Chapter 8

Elsewhere… The Kingdom of En Sabah Nur

The sun is setting on the barren, rock and sand covered land. Few signs of life dot the landscape- mostly in the form of dying trees. An enormous castle, carved out of black rock, stands as the dark heart of this evil land. Sounds of steel being tempered and fires raging are most prevalent. Trolls patrol the turrets and maintain the gates- not that anyone would venture into this land willingly- it's rare to even feel a ghost of a wind.

A hulking shadowy figure sits on his throne, contemplating his every move of this war. Weighing every outcome, every resource, every strength and weakness. He is a large, muscular man- muscles formed from years of training, and his expression dark. His long black hair falls in thick strands, shielding most of his pale face from the world, except his eyes, burning red like dying coals. With a deep gravelly voice he addressed his commanding officer. "Essex, what news from the western lands?"

The pale faced man with the red eyes bowed, "Sire, since Mera's fall, you have created a giant tidal wave, as it were- alliances have been springing up. It should make it easier to conqueror with them all assembling in one place."

"And my enemy? Ayden?" He leaned forward, hands pressed together, his finger tips touching his pursed lips.

"It appears that Dayspring has sought an alliance with Elden."

"Of course, as I predicted- Elden is the only source of power that can rival the magics of mine, but magic is all they have. Foolish little Queen. Her test shall come in future days, and I shall see what my fiancée is made of."

Nur's thoughts focused on memories of the past, a memory when he almost had Achmed fooled into giving him Ororo. She, being the only heir to the throne, guaranteed his control of not only the Dark and Light Kingdoms of Power, but it was prophesied that their union would spawn the ultimate warrior and conqueror. Instead, the fifteen year old had run off to fight in the wars and had become untraceable for over a decade. Almost.

He had employed a vampire to keep watch over her, keep her alive for the coming times. And he would not forget the name of that vile creature, for that wretch had betrayed him. The demon inside the vampire had actually been tamed by her, and his humanity had fallen for her- but the demon had other intentions- coming too close to taking her on several occasions. Unfortunately, Remy had dropped off the face of the earth, but betrayals did not go over well with the dark Lord. And he always made sure it did not go over well for the betrayer.

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They met before a waterfall in the Grand Hall. The water cascaded from a ledge near the ceiling and sprayed a gentle mist everywhere yet surprisingly, there was no sound of it making contact with the stream below. The only noise was of flowing water.

Ororo spoke, "I apologize for my attitude earlier, my lord. It will not happen again. I've had too much flowing through my mind this day alone, and I fear I have taken it out on you." She didn't even glance away in shame as she apologized. She didn't wait for his acceptance either. "Follow me please." With a wave of her hand, the waterfall bent sideways- but did not break- it's flow was simply altered, and she stepped behind it into the revealed passage way. He followed her without question for the first, and definitely not the last, time- impressed that it was lightning clenched in her fist that was suddenly illuminating the passage way.

Their footsteps echoed in the dark corridor as she spoke, "This room has not been used in a millennia. That is how long it has been since Elden toiled in the affairs of the Outworld. My father's entire rein, 568 years, this room remained secluded. He didn't even know I knew about it. It was my refuge." She smiled slightly at the thought of Jean trying to find her for her manners lessons, and her being holed up in here with nothing but a candle and her magic to keep her company.

She lit several candles on an oak table to reveal a map of all the kingdoms before them. She pointed at a small fortress that had been circled in red with an x in the middle. Several other small villages had been marked in a similar manner.

"These are places Nur has already destroyed," she gestured towards the red X's. "Mera is of great concern considering not only it's size, but the king is being held prisoner. Mera had no weak force either, though their King was a peace-loving ruler who never partook in war. I am wondering if there is a purpose behind his kidnapping or if he is being made an example- that not even people who have never opposed or dealt with Nur are going to be overtaken. No one is immune."

His brow furrowed. "It could be any reason. Xavier is a renowned scholar- I was educated by him. No one knew more about this world. Every single race, it's strengths, weaknesses, history, every means of communication available. . . That's why Nur needs him. Information. We need to get Xavier- or pray he doesn't talk."

"There is one other link we need to obtain to make him fall."

"The M'Kraan crystal?"

"Precisely. I did not know many were aware of it…"

"I only know because Xavier taught me. It's the only reason Nur has his immortality- and his magical abilities."

"What resources do you have at your disposal?"

"Truth be told, Ayden has been preparing for this war for years since trouble first started brewing. We have troops that are 20,000 strong, from my kingdom alone. I've already recruited the help of my father's brother, and several others. Weapons, archers, and food have been arranged for a several years war. What do you have up your sleeve?"

"I have made many contacts through my war experience and as Queen."

"Any chance you'll divulge their names?" It briefly touched his mind that she mentioned experience in a previous war but he decided it was for a conversation at a later date.

"I hold close ties to the Nymph kingdom of Nymon. Not many are aware that they are excellent weapons craftsmen and women. They craft magical blades that wield massive damage. Fairy's can bless the soldiers and their armor, strengthening it greatly. And my personal favorite, vampires," She smiled brightly.

He eyed her suspiciously, "Vampires?"

"Not all are evil, my lord. As a matter of fact, there's a guild of vampire's that I have in mind. They're thieves but not without other skills."

"But they're only useful at night."

"I'm shocked at how primitive your human folklore remains! What do you think we live in, the dark ages? There are amulets and spells to counteract the sunlight's effects on them"

"But can they be trusted?"

"I'd trust the leader with nothing less than my life. We fought alongside each other to free Geddes- a true gentleman" Her thoughts turned sour at the thought, she knew she could trust Remy, but… she didn't want to. She didn't want to be let down.

"It's your call but we can't risk them cannibalizing our troops."

"Very well then, we leave immediately and if all goes well, should be back here within 3 weeks."

"3 weeks!"

"Nothing to fear, my lord. Every resource I can contact is located here within Elden wood. And unlike men, I have grown up here and know the path's quite well. If anything, we should have an extra week for relaxation."

"Barring no one asks us for a spar." He dead panned.

She hid a smile, her controlled combat personality waning. "Be ready to depart first thing in the morning. I would make haste this evening, however, I must prepare the kingdom for my absence. I trust that is alright with you?"

"Yes. But I do have something important I need to discuss with you. You may at least know what's going on." His shoulders relaxed and he breathed in deeply. "You most likely remember when I told about my mother, how she hailed from Elden."

"Yes, I do." She sat down in a nearby chair and leaned against the table. "You look weary, why don't you sit down?" It was amazing how she transitioned from warrior queen to almost motherly.

He complied, sitting next to her, and continued, "My mother died when I was eight. When I was 14, I discovered a trinket, I don't know- it could've been an amulet. But when I touched it, it seemed to give me some sort of power. I could read thoughts of people, and influence them sometimes. I even was able to move things with my mind."

"Hmm. . ." her eyes were lighting up in the candle light.

"I of course toyed with the amulet, practicing with it, but when my father found it in my possession a few years later, he destroyed it. But the point is, ever since entering Elden, I've been hearing the thoughts of people in my head again, and I'm able to keep them out somewhat, and focus on certain ones, but. . . What the hell is going on?"

Ororo held a gentle smile on her face as she reached over and squeezed his hand. "I think it is safe to say that your mother was an Elf, Nathan. What you have described, the amulet in particular giving you power, and the same power returning to you when you arrived, all indicate your elf heritage. You see, as newborns, elves are set before a sacred pool where the Great Faerie emerges to bless us with our magic. Upon being blessed, each child is given a talisman of some sort so that if we must ever leave Elden, our power will stay with us. Believe it or not, it is our blood tie to Elden that gives us our power- the very earth itself below us is what has provided our gifts. You have always had the potential, it just needed to be tapped and awakened."

Nathan was taken aback. "You have no idea how difficult that is to believe- especially considering my father would've married the one person he hated most."

"Perhaps she hadn't told him- though it seems that he did find out eventually. When we leave Elden and we do not possess our talisman on our person- like you said it was locked away- we begin to become human. Even the points of our ears disappear. One thing I do find fascinating, though, is that if you were to possess my amulet, it would do nothing to you. You wouldn't even have your magic awakened. It makes me wonder if that amulet was not hers, but yours."

"So what do I do? I mean, once I leave here, it's back to being human."

"Well, a temporary alternative is to take a small bit of earth from Elden with you. It fades after a few months, but it would give you enough time to employ your new magic. My lady in waiting and best friend has powers similar to yours- though she has over 500 years experience with hers. I believe she would be of great help to you."

"All my thanks, my lady."

"It was my pleasure. As a matter of fact, I have something to confide in you so that you may not get too frustrated with me in the future. As an immortal elf, maturity sometimes is a bit slow in coming. I realize that I can get a bit carried away, however, I never seem to realize it until afterwards. But I assure you, no matter how irrational I may seem to you, it has a purpose. That having been said, I'll introduce you and Jean tomorrow. Good night, King Dayspring."

"And to you, my lady."

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My lady, I don't feel it is in your best interest to go to war again." Katya handed Ororo her sword, Demon Slayer. Ororo removed it from the scabbard, examining its mirrored surface and sharp edges for defect.

"Katya, you know as well as I that I cannot- and will not send my people to spill blood alone. It is my duty and in my spirit." Satisfied it was perfect, she sheathed it and placed it next to her armor on the chase lounge by her window.

"It has been 12 years…"

"I do not care if it has been a thousand- war is something you can never forget- instinct is raw and unbridled. Thought and action simultaneously executed. Though you're in a most primitive state, it's the most heightened your senses will ever be. I love being queen of Elden, believe me- but my spirit is alive in the thick of battle."

"But if Elden should lose you…" A tear sprung to the girl's eye.

Ororo placed a hand on both sides of Katya's face and touched her forehead to the girl's.

"Elden shall not lose me and Tania willing, I shall not lose Elden."