Chapter 25

Valkron watched the members of his party take their bearings, desperately trying to follow his military-like manner as well as get things done. Apart from him only Iruna knew how the Chivalry wanted things done.

He felt much better, somehow. There was a burning desire within him to get everything cleared up once and for all. Emeth's spell was still in the sky, shimmering the way to the portal's location, but they had neither a compass nor a map to resolve their problems.

And he didn't know why, but his fingers itched to kill. He had been hardly able to release his sword that morning, only managing to do so by forcing himself to sheathe his sword.

Still, he knew he'd get the chance soon enough. He licked his lips, waiting for the moment when he could feel the warmth of blood splattering everywhere and the smell of iron.

There was just one problem. He kept having this idea that something was fighting him down. It was annoying, like an itchy place on your back that you couldn't reach.

But other than that he felt perfectly fine.

He finally gave up on the party. They seemed to be too stupid to be able to figure out where they had to go next.

'It looks like we've got to stay another night in the city,' he said. 'If no one identifies the place that lies in the northwest we're not going anywhere.'

'We're not going to just sit here and wait!' said Iruna. 'That spell is tearing our world apart the longer we wait!'

'Well, seeing how wretched you are at bearing-taking, I don't think we can do anything until you get the blasted thing done.'

Valkron turned on his heel and promptly entered the inn. Everyone was staring after him with their mouths open.

Aldev was the one who broke the silence. 'Well, looks like he's showing his true colours now,' he said smugly, folding his arms across his chest. 'What did I tell you? There's no knowing when that old knight would finally give up on us.'

Although Samaroh, Nocturne and Emeth were famous for their split-second retorts they were left gaping at this remark. Even more surprising was that it was Amaru who took a step forward and struck the monk across the face with the back of his hand, which must have been quite painful because of the elaborate metal decoration on the back of his glove.

'We've had enough of your whining, your so-called righteousness. Aren't you tired of it yourself?' said the deep-voiced blacksmith. 'You wouldn't like it if we keep going on and on to you about your faults, and then talk about you behind other people's backs. I will not have that here.'

'Since when did you become my judge, Amaru?' said Aldev, rubbing his cheek. Amaru's glove had left a large red mark under his eye. 'I'm sure I have the right to make any comments I like, and I'm sure you know that too.'

'You've got a limit, Aldev,' said the blacksmith. 'Keep that in mind.'

'Oh, so now you're telling me what to do, eh? Let me tell you this - I'm my own boss, I don't need telling for anything. So keep your pointy nose out of my business and go and forge something to keep your hands busy instead of hitting me!'

Khan stepped up at this point. 'Calm down, Amaru. Don't do anything rash here. Aldev, back down now. You don't want to get into any more trouble than you are now.'

'Oh, I'm in trouble now eh? What's with both of you, anyway? I always see that blacksmith tailing you like he's too afraid to wander alone. Or else what are you, married? Some interesting relationship you've got here.'

Amaru made a sound that didn't seem human. Khan caught him by the upper arm and held him back. 'I'm warning you, Aldev. Any more of this and you'll regret it.'

'Regret what?' There was a clinking sound, and Aldev put up his fists. A pair of knuckles gleamed as he crouched, ready to fight.

'Oh, so you're asking for a fight?' growled Amaru, pulling out a sword. It was no ordinary sword either - anyone could see the neatly carved name in the hilt, and they could deduce from the unnatural shine that it had been imbued with an element and most likely the blacksmith's own secret of forging.

Another, much larger sword suddenly swung down between them. They looked up to see Iruna holding it straight out in front of her, the edges of the blade facing both of them.

'Enough,' she said stiffly. Her blindfold was on so she seemed even more imposing than ever. 'Both of you have gone far enough. I don't want to attack both of you but if you force me to do so I will. And you know I have the ability to fight both of you at the same time.'

Aldev straightened up and flicked the side of his nose with his thumb. Amaru withdrew his sword, gazing with narrowed eyes at the monk. They turned away from the two-handed sword. As they headed away from each other Iruna lowered her sword and then sheathed it, still in the same position.

Suddenly Aldev turned back and sped forward, light trailing from behind him as pure energy propelled him towards Amaru. Iruna drew her sword again, but the monk had leapt over her and was already speeding towards the blacksmith. Amaru turned to look back, as if not believing his eyes.

With another burst of energy the monk leapt into the air, somersaulted and kicked out at the blacksmith. Amaru skidded backwards, dodging and ducking every kick and drew his sword. The next hit was blocked by the flat of the blade, which reverberated oddly. Khan spun around and flung his arms out, causing the blades of his katars to unfold.

Aldev landed on his feet and aimed a punch at Amaru. The blacksmith ducked and slid away from the monk. The blade of his sword was glowing.

The monk hit out again, and this time Amaru did not dodge. Sparks flew as metal bit into metal. The blacksmith shoved Aldev's fists aside and swiped at him, leaving a trail of golden light as the blade missed the monk by barely an inch.

The monk shouted, 'Hah!' before slamming his hands together. A soul sphere materialised within seconds. He grabbed it, absorbed it and hit the ground with his palm.

Amaru did not dodge the ground attack either. As the ground erupted into a long row of spikes heading towards him he stood his ground, his blue eyes watching them with furious concentration. The spikes were barely a foot from him when he switched the sword for a massive hammer and struck the ground with it.

The ground reverberated, causing people to stumble. The shockwave itself completely interrupted the row of spikes, crushing them to dust. Aldev snorted at the counterattack in scorn and somersaulted towards the blacksmith. Then he spun in midair and kicked out, but the blacksmith swiped at him with the hammer and the monk nearly lost a foot. He landed some way away from Amaru and watched him warily.

'That's enough, both of you!' cried Iruna from the other side. 'Stop it now and forget about fighting! This is not the time!'

'On the contrary it is the right time!' shouted Aldev, and took a running jump. This time however it was Khan who leapt forward. Knuckle met katar blade in a shower of sparks and they strained against each other, trying to force each other down.

They released at the same time. Aldev assumed a stance and gathered energy to him. With a bellow he went for the assassin, hitting at Khan with his open palm incessantly so fast that it was a blur. Khan blocked every blow with the backs of his katars, equally blurred as the monk. Both flew apart and landed some way away from each other.

Khan dashed forward. Halfway through he suddenly went missing. Aldev grinned and hit the air in front of him with two fingers. Blue fire burst into life and circled him in a bright ball, spreading out as it went.

It was Amaru who distracted him. Aldev saw the golden light gather at the blacksmith's hands as Amaru raised his massive hammer. In a split second he was running straight towards Amaru to stave it off, but it was too late. The blacksmith slammed the hammer onto the ground, and the massive shockwave not only knocked the monk off his feet but deafened everybody as well.

Khan appeared behind Aldev and kicked him in the back of the head before leaping off in Amaru's direction. The monk hissed through his teeth and chased after him, but Amaru swung his hammer just then. Aldev would have lost his head if he had not stopped in time.

Khan turned and sprinted forward. When he was right behind the blacksmith he took a great jump, landed on Amaru's shoulder on one soft shoe and then sprang into the air. Aldev saw him coming and turned to run, but the assassin clasped his fists together and brought down not just his knuckles, but the handles of his katars as well onto Aldev's back. The monk staggered under the blow but flung his hand out to stop himself from hitting the ground face first.

His hand touched the ground. There was a sudden burst of light and the three of them flung up their arms to shield their eyes, momentarily blinded. When the light had faded and they were able to look around properly, Nocturne was standing nearby tapping his foot impatiently on the ground.

'That should discourage you,' he said, as they massaged their eyes. 'I buried a landmine trap somewhere around here, too...not too sure if I can remember where I put it.'

Everyone backed off from where the three of them had been fighting immediately. Aldev shot the two of them a look, wiping blood away from a cut near his mouth. 'Bloody gays. Don't even know what's an honourable fight, two ganging up on one.'

'Well, I don't like people attacking you without telling you first or giving a warning,' snapped back Khan, pulling tight one of the strips of linen around his forearm.

'Oh, really? So what kind of assassin are you then? I thought your kind does this sort of thing every day!'

'That's absolutely none of your business, you screwed monk! The Assassins' Guild has its own matters to deal with!'

'Yeah, well, proves both of you are married, you backstabber!'

'Shut that mouth of yours!' snarled Amaru, causing everyone around him to back off at his sudden ferocity. 'One more time, you two-faced monk, and I'm going to turn you into pulp!'

'ENOUGH!' screamed Iruna in rage, slamming her sword down onto the ground. White lightning struck the ground where her sword had hit and left a charred crater. The people around her winced and backed off, for a crusader's wrath was a force to be reckoned with.

They looked at her, Amaru steaming with barely controlled rage and Khan holding him back. Aldev scoffed.

'That's it. Any one of you make a move and I will decapitate you with my shield. I've done it before and I won't hesitate to do it again.' Iruna pointed her sword at them. 'Now get over here and stop bickering like childish idiots. Nocturne, deactivate that trap of yours so no one gets hurt.

'Okay,' said Nocturne hurriedly.

'And if there's anymore of this I will personally give you a boot in the rear out of this party. And you wouldn't want that because not only will you be alone in the forest, you'll be alone in the forest with a really painful arse from receiving the point of my stiletto at cannonball speed. Is that understood?'

'Yes,' said Khan.

'Fine,' said Amaru, turning away.

'Whatever you say,' said Aldev.

Iruna pointed her sword at him. 'And watch your mouth, Aldev. You have limits. They may be arbitrary, annoying and stupid but Odin help you if you go beyond them. You'd better remember that. Got it?'

'Yes,' said the monk sulkily.

'Okay.' She took a deep breath and then continued in a calmer voice. 'Let's get back into the inn, it's getting colder out here. Are you done yet, Nocturne?'

'Almost,' called back the hunter, dismantling a trap covered in earth next to a hole.

'Good.' She turned, her cloak swirling out behind her and strode into the inn without a backward glance. Everyone followed her in, and Aldev came last of all.

Somewhere on the first floor, a curtain twitched.

The night was rather subdued. Aldev stayed in his room but the rest went out onto the lobby and huddled together for warmth, relying on Emeth's witchfire.

Only Valkron did not come down from his room, other than Aldev. He did not seem bothered about the battle between Aldev, Amaru and Khan, simply waving it off as 'normal conflict between party members'. Iruna, furious at his indifference to the matter, refused to talk to anyone for the rest of the night.

Amaru too stayed away from everybody else, sitting in the darkness. He went to bed early after a while.

So it was only six people who stayed in the lobby, saying nothing except only to wonder aloud about survivors like them. There was not much hope for such a thing but it was better than nothing.

Finally Nocturne, still unnerved by the battle, said, 'Khan, I know you don't like being bothered about this but why do you side Amaru so much?'

There was a change in the atmosphere after he had spoken. Everyone was alert, waiting for Khan's answer.

The assassin sighed. 'I don't know. It's a childhood thing.'

'That's not very clear, Khan,' said Eni a little severely.

Khan looked at their expectant faces and shrugged. 'It had something to do when we were children. Both of us were born and grew up in Morroc, but of course Amaru had different dreams and went off to Alberta to become a merchant.'

'You were with him then?' asked Eni.

'No. That was before I got to know him.'

There was a pause as they thought this out, and then Nocturne said, 'Wait, I don't get it. How did you know he had different dreams before you even knew him?'

'Isn't it obvious?' said Khan irritably. He had pulled down his mask to talk properly. 'Those born in Morroc are always expected to become thieves but he headed off to be a merchant. Think before you ask, Nocturne.'

'So how did you meet him, exactly?' quried Eni. Behind her Emeth listened.

The assassin gave her a look. 'It's a long story.'

'We've got nothing better to do,' she replied, shrugging.

Khan considered this for a moment. Then he took a deep breath.

The moon shone down on the silent buildings of Morroc, the City of the Frontier. A desolate wind blew across the city, depositing sand on the already sand covered stone buildings around the place and sending bundles of weed rolling in between the alleyways. From time to time a drops would bounce past happily.

In one of the alleyways a thief was standing close to the wall of one of the buildings. He had just heard the sound of footsteps echoing off the walls, and for a thief who was in danger of being expelled from the Thieves' Guild for not fulfilling his quota he was desperate to get some money.

The footsteps got closer and closer. The thief tensed, ready to move when his target passed the mouth of the alleyway. From a soft pouch hanging from his waist he drew out a dagger and waited.

Suddenly there was no sound. A minute later the sound of footsteps began to fade. The thief realised that his potential target had gone down another alleyway. He set forth, his fur lined, soft-soled moccasins making no sound and leaving no imprint on the sand.

He saw a shadow up ahead of him and quickened his pace. It was a rich merchant, by the looks of the figure he was following. There were hints of a fur lined cloak and gloves as well as a bulging money pouch.

The thief ran a little faster. It would be dawn soon, and the day his deadline fell upon. If he did not get the money he would have to plead to the Thieves' Court, but he highly doubted they would allow him another chance. Merchants in Morroc were clever and it was difficult to steal from them. He did not intend to wander far from his home and steal in other cities.

He had an idea. He scaled a low house and ran along the edge, a small figure outlined against the setting moon. Whenever he came to another roof he would leap onto it. Eventually he overtook the merchant and lurked on a roof just ahead of the man.

The merchant was shocked when the thief blocked his way, but he was experienced enough to give the pouch to the boy. The thief did not want to steal more than he should, so after counting out the money quickly he took what he required plus a small amount for guild tax before handing the remainder back to the surprised but grateful merchant.

He pocketed the money, feeling elated. Now he could go home and get some sleep before he could hand in the money to the Thieves' Guild and fulfil his quota.

He was on his way home, thinking nothing but his money, when a shadow quickly passed him by. He was surprised by it, but suspicion overcame surprise and naturally he followed the shadow. In contrast to his silent shoes the figure, which was as short as him, was running quite noisily and apparently sobbing as well.

The thief followed the figure all the way to the nearby oasis. When he saw the figure stop at the edge of the banks he quickly hid behind a nearby palm tree and watched from behind it. The setting moon was now reaching the horizon, so it was quite huge and illuminated the figure.

It was a merchant, most likely the same age as him. As the thief watched the merchant wiped his eyes with his hands and then waded into the lake. Farther and deeper he went, until the water level was up to his chest. He looked at the black water with the great silver moon reflected in it, before plunging himself into the oasis.

Minutes passed. The thief had got the idea that when the merchant finished his bath or whatever it was he was doing he could steal some additional money for his pocket. He readied his dagger and waited.

Suddenly he realised what was really happening.

The merchant was drowning himself.

If there was anything that the thief didn't want to see happening, it was to see people dying and him not helping. He ran out and threw down his dagger, quickly undressing before he was down to his pale cardigan and knee-length shorts. He took off his shoes, tucked the money pouch somewhere under the pile of clothes and dived in, leaving barely a ripple.

It was cold and dark underwater. The thief was beginning to doubt that he would reach the merchant in time when he saw the telltale sign of cloth drifting in the water. He swam towards it, lifted his head out of the water and took a deep breath before diving in.

He was right. It was the merchant, limp and pale in the water. Panicking slightly, the thief grabbed him and tried to pull him up, only to find that he couldn't. He swam around and found long tendrils of weed tangled around the merchant's waist. Mentally cursing himself for not bringing his dagger he grabbed at the weeds until they cut his hands, but he didn't care. The weeds finally broke and then with the merchant he swam up to the surface.

He burst out into air, the cold wind hitting his face. After taking gulps of air he swam back, making sure the merchant's head was above water all the time. He dragged the merchant out onto the bank and then shook himself like a dog, spraying water everywhere.

It took some time, but after a bit of what he had learned in survival lessons during his training the thief managed to get the merchant to open his eyes. The boy coughed out water and looked blearily at the thief, who was looking concernedly at him.

'Here, have my jacket,' said the thief, offering the merchant the fur lined jacket. The merchant declined, but the thief persisted and won, eventually. They sat there, shivering in the wind.

As the sun rose the thief pointed at the red sky. 'Isn't it beautiful? Sunrise in Morroc is always nice to look at.'

The merchant looked at him instead. 'Why did you save me?'

The thief opened his mouth to answer - and realised he couldn't answer. The merchant opposite him, soaked to the skin and looking so dejected, filled him with pity. But how could he tell him that?

'I-I don't know,' he finally said. 'I just didn't want you to die. There's so much to see and live for in this world.'

The merchant stared at him. Then to the thief's shock he burst into tears.

'I d-don't have a-anything to live for!' he sobbed. 'My life isn't worth anything!'

The thief put his arm around the merchant's shoulders and tried to comfort him. It was then one of the strongest, most everlasting bonds of friendship in Rune-Midgard was forged.

There was silence around the witchfire when Khan had finished. For quite a long time.

Then Nocturne spoke up. 'So he never told you why he wanted to die?'

'No, not ever,' said the assassin, shaking his grey-topped head. 'I respect his privacy, you know. If he wants to say I'll gladly listen to him; otherwise I'm not bothering him for the answer.'

'It looks like he's got quite something to him,' mused Eni. 'Is that why he can get really like an animal sometimes?'

'Beats me,' said Khan, shrugging. 'Although I don't think you should say that in his presence, ever. He's a bit...touchy about that.'

'I think we know already,' said Emeth, nodding.

There was a soft clank from the stairs. Everyone turned to look at the staircase, where a very familiar silhouette was standing.

There was silence. Iruna shifted very slightly but she did not say anything. Eni huddled next to her brother, who put a protective arm around her. They gazed as Valkron walked down the stairs and headed towards them.

The knight had felt very unsettled since that evening. Something was stopping his party from doing what they needed to do, but he didn't know what. He had a vague idea that before meeting Argath he used to have much clearer thinking. Now he could hardly think at all. Most of the time he continually drifted off, thinking about killing everything that stood in his way and ending his troubles once and for all. It seemed that his sword was the answer to everything, and he felt foolish for not thinking that before.

He had come down to have a walk in the night. It might clear his head, he thought muzzily as he walked down the stairs. His mind felt loaded and full of things that he hated thinking about, but no matter what he did he couldn't get rid of them.

That was why, by the time he reached the last step, he was absolutely loathing his life and himself. He looked around at the lobby and focused on the little group of six huddled around the white witchfire in the middle of the room.

They posed no threat to him. He did not feel anything about them that he wanted to get rid of. They seemed innocent enough. He crossed the floor, intent on getting out into the fresh air, when he caught sight of Emeth's red hair and halted. There was something he could remember, something that didn't fill him with hatred at himself. Something he had seen a lot of times before...

Ah. He knew now.

The group watched him nervously, trying to shift around to watch him as he walked past without being too conspicuous. Nocturne made sure Eni was hiding behind him and watched Valkron warily, his hunter's reflexes tensing his muscles and causing adrenalin to rush through his veins. Emeth did not move and neither did Iruna. Samaroh and Khan's eyes moved with Valkron, but they did not say anything.

Suddenly the knight whirled around. There was a sliding sound. Eni whimpered as the gleaming point of the notched, famous sword of Valkron aimed itself past her ear at Emeth.

'Rise, you with the hair of flame,' he said quietly.

Emeth did not protest. He stood up and faced Valkron, his face devoid of any expression. Valkron observed him in silence before he said, 'Flaming red hair is a sign of evil.'

Emeth said nothing.

Valkron began walking around to the wizard. 'There are many things in the world that a man should not be. A man should not be left handed. A man should not keep cats. A man should not have flaming red hair. They are symbols of the Dark, symbols of the evil that rests in the hearts of men.'

'I was born with it,' said Emeth calmly.

'Then you are the devil's child!' Valkron's sword swung up like a beast seeking its prey. 'I cannot allow your existence on this world. Let me grant you death so you shall be free from evil's grasp and grip.'

'I prefer the way I am now, thank you very much,' answered Emeth, still in his calm voice.

Valkron's eyes narrowed. Emeth saw the deep green become covered with swirling black clouds.

'You refuse to let me free you? Then you leave me no choice.' There was a pause, and then Valkron suddenly lunged forward, sword raised.

There was movement, and it was Samaroh who threw himself in front of Emeth. Nocturne and Eni winced at the sickening sound of metal tearing through flesh. The priest was thrown aside, but he got to his feet, clutching his bleeding shoulder. Emeth was staring in shock at him.

'Think you can injure a priest?' said Samaroh, eyes flashing. He waved his hand over his wound and the white light returned his blood to him and sealed the wound. Then he straightened up and held out his hand, palm outwards, in front of him.

'Begone, you demon! Possess this man no more! You have no right to reside in his body!'

The blast of light threw Valkron off his feet. He crashed to the floor seconds later, making the floor tremble. Samaroh lowered his arm, shaking with the effort.

'What the hell are you doing, Samaroh?' said Emeth, his calm expression replaced by horror. 'He just made you get the same thing as he has!'

'Better me than you,' replied the priest, grasping his shoulder. 'I'm a priest. There's a big difference between you and me-- eurgh...'

He dropped to his knees, gripping his shoulder. Iruna and Emeth got to his side and supported him. To the horror and shock of everyone present they could see a great black mark swirl across Samaroh's chest. They stared at it before looking up at the sound of metal clanking against the stone floor.

Valkron looked down on them with a mirthless grin stretched across his face, his green and black eyes glinting. 'Those who defend the devil's chosen ones will receive the same punishment as them. I have no mercy for such people, they who profane the light.'

He turned on his heel abruptly and walked back upstairs, leaving everyone mystified and full of dread.

Next morning - well, if it was morning - they tried to take bearings again. It failed terribly, however, and finally Aldev, tired of the reprimanding Valkron was giving them, spoke up.

'What makes you think you have absolute control over us? Stop telling us what to do, we're old enough to do what we want!'

'You have no authority to question my orders,' said Valkron calmly. 'Stand down or I will be forced to dispatch you into the wilderness alone.'

Emeth stepped forward and interrupted. 'I apologise for intruding, Valkron,' he said briskly, 'but even with us you should give us allowances. No one is perfect. You cannot expect us to learn overnight. I suggest we head off northwest and see what we come across.'

The party fell silent. They could see Emeth was being reasonable, even when Valkron was being so tiring, but would the knight accept the wizard's views?

Valkron turned to Emeth, still very calm. 'Do you intend to take over the leadership? If you do then I must remind you that I am not willing to step down yet, nor will I accept your suggestion. I am the leader and therefore you will not have any say in my decisions. That goes for all for you as well,' he added, casting his gaze over the rest. 'Keep that in mind.'

Emeth frowned. 'Valkron, I know you are the leader. I am simply requesting that you consider my suggestion. There is no need to obey it. You definitely have authority over us as the leader, but even then you should be open to suggestions as well. At least we will be able to communicate.'

Valkron sighed. 'I tire of your endless prattle, you who are the child of the devil. Leave me. I do not wish for your presence here.'

'I am no child of the devil,' said Emeth, but the knight cut him short.

'You are. You who stand here and dare to defy me, you who practise the terrible black magic that plagues the living, you with your knowledge that no man would have acquired in half his lifetime. You gain your powers from the devil. Now leave or I will be forced to kill you.'

'I think you should stop it,' whispered Eni.

'I am simply asking you to consider,' persisted Emeth, ignoring Eni. 'I plead with you, Valkron.'

'That is the final straw!' Everyone jumped out of their skins with Valkron's shout. He drew his sword and attacked Emeth so suddenly that the wizard had to block the sword with his staff. They strained against each other before skidding away. The others backed off.

Valkron charged. Emeth gasped at the force of the sword landing on his staff but he held his ground and threw Valkron off. They stood, watching each other, alert and ready.

The knight pointed the sword at him. Immediately the sword expanded, twisted and grew into a massive black blade not unlike Argath's. Black fire erupted from it and shot out in one long jet at Emeth. The wizard aimed his staff and a stream of ice countered the jet of fire, nullifying it.

Valkron sprinted forward. Emeth somersaulted backwards, narrowly avoiding the sword as it slashed at him. Then as Valkron closed in on him he flicked out a long dagger and slashed quickly at the knight, causing him to back off.

They focused on each other, watching their eyes for their movements. Valkron's eyes darted to one side and then he disappeared, so fast that he was just a blur. Emeth leapt up as the black blade swiped at him, letting it pass under him. He somersaulted in midair and kicked out at Valkron.

The knight dodged the attacks and went for the wizard again, sword upraised. Blades hit each other in a shower of sparks. There was an awful grinding, and they flew apart.

Valkron's sword was glowing a sickly purple. Emeth swore and muttered a hasty spell under his breath. A coat of energy covered him from head to foot, just as the black blade landed heavily on it. Blue specks showered into the air on contact.

Emeth unlocked his dagger and hit out. A cut appeared across Valkron's upper arm. The knight swore and hit out at the wizard, who whirled aside and shot forward.

The wizard suddenly threw himself aside. There was a ripping sound as Valkron's sword tore through his cloak. Emeth swore and ducked quickly.

Valkron kicked the wizard's feet from under him. As the wizard gasped, too shocked to move, the knight positioned himself and raised his sword into the air.

Emeth rolled aside just in time. The blade hit the ground where he had just been. The wizard scrambled to his feet, dagger at the ready, watching Valkron.

Valkron ran forward. Emeth steeled himself and hit out just as Valkron did. There was a deafening clang, and then Emeth's dagger flew across the space they were fighting in and landed on the cobbles ahead of a trail of sparks.

Emeth could feel his wrist stinging with the impact of Valkron's sword. He held his ground. There was no way he could attack Valkron now without casting spells, and casting took time, time which he did not have. It looked like there was no way out of it.

'Hah! The aristocratic wizard now cannot fight!' gloated Aldev from behind Valkron. Emeth felt strong dislike for the monk, but there was no time. Valkron was charging. Emeth did not like to back down. He watched the knight approach him and tried not to think about the pain when the sword hit him.

Valkron was closing in. Six feet...five feet...four...three…two...one…

And then there was a bellow, with the sound of metal ripping through flesh. There was a splatter of blood.

And then everything stopped.