• Prologue:


    The constant clack of hooves on brick set a tone of misjudgment and pain. Slowly, a contingent of horsemen made their way down the street, heads hung low and shields protecting their sides. The soft cries of infants and mothers alike could be heard over the sad march of arms. Slowly the fifty some odd men made their way out of the open battlement doors and continued down the road. Far off in the distance, a massive sea of black enveloped the horizon, making the land move as if a thousand termites ran beneath it. Now almost a hundred meters out of the city they had left, the lead cavalier raised his hand in a balled fist. His face was tight with a grim satisfaction, and his eyes were set with determination. The only thing that portrayed his fear was the ever so often shudders that shook him in his saddle. Nearby a horse nickered and a man coughed, a clank of armor hitting armor and a sword being drawn could be heard. With a soft steady sigh, the man slowly tilted his hand forward and let out a loud ravage cry, then quickly drew his sword and spurred his animal forward. Behind him, the 49 other men let out cries of the similar sound and drew their weapons of choice, and fallowed suit. Now a field of thundering hooves sounded, and the heavy heartbeat in the man’s chest was vibrant with motion. His vision tunneled and his face frowned. Far off, in the darkness, an army of half man, half demon like animals stood up and charged with their own twisted steeds, letting out whoops and yells.
    Now only a couple hundred meters separated the charging forces, and the man’s life flashed before his eyes, from early childhood, to his wife, then to his son. All of it filled his mind, then anger over turned it all. The distance shrank with unimaginable speed until a loud crash sounded, and the cries of dying men filled the air. Horses flipped, and the enemy’s steeds were trampled. Men flew into the ground, and the creatures attacked. Swinging his sword, the man fought with a demon, exchanging blows at a slow rate. Raising his shield, he blocked the curved sword of his enemy, and attacked with his own. He caught the creature off guard, and the sword slid through his abdomen, cutting clean through. After slaying his first victim, the man continued forward, trying to get to a downed man before he was killed. Too late. The soldier on the field was caught in the chest with a spear, spraying blood all over the field. With a wild cry, he spurred forward, tempting to get payback for his soldier’s death. As he brought his raised sword down towards the creature, it moved with abnormal speed, and blocked it. Grinning, the creature quickly punched him in the mouth and knocked him off his horse. A moment of reflection commenced in the man’s mind. As he rolled onto his side in pain, he saw his men getting ambushed and beaten, stabbed and cut. Shields broken and spears dropped. Blood saturated the ground, and it made him sick to his stomach. Grimacing with pain, he rolled to the other side, hoping to see a winning fight. All he found was death and despair. A lone soldier was fending his life with a dagger, as three creatures attacked him, his attempts were futile when he blocked one attack and the other two ganged up on him, running him through. Another soldier crawled on the ground, attempting to make it back to the city, but was only run down and stabbed in the back. Now hot tears sprung from his face as he rolled onto his back and stared up into the creature who had punched him. A grin engulfed his face. Slowly, the field became silent, and all the creatures who were fighting, now circled the one man, his attacker and him in the middle of the circle. Slowly, the creature pulled out his spear and jabbed it into the man’s heart. Coughing up blood, his eyes bulged and his breathing slowed. Coughing once more, he let go of life, his head lolling to the side.










    Chapter One: St. Emeriana

    Slowly, a young boy named Randy, moved through bushes, trying to avoid being seen, yet find his seeker. Seeing the age of 14, Randy was in a school based for men-at-arms. He was squire to legendary knight Kyronin De Geraldo, and served his every wish. After his fathers death ten years earlier at the last battle of the four kingdoms, his mother sent him to this school so, he may grow up to be a knight, like his father.
    A nearby crack of a twig drew Randy’s attention with ease, and he quickly stayed his pace, becoming as still as possible. As he had wanted to happen, his first seeker came out of hiding, directly behind him, not a yard away. The game he was playing involved five people. It was a knock off hide and go seek, but to teach a trainee how to be stealthy in armor. He had three seekers, and there were two hiders. He and another girl named Nicky were the ones being seeked. Nicky, being the obstinate and stubborn person she was, ran off without Randy and didn’t heed his warnings of her wanted hiding location. After losing sight of her, he busied himself with his own matters. Robbyn, Mark, and Dabin were still out there seeking him, and Dabin just ran out of luck, becoming the perfect shot for Randy to take him out. Slowly he drew his blunt sword and quietly moved into position. His legs became springs, ready to spring, and he steadied himself on a nearby rock, the mossy and pine needle ground covering the sound of his armored feet. With a silent grunt, he was halfway out of spring when a heavy hand hit the back of his chainmail armor, sending him flying forward. Randy hit the ground hard and rolled to a stop in front of Dabin. Standing up as fast as he could, Randy got into a fighting stance, ready for anything. Pine needles, moss, and dirt clung to his surcoat. Andy stood poised for attack. His sword was launched over his head in an eagle battle ready form, and he watched Dabin with his eye, watching Mark with his peripheral vision as well.
    Dabin drew his sword first, then Mark. Soon, Robbyn joined them, hefting his large claymore over his head, the sword dwarfing the two long swords Mark and Dabin wielded. Raising his shield, Randy donned his helmet and awaited an attack. First Dabin came after him, a battle cry erupting from his lungs, and slashed at Randy’s left side. He easily parried Dabin’s blow and dealt him a stunning hit to the thigh, making him kneel down shortly then bounce back up. At the same time, Mark ran at him, his gauntlet letting sparks fly as he punched Randy in the helm, causing Randy to falter backwards and shake his head. With growing irritation, Randy jumped forward and rammed the pommel of his sword into Mark’s stomach, causing the squire to cough and crumple over, gasping for air. Randy’s victory was short lived as he was hit in the side with a blade, causing him to grunt loudly. Randy fell onto the ground and rolled to his back and raised his shield just in time to fend off the next blow from Dabin. Blow after blow sent sparks flying as Dabin struck at Randy. Each time Dabin hit Randy’s shield, Randy cringed and his teeth felt like they would shatter. After the next blow, Randy kicked his feet out and struck Dabin in the shine guard, making him stumble backwards so he would not fall in his heavy suit of armor. Seeing this chance to strike back, Randy shot up and attacked Dabin, his sword striking his peer on the side of the helmet and making a loud “BANG” noise. Dabin faltered, pressed his hands to the sides of his helmet and collapsed.
    Breathing heavily, Randy turned to face the only combatant who had not shown himself, Robbyn. Laughing softly, Robbyn took a step forward and raised his claymore. Nodding with a silent prayer, Randy lifted his own sword. This was no match; Randy was too tired to face Robbyn, the strongest person in the group of five squires. Grimacing with the knowledge, he attacked Robbyn, and only found the claymore in his way, blocking his sword. Jumping back, Randy shook his head and looked for a weakness in his opponent’s defense. It was too late to find one, Robbyn attacked first, making Randy shoot his shield up to block the claymore. With a desperate attempt to win, he shot his sword forward at Robbyn, but found the blade sliding off his full metal curraise. Mumbling silent curses to himself, Randy backed off, fatigue overwhelming his now burning arms and his swore bruises. His lungs felt like they were on fire, and his posture sagged slightly. Robbyn must have seen this because he attacked again, his claymore clashing against Randy’s shield and knocking it to the side, Randy falling to his knees. He looked up at Robbyn, seeing the final blow coming. With a grin, Robbyn looked down with his open-faced helm and said “I win.” With that, his claymore moved up into a striking position and came down with amazing speed. Just as Randy saw the shining blade hurtling towards him, a foreign shield to the combat blocked the blade. An amazing green armored squire attacked Robbyn, drawing his attention long enough for Randy to roll away. The green squire looked at Randy and shook its helm. With a bleak sigh, Robbyn shook his head and stood in a battle ready position, choosing the low guard. The green squire stood up directly, sheathed it’s sword and began to walk off. With an exasperated cry, Robbyn through a taunt at it “What are you doing? Are you not man enough to face your opponent?” With this, the squire continued, and Randy fallowed closely. Looking back, Robbyn looked dumbfounded and angry. Sitting on a nearby rock, he awaited his two companions two awake, just so they could resume their chase.
    After about an hour of walking, Randy grabbed the squires shoulder and turned the suit of armor around. This squire stood about 5’5” and from the looks of it, preferred a mid heavy battle armor. The emerald green shade of the armor dazzled Randy, and he caught himself staring. The squire grabbed his hand and removed it, turning back around. Randy was a person of few words, but he could not let this moment of need pass with silent gestures. “Who are you? Moreover, why did you interfere with my assignment? I was supposed to eliminate all three of those squires” With a quizzical move of the shoulders, the Green armor shrugged and turned to face him. With a sigh, Randy placed a hand on the squire’s helmet and removed it, gasping at who it was.
    A girl, in her mid teens stood there. Her Auburn hair spilled from the helmet, and Blue-grey eyes stared at him with deceitful eyes. She had high check bones of an elf, and features that made Randy’s face blush. With a stammering statement, Randy’s eyes widened and gasped, “You’re a girl?” The youth seemed to take offense to this and with amazing speed given the armor she was wearing, punched him in the stomach. Randy gasped and stumbled back a step or two, the Emerald helm still in his hands. She stepped forward, grabbed her helmet and tucked it under her arm. “Of course I am a girl, and I was sent her by Sir Kyronin to fetch you.” She said, her voice spilled out like water, making shivers run up his back. Nodding, Randy watched her slowly. “Why would he send another squire to fetch me? Knowing him, he would have sent a page or even a peasant.”
    Her reply was short and angry.
    “I am not a squire, and if you should want to try your luck, I will be most happy to test it for you.”
    “If your not a squire, then what are you?” Randy asked, curiosity enveloping his mind.
    “I am a knight, from the order of the Blue Dragon. A clan of youths devoted to the teachings of the elves, and the dragons they ride, or as you would most commonly know of, the Order of the Arrows.”
    “Are you serious? You are a knight from the Order of the Blue Dragon? I am sorry to have doubted you, ma’am.”
    Her chin lifted up with indignity, and she slowly began to walk off, Randy fallowing in wonderment. The steady crunch of pine needles and the occasional clack of armor sounded with their travels back to the school.
    * * * * * * * * * * *

    It took Randy and the girl nearly an hour and a half to travel the distance to the school. Once there, she led Randy to the chapel. A faint light filtered in through the stained glass windows that line the walls, the red brick giving the chapel a homey sensation. Rows of benches were laid on either side of Randy as he walked down the center isle. His armored feet made no noise as they hit the satin red rug that was laid down over the stone slabs on the floor. As they neared the front of the chapel, Randy saw that the altar was decorated with gold and silver cups, and a cloth of blue bearing the symbol of a dragon was engraved into it. Over a hundred candles were alive and vibrant on the altar, sending flickering shadows across the small area around them. Randy’s knight, Sir Kyronin was sitting to the right of the chapel, his dress armor on, the matt blue shinning brightly, and a grin plastered on his face. To the left of the altar, four priests bearing the same emblem of a blue dragon on their robes were present. Once they reached the altar, the girl who had lead Randy there turned around and nodded slightly. “This is where we bade farewell to each other, Randy. I give you the best of wishes, and I will see you after this.” He hung on her every word, clinging to them as if he was dangling over an open roof and she was the only rope he had. She moved up the altar and stood beside Kyronin, allowing Randy to move up to the altar. Soon, a much more important priest emerged from a door behind the stair like benches for the choir, and moved to stand in front of Randy. An emblem of a Dragon was on his ropes as well. Except, this one was bright red and the dragon was setting fire to a field. Before Randy could debate the topic with himself any further, the priest boomed out with a loud and thunderous voice.
    “Squire Randy! You must wonder why you are here, standing before five priests and two knights. Do not let this bother you, for all will be revealed soon enough. First order of speech though! Through the past ten years, this school has tutored you in the arts of war, music, speech, literature, and chivalry! Your life has been well monitored and evaluated. We of our fellowship have selected many recruits, and seen many possibilities for our order. Randy, here we saw your courage, leadership, skill in the arts of the mind, and your unique interest in planned attacks. Here, we come to ask you the very question that will decide your future for years to come, whether it be to whom you marry, to who you kill, or what you make of yourself. This may be the most important question you will have to answer your entire life, so ponder it greatly, and tread lightly of your answers.” With this, the priest stepped back, and disappeared behind the door where he had entered the ceremony. The four other priest surrounded Randy, making him tense slightly and place his hand on the pommel of his sword. Slowly, Randy’s master, step-father, and his mentor stepped before him, drawing his sword. His voice was soft, but strong, hard, but kind. His words reached to Randy with uncommon emotion.
    “Randy, I am a knight of the Order of the Blue Dragon. I have dedicated myself to the love and peace of our land. Here, I stand before you, only as a servant to the will of the dragon. I pledged to uphold the order, to lay my life on the line to protect every dragon, and the elves that ride them. I pledged to withstand attacks thrown at me by other orders, to be strong and take in the pride of my job. Randy, we live in a land of turmoil, not much will make the world erupt in war. The dwarves are becoming arrogant, the elves are becoming more suspicious of humans, except those in the Order of the Blue Dragon, and the humans are self-boosting themselves higher then the other races. I call upon you, to join my clan and help me stop this war from erupting into a blood fountain across the land.
    Randy, do you so swear to uphold the duties and tasks set upon you by the Order, to protect the elves, the dragons, and become a protector of the people? If so, say aye.”
    Randy’s mouth was wide open during the whole time. He had never dreamed of being in this order. He was astonished they would pick him. It took him a couple of moments to realize the question Kyronin had asked him. His mind raced with his answer, and the pros and cons of each answer. Becoming frustrated, Randy looked up at Kyronin and nodded, saying softly “Aye.”
    Kyronin grinned with pride and began the sacred dubbing act, knighting Randy with the upmost care. After Randy rose, the priests held up gifts. They gave him a surcoat of his own, displaying a unique emblem, showing two dragons intertwined together, locked into mortal combat. The riders of each dragon were different, but to Randy’s keen eyes, on of them was a human. Shaking his head, Randy guessed it was something to do with a fortune thing. Everyone knew there was, and will never be, a Human dragon rider. Pushing the thought from his mind, Randy accepted the gift, and then turned to the other priest. This one gave him golden spurs, for his horse, Iceheart. The third priest gave Randy a shield with the same emblem as was on his surcoat. Finally, the fourth priest walked in front of Randy and looked at him fondly. He raised his arms to bear a sword. The sword was sleek and perfect, beautiful at least. Taking the sword, Randy unsheathed it and gazed at the black tint to the sword. Randy about jumped when the priest began to talk.
    “The sword picks the user, and it chooses the color of the user’s armor. Yours seems to be black. Our smiths will have the armor ready for you by tomorrow. Expect armor for your steed as well. Excellent job brother, I look forward to working with you in later days.” With that, the priest left. The clack of his wooden shoes died away. Kyronin, the other knight, and Randy were all that were left in the room. Kyronin looked at Randy and nodded.
    “I have taught you well Randy, and I am very proud. I could not expect anything less of you; this is the best thing that would have happened, or the best thing that I had hoped for you. The knight you see here will be your battle buddy. She will aid you in battle, and be there to help you in messes. Her name is Sarah.” With that, Kyronin left. His blue cape fluttered as he walked down the aisles. At the sound of the door closing, Randy looked back at Sarah and nodded. Her response was the same, and she fallowed Randy out the door. “We must now go to the prophet of our Order. He will tell us our destiny, and where our missions lye. Let us move out, for we have little time, and I would like to move out as soon as we get your armor.” She said. Randy nodded, and followed her. Randy had donned all his new gear, and grinned at the feel of the sword and shield. It was of Elvin make, so it was lighter and better then what he was using. The dull footsteps of his and Sarah’s feet were half drowned out by the noises of the camp/school. Kids shouted, Smiths worked on armor and weapons, teachers were lecturing, and wagons were being driven through the streets. Soon, Randy and Sarah reached the prophets hut. Slowly they entered and sat down, the prophet nodding at their existence. His words word ice to Randy, and made him cringe slightly as he began to talk;
    “I have been expecting you two for a while now. No doubt you are here for your mission? Your destinies? Well, listen closely because I have been knocking my head over this all day. Sarah, here is what I read from the bones I tossed. They said that your cause is true, your heart strong, and your mind well defended. You will exceed in the art of music, literature and archery, but fail in the battles you will be facing. You will marry someone who is close to you, and you will become and important role to the life of this land. Frankly, that is all I could get. Now…Randy…your reading was…well…interesting. It was killing me today. Anyway, you will become a famed figure among another race; you will have a life of distrust, of great misfortune, but with great luck. There will be a death of someone close to you, and you will meet someone of royalty. Randy…this next part of your fortune is…a most un-rusted one. Tell no one else of this, this has to be kept secret. Randy, I read that you will become a Rider.”



    Chapter Two: Rider?

    Randy shook his head with disbelief. His mind raced with anarchy and death. Him? A rider? That doesn’t make sense. There has never been a Human Rider. Only three races lived in the land of Han. Humans, Elves, and Dwarves. The Elves lived in a land called Hon, witch lies directly east of the Human Empire of Hanoa. The Dwarves controlled the Mountains to the north, which made the human empire double it. For as long as Randy could remember, the Humans have fought with the elves to allow Humans to be Riders as well. Their king, King Brex XIV, was a corrupt and evil ruler. His armies were his power, and he ruled with Tyranny. To keep the peace, the Order of the Blue Dragon was created, taking youths, and training them with the Riders, to appeal to some of the Humans wants. Tensions have been growing, and all three nations are at the brink of war. A group of Humans, the Danbun, have separated themselves from the Human Empire, and created a country to the south of the Empire. The Danbun are loyal to the dwarves and Elves, making the Human Empire by itself. Hearing that he might be rider only helped Randy’s fear of a war come true. Standing up, the prophet moved to his desk and retrieved a book. On it, was an ancient dead language called Naragua. This was the voice of the dragons. “Here take this, it will help you become aware of spells, magic and hopefully, my reading isn’t wrong. Boy, a human rider, this makes me feel all giddy heehee. Ah well, you must be off. Your assignments is lies far in the east, where the Elves roam, go there, and seek out a person named Shinkar, her will tell you what to do next. Now, bye, and good luck.” Said the prophet, a grin on his face as he bustled around the tent with a newfound happiness. With that, Sarah stood up and stalked out. Randy fallowed closely behind her. As they walked, Randy got up beside Sarah and looked over at her. Her features were dark. Her blue-grey eyes were downcast, and her hair covered her tanned skin. Randy held the book of spells between his arm and side firmly as he smiled softly. “So, were you surprised?” Randy asked. Sarah looked over at him, her eyes blinking wordlessly, a hint of sadness panged in them. Something in Randy made his mood dissipate and depressions settle over him as he stared into her eyes. “What’s wrong?” he added to his question, an urge to comfort her popping within him. Sarah opened her mouth to answer when Randy heard his name be called out in the group of people. Not a hundred meters away were Robbyn, Mark, Nicky, and Dabin running towards him. With a desperate sigh, he turned to Sarah once more and held up his finger, signaling he will be right back. As he stepped forward, Sarah caught his arm and spun him around. Her grip was hard and her eyes bore into his “I will be at the tavern. Meet me there tomorrow. And be sure to bring your armor, horse, and supplies for five weeks.” With that she left, her back turned to him. Her figure had disappeared into the many on the street by the time his four other companions had gotten there. Turning around, Randy greeted them. Robbyn was the first to speak, obviously angry at the battle in the forest. “What happened? Why would that other squire get in the way? Huh?” He prodded, poking his finger into Randy’s chest.
    “Sorry Robyyn, My former master wanted me for something.”
    “That’s al fine and dandy but you can’t l-…did you say former master?” Dabin said, surprise shocking his face.
    “I did. I am now part of the Order of the Blue Dragon.” Randy stated happily.
    Nicky smiled and nodded, she was stubborn as ever, but she never talked, which made her a valuable hide and Go seek player. Dabin was in awe, staring at the crest on Randy’s chest, Mark lifted his chin with respect and nodded “You deserved as much Randy, I guess this is goodbye then. We will not see you for a while. I must be off now, for I have to polish my Master’s armor,” He clasped hands with Randy and they touched shoulders in a half hg motion, their sign of friendship “I will be sure to find you again Randy, and then we will sparr, I promise.” With that, Mark left, trotting towards the school. Dabin was next to bid farwell, his more elaborate and well said. Robbyn decided to go next, swearing that he would get Randy back for ditching him in the forest.
    Last, Nicky stood in front of Randy. “Good job Randy, I am proud of you.”
    “Thank you Nicky, I do hope you are inducted into this order as well, soon enough.”
    “Well, we will have to see that happen first. We can always hope. But, I bid you farewell, for now, you must have another female companion waiting for you, bet she is as hard as you, and a heart stopper.” Nicky said with a wink, then gave Randy a hug and walked off. Randy’s ears and face were still burning after Nicky left. He made his way back to his dorm and laid his armor on a table, setting his other battle items down and got into bed. Slowly, he drifted into sleep, thinking of the next day, and how it would turn out.

    * * * * * * * * * * *



    The next morning Randy got up and moved down the long hallway that connected his Bedroom to the main hall. His iron boots hit the floor with a slight ‘ting’ sound, and made him cringe due to the battle he had earlier. Andy’s muscles were sore and he had bruises lining his completely left side. Every step was a sort of challenge he thought, and his breathing was becoming heavy. Muttering, he continued down the hallway. Soon, he began to drift to what had happened all of yesterday. The ceremony he had had seemed different from any other ceremony he had been to. This one was short and less excellently done, as if they were afraid something would happen, or like something big was going to happen. He pondered it with unease, letting his mind slip through his fears and his dreams. Slowly, he thought about what the prophet had said. A Rider! There has never been a human rider before! He thought with a sense of pride. The thought exhilarated him greatly. From a child he read about the Rides and there legacy, he knew of every battle, deed, and thing they have done for every being in the land of Hon.
    Randy was so caught up in his thinking; he did not notice the clatter of armor behind him. Soon enough, a large hand spun him around, and grasped his shoulders with a powerful grip. Randy struggled to get free, instinctly reaching for his weapon, but could not move from the man’s grasp. With a startled gasp of air, the man shook Randy until he seemed confident Randy could not move. A voice cut into Randy’s field of hearing, a voice of pure ice and made Randy shudder slightly. “Listen closely Randy. My words must be short. Soon enough, you will journey to the elves, your life is in great danger Randy. Instead of going to the Elves, go to the city of Tagmeir in Dunban. There ask for a man named Tobwo. He will fill you in on more of what you should hear. Randy, you are going to be the first human rider, I can tell. Now I must leave you, for there are people here who would want to see me hanged for diverting your destiny. Heed me Randy, and do what I told you to do.” With that, the man stalked off in the other direction, leaving Randy to debate his principles. “I guess, I must delay my findings until I talk to Sarah, she would know more of this.” He said to himself, making up his mind. Quickly Randy made his way to the smith, stopping by the desk they had inside the building. A young squire was there and nodded to Randy. “My lord, you must be Randy. I shall have our armor brought right out. Would you like to wear it now?”
    “Yes, I would like to put it on as soon as I get it.” Randy replied. Right as Randy finished, the priest he had talked to yesterday came into the office, and he smiled at Randy.
    “Ah, young Randy, I am glad to see you here once more.”
    “Yes, I am guessing you have the armor ready?”
    “Of course, I am a man of my word, and your armor will be out right in time.” He said, then turned to the squire and shooed him to fetch the armor.
    When the young boy came back, he carried the first part of the armor. Randy eyed the matt black boots with a hunger. They appealed to him greatly, and his eyes snapped to them. With anticipation, Randy slid off his steel boots and moved over to the matt black ones. Grinning, he stepped into them and let the squire strap them on.
    “How do they feel?” The priest asked with eagerness edging his voice.
    “Perfect, I love the fit, it’s as if it is adapting to my skin, molding around my feet and legs.” Randy replied.
    With that, the squire went and retrieved the rest of the armor. Slowly, and piece by piece, Randy fell in love with the armor. It adapted to his skin, and felt soft within, and hard as a turtle shell. It took a total of fifteen minutes to complete the entire suit or armor. When all was done, Randy slid on the surcoat, and belted on his sword. He hung his shield across his back, along with a quiver of arrows and a bow that was made of a light wood type. The priest and squire took a step back from Randy as he finished buckling on his shield and nodded with approval. With a bow, the squire got onto his knees and held Randy’s helmet above his head. Randy looked down at the young boy and nodded, taking the helmet, which resembled a dragon, the ears and snout making him look like an dragon, going along with the wing like shoulder pads of his. With a pat on the back, the priest nodded again.
    “This was the same armor that we had made for the famous Knight, Shean vern Languin. Or, the protector of the Four Lights. He to also had the winged shoulder pads, the dragon mouthed gauntlets, the dragooned helmet and the spiked greaves.”
    “I will use this armor well, and thank you.” Randy replied, then bowed and said his goodbyes. After that, he walked out of the door and down the street. Behind him, he could feel the eyes of everyone on the street bore into his back, watching the matt black armored Randy make his way to the tavern.
    It took Randy a total of five minutes to make his way to the Tavern only because every Knight he passed asked his order, and why he had the sacred Dragon as a armor. Apparently, this armor must be reserved for Great War heroes, or people high up in the chain of command. Shrugging it off, Randy decided to continue. Stopping in front of the Tavern doors, Randy took a breath then stepped in. As fast as the doors closed, everyone stopped talking and stared at him. Eyes of wonder peered at him from children in various corners, and a few Knights stood and placed their hands on the pommels of their swords in defense, then sat back down. After a couple of tense seconds t hat felt like hours, the Tavern returned to normal, and Sarah stood up from a far table and moved towards him with graceful movements. She quickly grabbed his arm and drug him outside of the Tavern. Once outside, she turned around and looked him up and down, as if evaluating his life. “I see they gave you an rare armor type, the dragon style. Right. Well, lets get out of here, I am itching to get to the Elves, they will teach us Magic and other items of use there.” She said with a hint of jealousy and familiarity in her voice.
    “About the Elves, we must go to the Dunban first. I have business in the city of Tagmeir.”
    “What? Why? We must reach the Elves though.”
    “Sarah, I have my reasons, so let us not debate it. I would like to get a few leagues behind us by dark.”

    After seeing her back down from the verbal war, Randy moved to the stables, hefting the pack he had of his supplies for the next few weeks. It took them no less then five minutes to reach the stables, and saddle their horses. Silently, Randy and Sarah made their way down the street and to the gate. Men and women stopped and stared at the pair as they left, watching with great curiosity and suspicion. The four men guarding the gate moved out of the way and allowed them to pass unscathed, and enter the fields of snow that lay before them. Rilem, Randy’s horse, nickered and shook his massive head. He was not accustomed to the new battle armor he was wearing, and it made him nervous. Randy reached out with his hand and stroked the horse’s side, calming the animal slightly. As if Sarah were aware of the horse’s trouble as well, she matched Rilem’s pace with her own horse and stroked its head. Randy watched with growing satisfaction as she calmed the animal abnormally easily. She looked back at him through the slits of her helmet and nodded. Randy still felt uncomfortable around her, making his unease grow and fall every time she looked at him, let alone talk. His face flushed, and Randy thanked the gods that his helmet was still on his head.
    “Sarah, can you tell me anything of the Order? I mean, I barely know of it, it’s history and why it is here.”
    “I don’t have that kind of information Randy, if I did, I would not being traveling to the Elves. They have our whole recorded history in their Great Library in their capital of Tenami.”
    “Ah, I see. Then, can you tell me of yourself, your family, and why you became a knight?” Randy inquired, determined to find something out from his partner.
    “There is not much to tell. I grew up on a small land, owned by a wealthy trader, with terrible luck. At the age of six, he decided that I was too much trouble for him to bother with, and he sent me to this school. He was my only family, and I am grateful for his Self-centered side for sending me to become a knight. Without it, I would be but a common women, growing up in a large town, probably married and living in another house by now.”
    Randy nodded and looked up at her, taking off his helmet and placing it a knob in the side of the saddle of his. She did the same, letting her Auburn hair spill out again. Her eyes held him at a stand still yet again. For a long moment, they stared at each other until she looked back up at the road, and Randy again felt his face flush, the tip of his ears burn red again. Shaking his head, Randy looked at the ground and watched the passing of snow. The pure whiteness made his eyes burn, and his breath come short. Wrapping a blanket around his arms for better insulation and heat, Randy sighed, and then shuddered. Sarah looked back at him, and smiled softly. Her smile caused Randy to flutter, falter, and stare back with a dumb-founded smile of his own. With unease, he looked back at the road and watched the pebbles go by. She seemed to be nicer today, or when he was a Knight, then when he was a squire. He could not quite understand the concept of why, but decided it was better to leave the matter to rest. Placing a hand on the pommel of his sword, they continued to the Dunban, and the city of Tagmier.



    Chapter three: More of a war then an adventure…

    Randy and Sarah had traveled three days over harsh winter grounds, passing four cities and countless villages. Each night, they would spar with sticks they found and carved themselves and make sure they polished their armor. Bit by bit, conversation-by-conversation and day by day, Randy got Sarah to lend more information about her. They would exchange likenesses and debate over certain topics.
    “By tomorrow, we should reach our last Empire city before we enter Dunban territory. Make sure you don’t show off that helmet of yours to much, the Dunban’s believe that only Elves wear that sort of armor.” Said Sarah, polishing her shoulder plate.
    “I will do well to remember that one. How come the Dunban only let Elves wear that sort of armor?”
    “I have no clue. They believe in a sort of Armageddon type thing. If a human rides a Dragon, then the world will end. That helmet of yours will get them riled up and talking about it if they see you wear it.” She said in a matter-of-factly tone.

    With that, Randy put his helmet on and nodded. After they had rolled up their bedrolls and belongings, they saddled their horses and moved on. After an hour of traveling, Randy took a drink from his water-skin and looked around. An unsettling feeling moved through Randy. His spine tingled and the hair on the nape of his neck stood up. Randy became aware of a sensation that crawled into his head, a funny feeling that egged at his mind. Like someone was probing his head with a invisible arm. Slowly, Randy twisted his head around and looked all around him, watching the trees on either side of him to see if anything was going to happen. As soon as Randy made a full rotation, an ear-shattering screech split the air, causing Randy and Sarah to cringe and fall forward in their saddles. Yanking his head up, Randy peered through the tears in his eyes at an oncoming monster, a dog like animal that was fully black and with a rider that looked neither human nor animal. The screeched stopped and Randy sat straight up in his saddle, pulling his sword out and donning his shield. The creature had closed the distance of about a quarter mile between them to several yards. With a startled gasp, Randy lifted his shield just in time to catch the first blow from the creature. His arm moved in blinding speed as the thing attacked Randy.
    Randy examined his enemy and gasped with astonishment at the thing. An animal that was supposed to be dead for several thousand years attacked him. Its horns rose like giant pikes and the thing resembled a half bull, half-human. What stood before Randy was a Cakti. Its muscular arms bulged and its speed was phenomenal. Every time the creature hit Randy, Rilem shuddered and took a step back. His arm seemed to go numb and Randy struggled to keep his shield up. The creature seemed to be amused by this because it let out a loud laugh. It’s laugh sounded like a thousand nails were being run across a plank of metal. With one last hit, Randy flew off Rilem and fell into the cold snow. He groaned and rolled onto his side, seeing Sarah collapsed in her saddle. “Agh…why me…” he groaned and stood up, getting into a fighting position. The Cakti laughed again and readied itself as well. The loincloth that it wore was accommodated with scattered metal plates against its dark blue skin. Shoulder pads, knee pads, ect. were all there. Randy’s face twisted with pain as he felt his leg shudder. Great…my leg…its sprained…I cannot let this thing win though… Randy thought in mock despair. Slowly, Randy lifted his sword, ready for an attack, wand moved slightly forward. With a twisted grin, the Cakti bound forward and smacked at Randy with its sword. Sparks flew as the Cakti’s sword sheared off Randy’s shield. As the Cakti’s arm was fully extended and out of the way, Randy lunged forward with his sword and cut through the animal’s hard muscle in the stomach. With an agonized yelp, the Cakti jumped back and slashed. Randy blocked the first attack, but was to late for the second blow as the pommel of its sword came into contact with Randy’s stomach. Coughing, Randy buckled over and hit the snow. As fast as he could, Randy got onto all fours before the Cakti brought its elbow into Randy’s back, causing a brutal pain to explode in his back. Randy let out a loud cry and collapsed, panting into the snow. His eye sight almost blacked out, Randy felt the Cakti flip Randy over and place it’s massive foot on his chest. Staring up at the creature, Randy groaned and placed his hands on either side of the animal’s foot, trying to push it off. His attempts to remove the foot proved insoluble. The Cakti let out a massive yell of victory, which made Randy cringe again. Beneath his helmet, Randy could not see much of what was going on. Before the yell of victory was over, Randy heard it cut short and then a screech. The pressure on his chest suddenly lifted and Randy sat up as quickly as his burning ribs allowed him to. To his amazement, a new Knight had joined the fight. The Knight slashed at the Cakti, severing one of its arms then finished it off before the Cakti could do anything else by cutting its throat. With a squeal of death, the Cakti toppled over and landed next to Randy. Coughing, Randy stood up and stumbled over to Sarah’s horse, dragging her off the steed. She landed on top of him with a loud clank, and he quickly moved her off to the side, taking off her helmet. Not a couple of seconds behind him, the new Knight kneeled beside Randy and study Sarah’s condition. Looking over at the new Knight, Randy caught sight of the eyes inside the helmet. They were a green, emerald green. Randy turned his attention to Sarah, gently shaking her awake. Her eyes opened slightly then they spread wider. Her mouth moved in silent words, each time she mouthed ‘Randy’. Nodding, Randy gently placed a hand on her cheek and stared into her eyes. She seemed alright, her eyes were bleeding slightly, but other then that, she was knocked unconscious by the ear shattering scream that happened before the Cakti attacked them. After a tense minute, Randy helped Sarah sit up while the other Knight held her upright. “R-…Randy….what happened?” she asked in a shaky unnerved voice.
    “We were attacked, and nearly decimated, if it weren’t for our savior here.” He replied, making a gesture to the Knight behind Sarah. The Knight that had rescued them nodded and stood up, letting Sarah sit up by her self, save for her grabbing onto Randy. The mysterious Knight stood about 6’5” and had pure white armor on. The armor resembled that of many statues, wide shoulder pads, and a more stone looking armor. Eagle claws ribbed the mid section of the armor and the shoulder pads showed the wings. A bucket shaped helmet with a long spike coming out of the middle defined the middle of it. Large eye slits showed the eyes of the Knight. Randy looked at the knight and made a ‘hat’s off’ motion. Hesitantly, the Knight peered at him, and then placed a hand on either side of their helmet. A c***k of armor rang out before Randy watched the Knight pull of their helm. A woman, age of about 19, stood there. Her high cheekbones, slanted eyebrows, and startling eyes screamed at Randy as he saw her. It took him a moment to notice her pointed ears as well. “A…elf...” he breathed.