Eranithia: Prophecies: Chapter 17

Chapter 17

The next morning, Mark woke up to wonderful smells of breakfast. Assortments of meat and fruit along with bread, goats milk, and fruit juices were laid out on the table. Mark joined the others at the table and filled his plate, knowing he was in for a long day of training.

"I think it's perfect," he heard Garandol say. "I'll send Arrow immediately."

"Will it be safe for Arrow?" Seth asked.

"He will be perfectly safe. Sol is always protecting him, especially when Arrow is doing His work. Besides, if Arrow can't dodge an arrow or a bullet anymore then he will be too old to be of any use anymore."

The hawk screeched at them, clearly offended which made Garandol laugh as he said, "You see. He's offended. Nothing will stop him from getting this letter to Arnath now."

The bird took the rolled up parchment in his talons then flew off quickly.

"That is the most reliable bird I have ever met," Garandol said admiring the bird as he flew out of sight.

"Garandol," Mark said, remembering the day the small bird landed on Garandol's shoulder.

"Good morning, Mark. What can I do for you?"

"I was just wondering. Can you talk to the animals?"

Garandol's smile showed his amusement as he asked, "Why would you think that?"

"Because when we were on our way to Unterhumus, a bird came and landed on your shoulder. You tilted your head as if you were listening to something the bird was saying."

Garandol finished his mouthful of food then answered Mark, saying, "If you know how to listen, you can communicate with any living thing."

Does that man ever give a straight answer?  Mark thought as he returned to his meal.

They all ate in relative silence, aside from the occasional morning greeting from someone else joining them. After their meal was finished Arland and Jennifer cleared the table, then began washing the dishes as Seth grabbed Mark's shoulder firmly.

"Time for your training," he said.

Mark followed Seth outside where he was led through a complicated series of stretches which he explained as being essential to increasing his balance, strength and flexibility. If these three things weren't balanced, he would at a disadvantage.

Many of the yoga like positions Seth had Mark in caused him to fall over, but he didn't get too discouraged seeing as it was his first time. After about an hour of these core stretches, Seth took him into the woods about a quarter mile away, carrying two three foot long pieces of wood shaped into swords and two round, wooden shields. Seth had made the swords and shields when he was a child. He and his sister used to duel each other with them when they were kids.

"First you must learn the proper techniques before actually using your sword. Garandol has told me how you have trained in your own world for mock wars so we will see if you have learned the correct way to fight someone. First, your sword," he said then tossed one of the three foot long wooden swords to him.

Mark caught the sword in midair with ease, gripping the detailed hilt. He twirled it once to get a feel for the weight. Then he took notice of the carvings in the hilt. The small circular knob was the head of alion. He also noticed that on the cross of the hilt was an eagle, bear, deer and dove.

"What are these carvings?" Mark asked.

"I carved those when I was a child. They are different shapes of Sol in which I have heard others meet him. Sol can take the shape of anything He wishes. Those are the five most common."

"Jennifer met Him in a dream. I think He was a deer in that dream."

"He may very well have been."

"I think he may have been the small dragon that helped Garandol and Arland with the Imps along the Palina River," Mark said.

"If that's the case, I may have to carve that into the hilt later."

Mark then looked up and asked, "How did you get these if you were hiding for so long?"

"Like I said, I know that castle better than anyone," he said with a mischievous grin. Then his face went stern. It was time to get down to business, "Now, we don't have a lot of time to teach you to fight properly. Let's try and have some focus shall we?"

"Right, sorry," he said then held his wooden sword and shield at the ready. He stood with his shield in front of his body and his sword arm above his head with the point of the sword pointing at a downward angle.

Seth left his arms fall; on the verge of laughter he asked, "What are you doing?"

Mark was confused. Lowering his sword and shield, he said, "I'm getting ready to fight."

"You look ridiculous," he said with laughter this time. "Your shield was fine, but your sword should be out in front of you like this." He stopped laughing as he showed Mark how he should hold the sword in front of him pointed up slightly, already aimed at his enemy's heart. "This way, you can move to defend in any direction quickly."

Mark did as he was instructed, then Seth stood a few feet away again, waiting. Mark wasn't sure what he should do so he waited as well. Then suddenly Seth attacked.

Seth didn't use a shield, so the force of his attack was heavy. He brought the wooden sword down at Mark's neck, but Mark threw up his shield and ducked out of the way, moving quick enough so Seth couldn't surprise him with an attack from behind.

Mark stood ready again, this time watching for anything. Seth ran at him then changed directions quickly, jumping at a tree. Planting one foot on the tree, he pushed off, flying through the air, three feet above Mark's head.

Mark was so stunned at Seth's display of acrobatics he almost didn't gethis shield up in time. Seth's sword struck Mark's shield with a loud crack of wood on wood that rang loudly in his ears. Mark pushed backon his shield, shoving Seth back a pace then swung his sword at mid-level. Seth deflected with his sword, then twisted it around testing Mark's grip; it failed him. The sword left his hand, flipped around in the air, landing five feet away.

"Not too bad, Mark. Not bad at all," Seth said, grinning.

"But you disarmed me," Mark protested, out of breath.

"Yes, but on my second attack. I'm not quite coming at you full strength yet, but much more than I would any other time. I wanted to test your strength and agility, which is why I came so hard to start. You have some skill in you, I see that already. You can set down your shield. I will teach you more with just your sword. Soon you will be able to use only your sword and have no need for a shield. Although it is foolish not to have a shield in wartime, unless you are skilled enough to use two swords at once. Not many do, but I have seen Arland using two swords for show. Aside from a skilled archer, he's a phenomenal swordsman."

Mark didn't say anything. The fact Seth had complimented him at all on how he handled himself was all he needed to build his confidence.

"Now, hold your sword out in front of you like I showed you and grip the hilt with both hands. Now, I can see you know the basic defensive moves to block an attack. Let's go through those basic blocks first, then we will see where it will go after that."

Mark held his sword out like he was instructed, gripping the hilt with both hands, watching Seth's sword. He knew not to look at anything else. Seth began with a thrust for Mark's chest, which Mark blocked by redirecting Seth's sword to the left. Seth responded by twisting his blade around so it was on the opposite side of Mark's sword then swiped at Mark's head. Mark swatted at the sword and the wood crashed giving a hollow pop.

Mark's hands stung from the vibration in the wood, but he ignored it and continued to block every blow that Seth threw at him. Seth moved quicker and quicker as they sparred. Mark was surprised at himself for being able to keep up. He'd never moved so quickly before. He felt as if he'd been doing this his whole life. However, he knew that Seth could disarm him at any moment since Seth really had grown up using a weapon his whole life.

Less that twenty minutes later fatigue began to burn in Mark's arms, but he couldn't give up. If he were in a real battle his enemy wouldn't back off because he felt tired. The enemy would use that against him, ultimately defeating him. He knew that Seth was picking up on his fatigue as well. But Seth only came at him harder and faster. It was everything Mark could do to keep his arms up. Mark grit his teeth and pushed harder to keep moving. Relief came in the form of disarmament. Seth twisted the wooden sword out of Mark's hand, sending it flying away like before. Mark fell to his knees, Seth's wooden blade against his throat.

"You're dead," Seth said with a grin.

Mark looked up at him saying, "Then I'm at your mercy," Mark said.

Seth laughed heartily and offered his hand. Mark did all he could to lift his arm and grab Seth by the forearm.

Once Mark was on his feet Seth said, "You did well. Very well."

"You bested me."

"Of course I did. But you have to remember that there aren't many in Eranithia who can beat me with a sword. If there are any at all."

Mark took the compliment and let his arms hang limply. He didn't think he could lift anything the rest of the day.

"I think that's enough for now. Let's have some lunch. Sparring always makes me hungry."

Mark hadn't realized he was hungry until Seth mentioned lunch. His stomach growled angrily, demanding sustenance. When he went to pick up his sword and shield, Seth stopped him, picking them both up for him.

"You rest. You need it more than I do."

"Thank you," Mark said breathlessly. He couldn't remember feeling so exhausted.

"Tell me, Mark, what is your world like?" Seth asked as they began their walk back to the cabin.

Mark sighed from exhaustion and said, "It's nothing like here."

"How is it different?"

Mark went into explaining how the woods were different and seemed much smaller than the woods they were in at the moment. Seth responded in saying that it was because of the giant blood that was spilled. Mark knew that to be true, but he explained that trees in the the woodsnear the other mountains, which Seth informed him were called the Gar Mountains, were bigger than in the woods from his home in California. He tried explaining the paved roads and the vehicles that drove on them; the homes with air conditioning and heaters; domesticated pets; electricity; television; computers. Everything seemed impossible to explain to Seth, but Seth listened with the interest of a child. The roles were reversed. Mark knew that if Seth had been brought into hisworld, and was telling him about Eranithia, he'd have the same, childlike, excitement.

Their walk back to the cabin seemed to take much longer than their venture into the woods earlier. But when they returned, they found lunch waiting for them. It was the leftover meat from breakfast on bread with different sauces and dressings. Mark and Seth took seats at the table and began stuffing their faces with food.

When Arland and Jennifer entered the cabin Seth stood up, crossed the roomand grabbed Arland by the arm, leading him outside.

Mark looked at Jennifer with a confused scowl. She looked back at him just as confused but shrugged it off as the food caught her eye. She sat down, made herself a sandwich and ate quickly. Mark couldn't remember a time he'd seen Jennifer eat so ravenously.

After a couple minutes, Seth and Arland came back in. Arland asked Mark to stand up. Looking him over, Arland smiled then slapped him on the shoulder.

"Thank you, Mark," Arland said then took a seat across the table from Mark and Jennifer. Mark watched him for a few seconds, wondering what their small exchange had been about.

Afterlunch Mark went back into the woods with Seth, Arland disappeared into the forest and Jennifer followed Garandol into the woods just behind the cabin. Garandol was going to begin teaching her all she could do with her mind.

"You can do much more than move things with your mind," he said.

"Where's Arland going?" she asked as she watched the Elf go off into another direction.

"I believe Seth asked him to do something. Let's try and stay focused please," he said.

"Right, sorry," she said and returned her focus to Garandol.

"LikeI was saying, there is much more you can do with your mind than just move things across the room. I will teach you to communicate with others through your mind. This includes animals."

"What else is there? I know there is the telekinesis and telepathy, but what else is there?"

"You possess the same abilities as Serina. All of them. I sense them within you now. I don't know why I didn't before," he said. Jennifer thought he sounded like he was kicking himself for his lack of intuition.

"Serina didn't just speak to your brother in his dreams," he continued. "She projected a reality in his mind. He wasn't really there, but it felt as real as if he had been there."

"Just like you did with me," she said remembering the night that now seemed so long ago.

"Yes, but she is much more skilled than I am. It is the one part of her that hasn't stopped growing. She has met me in my dreams a few times also. From there I was able to teach her a few things. But she has surpassed me in mental abilities now. There may come a day where she will teach you."

They came to a clearing where Garandol used his staff to lift two small boulders from in front of a tree and set them in the middle of the clearing as seats for them to face each other. Jennifer sat, waiting for instructions from Garandol. As she waited, her mind wandered again to thoughts of Arland.

"Focus, Jennifer. Focus," Garandol said causing her to jump a little.

Jennifer blushed as she stared back at the old man. She hadn't realized her lesson had already started.

"First we will see to what extent your telekinetic abilities go. It's one thing to send a cup flying across the room to hit someone to make a point but you must learn to lift other obj-" he stopped talking, suddenly noticing he was floating in the air.

She smiled as he floated gently back down to the boulder. Garandol looked shocked for a second then smiled.

"I think you have a handle on that one. Let's try and communicate mentally then."

He shut his mouth and waited for her to contact his mind but she was having a hard time.

"I don't know how to do it. It isn't anything I've ever learned."

"Try closing your eyes and listen with your mind, not your ears."

Closing her eyes, she tried to block out all sounds around her but as she did they seemed to grow louder.

"Jennifer,focus on blocking out one sound at a time," Garandol suggested.

First, the sound of birds chirping came to her ears. Focusing on that sound alone, she tried blocking it out. The more she focused on it, though, the louder it seemed to get. Then she decided to ignore that sound. Suddenly it vanished. Her heart raced a little as she realized how she had to block out the sounds. Next she heard the scampering of squirrels, ignoring that one, the sound disappeared. She did the same thing with every sound, including the light breeze. Finally, she felt like she was in a room where her voice couldn't go past herself. Then she opened her mind to listen for a voice. However, all she could hear was her own mind's voice.

Open...mind...ifer... she was starting to hear something! It sounded like Garandol's voicein her head. en your...ind...enifer...Open...r...mind, Jennifer.

There it was! She said excitedly in her mind.

Yes. You...it. Open your mind Jennifer.

I hear you! she exclaimed back to him.

Very well done. Can you still hear me? He asked.

Yes, she responded.

Good. Now, communicating in this way has it's benefits, but it can also be very dangerous. If there is someone else near who has this ability,they can eavesdrop on your conversation, as long as they can block you from noticing their presence. Some are even skilled enough to trap you in your own mind. That's what happened to Serina. Arnath had contacted her and since he was her uncle, she trusted him and spoke back. But Arnath allowed his sorcerer in and put her in her enchanted sleep.

That's horrible! Jennifer said angrily.

It is. Arnath is an evil man, which is what all of this is about.

I want to help. I want to do my part, she said. Jennifer was shocked at the passion in her voice. She didn't know why she suddenly cared so much, but she knew she wanted what was best for Eranithia.

Eranithia deserves a good king. Not a tyrant like Arnath.

Since her eyes were closed and she couldn't see him, Jennifer could feel Garandol smiling at her as he said, It warms my heart to hear you say that. Try opening your eyes and keeping the connection.

Jennifer opened her eyes and looked at Garandol.

Can...earme....Jennifer....ind....consen..ate on me, Jennifer. Concentrate on me and focus. Can you hear me?

Yes I can! Jennifer said excitedlyin her mind. She was amazed at how quickly she was learning to useall her gifts.

Good, now your next lesson is this: Learn how to block someone from seeing into your mind. Find something that is strong that they can't get through. Some think of a wall of stone that is difficult to break through. Others think of something dear to them, but that can be dangerous because if your enemy is trying to hurt you, knowing who you love and care about is a great weapon for them. But you have to train your mind to think of this object without it being the forefront of your mind because you never know when someone might sneak into your mind. So, for now your lesson will be of defense.

Okay, she said after taking a deep breath.

I am going to try and probe farther into your mind, so I want you toput up a wall of defense to keep me out.

Okay.

Jennifer could feel him in her mind like there was a person walking around inside; searching a hall full of doors into her memories. He was looking for something close to her heart so Jennifer imagined one of the walls from her high school. It was only a beige stucco wall but it was the best thing she could think of. He pounded on the wall with his fists at first, then he had a heavy mallet and was pounding on the wall.

Her head began to hurt as the stucco began to chip away from the hammer falls. He was determined to get inside. She didn't understand why he was trying so hard. Had Garandol been lying this whole time? Was he a friend or an enemy? Why won't he let up?

Jennifer needed a stronger defense so she thought of a brick wall to replace the breaking stucco. Garandol's hammer wasn't working for him anymore. The brick was successfully keeping him out so he quit his advances.

"Very well done, Jennifer," he said.

Jennifer was panting as if she had just run a mile as fast as she possibly could. She looked up at him angrily with tears streaming down her face. Then she remembered her headache. Pressing her fingers into her temples, she cried. She'd never felt a headache so painful before.

Garandol got up from his rock and walked over to her.

"Get away from me!" she screamed at him, turning away; her head pounded even more from the scream.

"Child," Garandol said soothingly, "let me take your pain away."

She looked at him out of the corner of her eye, seeing his sad, old face staring at her. He looked like he was truly sorry for her pain so she turned towards him slowly. Garandol then placed his fingertips on either side of her head and closed his eyes. He moved his mouth but no words came out. Before she knew it the pain was gone from her head.

"How do you feel?" he asked looking straight into her eyes.

Her headache was gone and she could think clearly again. She realized Garandol was only trying to push her to defend herself against an enemy. Someone who didn't care about her well being wouldn't have stopped at any point.

"Much better. Thank you," she said.

He nodded then took his seat on the boulder again.

"I'm sorry for how I acted," she apologized.

"There is no need to be sorry. I pushed you hard and you did well. I'm afraid that second wall will not stop Arnath's sorcerer, but it's a good start."

"Do you think he'll send his sorcerer?" she asked, feeling a slight pang of fear in her stomach.

"I don't know, but if he does, I will battle him myself. Arland has strong mental capabilities as well, so you should be perfectly safe. Seth learned a few things from his sister, and even though he's likely a little out of practice, he will be aware of any threats as well and will keep both you and your brother safe."

Jennifer let out a sigh as she felt some relief knowing that so many of them would be able to protect her, mentally and physically.

"You and Mark can learn things from each other," Garandol continued,"and your powers strengthen when you're together because you are twins. Twins are the only true humans who are given abilities like you have. It's because of the bond that is created between twins. And because of that bond you will both take on a bit of each other. Mark will have some mental powers when you're around and you will have speed and strength when he's around. Over time you will both learn how to hold on to a small part of those abilities when you're separated, but it will be nothing like when you are together."

"So how is it that Arnath has powers?"

Garandol paused for a moment. He seemed unsure about something he was going tosay for a moment. Jennifer was a little frightened by his delay in answering her. What could have been so horrible that even Garandol hesitated in telling her? With a sad sigh, Garandol told her.

"Isn't it obvious? Arnath was King Damien's twin," Garandol said and let it sink in with her.

"I knew from Seth's story that they were brothers, but twins? Didn't it hurt him to kill his brother? I mean, didn't he feel any pain?"

"It's my belief that Turmna had consumed Arnath so much that he cut off all connection to Damien in his heart. Arnath did always had a bad streak in him. Even when they were boys and were still close, Arnath was always mischievous. Damien on the other hand, was as mischievous as any young boy, but he didn't do anything maliciously. He had a free spirit and a good heart. If what he did caused anyone any kind of pain, he always apologized and tried to make it better. Arnath would sit back and laugh no matter the outcome. Not much has changed with him. However, Damien always saw good in Arnath, even when there was none to be seen. The good he saw was that Arnath was his brother and he loved him. He always trusted him."

"He didn't know Arnath was plotting against him?" Jennifer asked.

"He did. Damien just thought he'd be able to get through to him. But Arnath built up an army, and even when it came to his death Damien pleaded with him instead of fighting back."

Jennifer interrupted asking, "Were you there when he killed Damien?"

"No, but being a prophet of Sol, you learn many things most would never know."

Garandol stared at her for a while. She didn't care; there was so much to take in and digest from this piece of recent history. When she finally looked back up at him after a few minutes of silence Garandol went on explaining the lengths of Arnath's evil tyranny.

"Arnath is the worst kind of evil Eranithia has ever seen. There have been bad kings and queens, but none compared to the likes of Arnath. Perhaps because he's learned from past evil patriarchs' mistakes, buthe has made things worse on the people of Eranithia than they have ever known from history. Not just on the taxes he places on everyone, but he is not a merciful leader.

"For example: If someone owes a debt they cannot pay, they are forced to serve as a slave for life no matter if their labor has paid for their debt or not. Many noble families loyal to Arnath have taken an entire family as slaves with his full support."

"Aren't there any left who are still loyal to Damien?" Jennifer asked. She swatted a fly away from her face.

"The good noble families that supported Damien have either been killed, made Arnath's own personal servants or have fled to other lands with what they could carry. The Elves have taken a few families in and the Centaurs have as well."

"Doesn't he know that the Elves and the Centaurs can destroy him?"

"He does, but he also knows they won't do anything unless there is a leader they are willing to support. Seth is the only one worthy of their help. He is just like his father and they loved Damien. If he can convince them that he is ready to take what is rightfully his, then Arnath won't stand a chance."

"Won't he do anything?" she asked, swatting the same fly away. Jennifer hoped for a bath later. The fly had to attracted to her sweat.

"He wants to, but he needs his sister first."

"Then why don't we get her?"

Abreeze blew at Garandol's beard as a strand of hair fell into herface.

"That is in the plans. One step at a time, Jennifer," he said, watching her for a moment.

Jennifer knew what he was thinking. She hadn't shown any determination, or any sign that she cared, since they'd met almost two weeks ago.

"Let's continue your training. Know that no matter what I do I will not use anything I see against you and I will do my best to forget it. But I have to push harder until you're ready to face any magician he sends."

"Then let's see what I can do," she said with determination.

Mark followed Seth through the door, the strong scent of dinner filling their nostrils. Mark's stomach growled so loud he thought everybody heard. Jennifer looked over her shoulder, smiling at him from the stove. He gave a tired smile in return.

"Mark will make a fine warrior one day," Seth announced as they entered the dining area. "He is learning fast, and his strength is greater than he has yet to realize. We will have no problem besting the king's men when they come for Broc." Seth clapped him on the shoulder roughly. Mark felt like he would fall over, but he didn't show how weak and tired he felt.

"That's great!" Jennifer said then turned back to the stove, continuing to stir the contents inside one of the pots.

"Have you washed for dinner?" Garandol asked.

"Yes, on our way in we stopped at the stream," Seth said taking a seat at the table.

"Good. Dinner is ready," Garandol said then he and Jennifer began placing the food on the table.

It was much of what they had the night before, some made into a stew, but there were no complaints. Nobody talked during the meal. All that mattered was quieting their starving stomachs. When their stomachs were satisfied, Mark and Jennifer noticed that Arland was missing.

"Where's Arland?" Mark asked.

Jennifer looked surprised to hear him ask.

"I asked him to do something." Seth said. "He should be back soon."

About an hour later Arland returned. He looked exhausted and with the way he was stuffing food into his mouth, they could all see he was famished.

"Is it done?" Seth asked.

Arland nodded without looking up from his meal.

"Good. We'll wait for you to finish your meal before you present it then."

"Present what?" Mark asked.

Seth didn't answer. He also seemed to be the only one who knew what he was talking about, aside from Arland. Mark looked at Garandol, who looked as if he didn't care as he took puffs from his pipe. But Jennifer looked as confused as he did. She looked at him, shrugged her shoulders then took a drink of water.

Mark didn't try figuring out what was going on, so he got up, went outside and went through the stretches Seth taught him. About halfway through, Seth and Arland came outside, Arland carrying something wrapped in a long, white cloth.

"Mark, every warrior should have his own sword made just for him. Since you have lost yours, and since Arland knows you and has had a chance to see your heart," he pulled the cloth off of the object in Arland's hands, revealing a sword in its scabbard, "he has made you your very own sword."

Looking at them wide eyed, he asked, "You made this for me?"

"Seth asked me to last night. That's why I had you stand. I needed your exact size in my mind before I began."

Mark looked at the sword, then from the sword to Seth, then from Seth to Arland. He was speechless.

"Well,take it," Seth said with a chuckle.

Taking the sword from Arland, Mark held it by the hilt in his right hand, with the blade end resting in his left. Black leather was wrapped around the grip of the shiny, steel hilt that was a hand and a half in length. The knob at the end was the head of a lion, just like with the wooden sword he'd been training with. The cross of the hilt was the shape of eagles wings, curved towards the sword's point. At the pointed end of the scabbard was the shape of an eagle's head.

"These are the two most fierce forms of Sol. The Lion and the Eagle." Seth explained.

Mark was at a loss for words. Pulling the sword from the sheath, a bright golden colored blade shined bright. It was the most beautiful sword he'd ever seen.

Looking at Arland, he said, "It's beautiful. But why is it gold?"

"For one, it's not gold. It's merely the color of the steel. Two, whenever an Elf makes a sword he prays over it as he does. And as I form it with my hands, Sol breathes on it, making it special to its owner. Sol knows your heart and He made your sword this golden color. He sees that you have a heart of gold. You are loyal and you put others before yourself. You are brave and will stop at nothing to protect those you care about." Arland explained to him.

Mark was dumbstruck. Sol saw all of that in him? Was it true? Was he really that brave? He looked at his sister, who was beaming at him with the biggest smile he'd ever seen. He realized what Arland said was true; he knew he would stop at nothing to keep her safe. If the qualities Sol saw in him were true when it came to her, maybe they were true for everyone in his life.

He hadn't seen Seth walk away, but he returned holding a sword in its scabbard. It was much like his, but instead of eagle's wings on the cross of the hilt, antlers stretched across.

"Shall we see how you handle your new tool?" Seth asked, pulling out ared blade.

This was the first time Mark had never seen Seth's sword. Mark thought it was as beautiful as his own. Then tossing his scabbard to Arland, who caught it with one hand, Mark stood ready to duel with Seth. Seth removed his blade from its scabbard and tossed it to Arland as well. Arland caught the scabbard in his free hand. Mark couldn't take his eyes off the dark, red blade. It had him mesmerized.

Arland went on to explain Seth's sword. "His blade is red because he isvery passionate about all he does. When he loves, he loves fiercely. When he battles, he is untamed and ferocious. The red represents his heart like the gold represents yours."

Seth stepped towards him and they began circling each other. Mark was weary about sparring with Seth with his new sword in fear it would wear it down, but he wanted to see how well he could handle it at the same time.

Seth attacked first, much quicker than in any of their training sessions. Fighting a slight panic attack, Mark blocked the blow to his neck faster than he expected. Seth's blade was only an inch from his flesh. They stood frozen for a few seconds; Seth grinning, Mark in wide-eyed terror.

"Good!" Seth said then brought his sword back.

Seth pursued Mark even faster but from the opposite side of his first attack. Mark matched him blow for blow, defending and attacking. He used everything Seth had been teaching him. Their swords became a blur of red and gold, their metallic strikes ringing throughout the woods. Another clash of metal would sound before the echo of the previous clash finished ringing out creating an endless stream of noise throughout the woods.

Seth continued to come at Mark faster and faster, swinging at Mark's head,which Mark ducked and spun away from. Seth attacked his feet next but Mark jumped over the blade and brought his own down towards Seth's head while he was still in the air. Seth smoothly deflected the blade then kicked Mark in the chest, sending him flying backwards.

After falling three feet away, Mark rose to his feet and rushed for Seth, attacking with a big swing at Seth's neck. No one could see how it happened, but Seth twisted his blade around Mark's then suddenly his sword was on the ground and Seth's blade stopped, resting on the skin of Mark's neck.

A few seconds passed before the echoes of their battle died down. Mark couldn't tell the difference between the ringing of his own ears and the ringing spreading throughout the woods.

"You're ready," Seth whispered to him.

He pulled his sword away, giving a bow to Mark. Mark returned it humbly then they both walked to Arland.

Arland held out Mark's scabbard but Mark was studying his blade. Looking it over, he couldn't find a mark on it. The sword looked as if it'd never been used. He looked at Arland for an explanation.

"That's Sol's power he puts over every hero's sword we Elves make," Arland explained. "It will never have to be sharpened. It will never ware down. That sword is yours for life. Never give up your blade to anyone."

To Mark, what Arland said sounded more like a warning that the sword would turn on him if he did. Mark had read about weapons that seemed to have a mind of their own; Eragon's sword, Brisingr; Harry Potter's wand with the phoenix feather core. Each of those worked best for owners. Mark wondered if it this was more similar to Eragon, wherethe owner of the sword was the only one who could wield its true power; or if it was more like Harry Potter, where if a witch or wizard defeated their enemy in a dual, their wand would respond to them, having proven to be the better wizard.

Later that night, Mark sat on the boulder in front of the cabin, staring at the stars. So much had happened lately he needed time alone to process. The cabin door creaked open, but Mark hardly paid any attention. Somehow he could feel Jennifer's presence, so he didn't bother to look back at her. She walked around the boulder and sat on his right.

"What's up?" she asked.

"Nothing really."

"Are you sure?" she probed.

"Yeah. I'm just trying process everything that's happened the past few days. Heck, the past two weeks."

"Do you want to be alone?"

He looked at his sister then said, "No, I would love your company. I just didn't want to be around everybody."

She smiled then put her head on his shoulder like she had the night before.

"Seth said I was ready," Mark said after a long period of silence.

"I know. I heard him."

"I don't know if I am," he admitted.

"If Seth says you are, then you must be. Think about it, he's the strongest and fastest man in Eranithia. He's the only one the Elves will support if he stands against Arnath."

"I know. It's just hard to believe. I mean, I'm only sixteen."

"Seth's only twenty-five. He was strong enough ten years ago."

"But he has powers."

"And you don't?" she asked lifting her head off his shoulder and staring straight into his eyes. "You have the same kind of powers as Seth. You are strong and fast. I've never seen you move like that. Not even when you were training with your friends."

"They never gave me a challenge though."

"It's because you've always been this strong and fast," she sounded exasperated. "I'm telling you, if you stood up to those guys at school you could take them."

He laughed a little then said, "I believe that now."

Grinning, Jennifer looked away again, staring at the ground. He could tell something was on her mind, but he thought he'd let her tell him without him prying.

"So, what do you think is going to happen to us?" she finally asked acouple minutes later.

"I don't know, but I do know that this is where we belong."

She didn't respond right away and it made Mark nervous. He was afraid she would go off again on how they need to try and get home to their parents, but instead she put her head back on his shoulder and said, "I agree."

He bumped her head off his shoulder. She looked at him confused as he asked, "You do?"

Looking at the stars she said, "Yeah. Before my session with Garandol, I accepted where we are much more than I was willing to before. This place deserves a better king. It's so beautiful and I'm sure if the people weren't living in fear of the king, they're probably very good and friendly. If Garandol, Seth and Arland are any good examples of what the people of Eranithia are really like then this would be a great place to live."

Mark couldn't remember a time he'd felt happier. Being brought into Eranithia was the best thing to ever happen to him. He and Jennifer were as close as they were when they were kids; he was on a great and dangerous adventure; he was making new, wonderful friends; he knew how to use a real sword...correctly. Life was just the way he thought it should be.

"I love you sis," he said.

Looking at him again, she smiled, kissed him on the cheek then rested her head back on his shoulder.

"I love you too brother."