Romulus (Kean) sent out a decree that the very next day he would send out his soldiers to kill every follower of Eashoa. If they did not proclaim to be followers of Romulus, they would be killed instantly. After this happened, from then forth any person found following or worshipping, or even talking about Eashoa could be killed by anyone, or turned into the authorities. It was the new law, and as it was told to the entire kingdom, people were outraged, angry, and scared. There were only a few villages that really liked Romulus and followed him gladly, but most villages and parts of the kingdom hated Romulus, and despised him. If the soldiers truly did kill all of the Believers, then more than half of the kingdom would die. King Kean knew this, but as Kean was being controlled by Romulus, he was not himself, and he was definitely not thinking clearly.
Elena chewed a piece of bread, slowly. She couldn't remember the last meal she'd eaten, and by the looks of how the boys were eating, it had been a while since they'd eaten too. Talcar dunked his bread into his bowl of soup and closed his eyes and sniffed in the aroma of the soup. Heavenly! It was a far cry from some of the fine foods he had eaten in his father's castle, but right now, it was the best tasting food he'd ever eaten. He smiled his thanks at Ahm, who had gone and filled their bowls to the brim. Ahm smiled back saying, "By the way you humans eat, I almost wish I did eat food!" Elena was startled. "Whatever do you mean, Ahm?"
"As Warriors, there is no need to eat. It is how Eashoa has made us."
Gideon looked at Ahm asking, "You mean to say that if I were to become a Warrior, I would no longer need to eat?" Ahm looked at Gideon, and smiled. "Yes, you would no longer need to eat. I see by your question and face that you like the thought of being a Warrior!" Gideon nodded, his young face contemplative. "If it is Eashoa's will, then yes I would go gladly, and happily. I have longed to join His soldiers."
Elena struggled to keep her face emotionless as she thought about her own wishes to join the Warriors. After all that had happened to her in the past few days, she felt so helpless, and so weak. How would she ever be able to join the Warriors?
It was not long before the Warriors, Talcar and his friends, and Elena heard about the new law. When Aron told them of it, Gideon burst out angrily, "How could King Kean do something like this? We know that he is a follower of Romulus, but would he really murder half of his kingdom?" Talcar agreed, knowing his father was a coward and evil somewhat, but he would never do anything like this. "It truly does not sound like my father at all. I doubt he would ever even be smart enough to think of it on his own." All of them sat there in silence, until Arthur spoke up. "Aron… you said at the battleground that when Romulus disappeared, he probably entered someone else. Do you think?..."
Everyone was silent as they caught onto what he was thinking, and suddenly the whole matter seemed much more serious and deadly.
"If so…then I fear more so for this kingdom. How are we to save the people?" asked Talcar, looking at Aron. Aron looked back at him steadily.
"We shall have to wait for Eashoa to lead us in our next step. You will lead your people out of this despair, Talcar. And once your father is gone, you will be the new, right king."
Talcar knew his father must be uprooted from the throne, but that didn't help ease things. It only made it worse, knowing that his father either had to be killed, or thrown out of the kingdom for his bad deeds. Closing his eyes, Talcar then prayed for wisdom, and courage.
Quinn walked slowly down the steps of his castle to the dungeon, where the Lord Eagan was being kept. Motioning a guard aside, he opened a door, and stood in front of Eagan. Eagan no longer looked like a "lord," but more like a peasant. His rich clothes were soiled and ripped, and a two week's worth of beard covered his face. His face was gaunt and tired, and as his eyes met Quinn's, a cold fury seemed to fill him.
"What do you want with me, Quinn? Aren't you going to leave me here until I die?" Quinn looked at the man, his face emotionless.
"If I'd wanted you to die, I wouldn't have ordered you to be fed. No…I will not kill you that easily. In two days you will be handed over to Romulus himself, so that he may deal with you. You will then truly feel pain and despair."
Eagan didn't allow himself to be troubled by Quinn's words, as he had already anticipated what would happen to him. He was angry though, it showed plainly in his face as he spat on Quinn's clothing. Quinn's face twisted in anger, and before Eagan could take another breath, Quinn stretched out his hands once more, and Eagan found himself writhing in pain. It felt like fire was eating him from the inside, and he screamed in pain. As his scream bounced off of the stone walls, Quinn left the room.
Elena wondered what she was going to do with her life. It seemed she was not strong enough to become a Warrior, but not being able to do anything with her life other than being a simple village woman was something she was not considering. She walked over to Aron, who was cleaning his sword. He gave her a cheerful smile, and motioned for her to sit beside him. Gratefully sinking down on the large rock, she hesitated before asking, "Aron…why aren't there any women Warriors?"
Aron studied her face before answering, and he looked at her kindly.
"Because no women have ever wanted to become a Warrior, to my understanding. You have an interest in joining us?"
Elena nodded saying, "Yes, ever since I was a small girl I have wanted to become a Warrior. I know it may sound silly, or impossible, but already I know how to use a sword, and shield. I just wonder….would Eashoa fill me with the same strength that you men Warriors have? Would I be as strong?" Aron shrugged. "Why wouldn't you be? If Eashoa wills you to become a Warrior, I am sure you will be just as strong, and just as brave as all the rest. But Elena, think about what you are saying. If you become a Warrior, you will never be married, have children, or ever have a permanent home! Is it really what you want?" As Aron asked this, Elena felt deep down inside a pain and sorrow.
"Aron…I want to help and fight so badly, yet when you ask these questions, I find that I would not want to miss out on having children, or feeling the love of a husband. I am so confused…"
Aron closed his eyes and pleaded with Eashoa to show Elena the way to go. This woman needs Your guidance and assurance! Please show her what you want for her future, Eashoa. Elena patted his hand in thanks, and said, "I must go to my home village and find my younger sister, Tiana. I want make sure she is all right, as it has been five days since my capture." Aron nodded, and called Val over to them. "Elena would like to go see her sister, would you please take her to her village?" Upon Val's nod, Aron turned to Elena. "We have enjoyed meeting you, and I am glad we were able to rescue you! Please go now, and see your sister."
Elena smiled and accepted the hug Aron offered her, and walked away with Val. As she said goodbye to the boys, Elena felt glad she had met and befriended such faithful and courteous friends. Talcar kissed her hand and said, "It was a pleasure meeting you! I am sorry of all the events in which you were in the midst of, and I am glad that you are finally safe." Then he smiled, and Elena turned to Arthur. Forgoing her hand, Arthur gave a quick hug, and smiled his goodbye. Gideon also kissed her hand, exclaiming at how brave she was, and how he had been the better upon meeting her. Then, it was time to go, and Val carefully lifted her in his arms, and spread out his wings. Then they were off.