It has been a long time since he has seen the light now.He spent so much time within the earth, trapped in his own prison, of his own making and design. Tunnels and twisting corridors that snaked and melded together. Within lied thousands of chambers for various persons, and he somehow found the use of each. Even those with little will carry out their piece of the puzzle. Till he figured that the puzzle could not be any more perfect. He even designed this throne room. A dark hollow chamber, large columns lining its sides, draperies of red and black, and the blazing insignia of Talin that decorated each one. The main floor empty, enough to fit a thousand people abreast, laid bare with only a few servants walking aimlessly around, their hands seemingly uncomfortable without holding or fixing anything. Their white, almost mist-like dress makes them appear like ghosts, a partial truth in honesty. They were indeed far from human.His dark eyes drifted to the door, large iron sets that wou

Festivities Brokenarrow had become alive once again. As the day slowly rolled into the evening, and the people came out in droves to prepare for the coming banquet, and festivals, Anyone could feel the palpable energy flowing in the air. Why would there not be? It is such a rare occasion that a knight is chosen within the plains, it is practically a requirement that celebrations must be had. Lyse has experienced many birthdays and other events where he was at the center of it all. But those were always focused just on his family and himself, with some blessings given by the other townsfolk. But tomorrow was different. It was just too surreal, to think so much could be done for just one person. As he saw tables being dragged into the central courtyard, tents being raised just for games, and musicians tuning their instruments to prepare their fanfare. Lyse even noticed some of his favorite tunes being practiced, no doubt commissioned by his parents. Lyse was just left standing near

By morning, they were off. Lyse and Edlund said goodbye to all their friends, the few who lived in the village. Those who lived on their estate were nowhere to be seen that morning. Hardly anyone took the time to greet them. Men and women sifted through some of the burnt houses for any property, a body covered in blood and ash. Finally, they were claimed by the masked doctor, who loaded them all on carts for proper pyre funerals. They wished to visit Lidia's noble family on the hill. Still, the doors didn't seem open for any visitors, as guards were patrolled even more tightly and turning away potential visitors. Lyse knew that it was partly in response to Lidia's late arrival home and the attack on his home, but he feels pained not to be able to say goodbye to her one more time. Next, he said goodbye to his fellow squires, most of which were other sons and daughters of farmers, merchants, and blacksmiths who yearned to be in their shoes. Even Edlund, as proud as he was, seemed a litt

Lyse sat on his bed, only thinking for the past few hours. Not even unpacking his things, as he understood there was a good chance that it would be useless to come the following day. He has the day to prepare himself, and they told him this. He seemed motionless as he peered at the ceiling, the breeze making his curtain wrinkle and flap. He doesn't know what this obstacle will be, so his only choice is to prepare mentally. The event will make or break him and his dreams and his life. Any search for his sister will be handicapped by what he will do, and his life might be in great peril due to this pendant he now possesses. He lifts it into his hand, the two gems still pulsing ever so faintly. Again he felt that overwhelming power as before, but no visions came to him, and his mind drifted as to what exactly this thing was and why his mother had it.He thinks back to the moment she gave it to him, thinking it was only a token of her faith and gratitude at the time. Then, remembering the

There was a sudden rise of confused and concerned whispers, which the king caught onto and smiled. He waved his hand towards the entrance, the mouth of the cave dark and inviting. "I understand your concerns—ten relics for 60 combatants. I can inform you that you all will be paired into teams of four. Every four-person team will have the chance to return with this artifact. But, there is another problem involved.""Problem?" Edlund asked, and Lyse looked a bit pale as he realized what the king meant and saw the same worried expression dawn on the faces of many around him.""Not every team will be able to uncover a relic, and those who don't will be disqualified and will have to return to their masters in shame," The king's announcements made the total confidence less and less. While Lyse tried to wear a straight face, he feared for the worst. That maybe he will not be able to uncover a relic. Immediately he and Edlund were at a disadvantage, as both knew no one outside of their town,