-Chapter 4-

-Northshire, shortly after the theft-

"You knew, didn't you?" said a rueful voice softly. There came a brief pause, and the man before him finally responded with a subtle nod, his short red beard distinctive among the other knights around the town. "Then it may well be just as I suspected."

Although the two men were relatively alone, they kept their voices low. It seemed word traveled through the slightest of whispers nowadays. The red-haired man took off his silver helmet, unveiling the rest of his short hair. His face was filled with much concern, the wrinkles on his forehead showing proof.

"When it finally dawned on me what those bandits were up to, it was too late," said the weary commander with a sigh. "Using such horrible arcane magic . . . what do you think they could be plotting?" The steel-clad armored man in front of him just shook his head slowly, his unruly blond hair down to his shoulders.

"Alheid, do you suppose it has something to do with . . . ?"

"What? No! Don't be ridiculous."

Just then, a young man, likely a messenger, stepped up to the blond-haired man, discreetly whispered something, and ran off to his other duties. With mirth in his eyes and a smile that would otherwise seem offensive to anyone else, the blond man put a hand to his chin. It was obvious that fresh news reached them yet again, not sparing them any time to even discuss the previous incident. Alheid waited for the general to begin elaborating.

"More troubles, it seems. Interesting."

"Care to share?" Alheid asked with more concern.

"Not just yet. Tell me what went on in the capital."

"Nothing you haven't already experienced," he replied tiredly. "A bunch of conjured illusions in the form of thugs attacked the guards at the gates, just nearly the same moment Northshire was assaulted. A few days prior, reports were made based on some similarly dressed thugs causing mischief in the town square and near the Cathedral. These eerie chain of events began the day after they discovered that odd stone in the Aboraz Ruins."

"Yes, similar reports were written in various other scouting memos in nearby places as close as Menethil Harbor to as far as Southshore. None were severely injured, nor was anything vandalized. Everyone was just distracted, taken by surprise. It seemed as if these strange sorcerers were in search of something important."

Alheid nodded more energetically. "Yes, and they succeeded this time. They stole from us that same stone artifact that seemed to intrigue the Commandership a few weeks past. He told those who found it to keep it safely hidden in the abbey for reasons unknown."

"And why was such a thing stolen so easily?"

"Drugged. The guards inside were all knocked out by some unknown, potent sleeping herbs placed in their drinks during break. The apothecary team in Stormwind is trying its best deciphering what species of herbs they used, but still to no avail. The others outside were also temporarily distracted by some merchant, but whether that was a part of their plans is not too doubtful. We're not dealing with any amateurs here, Xadek."

"Or are we? Think of the plan."

"Y-yes, is it necessary to initiate the next part already?" Alheid asked nervously.

"Never a more crucial time," said the general. "Commander, on your mark. I have already planted the seeds; let it be you who makes sure they survive to grow."

With those words, the general turned back to his company of men and to his stead. Without looking back, he stated, "I'm going to do some more investigating on this new 'island' I've heard so much about recently. I have a hunch it'll answer some questions. You, meanwhile, are summoned to the capital in my place. Assume my role and tell the Council what I told you before."

General Xadek and his men left Northshire without wasting any more time, leaving Alheid with nothing but bitter regret and uneasiness. What Xadek had told him a year ago had shaped his entire life; he had to fulfill his duty. It was time to go to Stormwind.

Jedo and Chappy had just reached the gates of Stormwind and were already marveling at the wonders as they did the last time. Statues the size of large buildings stood in remembrance of heroes of past, marking their bravery. Two humans, an elf, and a dwarf loomed valiantly, weapons unsheathed as if they'd come to life at any moment. A gigantic, gray stone bridge gave passage to the spectacular view of town further down. In addition, it was the most wonderful time of the day, when the markets reanimated the city with the bustling citizens, both customers and traders. Many things were on sale and at reasonable prices, too. Had this been an ordinary visit, the two would have stocked up on many goods on sale. However, the archbishop was waiting on them, or at least on Jedo. The boy had gotten over his frustration back at the hands of the Defias Brotherhood and seemed more determined to carry out his strong desire to become a knight.

"Oh, look!" said Chappy, staring at a rather large assortment of supplies; wrenches, spanners, modulators. It was every engineer's dream sale. The goblin side of him won over the tiny little voice in his head. "Jedo, would you mind if I browsed a bit while you find that important priest guy? After all, he probably won't let a lowly goblin inside anyways, right?"

"Sure," Jedo answered with a laugh. "Couldn't resist a good deal, huh?"

"Nope! Hurry, don't be late on my account!"

Jedo heeded his words and took off into the winding streets of Stormwind, enjoying the rare sight as he went. He'd only been to the big city with his friend a handful of times, so it was somewhat of a treat to him. Construction was taking place just west of the Trade District, and several new buildings stood modestly northeast of town, near the Old Town. The park, a haven for children, stood silently to the west of the Cathedral Square, where his mentor awaited him.

"It's finally time," he reassured himself. He wouldn't like the idea of telling the archbishop he still hadn't summoned the Light within him, but there would be a time and place to experience the powers of the Light. For the moment, he mustered up as much courage as he could and walked up the stairs and into the Cathedral.

It was amazing inside, unlike any structure he had ever seen. Marble floors spread about, reflecting the stunning designs up on the ceiling. Even that extended up in many dome-like shapes and sizes, the stained glass windows adding to the majestic scene. Portraits of famous people stood on walls made of equal quality, and the enormous creme-colored pillars lined to the left and right of the main hall decorated the lavish edifice further. Knights stood next to the pillars, serving as protectors of peace and the beautiful building itself. A priest stood at the entrance, arms folded behind him. He smiled warmly and extended his hands in welcome.

"Ah, welcome to the Cathedral of Light, young man! We've awaited your coming." He walked over to the boy, who was caught off guard.

"Are you one of the Paladins the archbishop spoke of?" Jedo asked, unsure whether it was a stupid or sensible question. The Cathedral seemed like a place for priests and the such, not Paladins, protectors of the people, but it was worth asking.

"Heavens, no!" laughed the holy man. "I'm merely here to help out visitors. I am a priest, though. The Paladins are further inside with Archbishop Benedictus. He has eagerly looked forward to training the son of Xadek Saldean!"

They made their way deeper inside the halls of the spacious cathedral, Jedo greedily absorbing the wonders within. Everything was extraordinary to him. Several memorials of renowned knights and heroes stood with each passing hall, their adorned armor pieces embellishing the last rooms of the antechamber.

"Here we are," the old holy man spoke out, gesturing to an altar where the archbishop stood.

"Come in, Jedo," Benedictus said. Beside him was a dark-haired man clad in light-plated armor, his eyes serene and gentle despite his battle-scarred body. And to the other side of the archbishop stood a short-haired woman with the same armor. Not seen too often, she was a blonde, pretty woman with the strong will of a warrior burning within her soul. He assumed they were the others his father had spoken of. The archbishop himself wore a yellow hood with flowing robes to match. His gray beard also seemed to flow down his chin and face, giving him a rather wizened, venerable look that corresponded to his position. Jedo bowed before him, his sword placed blade-down on the ground. "Now, I told you enough of that, did I not? Oh, well, you'll catch on eventually."

Benedictus looked at his attendants at his sides and then at him.

"These are whom I entrust my life with, my humble protectors. This here lady is Katherine the Pure, my loyal sword. And this is my shield, Arthur the Faithful."

The two held their swords up to their chests in salutations.

"Are they the ones who are going to train me?" Jedo questioned with valiance in his words. The archbishop replied in kind.

"Why certainly, we all are, but for the moment they shall teach you the basics."

"But," said the young squire hesitantly, "I haven't had any luck yet finding the Light within me . . ."

"Do not fret, child," said Katherine, "most of us cannot channel such a pure source within us that easily. In some of us, the Light hides in the deepest, darkest crevices of our hearts; in our fear."

"Yes," added Arthur, "face your fears and you can most likely harbor the Light. However, your intentions when battling must be pure, never for selfish gain."

"They are all right, Jedo," the archbishop stated calmly. "Listen to their words carefully, for they learned directly from this old bag of bones. They are some of the greatest Paladins I've trained."

Suddenly, a plump man in fine robes ran toward the bearded holy man, his face filled with dread. It was the clergyman under him, Bishop Farthing.

"Archbishop Benedictus!" he shouted, despite the tranquil atmosphere around them. "Oh, it is horrible indeed!"

"Calm yourself, Bishop, what is it that troubles you?"

"It's the Stockades! Several unknown traitors managed to get through our guards and free the holds on some of the incarcerated felons. Our remaining guards are trying to hold off the uprising the best they can!"

"Wait," Katherine interjected, "our remaining guards?"

"Most of the guards near the Mage's Quarters have seemingly disappeared, and we cannot spare any of the guards in Stormwind Keep, for the young King needs his defenders."

"Say no more," said Benedictus, "we shall send our healers there posthaste. But still, you should send in a special force to enter in stealth and stem the villainous rebellion at the heart of it. A similar incident occurred a while back, and that was what quelled the uprising. My God, the number of innocents and hostages possibly taken. I cannot bear to think of such things! Katherine, Arthur, go in and take that task into your own hands. Save those poor people while sparing the lives those mislead villains if possible."

"But, Archbishop Benedictus!" protested the female Paladin. "We are your primary defenders! We cannot just leave you here while there are traitors among the populace!"

"Nonsense. I've seen my deal of battle before. I've perfected my arsenal of holy chants and combat spells. I may be old, but no one shall face this old coot without a toilsome challenge."

"She is right," Arthur also protested, "you need more protection. We are saying this only for your well-being."

"May I have a say in this?" asked Jedo, the crowd's attention turning to him. "How about I go along with one of the Paladins and the other remain here to protect the archbishop? I won't be a burden to you. And besides, the other guards are needed to keep the citizens safe. You have no one else at the moment to do this. Plus, my father taught me the basic swordsman's footwork."

For a minute there was a deadly silence in the large altar, but the archbishop broke in surprisingly.

"Jedo, you do understand the grievousness of this task do you not? You can die just as quickly as any other, die horribly by the hand of criminals most foul. Are you saying you shall face them head-to-head . . . ?" Jedo lowered his head, but then shook it with a passion that flowed within him.

"No, I shall do what you said and sneak inside. I want to find the culprits who started this as the guards lessen the threat. They could serve as a distraction as we quell the source of the revolt! Please, as long as I have one other with me, I will prove very useful to you."

"Y-you aren't actually considering this, are you Archbishop?" questioned Farthing.

The others looked at the archbishop, knowing whichever decision he'd pick would be one of great wisdom. No man in Stormwind was wiser than he.

"Fine," he said simply, "if you strongly desire to help." The others nodded, knowing that in the absurdity of the words, the archbishop had always made choices that were best for the kingdom. They accepted it without question. Benedictus then said, "I have never rejected someone who so willingly wanted to serve for his people, and I shall not now especially. Jedo, your resolve is what strengthens you. Let it lead you toward the Light." Jedo nodded, not bowing this time.

"I promise you I will not disappoint you!" he replied.

"I trust you won't. Now, Katherine, you shall remain with me. I will need a good offensive master. Arthur, use your protective Paladin skills to protect this brave knight and teach him what he's yet to know. I have great confidence in you and the boy. May the Light protect the both of you."

"And the same to you, Archbishop," Arthur said in kind. "Now, then, the archbishop says your something special, Jedo. Let us prove it to the others as well."

"Yes, Sir Arthur, lead the way," Jedo said, holding out his sword.

"First, we'll need to grab you some armor, then we'll hurry to the hidden entrance to the Stockades which lie in the park. Follow me."

With that, the two heroic men were gone, ready to venture into the pith of the crisis. The archbishop closed his eyes and took a deep breath as if concentrating. Bishop Farthing muttered something nervously and took off, possibly for more help.

"Archbishop," Katherine said softly, reluctant to break his moment of quietude, "what made you send the lad inside the horrible Stockades prisons? I do not mean to impose by questioning your wiseness, but I just don't get it."

"It seems everything his father said was true," he said in response, his withered eyes opening. "My God, it is all coming together. The prophecy, the boy, the coming of war."

"What? Is that really all true, archbishop? Have you foreseen something treacherous?" Catherine was swept away by his sudden revelation.

"No, not I. And not from someone I expected it from either. If the speaker of truth's vision is in fact credible, a tragedy will ensue. One that will mask a greater evil at work. But none can truly stop the wheels of fate once they have begun to spin. I must simply adhere to this path. And this child, he will begin this fine path."

Jedo and Arthur made their way to the secret Stockade entrance, careful not to seem too conspicuous. The majority of the city's people were either contained within their homes or quarantined into the Trade District for security purposes. But still, acting too perceptible was a foolish thing to do, especially when dealing with inside men. The two had stopped at the hidden spot, a seemingly ordinary drainage lid concealed by several of the park's leafy underbrush. The lid did not come off easily, as they both noticed. There was an insignia etched on the side, one that seemed foreign to him. Jedo was about to ask him how such a well-sealed metal plating would come off, but he spoke first.

"This has a special seal on it, one undetectable by the mere eye."

"Oh? Do you mean magic?" Arthur nodded, not so impressed, but in some way interested in the young boy's enthusiasm despite his shortcomings. He was indeed curious to see what the archbishop saw in the mysterious boy. But what was so mysterious about him appeared just as perplexing as first. He would just have to wait and see.

"Yes, now step back as I break it."

The boy obeyed and marveled as the Paladin held out a casual, yet sturdy fist. An imprint of some sort soon appeared before the man, reminding Jedo of Benedictus' demonstration. How was it possible, the boy wondered.

The lid began to sizzle, then subside as if a cooling sword taken straight from the forge. The insignia suddenly lit a bright red for just a brief second, then vanished. Soon after, the defender lifted the lid with Jedo's help. It was oddly cold to the touch.

"Are you ready, Jedo?" Arthur asked gravely, the look on his face a strange mixture of both promise and doubt.

"I couldn't be any more ready," he replied with a confident tone. In truth, he was intensely nervous, but he did a great job covering it. Besides, it wouldn't help anyone to let his fear show excessively.

"I'm glad, because it's going to get quite ugly from here on out."

Weapons unsheathed, the pair jumped down, entering a rather dim hallway, the walls composed of gray bricks covered in what looked like algae. It was murky enough to support that theory, and the shadows made it hard to see too far ahead. Jedo heard the many wails of death, the sounds of steel clattering loudly. It reminded him of the attack on Northshire, although this was actually for real; people were dying. There were no more illusions this time, as his uncle proclaimed.

The hall they were in ended at a dead end, a wall blocking the path behind them. Ideally, this was a perfect entrance, for all they would need to concentrate on would be straight ahead. Arthur got closer to the boy, who wouldn't dare keep his eyes off the encroaching darkness that was their destination.

"Here, wear this," he said, taking off his helmet as quietly as he could. Long brown hair fell down to his forehead and shoulders as the helmet fitted onto the boy's own head. Jedo looked confusedly at the knight. "This will protect you further," he said. "Chances are you will need this more than I."

Jedo only wore the armor from the armory that would actually fit his rather scrawny physique. For someone his age, his build wasn't so bad, but compared to a knight, he lacked enough muscle. Arthur's scarred face became one of sternness and valor. He spoke slowly again.

"Listen closely. These thugs are going to seem quite intimidating at first, but they're going to be just as nervous as you will when you engage them in combat. After all, they'd just been freed from their cells, starting a riot. Chances are they are just going to charge and strike as quickly and lethally as possible. That, my young apprentice, is their weak spot. Always remember, for every strength, there is a weakness."

The knight led the way, walking with his knees bent slightly to avoid too much unnecessary noise. Jedo did the same. The hall stretched to both the left and right sides. As Arthur peered to the left, he signaled Jedo to guard the right. The boy noticed the many cells, the darkness within them giving way to nothing. Regardless, the doors to the cells were wide open.

"This way," said the knight.

They veered to the left hall, a torch illuminating the corner where it turned. One man came out of the shadows, a convict no doubt from his shaggy clothes. He snarled in their direction, revealing a glinting blade in his hand. He was badly injured, they noticed, as he limped on a bleeding leg. His arm, too, was covered in blood, making that wound difficult to see.

"Where did you get that scimitar?" Arthur questioned. Even as he did, Jedo readied himself in a defensive stance. The convict smiled in spite of his situation, obviously realizing Jedo's fear.

"What's it to you, pretty boy!" he growled. "You and your ass-kissing knights and your shiny, pretty armor. Bah! All you care about is glamour. I'll show you how you really fight!" The prisoner's eyes met Jedo's directly, and like they both predicted, he charged the young boy. Arthur had a defensive spell readied in his left hand, but Jedo came up with a surprise attack, ducking down and sweeping the man off his feet and onto the ground; using his weakness to his advantage. The convict gave a strangled yelp at the pain that surged up his already-damaged leg. He shouted further in agony as the sword in his hands sliced open the other wound on his biceps. Blood poured onto the sickly moist stone floor, slick and sanguine red.

"Damn you filthy curs!" he cried, spittle dribbling out as he did so. Even as Jedo held his weapon at the fallen man, he could not come to slay him. He couldn't do it, even though the man would gladly cut him open. Instead, he held the blade out near his neck, close enough to cause him to pause. This time, Arthur was impressed.

"C'mon! Finish it!" yelled the convict with a humorless smile. "What is it, are you manly enough to cheap-shot me, but not brave enough to bring the sword down? What kind of a knight are you?!" Jedo remained still.

"That's it, Jedo, don't give in to his taunts," Arthur said with a smile. He quickly took the chance to investigate a nearby prison cell. The lock appeared melted off, some sort of sorcery the cause. He noticed it was the same for the rest. Was it the same one who used magic spells to attack the capital and Northshire? He couldn't be so sure. He went back to the man, who's weapon shook in as he contemplated an attack. The knight's gloved hand spread out, and a swift white blast zapped it from his feeble hands, startling him. Arthur lifted him by the collar with one single fist; he was big, both in height and muscle bulk, easily surpassing the man's.

"Tell me, where are the majority of others, and who let you pitiful creatures out of your cells?"

"You think I'd answer to the likes of you?!" he screamed beneath his pain. "I could give two rats' asses about who let me out, but I wouldn't dream of telling y-."

"Tell me!" The grip tightened.

The interrogation was soon interrupted when the shouts of fellow inmates filled the echoing hall. Arthur tossed him hard into the holding cell and used a bright red spell that fused two parts of the cell door to the steel bars. He then gave him a renewal spell to prevent him from dying from his lacerations.

"When they get here, they'll overwhelm you," said the lightly healed prisoner, ungrateful for being spared. "You'll both be chopped up in no time, no matter what dirty tricks you both hold!"

Two, three, four men soon turned into a mob of ten to twelve. Both the brave knights looked at each other for a second, readying their stances.

"I sure hope you can fight them off too, Jedo," he said swiftly.

"'For every strength there's a weakness,' right?" he replied, hoping to inspirit them both. It was going to be one hell of a battle.

The archbishop and Katherine had drifted away from the Cathedral after heavy discussion. Benedictus had stubbornly refused to ignore the screams just outside the very walls of the magnificent building, and eventually, Katherine had given in. She became convinced that no one could simply ignore the horrific shouts and live on with a clean conscious. And as a result, they ended up traveling from the Dwarven District to the Old Town, trying desperately to defend against those that managed to bypass the guards at the Stockades. They ran rampant, slaying any and all who crossed their path. Luckily, the benevolent King Anduin Wrynn, forbidden by the council to be allowed into combat, sent nearly all of his royal guards to prevent any from entering the Trade District, where the majority of people currently remained.

"Archbishop, we cannot subdue them all!" shouted Katherine amidst the nearby battles of the guards.

"I will not bear to see anyone die before my eyes and not even think of helping! Remember who we live for!" Katherine nodded in approval.

"Yes, I understand, but there are too many! We, along with the citizens will perish!"

Just then, two dagger-wielding men took her on both her sides. They charged almost immediately, sparing her no time. However, she needed barely any time to make her move. She unsheathed her giant two-handed sword and swung in a circle of shimmering brilliance. To the dismay of both Benedictus and Katherine, the two men were obliterated into a bloody mass on the ground. The archbishop merely shook his head sadly.

"Why must it end this way?" he questioned softly to himself.

"Archbishop, there was nothing we could do," she rationalized, "we need to go!"

"I know."

The pair had gathered the survivors and the injured into the Cathedral where some healers still stayed behind, soon falling back to its safety when they did what they could. Disappointment spread across the old man's face as they entered the haven. Katherine placed a warm hand on his weak shoulder.

"We did our best."

"Not good enough," came a voice from behind. They both turned to face a woman with a thin scar running down her right eye. She had long, bright red hair tied at the bottom. She had a wicked smile on her rather rugged features as she glared down on the two like a snake on its prey.

"Melissa . . . !" gasped Katherine, clasping out her longsword as quickly as she could when she recognized the face.

"Surprised?" she replied with dark mirth in her voice. "You shouldn't be. You knew ever since that day you imprisoned me that this day would come, that I'd rise again to claim my revenge."

"Melissa! So it was you who conspired this disaster . . . and in the worst of times!"

"Hmph! I wish," she retorted. "But I wasn't solely responsible. You see, I rallied the mobs and commanded. You fools really shouldn't group the military strategist with a bunch of blood-thirsty hooligans in any prison. Oops! Sorry, ex-military strategist." Her tone of voice was caustic to the core, overcome by bitterness.

"Melissa," Benedictus' voice sounded over her vicious own, sounding almost like a plea, "call this off! No one else should die for what happened to you. Besides, it wasn't Katherine, or I for that matter, truly responsible for you imprisonment."

"Rubbish!" she spat. "It was you, the very archbishop of the 'Alliance' that recommended this! How dare you! Just so this new young hotshot 'His Commandership Trevor Frohm' could take over my place! Well, let's see, where is he now?"

"No!" he insisted. "That is not completely true. I wanted you to live and be placed in prison, not be sentenced to death like the council agreed to do. I did recommend only so you could live!"

"They . . . wanted me EXECUTED?"

"Think this through, Melissa," came Katherine's reasoning. But reasoning was far from the woman's mind at that point.

"Think? Oh, I had plenty of time to think in my cell! And I found that everyone here is a puppet of the damn council, that's what! And I'll tell you what else, the one who released me and the others from our cells said they were planning something. Something BIG! All you high and mighty bastards are going to fall in hell! You're going to regret getting rid of me and forcing me to live in some cold, dank cage! Our saviors will someday rule you, and knowing that is satisfaction enough. I just want an extra bonus by taking your heads!"

"Melissa, this is not like you at all . . ." The venerable man's words were blurted out as her voice became louder, more malevolent.

"All will see my anger! I won't let a single noble escape my wrath!" Immediately after, her body began to glow an ominous dark color, like that of a sorcerer's flames.

"Archbishop, that's . . ."

"Yes, I know."

Katherine lifted her blade, spinning it around to catch momentum and swung in her direction, the sword glowing a pale white. The woman seemed to vanish with the sword's swing, only to reappear behind her. Abruptly, the archbishop shielded his guardian knight with his Power Word, rendering Melissa's counterstrike useless.

"Why, you little . . ."

Just as her hands charged with shadowy magic, the archbishop shielded himself in conjunction with Katherine taking another more swift shot. However, the dark knight rose high into the air, dodging the attack at her blind spot altogether. Anticipating the joint attack, she gave the woman a shadowy kick, sending both her and her longsword flying into a wall and onto the ground. Benedictus had no time to heal his fallen ally; Melissa was already on him like a viper.

"You're mine," she cried out, lashing at his barrier with her cutlass, "and after you, I'll finish your precious bodyguard!"

Even as he struggled to mentally chant, the archbishop manage to retort back.

"You vastly underestimate me, my dear."

The archbishop of Stormwind sent a most blinding blaze of holy fire point-blank at her, the blast sending her body flying several feet back. A white trail of fire followed her stricken figure in her wake as she crashed to the ground. She lifted herself up with shifty legs, a smile peering on her face. The holy man was not intimidated.

"Is that all you can do?" he taunted, not moving an inch from where he stood, even before her appearance.

"Don't flatter yourself!"

Melissa dashed for the limp body of Katherine, Benedictus foreseeing such a desperate move from the start of battle. He shielded her, the holy strength of the circular white light zapping her tainted figure back as she neared.

"Your pitiful antics can't save you," he said with utter reverence for his ability that was quite fit for Archbishop. She, however, seemed unhindered.

"You just let your guard down, old fool!"

Some dark whispering came speedily from her lips, the archbishop realizing a second too late that she was speaking in demonic tongue; she was placing a curse on him!

As quickly as he possibly could, he smote her with a surge of holy energy in the highest concentration his skill could allow, the fanatical woman smiling broadly as she began to wither away in holy lightning. Although she was no more, the archbishop felt the strength of the dark spell she cast fall upon him. He tried hard to cleanse it, but it remained recalcitrant, biting at his pure soul. Falling to his knees in overwhelming agony, he used the last spell he could at that time to heal the wounded bodyguard of his. Then, darkness took his vision away, leaving only a place of fear, pain, and shadow.