Chapter 11:

Neville looked around and found Tom in dire trouble. He sent his power there, shattering the two Dark creatures Tom was battling with. But almost at the same time two men fell at his side. Yet Neville didn't have much time to dwell on them, for a group of enemy soldiers had just blew a hole on the gate. He frowned, rode over the bodies, and spurred on, for only he could do what swords and arrows could not: penetrate that thick layer of armor they had around them. Still, Neville felt his power draining, sweat was blinding his eyes; it had been the hardest battle he ever fought since the War began. He knew the most feared Rider was not there, for he was one of the few that knew what happened to Harry of the Mask, but he and his men was outnumbered perhaps fifty to one. How the enemy knew his whereabouts he had no idea, but he was sure this assault was more of an ambush for himself than taking the small city that had no strategic value what so ever.

Neville felt his horse panting, but he drove her on. There was no time to lose; he had to arrive at the gate before any could enter. Suddenly Ayiana neighed and fell in a thud, taking Neville with her. Neville jumped just in time to avoid being caught under the fallen horse. He had no time to check his five-year companion; instead he jumped onto one of the wandering horses and rode on. He hit the horse with his sword tilt, putting his sympathy for the animal away. But already he could see the enemy enter; only slightly thwarted by the arrows that were now showering towards them. Neville threw away his sword and raised his hands. This was too far, he knew. But still he concentrated, reaching inside for whatever power was left in him. He inhaled deeply, directed the power, and let it go. His hands swayed a little at the last second, and the force hit only half the enemy that was pouring in. But it was enough to slow them down, for the wall was also hit and huge stones now blocked the way. Neville wiped away the sweat on his forehead, almost too weary to stay on the horse.

Just then he heard a roar of triumph from the Dark soldiers. This couldn't be, they hadn't entered the city yet, thought Neville. Looking up, his heart fell as he identified the source of their confidence. The Masked Rider had returned, though now un-hooded and mask-less. He wore the black armor robe that had become part of his symbol, and under him the great warhorse neighed. In his hand was the black sword, his cold green eyes shone strangely. He came thundering through the dark sea of enemies – and turned towards them!

Harry closed his eyes, his mind concentrating on only one thing. He held his sword out, and let the power go. For a few seconds there was a great uproar, then it was all silent. The black army had vanished, only dust fell. The city was silent; people watch in total shock as he turned his horse towards them. A few soldiers nocked their arrows.

"Stop!" called Tom, recovering from the shock, "Let him in!"

Harry rode through the city streets; silent or even hostile eyes greeted him. He tried his best to hold his head high, and was much relieved to see Neville and Tom starting towards him. "Can we, huh, talk inside?" he asked, giving his surroundings a glance.

Neville nodded in understanding. He waved for Tom, and the three walked into a tent Neville had made on the wall.

"Sorry I wasn't here sooner, but I don't have Floke anymore, and it took me a while to, er, persuade your messenger that I really was on your side."

Neville still stared at Harry with opened mouth, so Tom took on, "Hum, thanks. Your presence was much a surprise to us…"

Harry nodded, but he did not explain himself further. Instead, he said, "You have little time to lose; the enemy's plan is in fast motion. And, and I can help you."

"And why should we need your help?" Neville asked coldly. Tom looked up at his friend, surprised at his unusual outburst. "Neville?"

"And don't you try to give me advices, too!" Neville snapped, and with that he stormed out of the tent.

But before he went far, Harry was caught up with him, he whispered so that only Neville would hear, "Prince, I have no doubt that you are the one, and I am not here to challenge your position. Bear your people in mind when you reconsider my proposal." Before Neville could answer, he turned and left; the Prince looked furious with himself.

Harry looked up at the stars that never shone on the Other Land, only sitting up when he heard someone coming over.

Tom sat down near Harry awkwardly, "Hey."

"Hey, what are you doing here?"

"I, uh, I just want to apologize for Neville, I mean…it was not like him at all, he's usually very open-minded and friendly."

"No…I understand."

Tom looked at him, "But I saw you today…You wiped out that whole army with a flip of your finger."

Harry laughed and shook his head, "Nah, it was harder than it appeared."

Tom stared at Harry, hard, "But are you the one?"

Harry looked at Tom, so the young man was perceptive, after all, (really, Neville shouldn't have made such a scene, for his action was only adding fume to the few's doubts) "Why? I didn't think the Prince's best friend would start doubting his status…"

He might have said more, but Tom would never know, for at that moment Neville appeared. "Hey Tom!" he called, then noticing Harry, "Oh, you, er…good evening to you." He looked from one to another, "What are you doing here?"

Harry smiled, "We were just recalling some interesting past encounters we've had, good night to you all."

Neville watch his go, then he turned to Tom, "Well, Tom, I mean, I'm sorry…"

Tom waved his hand before he could finish his sentence, "It was no big deal."

Neville sat down on the grass near him, "Well, Tom?"

"What?"

"You, you don't doubt me, do you? I mean, you know I'm the one, right?"

"Hum…sure, of course you are."

"But today when I saw Harry, I knew I could never do that…maybe that was why I was so rude to him; he made me think that maybe I'm not the one after all…"

"Well, I thought you didn't like being the one…"

"I don't. But…look, I've been raised knowing I'm the one ever since I could remember; everything I did was to prepare myself for that job…today is when I first started doubting myself; I was afraid…because I don't even know who I am if I'm not the one!"

"Well, Harry probably just had some power from the Dark Lord you know…"

"No, we use the same power; I could sense it…"

"But even the Council said you are the one."

"But they never had the mirror to confirm it, and the silver horse never showed up to me…it shows up for every savior, so the prophecy said."