Through the Dark Veil

Gelvin arrived at the castle with Flynton, Fyndon, and Grizon from the temple. He found Grizon scrubbing the floors at the temple and he picked him up and brought him to the castle without saying a word. The sun was beginning to set as they got there and a guard greeted them at the front gate. "Pithian is waiting for you in the top of the tower," the young man said as he led them inside.

Gelvin and the others climbed a long flight of stairs until they reached the highest level of the central tower. Another guard stopped them at the door leading to the top level. "State your name," the guard said sternly.

"I am Gelvin. These are the other people Pithian requested." The guard recognized who he was from the battle, but still he followed procedure. He opened the door and let the four people pass through. The door opened into a single large room that filled the entire uppermost level of the tower. There were a few small beds and some food sitting on a wooden table. The floor was covered with an elaborate blue rug, but there were no lavish tapestries or fine treasures adorning this rarely used chamber. Pithian waved Gelvin and the others to the middle of the room where Zendon sat nervously on his bed.

"This is the most defensible position in the castle," Pithian began. This is the only room on this level. That doorway you came through is the only entrance or exit. There is a large balcony that encircles this room outside. For tonight, King Zendon's most loyal guards are patrolling it. Tomorrow you will relieve them, but for this evening we will all take turns in guarding the King's life while he sleeps. Does everyone understand?"

It was a simple enough plan and Gelvin, Fyndon, and Flynton understood, but Grizon stepped forward awkwardly. "Master," he said. "I am not a warrior. I do not know what to do."

Pithian reached inside his pack and pulled out a small dagger. He handed it to Grizon and said, "You keep this and do as I say with it. Tonight you'll sleep and I'll keep you close to me tomorrow." Grizon nodded in reluctant agreement and soon laid down in one of the beds. Pithian watched his apostate fall asleep and he hoped Grizon would never have to use the dagger he had just given him.

It was not until very late that Zendon fell asleep. He was too scared to rest easy and he did not sleep until the complete exhaustion of the day's battle overtook him. Everyone except Grizon took a turn guarding the room that night and it was remarkably uneventful. The morning came and Pithian barked out new orders.

"Gelvin, Flynton, and Fyndon you three go outside and guard the balcony. Relieve the men who have been out there all night. Grizon will help me guard the King's body in here." Gelvin nodded in agreement, but before he could climb out onto the balcony there was a knock at the entrance door.

Pithian raised his hand for everyone to pause. He crept over to the door and slowly cracked it, just so one eye could see through it. "I have a report for King Zendon," a tall gruff soldier called from outside the door.

"Let him in," Zendon ordered Pithian. Pithian carefully allowed the man to enter. He wore the symbol of Zendon's elite guard and he marched in and saluted his King.

"I bring a message from King Bolen," the guard shouted.

"Let's have it," Zendon said anxiously.

"King Bolen reports that in the night his dwarves have raided and pillaged Koraz's ships. There is nothing left of his army. All of the opposing forces have been captured or destroyed."

"Very good," Zendon said even though he was barely paying attention to the report. "Invite King Bolen and his army to stay in Caledan. Tell him we will soon have a feast to celebrate our great victory."

"Yes, sir!" the soldier barked as he spun around and marched out of the room. As Zendon watched him leave he wondered whether or not he would be alive for any feasts the next day.

Pithian locked the door behind the guard and soon everyone had taken their positions. Gelvin walked out onto the balcony and found a breathtaking view. From the top of the tower he could see everything. The entire city buzzed along like flies below his feet. To the east, he could see King Bolen's army on the smoke filled peninsula. Gelvin estimated that he was at least two hundred paces skyward and he backed up against the wall behind him, just to make sure he didn't lose his balance.

The sun rose slightly higher and nothing had happened. Gelvin began to wonder whether or not the informant was wrong or lying. It had been almost half a sun cycle and there had been no sign of Koraz. Gelvin's thoughts drifted back to the battlefield and again he wished he had reached Zatu in time. The image of him and Koraz disappearing in a cloud of smoke was etched permanently into his mind. But as Gelvin began to ponder the details of that event, he heard the crackling of mystical energy and there was a flash of darkness to his left.

Fyndon, who was at the other end of the balcony, heard the sound and saw the darkness as well. She and Gelvin watched in amazement as a black hole ripped open the sky, just above the balcony. Suddenly, two short men, dressed in black, with whips and hooks fell through the hole and landed on the stone surroundings. Smiles spread across their scarred faces and their thin muscles tensed as they gripped their weapons. The portal disappeared and the assassins smiled as they saw Gelvin and Fyndon waiting on them. Gelvin knew that they had to be the faceless.

"Assassins!" Gelvin screamed out loud so everyone could hear him. Flynton began to run around the tower from the other side, while Pithian threw himself between the King and the doorway to the balcony. Grizon nervously cowered behind Zendon holding his dagger.

Gelvin rushed at the two men, who seemed to be waiting on him. Just as Gelvin reached their position, the lithe assassins jumped and flipped over him. Gelvin was taken aback by their quickness and as he turned to face them he felt a boot striking his face with tremendous thrust. Gelvin was knocked down and sat there on the balcony as his eyes watered and swelled. Then the two killers turned their eyes on Flynton and Fyndon.

Without his magical stone, Flynton was almost helpless in individual combat. He could join in a group effort to say, attack a dragon, but a contest of individual skills was not his forte. An assassin charged at him and easily knocked him to his knees. Flynton swung with his shortsword, but to no avail. The assassin easily jumped over him and wrapped his whip around Flynton's neck.

Fyndon was not faring much better. The other assassin lunged at her with his hook, but Fyndon narrowly avoided its sharp curved edge. She thrust with her dagger, but the assassin was equally adept at avoidance. Fyndon continued to spar with the opponent for a few moments until the assassin caught Fyndon off balance and struck her on the head with blunt end of the hook. Fyndon dropped her dagger and fell to the balcony unconscious.

Fortunately, Gelvin could recover much more quickly than the assassins anticipated. He cleared his blurry eyes and looked in both directions. To his right, one assassin had his back to him while he held his whip over the edge of the balcony. Gelvin did not know what he was doing, but his attention quickly turned to the other direction. The other assassin was stalking Fyndon's limp body. He had his hook raised and was ready to strike.

"No!" Gelvin screamed as he got to his feet and charged the killer. The assassin turned around just in time as Gelvin barreled into him. Gelvin was filled with rage. He had already seen too many people die and he wasn't going to let anyone hurt his friend. The anger he had learned and developed since Thraxus killed Narus spilled out of Gelvin's mind. Yet, Gelvin maintained some control over his emotions. He hated the assassins, but he would not let his hatred guide his actions.

The assassin swung with his hook, but Gelvin ducked and kicked him hard in the stomach. The assassin fell backwards and lost his balance by the edge of the drop off. Gelvin dove, and caught his left had just as the killer slid over the edge. The assassin dangled in the air as Gelvin held his hand tight trying to pull him back in. Gelvin wasn't sure why he was trying to save this wretch, but he knew he was sick of watching people die. Especially, if they died at his mercy. Gelvin did not want the rage to control him. he believed that if he spared the assassin he could win some small victory over himself.

"Pull up," Gelvin said as his armed strained. The assassin looked up into Gelvin's eyes and the Spriteleng stared back. Evil was all he felt emanating from this person's soul. Gelvin was trying to save him, but he did not want it. The assassin reached up with the hook in his right hand, and Gelvin let go of him, seconds before the hook ripped through his arm. The man plummeted towards the ground screaming and Gelvin turned his head before the man spattered in front of the castle.

Gelvin rolled back over onto the balcony and watched Fyndon slowly rise from the blow she suffered. She was groggy and could barely make out Gelvin sitting in front of her. All she could say was, "Where's Flynton?"

Fear filled Gelvin's heart because he had forgotten about the other assassin. Gelvin jumped to his feet and raced down the wide balcony towards the other man. He was still standing there with his legs bent and spread apart as his arms strained to hold onto his whip. Gelvin was prepared to stab him in the back, but he remembered Zatu. Honor mattered above all else, and Gelvin did not want to be like Koraz. He was not a cold blooded killer. But, as Gelvin hesitated, the assassin saw him and threw a dagger at the Spriteleng.

Gelvin ducked the sharply hurtling blade and, since the killer then faced him, he kicked the assassin in the neck. The assassin released his grip on the whip and Gelvin realized where Flynton was. Gelvin dove and grabbed the end of the whip just before it slid over the edge of the balcony entirely. He peered over the boundary to the open air and saw Flynton's neck strangled by the whip. His face was turning blue and Gelvin yelled, "Hold on Flynton, I'll pull you up." But as Gelvin struggled to get leverage to pull him up, he felt the shadow of the assassin stand over him. Gelvin peered over his shoulder and saw the grinning assassin about to drive a dagger into his back.

Gelvin shut his eyes and prepared for the pain when he heard a voice say, "Did you forget about me!" The assassin looked over his shoulder and Fyndon lodged her dagger into the crouching man's chest. The blood splattered and landed on Gelvin.

"He would have done the same to you," Fyndon said as Gelvin thanked her. Gelvin did not like to kill, but he knew he would have done anything to stop the assassin if he were bearing down on Fyndon. She felt the same way about him.

Fyndon bent down and helped Gelvin reel Flynton in. They quickly removed the wire around his neck. He was still breathing but barely. "I can help him," Fyndon said as Gelvin moved aside. She began to lightly massage his throat and neck and Gelvin decided to stay out of the way. Both the assassins were dead and Gelvin knew Fyndon could best help Flynton.

As Gelvin backed away he heard the sound of another portal opening behind him. He drew his sword and turned to face the threat when he saw a familiar figure drop out of the dark hole. It was Zatu.

"You're alive!" Gelvin screamed as he dropped his sword. Zatu's head rose and his face appeared darker. He said nothing and Gelvin paused as he looked deep into his eyes. It was not Zatu, or at least not the Zatu he remembered. "Zatu, what's wrong?" Gelvin asked. The Kensai did not respond except to draw his sword and charge at Gelvin.

Gelvin could not believe what was happening. His Defender barely rose in time to deflect Zatu's blow. Gelvin parried his attacks and slowly backed up. "Zatu, what are you doing?" Fyndon called out as she and the recovering Flynton turned to witness the fight.

"Please don't do this," Gelvin begged as the Kensai continued to swing his sword. Zatu did not answer as his expressionless face did not change. He moved like a trained animal, unthinking and uncaring.

As Gelvin backed into Fyndon he looked once again into Zatu's eyes but felt nothing. Then, from somewhere in the deepest recesses of Zatu's soul, Gelvin saw a flickering glimpse of the man he once knew. Gelvin knew that Zatu was in there somewhere and he laid down his sword.

"What are you doing?" Fyndon asked in shock as Zatu approached them.

"Trust me," Gelvin whispered back to her. Gelvin fell to one knee and began pleading with Zatu. "Please you have to recollect. I am Gelvin, don't you remember me?" Zatu said nothing and drew close to him, ready to kill him with his sword. "You must remember me, I saved your life," Gelvin said as he covered his face from the sword. But Zatu paused and his expression changed to an inquisitive one. "I saved your life inside the mountain. The dragon's lair was falling around you and I rescued you. I even saved your sword and you said I had honor." Zatu stared at his blade when Gelvin mentioned honor. Finally he opened his mouth and said:

"I remember."

Zatu turned his face back to Gelvin and Fyndon and his eyes had returned. Zatu felt a dark presence flee his mind as his thoughts cleared and his feelings returned. Zatu smiled and said, "You are with honor, Gelvin the Spriteleng." Koraz's spell was broken and Zatu reached down to help Gelvin up. Gelvin hugged him as Fyndon clasped her hands together in a thankful prayer.

"I knew you couldn't kill me," Gelvin said excitedly.

"You broke Koraz's spell," Zatu explained. "Somehow, I heard your voice and it drew me back. Koraz's evil influence is gone."

"Then we've done it!" Gelvin said excitedly.

"Done what?" Zatu asked.

"Foiled Koraz's plan. He obviously sent you here to assassinate the king."

"He did, I don't remember anything," Zatu said.

"We are guarding the king's life. Come, we must tell Pithian the good news." Gelvin and Zatu rushed through the doorway to the tower room and Gelvin called out, "Pithian, look who has returned!"

"Zatu?" Pithian asked in disbelief. "I thought we had lost you." Pithian walked to the threshold of the door and shook the Kensai's hand. Gelvin could not remember ever being more happy. He felt they had won. Koraz had been defeated and Zatu was returned. All of those feelings then slipped away in a moment of pain.

"Agghh!" Zendon screamed as Grizon thrust his dagger into the king's back. Zendon turned to face the traitorous boy, but suddenly Grizon pulled a sword from under his cloak and slashed the king's throat.

"Grizon?" Gelvin asked in confusion and disbelief. Fyndon and Flynton rushed into the room when they heard the scream just in time to see Grizon sheath his blade.

"That's not Grizon," Pithian said as he drew out his weapon. Gelvin looked into Grizon's eyes as he started to laugh in a way that had become all too familiar.

"Koraz," Gelvin said as his blood boiled. The assassin wiped away the paint that concealed and changed his face. Then Koraz ripped away a wig, to reveal his bright red hair and then he wiped his eyes to reveal his true appearance. Finally, he removed Grizon's robe to expose his black assassin's suit.

"How did you do that?" Zatu asked as he prepared to do battle once again.

"I am a master of disguise little boy. I can be taller, shorter, larger, smaller. I can be anyone. You disappoint me Zatu, I thought you would have at least killed one or two of your friends."

Zatu remembered the pain of Koraz's magic and he stalked across the room towards him. "Wait!" Koraz shouted as he held his hand up. "I have another surprise for you fools." Koraz lifted his hands to his face to remove a second disguise.

Gelvin gasped and put his hand to his mouth. Koraz began to hum a strange little song as he removed his hands to reveal his true face. "Marcus!" Gelvin said in disbelief.

Koraz laughed and said, "You never knew. I killed my father and King Zendon. I have been the harbinger of chaos since the beginning of time and you cannot stop me. Even if you kill me I will continue to exist," Koraz said as he exposed his silver necklace from under his shirt and began to rub the star in the center.

"Why?" Fyndon shouted. "You would have succeeded Kenyson. Why kill him?"

"Why not?" Koraz asked with a laugh.

"Is that the same reason you murdered Dansten in Lankar?" Gelvin asked spitefully as he advanced with his sword in hand.

Koraz held his hand up begging Gelvin to pause as he laughed wickedly. "I killed Dansten because he was there. Then I killed Penzant because he thought he was better than me. I'm the greatest assassin!" Koraz shouted. "I could have killed you all in the valley, but I let you live."

"But why even summon us? Why send the note to be intercepted?" Flynton asked in confusion. "There was no need to contract yourself."

"I wanted to occupy my father's best men. I didn't anticipate him bringing in strangers to perform the job. But I became intrigued when I saw the little Spriteleng in the castle. I decided to play a game with you and I won. I let you live so we could play again another day. Now you owe me in return."

"We owe you!" Flynton shouted in disgust.

"Yes, I have a proposition."

"Never," Zatu said as he raised his sword to attack.

"Wait!" Pithian shouted. "Hear him out." Gelvin was amazed. Pithian was the last person he expected to side with Koraz. What could the assassin possibly say that Pithian wanted to hear?

"Pithian, what are you doing?" Gelvin asked desperately.

"Yield Gelvin," Pithian said sternly. "He is cornered and cannot escape. I must hear him because I sense that he has important information."

"What do you mean!" Gelvin shouted at his master in disgust. "He is a killer who would slit our throats without thinking twice!" Koraz laughed loudly as he enjoyed the image Gelvin described.

"It is part of the prophecy. I feared this moment would come. I am destined to ally myself with one evil to face another."

"I don't understand," Gelvin said as he pleaded with Pithian.

"It seems your leader has spoken," Koraz said as Gelvin scowled at him. "You must help me and when I tell you why, I know you will not resist."

"Enough riddles," Zatu shouted. "What do you speak of?"

"I speak of Necron the Destroyer," Koraz said as his eyes widened and Gelvin felt the name crush him like a giant wave of fear. "When you released Necron he found me and we struck a bargain."

"You struck a bargain with that monster!" Gelvin bellowed.

"Why not?" Koraz said coyly. "I had information he needed and he gave me some of his dark powers in return."

"What information?" Fyndon asked.

"I told him who you were," Koraz said as he pointed at everyone in the room. "He knew you had his sword but he did not know where to find the thieves. He needed the blade to strengthen his powers. I agreed to tell him where you were going."

"That's how Mendibone knew where to find us," Gelvin concluded.

"Yes, she waited until the time was right and took pack the Dark One's blade. Necron kept his word and granted me access to his dark magic. But that wasn't enough. I wanted more, and when I tried to take it, Necron vowed to kill me."

"That is what you deserve for double crossing a devil," Fyndon spat at Koraz.

"Perhaps, but I knew I could count on you honor bound fools to help me confront him."

"What makes you so sure?" Gelvin asked spitefully.

"Him," Koraz said as he pointed at Pithian. Everyone slowly turned to look at Pithian's blank face.

"We will help you," Pithian said deliberately.

"No!" Fyndon cried out.

"We must!" Pithian barked angrily. "We have no other choice. Necron must be destroyed at any cost. Even if it means teaming with this cold blooded killer." Koraz laughed at their suffering. None of them wanted to ally themselves with the man who had caused them so much pain, but they had no choice. Gelvin followed his master's lead, and the others followed him.

"We will follow you Pithian," Gelvin said confidently. "But when this is over I will kill you!" Gelvin said as he held his sword in Koraz's direction.

"I would have it no other way," Koraz replied as he grinned eerily.

"But how can we defeat Necron?" Flynton asked. "We know we can't penetrate his dark veil."

"I can penetrate the veil," Pithian said as he stepped to the middle of the room. "My magic should be able to break it open. But then what?" Pithian asked as he turned to face Koraz. "You seem to know more about Necron than any of us."

"We'll never be able to force him back into his tomb, but there is another way." Gelvin was intrigued by Koraz's answer because no one had ever mentioned a way to actually stop the Destroyer. "Someone must pierce his black heart with his own sword. That will release an explosion of necromantic energy that will destroy Necron and everything near him."

"That's impossible," Gelvin complained. "Even if he could be separated from his sword, it cannot be used against its master." Gelvin vividly remembered the blade sliding from Thraxus' hand in Necron's tomb.

"Foolish child," Koraz sneered. "Necron's magic is the only thing that keeps his sword from being used against him. He will be too occupied trying to resurrect his veil to worry about the sword."

"How do you know all of this?" Gelvin asked acutely. "Not even the Gods could kill Necron. They had to imprison him. What makes you so sure that you can?"

"I have had access to Necron's magic," Koraz explained. "In that moment, I gained infinite knowledge of the necromancer. More than the Gods ever realized. Only the dark magic of Necron's own sword can destroy him."

Gelvin looked at Pithian pleadingly. He did not trust Koraz, but Pithian could not deny his destiny. And if it included Koraz, so be it. "Where will you face Necron?" Pithian asked Koraz as Gelvin dropped his head in defeat.

"The Destroyer is searching my valley for me," Koraz said in reference to the Valley of Overgrowth. "He has probably already taken my keep by now, so we must find a place to battle him."

Gelvin hated the thought of battling by the side of Koraz, but he followed Pithian's decision, even if he did not respect it. Gelvin looked up and said, "I know where we can face Necron."

"Where?" Fyndon asked.

"The lair of the green dragon," Gelvin replied as warily he stared at Koraz out of the corner of his eye.

Koraz and his new uneasy allies rode south on their horses, down the same road where Gelvin's journey first began. The sun was still low in the sky and Koraz estimated that on horseback, they would reach the valley by nightfall. As Gelvin trotted forward on the back of his steed, his mind was filled with the events of the last two suns. Koraz had tried to kill him on more than one occasion, but now he rode side by side with him. Gelvin could not understand the concept of compromise. For him, there was good and there was evil. An in between did not exist. But then he thought about what he'd done during the quests. Often, Gelvin killed, even though he thought it to be evil. But he told himself that he did it to save his friends. Maybe that's what Pithian did by allying himself with Koraz. As Gelvin looked at Pithian, a man he had believed in without question for eleven years, he began to doubt whether or not he could trust his master, or his teachings, again.

"Why?" Gelvin asked as he rode his horse next to Pithian.

Pithian did not require an explanation, he knew what Gelvin asked. His ward could not understand how he could compromise his beliefs and align himself with Koraz. "I have never told you about a recurring dream I have. I have always known that it is connected to the prophecy. Before the Gods captured him, Necron conquered many worlds. Once he became the unquestioned master, Necron created living hells. Every night when I lay down to sleep, my head is filled with images of those damned worlds."

"In Necron's realm, there is no blue water. All the seas and rivers boil over and turn to blood. The sky changes into a red nightmarish landscape without any stars or suns. Black clouds of electricity create tumultuous storms that destroy the cities. Demons of all sorts roam the land looking for souls to torture. The land itself becomes a vast wasteland of scorched earth and jagged peaks. And finally the people and every other creature of flesh who somehow manages to survive that long, are transformed into a shadow. No creatures of flesh exist on this world except for Necron and his decaying body. As the people are changed into the two dimensional shades I hear them call out, "Save us Pithian!" But I cannot."

"This is not a dream though, and Necron is here, in Illuria. I will not let my dream become a reality and if that means trusting Koraz, then I will."

Gelvin lowered his head. He had no idea that Pithian suffered through so much in preparing for his ultimate conflict with Necron. Gelvin hated nightmares and did not have them frequently. The concept of a recurring vision of horror tapped a sense of understanding in Gelvin's soul. He knew why Pithian was compelled to face Necron at any cost.

"But why Koraz?" Gelvin still asked. "Is he really that necessary?"

"Yes," Pithian replied. "He will take us to Necron and I must confront him now, while he is still weak." Pithian adjusted his saddle to face Gelvin. "You see, when you released Necron he was still emasculated from eons of imprisonment. He has regained some dark power, especially with the addition of his sword. The longer I wait to confront him, the stronger he will become. My only hope is to meet him now, and Necron is seeking Koraz. He will never look for me because, if he knows anything of the prophecies, he will fear my magic. But Koraz has stirred a sense of vengeance in the old wizard and will attract him like a lodestone."

"I understand," Gelvin said as he nodded. "Do the prophecies reveal the final fate of Koraz?"

"As is often the case, the prophecies are not entirely clear, but I assure you Gelvin, one way or another, Koraz will not leave the valley ever again." Gelvin was taken aback by the proclamation and as Pithian stared off into the sky, Gelvin pondered what he could have meant.

The day passed quietly and nobody dared ride near Koraz, he rode nearly twenty paces in front of the others. The sun was nearing the ground along the western plains and the travelers rode up and down the hills as they approached Rocwhelm. Gelvin remembered the hills fondly as he stared out across the Grandean Lake. Only a few suns ago this lake seemed to be a beacon of peace and symbolized Gelvin's hope that he and his companions would emerge from the valley victorious over Koraz. As Gelvin looked out over this lake a second time he again hoped that he and his friends would triumph over an even greater evil.

The shimmering calm waters glistened in the light of the setting sun and Gelvin watched as the wind stirred the waves and created ripples all throughout the lake. The air felt humid as they rode over the hill and Gelvin wondered what was causing the lake to stir so much. He didn't feel any wind nor were there any storms overhead. Gelvin did not yet realize that there was no natural cause for the disturbance.

Suddenly thunderous waves began to rise and crest out of the lake. The travelers stopped their horses to watch as foam sprayed forth from the shore. They were a far distance from the body of water, but they could still appreciate the violence of the watery uprising. The waves grew larger until finally, the water rose out of the lakebed and moved across the air towards Rocwhelm. A thick sheet of water, containing millions of barrels of liquid, floated across the landscape until it reached a hovering point over the small city. The water fell down from the sky and the sounds of crashing buildings and screaming people filled the countryside. Within seconds the city of Rocwhelm was crushed by the raging waters and the magnificent castle in the center of the villa had been toppled.

"Noooooo!" Koraz screamed as he shook his fists in the air. "You will not get away with this Necron. I recognize your magic. You cannot destroy my city. I will have vengeance!"

Pithian looked at Gelvin as the young Spriteleng sat motionless staring at the horrendous display of destructive magic.

Necron killed my family!

"Gelvin look at me!" Pithian commanded but Gelvin did not move.

Necron destroyed my village!

"Please Gelvin, you must listen to me," Pithian begged.

Necron left me to die alone in the forest!

"Gelvin you must stay focused," Pithian shouted as he positioned his horse closer to Gelvin.

Necron killed my family!

"Gelvin please," Pithian said as he reached out and took his hand.

Necron killed my family!

"Gelvin listen to my voice," Pithian begged.

Necron killed my family!

"Gelvin!" Pithian shouted as the Spriteleng finally turned his head and looked at his master. A blank stare covered Gelvin's face.

"Necron killed my family," he said steadily and calmly.

"Gelvin you must not lose your focus. Rage will unbalance you. I need your help if I am to defeat him."

"Necron killed my family," Gelvin repeated.

"I never knew, Gelvin, but now is not the time. All will be explained later, after this is finished. I swear I will show you everything."

Gelvin said nothing. He turned his head and rode out ahead of everyone. Koraz kicked his heels into his steed and followed behind him. Soon everyone was riding again. They charged down towards Rocwhelm to see if anyone survived the flood. The whole ride down the hill Gelvin thought to himself in content quiet, "Necron killed my family." Now he had his own reason to confront Necron. Revenge.

When Gelvin previously felt rage boil up within him, he tried to control it and question it. But that had changed. As he thought about all the Spriteleng's Necron killed, he no longer guarded his furious passions. Rage filled Gelvin's heart and for the first time, it felt good.

As the adventurers reached the city they found very little to salvage. There were still a few people alive, struggling to gather their shattered possessions and move on. Koraz surveyed the remnants of the city he killed and murdered to acquire. Everything was destroyed. The castle was a heap of collapsed stone. The walls were crushed by the onrushing water. The livestock and supplies were washed away in raging torrents of water. Koraz seethed and cried out in anger, "You will die Necron!"

Gelvin gazed at the crushed and soaking wood from the city structures and he thought of his village. It had been many years since he visualized the details of that disastrous day. For eleven years Gelvin attributed that calamity to a freak natural disaster. But he knew the real reason. He wasn't sure how yet, but Necron had destroyed his village. The water crossed from the lake the same way it rose out of the river by Gelvin's home. It hovered in the air and paused in the exact same way. But the most telling evidence was Pithian. Gelvin looked into his eyes as his master could not hide this fact from him. It was true, Necron had killed his family. Pithian's eyes could not lie.

"What now?" Fyndon asked as she stared at the ruins of Rocwhelm all around her.

"We ride to the valley," Koraz said confidently as he slapped his horse and charged forward.

Necron killed my family!

The others followed Koraz as he steered his horse down the stone path into the valley full of foliage. The sun was disappearing in the west and darkness was beginning to overtake the land. "How are we to use this lair to our advantage?" Zatu asked Gelvin as their horses fled across the floor of the valley.

Gelvin did not respond.

Necron killed my family!

"Gelvin, stay focused," Pithian whispered to him.

"The lair is a hollow area inside a hill," Gelvin explained as he turned towards Zatu. "We can spread out around the wall of the lair. That way we cannot be attacked from behind and hopefully we will be able to encircle Necron and confront him from all directions while Pithian weaves his magic."

"A surprisingly good plan," Koraz said as he smirked at Gelvin. "When I first met you in Kenyson's castle I did not believe you would amount to much."

"Pardon me if I don't grow into a maniac willing to kill my father," Gelvin replied.

"What spunk," Koraz laughed. "But don't you worry about surrounding Necron. As soon as that veil is broken, I'll steal his sword and finish him," Koraz said as he groped for his silver necklace.

Once they reached the hill everyone tied their horses off outside and crawled through the entrance tunnel. The lair was rank with the odor of the decaying dragon and Slade's body. Gelvin felt no remorse as he saw his fallen comrade because his mind was focused on only one thing, revenge.

Flynton took hold of Slade's carcass by the clothes and drug it off to the side. Pithian sized up the arena and said, "An excellent idea Gelvin. This will serve us well."

"But where will Necron enter from?" Flynton asked as he looked around to re- familiarize himself with the hill.

"From up there," Koraz said as he pointed at the opening high above them at the peak of the hill. "Necron will never crawl through that hole."

"How do you know he'll come if we're in here?" Fyndon asked as she drew her blade.

"Oh, he'll come," Koraz said as he drew his sword and licked the sharp edge with his tongue until it slit the flesh into an open wound. Koraz swallowed his own blood and laughed ever more loudly as he jumped up and down like a madman. "He'll come!" he said excitedly.

Everyone took their positions around the room and Gelvin grew nervous with the anticipation of battle. Necron was powerful and nobody besides Koraz seemed confident in victory. Even Pithian only felt confident that he must face Necron, not that he would actually defeat him. Pithian's destiny was tied to effort, not the result. Gelvin wished he could create a way to tip the scales to their favor. Then an idea popped into his head like the bright sun awakening him from a deep sleep.

"Pithian, I must check on something," Gelvin said excitedly as he ran towards the entrance tunnel.

"Gelvin, is now the time," Pithian said as he anticipated a battle very soon.

"I'll be back," Gelvin said confidently. "This is important." Gelvin barreled out of the tunnel without waiting for a response as he swiftly untied his horse. He jumped on the animal's back and galloped across the valley towards the cave. "Trogen," Gelvin thought as his horse galloped faster and faster. "He can help me kill Necron."

The wind rushed against Gelvin's face as he looked up into the nighttime sky. The trees covered most of the view, but through the occasional cracks in the foliage Gelvin saw the bright stars. He prayed the Gods from those stars were with him that night.

Gelvin slowed his horse as he reached the entrance to the cave. After the disaster of getting lost deep in the caverns, Gelvin paid close attention to Trogen's directions to the surface. He still remembered them. Gelvin lit the flame of his lantern and ran down through the rock corridors.

As Gelvin drew close to Trogen's lair he heard an unexpected sound. There was a roar followed by a nefarious hiss. Gelvin did not recognize the sounds and he set his lantern down on the cave floor. He crept around the corner and peered into Trogen's lair from the shadows.

Gelvin's hopes sank as he watched in horror. Trogen was transformed into his golden dragon form as he lay helpless on the ground. Blood the color of nectar poured from the wounded worm's body. His scales were lacerated and Trogen tried to swing his weakened claws in the air at his attackers. Two demonic creatures floated above his battered body. The demons ripped at Trogen with their claws and split open his scales with their fangs. Trogen roared in pain as one of the demons bit into his huge neck with truculent ferocity. The demon drew its head back from the neck and laughed with glee.

Gelvin cowered in the shadow and studied the duo as they reveled in their killing. As Gelvin's eyes fixed more intently on the laughing demon's face it looked up and stared directly at him. Gelvin saw the vicious face and knew who it was. Mendibone. Gelvin jumped up and snatched his lantern off the ground.

He ran out of the cave, not looking back once. He hoped Mendibone hadn't seen him, but Gelvin did not know much about demons. He wondered whether or not they could see through darkness, like him, or perhaps they could sense nearby beings. In either case, Gelvin did not want to be in Mendibone's proximity when she finished with poor Trogen. Gelvin jumped back on his horse and kicked it hard as he galloped back to the hill.

As Gelvin approached the hill he heard a rumbling overhead and he looked up. There was a black cloud billowing outwards from the clear air. It thundered with rippling lightning and power as Gelvin leapt off his steed and climbed back through the tunnel into the lair.

Everyone was waiting along their positions on the wall. There was one space between Pithian and Koraz waiting for Gelvin to assume.

"Nice of you to join us," Flynton said in a vain attempt to break the tension among the others. They were all watching the sky through the hole overhead. The black cloud grew thicker and slowly descended towards the hill.

Gelvin took his place along the circle and viewed the lair. To his left was Pithian and the grinning Koraz stood to his right. Zatu stood firmly with his sword in hand directly across from Gelvin. Fyndon stood opposite Pithian and the same held true for Flynton facing Koraz.

There was a crack of thunder and Gelvin's head again turned upwards. Suddenly a small triangle emerged from the dark cloud and began to sink into the cavern. As it grew closer, Gelvin saw that the triangle was almost a pace thick and constructed of wood. On top of it stood Necron, flanked by the two demons that slaughtered Trogen. As Gelvin looked more closely at the demons he concluded that one of them was definitely Mendibone. The other demon was similar to their old foe. She had fangs, wings, claws, and the same menacing eyes. Gelvin raised his upper lip in disgust as he looked at the traitorous wench. She stared back down and hissed while she exposed her fangs. Gelvin hated her, but most of his feelings of antipathy were directed at Necron himself.

Necron's skeletal jaws were flung wide open and his arms were spread wide as he made his descent. The giant black sword still rested on his back as Necron hissed at Koraz. The wind escaping his mouth sounded like the dying breath of a man and it filled the lair with a stinking gas that made Gelvin want to retch. The platform suddenly stopped, just out of reach and Necron pointed his emaciated hand at Koraz.

"Kill him," Necron hissed as the two demons flew off the platform and darted at Koraz.

Koraz stood there in serene calmness and urged the demons forward. "Come and get me," Koraz said as he waved his hands forward. The demons flew at him rapidly and swiped at the assassin with their sharp claws, but Koraz had not lived this long without knowing a few tricks. He dove under the demons' outstretched arms as two small daggers emerged from the sleeves of his black shirt. He threw the blades backwards over his head, and each embedded itself in the back of a demon.

The demons squealed in pain as they flew higher and pulled the weapons from each other's back. Then they dove at Koraz again. The demons ignored everyone else in the chamber because Necron's hatred for the conniving Koraz consumed him. He hissed as Koraz struck back at his spawns with his sword.

Fyndon and Gelvin looked to Pithian for what to do. The demons concentrated entirely on Koraz and Pithian realized that nobody was willing to help the assassin. "Necron!" Pithian shouted in defiance as the necromancer turned his attention to the holy warrior. "You will be scourged!" Pithian screamed as he drew his sword high above his head and pointed it towards the sky.

"Attack him!" Zatu bellowed and everyone unleashed all of their strength and power at the necromancer. It was no use though. Every sword, every Koraz of magical energy, and every angry word simply reverberated off his shimmering dark veil. Necron laughed as air escaped and seeped through the burned and mangled remains of his throat. He turned his attention back to his demons, believing that the pitiful humans could not harm him. Necron did not notice though, that Pithian deliberately caressed the holy ankh fixed to the breastplate of his armor.

The demons continued to ignore the others and slashed away at Koraz. Koraz was defiant though. Every time one of the demon's drew blood, he laughed as the searing cuts closed shut magically. Gelvin watched as Koraz hacked away at the demons, but also to no avail. Zatu, Flynton, and Fyndon watched intently as well, but they joined Gelvin in his reluctance to assist Koraz. Just as Necron was content to take delight in watching the duel, so were Gelvin and his friends.

Koraz finally found an advantage over the demons as he seriously wounded Mendibone on her thick black wings. The demon cried in pain as Koraz pointed at Necron. "You're next," Koraz said as he began to laugh hysterically. Koraz unleashed a furious display of savagery like nothing Gelvin had ever seen. He sliced at Mendibone and the other demon with his sword, until their black blood covered him.

The demons flew back towards the platform to regroup and Necron hissed something at them in a language nobody understood. "Send back your spawns!" Koraz hollered. Necron complied and the demons rushed at Koraz with renewed rage. Koraz swung at them, but missed. Mendibone tackled him and pinned the assassin to the floor as the other spawn ripped at Koraz's face with her claws.

Koraz's face was shredded. Strips of skin and flesh dangled from his cheeks and forehead, yet still he laughed. The skin somehow seemed to grow back and replace itself as Koraz struggled to break free. "It's no use Necron," he screamed through the laughing. "You cannot hurt me. Nobody can! I am Koraz!"

The demons hissed because it seemed that Koraz was right. They had attacked him with all their strength, yet he resisted and remained strong. Then Necron stepped closer to the edge of his platform and pointed again at Koraz. "Remove the talisman," Necron commanded as he pointed at Koraz's silver necklace.

Suddenly Koraz stopped laughing and his expression changed to panic. "No, you can't," he screamed as Mendibone ripped the necklace from around his head and threw it across the room. "No, it's not possible!" Koraz screamed as he turned his head to the side and looked at Pithian who stood stoically against the wall.

"Please, you must help me!" Koraz urged as fear covered his face.

Pithian paused from rubbing his ankh and looked Koraz in the eyes as the demons hissed in his face. "You have chosen this path," Pithian said plainly. "Now you alone must pay the consequences."

"NOOOOO!" Koraz screamed as Mendibone's claw ripped through his cheek while the other demon gouged his eyes out.

Gelvin turned to look at his master and understood what he said about Koraz's fate earlier that day. Pithian made certain that Koraz would not ever leave this valley again. His plan all along was to allow Necron to kill him. In a small way, Pithian ended the menace of Koraz by opting not to save him and Gelvin felt that the assassin got what he deserved.

When the demons had finished feeding on Koraz all that remained was a bloody mass of flesh. The Koraz the Mad was finally dead. "May you live long in hell!" Gelvin thought spitefully as his rage boiled again.

The demons flew back to the platform and joined their master in victorious triumph. Necron laughed and hissed as he had avenged the treachery of Koraz. "Now, kill them all," Necron hissed as the demons again flew down from the platform.

"Pithian," Gelvin called out. "What about the veil? We need your magic." Pithian gripped his sword as the demons descended on his companions. He raised the blade in front of him as it began to glow and hum. The demons turned towards him as the sound resonated throughout the chamber.

Pithian's hands and arms began to vibrate and tremble as he shouted, "Evil demons, I send you back to the bowels of hell!" Suddenly a vortex of red light and howling winds sprang forth from the sword and a swirling maelstrom appeared in front of Pithian.

"No, I will not go back," Mendibone cried as the winds of the vortex sucked her back towards the red light.

"I compel you!" Pithian retorted. "Your power is weak. I am strong!" Pithian strained to maintain the vortex as the other demon lost ground and tumbled into the maelstrom. Gelvin heard the evil creature scream as it was pulled back down from whence it came.

"Master, please help me," Mendibone said to Necron as the wizard watched in disbelief. The necromancer did not anticipate such power from Pithian and Necron's triangle slowly began to float towards the ground.

"I vanquish you!" Pithian screamed as he pulled back on his sword with all his strength. It was too much for Mendibone and before Necron could reach her, the vortex sucked her in. With the demons abjured, Pithian dropped his sword and fell to his knees shaking.

Necron landed gently on the ground as Zatu ran towards him and swung his sword. It was still no use. The dark veil protected Necron as he released a croaking laugh at the Kensai.

"Pithian," Gelvin said as he ran over to his master. "Are you okay?"

"I'm tired Gelvin," he said trying to catch his breath. "We need to regroup." With that proclamation, Pithian waved his hand and a shimmering white portal opened vertically in the room. "Everyone leave!" Pithian shouted.

"No, we cannot!" Gelvin screamed as he pulled Pithian to his feet. "I must kill Necron!" he shouted as Pithian saw the rage in Gelvin's eyes. He had tried to keep his feelings in check, but they had come so close. If only Pithian could break the veil, Gelvin could have his vengeance. "I will not leave!"

Gelvin's rage overtook him and he ignored Pithian's command. He wanted to kill Necron so badly that he could taste the feeling revenge would grant on the tip of his tongue.

"Run Gelvin!" Fyndon shouted as she was the first to jump through the portal. Flynton soon followed as Zatu continued to hack away at the dark veil of energy. Necron slowly pulled his black sword from his back and struck Zatu, knocking him across the chamber.

"Zatu, leave!" Pithian shouted as Gelvin carried him towards the portal.

The blow from the sword knocked Zatu senseless as he shook his head. He realized that with his sword and the veil, Necron was too powerful. Zatu dove across the floor, sliding under the sharp edge of Necron's weapon and then jumped into the portal. The necromancer slowly turned round and raised his blade against Gelvin and Pithian.

"Quickly, Gelvin," Pithian said exhaustibly as Gelvin tossed him through the portal.

Gelvin prepared to jump as well, but he paused. He looked back at the grinning skull like face and pointed straight at the evil one. "I will kill you," Gelvin said vehemently. Necron gasped out another laugh and moved closer to the Spriteleng. Gelvin felt his rage consume him and for a second, he considered turning to face the sorcerer. But then a glint of silver from across the lair caught his eye.

Just several paces beyond Necron laid Koraz's silver necklace. Gelvin paused as he thought about Koraz. Necron could not hurt him until the talisman was removed from his neck. The silvery star centered on the band twinkled and caught Gelvin's eye. He wasn't really sure why, but Gelvin had to have the necklace.

Necron's decrepit body was slow and cumbersome. Gelvin took a deep breath and dove past the necromancer, just before he could bring his sword down on Gelvin's neck. Gelvin scrambled for the necklace and clutched it in his right hand. He turned back around just as Necron turned as well. The wizard hissed as Gelvin held the talisman close to his heart. Gelvin ran as hard as he could and jumped. He sailed over the surprised Necron and landed inside the portal a mere second before it closed.

In the writer's own words:

"My name is Allen Woods. I am a 22 year old writer from Nashville Tennessee who enjoys writing adjectives, adverbs, the occassional noun, and science fiction. I am an affiliate member of the HWA. I have written two dozen short stories, some of which have been published in "Pablo Lennis", "Art:Mag", "Lost Worlds", and "Pleiades". I am finfishing work on a novel length space opera and I encourage readers to give me feedback via e-mail: NAAllen@aol.com"

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