MORGAN'S POV

I suppose you might say Christian and I's plan was quite elaborate. However, it really relied on a couple of variables we couldn't depend on. Such as morale, the mysterious man's temper, and just how long Christian and the others could hold off an army of famous heroes. Should be easy, right?

According to my, for lack of a grander adjective, wealth of information, I had learned that a large fortress had simply appeared farther east, facing the Longfort from the Ylissean side of the border.

I learned of this about a week ago, but I made no move considering they may not have been hostile, and the face that a huge force was guarding it, much too big for the Shepherds to handle.

However, due to a few more scouts and educated guessing, I could assume that the force was the very one we were up against right now. The legendary 'Einherjar' I'd read about in one of Father's old books. So, before coming here, Christian and I concocted a number of strategies because of the unfortunate fact that if it were a match against pure strength, we would be crushed.

We had avoided mentioning the fact that they were Einherjar; it might have lowered morale, but the Shepherds took the threat seriously all the same. So, while Christian handled operations back near the gates, it was my job to storm the fortress. Alone.

Of course, we were keeping in touch via a 'WT Tome' Anna had sold the two of us. It allowed for short messages via long-range telepathy. It was quite handy. Thankfully, everything was falling into place. We had drawn the big boss into the open, and with him a large portion of his army.

That left my sly little self a window to slip in and poke around. Of course, to my utter disappointment, it did not turn out that way.

As I neared the fort, I noticed that there were still a decent number of guards, perhaps a dozen soldiers. However, this was the rear exit, so there were bound to be a lot more out front. Thanks to my lovely snow-white cloak, I had adequate camouflage as I crept towards the back of the fort. If I was going to get inside, I would have to do it quickly.

I was three yards away from the exit. There were two guards directly blocking the doors, which, judging by the lack of handles, opened inward. So naturally, without a sound, I ran up the three stairs and bear tackled the smaller of the guards.

With a strangled gasp he fell backwards, swinging the door open. I quickly got to my feet and shoved the other door guard, who was just starting to react, off the small flight of stairs into the snow below and dashed inside.

After running down a short hallway connected to the entrance, I came into a humongous domed room with doors leading in every direction. A thick red carpet muffled all of my steps as I stopped to stare. Gazing around the room, I quickly realized I wasn't in a favorable position. In about ten seconds, I would have one or more guards coming for me from the outside.

Also, on the terraces on the upper two floors, there were multiple guards keeping watch. Not a very vigilant watch however, as they did not yet see me. I figure my best course of action would be to retreat into the shadow of the hallway and knock the guard out with magic before proceeding.

However, when six guards burst in the back door, I knew that wouldn't work. "GET THE INTRUDER!" One of the guards- perhaps the one I'd toppled- charged, sword swinging. I quickly booked it to the center of the room. Quite obviously, at the sound of the scream, the two-odd dozen soldiers on the terraces looked down and started readying what I could only assume were tomes or bows.

I looked around to the other seven doors. The one directly across from the hallway was probably the way to the front entrance; enemies would definitely be there. I knew there were two heavily guarded side entrances, so the doors to the left and right weren't favorable either.

I had a choice of four doors, so I quickly turned around and dashed down the hallway directly to the left of the one I came from. I quickly came to a door, which I pushed on desperately. Go figure, it was locked.

Slowly, as if they knew of my struggle, the guards appeared at the end of the hallway. Thinking quickly, I pulled out my Bolganone tome, dropped it by the door, and ran kamikaze at the soldiers while chanting.

None of them quite knew how to react as I screamed the final line with the fury of a thousand suns and rammed into their small front line. "GET HER YOU IDIOTS!" someone screamed as the front line toppled, and soon they were all on the ground. On cue, the Bolganone tome erupted and the door exploded.

I left the fallen soldiers there, scooped up my tome, and ran through the door. The room was pitch black, which was strange considering the hallway I came in from was brightly lit. However, the hallway wasn't even visible.

Wait, scratch that. There was a very thin rectangular outline of light from the direction I just barreled in from. From said rectangular space, there were several thumps and screams of rage. Could it be?

The only logical explanation was that the door repaired itself. "OPEN THE DOOR!" someone from the other side screamed. Tempting, but I had to pass. So, instead I started feeling my way through the dark room. Not my smartest decision. My sixth sense was practically screaming at me to make a run for it, but I still took out my fire tome to shed some light on the room.

And oh gods, I really wish I hadn't.

Jack'sCorner

So much suspense it's like Arabian Nights! Anyway, I really appreciate everyone who's taken the time/effort to read, review, follow, and favorite this fanfic. I really appreciate all of you, and without your hard work this fic would've fallen into inactivity a long time ago. Good for you guys!