The Prophecy Chapter Eighteen

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Chapter Eighteen: The Journey Continues

While the others had been shown to the town's inn, The Sneaky Fox, Lia was staying at her mother's house. She had very rarely stayed there, having been raised by the Elves since she was eight, and having lived with Dantor before that. She had spent enough time here for Minitar to given her a codename, but that was about it. She would rather have been in the inn with the others, but had been separated from them as soon as everyone had left Minitar's presence. After that, Minitar had kept her busy for the rest of the day.

When early evening came, Lia slipped out of her mother's house, and went to the inn, where she hoped to find the rest of the group.

She found the rest of the group in the tavern talking and eating dinner.

When Lia found the others she walked over to them and said, "Hi. I'm sorry about getting separated."

They look over to her. "Oh well that is not a problem, sit and eat with us."

"Thanks." She sat down at the table with them, and looked around the room. "Minitar has soldiers watching you."

"Yes, I noticed. Let them look all they want, we are not doing anything wrong." Angel answered

"I know that. They might be looking for an excuse to start trouble, though. Minitar has good reason not to want to circle of mages reformed."

"Well, this group that Minitar leads is called the Mighty Dragons. I guess you noticed that no one on the council uses their real names; they all have dragon names. Anyway, the Mighty Dragons were founded by the Mage of Animal Life. I think his name was Ierik, but I'm not sure. When he died, he left a man named Galadahil and his wife Amalina in charge. Their son led after them."

Lia thought for a moment, remembering the history she had learned many years ago. "They were not from Mithgar. I think I was around three years old when we came here, so it must have been shortly after my . . . father died. The Mighty Dragons were devoted to helping the side of good, and we helped the Elves in their fight against extermination. Our leader was killed, making the rightful later his sister, Julina, who you saw in the council. They call her Princess. Since she was a child at the time, Minitar took over the rulership, but he has not returned it as he was supposed it, and if the Mages were to return, then Ierik will return as well, and Ierik is the only one who can take Minitar's power away."

"Well, I guess we will have to make sure that it happens." Angel stated.

"Yeah. Here's some advice while we're here in the settlement. Don't trust anyone wearing black or crimson. The people wearing those colors are evil. You can trust the people who wear blue or white," Lia said.

"I think we should finish gathering our supplies and sneak out tonight. I will not have this man delay us any longer." Angel said in a low voice.

"It won't be easy, though. There are guards at every entrance."

Before anyone could respond, a black man dressed in blue and red approached the table. He is Valdar from the council.

Angel looks over to him. "Yes?"

"I was looking for Starlit. Minitar wishes to see her."

"She is eating with us at the moment. When we finish our meal I will make sure that she sees him."

"Minitar does not take well to being disobeyed by his subordinates. Especially half-breeds. Just because Una was so high-ranking, he had to spare her child." He looked right at Lia. "As far as Minitar and I, and most of the others are concerned, you should have been killed with the rest of the half-breeds back on Thardaos."

Lia looked down at the table, embarrassed to be spoken of that way in front of her group, and especially in front of Dakkon.

"If you have nothing to say, I suggest you leave this table. She will see him when we are finished, if that answer doesn't suit your fancy I apologize but that is as good as it will get. You can blame it on me for all I care, now leave us."

"Fine. And I wouldn't bother making escape plans. You are being guarded constantly, and will leave when Minitar says you may leave." With that, Valdar walked away.

"It looks like we will encounter some problems. I will deal with them. Meet me outside tonight at 10. I will ditch the guards. And go out the back way so that the guards don't see you leave."

"Do you even know where the back way is?" Lia asked. "Or am I leading you to it?" There was a note of uncertainty in her voice; the only sign that Valdar's comments had upset her.

"You might have to show them, but I know where it is. I will go out the front way, I am the suspicious one and I know they will all follow me, since I am the one they don't trust. If I am more than 10 minutes late, leave without me and I will catch up."

"Okay. So, should I go see what Minitar wants, and try to get back here in time, or should I avoid him?" Lia asked.

"You will not go alone take Cordy. And say that you wish to show her around or something. If you don't go he will know something is up. But if you go he won't be the wiser."

"Okay. We should go in a few minutes before he gets angry."

"Go."

The two girls left to meet with Minitar. One of the guards in the inn followed them.

~*~

Wesley stood outside near the side of the building. He was getting somewhat nervous because no one else had shown up yet. He was about to go inside when he saw the girls approach.

"Sorry it took so long to get back," Lia said. "Minitar had to prove how mean he can be."

"Yes well it is over now. I am still waiting on Dakkon and Angel to show up."

"Well, when the others get here, I need to mention something that we overhead the guards saying," Lia said.

"Oh?" raises an eyebrow

"Yeah. There's a chance we might be being followed, but I'd rather wait until everyone is here before saying anything."

Dakkon appeared. "Hey guys, where is Angel?"

"I don't know," Lia said. "We just got here as well. The meeting with Minitar took a bit too long."

"Damn what the hell did he have to say?"

"He was just being his usual mean self," Lia said. Dakkon was the last person she wanted to find out about Minitar's opinion of her. "The important thing is what I heard some guards say. I think we might be being followed."

"Angel will enjoy hearing that."

"What would I enjoy hearing about?" Angel said as he appeared behind Dakkon.

Dakkon jumped. "Where did you come from?"

"Behind you." He said with a smirk.

"I heard some guards talking," Lia said. "I think we might be being followed."

Angel quirked his eyebrow. "Hmm...well I will take care of that. Be right back." he disappeared into the darkness.

After a moment Angel returned a smirk playing on his lips.

"She is out for the time being let's get a move on."

"Okay," Lia said. "We need to get to the north gate, because when we leave the city we will want to head north to follow the Grimwall Mountains."

"Good idea. We should hurry before they know what happened." Angel stated as he started to walk away.

~*~

The second group traveled north from the portal to come to the city of Nizari that stood on the edge of the large desert known as the Karoo. In this city, they hoped to purchase camels and other supplies that they would need for a weeklong trip across the desert. They would also buy some other goods, because they planned to disguise themselves as a merchant caravan. Once they left the city, they would travel northeast across the Karoo, to come to the kingdom of Chabba, where they hoped to find the Ruby Amulet.

The city of Nizari could now be seen in the distance, due to the red color of the buildings, a feature that had given Nizari its nickname, the Red City.

The guards of Nizari were not happy when word reached them that a party of djinn was approaching the city. The officer on duty turned to one of his subordinates, and said, "Go out and meet them at the camel market. We must be sure to show them hospitality. Otherwise they might call down the wrath of their masters on us."

The guard reluctantly obeyed. After all, everyone knew that only a few years before, another party of djinn had passed through the city, and a few months later, the Emir had been murdered. It was rumored in the city that the djinn were somehow responsible. The guard was even more reluctant when he saw that one of these djinn rode a spirit horse: a pure white horse with blue eyes.

When the djinn had finally arrived within the boundaries of the city, the guard approached them, and asked, "What is your business in Nizari? We do not want to detain you here too long, but we only just got word of your approach, and are preparing a proper welcome."

"We just need to purchase some supplies and get some camels so we can travel across the desert. That is all we wish from your town, then we will be on our way." Legolas answered.

The guard scowled. "I still need to wait for my superior. He should be here momentarily."

"So be it. Whatever needs to be done." He told him.

A few minutes later, the officer on duty arrived. "Sorry it took me so long to come out here. There is a lot that needs to be done right now. So, what is your business in Nizari, and how long are you staying.

"As I was telling the other gentleman all we wish to do is purchase some camels and collect a few supplies for our journey. We will not be here longer than a day."

"Well, you can purchase the camels here. The rest of our market is inside the city. I will have the guard escort you there, and if you wish to spend the night, he can show you to our best inn, the Green Palm."

"Thank you for your hospitality. We will be no trouble. We plan to leave at first light tomorrow."

The guard escorted the group into the city, and to the inn, to insure that they could get rooms. Then, he led them through the market place, where they bought food, grain, light tent cloth, cooking gear, and other supplies that they would need. The entire time they were going through the market, Celendrea walked next to the guard, acting as if she was flirting with him.

"Is there anything else you need to purchase?" the guard asked, as the group took their purchases to the inn.

"We need to buy clothes that are more appropriate for traveling in the desert," Ayala said. "And, as you already know, we need to buy camels."

The guard nodded. "We should go back out to the camel market, and take care of that first. Then, I will take you to a place where you can buy clothing."

So the group went out to the city where they bought four riding camels and two pack camels. Ayala said that Tinviel could handle the trip through the desert, so she did not need a camel. Then, they went to the cloth merchant and bought traditional desert garb. Finally, they returned to the inn, and the guard left them there.

After they purchased their clothing they returned to the inn. When Celeborn and Celendrea were alone in their room he cornered her so that he could speak with her. "You know I am not the jealous type, Celendrea. If you continue to look else where for a relationship instead of the one you are in, it will be over. I can only take so much. I am starting to rethink what I did to my wife. If you love me I suggest that you make more of an effort to show it. And if you don't then what is the point? I do not need to be involved in a game where in the end my heart gets broken and my life ruined."

"Oh, I was just having a bit of fun with that guard." She laughed. "Did you see how nervous they all were around us. I wanted to see how he'd react. I didn't know you'd object so much." Actually, she kind of had known, but that was part of the fun.

" I am trying to be serious here and you are just being your same old flighty self. Answer my question."

"I'm not looking for anyone else." She left the words at the moment unsaid. "Like I said, I was having fun with that guard. Trying to see what he'd do."

"Yes but that doesn't mean that you won't. Are you committed to this relationship? I need to know?"

"Yes," she said. She was still committed to the relationship, but she had been committed to the relationship she had been in before this one too. "I won't *look* for one anyone else." *But that doesn't mean I won't see anyone else,* she thought.

"I'm going for a walk." He turned on heel and walked out of the room.

~*~

After the group had arrived in the vale and settled in, Kaelea decided that she would go for a walk. The vale was one of her favorite places. She would travel there whenever she got the chance.

She came up to a creek and sat down by the bridge and looked out at the scenery. What she didn't know is that Inarion had followed her. He knew that they were coming, and was looking forward to their confrontation.

He placed his hand on her shoulder, she jumped and turned to look at him. She stood up. "Inarion! What are you doing here?"

"I came to see you."

"But how did you know that I was here?"

"I was expecting you."

"I don't understand."

"I just wanted to look at my beautiful bride to be."

"What are you talking about?" She asked as she took a step back

"I am going to be king."

"What makes you say a silly thing like that. You aren't high enough in the succession."

"I am right under your dear Fairin."

"How did that happen?"

"It seems that the people in line are dropping like flies."

"Well, I don't see how you are going to get above Fairin, he will certainly not step down to the likes of you."

He reached his hand out to brush her cheek, she took another step back. "I think you underestimate him."

She raised her eyebrow, "Oh? And why do you say that?"

All in good time, all in good time. I can't give away all my trade secrets."

"I have to get back." She walked past him and he caught her elbow.

She turned to him, "Let go of my elbow."

"What are you running back to?"

"Believe it or not, I have obligations." She pulled her arm free and walked away.

When she got back she saw that some of the group were already gathering around the dinner table. She sat down in silence.

"Did you have a nice walk, Dara?" Fairin asked as Kaelea sat down.

"Yeah it was ok." She stated quietly.

"That's good. Is something bothering you? You seem rather quiet."

"I am fine...I just have alot on my mind."

"As long as you're okay."

Karia will sit down at the table. "hey guys."

"Hi."

"Hey."

A few moments later, Calyna and Ayon joined the others at the table. Calyna was no longer wearing the circlet that symbolized her joining to Kris.

They had been talking to each other when they came in, but stopped to greet the others.

After greetings had been exchanged, Ayon asked, "So, what are our plans after we leave the Vale?"

"We will continue on our path. We can't afford to get sidetracked." Karia stated.

"Didn't we already have the conversation about not getting sidetracked?"

"Yes, I apologize. Umm...I guess we will eat and go rest. We will need it. I think I will go wander a bit though. This is a new place for me. You all can relax and do what you wish, just please be careful."

"That sounds like a good plan. I guess we'll see you later, then," Ayon said.

They all eat a nice hot meal and then they all depart and go into seperate directions. Some in pairs and some seperately. Karia walked out of the inn and walked towards the market. The sun shone down on her and the scenery was absolutely beautiful. She arrived at the market place and wandered from shop to shop looking at all of the interesting crafts that these people made.

Vanidor had been in Arden since leaving the council. On this day, when he had finished whatever he had to do, he went to the marketplace.

Karia came across beautiful river in the middle of the marketplace, and she decided that she would stand on the bridge and look down at it.

Vanidor was walking through the marketplace when he happened to look over at the bridge across the river. He was surprised to recognize Karia standing there, as he thought everyone was still in Minas Tirith. He approached her. "Hello," he said. "I'm surprised to see you here."

She turned to him. "Hi Vanidor. Is this where Kaje sent you?"

He nodded. "Yes. I wasn't expecting to see you here. I thought everyone was still in Minas Tirith."

"No. We were split into groups and are leaving for certain missions so that we can call on the circle."

"I guess I missed a lot after I left the council. I think the last thing I was there for were all the family revelations."

She laughed, "yeah, that was something. When will you be released?"

"I'm not really sure."

"Well, we're all leaving Minas Tirith, so there won't be anyone to return to. You coan come with us if you like. I don't think Kaje will mind."

"I don't know. What did I miss at the council anyway?"

"Well, there are seven groups, each on a different mission. The first group gets to guard Wesley, the second group is to protect the Emerald Sameril and to find th eRuby amulet of Chabba, my group needs to find the scroll of Kiernan, the fourth group will be looking for the Dagger of Sakura, fifth group is to find the Ring of Odema, the sixth needs to find the Chalice of Raspitin, and the last group has to find the Telm Sapphire."

"With that many groups, you must have a lot of people from Arda helping. I seem to remember there were a lot of people at the council that were from Arda. I don't remember meeting any of them, though."

"Yes they are. I decided I would take a break from playing leader and explore a little. What have you been up to since you left. I mean it has been about a week. Did you learn anything?"

"You mean, other than the fact that I need to apologize to a lot of people?"

She laughed, "Yeah I suppose that is what I meant."

"Yeah. Well, I don't really want to talk about that. I've been talking about it a lot this week."

"That's okay, i can understand that."

"So, what do you think of Arden? Is this your first time here?"

"Yes, it is. It seems to be rather peaceful and it is quite beautiful."

"Yes. It is one of more beautiful places on Mithgar. You should see Darda Galion, though. The Eld trees there gather twilight when Elves are around. The Coron lives in Darda Galion."

"Wow, it sounds nice. Where is Darda Gallion?"

"It is a little ways to the southeast of here. It is right across the Argon River from Darda Erynian and the Greatwood."

"We have to go to Greatwood. Since you know the way, could you take us?"

"Well, as I said before, I'm not sure how much longer I need to stay here, and I don't want to delay your mission."

"I can find out for you. Bsides our mission will obviously give us a good amount of time to waste. Besides, I have been pushing them a little too hard. they could use some time to rest and collect there thoughts."

"Who else is traveling with you. I would guess your sister probably is, since you just found each other. And hopefully there's someone from Mithgar in your group, since you have to travel across it."

"Someone from Mithgar? I am traveling with Ayon, Calyna, Fairin and Kaelea."

"Well, Fairin is from here, so he might know the way. And Kaelea has spent a lot of time here in the past two years, but I not sure how well she knows Mithgar."

"Oh, well, I am sure that Kaje wanted us to take you with us, since we just happened to be assigned here and someone had to tell you. It will be more than okay. Our journey is to take us less a month probably less, then we have to meet in Magia and travel to Thardaos to meet with the king."

"Magia is the city on Thardaos. That's why they're meeting there."

"Oh. Well, I don't know. I am a visitor, a visitor who just happened to get caught in the middle of this whole mess. Not that I mind. I had nothing better to do."

"Well, I do need to thank you for guiding me to L.A. If you hadn't done that, you probably wouldn't be caught up in this mess." A lot had happened since they had met at the portal, and he still wasn't quite sure what to make of her.

"Yeah, well you looked a little lost and could use a helping hand. Just be glad it was me. There are a lot of weirdos in LA."

"Yeah, I guess. Not that I was there long enough to see many of them. Luckily. We have enough to deal with here."

"Yeah, that is true."

"Hopefully, we won't have anymore threats show up. I feel like we already have more out there than we can deal with."

"You have no idea." She told him as Stefan crossed her mind.

"I know there's a lot going on. I mean, back in Gondor, there were at least two incidents that had nothing to do with the Mages or the new Dark Lord."

"Yeah. Well there is a dark force that followed me here that nobody knows about. I probably shouldn't say anything but I think you have the right to know. Stefan followed me here, he is my master so to speak, he doesn't know how to let go."

"I think you mentioned him before. You thought he might be the one that Aravan was looking for. That reminds me. Did Fairin get anyone to go ahead with the shunning?"

"Oh no. He is in Isethia's group. He was under the influence of a dark power, Stefan. So, Kaje forbid anyone to shun him because he had to live with the memory of what he did."

"I bet Fairin wasn't to be pleased about that. Although, I'm surprised Isethia would go against him like that."

"Well, Fairin realized that he was wrong and they eventually made up."

"That's good, I guess. Qiriel wouldn't have wanted them to make up, though."

"Yeah, well I don't think that matters. They have overcome there obstacles. Your not human unless you can do that, unless you can make mistakes and learn from them, etc..." *said sincerely*

"Yeah. I'm glad they did, though. I assume my brother is also in Isethia's group. I don't think they would want to travel separately."

"I believe that he is. They are also traveling with Luthan and Aravan and ria."

"Luthan. You mean, the Elven King? The son of Legolas and Emer? I thought he was dead."

"He was. He came back, and now he is human. Wait Ayala isn't his mother?"

"No. I don't know the full story, but I know some of it. Legolas and Ayala have been in love since they were children, but Legolas betrayed her with Emer. I think the Dark Lord at the time brought them together so Luthan would be conceived. I think Intathin wanted the Elven King in his power. Emer died giving birth, and Legolas went back to Ayala."

"Wow. Well, he is back. I hope that this doesn't cause any problems with them. I doubt it will because they seem to have settled everything."

"Yeah. Ayala raised Luthan anyway, I think. At least until he was advanced in age."

"She is a good person. So, how have you been. I don't think I really asked you that question."

"Okay. Rather embarrassed about getting kicked out of the council."

"Yeah I can see how that would be embarrassing, but I am sure you will be forgiven."

"Hopefully. So, how have you been. You had a pretty big revelation at the council. Finding out that you have a sister and a cousin, and that you're one of the Two of the Two. Lia was raised with that destiny, but you just learned it."

"I-I don't really know what to think. Everything is happening so fast. I mean, I guess this is where I belong now and where I will eventually make my home but it strikes me as weird. My life has changed so suddenly. It was quite unexpected."

"That's the way change usually is. Sometimes I envy people who don't have destinies laid on them and their families. Life seems so much simpler for them."

"My life was far from simple before this. I can assure you of that."

"Yes, but some of the wise would argue that was because you always had this destiny. My stepmother is a seer, so I know a little bit about destinies. Also, she almost never knows who her visions are meant for or what they mean."

"Yes, but I doubt that is why. who knows, I guess i could careless, the past is the past and it stays there. It has helped me become who i am. So I guess I have no compliants."

"You're lucky in that at least."

"I suppose." She sighed. "It is really peaceful here. I feel as if I have no worries, nothing to harm me."

"It is peaceful. Evil very seldom enters the Vale. We have guards at both entrances. During a war, this is one of the safest places to be, along with the center of Darda Galion, and almost anywhere in Darda Erynian." *that's kind of a way of saying they won't have to worry about their pursuer.

"I don't think it would be so bad to live here. I could definitely get used to this. I don't know if I could get used to wearing a dress but I can certainly try."

"You do not have to wear a dress all the time. My stepmother and attendants do, because none of them fight. The other Elven women can chose what to wear depending on circumstances."

"I know. But even still, it's different. I want to try and fit in and what not. Besides, I have not been given anything but dresses. I think someone is trying to tell me something."

"I don't know who would be doing that. As far as I know, no one has tried to implement a dress code. It is possible that my stepmother or her attendants were behind it. Even after my father's death, she has retained a fair amount of authority over the women in the Vale."

"Well, I suppose I will have to get some pants and such, I will probably have to have money to do so, so it will have to wait, seeing as how i only had one pair with me when i came, and they seemed to have disappeared."

"They could have been taken to be washed or something. Maybe you should ask the ladies of the Vale. I don't remember them ever doing this kind of thing before."

"It might not have been them."

"Well, who do you think it was?"

"Well, It could've been Stefan, or anyone really. But I don't think it was anyone in the vale. I know Stefan brought someone with him, and I know it was a female, it could've been her. But what anyone would want with my clothing is beyond me."

"Maybe you should find out if the same thing happened to anyone else, or if it was just you."

"I will certainly ask around. Something just doesn't feel right."

"You might ask Calyna. She's a warrior like you, so maybe find out if something like that happened to her."

"Why would they just be going after the warriors though? something is going on...and I am afraid to find out."

"I don't know. It could be something as simple as someone deciding that women shouldn't be warriors, but Elven women have been fighting in battles for years."

"That is true"

"Well, if you don't mind taking advice from someone who is not officially part of your group, I think we should find the rest of the group and ask them if they have experienced anything weird since coming to the Vale," Vanidor said.

"Sounds like a good idea to me."

"Well, I guess first we should look and see if anyone else is here in the marketplace," said Vanidor. "Then, we can search the rest of the Vale."

~*~

After the group had gone their separate ways, Calyna and Ayon had gone to look around the Vale. Calyna had been here once before, about four years ago, but she decided she didn't want to think about that.

After wandering around the Vale a little, they found themselves in the marketplace.

Karia and Vanidor searched the vale to find Calyna and Ayon. "hey guys." Karia stated.

"Hi," they replied. After greetings had been exchanged, Ayon asked, "Is there some kind of trouble?"

"As a matter of fact there is. My clothes have disappeared, the ones that I arrived with. I know that sounds really weird but I think that something might be going on. Has anything weird happened to you guys?"Karia asked them.

"Nothing like that," Ayon replied, "but I have noticed that there seems to be some dislike of Heralds here. I'm not sure why though."

"That's probably because of my mother," Vanidor said. "She was a Herald, and she was dishonored. And the rumors about Isethia didn't help matters."

"Weren't you the one spreading those rumors?" Calyna asked.

"One of the ones, but I regret doing so now."

"It was because of Joich that your mother was dishonored, wasn't it?" Calyna asked. "And because of Kris."

"I guess, but I don't really want to talk about that."

After a few moments of silence, Ayon asked, "Do you think maybe Fairin and Kaelea have noticed anything weird."

"Let's go and find out." Karia stated as she walked towards the Inn.

"They might not necessarily be at the inn, which we usually call the guest cottages," Vanidor said. "Fairin lives here and I know that Kaelea has spent a lot of time here in the past two years."

"Well, could you show us where they live? Seeing how I am new to this world and all that jazz." Karia asked him.

"Alright. Follow me." And he led the group in the direction of the cottages.

She knocked on Fairin's cottage door. Kaelea opened the door. "Karia, what is it?"

"Can I come in?"

"Sure." She opened the door and everyone came in.

Karia sat down in a nearby chair. "I need to know if any weird things have happened to you."

"Weird? What do you mean?"

"Anything out of the ordinary."

"Well, some of my clothes have disappeared but other than that, no I dont think so."

Karia looked to Vanidor and then back to Kaelea. "Where's Fairin?"

Fairin came in from the other room. "I wasn't expecting to see everyone here. What's going on." He left unsaid that he certainly hadn't been expecting to see someone who wasn't part of their group.

"Have you noticed anything weird going on lately?" Karia asked him.

"No, not since we've been here. I have some doubts about who's in charge of the Vale right now, but only because I didn't realize he was that high on the list of successors."

"Well, something weird is definitely going on. I will have to meet with him." Karia felt the presence of Stefan nearby. She closed her eyes to try and locate him. All she knew was that he was within 10 minutes away.

"Well, Inarion should be in the main hall right now," Vanidor said. "I can take you there, if you need to meet with him."

"Maybe we should all go, just in case," Fairin said.

"I think that's a good idea." Kaelea added.

"I don't see why we should all go. But I suppose if you all want to. It will only take me a minute or so to talk to him. But I will not tell you not to go. I will leave it up to you. But if we are to go we should go soon." Karia stated.

"Well, then, let's go."

~*~

Inarion walked around the group. "To what do I owe this pleasure?"

"We wanted to know whether you knew anything about some things that have been happening to us?" Karia stated.

"Such as?"

"Clothing disappearing?"

"That should be the least of your worries."

"So what is the more important worry?" Fairin asked.

"What will happen to you of course." Looking at Kaelea, Karia and Faerin.

"What may I ask do you mean by that?" Karia asked.

"Well, I am sure you are aware that you are being followed, Karia. And Fairin you are next in the succession meaning someone will try to get you, which obviously means that Kaelea will be effected."

"I am only third in succession, though," Fairin said. "At least, I have not heard that the people that were ahead of me have resigned."

As Fairin was talking, a woman entered the room, and went to stand by Inarion. She turned to the group. "You must been the travelers that are staying in the Vale. I assume you came here for some purpose other than to discuss the other of succession with my brother."

"It is okay Rael. You can stop being overprotective. I am handling this." He turned to the group. "You will just have to wait and see what comes your way."

~*~

After several days of travel, the fourth group was drawing near the Black Hills, the part of the Barrens where many renegade Black Mages lived. Their first few days of travel had been uneventful, but now, everyone was on their guard.

"We should be reaching the mountains in a few more hours of travel," Isethia said. "Do those of you that have been here before have any idea how soon we will be noticed by the Black Mages."

"It has varied the few times I have been here," Aravan said. "I believe it depends on how distracted they are by other things. It is possible they may even have noticed us now."

"Well, I can tell you one thing...it's way too quiet. The mages are up to something. I am pretty sure that they already know we're here. It won't be long until they make their presence known."

"Well, I guess we don't have any choice but to keep going," Isethia said. "I just wish we had some idea what to expect."

As she finished speaking, a man appeared a short distance in front of them, where no one had been before.

The five companions looked at this man, who had appeared where no one had been before.

Silence fell, and then, Aravan said, "Dantor."

"So, you remember me," the Mage said.

"Yes."

"What do you want Dantor? What are you still doing alive for that matter?"

"I live here now, and have for about five years. I have been sent by Isarak to escort you to where you will receive your test. As for why I am alive, well, as you might know, I can only be defeated by the Two of the Two . . . but maybe you don't know the truth about them yet."

"If you mean about Kris not being one of them, we already know," Gildor said.

"Oh. Anyway, my defeat was only temporary. If you and your friends had not destroyed my dark weapons, I would even still be ready to carry out my plan."

"It won't happen while we're around. But anyway-let's just get this over with."

"Very well. If you will follow me I will lead you to Isarak, and he can decide what your test will be." He lead them to the mountains, and into a hidden passage. After walking through this passage for several minutes, they arrived in Isarak's headquarters.

Isarak was seated in a chair at one end of the room, studying a spellbook or lexicon of some sort. He looked up when the six entered the room.

"Ah, Dantor, thank you for bringing these strangers to me. You may leave now. I am sure you have some business to attend to."

Dantor turned and left and Isarak turned his attention to the five companions.

"What is purpose for entering the Black Hills?" he asked.

"We are on a mission," Isethia replied. "We seek an artifact that is hidden within the Barrens."

"Well, you know that you have to pass a test in order to proceed any further into the Barrens. Those rules are for all to pass through here, and I believe that as a Herald you are obligated to uphold the law."

"Yes."

"I recognize many of your companions," Isarak said. "One of them I have dealt with before, and another has traveled with him through my lands. Another I know from the recent history of Arda."

"Can we skip what you know about us, and find out about this test?" Gildor asked.

"You are impatient. I will reveal the test when I choose to. And you would be wise to watch what you say, unless you wish to follow the path of your brother."

"Will you please just tell us what the test is. We only have a certain amount of time to complete our mission."

"Before I tell you about the test, I must know exactly what you are seeking in the Barrens."

"We are in search of the Dagger of Sakara. And that is all that you need to know. Now please, tell us what this test consists of." (Luthan)

"The test will consist of a third of your group participating, meaning two of you. If one of the two or both of the two fail it will prove to be fatal. The tests will go to...you...(points to Gildor) and you...(points to Ria.) And the test ahall be two tests for each/ YOu will each battle the best of my best soldiers and mages and then you will have to fsce your deepest and darkest fear. If you fail you all die." Mad laugh follows.

Isethia turned to Gildor and Ria. "Are you willing to be the ones to take this test?" she asked. Although her voice was steady, there was a troubled expression in her eyes.

"They do not have any choice," Isarak said. "The five of you are not the ones in control here."

"It will be alright, chieran," Gildor said. "I doubt that he can have anything worse than a Draedan among his forces."

"You won't along when you faced that, though," she protested.

"This test is the only way we can continue our mission. As our leader, you must consider the mission first of all," he said, ignoring her protest.

"I just don't want to lose you."

"You won't," he said, taking her in his arms and embracing her. After a few moments, they drew apart again, and Isethia turned to Ria.

"I never did get your answer about the test."

"Well, what do you want to know?"

"Are you willing to be one of the ones to do the test?"

"I don't have a choice."

"Now that you are done trying to take control over that which you have no control over, I will give you your insructions," Isarak said. He made a gesture and three doors appeared in different walls of the room. Pointing to the door on the far wall from where they had entered, he said, "The two of you taking the test are to go through that door. I would like to speak the Herald in my study. Those whom I have not mentioned are to go through the door on the left to wait."

They will split up accordingly.

As they stepped through the door to where they would undergo the test, Gildor looked at Ria and said, "You knew that there would be a test. Have you ever done one before?"

"No but Aravan has. Why?"

"Just wondering if you had any idea what to expect."

"Well, I guess we should go in. Not that I'm excited about it or anything."

"Okay, let's go in."

The door in front of them suddenly opened, revealing a hallway that ended with two doors. Ria and Gildor exchanged looks and uneasily walked toward the doors. Ria opened her door and walked inside. The room was extremely dark. Flames lit up, creating a straight path and a bald man with flames surrounding him was at the end. The fire demon, also known as a torodefian, looked up at her, an evil smirk and flaming expression crossed his features.

"Vash," she whispered under her breath.

She drew her sword and braced herself for battle. The torodefian smiled. "It's playtime, little girl. Let's see how well you can take the heat."

"Bring it on! I can take anything you can dish out."

He smiled again. "Ooh. Fiesty! Just how I like them." His hand came up and a fireball was aimed in her direction. She raised her sword; the fireball made impact and ricocheted as if it hit a magical barrier.

The torodefian's eyes widened. "What is this? You have a magic sword? This is most unexpected. No matter. You and your sword are not match for me, Valin."

Ria rolled her eyes. "Why don't you save the rhetoric for someone who actually gives a damn!"

The demon named Valin took a battle stance with confidence. "Come and play, girlie. Let's see how you handle things when I raise the temperature."

She lifted her sword vertically, preparing for his next blow. What she wasn't expecting was to be bombarded by multiple fireballs. She dodged a few but was hit on the arm by the last fireball. She rolled onto the platform and in the process she dodged another fireball. She stood up and raised her sword again. "Dunamis!" she shouted. The sword began to glow.

The torodefian's eyes grew wide, as his power was sucked out of his body.

"Now who's raising the temperature?" Ria asked with a grin. She sheathed her sword, walked up to him and they began hand to hand combat. After several moments, she knocked the torodefian into the water below. She walked off the platform and opened another door.

~*~

Gildor opened his door and walked into a lit room, with a cloaked figure standing in the center. It raised its head and its cloak hood fell down. "What a pleasssant sssurissse," it hissed.

"I don't see anything pleasant about it," he said.

"It seemss my masster hass ssent me ssomeone to play with. Sshall we?" She threw off her cloak to reveal a human body covered in scales.

Gildor put one hand on the hilt of his sword and prepared to draw it.

"Ssilly Elf, that won't work on me," she hissed as she stepped closer. "In order for that to work, you'll have to be able to touch me, and I certainly won't allow that." She laughed a deep rich laugh. "Come on, ssilly boy. Let'ss play."

"And exactly what kind of play did you have in mind?" he asked, trying to buy some time.

"You'll jusst have to ssee." She lunged at him with quick speed and scratched his cheek.

He backed up, drawing his sword as he did so.

She laughed. "Ooh. Fiesty. Just how I like them."

"We'll see if you continue to feel that way." With that he lunged at her with his sword.

She dodged, with barely a scratch. "You have ssemidecent aim, or sso it sseemss."

"Well, you're hardly the first foe I have faced, and I defeated all of them, so my aim can't be that bad." He lunged at her again.

"Confident too," she stated as she moved behind him. "Let'ss ssee how long that lasstss."

He turned and attacked her again.

She moved a bit too slow, he caught her stomach. She hissed. "I ssee I'm going to have to change the rules a little." She scratched his arm, three gashes left where there was once perfect skin.

He readjusted his grip on the sword while trying to think of a plan. Finally he lunged at her again, however, this time he changed the direction of his sword in mid swing to strike at her from another direction.

She was briefly thrown off guard and dodged, but did so too late. He hit her with a fatal blow. Before she went down, she scratched him again, this time a bit deeper than the previous two.

~*~

Isethia followed Isarak into his study, and sat where he told her to. "What did you want to speak to me about?" she asked.

"Well, I might have an offer for you . . ." Silence fell for several moments. "You care very deeply for one of your companions, don't you?"

"Yes," Isethia said, wondering what this had to do with anything.

"You love him, I believe."

"Yes."

"Hmm. He is one of the one's in the line of succession, is he not?" Isarak asked.

"Yes."

"And you consider yourself worthy of him? You have a dark power, you know?"

"Is that all you wanted. To discuss my power? You aren't telling me anything I don't know. People having been telling me about the dangers it poses since I discovered it. But I don't see how my being able to sense spirits is a dark power. It seems harmless to me."

"Sensing them is harmless, yes, but you have the power to communicate with the spirits of the dead. You are a necromancer."

A shocked looked crossed Isethia's face. "That's impossible. Only the Cursed Ones and Black Mages have the power of necromancy. There's no way I can have that power."

Isarak smiled darkly. "So no one has ever told you the truth. I had wondered why you never came here before. Your mother knew when you were born that you had a dark power. That is why she gave you a name similar to that of your true father."

"My true father? What are you talking about?"

"You are my daughter. I have been watching you all these years, and waiting for you to come to me. I knew, as soon as I learned of your power, and your name, that you were destined to become my heir."

"I will not join you."

"What do you think your companions would say if they knew the truth? The one you love so strongly would turn away from you. He would want nothing to do with the heir of a Black Mage, especially after the way his mother was used by one. And your dear friend, Fairin, your "brother." Has he ever told you that his mother was raped by a Black Mage and had a child? I would assume Adelaide told her family what happened. Although she probably did not tell them she had two children. Fairin really is your brother, and he will hate you when he learns who you are. So you have choice but to join me. Say you will, and I will spare you when . . . if your companions fail their tests."

"I cannot join you. I have my duty as a Herald to consider. And as leader of this group. I must see them through the mission."

"Well, I guess I can only hope you will reconsider."

~*~

Luthan looked to Aravan, "You know you shouldn't hold what happened in the past twenty years against yourself. That was a cruel trick and something that was out of your control. The only thing you can do is concentrate on the mission ahead and do the right things. It is not up to you to punish yourself. You've been punished enough. Let go of it."

"That is not as easy as you make it sound."

"I know this. But that is why you should let us help you. We are all here to help you get through this. That is what friends are for."

"Not everyone sees it that way."

"It's not always what it seems, dear friend. Some people don't understand and others aren't who they say they are."

"I cannot remember what I did to make her leave. I think I hurt her like I seem to have hurt everyone."

"Ah, well, my friend, put your heart at ease. She left you for very different reasons. You never laid a finger on her."

"How can you be entirely sure of that? I still do not remember everything I did."

"I' m a seer, something the others don't know yet. I can see that past, present, and the future. And I can tell you that you have a long way to go before death strikes you."

"Couldn't what you see in the future change? That I the way I understood seer's powers worked. You see one version of the future."

"Yes, but you forget how you are talking to. I was one of the most powerful Elven kings, extremely powerful healer. So, every time I get reborn, I come back in the same state if not more so, only now I am a seer. I can see everything. Things that change, will change, the new events . . . There are very few like that in this world. Aylis was a seer, yes, but what she can see is very limited because of who she has become. She may even lose her ability."

A woman entered the guest room, wearing traditional royal Mage clothing. Her dark hair pulled back, out of her face. She walked past the two men sitting at the right side of the room, but something made her turn and face them. Her eyes widened. "Aravan!"

A shocked expression crossed his features. "Aylis?"

"I- what are you doing here?"

"I am on a mission."

"Oh, well, I will let you get back to it then, good day." She turned to go.

"Wait!"

She turned, an eyebrow quirked. "Yes?"

"Where have you been all this time? What are you doing here?"

"I work here now. Things change and love fades . . . To tell you the truth you were just one of my many assignments. No hard feelings I hope."

"Assignment?"

"Yes, assignment. You know . . . work? Do you mean to tell me that you actually fell for it?"

"I loved you."

"Aww, I'm touched. Maybe you should look for someone closer to home. I mean, you actually thought that a fast paced relationship like that would've lasted? It was just a fling, to put it simply. Take my advice, open your eyes. I think you'll find love where you least expect it."

"So everything you said was a lie. Your story about the mirror and all of that."

"I'm afraid so. The only power I have is foresight. Nothing else to it. Sorry. But I must say, it was fun while it lasted."

"Did you father know what you were up to? Was that whole mission part of your little conspiracy?"

"Dear old daddy didn't know anything, the poor old naive fool that he was. But he's dead now anyway, so I don't see why that matters."

"You sound like a Dark Mage."

She gasped. "Do I? Oh dear! Maybe that's because I am."

At that moment Isarak and Isethia entered the room.

Aylis walked over. "It's about time! What are they doing here?"

"Just merely passing through. Although, it is nice of my daughter to stop in for a visit."

"Isethia is your daughter?! Well . . . to be honest I don't think she stopped in for a visit. From what I could gather they're on a mission."

"Yes, they are. We are just waiting for the other two to return from their tests. They should be coming along any minute now."

Isethia was standing a little disjointed from everyone, her gaze was focused on the ground.

Aravan looked between Isarak and Aylis, trying to process everything that was going on.

One of the doors opened. Gildor and Ria walked into the room, Gildor was helping Ria into the room. She looked a little battered, while Gildor only had a few scratches.

"Ah, it seems as though they have passed their tests. You two must be a lot stronger than I thought. How you beat the best of my best henchmen I will never understand, but oh well. You two now have free reign to walk these lands."

Aravan stood and walked over to Ria and Gildor, Isethia followed. Aravan stopped in front of Ria and eased Ria out of Gildor's arms. "Are you alright? What happened?"

She lifted her head. "I almost lost."

"How badly are you hurt?"

"I . . . I don't know. I'm just so weak."

Isethia and Gildor walked over to Aravan and Ria.

"Are you alright?" Isethia asked.

Ria looked up, her skin a little pale, sweat on her face. "I wish everyone would stop ask-" She bent over in pain.

Aravan looked over to Isarak. "What kind of test did you put her through?"

"It seems that she has been poisoned," Isarak replied nonchalantly.

"You bastard! You fixed those tests, didn't you?" Aravan accused.

Isarak looked a tad offended. "Moi? Fix the tests? Why would I do that?"

"Maybe you wanted to assure that your daughter was separated from us, so that you could coerce her to come to your side."

Isethia looked at Isarak, refusing to look at any of her companions. "Did you fix the tests?" she asked.

"Fixed isn't quite the word I would use."

"Will you help her?" Isethia asked.

"What's in it for me?"

"If you help her, I will think about joining your side."

"Hmm . . . if you consider it then . . . I suppose I could."

"Then please do so."

He walked over and placed a hand over her wound and it closed, the poison sucked out of the wound and vanished.

~*~

It was evening, the night before the last three groups would depart, and the night before Minas Tirith would be evacuated and destroyed. Small fires lit the city, as many citizens took it upon themselves to destroy prized possessions they could not bring.

Lunea stood at the wall of the government complex, watching the fires and thinking that by tomorrow, Minas Tirith would be no more, in order to prevent Mordel from taking it over.

Faedra comes over to her and looks out over the land. "Hard isn't it? To think we have no home to return to?"

"You have Arden at least. So many of these people have never known any other home."

"Yes, well now they will have to get used to living other places. It is for the good of the people. If there are no people then there is no one to lead, if there is no throne there is no way to take it." (she seems very wise)

"Yes. I am only glad my husband is not here to see this. And at the same time, I wish he was here."

"He is here in spirit. Besides, you will see him soon enough." She looks at her. "Beyond all of this bad news, I have some good news."

"What is it?"

"Kaje and I have been married...and we are expecting. After all these years, it seems like a miracle...I haven't told him yet. I don't want him to worry."

"That is good news."

"Just keep it quiet for awhile. We will tell everyone when the time is right. I would like you to be the godmother of the baby, if you wouldn't mind."

"I would be honored."

Faedra smiled. "Good. Come on lets go join the others."

When they got down to the group she walked over to Kaje and whispered something in his ear. His face paled, then lit up, he looked to her mouthed something, and then he embraced her. He turns to the group.

"Dearest friends, I have some wonderful news to share with you on this peaceful night. Faedra and I have been married, and I have just been told that we are expecting, she didn't want me to say anything but I am just to overjoyed to keep this to myself. Let's celebrate." He said with a huge smile on his face, Faedra's cheeks flushed.

Several people voiced their congratulations.

Some of the others exchanged looks and smiled and then walked over to Kaje to talk to him

As everyone was standing around conversing, Councilor Abalon approached the groups. His eyes narrowed when he saw that they were happy. How coudl these foreigners celebrate the night before Minas Tirith would be destroyed. Worse how could the Queen join them. Not to mention the former Queen. A somber expression on his face, he approached the group of men in order to speak to Kaje.

Kaje glanced over at him. "Ahh Abalon, welcome. Even you couldn't ruin my wonderful mood tonight. What brings you out here?"

"Business. The citizens are almost ready to evacuate. Although none of them like the idea. We really have no business doing this when the king is not here."

"Yes, I believe we do. After all it was his permission that I recieved. I am aware they are ready to leave and it will happen accordingly tomorrow at dawn. Any other concerns?"

"Some of them are having a hard time leaving possessions behind. They have been lodging protests, with anyone who has the slightest authority. And, the scribes are still sorting through records, trying to pack a wagonload of all non replacable texts."

"Yes. I am aware of this, but what else would you like us to do? Let Mordel come in here, look at our private records, and rule the lands? I don't think so. If they have a problem you can send them to me."

"Also, tell them that the Council of the Wise has copies of many historical documents," Edric said.

Lunea walked up to the group. "I think the Circle has some records as well. And they need to realize that they cannot take everything."

"Just the most important, the ones we couldn't possibly live without." Faedra continued.

"Well, it's not just the records. Some of the nobles feel they need to bring their entire wardrobes, and things like that."

"They will have plenty of new clothes when we get to Ralen Valley." Kaje stated.

"Will any of you be accompanying the citizens, or are you all going in other directions?" Abalon asked.

"You will be accompanying the citizens along with the many guards. You are all well protected. I have taken care of that,"

Before Abalon could reply, a scribe joined the group. "We have finished sorting records, and have packed those we must take. And I came across something in the records about the Anachron War that might have a connection to current events."

"You will be accompanying the citizens along with the many guards. You are all well protected. I have taken care of that,"

Before Abalon could reply, a scribe joined the group. "We have finished sorting records, and have packed those we must take. And I came across something in the records about the Anachron War that might have a connection to current events."

"Oh? What is it?" Kaje asked

"I believe it may be a prophecy. It was written on a stone circle between here and Mordor. One of the groups then found it, and it was recorded in the journal."

"What is it, Velmir?"

Here among giants with no voice
The Mage of Silence must make his choice
For light or darkness, good or ill
For much depends on the strength of his will
To summon the one of whom we speak,
The Circle must form, no heart within weak,
For if one should die before the quiet one chooses
Much will be lost and the Circle the losers
To summon them hither, the moon must make haste
The silent must choose or the land be laid waste
Look for the moon in the house of the morn
And within for the Mage who is never reborn.

"Talking of Kazusche. Yes, I believe this is the same battle. Thank you. You are dismissed, unless there is something else...is there?"

"Well, there was also a mention in the record that he required the blood of the innocent and the guilty to make his choice."

"Hmmm...yes I suppose he would. Blood of good and evil...interesting. It could just simply mean a cut, but I am thinking sacrifices...Thank you I shall think on this."

"Alright. I should return to loading the wagon." With that he walked away.

"That doesn't sound good." Leafrunner commented. "What does it mean?"

"I don't know just yet. But I shall figure it out."

"That wasn't the only unexplained prophecy that group encountered," Lunea said. "I had almost forgotten about the stone giants, so much happened afterwards, but I was with the group that discovered them. So was Silverberry."

"Yes, well I don't see what stone giants have to do with this Lunea."

"The giants with no voice. It was a circle of statues."

"A circle of statues, two circles...hmmm. Quite interesting."

"We did not think much about it then. There was so much else going on. And the riddle received even less thought, if it was in fact a prophecy."

"What riddle would that be?" Edric asked.

"Something that our guide said," Lunea answered. "It may have been about the Anachron."

"Please tell us. It could be of much importance."

Two stones set within a crown
One stone sparkling far beneath the ground
Three stones, together as one
Will call forth the children of the sun
But two stones, a ruler from days of old
Green and blue, joined a deathly cold
Three into one will not a ruler make
For the lesser of three will rule for wisdom's sake.

~*~

"The Anachron consists of three stones, that can allow travel between realms, and did in fact summon people here. And the colors match two of the individual parts."

"Our groups are endanger of losing the parts they have. Eldarion still has his stone...but the Sameril will be taken...and yet we will still win. How can this be? Wesley....he's the key!"

"He does seem to be the link between the prophecies," Edric said. "The first one talks about summoning the mages, and the second mentions a ruler. The worrying part is that the Emerald Sameril and the Sameril Sapphire will be lost. I believe the second group carries the emerald, and the sixth will carry the sapphire."

"That is my group. Lunea I need your stone. You shall get it right back."

He takes the stone and brings it to edric. "I need you to make a duplicate." He held the real stone in his hand and placed a rock in edrics.

Edric murmured a few words of magic, and a duplicate stone appeared where the rock had been.

"Thank you." He placed the real stone in his pocket, and brought the other to Lunea. "We will keep this fake one and I will give you the real one, hide it well. He takes it from his pocket and gives it to her, sticking the other in its place

"Alright." She took the stone back.

"Let us depart and get our rest we have a long day ahead of us."

"I believe that would be a good idea."

~*~

Dawn arose, the people seperated with somber looks upon their faces. They all turned and took one last look at their home, a home they would never see again, a home which was being burned to the ground. They turned and walked, some crying and others having no expressions on their faces.

~*~

"Gosh, I can't believe everything that has happened. It is going to be really hard to except the fact that our home is no longer our home." Adrianna said softly, in retrospect.

"Yes," Lunea said. "I just hope the citizens will reach their destination safely. This is probably hardest on them. Many of us having at least known another home at some time."

"Even so, Minas tirith is still a home to us, it doesn't make it any easier." Elrond said.

"Yes, but at least the councilers have no reason to be angry with you for celebrating the night before the evacuation. Abalon was not pleased around that, to say the least," Lunea said.

"That had nothing to do with you. That was a Kaje thing. Can you honestly blame him? I think its great news. I just hope that she is careful." Tolar stated

"No, I do not blame him. We all needed some good news. It is just that Abalon is very against the evacuation. I almost wonder if there is more to his opinion than there seems to be."

"Who knows and who cares. He needs to loosen up. Its as if he has a rod inside of him or something making him act so...anally. I swear he needs to have a love life or something. he is seriously missing something. I think its just the fact that Kaje got his position and he is still mad at Kaje for it. He blames him and its not even his fault. I think its hilarious. he is seriously not all there."

"Well, I hope that is all there is too it. Especially since he is now responsible for the safety of the people."

"I am sure he will see them there safely. He would never do anything to put them in harms way." Elrond added

"No, he does seem to be concerned for them at least."

Adrianna halted. "Something doesn't feel right. It's too quiet."

"Any idea what could be going on?" Haleth asked. She was slightly nervous, as this was her first action, and everyone she traveled with had found in the war of the Anachron.

"Prepare yourself for battle, there are rucks in the area." She said as she took the helm. (she is extremely skilled in tracking and all that as a warrior she was trained to feel and hear what others couldnt)

A party of Foul Folk was quickly approaching the fellowship. In the lead was a man-sized creature with swarthy skin, and yellow eyes, carrying a sword. Following this creature were about twenty-five small creatures, about the size of children, that looked similar, except they had bandy legs and arms, and bat ears. They were armed with either swords or bows.

Adrianna stepped up to the Hiok. "This shouldn't be no challenge at all." She smiled and took out her sword."

The Hlok silently raised its sword to fight her. (Foul Folk rarely talk in battle. Unlike Isarak's henchmen.)

She lunged at him and the clash of swords began.

The battle took a good 10 or so minutes. The group was a bit out of breath but came out with very little wounds. Adrianna ended up with a gash on her arm but that seemed to be her only wound.