Chapter Two: Myths and Legends

Disclaimer: I never would have guessed. *yawn* All characters in this story *yawn* belong to *yawn* David Edd.Zzzzzzzzz

Claimer: *wide awake* Claimy time! Claimy time! The Magician's Emerald! (still think it's a cool name!)

***

Sparhawk and his friends had been riding for what seemed like two days, but Flute assured them it had only been six hours, when they set up camp by a lake side.

The little girl had a knack for time.

None of them had ever really understood her, just as long as what she said was true.

'So. Now we know where it is, but we still don't know where where it is is,' Kalten said.

'Did that make any sense to you?' Tynian asked Ulath

'He lost me on that sharp turn at the end,' the bulky Genedian replied, grinning.

'What he meant was that we know it's in the Styric Empire, but we don't know where _that_ is,' Sparhawk patiently explained.

After setting up camp, they had decided to post double sentries.

Under Sparhawk's 'persuasion' Kalten agreed to take first watch with him.

Just then, Tynian and Ulath arrived to relieve them.

'Go, you two. Get some rest,' Tynian said.

'Fine with me,' Kalten said, and yawned. 'I'm asleep on my feet, anyway.'

Sparhawk grinned and followed his childhood friend back to their tents.

When they arrived, Sparhawk was surprised to see Sephrenia sitting next to their fire, drinking tea.

'What bothers you, little mother?' he asked, using the Pandion greeting.

'I've been thinking. As a child, I heard fables about The Magician's Emerald. It is rumoured to be hidden in a temple, guarded by spirits of the night. I fear for your safety,' she replied.

Sparhawk laughed silently. 'Do not fear for my safety, little mother,' he said.

They sat in silence for a while, pondering these words.

Kaltens snores could be heard from his tent, bringing smiles to their faces.

'He snores like a bear, doesn't he?' Sephrenia remarked after a while.

Sparhawk smiled. 'That he does, Sephrenia, that he does,' he replied.

Suddenly, he sensed evil in the air. He looked around, then through himself into Sephrenia. An arrow came whistling from the trees, striking Sparhawk in his armoured shoulder.

Without thinking he drew his sword and threw, it spinning, in the direction the arrow had come from.

A muffled yell could be heard, then a splash as the attacker fell into the lake, shortly followed by a metallic clang as Sparhawk's sword fell to the ground.

He ran over to pick it up, and looked into the lake.

It was deep, and the body had already sunk out of sight, leaving a red trail behind it.

Sparhawk sighed, and returned to Sephrenia, who still sat by the fire.

'He got away. Well, he didn't exactly get away, but his body did. Fell into the lake,' he explained.

Sephrenia looked at him. 'Are you OK?' she asked, worriedly.

'It's fine,' he replied. 'Rebounded of my armour.'

Tynian arrived. 'What happened?' he asked. 'I heard some yelling, and came to investigate.'

'Someone tried to kill Sephrenia,' Sparhawk explained. 'But I blocked it with my armour.'

'Oh, that's all is it? Than I'd better get back to watching,' Tynian said dryly.

After further investigating they decided to ride on, to avoid any other ambushes.

In a few hours they reached the Three Oaks, a village in south Pelosia, and decided to have breakfast.

Sparhawk walked through the doors and up to the counter. The innkeeper was fat, with a patch of gray hair.

'What would you like My Lord?' he asked, immediately recognising Sparhawk's armour.

'Breakfast for ten, and lots of ale. Oh, and some milk,' the Pandion Knight replied.

As the innkeeper bustled into the kitchen, Sparhawk looked around the inn. There were few patrons at this hour, and even the four men that sat at a table were hustled together, whispering excitedly.

As Sparhawk approached, he could some of what they were saying.

'Yes, they're saying Khadasax are out and about,' one man said.

'Pah. Khadasax, Khadasan. All a fable. No such thing,' a second answered.

'Yes, but-'

Then Sparhawk moved on and could not hear them anymore. He decided to ask Sephrenia about these Khadasax and Khadasan.

He went back out side and motioned for the others to enter.

When they came to their table, a large breakfast was waiting. Everyone, especially Kalten, began eating.

After breakfast Sparhawk asked Sephrenia about Khadasax.

Her breath caught. 'Sparhawk. Talk to me tonight. I'll tell you all I know,' and with that she left.

Sparhawk shrugged, and went to the stable to get their horses.

Thinking other things, Sparhawk rode of after the others.

***

By nightfall they reached Arcium, and camped along the border.

After dinner, Sparhawk asked Sephrenia about this Khadasax business.

'Ok Sparhawk, listen well. I am about to tell you a three thousand year old legend,' she said, and began.

_to be continued_

r+r! r+r! r+r! r+r! r+r!

Oops. Got a bit carried away. (

Ooooh! Cliffhanger!

Please excuse the shortness of this chapter.