by dirt and mud, Michael smirked. “Bring it on.”

  “Hmm.” Mien said, then moved in to give Michael what he wanted. A furious onslaught of swift strokes followed Michael. The white haired wanted man avoided the first of Mien’s attacks, then the next. Each move Michael made stirred the winds about him, carrying a light gust as he weaved to one side. Mien’s attacks grew more insistent as they continued to miss.

  Michael continued to sway out of harm’s way, a gust about his feet and shoulders. Mien struck again, but his blades tasted only the trail of a zephyr. Instead of continuing a mindless assault, Mien paused to assess his opponent.

  The wind picked up around them. Mien’s hair danced in front of his eyes and wouldn’t retreat with the shake of his head. The wind around Michael kept his hair held back as it made the grass all about the battlefield sway. Michael danced forth and punched, sending a gale forth from his fist. The attack was parried and Mien held his ground, his eyes glittering as he inspected Michael.

  “Elemancy.” Mien noted, “And Elemartialism. You surprise me.”

  “Perhaps you should keep an open mind.” Michael said.

  “That’s not nearly enough to defeat me.” Mien said. The power around him waned, narrowing into a sharp focus. A corona of silver surrounded Mien as if he were illuminated from behind. He stretched his arms out, swords held aloft, and appeared like the edge of a blade.

  Mien launched into another assault, his movements swifter than ever before. With incredible alacrity, Mien slashed through the air at Michael. He caught up to the wind weaving warrior and delivered a thrust that sundered the air! A dazzling blast of light was accompanied by a sharp clanging of metal, which rang out for several long seconds. Mien and the onlookers covered their eyes.

  Luminescent violet light shone, followed by a burst of black. Dark Wind struck Mien and slammed him back. He was thrown back several yards, then dug one sword into the ground to remain rooted. The shadowy force of Michael’s sword technique made the silver glow of Mien’s energy flicker and weaken.

  The shining light dimmed with the presence of the Dark Wind. Michael stood in his Light form, standing with his sword pointed at Mien. The flow of his sword technique tapered out, ebbing to a shadowy gust. The moment the wind faded Mien moved in to attack. His sword cut into Michael, and out the other side!

  Mien fell through Michael, the body of light intangible to Mien’s attack. The silver haired wolfkin rolled to his feet and looked back. “How? Energy attacks should harm your energy form.” Mien said.

  “I can’t enter Energy Form.” Michael said, facing Mien while still glimmering with violet light. “This is Light form.”

  “What...” Mien said, eyes narrowed, “Are you?”

  The question made Michael reel back and blink, “What do you mean?” He asked. “Am I not normal?”

  “No, you aren’t.” Mien said, brandishing his swords, “But we can discuss that after I defeat you.” Mien cast a spell, weaving magic in the same manner Sebastian often did. His spell wreathed his swords in an ethereal black ichor, they seemed to draw in the light nearby. Before Michael had time to examine them, Mien closed the distance again. He slashed at the glowing form of Michael.

  The sharp edge of Mien’s sword stung as it tore into Michael’s arm. He stumbled back, but the second blade moved across his chest. Irregular blotches of deep purple discolored Michael’s illuminant form where he had been cut. Michael dropped his sword to the ground and rushed back on a burst of wind, escaping the final blow of Mien’s attack.

  A wave of fatigue struck Michael and he dropped to the ground. He tried to stand, but could not rise above his knees. The light withdrew, leaving him sweaty and bloody and glaring as Mien walked over to the Oronbyr. “My my...” Mien said, “Somehow, I expected more from you.” His own enhanced form and spells died away, leaving the man looking like he had just taken a jog.

  “I don’t know what you want.” Michael said. His arms ached, his stomach gurgled, and a wave of nausea made him lurch forward. Michael held himself from falling with just his left arm.

  “I should have intervened back in the mountains. Had I faced the Bandit King instead, then that raging spirit wouldn’t have gotten away.” Mien said. “Oh well.” He reached down to pick up the Oronbyr.

  “Don’t” Michael panted, “Don’t you dare.”

  “Don’t I dare... what?” Mien said. He grasped the Oronbyr.

  Mien jumped back from the sword, shaking his hand and hissing. Smoke rose from the palm, and his glove had burned away. He looked at Michael in shock, then snorted. “Fine,” He said, “Have it your way.” He strode towards Michael, one sword drawn.

  Michael took in a deep breath, pushing down the fatigue, the hunger, the stress. He exhaled and shook his head. “I don’t think so.” Michael clenched his fist above the ground and a hilt appeared in it. Dark lines erupted along the ground in all directions, a chaotic web of imminent force. The ground began to rumble, drowning out Mien’s cry of alarm as he stumbled from the tremor. “Dark... Blade.” Michael said.

  When Michael had picked himself up and began dancing with the wind, Yan cheered. Then the battle with Mien continued, both duelists exchanging blows and changing tactics several times. Sebastian watched the battle with a critical gaze, frown deepening as the battle went on.

  “I don’t understand.” Wolf said, “This battle should be over by now.”

  “What do you mean?” Yan asked, her jubilation dropped for a moment.

  “That guy, he’s a Myrrhmidon.” Wolf said, “He’s not taking this fight seriously.”

  “Perhaps you are overestimating them.” Hyato said, “Myrrhmidons, I mean. Reputation does not equal reality.”

  “Nah, it’s something else.” Wolf said. “Maybe he is hiding a wound. What do you think?” Wolf asked, looking at Sebastian.

  The middle aged Evari rubbed his chin, pondering the battle he had been witnessing. “There is something to be said for your observation, Wolf.” Sebastian said, “Mien is not fighting with the intention of killing Michael, that much is plain.”

  “Well, why would he want to kill him?” Yan said, “Mien wants to arrest him, right?”

  The party watched the fight unfold, brilliant light shows as the two clashed. Cheering and hollering could be heard from the sailors that had gathered around to watch. A few even started drinking in time with the fight, following certain attacks.

  As the sailors basked in revelry, Yan noticed someone approaching their group. The tall stern looking soldier girl, Kris, approached. “Hello.” She said, a stiff demeanor. She gave a small bow, but didn’t say anything more.

  Since the boys didn’t speak up, Yan did, “Hi Kris. You after something?” Yan heard Sebastian exhale, why was he holding his breath?

  “No.” Kris said, “Well, sort of. I wanted to know how he got so much stronger.” Kris looked to the battlefield where the duel continued to escalate.

  “Isn’t it natural to grow?” Hyato asked.

  “Not that fast!” Kris said, “Compared to Nita and the Broken Times Fortress, it’s like that man has become a different person. Look at him, he’s glowing purple!” Kris’s stiff unease seemed to have faded. “I spent years training and patrolling and barely got any stronger.”

  “Perhaps to your point of view.” Sebastian said, “But you are comparing yourself to Michael. You should be comparing the you now to the you from the past.”

  Kris shook her head, “Still. I’ve gotten stronger, but not like he has. How can he grow so fast, is he a Hero?”

  “A Hero?” Yan asked.

  The soldier woman made a frustrated gesture, “Yeah. You know. There are always stories about Heroes that get really strong. Like Amadon and Yxinel.” Kris said, “Adventurers that grow faster than others.”

  Wolf chortled, “If Michael is a Hero, then the world is coming to an end.” He said, “He’s just doing the best thing for getting better at fighting.”

  “And that is?” Kris asked.

  “Fighting.” Wolf said. Kris groaned and threw up her hands.

  “Wolf is correct.” Sebastian said, “In our times since meeting in Nita, and since the fortress, we have encountered dozens of groups of Zori. At least twenty a day, and Michael insisted on slaying them. Then each night he uses the stored Synergy to train. Recently, he has begun sparring with Wolf before going to sleep every day as well.”

  “What?” Kris said, “I thought it was better to avoid Zori.” She said, then added, “Though Mien did say something different.”

  “Michael has not grown up like we have.” Sebastian said, “We may see Zori as a never ending threat, but he sees them as monsters that threaten everyone. His desire to protect others drives him to slay every Zori that attacks. And I am beginning to feel the same.”

  Yan nodded, “It’s easier to fight them anyways, with these guys around.” She indicated Wolf, Hyato, and Michael. “And him too I suppose.” She made a vague thumb gesture towards Sebastian. The Evari tactician did not say anything.

  “Doesn’t that... tire you out?” Kris asked, “Fighting every day, then training too? That sounds utterly exhausting.”

  “It is.” Wolf said, “These guys are running me ragged. I have two new scars since I joined up.”

  “Then why do it?” Kris asked.

  “Training and growing.” Hyato said, “Are as important, to living, as food and sleep.”

  Wolf shrugged, “And, it’s fun.” Then he added, “And the people we are after are really bad news. Did you see what they did? Monsters.”

  Kris nodded, “We found you after we saw the destroyed town.” Her tone was solemn, “Just like what happened to my hometown.” Her shoulders slumped down. Kris was wearing her armor like usual, and yet still seemed small for that moment.

  Yan placed a hand on Kris’s shoulder. “We are going to put a stop to all this.” She said, “I promise.” Yan gave a heartfelt smile.

  Kris turned away, hiding her face. “Thanks.” She said, “I’m gonna... go over there now.” The soldier girl walked away, rejoining the party of sailors. Yan watched for a moment, before turning back to watch the fight.

  A few moments later Sebastian sidled over next to Yan. ‘I don’t think you should have said that.” He commented.

  “Said what?” Yan asked, not looking away from Michael’s battle.

  “That you promised.” Sebastian said. “You shouldn’t make promises.”

  Yan grimaced, “Old codger.” She said, “There’s nothing wrong with promises.”

  “I’m just saying,” Sebastian said, “You don’t want to be held accountable for promises you can’t keep.”

  “What do you mean, ‘can’t keep’? I can keep a promise.”

  “Still, it’s not worth the risk. If you-”

  “Shh!” Yan said, “Something’s happening!”

  Raw force tore apart the world below, erupting into air with tremendous force. Mien jumped back from danger, but his leg got caught between two jutting crags of soil. Chunks of stone from deep underground rose up, and several skidded across Mien’s torso and arms.

  In the middle of the chaotic burst of Energy, Michael knelt on the ground with sword entombed. The Oronbyr gave off a deluge of umbral energy that mixed with Michael Terramancy to maintain the tremor. The flat plain was being lifted by the force of his attack.

  Mien needed to act, focusing himself on his tasks. One at a time. Flexing energy around his trapped leg, he let loose of surge. The bursting force allowed him to snap free and rise above the attack. Once lifted he turned his attention to Michael. Mien reared one arm back, then swung his sword with all his might, unleashing a sword surge!

  The silvery strike sundered the air, but before it met its mark a tendril of stones held together by black energy shot up in defense. The chaotic force of Michael’s attack changed shape, from erratic upwards energy into something new. Ten massive tendrils of stone were woven together by the Oronbyr’s shadowy energy.

  After blocking one attack, the tendrils lashed towards Mien. In the air he was unable to dodge the strike. A heavy mass of earth connected with Mien, dragging him across the sky.

  Adaptable as ever, Mien moved with the tendril as it swept around. It was painful, but as the attack wound down Mien managed to get his feet up onto the bare rock. He made ready to jump, but saw another tendril whipping towards him!

  Out of sheer desperation, Mien unleashed as much energy from his arms and legs as he could! His elbows and knees cried out in pain as he flung himself upwards, soaring much higher than intended.

  The shadow stone tendrils crashed into each other and exploded in a shower of dust. The rest, unable to reach the skyward Mien, collapsed in a heap around the battlefield. Michael stood up, pulling his sword free, and let out a guffaw. "How do you like that, bitch?!" He shouted.

  Airborne and working on a solution to land, Mien blinked at Michael statement. A few others watching, Michael's party, also seemed confused. The greatest look of confusion came from Michael himself.

  Mien released a steady flow of energy to slow his descent. As Michael looked at his arms he saw black marking creeping up from his hands. Then Michael's arm moved on it's own, spinning back once and thrusting Oronbyr into the air. The air cracked as Dark Wind spilled forth in an erratic cone towards Mien.

  "Stop!" Michael snapped at himself. His arm twitched, but didn't let up. "I said stop!" He tried to pry his left arm down with his right, but his sword arm didn't budge.

  "Quit complaining!" Michael heard himself say, "I'll get rid of him for you."

  "That's not what I want." Michael retorted. The wind continued to flow, and Mien could not be seen beyond it's obscuring shadows.

  "You don't know what you want." Dark Michael said, "I'll take over from here. We're too tired to leave it to you."

  "You don't get a say in this. We can't kill him, it's not right." Michael said.

  "Right? There is no right or wrong." Dark Michael preached. "We are all villains to someone, it doesn't matter what we do."

  Michael closed his eyes. He couldn't wrestle control of his arm away, and he felt his energy draining away. "That's not true. What we do matters. I won't kill Mien."

  "Just try and stop me." Dark Michael said, a vicious snarl in his voice.

  "Okay." Michael said, accepting the terms. He let go with his right arm, reaching towards the ground. It was too far away, so he focused his will forth. With a little terramancy, a chunk of earth lifted into his hand.

  "What are you doing?" Dark Michael said, shaken, "Stop!" Michael lifted the earth at full speed, smashing it into his face. Pain, then darkness. Michael collapsed, sword clattering to the ground.

  The waning force of winds swirled around and died out, and Mien landed on the grass a moment later. He groaned as he stood up, then limped a few feet forth.

  Mien staggered over to Michael's unconscious form. "Well then. That's not the ending I expected."

  Yan and Hyato arrived moments later, crouching at Michael's side. "Are you okay!?" Hyato asked, shaking Michael by the shoulders.

  "Stop that!" Yan said, slapping Hyato's hands out of the way. She checked the wounds on Michael. Bloodied and bruised, he was covered in dirt and grass stains. "We need to clean his wounds."

  "There is a medic aboard the ship." Mien said. "We'll patch him up there." He turned and waved at the sailors, then gave a hand signal and indicated Michael.

  Yan stood between Michael and Mien, glaring up at the latter. "I can't let you arrest him, Mien." She said, "Vero is too dangerous."

  "Vero." Mien said, "One of those that showed up after the battle with the bandits, correct?"

  "Yes." Yan confirmed, "He's a dangerous sorcerer. He showed up in Liniva as well. He has to be stopped."

  "And you are the only ones who can?" Mien said, "Get over yourselves. Do you think yourselves mightier than the Myrrh Royal Army? The Mage Guard of Cryston? Are you even strong enough to face a Sorcerer that powerful?"

  Yan held firm, lifting her chin, "If we aren't strong enough, we will become strong enough." She stood there glaring, despite looking tired.

  Two sailors arrived with a stretcher, but stopped when Mien held up a hand. Hyato glanced between Mien and Yan, remaining silent.

  "What are they planning?" Mien asked.

  "We're not entirely sure." Yan started, "The revenant..."

  "Wait." Mien said, "How about this, I'll take you all to where you are headed. After you all have had a chance to rest and heal, you can tell me."

  Yan narrowed her eyes, tilting her head. "Okay...?" Hyato patted Yan on the back, drawing her attention. He nodded, and Yan exhaled. "Okay." Yan said, relenting. She took another breath to calm down. Then she looked at the sailors standing around with the stretcher and said, "Well hop to it! Get Michael to your ship!"

  "Yes'm!" The sailors said, jolting to attention. They moved and loaded Michael onto the stretcher with extreme care and haste as Yan watched them.

  Hyato moved over to stand next to Mien for a moment. "Have you been well?" Hyato asked.

  Mien glanced at Hyato and shrugged. "I guess so."

  "Good." Hyato said. "A sleep mask will help with the headaches." The red swordsman walked away, leaving Mien puzzled.

  A mere hour after Mien's arrival, the party found themselves boarding the airship that had touched down. Wolf watched as Michael was hauled away into a cabin at the back of the ship by two burly sailors. The deck was swarming with activity, and Wolf stood feeling out of place.

  Barking orders at the arriving airmen was a short woman with a long coat. She stood shorter than Yan, who had followed Michael into the ship, yet commanded a presence twice the size of Wolf himself. She gave specific instructions to the myriad sailors as they moved about, and each order was carried out without question.

  Standing behind the captain was a man even taller than Wolf. He stood with his arms crossed behind him, and seemed to be watching nothing at all. His skin had a pale lavender hue to it, something Wolf hadn't seen before. The man's head turned towards Wolf, "Try not to stand in the way, Champion."

  Wolf pointed at himself and the tall man nodded. Wolf realized he was still standing near the walkway where people boarded the ship. After a hasty glance, Wolf went over to where Hyato and Sebastian were loitering. They sat on a bench near some stairs leading down into the ship, out of the way of traffic.

  "Should we be here?" Wolf asked as he approached the guys.

  "It's a bench." Sebastian said, reclining. "It's made for that."

  "I mean on this airship." Wolf said, "Isn't Mien our enemy?"

  Sebastian rubbed his chin, "I wish I could say. He might be our foe, or have been, but he seems to be acting differently." Sebastian and Wolf looked at Hyato. "Any insights?"

  Hyato nodded. "I wouldn't worry right now." He said. "Let's rest where we can."

  The airship hummed to life and lifted into the sky, carrying it's five new passengers. The damaged plains below grew more distant, then the airship headed east. To the Crystal City, the capital of Cryston.