Chapter Twenty-Three:

Into the Light

Richard's POV:

Apparently, the news of what I was about to do had spread around the Indosyne camp fairly quickly. As I was walking towards the part of Chilaquand's banks Indosyne still held control of, I saw, out of the corner of my eye, some of the Company coming towards me.

As I turned to face them, a vision struck me. I was in the exact same place I had been before the vision, but the war was different. From what I could tell, this was the epic strife known as Dwindler's War, the war that split the valley of Chilaquand.

Flashback from The Proboscidean Factor (Vision, Same POV)

As I entered the vision, two figures caught my attention. One was on the ground, evidently in pain, and the other was gloating over him. I knew this was Dwindler's War, and most likely the famed First Battle of Chilaquand, but I was clueless beyond that.

"Morte toqune emite delqune Marto!" cried a voice behind me. I turned, and dove away as Suliantig charged right through where I had been. Wherever Suliantig's feet had touched the ground, flames sprang up, and rushed after him. This was evidently some sort of spell he had conjured, because he made no sound when the fire overtook and engulfed him.

A few seconds later, Suliantig slammed into the standing figure, which fell to the ground with a cry of pain. As he fell, the other figure stood up, and I could see him clearly. He was obviously you, and smaller than both Suliantig and the other. A red mark – Suliantig's, in fact – shone a bright red on his forehead. It was then I recognized the face I had seen at least a hundred times in life, and a few more dozen in my visions. I know knew Elephande was one of the dueling spectacles, though the identity of his rival was unknown.

Another voice rang out, and I recognized the voice of Allysuntis as she called, "Rin consi mort, Altoda." Those words told me all I needed to know: I was watching the legendary duel between Elephande and Altoda, the combat that determined the outcome of Dwindler's War. It was the type of battle I would soon know intimately.

----------

"Richard!" called Mekae, trying to bring him back into the present.

As his eyes sprang to the voice, he said, "Sorry, I was lost in the aura of this place."

"Dwindler's War, right?" asked Andrea.

Richard nodded. "I saw the duel between Altoda and Elephande. I must do the same."

"You know what will likely happen to you if you do this, don't you?" asked Andrea.

"Yes, Andrea, I do. And I think it is a good trade. One life for civilization. This trade will never be forgotten. The Hall of Records can tell you that, I'm sure."

Andrea hung her head, but they could see her nod. This act, the one Richard spoke of doing, was one of honor and courage. Many could say that they would make such a sacrifice, but there were very few who would go through with their word. She knew from her experience and her knowledge of history that Richard was a perfect candidate to do this. However, the General of Anegon was perhaps the greatest Adept to grace the plains of Chilaquand, and yet, he thought his powers a good trade for Indosyne.

"Well, if you're intent on doing this, I have only one thing to say. Make him pay," said Reno.

"I will. I have no doubt he will pay, even if it costs me my life. Mute is still dangerous, though."

"I will deal with him," replied Reno.

"Unfortunately, we must now part. Perhaps our paths shall cross again. If not, then may Elder Higenti watch over you."

"General, Elidion will always welcome you."

Reno, Mekae, and Andrea walked back towards Elidion's Army, leaving the General to his thoughts once again.

----------

Altoda sat in his office, looking at the viewscreen. Before the Company left, he had given Richard a tiny replica of the screen. Through it, they would get the notification of the signal. The screen lit up, and the voice of the General said, "It is time, Patriarch. Watch for the signal."

Altoda nodded. "Good luck then, General of Anegon. En Elder Higenti!"

The viewscreen went blank, and Altoda walked to the bridge where Delagog, Alinqua and Dela were waiting.

"Patriarch?" asked Delagog.

"Friends, it is time. Ready the troops, for Istean stands on the brink of a new age!"

----------

Descantes was in the thick of battle. For the second time in his life, he was fighting Adepts in the city of Anegon. The Renegades that threatened Anegon were much stronger than those Vesuvian Adepts he had faced eight years earlier.

The clone of Xavier had the same intense fury that his actual counterpart had been famous for. The Renegade leader had always been charismatic, and he had done well, whipping his troops into a frenzy of hatred and destruction. Their fury gave them strength, but that added strength wore off quickly.

The combined command of Descantes and Cando was not doing well. Almost a quarter of their troops had fallen victim to vicious Psyenergy attacks. The two generals couldn't agree on a single strategy. Cando was stubborn, and he had never listened to Goraban's words about using an offensive style against Adepts. He would not abandon the defensive style of Balecroft, even though it was his divisions taking all the casualties.

Cando's strategy was exactly why Descantes didn't agree with Akula's assignment. Descantes had, of course, fought Adepts before, and he had learned that an aggressive style, such as that of Frontain, was best against a ranged opponent. The fact that they were very aggressive meant that they inflicted losses comparable to those that the Renegades were inflicting on Cando's command.

Elidion's Army was faring even better. The fact that they were all very powerful Adepts helped, and Billy's strategy pressed that advantage. His style was similar to Frontain's, in fact, it was even more aggressive. His Adepts had penetrated far into Xavier's line, and no Renegade, including Xavier himself, was out of their range.

Unfortunately, that was the least of Xavier's problems. Dancing between blasts of Psyenergy and the sword of Cyrus, he was being pushed back into Descantes' position. Xavier's was an elegant dance, as if his life wouldn't be harmed if he missed a step. Cyrus however, put every ounce of his strength and hatred into the fight. Without his friends Richard or Allen to restrain him, his rage had taken control of his actions. While his rage gave him strength, when his rage subsided, his strength would be gone. Xavier knew this, and thought he could just back away from Cyrus until he was exhausted.

Cyrus did notice one thing: Not only was he pushing Xavier back into Descantes' position, Descantes himself had noticed the duel, and nodded towards Cyrus. Xavier didn't notice this, and kept backing away. Cyrus finally regained control of his rage, and started making smoother strokes, fluidly pushing Xavier back. Xavier noticed the ferocity of his attacks lessen, and mistakenly though Cyrus was tiring.

"Getting tired, are we?" he taunted.

"Only in your dreams."

Xavier laughed and launched a series of vicious attacks. They didn't faze Cyrus, who kept methodically pushing Xavier towards Indosyne's lines. Cyrus saw Descantes take a position behind Xavier and redoubled his ferocious attacks. Xavier was stunned by the renewed ferocity, and amazed at Cyrus's endurance, for their duel eight years ago had not been longer than five minutes.

"I must admit, your skills have improved greatly," said Xavier.

"You have no idea," said Cyrus, launching a massive barrage of Psyenergy. The wind and lightning that flew from his hands knocked Xavier back the last five feet. He landed on Descantes' blades. He had landed on the relatively flat tops of them, so he was not impaled, but the impact must have hurt him, for he seemed stunned.

Descantes laughed and said, "Aim downward next time."

Cyrus returned the smile, replying, "There shouldn't be a next time, you know."

"Good point. Let's remedy that," said Descantes, launching Xavier upwards nearly thirty feet. In midair, Xavier shot a powerful fire Psyenergy downwards at Descantes, who was powerless to block it.

"Protæus!" yelled Cyrus, who had run to Descantes' side. The familiar shield rose up, surrounding them both. When Xavier's fire hit, it didn't dissipate (which normally happens when an offensive Psyenergy meets the Protæus Shield). Instead, it moved down and covered the shield in fire, blocking the battle from the eyes of Cyrus and Descantes.

A few seconds later, they heard screams of rage and fury as Xavier landed on the fiery shield. They couldn't see him hit the ground, but his loud curses allowed them to track his descent down the shield. As it disappeared, they saw Xavier, wreathed in fire, staring at them with rage. He rushed forward to attack, screaming "It will take more than fire to kill me!"

"Suit yourself," said Cyrus, parrying the blow.

"Feel my fury! Firestorm!"

Cyrus gazed in awe at the huge plume of fire leaving Xavier's hands. It soared into the air, and triggered a rain of fiery stones, along with falling fire. Cyrus's awe cost him as Xavier tried to run him through with his flaming sword. He missed, but Cyrus was also immolated, and he fell to the ground.

"Tidal Power!" called Blair, sending a huge wave towards Xavier. The wave passed over Cyrus, putting him out. The attack gave Cyrus time to follow through with his own.

"Lightning Strike!"

"Prot…" Xavier again screamed in fury as thousands of volts of electricity passed through his water-soaked body. Again, he fell to the ground, but he didn't get up this time. Slowly, Blair approached him.

"Did we do it? Is he dead?" asked Cyrus, panting for air.

Blair looked back at him. "It looks like we did."

"Don't look away!"

"What?" asked Blair, moments before Xavier stabbed her. He struck her over two dozen times before he finally just punched her in the face, knocking her down.

"No!" yelled Cyrus while Xavier laughed.

"Your warning was good. Unfortunately, she didn't heed it in time."

"You! Striking someone while their back is turned…" Cyrus paused, catching his breath. "It reeks of cowardice!"

"Cowardice?" Xavier's voice was filled with fury. He unsheathed his sword and started towards Cyrus. "You accuse me of cowardice?"

"You accuse yourself," Cyrus spat back. "Striking someone in the back. It's undignified and cowardly."

Xavier stopped cold in his tracks. Looking at Cyrus with cold eyes, he raised his sword. At that moment, Blair regained consciousness. She got Cyrus's attention just as Xavier's blade started to move towards her. She nodded her head, and Cyrus understood her meaning.

"Ray Blast!" he cried, sending a single bolt of lightning towards Xavier. It struck him in his sword hand, and the sword flew fifty feet away. "Chain Lightning!" he cried, following the last Psyenergy with on directly to Xavier's chest. It knocked him to the ground, giving Blair time to heal both herself and her companion. This time, the Psyenergy had paralyzed Xavier, and the Adepts approached him.

"Your time here is at an end, Xavier," said Cyrus. "Too many deaths have you caused Anegon, and sadly, yours will not repay that debt."

Xavier smiled. "A shame, but one I expected. I shall await you in the fiery depths of Hell!"

"You'll be kept waiting," replied Blair.

"Well then," Xavier sneered. "Know this. You never beat me. I chose my death. Inciendio!" With these words, a fire engulfed him, and he seemed to fall into the ground.

The wounds obviously still caused Blair a lot of pain, and Cyrus had to jump to catch her before she hit the ground. He gently set her down.

"Thanks," she said softly. "I guess your main threat is now dead."

"Hopefully he stays that way now," replied Cyrus, sitting down to join her. "He was one of the true threats we ever had."

"Wasn't he the reason the Company came to Hydrolonia in the first place?"

"Yes. And it is for the Company's cause that two of your cities' greatest warriors have died."

"Hydrolonian warriors are used to falling in battle. Do not take responsibility for their deaths, my friend."

"I'm not. It's just that hundreds, perhaps thousands have died to protect this place. A single small city, important only for its' tower. It's not right. Those deaths to protect Elidion, Grebuldine, or Hydrolonia, I would understand. But not Anegon. What did we do to anger those who attacked us?"

"You existed. These battles have proved something, Cyrus. Anegon's worth has been revealed to the rest of us. Vesuvia, especially under Xavier's charisma, would have run over much more than Anegon if you hadn't stopped them. And now, Adepts from Anegon lead our forces at Chilaquand. We owe our freedom to you. Never forget that, because we won't."

Cyrus smiled, and a small laugh escaped him. "I never thought of it that way," he said, as the battle started to wind down around them. "Thank you."

The smile was returned as Brooke and Allen approached them. "The feeling is mutual. Rest now. They'll watch us," she said, pointing to the other two.

Cyrus nodded, and looked over at Anegon. The city was safe, and the threat to Anegon had ended. He could rest in safety.

----------

"Mute!" roared an enraged Reno. "I'll kill you for this!"

"What?" asked Mute, laughing. He stood over the lifeless body of the Elidiocan Rachel. Their battle had been long, but Mute had finally come out on top. "I take it she is one of yours? I will admit, she almost got the best of me. But I prevailed, as I always do."

Reno didn't answer. Instead, he took out his sword and rushed forward, his rage driving him past his injuries. Their swords met each other, and although Mute was clearly exhausted, he met and blocked every stroke that Reno made. Reno, although strengthened by his hatred, was already beginning to become exhausted as his hatred lost power.

Mute laughed. He knew that as long as Reno was injured, he would be sustained only by his anger. Though rage was a powerful ally, it left as quickly as it had come, and it would leave the person in no shape to fight.

"You're in no shape to fight, Reno," Mute taunted. "Give it up."

Mute struck low, and as Reno jumped to avoid it, he let go of his anger, and tried to tap into whatever skill and strength his injuries had left him. Surprisingly, he had a good deal left, and he began to attack Mute in earnest.

"I think this fight has just started," Reno said.

Mute laughed again, and jumped back a dozen feet. "Unfortunately, it just ended," he replied, pointing to an island in Chilaquand. "Your friend has a death wish, and we will get to see the great Askinqua oblige."

With those words, he teleported away, leaving Reno to gaze at the lonely island. Two figures could be seen through the mist. Reno sighed, and hoped Richard knew what he was doing.

----------

Suliantig's POV:

The General stood alone on an island, facing Askinqua. Twice had I already watched a titanic confrontation on these plains. The first time was at Graupia, when I was young and Altoda dueled Istean-General-Fradic; the second was nearly eight centuries ago at the First Battle of Chilaquand, where Altoda again dueled, this time against the young Elephande, his cousin. Elephande had prevailed there, and he had come into his legacy that day.

At first, Askinqua didn't seem to notice the young Adept. During this period, it was clear, even at a distance, that Richard was questioning his challenge of the Cladlen leader. However, his doubt passed quickly, and when Askinqua noticed him, his expression was neutral, without fear. Askinqua saw this and laughed, a cold, mirthless laugh reminiscent of Atuitá's.

"I'm guessing you are the one they name the General. An Adept by appearance, I would guess. You worthless fools, even Mute won't remove that archaic armor. It will do you no good here!"

He pulled out what looked like an ordinary pistol. However, while normal Cladlen soldiers and officers had regular weapons, this gun had been modified to shoot tiny projectile rockets. Two of them flew towards Richard, who started to dodge.

"They track their target," said Askinqua absently. "This is your end, fool."

Richard stayed silent, even as the projectiles struck him, throwing him back a few yards. As he fell, a blanket of air softened his fall.

----------

Somehow, it only took a few seconds for Richard to rise from the ground. Askinqua was stunned, those rockets should have killed him. But here he was, standing with undamaged armor. The Armor of Ten had many special abilities, not the least of which was the reduction of physical damage to its bearer.

"This 'old-fashioned armor,' as you called it, seems to work fine to me."

Askinqua snarled, and picked up a giant flail that had been hidden near his feet. "Then let's see how you handle this!" he yelled, swinging the flail. "I'll end it right here, and your cries for mercy with precede you in death!"

The flail connected, and Richard was knocked to the ground. Again, the blanket of air eased his fall. Again, Askinqua screamed in fury and charged, and again Richard stood silent. He was knocked back a third time, but again, he got up with little effort. Though few could see him, the entire valley heard his words.

"You say I shall die here, before you? I guess that you don't know my nature. My destiny may be to die here, Askinqua, but it shall be on my own terms, and not those of the likes of you! No, I will die with glory and honor, and you shall see the full fury of Elidion unleashed, and before that power, all who oppose me shall fall! That," he said, unsheathing Altoda's Bane, "that is my destiny, and it is my legacy. Akiz Elder Higenti!"

----------

Elephande's POV:

The words that the General had spoken had left the valley of Chilaquand in silence. As one of the few still able to see the battle, I watched in awe as he advanced fearlessly towards Askinqua. Askinqua had not yet been so openly defied, nor had he yet had his supremacy tested in battle here. It was these, the effects of Richard's challenging words that froze him in place.

Altoda's Bane shone and rang out as Richard knocked Askinqua to the ground. As he fell, he swung the flail and drew his sword. Richard ducked the flail, but he caught the sword in his unshielded arm, and fell to the ground. Askinqua had time to stand up, and again he swung the flail. It flew quickly towards his head.

----------

As the flail came down, Richard yelled, "Protæus!" and blocked it. Askinqua moved his sword, hung the flail from a belt, and began the duel.

It was Askinqua who made all the assaults. Richard always gave ground, retreating towards the river. Every few minutes, Askinqua would try to attack with the flail. However, Richard was very vigilant, and responded by using a gust of wind to know him back a few feet. After about half a dozen advances with the flail, Askinqua realized that the flail wasn't working, and he concentrated on the swordfight.

Askinqua would push Richard back a few yards with a massive swipe, but moments later, Richard would return the gesture. The result was that although they expended a lot of energy, the duel didn't really move very far.

As Richard's strokes started to weaken, Askinqua laughed, and asked, "Getting tired? I can always end this quickly, you know. All you have to do is ask."

"That is something I can't do, Askinqua. Even though I may tire, I will still fight you to the end."

"So be it, fool. It will be your end."

Askinqua's words were accompanied by a Herculean swing that caught Richard off-guard and knocked him down. As he lay on the ground, bleeding from his side, Askinqua laughed. Picking up his flail, he approached the fallen General.

"You fought well, General," he said, appearing to use the title sincerely. "Better than any I have fought here. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough to defeat the great Askinqua. Meet death, Adept!" he finished, yelling the last part.

The flail swept downward and smashed into Richard's helmet. Again, it should have been a fatal blow, but once again, he was saved by a miracle. The will of the High Elder seemed bent upon his survival, and Elder Higenti's will has seldom failed to achieve its' ends.

The attack may not have killed Richard, but it did hurt. He winced in pain, his eyes blurry as Askinqua walked up to him, laughing. He did not seem to notice that his opponent wasn't quite dead, but he merely stifled a scream of rage when he did.

In the instant when Askinqua's furious stare was away from him, Richard remembered the small gift Elephande had given, explaining that he would know what to do when the time came. It was a risky gamble, and perhaps not what Elephande had thought of, but it would get the job done. Richard took in a deep breath and set his mind on his task.

The small blade of Elephande's knife flashed through the air, and connected with the unshielded backside of Askinqua's leg. It was a glancing blow, but the shock knocked Askinqua to the ground a few feet away. Richard gripped the dagger, and keeping a groan at bay, plunged the dagger into his arm. Askinqua stared in surprise as he slowly rose.

"I seem to have underestimated you, General."

Richard laughed. "That would be apparent. But underestimate me no more," he said, throwing the dagger away. "Our fates are interlocked now. Get up and fight."

Askinqua's look had changed quickly, from surprise to anger, and now to awe. As he rose, he picked up his sword and moved to challenge Richard. However, though the spell appeared to have strengthened Richard, it had the opposite effect on Askinqua. The vigor and strength of the Ten gave Richard a new hope.

Askinqua was forced back, losing ground under the surprisingly furious attacks of the General. Driven back to the water's edge, he ran to the other side, trying to buy time to collect himself.

"Not this time," said Richard. "I warned you that you would soon see Elidion's fury unleashed, and that time has come. Temptesta!"

The sky over Chilaquand, which had been sunny, yet foggy, turned a dark shade of grey. The air, which had been chilly enough, whipped around the combatants in a fierce, biting wind. Rain fell in large drops, and lightning and hail left no part of the valley unscathed.

"Zambiandë!" cried Richard, striking again. The ten shadows roared out of Altoda's Bane and slammed into Askinqua, knocking him to the ground. Richard winced in pain, and moved to stand over the fallen Cladlen leader.

"Once again, Askinqua, you have brought yourself to Chilaquand. Once again you faced Elephande in combat, and once again you shall lose. Elder Higenti bans you from this realm a second time. Your reign of terror has come to an end." Richard raised Altoda's Bane and spoke softly, "Elder Higenti, ayuna qi. Akiz freida."

He slammed Altoda's Bane into the ground between him and Askinqua. With a deafening roar, the ground shook violently, and both combatants found themselves wrapped in a brilliant light. Richard had fallen to the ground, and Askinqua had somehow found the strength to stand again, and laughed over the General.

"He has forgotten his own spell!" crowed the Cladlen general.

When Askinqua was mere feet from Richard, the hand holding Altoda's Bane shot up. With as much strength and volume as he could, he cried, "Toq Altoda! Flariende!" At these words, flames shot from Altoda's Bane into the sky. Some of them struck Askinqua, and he fell once more to the ground, writing in pain. The flames that remained quickly passed through the clouds, illuminating the sky over Chilaquand.

Askinqua let out a final, hideous scream as his body burst into flames. Richard stood for a second, long enough to make eye contact with Elephande. The ageing patriarch of Allysulia was smiling, but a hint of sadness was also on his face. He muttered something unheard.

Suliantig appeared next to Richard, and allowed Richard to lean on him as he explained, "Your time is short, General. You have done a noble deed, sacrificing your life to defeat him. For this, Elder Higenti has granted you passage to his realm, an unheard of honor for one not of my race. The great liar, the perpetrator of Graupia will be judged, and you are wanted in attendance. Follow the road few can take."

"How will I know which road to take?" asked Richard softly.

"You shall be guided. Other than that, I don't know. Richard, General of Anegon, you have helped us tremendously, and I salute you. Go in peace, my friend."

As Richard sat down, his vision started to dim. The last thing he saw, before death closed his eyes, was the solemn face of Allysulia-Patriarch-Elephande. Elephande was… his fading mind couldn't place it… almost… sad, yet…happy? Perhaps… he would know soon…

Richard drew one final breath, and used it to shout just four words. "Elephande! It is done!" With those words, he fell back, and left the mortal realm.