They traveled for several days, stopping outside every town. Hawk
would disappear, then come running back with food. Finally they stopped.
"This is the last town before the Lightless Forest. We should rest one
night here." Eagle said. They graced a local inn, using the innkeeper's
money to pay. The next day, Eagle led them outside. "Be very quiet," he
said. "It'll be our first test for whoever Flamekahn hired." Duran and
Hawk nodded. All of a sudden a great forest loomed in front of them.
"We almost walked right into it!" Hawk said.
"Yeah, we should have been able to see it from the town," Duran
added.
"Look," Eagle said as he pointed. "A shadow of a person." Indeed,
it was a shadow. It got up and shifted its form. It began to run towards
the three. "Draw your weapons!" Eagle commanded.
Suddenly the features could be distinguished. "Father?" Duran gasped. His father ran toward them, his ghostly form pouring blood. Duran sank to his knees. "Father..." he whispered. "Back off, spirit!" Eagle yelled. He raised his Fire sword, ready to strike. The figure of Duran's father kept coming. "Duran," it said in a tone so painful, it made Eagle shiver. "Du-ran," it repeated. A figure from the side charged, boosting off the ground. It swung at Loki, beheading him. It quickly tossed something to the ground, and jumped back. Boom! A scream of agony came from the beheaded figure. An image of a decaying woman, ragged and grotesque appeared on top of Loki's body. Poof! Both images vanished.
Duran had his head down, eyes tightly shut. "Damn!" Hawk said. "That was the freakiest thing I ever saw." Eagle gulped. "You said it," he agreed. The figure that killed the monster walked up to them. "Eagle, I presume?" it asked. The figure was definitely male, and it spoke with an accent Eagle had never heard before. Eagle nodded. "And you are?" he asked. The figure bowed. "Stilletto, at your service." Stilletto was wrapped in a cloak similar the ground, its color changing as they spoke. "Chameleon robe?" Eagle asked. Stilletto pulled off his head, to reveal a dark-haired youth. "Yes," he said. "I've got the fourth one." Stilletto gestured to Duran. "Is he going to be alright?" he asked. Eagle kneeled by Duran. "Duran," he said. "It wasn't what you think it was," he said with a shudder. "Hey Stilletto, no weapons?" Hawk asked. "Very good, Hawk. I see you can judge those things, hm?" Stilletto said. "Yes, I do have weapons. Myself, for one." Duran stood up. "I'm fine now. Let's go," he whispered. Eagle nodded. "Stilletto, lead us?" Stilletto bowed. "Periodically, I will pause and touch a tree. In the Forest, there are ten sections, or levels. Each section has a sentry, we must answer its question right, to pass safely." Eagle stretched. "I assume you know the answers?" he asked. Stilletto nodded. "Touch nothing with your hands. Keep your weapons sheathed unless I say so. Follow me."
Stilletto led them to the tree line. He touched a tree, and paused. Eagle concluded he must have been here before, since all trees look the same. Stilletto turned around. "Wear these around your head. You'll be able to see like I do." Stilletto handed each of them a light-colored headband. It fit their heads perfectly. "Whoa," said Duran. "This is cool." Hawk grinned. "Very cool," he added. Eagle placed the cloth around his head and was hurled into a whole new world. Small things, some shimmering, others glowing, zipped past him. The ground was alive, and so were the trees. The trees appeared to all be different, all unique. "Stilletto, you see like this all the time?" Eagle asked. "Only if I want to," Stilletto replied. Eagle looked back at the first sentry, and instead of seeing what he saw before, he saw protection. Simply protection. "It's the spirit; the inside. You Navarres almost always look at the outside." Stilletto said. "Each tree is unique, as you can see. What you find when you look upon a tree is its spirit, each with a certain character. Let's continue." Eagle turned back to follow Stilletto, and saw control calm skill experience strength hope light
Then it was all too much for him. He quickly lifted the band, panting. He turned to see Hawk and Duran looking at each other with the headband on, both grinning like fools. "They are looking at bits and pieces of each other's souls," Stilletto intruded. "You wanted to see all of mine, and it was too much. Let that be a lesson to you. Now, no more interruptions?" Eagle gulped and nodded.
Stilletto stopped and touched a tree. Eighth one, Eagle thought. Stilletto paused, and did not withdraw his hand. Something in his aura changed. Eagle slipped on the headband and thought, what is it. It worked, because Eagle saw that Stilletto sensed danger. "According to this sentry, a band of four dozen men crossed this line very recently without speaking to any sentry. I've asked if the sentry knows anything about them, but it doesn't." Stilletto confirmed Eagle suspicion. Stilletto quickly withdrew, and whispered sharply "Robes on full! Get down!" Instantly the four disappeared from sight. Six men dressed in dark glinting armor walked by, scanning the tress. "Damn, what do they want here," Stilletto asked after they had gone. "Who are they?" Hawk asked. "Same ones that attacked Salamando," Eagle deduced. "Correct," Stilletto affirmed. "Shh!" Duran whispered. Six more men walked by. "Should we take them out?" asked Hawk. "No, I want to see what they're up to." Stilletto said. "Eagle, hold position, unless I call. You'll be in big trouble if you advance past this sentry." Eagle shifted. "Watch three points," he said to Duran and Hawk. Stilletto ran off silently.
"Four patrols, six men each. They walk the same way and on the same path." Eagle informed Stilletto. "Anyone heard of the Darkshine Knight?" Stilletto asked. "That bastard and King Richard fought before the Emperor's forces retreated." Duran replied. "Well, those four dozen men bear his symbol. Which, by the way, is a fist with a sword through it." Stilletto said. "Black color, of course." Duran added. "Let's move. Hopefully the sentries will not react to their presence." Stilletto said with some concern. "Unless they do something to irritate them, that is."
They had just reached the ninth and second last sentry when Stilletto tensed again. "Draw your weapons," he said. "Draw them now!" They quickly brandished their magic weapons. "Should we cloak?" Duran asked. "No need. It won't help, anyway." Stilletto replied. "The Darkshine troops are about to light a fire. Which is pretty bad for us." Eagle knew. "The Forest will kill us too," he said. Stilletto nodded. "Let's get moving then," Hawk said. They took one step when the whole Forest seemed to change. "If you're wearing the sash, lift it now." Stilletto said. "Run." They began sprinting. Several trees lashed at them, some using branches, some bending their trunks. Duran was about to get the worst of a tree when he placed his weapon in its path. The tree decapitated itself on his sword. It cried out and the onslaught slowed. "Almost there," said Stilletto. Eagle thought he saw the outline of a large building. "Jump!" said Stilletto. They jumped, and something whistled under them. Stilletto cursed and from nowhere drew something shiny. A steel pillow! Eagle thought. Stilletto charged a tree several feet in front of them, and slammed it. The tree fell. It knocked down another tree, and another. The lath of fallen trees led to a large temple. "We goin' in there?" Eagle asked. Stilletto nodded and ran towards temple. "Dark troops will spot us in three seconds," Stilletto said. Three seconds later, a yell came from their right. "We'll lose those oafs inside the temple, if they follow." Stilletto said. The temple was in full view of them now. Dark gray steps led to darkened pillars. It had a tall roof, and by the second the whole temple's colors were shifting. Black, brown, greenish-blue, red, blue, then white, then black again.
They reached the steps, just as an arrow whizzed at Stilletto. He stopped moving, and the arrow went through him. A cry of surprise from their right preceded a cry of pain. Duran turned to see several dark armored men being lifted by trees, and slammed on the ground. Other men were on the ground, being beaten by tree branches and trees alike. Suddenly the trees released the men, and the Forest was quiet again. A black figure on a darkened steed rode by, cutting down several trees with a dark sword. The trees cried out as they were struck, but none of them made any move. "Go inside," Stilletto whispered. "I'll join you in a moment. Eagle, Hawk, and Duran ran inside.
Inside the temple, the colors still shifted. There were no pillars or decorations, just empty corridors. "Eagle, do you remember Salamando's instructions?" Hawk asked. "Yeah." Eagle said. "Should we keep our weapons drawn?" Duran asked. "Since they're imbued, I mean. It might affect something in a bad way." Eagle pondered for a moment. "I think we should. Can't tell what lurks here." Slowly, they proceeded. They came to an intersection, and Hawk pointed. "Look, the table!" Eagle held him back. "Remember the four false tables, Hawk." Duran picked off a twig in his hair. "Let's test it." He tossed the twig at the table. The twig bounced and struck the bale. Instantly, four gigantic stone golems manifested. "Shit," Duran muttered. Duran focused his energies again, ready to move. The golems did not budge. "Move!" a familiar voice yelled from behind. The three leapt to a side. A golem smashed its fist into the ground where Eagle was standing, shaking the whole temple. "Damn!" Eagle yelled. He lashed his whip as a reflex, catching the golem's head. The whip glowed red as he pulled back, denying the golem of its head. Hawk leapt through the air, negative energy crackling. He slashed four times, then darted up the wall. The golem fell to pieces. The three golems charged around the corner, two going for Stilletto, one coming at Eagle. Duran thrust his sword through one arm, and sliced sideways. The Holy magic flared, sending bright beams of light echoing everywhere. The sword sliced through stone like paper at high speeds, Duran unfamiliar with the power. The sword trailed downwards, taking off a large chunk of the wall.
The other golems charged down the corridor, Stilletto sprinting away. He darted outside, and turned towards Darkshine's recovering men. "Freeze." Darkshine Knight said to his troops. Stilletto cloaked. The golems stopped. They saw dark statues, and the Forest as normal. Nothing. Then an arrow whizzed through the air, and bounced off a golem's head. They both turned, and saw six dark statues running towards them, waving shimmering sticks. The golems charged, then felt a small poke in their side. Slamming downwards, they caught three men each and sent them flying. "Die!" the Darkshine Knight cursed. He charged them.
Stilletto came jogging back. "Darkshine has to deal with them." His voice was backed by masculine screams, then a few slams, and clanking of some sort. The sound of metal on stone echoed through the temple corridors. Stilletto inspected the wreckage Duran created. "Good job," he said. "We'll take the most direct and fun way." Eagle raised an eyebrow. "Fun, eh? Haven't had that for a little while." he said. Stilletto pointed. "You'll have plenty of that soon," he promised. He jogged off.
They turned six more times, each turn brought them deeper. They saw an empty room. Dead end. "Stilletto, where are we going?" Duran asked. "First, we're going to have some fun, then we're going up." Stilletto replied. "Draw your weapons, and take turns." Eagle turned to Hawk, but he had no idea. Stilletto touched the stone wall, and it slid open. He stepped into the room, and grinned as the door slammed shut. Grinding of stone could be heard, then the grinding stopped. "Elevator," Eagle explained. Several clangs sounded, followed by animal, and mutated animal cries. The grinding started again, and the door opened. Several decapitated bodies of some alien origin were strewn around the floor, about two dozen other bodies to another side. "My turn," said Eagle. A similar audio show played, then Hawk went. As the door closed, the lights went out.
He felt the floor move, then some gates slammed open. Something chittered wildly. Hawk felt a cold dread rise up. Something touched his leg, then it cried out. Millions of cries bombarded Hawk from all directions, each with its own echo. Hawk slashed at where the thing touched his leg, hitting the ground. Blue sparks ricocheted off the ground, illumination briefly the room in an evil light. The creatures were not small, but they were as high as the room. Nineteen goliath creatures. A pitch-black room. Shit, thought Hawk. I'm in trouble. The creatures cried out in dark glee as the sparks flew, then silencing as the sparks faded. Hawk lunged to his right, slashing and flailing in fear. He heard the rumble of many feet, and his daggers hit the wall. Sparks flew again. The creatures chittered with sick pleasure. They had moved. Hawk lunged at the nearest creature, his fear rising steadily. The stampede of legs sent Hawk spiraling down into submission. Fight it, he thought. In response to his defiance, they began to chitter continuously. Hawk had never fought someone who dodged his attacks. They were getting to him, Hawk knew. Then he had an idea. A long shot, at best, one that might get him killed, but he had to take it. "Spirit of Water, I submit to you," he whispered. Instantly an icy numbness filled his body, and he could see! He felt the rush of water flowing, the power of it gushing, cascading, when he leapt. High, almost touching the ceiling, he slashed a creature, who fell in pieces of ice, shattered. Its companions screamed in anger.
Together they rushed him. Hawk stuck to the wall and slashed backwards once, and leapt away. A scream, shrill as a trumpet, followed his leap. He backflipped, using his agile body masterfully. Two of the creatures turned and lunged at him, each lit by an icy light. They extended scythe-like arms, then made slashes at him. Hawk curled into a ball, rolled under the first one, and flipped up. Both of his feet slammed into the creature's body, knocking it into the second creature. He quickly killed both felled enemies. Four down, fifteen to go, Hawk thought. Four creatures charged, Hawk now realized he could see only the ones attacking him. Which meant he'd have to be careful where he maneuvered. He threw both his daggers, killing two. He quickly sidestepped several swings and rolled, grabbing his daggers. He threw one, this time it was deflected. The creature deflected the dagger with pain, sending the dagger into the other one's face. The remaining creature charged with fury, fast enough that Hawk had to parry. Then the goliath creature shattered as the coldfire dagger thrust through. He leapt upwards, picking up his other dagger as his vision was filled with ghostly icy-blue shapes. Hawk spinned in a tight circle, arms extended. He felt the easy resistance of his attackers being cut. He landed, panting. If they weren't dead, he would be. Eleven heads dropped around him, shattering. His vision was black again. Then it was filled with light as a door opened. He stumbled through, very relieved. Stilletto and Eagle were standing by a stone table, talking. They were on the roof of the temple. Hawk rolled on his back, and shut his eyes. Damn, he thought. That sucked.
The door opened, and Duran walked out with a strange look. "Already?" Hawk blurted out. "Yeah. I just went in and nothing was there." Duran said.
Duran was thrown several feet. Hawk immediately cloaked, activating his robe's power with his mind. "What the-" Duran said. Stilletto turned around and flicked something. Poof! The area behind Duran was filled with smoke. "Duran, get back!" yelled Eagle as he pulled out his whip and Moon sword. Two dozen black figures stood in formation. A dark horse and it's black rider stepped into the clear.
"Duran," Stilletto said as Duran came over. "Put the horn's end part on this table's Holy symbol." Duran nodded. As he stepped toward the table, he checked the symbols. Earth, Wind, Water, Fire, Holy, and Dark. As he places the horn onto the symbol, he heard something manifest behind them. His attention was divided between finding out what had manifested, to what the horn was doing. A beam, blazing white and glowing, shot from the sky to the horn. "Cool," Duran said. The horn glowed, then returned to its normal image. He turned fully this time, to see what was happening. A large demonic golem, burning with unholy green fire, was beating the Darkshine Knight's troops. They cried out as they were tossed, their bodies engulfed in the greenish flame. "Infernal," Stilletto explained. "Where's Hawk?" Duran asked. "Cloaked and scared," Eagle informed. The Darkshine Knight raised his dark sword. A red beam of negative energy shot out, hitting the Infernal. A prism of red energy formed around the golem, denying it of free movement. The golem reared, and shattered the prism. The Darkshine Knight pointed his sword towards the Infernal, and out shot a black beam. The Infernal screamed in agony. It's flames turned from green to black. The flaming bodies of the Darkshine's squad stood up, burning with the same demonic flame.
Stilletto charged. Halfway there, he roared. And stopped. The arena was filled with Stillettos, at least his image. Together, the images roared again. Several flaming dark troops fell, knocked down by the power. The black Infernal erupted. It screamed, spewing black embers. The embers grew and took form, turning into golems half the size of their creator. The Stillettos charged.
"Let's go!" Eagle yelled at Duran. Duran grabbed the horn and drew his sword. Eagle lashed a small Infernal, and yanked it to Duran. A Holy flashing sword left the small Infernal in pieces. The large Infernal suddenly reared up, then spun around. It had glowing blue lines across it's back. Eagle thrust his Fire sword, making the Infernal flare up. No effect. The Infernal spun around, flailing. Eagle and jumped back, and two Stilletto images parried with a flashing rod. Eagle saw Hawk flip in from the side, and hurl both his daggers at the Infernal's head. The Infernal seemed to bend down, but a kick from a Stilletto image sent it right back up. Both daggers made contact, shattering the Infernal's head . "Goodbye," a Stilletto said. Another Stilletto grinned. A few Stillettos had brandished their steel pillows, and proceeded to beat several dark warriors and Infernals to the ground. Duran ran through the commotion, killing four. He found himself face to face with the Darkshine Knight. The dark knight charged. Duran rolled under the horse, knowing a horse would never step on a man. He was wrong about this one. The darkened steed trampled him, pounding every corner of his body. As a last resort, he thrust his Holy weapon upwards. It cut through easily, killing the horse instantly. Stilletto, Eagle, and Hawk had finished off the dark warriors and the Infernals, black blood and shattered bodies everywhere. The Darkshine Knight ran towards the edge and jumped off the roof.
"Duran," said Eagle. "You alright?" Stilletto produced a jar from thin air. It was filled with a thick, golden liquid. "Honey drink," Stilletto said. "It heals anyone's life force to the top." He handed it to Eagle, who poured some into Duran's mouth. Results were instant. Duran sat up. "That was stupid," he said. "Your theory was correct, but, yes, that was stupid." Stilletto said. "Powers of the Dark will warp everything, remember that." Hawk was looking out into the Forest. Sharp cries of pain echoed through the Forest. "Darkshine's getting away, should we follow?" Eagle asked. "Too dangerous for us. Trees won't like it, and at this rate they even might uproot to chase us." Stilletto responded.
Hawk came back, silent. "I submitted to Water," he whispered. A stunned silence met his words. "How?" asked Eagle. "Simple," Stilletto answered. You simply allow a single element to be your body's power." Duran stood up, and his back cracked. "Ow," he said. "What are the consequences of submitting to an element?" Eagle asked. "First, Hawk can no longer use Fire magic or Fire based or imbued weapons. It'd hurt very bad." Stilletto looked at Hawk. "From now on, you'll need to regulate your body's temperature, and wear Fire absorb." Hawk looked blank. "Fire absorb?" he asked. Stilletto nodded. "Armor that absorbs Fire magic, basically top-of- the-line equipment. Flamekahn should have a few of those. I wear Dark absorb all the time. You'll get used to it." Eagle walked over to the stone table. "Mind telling us more about the table?" he asked. Stilletto bowed. "As you know, this temple and its table are very old. When an imbued object is placed on the table's symbol in a special way, the object's powers are restored. The horn is back to full power, and our mission here is done." Eagle could not believe it. "So we came all the way to recharge a horn?" he gaped. "Frankly speaking, yes. I do believe we'll need it later on." Stilletto paused. "An object must be recharged after its master dies. Duran is now its master." "Frequency of recharge?" Eagle asked. "Rare," Stilletto answered. "Often a newly-recharged item will carry its powers over several users." "So how long are we going to stay?" Eagle asked. "As long as you want," Stilletto replied. "Um..." Eagle looked confused. "Didn't you say we shouldn't go, since the Forest is pissed?" he asked. "I never said that. I merely implied." Stilletto said. "I only suggest. I only order in battle, if ever needed." Eagle was pissed. "WTF? You mean to say-" Stilletto nodded. "I can grant you safe passage, if that's what you want. However, you are wise to follow my suggestions." he said. "Can we leave now?" Eagle asked. "Sure," Stilletto said. "Just follow me." He leaped off the roof. Eagle sighed. That guy is nuts, he thought.
They ran through the Forest, dodging and cutting down trees. Stilletto did all the work. Hawk could see every tree, and every branch swinging at him with disturbing clarity. Everything that attacked him was highlighted in an icy blue color.
Finally, they made it out. They squinted, eyes adjusting to natural light. "Well," said Hawk. "That was fun." Duran grinned. "Except for me being hit from behind and getting trampled." he added. They traveled back to Navarre, Eagle not once speaking. Stilletto showed them all his way of getting into the castle. Even Eagle did not know his way.
Suddenly the features could be distinguished. "Father?" Duran gasped. His father ran toward them, his ghostly form pouring blood. Duran sank to his knees. "Father..." he whispered. "Back off, spirit!" Eagle yelled. He raised his Fire sword, ready to strike. The figure of Duran's father kept coming. "Duran," it said in a tone so painful, it made Eagle shiver. "Du-ran," it repeated. A figure from the side charged, boosting off the ground. It swung at Loki, beheading him. It quickly tossed something to the ground, and jumped back. Boom! A scream of agony came from the beheaded figure. An image of a decaying woman, ragged and grotesque appeared on top of Loki's body. Poof! Both images vanished.
Duran had his head down, eyes tightly shut. "Damn!" Hawk said. "That was the freakiest thing I ever saw." Eagle gulped. "You said it," he agreed. The figure that killed the monster walked up to them. "Eagle, I presume?" it asked. The figure was definitely male, and it spoke with an accent Eagle had never heard before. Eagle nodded. "And you are?" he asked. The figure bowed. "Stilletto, at your service." Stilletto was wrapped in a cloak similar the ground, its color changing as they spoke. "Chameleon robe?" Eagle asked. Stilletto pulled off his head, to reveal a dark-haired youth. "Yes," he said. "I've got the fourth one." Stilletto gestured to Duran. "Is he going to be alright?" he asked. Eagle kneeled by Duran. "Duran," he said. "It wasn't what you think it was," he said with a shudder. "Hey Stilletto, no weapons?" Hawk asked. "Very good, Hawk. I see you can judge those things, hm?" Stilletto said. "Yes, I do have weapons. Myself, for one." Duran stood up. "I'm fine now. Let's go," he whispered. Eagle nodded. "Stilletto, lead us?" Stilletto bowed. "Periodically, I will pause and touch a tree. In the Forest, there are ten sections, or levels. Each section has a sentry, we must answer its question right, to pass safely." Eagle stretched. "I assume you know the answers?" he asked. Stilletto nodded. "Touch nothing with your hands. Keep your weapons sheathed unless I say so. Follow me."
Stilletto led them to the tree line. He touched a tree, and paused. Eagle concluded he must have been here before, since all trees look the same. Stilletto turned around. "Wear these around your head. You'll be able to see like I do." Stilletto handed each of them a light-colored headband. It fit their heads perfectly. "Whoa," said Duran. "This is cool." Hawk grinned. "Very cool," he added. Eagle placed the cloth around his head and was hurled into a whole new world. Small things, some shimmering, others glowing, zipped past him. The ground was alive, and so were the trees. The trees appeared to all be different, all unique. "Stilletto, you see like this all the time?" Eagle asked. "Only if I want to," Stilletto replied. Eagle looked back at the first sentry, and instead of seeing what he saw before, he saw protection. Simply protection. "It's the spirit; the inside. You Navarres almost always look at the outside." Stilletto said. "Each tree is unique, as you can see. What you find when you look upon a tree is its spirit, each with a certain character. Let's continue." Eagle turned back to follow Stilletto, and saw control calm skill experience strength hope light
Then it was all too much for him. He quickly lifted the band, panting. He turned to see Hawk and Duran looking at each other with the headband on, both grinning like fools. "They are looking at bits and pieces of each other's souls," Stilletto intruded. "You wanted to see all of mine, and it was too much. Let that be a lesson to you. Now, no more interruptions?" Eagle gulped and nodded.
Stilletto stopped and touched a tree. Eighth one, Eagle thought. Stilletto paused, and did not withdraw his hand. Something in his aura changed. Eagle slipped on the headband and thought, what is it. It worked, because Eagle saw that Stilletto sensed danger. "According to this sentry, a band of four dozen men crossed this line very recently without speaking to any sentry. I've asked if the sentry knows anything about them, but it doesn't." Stilletto confirmed Eagle suspicion. Stilletto quickly withdrew, and whispered sharply "Robes on full! Get down!" Instantly the four disappeared from sight. Six men dressed in dark glinting armor walked by, scanning the tress. "Damn, what do they want here," Stilletto asked after they had gone. "Who are they?" Hawk asked. "Same ones that attacked Salamando," Eagle deduced. "Correct," Stilletto affirmed. "Shh!" Duran whispered. Six more men walked by. "Should we take them out?" asked Hawk. "No, I want to see what they're up to." Stilletto said. "Eagle, hold position, unless I call. You'll be in big trouble if you advance past this sentry." Eagle shifted. "Watch three points," he said to Duran and Hawk. Stilletto ran off silently.
"Four patrols, six men each. They walk the same way and on the same path." Eagle informed Stilletto. "Anyone heard of the Darkshine Knight?" Stilletto asked. "That bastard and King Richard fought before the Emperor's forces retreated." Duran replied. "Well, those four dozen men bear his symbol. Which, by the way, is a fist with a sword through it." Stilletto said. "Black color, of course." Duran added. "Let's move. Hopefully the sentries will not react to their presence." Stilletto said with some concern. "Unless they do something to irritate them, that is."
They had just reached the ninth and second last sentry when Stilletto tensed again. "Draw your weapons," he said. "Draw them now!" They quickly brandished their magic weapons. "Should we cloak?" Duran asked. "No need. It won't help, anyway." Stilletto replied. "The Darkshine troops are about to light a fire. Which is pretty bad for us." Eagle knew. "The Forest will kill us too," he said. Stilletto nodded. "Let's get moving then," Hawk said. They took one step when the whole Forest seemed to change. "If you're wearing the sash, lift it now." Stilletto said. "Run." They began sprinting. Several trees lashed at them, some using branches, some bending their trunks. Duran was about to get the worst of a tree when he placed his weapon in its path. The tree decapitated itself on his sword. It cried out and the onslaught slowed. "Almost there," said Stilletto. Eagle thought he saw the outline of a large building. "Jump!" said Stilletto. They jumped, and something whistled under them. Stilletto cursed and from nowhere drew something shiny. A steel pillow! Eagle thought. Stilletto charged a tree several feet in front of them, and slammed it. The tree fell. It knocked down another tree, and another. The lath of fallen trees led to a large temple. "We goin' in there?" Eagle asked. Stilletto nodded and ran towards temple. "Dark troops will spot us in three seconds," Stilletto said. Three seconds later, a yell came from their right. "We'll lose those oafs inside the temple, if they follow." Stilletto said. The temple was in full view of them now. Dark gray steps led to darkened pillars. It had a tall roof, and by the second the whole temple's colors were shifting. Black, brown, greenish-blue, red, blue, then white, then black again.
They reached the steps, just as an arrow whizzed at Stilletto. He stopped moving, and the arrow went through him. A cry of surprise from their right preceded a cry of pain. Duran turned to see several dark armored men being lifted by trees, and slammed on the ground. Other men were on the ground, being beaten by tree branches and trees alike. Suddenly the trees released the men, and the Forest was quiet again. A black figure on a darkened steed rode by, cutting down several trees with a dark sword. The trees cried out as they were struck, but none of them made any move. "Go inside," Stilletto whispered. "I'll join you in a moment. Eagle, Hawk, and Duran ran inside.
Inside the temple, the colors still shifted. There were no pillars or decorations, just empty corridors. "Eagle, do you remember Salamando's instructions?" Hawk asked. "Yeah." Eagle said. "Should we keep our weapons drawn?" Duran asked. "Since they're imbued, I mean. It might affect something in a bad way." Eagle pondered for a moment. "I think we should. Can't tell what lurks here." Slowly, they proceeded. They came to an intersection, and Hawk pointed. "Look, the table!" Eagle held him back. "Remember the four false tables, Hawk." Duran picked off a twig in his hair. "Let's test it." He tossed the twig at the table. The twig bounced and struck the bale. Instantly, four gigantic stone golems manifested. "Shit," Duran muttered. Duran focused his energies again, ready to move. The golems did not budge. "Move!" a familiar voice yelled from behind. The three leapt to a side. A golem smashed its fist into the ground where Eagle was standing, shaking the whole temple. "Damn!" Eagle yelled. He lashed his whip as a reflex, catching the golem's head. The whip glowed red as he pulled back, denying the golem of its head. Hawk leapt through the air, negative energy crackling. He slashed four times, then darted up the wall. The golem fell to pieces. The three golems charged around the corner, two going for Stilletto, one coming at Eagle. Duran thrust his sword through one arm, and sliced sideways. The Holy magic flared, sending bright beams of light echoing everywhere. The sword sliced through stone like paper at high speeds, Duran unfamiliar with the power. The sword trailed downwards, taking off a large chunk of the wall.
The other golems charged down the corridor, Stilletto sprinting away. He darted outside, and turned towards Darkshine's recovering men. "Freeze." Darkshine Knight said to his troops. Stilletto cloaked. The golems stopped. They saw dark statues, and the Forest as normal. Nothing. Then an arrow whizzed through the air, and bounced off a golem's head. They both turned, and saw six dark statues running towards them, waving shimmering sticks. The golems charged, then felt a small poke in their side. Slamming downwards, they caught three men each and sent them flying. "Die!" the Darkshine Knight cursed. He charged them.
Stilletto came jogging back. "Darkshine has to deal with them." His voice was backed by masculine screams, then a few slams, and clanking of some sort. The sound of metal on stone echoed through the temple corridors. Stilletto inspected the wreckage Duran created. "Good job," he said. "We'll take the most direct and fun way." Eagle raised an eyebrow. "Fun, eh? Haven't had that for a little while." he said. Stilletto pointed. "You'll have plenty of that soon," he promised. He jogged off.
They turned six more times, each turn brought them deeper. They saw an empty room. Dead end. "Stilletto, where are we going?" Duran asked. "First, we're going to have some fun, then we're going up." Stilletto replied. "Draw your weapons, and take turns." Eagle turned to Hawk, but he had no idea. Stilletto touched the stone wall, and it slid open. He stepped into the room, and grinned as the door slammed shut. Grinding of stone could be heard, then the grinding stopped. "Elevator," Eagle explained. Several clangs sounded, followed by animal, and mutated animal cries. The grinding started again, and the door opened. Several decapitated bodies of some alien origin were strewn around the floor, about two dozen other bodies to another side. "My turn," said Eagle. A similar audio show played, then Hawk went. As the door closed, the lights went out.
He felt the floor move, then some gates slammed open. Something chittered wildly. Hawk felt a cold dread rise up. Something touched his leg, then it cried out. Millions of cries bombarded Hawk from all directions, each with its own echo. Hawk slashed at where the thing touched his leg, hitting the ground. Blue sparks ricocheted off the ground, illumination briefly the room in an evil light. The creatures were not small, but they were as high as the room. Nineteen goliath creatures. A pitch-black room. Shit, thought Hawk. I'm in trouble. The creatures cried out in dark glee as the sparks flew, then silencing as the sparks faded. Hawk lunged to his right, slashing and flailing in fear. He heard the rumble of many feet, and his daggers hit the wall. Sparks flew again. The creatures chittered with sick pleasure. They had moved. Hawk lunged at the nearest creature, his fear rising steadily. The stampede of legs sent Hawk spiraling down into submission. Fight it, he thought. In response to his defiance, they began to chitter continuously. Hawk had never fought someone who dodged his attacks. They were getting to him, Hawk knew. Then he had an idea. A long shot, at best, one that might get him killed, but he had to take it. "Spirit of Water, I submit to you," he whispered. Instantly an icy numbness filled his body, and he could see! He felt the rush of water flowing, the power of it gushing, cascading, when he leapt. High, almost touching the ceiling, he slashed a creature, who fell in pieces of ice, shattered. Its companions screamed in anger.
Together they rushed him. Hawk stuck to the wall and slashed backwards once, and leapt away. A scream, shrill as a trumpet, followed his leap. He backflipped, using his agile body masterfully. Two of the creatures turned and lunged at him, each lit by an icy light. They extended scythe-like arms, then made slashes at him. Hawk curled into a ball, rolled under the first one, and flipped up. Both of his feet slammed into the creature's body, knocking it into the second creature. He quickly killed both felled enemies. Four down, fifteen to go, Hawk thought. Four creatures charged, Hawk now realized he could see only the ones attacking him. Which meant he'd have to be careful where he maneuvered. He threw both his daggers, killing two. He quickly sidestepped several swings and rolled, grabbing his daggers. He threw one, this time it was deflected. The creature deflected the dagger with pain, sending the dagger into the other one's face. The remaining creature charged with fury, fast enough that Hawk had to parry. Then the goliath creature shattered as the coldfire dagger thrust through. He leapt upwards, picking up his other dagger as his vision was filled with ghostly icy-blue shapes. Hawk spinned in a tight circle, arms extended. He felt the easy resistance of his attackers being cut. He landed, panting. If they weren't dead, he would be. Eleven heads dropped around him, shattering. His vision was black again. Then it was filled with light as a door opened. He stumbled through, very relieved. Stilletto and Eagle were standing by a stone table, talking. They were on the roof of the temple. Hawk rolled on his back, and shut his eyes. Damn, he thought. That sucked.
The door opened, and Duran walked out with a strange look. "Already?" Hawk blurted out. "Yeah. I just went in and nothing was there." Duran said.
Duran was thrown several feet. Hawk immediately cloaked, activating his robe's power with his mind. "What the-" Duran said. Stilletto turned around and flicked something. Poof! The area behind Duran was filled with smoke. "Duran, get back!" yelled Eagle as he pulled out his whip and Moon sword. Two dozen black figures stood in formation. A dark horse and it's black rider stepped into the clear.
"Duran," Stilletto said as Duran came over. "Put the horn's end part on this table's Holy symbol." Duran nodded. As he stepped toward the table, he checked the symbols. Earth, Wind, Water, Fire, Holy, and Dark. As he places the horn onto the symbol, he heard something manifest behind them. His attention was divided between finding out what had manifested, to what the horn was doing. A beam, blazing white and glowing, shot from the sky to the horn. "Cool," Duran said. The horn glowed, then returned to its normal image. He turned fully this time, to see what was happening. A large demonic golem, burning with unholy green fire, was beating the Darkshine Knight's troops. They cried out as they were tossed, their bodies engulfed in the greenish flame. "Infernal," Stilletto explained. "Where's Hawk?" Duran asked. "Cloaked and scared," Eagle informed. The Darkshine Knight raised his dark sword. A red beam of negative energy shot out, hitting the Infernal. A prism of red energy formed around the golem, denying it of free movement. The golem reared, and shattered the prism. The Darkshine Knight pointed his sword towards the Infernal, and out shot a black beam. The Infernal screamed in agony. It's flames turned from green to black. The flaming bodies of the Darkshine's squad stood up, burning with the same demonic flame.
Stilletto charged. Halfway there, he roared. And stopped. The arena was filled with Stillettos, at least his image. Together, the images roared again. Several flaming dark troops fell, knocked down by the power. The black Infernal erupted. It screamed, spewing black embers. The embers grew and took form, turning into golems half the size of their creator. The Stillettos charged.
"Let's go!" Eagle yelled at Duran. Duran grabbed the horn and drew his sword. Eagle lashed a small Infernal, and yanked it to Duran. A Holy flashing sword left the small Infernal in pieces. The large Infernal suddenly reared up, then spun around. It had glowing blue lines across it's back. Eagle thrust his Fire sword, making the Infernal flare up. No effect. The Infernal spun around, flailing. Eagle and jumped back, and two Stilletto images parried with a flashing rod. Eagle saw Hawk flip in from the side, and hurl both his daggers at the Infernal's head. The Infernal seemed to bend down, but a kick from a Stilletto image sent it right back up. Both daggers made contact, shattering the Infernal's head . "Goodbye," a Stilletto said. Another Stilletto grinned. A few Stillettos had brandished their steel pillows, and proceeded to beat several dark warriors and Infernals to the ground. Duran ran through the commotion, killing four. He found himself face to face with the Darkshine Knight. The dark knight charged. Duran rolled under the horse, knowing a horse would never step on a man. He was wrong about this one. The darkened steed trampled him, pounding every corner of his body. As a last resort, he thrust his Holy weapon upwards. It cut through easily, killing the horse instantly. Stilletto, Eagle, and Hawk had finished off the dark warriors and the Infernals, black blood and shattered bodies everywhere. The Darkshine Knight ran towards the edge and jumped off the roof.
"Duran," said Eagle. "You alright?" Stilletto produced a jar from thin air. It was filled with a thick, golden liquid. "Honey drink," Stilletto said. "It heals anyone's life force to the top." He handed it to Eagle, who poured some into Duran's mouth. Results were instant. Duran sat up. "That was stupid," he said. "Your theory was correct, but, yes, that was stupid." Stilletto said. "Powers of the Dark will warp everything, remember that." Hawk was looking out into the Forest. Sharp cries of pain echoed through the Forest. "Darkshine's getting away, should we follow?" Eagle asked. "Too dangerous for us. Trees won't like it, and at this rate they even might uproot to chase us." Stilletto responded.
Hawk came back, silent. "I submitted to Water," he whispered. A stunned silence met his words. "How?" asked Eagle. "Simple," Stilletto answered. You simply allow a single element to be your body's power." Duran stood up, and his back cracked. "Ow," he said. "What are the consequences of submitting to an element?" Eagle asked. "First, Hawk can no longer use Fire magic or Fire based or imbued weapons. It'd hurt very bad." Stilletto looked at Hawk. "From now on, you'll need to regulate your body's temperature, and wear Fire absorb." Hawk looked blank. "Fire absorb?" he asked. Stilletto nodded. "Armor that absorbs Fire magic, basically top-of- the-line equipment. Flamekahn should have a few of those. I wear Dark absorb all the time. You'll get used to it." Eagle walked over to the stone table. "Mind telling us more about the table?" he asked. Stilletto bowed. "As you know, this temple and its table are very old. When an imbued object is placed on the table's symbol in a special way, the object's powers are restored. The horn is back to full power, and our mission here is done." Eagle could not believe it. "So we came all the way to recharge a horn?" he gaped. "Frankly speaking, yes. I do believe we'll need it later on." Stilletto paused. "An object must be recharged after its master dies. Duran is now its master." "Frequency of recharge?" Eagle asked. "Rare," Stilletto answered. "Often a newly-recharged item will carry its powers over several users." "So how long are we going to stay?" Eagle asked. "As long as you want," Stilletto replied. "Um..." Eagle looked confused. "Didn't you say we shouldn't go, since the Forest is pissed?" he asked. "I never said that. I merely implied." Stilletto said. "I only suggest. I only order in battle, if ever needed." Eagle was pissed. "WTF? You mean to say-" Stilletto nodded. "I can grant you safe passage, if that's what you want. However, you are wise to follow my suggestions." he said. "Can we leave now?" Eagle asked. "Sure," Stilletto said. "Just follow me." He leaped off the roof. Eagle sighed. That guy is nuts, he thought.
They ran through the Forest, dodging and cutting down trees. Stilletto did all the work. Hawk could see every tree, and every branch swinging at him with disturbing clarity. Everything that attacked him was highlighted in an icy blue color.
Finally, they made it out. They squinted, eyes adjusting to natural light. "Well," said Hawk. "That was fun." Duran grinned. "Except for me being hit from behind and getting trampled." he added. They traveled back to Navarre, Eagle not once speaking. Stilletto showed them all his way of getting into the castle. Even Eagle did not know his way.