They took a back route from the castle, Hawk silent for once. They
traveled for a few hours. Eagle stopped. "We make camp here," he said.
"What?" Duran asked. "There must be at least three more hours of
light."
Hawk grinned. "Flamekahn didn't tell you?" he asked.
Eagle placed something in the sand. "That'll protect us." He said.
"And when night falls, don't make a sound. Be awake and ready."
Duran shrugged. "Whatever," he said.
Eagle lay down. "Get some sleep while you can. We don't need a
sentry, because of that." Eagle pointed at what he put in the sane.
"Hey, how come you're so much better at stuff than Hawk?" Duran
asked.
"I'm lazy," Hawk replied.
"And I can fly," Eagle added.
"Almost," Hawk said. "Almost."
"So...mind telling me what you put in the sand?" Duran asked. "And
to protect against what?"
"You'll see. I'll wake you at night." Eagle said.
"Just don't wet your pants, Duran." Hawk said. "I'll make you wet
your pants, eyeball." Duran replied.
"What? No one makes fun of my name!" Hawk yelled.
"Children, be quiet, and sleep. We still have a long journey." Eagle
said.
A few hours later...
"Duran," Eagle whispered. "Look around the desert." Duran opened his eyes, and held back a curse. Moonbeams lit the desert eerily. Ghostly shapes fluttered about, emitting moans of the dead. "Those things are the souls of those who traveled in the desert and were caught by Salamando's guards." Eagle informed Duran. "A damn lot of them. Wait, if Salamando's got guards, how are we gonna get to him?" Duran asked. "Same way we're not gonna get caught out in the night." Eagle replied. An icy wind whipped by, chilling even Duran to the bone. Eagle's expression took on a grim tone. "We must leave, now!" There was panic in his voice, a bad, bad sign. Duran shook Hawk awake, his worry spreading. Hawk looked a Duran quizzically, and Duran frowned, his face strangely grim. "Let's go!" Eagle whispered fiercely. They ran off, barely being able to see each other. "This way!" Eagle said. Duran stumbled and felt an unnatural touch on his neck. He darted after Hawk, shuddering. Duran could see the outline of a cave when a moan born of pure agony knocked them to their knees. "Shit! What the heck was that?" Duran yelled. "Trouble! Arm yourselves!" Eagle commanded. A quick glance at his companions brought a new level of awareness to Duran. Without them, he would die out here. Focusing his energies as King Richard taught him, he drew his sword. And roared. Both Eagle and Hawk were knocked down again by the power of the roar. Duran, with an aura of power, rushed forth and struck. He hit something solid, and struck again and again. He felt something move in front of him, then it was behind him. It was about to turn when he heard it drop. He turned his head, to look at Hawk and Eagle. Hawk had one dagger in his hands, the other had been thrown. Thanks," Duran said. He whipped around as the ground shook. "Move, move, move!" Eagle yelled. They sprinted towards the cave. They had just made it inside, as whatever it was slammed down behind them. They turned into a few different corridors, going at top speed. Eagle finally stopped. "Damn," Hawk said. "That was a lot of fun." Duran grinned. "The fun," Eagle said melodramatically, "has not started yet." Both Hawk and Duran burst out laughing. "Let's get some rest, I'll keep watch." Eagle said. Duran and Hawk nodded. "I'll take the second watch," Duran said. "Alright, after that we head to Salamando," Eagle replied. "Don't we have to travel the desert some more?" Duran asked. "Well, there's two ways to Salamando, one is through the desert, the other is through here," Eagle gestured down the tunnel. "Will it be fun?" Hawk asked jokingly. Eagle grinned and cloaked himself. "Hey, at least we won't be roasted par the other route." Hawk added. No one replied.
A few hours later...
"Duran, it's your watch." Eagle said as he woke Duran. "Fine," Duran replied. He stood and picked up his weapon. Eagle cloaked himself again, and went to sleep. Duran was about to move away when something down the tunnel moved. He was sure it was not Eagle or Hawk playing games, rather something dangerous. Quickly looking at the ceiling, he realized he could not swing sideways or overhead. He would have to thrust and his parrying would be limited. Just great, he thought. It started to move slowly. Duran could see the shadow of a heavily armored fighter. He was about to rush first, when a scream came from that direction. A flashing thin blade knocked his weapon down. "What the-" Duran said, looking up to see Eagle. "That's Salamando down there," Eagle said. "Damn well shouldn't be creeping around like that." Duran replied. "Salamando!" Eagle yelled. "We are friends!" A voice, like the sound of a roaring fire, emanated from the cavern. "Help me Eagle!" It said. It's voice was followed by another scream. "Shit, something's attacking Salamando!" Eagle said. "Wake Hawk, I'm going in!" Eagle cloaked and ran off. "Hawk, get your ass up! Eagle's in trouble!" Hawk jumped up. "Salamando was coming, but he's being attacked," Duran informed. "Hmph, Salamando can handle anything!" Hawk said. "Let's go!" Duran yelled. Hawk led the way. Duran was grateful Hawk did not cloak himself like Eagle did; one boy running through the caverns with who-knows-what waiting for him seemed highly unintelligent. "Eagle!" Hawk yelled. "We're coming!"
As they ran, Duran following Hawk, sounds of metal clashing, with cries not of Eagle's voice, signaled like a beacon. Hawk and Duran burst into a clearing, weapons drawn, with Eagle standing over a dozen dead bodies, two looked burnt. "Good job, Eagle." Hawk said. "Where's Salamando?" Duran asked. "Up here," the fiery voice pointed. Duran felt a rush of hot air from above. An air-based distortion created by heat floated down. "Salamando, are you all right?" Eagle asked. "Fine now, thanks to you. I doubt I'd have defeated them since they got me by surprise." Salamando said. "Salamando taken by surprise?" Eagle asked. "It's not like they just walked up to me. Actually, the lead guy walked into me." Salamando corrected. "So now that they're dead, what brings you here, Eagle?" it asked. "Flamekahn sent us, its about him," Eagle replied and pointed. "Ah, a Forcena swordsman," Salamando said. Duran looked at Eagle smugly. "I thought all Forcena warriors died." Salamando said. "Wow, first time you've been wrong about something for a few centuries." Hawk quipped. "There's a first for everything. Now what did Flamekahn ask me to do?" Salamando asked. "He wants to know what to do with the Forcena." Eagle answered. "Hmph. Just because a boy comes to him with a legendary horn doesn't mean I'll act as his personal advisor. However, something about the battle at Forcena interests me, so I'll help." Salamando paused. It appeared to take on a different distortion. "As for now, you'll need to enter the heart of the Lightless Forest. In there, enter the temple. The temple is heavily shrouded in illusion, so watch yourself. Inside, at the very end of a corridor, is a stone table. On it is eight symbols, labeled Earth, Wind, Water, Fire, Moon, Wood, Holy, and Dark. In that order. There are four more tables just like it, each labeled in a different order. It is crucial that you do not go near those four. Is that understood?" All three males nodded. "Good. Now place the horn end down, that is, the part where the sound comes from, on the Holy symbol. That's all I can help you with. Remember, Earth, Wind, Water, Fire, Moon, Wood, Holy, and Dark. Good luck." Salamando faded. Its last two words echoed in the clearing. "Great," Duran said. "I was going to ask it what would happen once we place the horn properly." Eagle raised his eyebrows. "We'll just have to find out, won't we?"
"King Flamekahn," Eagle, Hawk, and Duran bowed. Duran was dressed in Navarre clothes for once, looking like the desert itself. "Eagle, Hawk, Duran. I trust everything went well?" Flamekahn asked.
"Salamando instructed us to go into the temple at the center of the Lightless Forest." Eagle said. Flamekahn's dark skin seemed to pale. "He wasn't joking, was he?" Flamekahn stated. "No, I don't think so." Eagle said. "The Lightless Forest. The Lightless Forest," Flamekahn repeated, now pacing. "What did he want you to do there?" Duran stepped forward. "Salamando said to place the horn on the Holy symbol," he informed. Flamekahn seemed to pale even more. "I'll shall arrange for help," he finalized. "For now, accompany me to my chambers. We will continue there." Eagle, Hawk, and Duran bowed.
"You will need to bring different weapons, and wear different clothes. None of you have experienced anything such as the Lightless Forest." Flamekahn said, setting a slow walking pace. He was not eager to let them go, Duran thought. "Is it just dark?" Hawk asked. "One might think so, but no, that isn't the case," Flamekahn replied. They turned a corner before Flamekahn spoke again. "The Lightless Forest is simply a forest with natural dangers." Hawk looked puzzled. "Um..." mumbled Hawk. "No, not um." Flamekahn said. "What, is a better word. The only difference between this forest and all others it its temple. Inside, is the stone table Salamando talked about. In the stone table, the essence of each element in this world is sealed. Each element, as you three should know, has its power and weaknesses. Anyway, the essence of each element was sealed some millennia ago, well before the Clan wars. Due to its length of confinement, the elements warped the lands around it, causing things to mutate, grow, even to have intelligence. One of the things that gained intelligence was the trees."
Duran understood. "This is going to be one heck of a journey," he said. "Quite the journey." Flamekahn agreed. "One which, I must say, you should not survive." Eagle cracked his neck. "Thanks for the encouragement." he said. "My encouragement is help. I will suit you three up and give you a plan," Flamekahn said sharply. "I do not allow cynical remarks in my direction either. Know that I am using my highest quality resources on you three."
They reached the King's chambers. It was even more rich than the throne room. The King led them to another side room, his wardrobe. "You three will not be wearing Navarre clothes," Flamekahn said. "Instead, you will be invisible for the most part." Duran raised an eyebrow. "So I get to cloak like the Navarres?" he asked. "Better." Flamekahn replied. The King lifted three green robes. He handed one to each boy. "These, are sacred chameleon robes. There are only five of them left in this world. They will provide you with camouflage wherever you go. Remember, camouflage, not thick steel," he said.
"What about the other help?" Eagle asked. "I have called upon the very best of assassins, fighters, and skilled men. That alone cost me several favors," Flamekahn said with a wince. "The very best, hm?" Eagle mused. "Yes, the very best," Flamekahn stressed. "Don't let any of your egos get in the way, for even my whole army wouldn't defeat him. Or it, for that matter." Eagle nodded. "Okay," he said. "And any weapons?" Duran asked. "Seriously speaking, whatever suits you best." Flamekahn replied. "Daggers for me, then." Hawk said. "I mean from my personal collection," the King corrected. "Oh, I finally get to gaze upon legendary weapons," Eagle said with some glee. "Oh, yeah." Hawk added. "Just behave yourselves," Flamekahn said with a smile. "We'll try," Duran said. Flamekahn touched a spot in the wall. A small panel opened up. The King placed his hand inside. Another panel nearby slid open, this time it was large enough for someone to pass. Flamekahn led the way. "Welcome to my personal collection," he introduced.
Instead of weapons lining the wall, as Duran expected, there were many, many chests. Flamekahn pointed. "Ask me what each one contains, do not open them at random. Otherwise the magic each one contains will disappear. And that would ruin the point of sealing the weapons, wouldn't it?" The three fanned out, looking at each chest, trying to decide what each chest held. "What's in this one?" Hawk pointed. "Hm. That would be..." Flamekahn stroked his chin. "A water-forged flail, a couple centuries old." Duran finished inspecting a chest. "You might want to take a look at that weapon, Duran." Flamekahn said. "Its a Moon-imbued conquest sword. Taken from Forcena eight centuries ago." Duran moved on. "How does one imbue the Moon onto a weapon?" Duran asked. "It's very hard, that's why its so powerful. I can't remember how its done." Flamekahn said. "Not to mention why you have to seal it so," Hawk added. "Duran." Flamekahn questioned. "Yes?" asked Duran. "About the sword?" Flamekahn asked. "Oh sorry, I was looking at this chest." Duran said. "Seeing if you can find the symbol on that horn?" Flamekahn asked. Duran nodded. "I do believe I have one Holy weapon." Flamekahn said. He walked over to a corner in the room. "Yes, here it is." Flamekahn said. He opened the chest. Instantly, a warmth and peace filled the room. "Wow," Duran whispered. King Flamekahn nodded. "The Holy magic is truly a wonderful thing," Flamekahn agreed. "Now, Duran. Step over here." Duran hurried to comply. "Place both hands inside the chest, and feel around for the handle," the King instructed. Slowly, Duran moved his hands. "Found it," he said. "Good," Flamekahn said. "Now pull." Duran raised his arms, and tumbled backwards, his head narrowly missing a corner of a chest. Eagle and Hawk burst out laughing. "Whoa. That's light," Duran agreed. "Just wait until the light dims," Flamekahn advised. A few seconds later, a beautiful, glowing sword emerged. The Holy Symbol was imprinted in three places, one on the bottom of the handle, the others on the top of the grip. "Wow," Duran repeated, turning it about. "Legends say that the Sword of Ix came from the future. It was crafted using modern Ixian technology, and was found on this planet already imbued with Holy magic." Flamekahn said. Duran found the strap and attached it to himself.
"Cool," said Hawk, looking at a chest. "Water and Dark symbols?" he asked. "That would be coldfire." Flamekahn said. "Not real fire of course, but just as deadly. If you'd like to use that, you'll need to wear a holy garment to negate its powerful darkness." Hawk considered. "I'll take it," he said. "Those are special daggers, obtained long, long ago. That's all I remember." Flamekahn said. "Now stay put while I fetch the garment." Flamekahn returned a second later. "Here, Hawk. Put this on." He tossed Hawk a silver vest. Hawk dressed, then opened the chest. An icy wind with a dark touch whipped out, chilling everyone but Duran, who did not quite know what was going on. "Freaky," said Hawk. From the chest he produced two short blades, each with a dark-blue glow. He sheathed them, and watched Eagle.
"Eagle, any choices yet?" Flamekahn asked. "The Earth whip, the Fire sword, and the Moon sword." he said as he pointed. "So, you don't want the conquest sword?" Flamekahn asked. "No." replied Eagle. "Didn't know we could pick more than one," Duran said. "Eagle is much more skilled and experienced; he deserves it." the King finalized. The whip, and the swords look like regular weapons, Duran thought with some surprise. "Yes they do," Flamekahn said, startling Duran. "The ones who imbued them decided that sacred relics their royal family used should look like regular objects, so if lost, it would not be easy to find." The three picked up their robes, and followed the King back to the throne.
"Well, this is it. I sincerely hope you three make it. Good luck." Flamekahn said. "Oh yeah, where's the mercenary going to be?" Eagle asked. "Outside the Lightless Forest." Flamekahn replied. "Goodbye then, King Flamekahn." Eagle finished. They bowed and left.
"I assume you know the way, Eagle?" Duran asked as they left. Eagle nodded. "Alright, just call if there's trouble." Duran said.
A few hours later...
"Duran," Eagle whispered. "Look around the desert." Duran opened his eyes, and held back a curse. Moonbeams lit the desert eerily. Ghostly shapes fluttered about, emitting moans of the dead. "Those things are the souls of those who traveled in the desert and were caught by Salamando's guards." Eagle informed Duran. "A damn lot of them. Wait, if Salamando's got guards, how are we gonna get to him?" Duran asked. "Same way we're not gonna get caught out in the night." Eagle replied. An icy wind whipped by, chilling even Duran to the bone. Eagle's expression took on a grim tone. "We must leave, now!" There was panic in his voice, a bad, bad sign. Duran shook Hawk awake, his worry spreading. Hawk looked a Duran quizzically, and Duran frowned, his face strangely grim. "Let's go!" Eagle whispered fiercely. They ran off, barely being able to see each other. "This way!" Eagle said. Duran stumbled and felt an unnatural touch on his neck. He darted after Hawk, shuddering. Duran could see the outline of a cave when a moan born of pure agony knocked them to their knees. "Shit! What the heck was that?" Duran yelled. "Trouble! Arm yourselves!" Eagle commanded. A quick glance at his companions brought a new level of awareness to Duran. Without them, he would die out here. Focusing his energies as King Richard taught him, he drew his sword. And roared. Both Eagle and Hawk were knocked down again by the power of the roar. Duran, with an aura of power, rushed forth and struck. He hit something solid, and struck again and again. He felt something move in front of him, then it was behind him. It was about to turn when he heard it drop. He turned his head, to look at Hawk and Eagle. Hawk had one dagger in his hands, the other had been thrown. Thanks," Duran said. He whipped around as the ground shook. "Move, move, move!" Eagle yelled. They sprinted towards the cave. They had just made it inside, as whatever it was slammed down behind them. They turned into a few different corridors, going at top speed. Eagle finally stopped. "Damn," Hawk said. "That was a lot of fun." Duran grinned. "The fun," Eagle said melodramatically, "has not started yet." Both Hawk and Duran burst out laughing. "Let's get some rest, I'll keep watch." Eagle said. Duran and Hawk nodded. "I'll take the second watch," Duran said. "Alright, after that we head to Salamando," Eagle replied. "Don't we have to travel the desert some more?" Duran asked. "Well, there's two ways to Salamando, one is through the desert, the other is through here," Eagle gestured down the tunnel. "Will it be fun?" Hawk asked jokingly. Eagle grinned and cloaked himself. "Hey, at least we won't be roasted par the other route." Hawk added. No one replied.
A few hours later...
"Duran, it's your watch." Eagle said as he woke Duran. "Fine," Duran replied. He stood and picked up his weapon. Eagle cloaked himself again, and went to sleep. Duran was about to move away when something down the tunnel moved. He was sure it was not Eagle or Hawk playing games, rather something dangerous. Quickly looking at the ceiling, he realized he could not swing sideways or overhead. He would have to thrust and his parrying would be limited. Just great, he thought. It started to move slowly. Duran could see the shadow of a heavily armored fighter. He was about to rush first, when a scream came from that direction. A flashing thin blade knocked his weapon down. "What the-" Duran said, looking up to see Eagle. "That's Salamando down there," Eagle said. "Damn well shouldn't be creeping around like that." Duran replied. "Salamando!" Eagle yelled. "We are friends!" A voice, like the sound of a roaring fire, emanated from the cavern. "Help me Eagle!" It said. It's voice was followed by another scream. "Shit, something's attacking Salamando!" Eagle said. "Wake Hawk, I'm going in!" Eagle cloaked and ran off. "Hawk, get your ass up! Eagle's in trouble!" Hawk jumped up. "Salamando was coming, but he's being attacked," Duran informed. "Hmph, Salamando can handle anything!" Hawk said. "Let's go!" Duran yelled. Hawk led the way. Duran was grateful Hawk did not cloak himself like Eagle did; one boy running through the caverns with who-knows-what waiting for him seemed highly unintelligent. "Eagle!" Hawk yelled. "We're coming!"
As they ran, Duran following Hawk, sounds of metal clashing, with cries not of Eagle's voice, signaled like a beacon. Hawk and Duran burst into a clearing, weapons drawn, with Eagle standing over a dozen dead bodies, two looked burnt. "Good job, Eagle." Hawk said. "Where's Salamando?" Duran asked. "Up here," the fiery voice pointed. Duran felt a rush of hot air from above. An air-based distortion created by heat floated down. "Salamando, are you all right?" Eagle asked. "Fine now, thanks to you. I doubt I'd have defeated them since they got me by surprise." Salamando said. "Salamando taken by surprise?" Eagle asked. "It's not like they just walked up to me. Actually, the lead guy walked into me." Salamando corrected. "So now that they're dead, what brings you here, Eagle?" it asked. "Flamekahn sent us, its about him," Eagle replied and pointed. "Ah, a Forcena swordsman," Salamando said. Duran looked at Eagle smugly. "I thought all Forcena warriors died." Salamando said. "Wow, first time you've been wrong about something for a few centuries." Hawk quipped. "There's a first for everything. Now what did Flamekahn ask me to do?" Salamando asked. "He wants to know what to do with the Forcena." Eagle answered. "Hmph. Just because a boy comes to him with a legendary horn doesn't mean I'll act as his personal advisor. However, something about the battle at Forcena interests me, so I'll help." Salamando paused. It appeared to take on a different distortion. "As for now, you'll need to enter the heart of the Lightless Forest. In there, enter the temple. The temple is heavily shrouded in illusion, so watch yourself. Inside, at the very end of a corridor, is a stone table. On it is eight symbols, labeled Earth, Wind, Water, Fire, Moon, Wood, Holy, and Dark. In that order. There are four more tables just like it, each labeled in a different order. It is crucial that you do not go near those four. Is that understood?" All three males nodded. "Good. Now place the horn end down, that is, the part where the sound comes from, on the Holy symbol. That's all I can help you with. Remember, Earth, Wind, Water, Fire, Moon, Wood, Holy, and Dark. Good luck." Salamando faded. Its last two words echoed in the clearing. "Great," Duran said. "I was going to ask it what would happen once we place the horn properly." Eagle raised his eyebrows. "We'll just have to find out, won't we?"
"King Flamekahn," Eagle, Hawk, and Duran bowed. Duran was dressed in Navarre clothes for once, looking like the desert itself. "Eagle, Hawk, Duran. I trust everything went well?" Flamekahn asked.
"Salamando instructed us to go into the temple at the center of the Lightless Forest." Eagle said. Flamekahn's dark skin seemed to pale. "He wasn't joking, was he?" Flamekahn stated. "No, I don't think so." Eagle said. "The Lightless Forest. The Lightless Forest," Flamekahn repeated, now pacing. "What did he want you to do there?" Duran stepped forward. "Salamando said to place the horn on the Holy symbol," he informed. Flamekahn seemed to pale even more. "I'll shall arrange for help," he finalized. "For now, accompany me to my chambers. We will continue there." Eagle, Hawk, and Duran bowed.
"You will need to bring different weapons, and wear different clothes. None of you have experienced anything such as the Lightless Forest." Flamekahn said, setting a slow walking pace. He was not eager to let them go, Duran thought. "Is it just dark?" Hawk asked. "One might think so, but no, that isn't the case," Flamekahn replied. They turned a corner before Flamekahn spoke again. "The Lightless Forest is simply a forest with natural dangers." Hawk looked puzzled. "Um..." mumbled Hawk. "No, not um." Flamekahn said. "What, is a better word. The only difference between this forest and all others it its temple. Inside, is the stone table Salamando talked about. In the stone table, the essence of each element in this world is sealed. Each element, as you three should know, has its power and weaknesses. Anyway, the essence of each element was sealed some millennia ago, well before the Clan wars. Due to its length of confinement, the elements warped the lands around it, causing things to mutate, grow, even to have intelligence. One of the things that gained intelligence was the trees."
Duran understood. "This is going to be one heck of a journey," he said. "Quite the journey." Flamekahn agreed. "One which, I must say, you should not survive." Eagle cracked his neck. "Thanks for the encouragement." he said. "My encouragement is help. I will suit you three up and give you a plan," Flamekahn said sharply. "I do not allow cynical remarks in my direction either. Know that I am using my highest quality resources on you three."
They reached the King's chambers. It was even more rich than the throne room. The King led them to another side room, his wardrobe. "You three will not be wearing Navarre clothes," Flamekahn said. "Instead, you will be invisible for the most part." Duran raised an eyebrow. "So I get to cloak like the Navarres?" he asked. "Better." Flamekahn replied. The King lifted three green robes. He handed one to each boy. "These, are sacred chameleon robes. There are only five of them left in this world. They will provide you with camouflage wherever you go. Remember, camouflage, not thick steel," he said.
"What about the other help?" Eagle asked. "I have called upon the very best of assassins, fighters, and skilled men. That alone cost me several favors," Flamekahn said with a wince. "The very best, hm?" Eagle mused. "Yes, the very best," Flamekahn stressed. "Don't let any of your egos get in the way, for even my whole army wouldn't defeat him. Or it, for that matter." Eagle nodded. "Okay," he said. "And any weapons?" Duran asked. "Seriously speaking, whatever suits you best." Flamekahn replied. "Daggers for me, then." Hawk said. "I mean from my personal collection," the King corrected. "Oh, I finally get to gaze upon legendary weapons," Eagle said with some glee. "Oh, yeah." Hawk added. "Just behave yourselves," Flamekahn said with a smile. "We'll try," Duran said. Flamekahn touched a spot in the wall. A small panel opened up. The King placed his hand inside. Another panel nearby slid open, this time it was large enough for someone to pass. Flamekahn led the way. "Welcome to my personal collection," he introduced.
Instead of weapons lining the wall, as Duran expected, there were many, many chests. Flamekahn pointed. "Ask me what each one contains, do not open them at random. Otherwise the magic each one contains will disappear. And that would ruin the point of sealing the weapons, wouldn't it?" The three fanned out, looking at each chest, trying to decide what each chest held. "What's in this one?" Hawk pointed. "Hm. That would be..." Flamekahn stroked his chin. "A water-forged flail, a couple centuries old." Duran finished inspecting a chest. "You might want to take a look at that weapon, Duran." Flamekahn said. "Its a Moon-imbued conquest sword. Taken from Forcena eight centuries ago." Duran moved on. "How does one imbue the Moon onto a weapon?" Duran asked. "It's very hard, that's why its so powerful. I can't remember how its done." Flamekahn said. "Not to mention why you have to seal it so," Hawk added. "Duran." Flamekahn questioned. "Yes?" asked Duran. "About the sword?" Flamekahn asked. "Oh sorry, I was looking at this chest." Duran said. "Seeing if you can find the symbol on that horn?" Flamekahn asked. Duran nodded. "I do believe I have one Holy weapon." Flamekahn said. He walked over to a corner in the room. "Yes, here it is." Flamekahn said. He opened the chest. Instantly, a warmth and peace filled the room. "Wow," Duran whispered. King Flamekahn nodded. "The Holy magic is truly a wonderful thing," Flamekahn agreed. "Now, Duran. Step over here." Duran hurried to comply. "Place both hands inside the chest, and feel around for the handle," the King instructed. Slowly, Duran moved his hands. "Found it," he said. "Good," Flamekahn said. "Now pull." Duran raised his arms, and tumbled backwards, his head narrowly missing a corner of a chest. Eagle and Hawk burst out laughing. "Whoa. That's light," Duran agreed. "Just wait until the light dims," Flamekahn advised. A few seconds later, a beautiful, glowing sword emerged. The Holy Symbol was imprinted in three places, one on the bottom of the handle, the others on the top of the grip. "Wow," Duran repeated, turning it about. "Legends say that the Sword of Ix came from the future. It was crafted using modern Ixian technology, and was found on this planet already imbued with Holy magic." Flamekahn said. Duran found the strap and attached it to himself.
"Cool," said Hawk, looking at a chest. "Water and Dark symbols?" he asked. "That would be coldfire." Flamekahn said. "Not real fire of course, but just as deadly. If you'd like to use that, you'll need to wear a holy garment to negate its powerful darkness." Hawk considered. "I'll take it," he said. "Those are special daggers, obtained long, long ago. That's all I remember." Flamekahn said. "Now stay put while I fetch the garment." Flamekahn returned a second later. "Here, Hawk. Put this on." He tossed Hawk a silver vest. Hawk dressed, then opened the chest. An icy wind with a dark touch whipped out, chilling everyone but Duran, who did not quite know what was going on. "Freaky," said Hawk. From the chest he produced two short blades, each with a dark-blue glow. He sheathed them, and watched Eagle.
"Eagle, any choices yet?" Flamekahn asked. "The Earth whip, the Fire sword, and the Moon sword." he said as he pointed. "So, you don't want the conquest sword?" Flamekahn asked. "No." replied Eagle. "Didn't know we could pick more than one," Duran said. "Eagle is much more skilled and experienced; he deserves it." the King finalized. The whip, and the swords look like regular weapons, Duran thought with some surprise. "Yes they do," Flamekahn said, startling Duran. "The ones who imbued them decided that sacred relics their royal family used should look like regular objects, so if lost, it would not be easy to find." The three picked up their robes, and followed the King back to the throne.
"Well, this is it. I sincerely hope you three make it. Good luck." Flamekahn said. "Oh yeah, where's the mercenary going to be?" Eagle asked. "Outside the Lightless Forest." Flamekahn replied. "Goodbye then, King Flamekahn." Eagle finished. They bowed and left.
"I assume you know the way, Eagle?" Duran asked as they left. Eagle nodded. "Alright, just call if there's trouble." Duran said.