~ Chapter 25 ~
As Barry and Rye climbed out of the Guild Cave entrance Barry asked "so besides avoiding Sparrow and Jack of Blades what is your plan Rye?"
Rye stood up and leaning against the pavilion railing she replied "I figure that if I can tap into the ancient powers of the old Heroes I'll be able to defeat Jack of
Blades, Sparrow and the Shadow Court".
Barry looked at Rye and seeing the determined look on her face he whispered "Rye you'll die if you destroy the Shadow Court". Rolling her eyes and clenching her
fists Rye shook her head and said "well I don't have any better ideas, do you Barry?"
Sensing the stress building within her Barry said "from the time I spent working for Reaver I remember reading a book about the void, a realm that exists outside of
this one.
It's where Jack of Blades and the Shadow Court are from. We all know from stories that Jack of Blades was sent back to the Void when the Hero of Oakvale defeated
him and if Jack's back it can only mean that a fissure has opened allowing him to escape".
Rye listened and taking a deep breath she took Barry's hand and said "then I have to close the rip sending those creatures back but the question is where and what
to do it from?"
Barry shrugged his shoulders and looking across the lake at Hero's Hill he said "what about Hero's Hill, it contains enough of the old Hero's power to perform such a
task".
Rye looked up at Hero's Hill and seeing the lights on the rock pillars she whispered "that just might do but I need you to promise me something Barry?" Seeing her
companion nod his head Rye continued "I need you to stop Reaver, Alexander and Sparrow from being pulled into the void and do not come near me while I'm closing
the rip between our plane and the Void".
Nodding his head slowly knowing that she was very serious Barry squeezed her hand gently before saying "I will hold Reaver, Sparrow and your brother Alexander
back but what if something happens to you?" Rye squeezed Barry's hand and said "don't worry about me Barry, I'll come back to you, I promise".
The two remained quiet as they came to the fo0t of Hero's Hill and as Rye stretched her arm muscles she said "I'll go up first to check it out, then I'll come and get
you. Keep a look out for Jack and Sparrow". Smiling Barry nodded his head and said "don't take too long Rye".
Rye nodded her head and taking the worn walkway she carefully ventured to the top. It wasn't as difficult as it had first looked but still she had found some parts of
the walkway worn away which meant she had to be extra careful. Rye didn't know how long it took but she eventually reached the top and stared in awe the circular
engravings on the ground representing the Hero of Skill, the Hero of Will, the Hero of Strength and the Ultimate Weapon.
Remembering the stories the monks at the Temple of Light and Barry had told her Rye whispered "the Heroes of Strength, Skill, Will and the Ultimate Weapon all
stood here long ago". "Very good my daughter" said a voice from behind her. Rye's breath hitched as she spun around and came face to face with a sword wielding
Sparrow.
Rye looked at her corrupted Mother and asked "where's Jack of Blades?"
Sparrow smiled and gripping her sword tightly she replied "oh he's taking care of your little pet on the ground. You've disappointed me terribly Rye, joining forces
with my son, his unholy offspring and your Father. I always knew you were a troublesome mistake. Don't you want a better Albion or will remain fighting us forever?"
Before Rye could blast Sparrow with light she was hit on the head from behind and darkness overcame her.
Sparrow cackled and looking at her son King Alexander of Albion she said "well done my son, now bring her to the Main Chamber and inform Jack of Blades to bring
her pet as well".
The rip in the void shuddered as someone watched what was happening to the Albion he had once loved.