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Read this file after completing "Friend or Foe?"

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With a scream of anguish the demonic minotaur collapsed like a fallen tree as had so many of Logans foes from the ferocity of his attacks. Victory had come because he had convinced himself he was not truly fighting Janus. After all, Garibaldi himself had not been harmed at all in their battle; the demon he had transformed into had taken all the damage.

The demons body begins to shimmer with a pulsing light that engulfs it. The light grows stronger and brighter until at last the flesh is no longer in sight. Within it Logan watches as the demons body reverts back to that of its human host. The light fades away, leaving Janus. Much to his relief, as he had suspected, Janus was completely unharmed.

Why? Janus groans in disappointment as Logan approached his former friend. Why is life so cruel? Why am I being denied my vengeance?

Perhaps it is simply not to be, said Logan sympathetically.

Janus raises his head revealing a look of pure hatred in his eyes and upon his face. You are a fool to think you have won Logan! He pushes himself up to his feet and reaches for his weapon. I do not need the power of my new master to exact my revenge!

Correct! a voice calls out. Logan and Janus look up to where the voice came from to see a giant raven perched atop the gazebo. At his side is the familiar form of a man Logan hated more than any other.

Master? Janus gasps.

Revelin! Logan hisses.

Revelin grabs hold of the giant ravens legs as its talons close around his shoulders. The raven flies down towards where the two men stand and transforms itself into the familiar form of Raven Dark after releasing its human passenger. The sorcerer reaches out towards Janus with one hand that becomes engulfed in a transparent amethyst halo Logan watches as the body of his former friend releases a dark colored light shining from his chest and his forehead, forming strange runes that glow upon his forehead and through his cloak. Raven Dark draws back his outstretched arm and the light pulls itself towards his hand like metal drawn to a magnet. The runes vanish as whatever power Janus had been granted by his master is removed from his body. Through it all Janus can do nothing but watch in silent anxiety.

The halo surrounding Raven Darks hand vanishes as the spell finishes its work. With a smile he turns to Logan. Truly admirable Logan! You passed the test with flying colors.

Test? Logan asked, obviously shocked. You mean this battle was all a test?

Wait a minute! Janus yells. You mean you were testing him and not me when you gave me that power?

Precisely! said Raven Dark with a nod. Logan shows a lot of potential, far too valuable a resource to be simply tossed away. How fortunate for us that Garibaldi recruited him in the first place. I would hate to see his talent go to waste on the wrong side of this conflict.

The Scourge will never welcome this traitor back to their ranks! Janus hisses. He looks to his commanding officer for verification. Isnt that right commander Revelin?

Quite, said Revelin. His words confirmed to Logan that he would never be welcomed back into the Scourge. As if that was so terrible!

Janus, are you truly that ignorant towards the recent history of our army and his contribution to our cause? asked Raven Dark. The Scourge were founded by my disciple Garibaldi. But it was I who gave him the idea to build an army to achieve my ideals of a new age for humanity, one that required mass genocide in order to purge the heart and soul of humanity. Many of whom we chose to serve our cause had suffered the greatest injustices from society. Loss of loved ones, denial of certain rights based on gender and race, and persecution to name a few.

Rejection from family and loved ones should also be on the list, said Revelin as he folded his arms over his chest with a look of disgust and anger as if remembering a past wrong in his life.

So you were telling your story to Albrecht in the town square! Logan thought. That would explain so much about your personality.

And thanks to Logan I have been restored to life. The Scourge shall become an even greater force with its true founder to guide it, Raven Dark went on. 
Therefore unlike the Scourge I see Logan not as a traitor but as the most powerful ally I have ever had by my side.

Except for your father, said Logan.

Exactly, said Raven Dark. And humankind can consider itself blessed that he is still left weakened and sealed away after his last encounter with Lazarus. But now you are here, proof that a man need not wield magic in order to be a powerful individual. Revelin was wise to spare you when those under his command demanded vengeance.

I have my own motives for mercy, said Revelin matter-of-factly.

Commander if your head was as big as your ego all of Europe wouldnt have the space to accommodate you! Janus said more angrily than Logan had ever heard him speak. Logan finds himself unable to resist laughing at this joke at Revelins expense as his hated arch-rivals face contorts into a look of anger.

I do not tolerate insults! Revelin snarls.

Truth hurts doesnt it? asked Janus. We may be on the same side but I still dont like you! Never did and never will! And I for one speak all my comrades when I say it is unwise to have shown mercy to an enemy! At this rate our entire army will be slaughtered before we can even return to Earth!

Not possible, said Revlin. You see, Raven Dark and I have found a way to pick up where we left off before Garibaldis untimely demise.

Yet as long as Logan lives he is a threat to our cause! Our chances of victory become ever slimmer with every day he lives! He gives the people hope! Remember how we crushed their spirits when they were informed of his death? Or how morale raised itself so quickly when he revealed himself? I say we dispose of him now while we have the chance!

Damn it Janus, now is not the time, said Revelin.

What is this? Is Revelin siding with me for once? Logan feels genuinely surprised, even more than when Revelin ordered him spared on the previous two occassions.

No Revelin! Now is the time! We have another chance for revenge and this time Logan is all alone with three of the most powerful enemies he has faced in this war! Opportunity knocks only once and I have no intention of letting you deny our vengeance. Or more importantly...mine...again!

Uh oh! He didnt address Revelin properly.

Insubordination Janus? Really? Judging from the arched eyebrows Revelin looked more surprised than angry at not being addressed by rank. Youre not going to get away with this.

I have nothing left to live for but my own revenge and I will take it now if I must for the good of the Scourge and their cause! I am done taking orders from you!

All reason and sense having been abandoned by Janus, the lieutenant whirled on Logan and raised his weapon. Logan having anticipated this move quickly drew his shotgun preparing to defend himself. He knew this time that the Janus he knew was truly gone and that he would have to put his former friend down. It was regretful but it would have to be done. Perhaps putting Janus out of his misery would be the best thing he could do for now. Better for him to die than to walk further down the path he had chosen.

I am sorry it has to end this way my friend.

What happens next took Logan by surprise more so than anything that had happened before. A shotgun blast rings in his ears and strikes Januss weapon with enough force to displace it from his hand and send it falling to the stone floor several feet away to Janus side and slid for several more feet. Logan looks to where the blast came from and saw something that he simply could not believe despite the truth of his vision.

Revelin was holding his own shotgun, its barrels smoking from a recent dischage.
What the hell is this? Revelin saved me?

He forced himself back to reality to hear the sounds of hurried footsteps. After giving his former commanding officer a glare of hateful malice, Janus dashes to recover his weapon. Out of thin air mystical chains materialize and bind him by the arms and legs halting his charge, pulling his feet off the ground, and sending him to the stone pavement. A glance towards Raven Dark reveals the sorcerer has conjured a magic spell summoning two chains from each of his hands. Janus struggles against them with his teeth gritting in rage and yelling in frustration, yet there is nothing he can do to free himself.

Calmly Revelin walks over to where Janus weapon lay on the floor. He scooped it up and tosses it over the edge of the balcony.

No! Janus screams. Damn you Revelin! Damn you! His struggles against the chains binding him now begin to take their toll sapping his strength and stamina.
Revelin shoots Logan a smug grin as if to say, Now you owe me!

Just because I saved you doesnt mean I like you, he said.

Feeling is mutual, said Logan.

I still have yet to see the fruits of my strategy against you, said Revelin. To break you by destroying everything you have fought for. And as for Janus I leave his fate up to you.

Watching his former friend upon the stone floor held by the chains conjured by Raven Darks spell Logan felt a twinge of sorrow. Moments before he had almost forced himself to kill Janus to save himself. Now he is once more conflicted about what to do with his friend who is now helpless at the mercy of his masters power. Part of him wanted to thank Revelin for stopping him but the rest of him reminded him of his rivals role in Katrinas death and made him think otherwise.

Dont think this changes anything Revelin! said Logan. Someday you will regret showing mercy. Everyone else on that execution squad is dead. Youre the only one left.

His threat fails to removed the smile from Revelins face. We shall see whether you still have the will to fight come the day of our final attack!

Finally Janus ends his struggling. Whether it was because he realized the futility of his attempts or whether he no longer had the strength the resist, Logan could not tell.

Master...why? Janus moans weakly.

Logan alternates between a pitiful glance towards his former friend and a hateful glare towards his arch-rival several times before he catches sight of Murlock climbing up the stairs leading to the courtyard. Four other guards clad in Iconoclast armor are following him. Minerva herself is accompanying them.
Staring past Revelins shoulder he watches as the party approaches. Revelin obviously notices where his gaze is directed and turns towards where he is looking. 

Oh look, he says, here comes the cavalry.

Several yards away from the dark sorcerer, Murlock suddenly freezes as if his legs as turned to stone. Recognition and shock etch themselves upon his face. His followers also halt their steps.

It cannot be! Murlock says with a voice trembling in fear. Draven!
Upon hearing his former name the dark sorcerer cancels the spell upon Janus and the chains vanish. Despite his freedom the Scourge lieutenant lies still as if he no longer has the strength to rise. His struggles against the magical chains have exhausted his muscles.

Now that is a voice I hoped never to hear again, Raven Dark speaks as the muscles surrounding his mouth contort with angry disgust. A voice belonging to a man I hate more than any other human. He turns around to face Murlock. The voice...of my own brother!

What? Logan felt a greater shock that no lightning bolt could ever inflict upon whoever was unlucky enough to be struck. Judging from the looks on the faces of the guards, they all felt the same. Murlock and Raven Dark...brothers? Minerva herself has clasped a palm over her mouth, her eyes darting between Murlock and Raven Dark. Obviously she cant decide which is more horrifying: recognizing Dravens voice or the revelation that he is Murlocks brother. There is a clatter as one of the guards lets his spear drop to the ground.

Thinking back to the story Murlock had told back at the castle, Logan realized that the wizard who fled from the wrath of his father and brother as they killed off all life in Judgiolas and Pandorium was none other than Murlock himself. Which explained why he was hesitant to reveal the identity of the elder son. Perhaps it was out of shame or even fear of being judged and condemned by every citizen of the kingdom, similar as to what had happened to Albrecht when he fled Naphorphia. And I thought I was the only one with a terrible secret!

He watches from behind as Raven Dark removes the raven mask. He could only imagine the hatred in the eyes of the dark sorcerer towards his brother. Several moments of silent tension pass before he finally speaks. Draven is no more. The man you see before you is Raven Dark, one of the most powerful masters of the dark arts, second only to our father. All humanity should be grateful that he is still weak and sealed away!

One can only hope it remains so, Murlock replies, his tone betraying his fear and uneasiness.

Draven died with his beloved Fiona. The rest of the kingdom he served soon followed, as did his former homeland. Our homeworld brother. And if not for the meddling of Lazarus, the same fate would have befallen upon the rest of this world.

Murlock does not respond.

You know the truth dont you brother? Raven Dark spoke with words dripping with rage and venomous hate. Everything that has happened to our family, two kingdoms, and soon the rest of this world is all because of you. This is your fault Murlock! Look before you and all around brother and see what you have wrought!
Still no response from Murlock. He turns his head away with eyes shut while standing in silence as any man on trial for his crimes, yet knows he is guilty and regrets his actions.

Raven Dark places the raven mask back onto his face. You are lucky I have not regained possession of the Obsidian of Souls or the Sword of Judgment. Otherwise I would have struck you down by now. The resentment of many years of his soul being imprisoned before finally confronting his brother, yet not having the chance to exact his own form of justice and revenge is quite obvious in his tone. But mark my words, someday I will have justice!

He once again transforms himself into a giant raven. He outstretches his wing and lifts off the ground. Revelin reaches up to grab the legs as the ravens talons close around the shoulders as it passes over.

Master! Janus cries out in desperation as the raven resumes its flight. No! Dont leave me here! Take me with you! But Raven Dark ignores his pleas as he carries Revelin away and disappears into the distance.

Once the giant raven was no longer in view, Logan looked to Murlock. But the old wizard himself stood silent with a face mirroring his shame in the light of the terrible truth that had been exposed to all present. In his place, would he have felt the same should his secret be revealed? And what of Murlock? Would his status as a highly revered practicioner of magic and public reputation be tarnished as a result? The more he took this into consideration about Murlock, the more he worried about what would happen to himself.

Murlock..., he almost did not want to believe it.

Is it true? Minerva asked. Please say it isnt so!

Murlock closes his eyes and lowers his head as if it is the last time he will ever be able to hold it up high and proud. I cant. Though Logan admired Murlock for finding the courage to confess the truth, he wondered if he would be able to do the same or if shame would hold him back. Deep down, was Bellatrix telling the truth? Was he a coward for doing anything to keep his secret hidden? The only civilian to know the truth about him was dead. How much longer would his secret remain kept?

Raven Dark was once the greatest knight this world had ever known, Murlock went on after giving everyone a few moments of silence to allow them to accept the truth. And knights are renowned for their honesty. They never lie. They cannot.

Then the wizard who fled from his father and brother...that was you? asked Minerva.

Im sorry, Murlock lifted his eyes but kept his head down, there is no time to explain. Right now we must concentrate on rescuing those the Scourge have taken prisoner and aiding those still fighting below.

One of the guards cast an angry glare with narrowed eyes towards Janus. And what are we to do with him? he asked pointing to where the lieutenant still lay weak and immobile. Logan saw Janus with his cheek upon the stone floor glaring back at them. Gone was the anguish of being betrayed and left behind by his commanding officer and master.

Then he hears a sword being unsheathed. Allow me to give your your answer! replies a second guard. In that instant Logan realized what was about to happen. But what could he do with risking his previous relationship with Janus being revealed.

The guards steps past Logan and approaches Janus who glares up at him without fear of imminent death. 

He sensed movement at his side and watched as Minerva stepped past him with hurried footsteps. She seizes the guard by the wrist just as he raises his sword to deliver the deathblow.

Stop! she speaks with an edge as sharp as the swords blade. How can you execute a helpless man in cold blood like that? 

Logan admired her for her boldness as a great relief washed over him. Most other kings or queens would have stood back and allowed the killing or even ordered the guard to cease and desist. Instead she had acted directly and prevented him from carrying out the execution, saving the Logan the trouble and the risks involved in doing so.

The Scourge regard us as weak and powerless your majesty, said the guard. I merely intend to make an example out of this one.

My father, the great Naphorphian swordsman Cecil never struck down an unarmed man, said Minerva. I will not risk tarnishing his legacy.

The guard gave a pugnacious snort. Oh very well your highness, he said sheathing his sword. You have a better idea?

My father did not believe in revenge, said Minerva with dignity in her voice. 
But he did believe in justice. And so do I. She turns from him and looks to his comrades. Take the Scourge lieutenant into custody and lock him in the dungeons for now. We will decide what to do with him later.

Yes majesty. 

Two guards force Janus to his feet and tightly grip his arms as a third holds the tip of his spear to Januss back to restrain him and prevent further escape. He scowls at Minerva without a trace of gratitude for her mercy on his face. My comrades will come for me! he hisses. And when they do, they will raze your city to the ground.

Brave words, said Murlock in a tone as cold as snow. But words are the only weapons you have to use now. So save your threats for the trial. You can plead for your life then.

Murlock holds out one of his magic teleportation stones for them to activate. The two guards detaining Janus seize his hands and force them towards the stone.

Wait! Logan shouts. He has the key to the dungeon! We will need it to free the prisoners!

Securely holding Janus in place, the guards wait patiently as Minerva searches Janus for the key. Several seconds pass before she pulls a slightly corroded silver key from his cloak. She nods towards the guards to carry on where they left off before Logans interruption. They force Janus hands to rub the stone as they do the same with their fingertips. The three of them are surrounded by a transparent pillar of light which grows brighter until they can no longer be seen. Several seconds pass before the pillar fades revealing that Janus and his two captors were nowhere in sight.

Logan had seen and experienced the power of the stone himself and also seen it bring Penelope to safety from the fortress the day earlier. And now he had witnessed its power take those who invoked it from the place it had been activated. The magic power that Murlock was capable of would never cease to amaze him.

But what of Janus? Of course the guards would lock him up in the dungeon. And then what? Would he be condemned to death for his crimes against the kingdom after his trial? And if so, would he risk preventing another execution?
					#
As he returned towards the fortress dungeon, Logan found himself staring at the remnants of the battle he had missed. The corpses of the remaining soldiers of the Scourge inside this ancient fort bear the wounds of the fight that killed them, most of which show evidence of the power from the elemental swords being used. Charred corpses, shattered crystal, and broken or melted rock fragments are all that that remains of those unfortunate enough to suffer. Distances of up to several dozen yards separated groups of the corpses, a sign of the power of the Sword of Sky. Many of those bodies had arrows buried in their chests. A couple had their heads cleaved off the neck. Some had wounds showing evidence that a weapon had punctured through their chest and exited from the back or vice versa. A few piles of ash are scattered across the floor. Obviously Murlock had joined the battle and unleashed the fury of his magic upon all foolish enough to challenge him. Blood paints the walls, floor, and the carpet. The Iconoclast guards had won, suffering minimal casualties. Only three of the corpses wore armor of the Iconoclast militia.

Among the guards there was another familiar face: Kain of Tamirtania. He tightly gripped the hilt of the Sword of Earth while standing over another fallen Scourge soldier whose body had been turned to stone by the power of his weapon. And wearing a smirk upon his face. Obviously he had chosen to fight alongside the guards due to his demand for shedding the blood of his enemies. Over his tunic is a steel breastplate with the insignia of Tamirtania.

A groan pierces the silent graveyard where the battle had been fought. One of the Scourge soldiers, laying within a pool of his own blood lay moaning in agony. In spite of his injuries he clung to life yet lacked the strength to rise. Logan approached him and finished him off with a single gunshot to the brain.

Where are Leoric and Penelope? asked Minerva.

The captain and his daughter went down together into the dungeon, one of the guards replied.

The we should hurry and see if they need backup immediately! said Logan.

You go on ahead, one of the guards said. We will finish off the rest of our enemy in this part of the fortress.

You are not going anywhere without me of course Mr. Logan, said Kain. Down in the dungeon is surely where my beloved is being held captive.

Logan nodded. At least your love is still alive. He could not bring himself to speak of losing Katrina. Not now.

He led his companions down into the dungeon. Three more corpses lay upon the stone floor. One looks like he had been skewered through the chest with a spear and then had his head sliced off with a clean stroke of a sword. A second is floating motionless within the pool of water, left to be picked clean by underwater scavengers. The third corpse has blood gurgling from a wound that has opened her throat to the windpipe.

And up ahead just outside the torture chamber, Leoric has buried the blade of his sword through the neck of a third heavily wounded soldier of the Scourge pinned against the wall. He pulls his blood soaked blade out, releasing a jet of blood that purges from the severed carotid artery that paints the surrounding wall and the floor beneath him before his falls to the stone floor, struggling in vain to halt the previous life fluid draining from his body before finally going still.
Nearby Penelope is standing over a burly and bulky fallen soldier with one greave-covered foot pinning him by his neck to the floor and the other on top of his stomach. There is evidence of her spear penetrating his right leg due to the running blood. In spite of his injury, the soldier continues to fight for his life as he has grabbed her bloody spear with one free hand struggling to prevent her from impaling his through the chest. With his other arm he reaches for his own weapon nearby. Finally he is able to clutch the stock of the gun and slowly raise it towards his foe.

Kain takes aim with the Sword of Earth towards the fallen soldier. An amber colored pillar of light shines from the blade and strikes the arm clutching the gun, transmogrifying it into stone. But even with one hand nothing more than solid rock, he still has the strength to hold back Penelopes spear. Realizing he has to act, Logan pulls out his Tommy Gun. With precise aim he shoots several bullets through the soldiers remaining arm. The soldier cries out in pain as blood drips onto his face. His anguish and pain distract him long enough for Penelope to finally bury the head of her spear into his heart, finishing him off.

The door leading down to the dungeon cells opens as a third soldier emerges. His eyes widen in recognition at the sight of Penelope. You again?

Penelope pulls the spear out of her deceased enemy resulting in a small eruption of blood from the wound. Her eyes narrow in recognition as she points the head of her weapon towards him. You expected me to stay away?

The soldier sneers with a sinister snicker. Looking for lover-boy? Whats the matter girl? Couldnt live with yourself for failing him? Came back to accept your punishment?

Leoric steps forwards with his sword raised. You face superior weapons, armor, training, and numbers. Make it easier on yourself and surrender.

What do you take me for? A coward? The soldier reaches inside his cloak for his weapon.

Albrecht is far more courageous than you and the army you serve ever have been! Logan sees Minervas face gleam at Leorics statement. And you are a fool to dare think of fighting against the odds towering before you!

Where is Gwendolyn? Kain demands, his face contorted with anger.

The soldier sneers. Superior weapons? I doubt it. Swords and spears can never match up to the killing power of a gun.

Kains brow furrows. Where is Gwendolyn? He yells. Obviously he has lost whatever little patience he had.

You looking for your bride-to-be? asked the soldier. I doubt you would still want her after I had my way with her in celebration of the news of Logans alleged death.

Kains face whitens with horror before darkening with rage. You did what? He screams.

Even if she did give me a bloody nose, it was all worth it in the end. I had her food and water rations reduced in retaliation for what she-- But before he could finish, Kain lunged at him with a fierce battle roar and slammed his fist into the soldiers nose with enough force to launch send him stumbling backwards into the wall, his own weapon falling out of his grasp. Kain isnt even bothering to use the power of the Sword of Earth. Instead he uses his body as a weapon, empowered by his anger, feeling and seeing the pain he causes. The rage he had displayed back at Tamirtania castle cannot even compare to the fury he has now unleashed. Pinning the helpless soldier against the wall with one hand he repeated throws his fist into his face.

Kain stop! said Leoric. That will be quite enough of that!

Never! said Kain as he now begins to throttle the soldier. What he has done is unforgivable! He like all the others must all pay!

The soldier spits up blood onto Kains tunic and laughs. It is unwise to underestimate the Scourge boy! Dont you know when to know your place and back down?

Not while there are still spines unshattered! He delivers a swift kick to his kneecap with all his might. The soldier screams in agony and falls to the stone cold floor clutching his wound. Obviously, Kain does not want to kill him too quickly. Killing him would not be enough, he would have to suffer before meeting his maker.

Kain, youve done enough! said Leoric. Let us take him prisoner.
Kain shook his head as he tosses the gun away. Even being locked in a dungeon cell with nothing to eat but bread and water is too good for him! He drags the soldier with him towards the torture chamber.

I like where this is going! said Logan with a grin. He begins to follow Kain down into the torture chamber..

Logan, stop him! cried Minerva.

Hell no, said Logan not even looking back as he follows Kain. Men who rape and abuse women deserve whatever dark fate awaits them.

Now let me see, said Kain as he looks all around at all the tools and devices of torture. How shall I inflict upon you the fullness of my wrath? He eyes the guillotine. No, too quick and merciful. He glances towards the saw blade set within a wooden table. No, not painful enough.

A man after my own heart.

Kain looks at the rotating spiked pillar. No, not messy enough. Finally, he gazes towards the closed iron maiden. He strokes his chin as if pondering his last option. Hmm. He unsheathes a dagger hanging from the side of his tunic and thrusts it with all his might into the waist of his prisoner who responds with a cry of pain.

Aw...does that hurt? he asks with sadistic calm. Good! Dont like having sharp pointy objects in your skin?

As if in understanding, Logan opens the iron maiden, revealing dozens of sharp spikes lining the inside.

Then youre really going to hate dozens of them penetrating your innards at once, said Kain as he retrieves his dagger before shoving his prisoner into the iron maiden with a sadistic grin.

The soldiers eyes widen in terror as he realizes the horror of his situation. The sight of dozens of spikes about to puncture his body all at once is far too much for him to bear. Yet he is unable to save himself due to the pain in his leg. The look on his face paints a clear picture of what any person would feel in expectantly coming face to face with their worst nightmare. Oh god help me! he exclaims just before Kain slams the iron maiden shut.

Kain waits for several long moments listening to the prisoners cries of agony with his arms folded over his chest, grinning in sick pleasure through it all. To Logan, hearing those screams was music to his ears. Though this soldier had not been one of Katrinas executioners, he still deserved this slow and painful death.
When at long last the screams died down Kain opened the iron maiden revealing a gruesome sight. Rivers of blood flowed from dozens of deep wounds covering the chest, shoulders, thighs, waist, and even the head. The sight is enough for anyone with a weak stomach to spew, but for Kain it was one of the most pleasurable things he had ever seen judging from the grin on his face.

Perfect! he said. A fitting end for that swine!

They left the lifeless soldier standing in the iron maiden as they climbed back upstairs to meet with the others. No one spoke a word as if the horror of what had transpired in the torture chambers still lingered in their memory. They could only have imagined what the prisoner had gone through.

Shall we move on? Kain asked smugly. The dungeons is down below.

Wasnt that a tad excessive Kain? asked  Penelope.

Any of you would have done the same thing, said Kain, certainly if he had done anything to your loved ones.

Thats not what I would have done at all, said Minerva. I am not a violent or murderous woman by nature, even considering the fact that my father was the finest swordsman in Naphorphia.

I completely agree with her majesty, said Penelope. No one ever deserves to die that way.

Youll see it your way, Ill see it mine, said Kain.
					#
Logan led them down into the dungeon where they found six doors. None of the doors had iron bars to allow anyone to peer into. They would not know who was locked inside past each door until they were unlocked and opened.

He decided to start with the nearest door to his left. Taking out the key he has confiscated from Janus, he unlocked the door. Inside he saw that the rectangular cell is poorly lit by two torches burning high up on the stone wall close to the ceiling, the light fading further away from its source. As he steps inside a foul smell assaults his sense of smell.

Obviously the living conditions of the prisoners kept in this dungeon are far worse than the dungeon in the Iconoclast castle. There the prisoners had beds of straw to sleep and buckets to use as a toilet. But here, there is no bucket or bed. Instead the prisoner is chained to the far wall by the wrists, legs, and neck and forced to relieve themselves into the straw and live in their own filth. The chains are long enough to allow enough movement in all directions for a few feet or to loosen clothing to answer the call of nature.

As he stepped further into the cell, the prisoner did not stir nor did she lift her face to look in the direction where the sounds of his approaching footprints came from. Her medium length hair is the color of copper and is tied into a braided ponytail with orange ribbon. She is sitting upon the straw, staring down at the floor to her side, hiding the right side of her face from view. It appears as if she has no idea she has company. Or perhaps it was because she was catatonic. Or deaf.

Um...hello? Logan speaks trying to gain her attention. She does not respond. 
Can you hear me? I have come to free you. Still no response from the woman.
As he begins to unlock her chains he sees that in several places her dress has been torn. He surmised that it was the work of the head jailer when he had his way with her.

Maybe if I tell her who I am she will respond. After all, my name is revered in this land, if I do not mean to brag.

My name is Logan, he tells her. As if on cue, she finally raises her eyes to meet him. But she refused to face him fully. What is yours?

He hears footsteps behind him. Gwendolyn! the voice of Kain speaks the name with a joy Logan had never heard in all the time he had known him. It is you! I was so worried about you!

Even when Logan finished unlocking her chains, the woman would not rise to her feet despite her freedom of movement. And even in the presence of her beloved she does not respond.

What is wrong with her? Is she still traumatized by her ordeal?

Kain helps her to her feet and embraces her. There are no words to describe how it feels just to look upon you and hold you after being separated from you for so long.

Normally Logan would have turned his head away at the sight of two lovers embracing, but something kept his eyes glued upon the couple. Gwendolyn herself was not returning the embrace. And she still refused to turn her head fully to look into his eyes.

As Kain releases her, he spots her torn dress. My god! Is...is this what that cur did to you during your imprisonment? 

Still Gwendolyn does not say a word.

You need not worry. That impudent dog has paid justly for what he did to you.
Gwendolyn lowers her face as is ashamed that her lover knows what has happened to her.

Gwendolyn, what is wrong? Kain asked, worry flooding his voice. Why will you not say anything? Why can you not look at me? He gently takes her head in both hands and begins to rotate her head so she can face him fully.

No! she finally cries in a panicked voiced as she clutches his arms and attempts to push him away from her, but she is too late. 

What Kain sees is causes him to release her face. He steps back with a gasp of shock. Oh god! he speaks in a voice above a whisper. The beauty of her face has been marred by a large bruise on her right cheek. Now Logan understood why she tried to hide it.

What has he done to you? Kain asked.

Gwendolyn only shuts her eyes and refuses to answer. Her shame is far too great. She buries her face into the wall and begins to weep.

I hate to interrupt this somewhat less than joyful union, said Logan, but we should free the other prisoners.

Do what you must, said Kain, but I am not letting Gwendolyn out of my sight.
Logan unlocks the next door and steps in. However, this cell appears to be empty. The chains at the far end of the room lie limp upon the floor like dead snakes. Though the stench in this cell is just as nauseating as in the previous one he had opened, there are no signs of life anywhere. Perhaps the prisoner had already recently escaped somehow?

He had only begun to turn back towards the door when suddenly a cry of furious determination shatters the silence. At the same time, something solid slammed into his back. The force of the collision threw him to the floor and his head towards the wall. Quickly he reached forward with both outstretched arms a mere second before his own skull would have cracked against the stone with enough force to snap his neck. He pulled his arms back and allowed his face to bury itself into the straw. Thankfully, at this spot the straw is dry and blocks out the stench waging war on his nose.

Just as he slowly began to push himself up when the unseen inmate seized him by the throat from behind and began to choke the life out of him.

Brother stop! the voice of Gwendolyn cries out over the noise of the scuffle.
The inmate loosens his grip at the sound of her voice. Logan finds himself turned over until he finds himself lying upon his back and looking up into the torch-lit face of his aggressor. The lines of fury etched upon the face of Edward vanish as a look of mortified surprised takes its place. Logan? he asked. You are alive? He  quickly releases Logan and gazes upon the palms of his own hands with horror at the thought that he could have killed the champion of this world.

Logan rose to his feet and brushed the straw off his trench coat. If not for her, I would not be. He studies the face of Edward to see that his face has been beaten and bruised. Both of his cheeks have been slit and are covered with dried blood.

Edward! Minerva cried out hurrying into the cell. Before he can react she throws herself at him with outstretched arms and embraces him. Thank goodness you are alive and safe!

Majesty! Leoric followed in after her. Are you all right?

Never been better! said Edward. I will have to include this rescue in the ballad of Logan!

The same one you said you were going to compose about me two months ago? asked Logan.

The very one, said Edward. Your deeds in this war with the Scourge will make many fine verses.

Minerva pulls herself away from Edward. The joy in her eyes disappears  as she gazes fully into his face. Edward, her eyes falls upon his cut cheeks, you are injured! Just what did they do to you? It that the torture they inflicted upon you?

It is nothing, said Edward. But I am more worried...about you...and the heir to the throne. He gently pats her stomach while gazing into her eyes with the look of a man who needed to apologize for something he regretted doing. Did they...?

I am certain the baby is alright, said Minerva covered the hand of her husband with one of her own, thanks to Albrecht.

Albrecht? asked Edward. What has happened? What did he do?

I will tell you all about it later. You can thank him for it after we free him.

Free him? He is also a prisoner down here?

Sadly yes, said Penelope, her form standing in the doorway shaking her head. I am very worried about him. You may no believe it, but so is my father. 

I am unlocking the cell doors one at a time, said Logan, He will be free very soon. Minerva, you should take Edward out of here to the safety of Iconoclast.

Not until we free Albrecht, said Minerva shaking her head. I will not leave what is left of my family behind.

Speaking of family, said Edward. He gestured towards Kain and Gwendolyn. 
Minerva, have you met my soon-to-be brother-in-law Kain? And my sister Gwendolyn? It was then he saw the bruise on the face of his sister. The sight made him jump back in horror. My goodness! he peered more closely and intently at the injured cheek. What happened to you?

Far worse than what you see before you, said Kain. The head jailer not only beat her, he raped her. 

In response, Gwendolyn turns away refusing to look at anyone. The fact that everyone present now knew what happened to her, including what was left of her family made the shame unbearable.

Logan could only watch as the face of the young king of Iconoclast became white with shock and horror before darkening with blazing anger. What? That cad! I will have his throat!

No need, said Kain with a grin. I threw him into the iron maiden in the torture chamber. He suffered a slow, pain, and gruesome death.

The face of the young king softened slightly. However the anger remains on his face, disgusted with the way the Scourge treat their prisoners.

We have taken their lieutenant prisoner, said Minerva.

Their lieutenant you say? asked Edward, his face softening further to form the slightest signs of a smile. Perhaps now one of our enemies can suffer as their prisoners have. Let us have a taste of justice and vengeance!

Speaking of prisoners, said Minerva, we must free the others! We should not waste our time! The Scourge could have reinforcements coming any time soon!

Good point, said Edward.

Logan opened a third door. Inside this cell is Claudio. Strangely, he appeared to be in better shape than either Gwendolyn or Edward due to the absence of cuts or bruises. He had expected Claudio to suffer greatly due to being a spy employed by Minerva and Edward.

To his great relief, the fourth cell detained Agnes herself. She is sitting upon the floor with a smile spreading over her face when she saw who had come to free her. He felt a sense of pride in coming for her, doing what her former lover would not when she had been held hostage years ago in Arcanius. He wondered if she was feeling just that and how things would have turned out if her lover had come to rescue her and had not abandoned her in the first place.

Staring at her in chains brought forward a scene all too familiar to him. Only this time there is no squad of Scourge soldiers standing by with their guns trained on her, ready to fire upon being given the order. In a way perhaps saving Agnes would somewhat ease his guilt over failing to save Katrina, even if they were two completely different women.

However, worry meshed with his relief. Had the Scourge already done something to her as they had with Edward and Gwendolyn? Seeing as how she was eerily similar in appearance to Katrina, perhaps his enemies believed they could break him further by torturing the image of the woman he loved.

Fear not my lady, he spoke with all the majesty of a knight in shining armor come to rescue his princess. I shall set you free!

She slowly rises to her feet as he approaches. But as he stood before her ready to unlock her chains, he saw his fears had already come true. The front of her bodice is drenched with blood. The straw at her feet and the wall behind her are both stained dark crimson with blood. And several feet away to the side several glitters within the straw catch his eye. To his horror he sees several dozen empty bullet cartridges and a few spent shotgun shells. The sight of blood and spent casings led him to  assume the worst had already happened. Was Katrinas execution happening all over again? Had he come too late yet again?

Damn it! I only wish I had come sooner!

She saw the worry in his eyes and in the look on his face. Glancing down at the condition of her clothes and the empty bullets and shells, she looks back up at him with a reassuring smile. Logan, its not what it looks like.

What did they do to you? he asked in a voice barely above a whisper. Shouldnt we have that looked at? Is that your blood?

No! said Agnes still fighting a struggle with words to assure him she was alright. Its not mine. Its the blood of another of their prisoners whom they had long executed. They threw the entire bucket onto the front of my clothes, painted the wall behind me, and then fired off their weapons into the straw.
So thats their game! They try to break me by recreating the image of Katrinas death. Was this Revelins idea? Or Bellatrixs?

You gave me quite a scare, he told her. I thought I was experiencing deja vu!

If that is the case, said Agnes, I can only guess as to how your previous lover died.

He tried his best to ignore the blood as he worked to unlock her chains. How do you feel now? he asked.

Well I am feeling thirsty and famished.

I dont blame you for feeling that way, considering the quality of the food and water in prisons and dungeons from what I hear.

Well...to tell you the truth, they never fed or gave me any water.

He felt a great shock as if a lightning bolt had struck him at that moment. 
What? Though he would not show it in her presence, his horror was already giving way to livid anger. As if what they have already done wasnt bad enough, now they tried to starve and dehydrate her?

Remembering the waterskin in his trench coat he still carried with him from the start of his adventures in Arcanius, he removed it from his pocket. Luckily he had kept it filled whenever he could. Agnes looked thirsty enough to empty it down her throat. Here, he said as he took off the cap and offered it to her. You look like you could use a drink!

Agnes took the canteen with a grateful smile. She puts the opening to her lips and tilts her head back to allow the previous fluid to flow into her body. She drank for several seconds before handing the waterskin back to him. Judging from its weight, Logan estimated that she had drank half its contents.

He regretted not having any food with him. Though the Scourge still had their supper cooling in their dining room, never to be eaten, he is certain Agnes had no desire to remain in the fortress. He would bring her back to the castle where she and the other rescued prisoners could eat better quality food.

He unlocked the fifth cell and found his mother inside. Fortunately, she appeared to be completely unharmed. However, like Agnes, she too had been denied food and water. As he watched her drink from the waterskin, his own blood boiled with rage at the thought of everything she, Agnes, and the other prisoners had endured. But what the Scourge they had done to his friend what was left of his family was unforgivable! Had they planned to kill off these two important women in his life for the purpose of breaking him? Just how low would they stoop?

Madame, are you well? asked Leoric as Logan escorted his mother out of her cell. 
Do you need help?

I am fine, thanks to my son, said Maria.

Your son? asked Minerva.

Logan blushed with embarrassment despite his pride in keeping his word so far to his father.

The more you accomplish Logan, the more proud I become of you. You are almost beginning to remind me of your father. He would be so proud!

Just as proud as I am of my own daughter, said Leoric. I know her mother is.
Logan caught sight of Penelope past the shoulder of Leoric. In her eyes shines love for her father and pride from his words. There is also a hint of sadness in her face at the mention of her mother. Then her smile fades as she turns her head towards the final cell door where presumably Albrecht was imprisoned.

My goodness! Maria gasps at the sight of Gwendolyn and Edward. What happened to you young lady? And you young man? She then sees Agnes and pushes her way past the others to approach her with hasty footsteps. And you? What happened to...wait a minute, youre the splitting image of a woman my son loved! Are you alright?

Mother, take it easy! shouted Logan. Its not what it looks like!

Shouldnt we have that looked at? said Maria.

Its okay everybody, Logan assures everyone, my mother is a trained nurse.

What is a nurse? asked Kain.

How can I put this without confusing these people? She helps provide medical care, said Logan, just as your healers do.

Then she can assist the healers look after these people, said Minerva. Any aid she can help give will be greatly appreciated!

Followed by Penelope, Logan approaches the final cell door and unlocks it. But he is still unprepared for what lies beyond. Albrecht appears to be in worse shape than the others. He is lying on one side of his body with his back to the door and his arms outstretched above his head. Just out of his reach lay a familiar looking helmet. Unlike the other prisoners, his chains secure him by one leg, one arm, and around his neck. Even beyond the light of the torches, it is easy to see that much of his tunic is soaking with blood, some of which continues to drip into the straw.

Penelope steps into the cell doors opening, but at the sight of the prisoner, she gasps and frantically hurries to his side. No! She gets down on one knee in front of Albrechts body and rolls him onto his back. Another gasp escapes her lips as she gazes upon his face.

It must be worse than I thought! 

He approaches the motionless form of Albrecht, expecting to see the peace that death brings to end pain. But what he saw horrified him as much as it had Penelope. Albrechts entire face is bloodied and beaten. One eye is completely swollen shut with a river of blood pouring from it like crimson tears. The mask his face had become painted the picture revealing the full brutality of Bellatrixs beating. Though Bellatrix herself had been justly punished for what she had done, whatever satisfaction Penelope had felt earlier is now gone.
Penelope reached down and took Albrecht around his upper torso. She pulled his form close to her and hugged him. What have they done to you? Her voice shows the slightest signs of cracking. But there is no reply from Albrecht.

Is he...dead? Did we come too late?

Penelope releases Albrechts still form and gasps yet again as his body falls back to the straw and lies still. She clasps both hands to her mouth.

Albrecht! she cries. Judging from the tone of her voice, she is trying to be strong, but it appears that she is losing. No! No he cant be...!

I am so sorry Penelope, Logan shakes his head sadly.

I should have gotten here much sooner! But now it appears everything I fought for tonight...was all in vain! She places one arm onto her knee and buries her face into it. Some guard I am! I cant save anybody!

Watching the scene before him reminded Logan of the time when Katrina died. Seeing Penelope kneeling over Albrechts body recreated the image of himself weeping over her corpse. He wanted to console her, but what could he tell her that he already had not?

Its all my fault! Penelope wept. I should have been the one to stay behind, not him!

We always tend to fail the ones we love. You are not alone. We have all lost somebody.

Logan turns his head towards the open door, choosing to leave her alone with her grief. What was he going to tell Minerva? How do you tell someone the last remaining member of her family  other than her husband  is dead? Especially someone in a delicate condition? Such trauma could cause her to miscarry.
Too late he discovered that she had already followed him into the cell with Leoric close by. The others were gathered together outside the door. Minerva stands in silence before the form of her cousin before sadly lowering her face as her eyes begin to water, dabbing her finger at the first flow of tears. In a manner Logan had seen many times at funerals, Leoric removes his helmet and holds it to his heart. After several moments he lets it drop and trudges over to where his daughter knelt. He gently laid a consoling hand upon her shoulder. To a man who understood the heartbreak of losing someone he loved, seeing his own daughter grieving for her lover is a greater burden on his own soul. Upon his face is the look of a man torn by both grief and his powerlessness to console his own daughter in her own.

What I would give to have a father who was there to provide emotional support for me when I needed it.

Nobody said a word. The chamber was as silent as the grave.

Even if he is dead, we might as well take him back to the kingdom where he will be treated to a heros funeral.

Barely two minutes had passed before another set of footsteps is heard in the cell upon the straw. Logan watches as his mother passes by and kneels down by one of Albrechts hands. She holds up one of the arms and puts two fingers to the wrist as if to confirm the death. But what happens next is something he did not expect. Something no one would expect.

Marias face lights up in the dim light. Ive got a pulse! she breaks the silence with a whisper of excitement.

What? asked Minerva, drying her eyes. Penelope becomes silent and raises her face. Even in the dim far end of the cell, he could still see the glistening of tears in her eyes.

Hes still alive! Maria shouts. And look! She is pointing at Albrechts chest which is shows the slightest signs of rising and falling. Nobody had looked closely enough to notice it earlier. His heart is still beating!

Sure enough, even in spite of his injuries hidden by a bloody tunic, his heart persevered, even if just barely.

At that moment, as everyone took a closer look, a soft groan is heard.

Hes coming to! Maria shouted. Give him some room!

Everyone backed away, except for Penelope. She remains at Albrechts side, wanting to be the first thing he beheld when he woke up. He continues to groan and moan as he fights to regain consciousness.

Penelope pulls off one of her gauntlets and reaches down, taking one of his hands into her own. Please! she whispers, calling out to the void imprisoning his spirit. Please wake up Albrecht! She gently gives his hand a soft squeeze. Come back to me! I didnt come all this way to lose you now! I already lost my closest friend, my mother, and my grandparents. I cannot bear to lose you now! Finally, she leans down and touches her lips to his own before pulling back.

Several more seconds pass before Albrechts one good eye is slowly revealed as the flesh lid peels back. Though Logan could not see the look on her face, judging by the sigh and the tone of the gasp coming from her lips, no one is more joyful about his awakening than herself. Even though he has regained consciousness, she continues to hold his hand.

Penelope? he speaks in a soft weak voice. What are you doing here? His head slowly turns to catch sight of the others. Cousin? Logan? Captain Leoric?

Minerva herself looks almost as joyful as Penelope. Welcome back to the realm of the living Albrecht!

It is too early for a brave man such as yourself to depart for the realm of the dead, said Leoric as he replaced his own helmet back onto his head.

Albrecht looks wide-eyed up at Leoric as if he did not believe a word. Leoric had always been his harshest critic after all. Did my ears just play a trick on me? I must be going mad from the pain.

You have not, said Leoric with pride. You heard correctly. You not only saved the heir to the throne, you saved my daughter. She is very lucky to have a friend like you.

Minerva beams at Leorics words of approval and praise for Albrecht.

As am I to have her, said Albrecht softly. He gazes up at Penelope and slowly reaches up towards her with his remaining arm. But it had only risen a few inches before falling back to the straw. He attempts to sit up but this attempt too fails as he falls back with a groan of pain. Something other than the chains is holding him back. Perhaps his unseen injuries beneath his tunic could reveal the truth.
Judging from the gasp that came from her lips, Logan could tell that Penelopes joy at being reunited with her friend is now meshed with horror and dread at what has happened to him. More than anything, he wanted to reach up and touch her or even hold her, but his body refuses to grant his wish. Understanding this, Penelope reaches down and lifts him up to his knees. In spite of her attempt to be as gentle as possible, he winces in pain as her hands make contact with his body.
He stares into her face for several moments before turning towards where her helmet lay upon the straw. You left your helmet behind, he moans softly once more looking into her eyes.

Penelope however did not reclaim her helmet. To do so would require her to release Albrecht who had become a human chain that she willingly secured to herself. Freeing herself would send him back to the straw in pain. Something she could not bear to do. Nothing else mattered for the moment now that they were reunited. Though he could not move his arms to embrace her, Penelope took the initiative. Logan could only turn away as she hugged Albrecht. Though he would not allow his eyes to witness the embrace, his ears could not ignore the sounds of Albrechts soft groans. Obviously he is in great pain and any contact with his body aggravates his agony. Yet Albrecht himself willingly endures for the sake of the reunion with the woman he loves.

Albrecht would obviously need help to rise to his feet. To start off, his chains would need to be removed.

Logan first unlocked the chain around Albrechts neck before concentrating next on the remaining two chains. Penelope slowly helps Albrecht up to his feet. Albrecht groans and winces through the whole process as she gently pulls him off the straw and sets him erect.  But the moment she loosens her hold, he collapses forward in the manner of a pillar with a weak foundation. A fierce cry of pain erupts from his lips and echoes throughout the dungeon.

Albrecht! Penelope cries as she gets down on one knee in front of his head. He looks up at her in shame, then turns away.

I...cant, he said shaking his head. I cant stand. I cant even walk.

I know the feeling, said Logan, remembering how he struggled after he first climbed out of bed back the monastery in Arcanius.

I cant just leave you here, said Penelope. 

You must, said Albrecht. I will only slow down your escape.

A brave knight never leaves anyone behind, said Leoric. To do so in order to save himself is cowardly.

And I am going to get you out of here even if I have to carry you! said Penelope. She gently put her hands to his cheeks. I am not leaving you behind again! To make her point, Penelope rolls him onto his back and scoops him up in the manner of a groom carrying his bride. One arm is under his back, the other is under his upper legs just below his buttocks. Albrecht gasps in agony as she lifts him off the straw.

Come on, lets get out of here, said Edward. We must find Murlock and the others so we can return to the kingdom!

The sooner the better, said Maria. These people  especially Albrecht  require medical attention immediately.

Logan remembered the crystal jar of magical healing ointment he had taken from the monastery. Surely it would come in handy. However, he doubted that it would be enough to completely heal Gwendolyn, Edward, and Albrecht. Perhaps Murlock could make another batch.

Let us go outside, said Edward. It will be good to get some fresh air!
					#
Obviously the battle between the Iconoclast guards and whatever forces of the Scourge remained within the fortress itself had ended. And to Logan and his allies, it was obvious who was the victor. 

The guards were relieved to see that their king was alive and well. They bowed before his presence and that of their queen. And as Penelope revealed herself with Albrecht still in her arms, they all saluted. To them, Albrecht was no longer a coward, but now a true hero who now received the praise he rightfully deserved. However, many of them shut their eyes at the sight of his injuries. With a look of shame on her face, Gwendolyn tries to cover as much of her own bruise as she can.

This is a great victory indeed! said Murlock. But his voice lacked all sense of enthusiastic excitement. Given the earlier confrontation with his own brother earlier that evening it was understandable why. All that is left now is to take their prisoners back to the castle where they can recover. He holds out the teleportation stone. Now remember, only touch the stone, do not take it into your hands. Otherwise the rest of us will be left behind!

The captives first! said Minerva.

The former prisoners are eager to leave the fortress behind judging from how hastily they line up before Murlock.

Albrecht is going to need some help activating the stone, said Penelope.

Can you not help him? asked Logan.

I would, said Penelope, but for now Albrecht cannot walk or even barely move his limbs.

Allow me the honor! Leoric gallantly volunteered, much to the delight of Minerva and the surprise of Edward.

I will explain later your highness, said Leoric.

One by one, the former captives touched the stone and rubbed it, activating its power and transporting them away from their much hated prison. Logan watched with relief as the stone teleports both his mother and Agnes away. 

Penelope hoists Albrecht over her shoulders as Leoric takes one of his hands and guides it towards the stone. At the same time, Penelope touches the stone with one hand. They both vanish, leaving Leoric behind. I consider it an honor to aid a hero in repayment for saving my daughter.

Gwendolyn touches the stone while refusing to remove her other hand from her face. Behind her, Edward takes his turn with the stone. Good riddance to this place! he triumphantly shouts into the dusk sky. A flash of light and he disappears.

Maybe that is exactly what should happen, Logan thinks to himself. We should destroy this place so that the Scourge can never use it again.

Claudio is the last hostage in line. As he approaches the stone, Logan decides to make an announcement.

Edward has just given me an idea, he says aloud. We should destroy this place to ensure the Scourge can never use it again!

Claudio is about to touch the stone to activate its power, but after hearing Logans announcement, he pauses and remains motionless.

Splendid! said Kain rubbing his hands together happily. What a wonderful idea! We have already defeated them at their base. Its destruction would be another paralyzing blow to ensure our final victory!

We will need your sword of course, said Leoric. We can collapse the cliff and destroy the fortress in the resulting earthquake.

Claudio, what are you waiting for? asked Minerva. Get yourself to safety immediately!

If you insist majesty, said Claudio as he finally activates the stone.

Thats strange, Logan told himself. Why did Claudio hesitate to leave when I made that announcement? And another thing, why was he in much better shape than the other prisoners?

With the hostages safely back at wherever the other stone is located, everyone else can transport themselves to safety. But first, there is the manner of destroying the fortress. Kain gladly surrenders his sword to Logan. I believe you should do the honor, he said.

Gladly! said Logan. Good riddance to this place! Thats one part of my history I can live without! Now then, all I need to do is invoke an earthquake strong enough to collapse the cliffs and destroy the entire fortress!

To do that, said Murlock, you must plunge the sword into the base of the cliff itself at a speed greater than that which you would normally plunge the blade through anything.

So you saying that I need to somehow impale the cliff from this altitude? asked Logan.

Precisely! Murlock nodded. He walked towards the cave-like opening away from the fortress with everyone following him.

Logan pondered this idea. A sword was not the best weapon to throw as was a bundle of dynamite. Even if he hurled the sword at the cliff, what were the odds that the tip of the blade would bury itself into the stone? Surely the sword itself would spin in mid-air as it sailed towards its target. Murlock had come up with a good plan, but there are some fatal flaws which would likely prevent absolute success. And even if the sword did strike true, how they they recover it following the resultant earthquake?

But then the sword itself would be buried beneath the landslide!

Not necessarily true, said Murlock. You do not need to keep the sword embedded in stone during the duration of the earthquake.

Throwing a sword is not like throwing a spear, said Leoric.

Or even one of those red sticks the Scourge like to employ, said Kain.
Murlock rested his chin in one cupped hand. Hmmm. Unless I did so with magic!

I remember you used a spell to send the Sword of Darkness far away before my last departure from this realm, said Logan. I suppose it would work for the Sword of Earth?

That would not be the same spell, said Murlock. There is another magical method of manipulating objects without holding them within your hand.
Logan knew he had seen this spell before. Raven Dark had used it to hurl a sword to impale Garibaldi through the chest that fateful stormy night with perfect precision. Then you are the man for this job, not me, he said holding the Sword of Earth in both hands.

The ancient wizard eyed the sword and positioned his opened hands above it. Strange runes began to glow upon his palms and the shining lights engulfed the weapon. He closes one hand as if he were to grip the hilt and pulls it to the side. To the astonishment of all, the sword removed itself from Logans grasp as if taken into possession of unseen hands. 

Next, Murlock approaches the edge of the cliff with the sword following him in mid-air. The weapon follows as he raises his closed hand and brings his back behind his head as if he is preparing to throw. Logan watches as his head moves down towards the distant base of the cliff as if searching for the right target. The blade of the sword itself is pointing straight up into the sky, patiently waiting to strike its mark.

Finally, Murlock swings his arm out before him as if to throw an invisible rock with all his strength. As he does, the blade of the Sword of Earth slowly spins clockwise during its ascent before sailing above his head at a downward angle. Judging from the speed it sails towards its target, time had done nothing to sap Murlocks strength.

Would it be enough to produce an earthquake powerful enough to destroy the fortress?

Logan watches as the sword impales itself into the stone at the base of the cliff. Any other weapon would have been turned aside from the impact, greatly damaged. Yet for the Sword of Earth, solid rock is like butter. In the evening light, an amber colored twinkle gives away the location.

And then, the sound of rumbling is heard in his ears. Murlock, having remained motionless after the magical throw finally pulls his arm back. Incredibly, the sword pulls itself out of the rapidly cracking stone and returns to him like a piece of rope. The runes glowing from his hands finally fade away and the sword falls lifelessly to the stone behind him.

Run! Murlock shouts as he recovers the sword.

As the others run into the cave leading away from the area, Logan watches as the collapsing cliffs gradually tear off sections of the fortress and carry them away. The trees planted in the ground far below are crushed and collapsed as if they were mere sticks. Thousands of tons of rock, stone, and wood fill the valley beneath where the great fortress had once sat.

Whoever chose this location to build chose poorly!

The ceiling of the cave begins to crack, sending fragments of stone falling all around him as he flees to safety. The rock itself where he and the others had stood only mere moments ago collapsed behind him, cutting off all access to the area.

Finally, the rumbling ceases and all becomes quiet once more. Enormous clouds of dust rise into the air.

Good riddance! said Kain.

That should severely weaken the enemy, said Leoric.

Logan knew that he would never forget what had just transpired. Never before had he witnessed anything more spectacular than the destruction of the fortress. Even now the power of the elemental swords failed to astounded him. He hated to think what the Scourge would have inflicted upon the world and humanity with such power. Now that such power was out of their hands once more, the realm could breathe easier.

Come, said Minerva, let us return to the castle. Everyone is waiting waiting for our return!
					#
News of the successful rescue mission at the fortress spread throughout the kingdom and messengers were sent to relay the news to the four kingdoms previously defeated by the Scourge. Leoric and the guards who contributed to the mission were praised for their efforts and heralded as heroes. To the citizens, striking back at the Scourge on their home turf is a great victory and vengeance.

Logan of course received the greatest praise as the hero of it all. For it was he who contributed the most effort. It was he who went in first alone against incredible odds and succeeded in weakening the forces stationed at the base.
Even Murlock himself was regarded as a hero for joining the mission. Yet what the citizens did not know was that a terrible secret about him had been revealed during the confrontation with Raven Dark. Logan could only guess as to how they would react should it become public.

For now, there was much work to do in preparation for what the future would bring. First, those imprisoned by the Scourge needed aid, some more than others.

The healers were summoned to the castle with orders to bring bandages, poultices, salves, leeches, thread, and needles. They set to work on tending to Gwendolyn, Edward, and Albrecht. Maria joined them to lend a hand with her own expertise.
Meanwhile the castle cooks are preparing a feast to celebrate the rescue of the hostages and the destruction of the enemy fortress. The former prisoners would be invited to attend, considering the poor quality of the food and water they had been forced to eat and drink during their time in captivity.

Logan was among those gathered in one of the the guest bedchambers as the healers began their work. 

He remembered this chamber from last night where they had taken Penelope after her rescue from the fortress thanks to Albrecht. Now Albrecht himself is laying  upon the floor atop a sheet of white cloth large enough to wrap his body within. Though Edward and Gwendolyn are strong enough to stand, they are instructed to sit upon the edge of a bed, which they do side-by-side.

Gwendolyn winces as one of the healers applies a wet cloth to her bruise. At her side, Kain gently takes her hand as if to comfort her. But to his surprise Gwendolyn pulls it away. Edward sits motionless as another healer applies several leeches to the cuts on his face.

How interesting, said Maria as she and another healer begin work on Albrecht. I have never seen a doctor using leeches back at the hospital where I used to work.
They are supposed to clean the wounds and prevent infection, a healer explains. Considering the living conditions of the Scourges dungeon and the improper care of their prisoners, I would say that the longer the wound is left unchecked, the worse the infection.

The leeches begin to feed soon after they are applied and slowly their bodies bulge extending from their mouth to the tail as the blood flows into their thin bodies.

Maria removes Albrechts boots and pulls off his pants while the second healer struggles to remove the tunic. Yet whenever she tries to position his arms above his head, he cries out in pain. Finally she says, were going to have to cut that off. Somebody bring me a dagger!

Here, said Kain offering his. She takes it and sets to work.

Oh god, Maria gasps as she removes the pants. Minerva and Penelope stare in shock at what lies underneath. Minerva is so horrified at what she sees that she averts her gaze back towards her husband. Penelope wishes to look away but her eyes stay focused as if her body refuses to allow her. Logan knew his mother had seen her share of wounds and other injuries during her work in a hospital and a medical nurse during the Great War, but surely even her experience could not prepare her for what she saw judging from her widened eyes and one hand clasping over her mouth. He didnt blame her, just looking at Albrecht now is making him nauseous.

Albrechts body is a mess; the exposed reality of his injuries is almost an unbearable sight. His legs are covered with dark bruises and the flesh has been slit open in many places. Much of his skin has lost its color, black or purple from the bruises or red after being caked with blood still moist enough to stain the bed sheets. Maria and the healers rolls him onto his stomach, revealing more similar injuries.

Hes been hamstrung! Maria says, gazing upon the slit calf. Oh my goodness! Look at this deep puncture wound in the joint! Sure enough, the joint connecting the lower and upper leg looks as if someone had impaled it with a knife and the wound is surrounded by blood. I am certain there the same has happened to the joints in his arms. Which would probably explain why he cannot raise his arms without pain. It is like rubbing salt into an open wound.

What about his eye? asked Penelope.

The swelling should vanish within a few days, a week at the most. But it is likely that the vision is damaged beyond repair. He will probably have to wear an eye patch for the rest of his days.

Logan sees a look of guilty sorrow form on the face of the female guard. 

Finally the task of cutting the tunic open along the sides of Albrechts body is complete. The healer removes both halves exposing his upper body. 

My god! Maria gasps.

Albrechts chest and arms are covered with more bruises, gashes, and blood. Puncture wounds are evident in the joints and armpits. Maria rolls him onto his back once more, only to reveal more nasty black bruises and slit open skin. One of his shoulders still bears the scar from where he had been shot during the attack on Naphorphia.

No one is more horrified than Penelope who still cannot find the will to look away.

It could have been...a lot worse, Albrecht moaned.

Indeed, said Penelope kneeling at his side. They could have killed you!

No, Albrecht groaned as he turned to look at her. He tried his best to smile without provoking pain. It could have happened...to you!

Though the sight of his wounds is a nightmare made reality for Penelope, this statement is too much for her bear and she flees from the chamber shielding her eyes.

He is going to take months to heal! said one of the healers. And to think he sacrificed his own body to protect the captains daughter. If there wasnt a great honor bestowed upon someone for this there should be!

There will be! said Leoric. He will receive the honor that is due when he recovers. He takes his leave out of concern for Penelope.

I doubt even our own salves and poultices will be able to help him. It is a miracle he is still alive!

At that moment, Logan suddenly remembered the jar of magical healing salve he had taken from the monastery in Arcanius. He had not needed to use it yet during his journey but now it could be put to good use. He doubted that the healers had such a fluid among them.

He removed the jar from his pocket and inspected it. The jar is thankfully undamaged, yet is nearly empty. It would be enough for Edward and Gwendolyn, but Albrecht would need more. Much more.

Here, he said handing it to one of the healers. This is a magical healing salve from the Brotherhood of Judgment. Perhaps it will help hasten his recovery.
Maria lifts her head in interest as her partner examines the fluid within the jar. The healer shakes her head. I doubt it will be enough.

Can Murlock make more? asked Logan.

Perhaps, said the healer. For now, let us make use of it on the king and his sister.

We will need to wait for the leeches to detach themselves first, said Maria. 
For now we can start applying this upon the girls bruise. Son, go make yourself useful and find Murlock so he can make more of this miracle ointment.

And we will have to wash off all that blood, her partner said.

Logan had only stepped outside the bedchambers when found Penelope leaning against a column with one arm for support and breathing heavily. Her other hand is covering her eyes as if to blind herself to what she has seen. But too late as the image is now forever in her mind. Leoric is trying his best to do what any father would do in his place.

It is a miracle he survived, even if just barely.

Father, can you not understand what I am feeling? asked Penelope. What happened to him, everything he suffered, it is all my fault! Her sorrow and despair seem to match Gwendolyns shame at what she suffered.

You cannot blame yourself, said Leoric.

He sacrificed himself for me. He could have died.

But he didnt. He is still alive. We brought him back so he can begin to heal. That is what matters for now.

He takes Penelope by her shoulders and pulls her away from the column. My daughter, listen to me. He turns her around so they can face each other. If I had been in his place I would have done what he did for you. Not as a soldier helping a comrade, but as a father to protect what is left of his family. You are not the only one who lost loved ones. At least the one person close to your heart still lives. I envy you.

You took the words right out of my mouth Leoric. I would have said the exact same thing to her.

Penelope, all that you can do now for Albrecht is to help him on the road to recovery. He wouldnt have grown into such a brave young man if not for your compassion. Now he needs you more than ever by his side. From this moment onward, I am placing you in charge of overseeing his recovery. I want him to be strong as a horse for his knighting.

Father? Did you just...?

There was a time I thought of Albrecht as nothing more than a coward. Someone who deserved nothing more or less than contempt. One unworthy of being a suitor for my brave strong daughter. That time is at an end. Now that I see him for who he truly is, I want you to know that the both of you have my blessing.

Finally a smile appears on Penelopes face. With renewed energy throws herself at her father and embraces him Thank you father! Thank you!

Logan turned away to give father and daughter some privacy for his special moment, more than ever pitying himself for not having such a relationship with his own paternal parent. For now he left to continue the search for Murlock.
					#
He found the wizard in the War Room of the castle where they had hidden the Sword of Judgment several days ago. Murlock is not alone. Claudio is also present. Murlock pushes the sword crest on the fireplace to close the secret chamber.

Is it still safe? asked Claudio.

Yes, said Murlock. Now that Raven Dark once more walks the world of Iconoclast, it would be disastrous if his sword once more is taken up by his hands. I must be ever vigilante to prevent this from happening.

Is there anything I can do? asked Claudio.

Claudio, you are among the few that know where the sword is hidden. You are among those I trust enough to keep it a secret. With the Brotherhood of Judgment gone the responsibility of safeguarding the sword rests upon our shoulders. It is a burden we must bear well for the sake of the world.

I will do my best, said Claudio.

That is all I ask of you, said Murlock. I ask the same of Minerva, Leoric, and Logan. At that moment, Murlock finally becomes aware of Logans presence. Ah Logan. I know why you are here. And we have much to talk about.

Murlock, I dont need any answers from you for the moment. I need your help. Then again, so do the healers. You see, the Sword of Judgment was not the only thing I removed from the monastery during my escape. I also took a jar of a magical healing salve which helped me recover from my injuries during the battle in Arcanius. However there is not enough for Albrecht considering how severe his injuries are. From what I understand, you are the only one who knows how to create that salve.

I do, said Murlock. But what gives it the enhanced healing properties that hasten the process of recovery is its most important ingredient.

Which is?

A drop of blood from a practitioner of magic. As of today there are only two in Iconoclast. Myself and my..., his voice trailed off as if in shame.

Brother? Logan finished.

Yes. One drop of blood is all that is needed. And unlike my brother, I have no hatred for humanity. Therefore I am much more than willing to give some of my own blood, though I have already spilled enough to water the lands of Pandorium and Judgiollas.

What do you mean by that?

I will explain myself later, said Murlock. For now, I must make a list of the remaining ingredients for the healing salve.

Cant you just add a drop of your blood to one of the healers salves?

No, said Murlock. It uses different ingredients than those used by the healers in their own. None of these ingredients can be harvested from their own gardens. As this is a far more potent and powerful healing medicine, it requires different kinds of plants, none of which can be found in any local garden.

Healing can be a very painful process as many healers and their patients have come to understand over the years. Cankers that resist salves or herbs must be burned. And if the wounds of a limb become too infected, it must be amputated. Practitioners of magic came up with a solution to make the process much simpler and less painful. They concocted a formula to create a magical ointment capable of healing any external injury using together the finest ingredients.

But if this is such a powerful medicine, why does no healer supply it?

Understand my friend that for many centuries, people distrusted magic and those who wielded great power. And even by the end of the War of Wizardry, there were very few practitioners of magic left alive.

Distrust?

I will explain all in time friend. But for now I will write out the list of ingredients.

Logan follows Murlock to the castle study where the old wizard sat down at the desk. He dips the feather quill into an inkwell and take an empty paper page. For two minutes he writes, dipping into the inkwell when the pen runs dry. Finally he sets the quill pen down and rises clutching the paper.

Here, he says giving the paper to Logan.

Lets see here, Logan reads the list. Valerian flowers, Lavender blossoms, garlic bulbs, wild bees wax, watercress, opium flower, bark of a white willow tree, and Foxglove roots.

Gather the healers together and send their best herbalists out to gather the ingredients, said Murlock.

Wont they need volunteers to help? asked Logan. The forest can be very dangerous at this hour.

My friend, the danger in the forests cannot compare to what lies in the future for this kingdom.

Logan understood perfectly what he meant. With Raven Dark in the picture once more, the world was in terrible danger.

And it was all because of him.
					#
One hour had passed since the sun completed its descent, plunging the kingdom into darkness. The celebratory feast was ready and the former hostages of the Scourge are eagerly looking forward to eating higher quality food than that which their captors had fed them during their imprisonment. The cooks had prepared a selection of mouth watering choices including a stew with vegetables and beef, potatoes, gravy, bread, stuffed chicken, veal, and strawberries in cream for dessert.
Albrecht of course was still too weak to join them. Some of the servants were given the task of bringing him food and water from the feast and helping him consume the meal. Someone with the magnitude of his injuries would not be able to eat or drink on his own.

Edward sits beside Minerva at the head of the table. His slit cheeks have been stitched closed and the moisture of the salve glistens upon them. The bruise on Gwendolyns face shows the slightest sign of having become smaller. Kain sits at her side. 

Logan has the honor of sitting at the head of the table together with the king and queen. Maria and Agnes sit close by him. Agnes is wearing a new bodice given to her by the queen as the servants wash her old one. Logan wanted to compliment her and tell her how pretty she looked but he did not.

Remember, said Minerva. Do not eat too much too fast.

Servants filled their goblets with wine but Logan declined. No thank you, he said. Ive given up alcohol.

Son? asked Maria. So easily?

Yes, said Logan proudly. I have seen what too much can do to a man. He tried hard not to think of Walter back at the inn of Arcanius. Agnes shifts uneasily in her chair. Obviously the memory is still strong in her mind.

Well done! said Maria proudly.

I will have some water though.

I would like to propose a toast! said Edward raising his goblet. To the success of Logans mission! To the destruction of our enemies base! To the return of our loved ones! And to our kingdom!

Altogether, those gathered at the table raised their goblets in the air, one toast after another.

To Logan!

To the fortress destruction!

To the return of our loved ones!

To Iconoclast!

Not everyone had raised their goblet to give a toast. Not once did Claudio raise his own. Nor did Gwendolyn. Instead she kept her face down towards her plate. Once everyone else had drank a toast, she picked up her plate and carried it out of the dining room.

Gwendolyn? asked Kain in concern. He had only just risen from his seat when Gwendolyn said coldly, dont Kain. Dont follow. She wouldnt even look back at him. Kain stared after her in shocked silence as she made her exit. He finally sank back into his chair and staring down at his food.

Kain, are you alright? asked Minerva.

Kain would not answer. The proud prince is at a loss for words. He sighs and begins to eat his food, avoiding everybodys eyes.

I wish Albrecht could have joined us, said Edward. But he is in no condition. There was barely enough of the magical healing salve left to apply upon a quarter of his injuries. It seems Logans success has been blemished by a broken body and a broken spirit.

It seems Gwendolyn is not the only one whose spirit has been broken, said Minerva eyeing Kain who has called for a refill of his goblet with more wine.
I hope he is not going to drink himself into a stupor.

What is wrong with Gwendolyn anyway? asked Maria.

It seems that she suffered more than a beating by the jailer, said Logan. He also raped her.

Poor girl, said Maria. She is still traumatized by her ordeal. Post Traumatic Shock.

In my time a nurse during the Great War, I have tended to men suffering from gunshot wounds, shrapnel in their flesh, and broken bones. At one point during my career working in the hospital I have tended to women who had been sexually assaulted. Though I never acted as counselor, I did my part to help them recover from their experience.

Can you do something to help my sister? asked Edward.

No guarantees of success but I will try to do the best I can, said Maria.
Kain showed no change in his mood as if he saw no hope for Gwendolyn or their relationship. Did her traumatized spirit now threaten their relationship and any hope of them sharing a future together.

My lady, said Minerva, I want you to know that you should be very proud to have a heroic son. We shall always be grateful to him for everything he has already done for this world.

If only his father were still alive, said Maria somberly.

Can we change the subject? asked Logan. Let us get back to the recovery of Albrecht. As we speak, the finest herbalists among the healers are gathering the ingredients from the neighboring forest outside the city walls. Some of the ingredients for the salve are already in stock for the creation of their other medicines. All they need to gather are the wild bees wax, the white willow tree bark, and foxglove.

Should they not have protection while they gather the remaining ingredients? asked Edward. At this hour, dangerous creatures roam the woods.

They are being accompanied by two guards, said Logan. Penelope was the first to volunteer. It seems she is taking her new duty very seriously.

Duty? asked Edward.

Leoric placed her in charge of overseeing his recovery, said Logan. Helping the healers gather the ingredients for the healing salve is a good start.

Indeed, said Minerva. Nobody should have to suffer the way Albrecht has. He is still suffering as we speak.

Maybe you should write a ballad about his bravery, Logan suggested to Edward.

Yes! said Minerva. And perform it at his knighting!

That is a fine idea! said Edward. In fact, I am already thinking up the first verse as we speak! He help up his goblet again. I would like to propose another toast to Albrecht!

To Albrecht! Everyone toasted. Everyone except for Claudio and Kain. Kain is still too wrapped up in his own sorrow to celebrate what should have been a joyful occasion. Any elation he would have felt for their victory over the Scourge is gone. At his side Logan sees Agnes staring towards Kain with a look of pity.

With the destruction of the enemy fortress, the rescue of their prisoners, and the capture of their lieutenant, there is much to celebrate! said Edward. Our people are in good spirits!

Almost everybody, said Minerva eyeing Kain once more momentarily. But let us not forget the war is not over yet. And I fear that the worst is yet to come, considering that Raven Dark once more walks the land.

Edward has just put the goblet to his mouth to drink, yet he freezes upon hearing his news as if a sudden chill has blown through the windows. A chill that everybody can feel. Raven Dark?

The very wizard to whom Garibaldi sold his soul to, said Minerva.

Edwards goblet slips through his hand and falls to the floor, spilling what is left of his drink upon the carpet. You mean...that voice we heard that night nearly two months ago...was Raven Dark? His voice is barely above a whisper.

Yes, said Minerva uneasily nodding her head. And I have seen him personally tonight at the fortress. And it gets more complicated. He is actually Murlocks brother.

What?

Though Murlock is absent from the feast, Logan considered it a blessing on the wizards behalf. And he perfectly understood. No man wants their darkest secret exposed. No man would ever be able to face his friends, family, and neighbors after the revelation of said secret. What would happen to Murlock? Would he lose the respect of those who depended upon his wisdom? His magic?

And what about his own dark secret? Would he lose the trust of the people who looked to him as a savior? And what would his own mother think if she ever found out that her own son was a traitor among the very army that had imprisoned her?
Did she already know? If so, why had she not brought it up? Her silence on the subject so far was both reassuring and troubling.

And on the subject of secrets, Logan remembered some shocking secrets of his own during the mission. Your highness, he spoke up.

Yes Logan? asked Minerva.

I have more bad news. It turns out the Scourge have a spy planted in the city.

Claudio has helped himself to a chicken drumstick and has just lifted it to his mouth to take his first bite when Logans announcement causes him to freeze.

What? Edwards voice is no longer a whisper as if fear has suddenly lost its grip upon his shoulders. Not loud enough for a shout though. However the shock of this announcement is so strong that he falls backward in his chair to the floor.

A spy? Minerva gasps.

Yes, said Logan. Regretfully. He casts a quick glance towards Claudio who has returned to eating the meat off the drumstick in his hands. He does not look long enough to arouse suspicion from Claudio or to direct it towards him. What good would it do to make any accusations when he had no proof to back them up? According to Minerva, Claudio is working for Iconoclast and its people against the Scourge.

Still some things just arent adding up. None of it made any sense ever since they had rescued Claudio from the fortress.

Claudio, said Minerva, have you learned anything about the Scourges future plans during your imprisonment?

Claudio shook his head. Regretfully no your highness.

I have, said Logan. The Scourge are also planning a final attack on this kingdom within a week.

A week? Edward begins to climb back up into his chair.

Yes, said Logan. This kingdom may have been spared during the first invasion due to the despair over my alleged death, but they will not be so merciful when they attack next.

Then we must make preparations for the invasion, said Minerva. Tomorrow we will have a meeting in the War Room to debate how to prepare for the final battle.

We will be ready for them, said Edward. There will be no surprise attack when they come! Thank you for this information Logan. We will put it to good use!

Though Logan felt proud of himself for alerting the kingdom to the danger posed by future invasion, he also felt the slightest twinge of uneasiness. If the Scourge truly had planted a spy in the kingdom, who was he? Where was he? And what if he became aware of the plans the kingdom was making for the defense?
					#
The healers and their guards returned within two hours after their departure with flasks containing the samples they had collected from the forest. They also brought with them the remaining ingredients they also had in stock. Murlock immediately set to work preparing a batch of the magical salve. The process would take several hours and would likely be finished before sunrise.

It had been a long day for Logan. The days journey had taken its toll upon him. After days of fighting a rest greatly appealed to him. Fortunately he could take it easy for the next several days until the Scourge launched their final attack. The next few days would consist of planning, recuperating, and preparation for the battle to come.

The tome he had taken from the fortress would be essential in tomorrows meeting in the war room. He checked to make certain he had torn out every page mentioning his name and treachery. He was taking no chances of having his past exposed now. Once satisfied that he had done so, he had thrown those pages into the burning fire within the castle studys fireplace.

Watching those pages burn provided a great relief to Logan, yet it was tinged with guilt. He felt like a criminal destroying evidence of his crimes. Then again such a man would feel no regret doing anything to throw investigators and detectives off his trail.

Once the pages had been reduced to ashes did he look away. It was at that moment when he remembered the diary he had taken from the fortress. The diary of his beloved. A memento.

He sat down in one of the plush chairs and removed the diary from the pocket he had concealed it. Though feelings of guilt gnawed at him for reading what should have been seen only by Katrina he could not help himself. Though he would never hear her voice again, seeing her written words was the next best thing.
He opened the diary to the first entry.

May 21, 1917

This is my first entry upon enlisting within the Scourge, founded by Garibaldi, a man desiring to cleanse the world of the evils within the human heart. Signing on was my escape from an arranged marriage. Mother and father believed the youngest son of their close friends would be a suitable husband. But my heart would not agree as my sister had for hers. Though she and her husband are happy and I have come to love my niece and nephew, the only man I will marry is one I come to know and love with all my heart and soul. But as for when I meet that man, I do not know.

Eventually you did, Logan said to himself. You eventually did meet that man in one of your comrades.

May 28, 1917

It has been one week since I joined Garibaldis organization dedicated to what I believe to be a noble cause. After years of living in a world where everything I wanted and needed was given, never earned, I am filled with pride at finally having the power to choose the path I follow in life, free to make my own decisions. However, I have yet to make new friends. Garibaldi discourages the men and women from socializing and so far they are in agreement. Men and women have separate sleeping quarters and do not eat at the same table. I wonder why Garibaldi enforces this one rule so strongly. Did something happen in his past that embitters his heart that he now forbids male-female friendships?
Yes he has, Logan told himself. He skipped a few pages ahead.

August 24, 1917

By now I have given up hope of making friends among the women within the Scourge. Practically all of them are embittered about the life they had been forced to live, deprived of rights within a male-dominated world. None more so than a woman named Belle who now insists that we all call her Bellatrix now as it is less feminine and ladylike. Though she hates all the men among the Scourge, save for our founder Garibaldi, now it appears that she despises me as well. She has cut off all ties with her family back home and now looks to all the women in the Scourge as the sisters she never had. All except for one...me. Bellatrix has turned all the other women against me, seeing me as weak and claiming that I am far too softhearted. What is wrong with that?

At the same time, I recently met a young man who had only signed a couple of weeks ago. He seems friendly enough and also has close ties to his mother back home. I feel as if I have found a kindred spirit inside this Romanian gunsmith named Logan. If only Garibaldi did not forbid male and female friendships, I would love to get to know him better.

Logan blushed. Usually it was a chance meeting between two people of the opposite sex that starts it all. Yet the date of this entry made him uneasy, for it was exactly one year until her death.

November 11, 1917

Mother and father sent me a telegram telling me that my beloved Persian cat Sybilla died last evening.  Since it had been more than a week since I had visited home, she must have worried about me. Somehow she had gotten out of the house and into the streets. Sadly, she did not make it very far from home before a car flattened her.

When I received the news, I couldnt breathe. I blamed myself for her death, believing that if I had come home for my weekly visit, none of this would have happened. To have no friends within the Scourge is bad enough, but to lose something you love and who loves you makes this situation unbearable
Even after my family and I buried her, Sybillas death weighed heavily upon my heart. I cried myself to sleep that night. My sorrow betrayed me during training today in the shooting range. All of my comrades laughed at me when I missed my target and fumbled with my gun while trying to reload it. Led by Bellatrix, they all jeered at me as I fled in tears. And as I fled, I passed by none other than Logan himself. I could not bring myself to face him even though he showed no mocking emotions.

I locked myself within the womens sleeping chambers and cried my eyes out. I have never been more alone in all my life.

Is that how Gwendolyn is feeling now? Logan asked himself. Ashamed of what has happened to her? Does she blame herself? Does she believe she is protecting herself by pushing everyone away, including the man who loves her?

After what seemed like hours, though it was only a few minutes, I heard a knock on the door. I heard a voice on the other side asking if I was okay. To my surprise, the voice belonged to Logan! Though it was forbidden to allow a man into the female sleeping chambers, I allowed him in. I will never forget the moment when Logan offered me a shoulder to cry upon and I obliged. Logan did his best to console me, even telling me that he recently lost his own father during the war fought across Europe. He only remained for a few minutes before Bellatrix came in and ordered him to leave. 

Once he was gone Bellatrix began to cruelly mock me for what had happened in the shooting range, showing no concern or sympathy for me. Finally having a reason to hate her, I found the courage to stand up to her and tell her off before I ran off to find Logan. Though it only made her hate me even more, I had finally gained a new friend that day.

It made Logan proud that he had given Katrina the strength to face her arch-rival and give her the tongue lashing she deserved. 

November 26, 1918

Ever since she walked in on us, Bellatrix had already spread the word among the other women about how I let Logan into their bedchambers. Now I am more shunned than ever. None of them will even speak to me. I can ever hear them whispering about me behind my back. Still I have no regrets about that first meeting with Logan. I can always come to him whenever I need to talk. He is my only comfort in this organization.

He skipped ahead a few pages.

February 12, 1918

Today is Logans birthday. I secretly met him outside the fortress walls and gave him my present, a beautiful lock containing my picture. Logan had also brought with him an apple pie baked for him by his mother back home. As we shared the pie sitting at the same table in the fortress dining room, something that no man or woman had done yet from what I know, he told me to expect something for me on Valentines Day.

May 21,1918

It has been one year since I have joined the Scourge. Though I am shunned by both men and women in the Scourge, I could not care less with Logan as my sole friend. We do everything together including training. 

More and more over the months we have been meeting in secret to watch the sunset and gaze up at the stars and the moon. Though our comrades now know we have defied Garibaldis law, I could not care less. Nor could I about Garibaldi and his lectures about my sin. I feel like I do not belong here within the Scourge anymore. I have no regrets however, for if I had never signed on I never would have met the man who would find a special place in my heart. Logan is the greatest thing that could have happened to me.

Though he is the first man I ever had the pleasure of being with, Logan told me that I am not the first woman he has been in a relationship with. Apparently, his work as a gunsmith was a turn-off to his previous lovers. Both no longer wanted anything to do with him after they learned that he works with guns. Did they really fear that he would accidentally shoot one of them? Logan is the most gentle and loving man I have ever known, he would never kill an innocent person.

Not directly, Logan told himself. But indirectly? Just how many innocent people have died because of my actions? How many more will die because of me?

May 30, 1918

Though Logan and I have embraced several times during our relationship, today we shared our first kiss. In spite of the fact that I am his third lover, I am the first he ever kissed.

Reading that passage filled Logan with intense longing. The more he read the more happy memories he found himself reliving.

August 21, 1918

Logan told me today how much he loves me. And I told him that I feel exactly the same way! I feel that this is the man I will share the rest of my life with.
Garibaldi himself can lecture me all he wants. He has even threatened to expel me from the Scourge. But I will not let anything will stand between me and my happiness.

I have sent several telegrams to my family back home about Logan and our relationship. They are happy for me and ready to give their blessing, prepared to welcome Logan into the family. I know that the day he asks for my hand in marriage is imminent and inevitable.

Logan nodded. Sadly that day never came. He came to the last entry.

August 24, 1918

Last night before I went to bed, I discovered that Garibaldi is not the man I believed him to be. Now I see him for who he truly is: a misanthropist and a madman. What he has been planning all along is genocide and enslavement. Is this what I spent over a year training for? To murder innocent people? What if my family is among them? What if my hometown is invaded?

This I will not stand for! Garibaldi truly is correct, I have no place in the Scourge. I feel like a rose surrounded by thorns. I will confront Garibaldi at the meeting today at the basilica which is central to our religion. I will expose him for who he truly is if no one else already knows! And I only pray that my beloved Logan will join me.

Logan felt his eyes begin to water as he closes the book before any of his tears stain the page. He already knew how the confrontation went. Apparently, many of the others among the Scourge did know of his plans. They just did not care. They were eager for vengeance against the world.

In the end, her bravery had cost her life. That was to have been the day he would have proposed to her. Her dreams of marriage and sharing their life together had ended in a hail of lead in the execution grounds. Her comrades never gained any respect for her during her time among them. Now she was condemned to be hated as a coward and a traitor.

Everything he did was to honor her memory and sacrifice. To stop the Scourge on her behalf. At least now her arch-rival was dead. As were much of the squad that executed her. Only Revelin remained.

Katrina, I would have stood by you that moment if I had arrived earlier!

In spite of his guilt, he felt no shame for reading her diary. And now he realized that the diary contained more evidence of his former ties to the army invading this world. Still he could not bring himself to destroy the book or any of its pages. This diary together with the locket around his neck were all he had left as a reminder of her influence on his life. Just as he had been the greatest thing that had ever happened to her, so too had she been for him.

He had to hide the diary to make certain that no one else read what was contained within her words. Such loving memories would only condemn him in the eyes of the people who had come to depend on him as a hero.

The diary had no lock or key. He would have to keep it on him at all times, tucked away in a pocket in his trench coat. And he would have to wear the coat even in the hottest day just to protect his secret.

He felt like a coward doing everything necessary to protect his secret. Yet so much depended on him. What if Janus was right? What if the people did turn their backs and scorn him as an enemy should they learn about his past?

He tried his best to shake loose the shackles of guilt. He had to do what he had to do. He just did not have any other choice.
					#
The castle had three guest bedchambers, each having three beds, a fireplace, chests of drawers, floor to ceiling windows, and beautiful paintings of castle life hanging on the walls. Unlike the royal bedrooms where the beds were fancier, with curtains that could be opened or closed on its sides, intricately woven rugs on the floor, and pillars decorating the walls, the beds are more simpler.

He slides his boots under the bed and places his hat upon the chest of drawers. Now where could he store his coat for the night? Where would be a safe place for it where no one would find the diary within its pocket? In the end, he settled for sliding it under the bed to join his boots.

Except for the uneasiness eating away at him he was in good spirits. The same could not be said for his room mate. Kain is standing in front of the windows looking up at the stars in the sky. A sliver of a moon like the thumbnail of some invisible giant hides itself behind wisps of clouds.

It is a beautiful night is it not? asked Logan trying to lighten the mood.
Kain touches his palm to a pane. If only I could share this night with Gwendolyn out on the balcony.

But you cannot.

Kain shakes his head, lost in his own sorrow. The prince Logan had mostly known for his violent tempers towards all who angered him and his gentle nature for those he cared for, but now a new side of him has revealed itself. Part of him that Logan knew all too well. A feeling of loss. Just as he had witness Katrina being fatally wounded by gunfire, Kain had seen what had happened to his own beloved. But while Katrina had died, Gwendolyn had survived. 

Yet it appeared that Katrina had been the lucky one. She had been granted the mercy of death, freed from the anguish of the pain she suffered in her final minute. On the other hand, in life Gwendolyn is left with the memory of what she had endured, and the shame of what the jailer had done to her. She did not come out of the dungeon the same woman she had gone in as.

I should have gotten there much sooner! Kain says sorrowfully. He struck the window with one fist. The glass shudders for a brief second, yet his blow lacks the strength to leave a crack. 

She is still alive, said Logan as he sits down upon the edge of the bed closest to the window.

Part of her is, said Kain. Now she is just a mere shell of the cheerful, outspoken, carefree maiden I fell in love with. You saw the way she acted at dinner! Towards me? Do you think she is...gone?

She is not gone, said Logan. She has been through a difficult ordeal. Give her time. She will come around again.

Hopefully. He could not bring himself to speak what his mind told believed. He could only hope that his mother could help her.

Many of my people wondered why I chose her, a scullery maid above all the others, not at all of noble or royal blood.

Her father was the daughter of one of the guards of Tamirtania. Protecting your kingdom can be considered a position of great nobility. And her brother did marry into royalty of this kingdom, even if Minerva herself was not born of royal blood. It is our actions and what is in our heart that defines us, not our birthright. 
You could not have chosen better for your future queen.

I doubt the country will have a queen, said Kain hunching forward to press his forehead against the glass. Even if our relationship is never mended and she pushes me away completely, I could never love another woman as much as I love Gwendolyn.

As I have loved Katrina.

Were it not for my responsibility to the people of Tamirtania, I would have thrown myself off the balcony, said Kain. Logan watches as his face darkens with anger. All I have left to live for now other than ruling Tamirtania is vengeance against the Scourge. Damn them! Not only have they killed my father and left much of my kingdom in ruin, they have taken from me the woman I loved! They ruined everything! He struck the window again. Still it was not strong enough to crack the glass. Logan wondered if the window was shatterproof.

Kain, it has been a long day, said Logan as he climbed into bed. Get some rest. Perhaps things will be better tomorrow.

But even as he extinguished the candle to plunge the room into darkness, Kain did not budge from where he stood. Even though very little moonlight shone through the window, it was still enough for him to see the prince burying his eyes within his arm.

Enough to see a lone tear trickle his face.
					#
The next morning, everyone sat down to breakfast. The meal consisted of eggs, ham, bread, butter, cheese, and an assortment of fruits to choose from. 

As with dinner the previous night, Gwendolyn took her plate back to her room without a word to anyone. This time, Kain made no attempt to stop or even talk to her. He would not even look at her. 

This even in spite of the fact that the bruise on her face had vanished completely.

Logan saw a look of concern on the face of Agnes as she watched Gwendolyn exit from the dining room. Something wrong? he asked her biting into an apple.

I am very worried about their relationship, she said. Logan understood why she felt this way. Many years ago, her previous lover had spurned her for another during her time as a hostage with bandits, no longer wanting anything to do with her. Now it seemed that Gwendolyn herself is spurning Kain, not out of scorn but out of self shame.

She has been through a horrific ordeal, said Logan. You should know. You had been a prisoner before centuries ago.

Perhaps, said Agnes. But those Arcanius bandits did feed and water me during my time as their prisoner. The Scourge on the other hand were trying to starve me.

You were not the only one, said Logan, thinking of his mother. He blamed himself for what could have happened to Agnes. If only he had not made that vow to her father. If only she was not a near exact image of Katrina.

They certainly never beat me or tried to have their way with me either! There is a sharpness in her tone, a hint of anger and disgust at how the Scourge compared negatively to the bandits.

Leoric entered the dining room and saluted. Highness, Murlock has arrived with the salve.

Thank you Leoric, said Minerva as she dabbed her mouth dry with a cloth. Let us meet with him at once. She arose from the table to leave. Logan finished his breakfast and followed after her. Maria had not yet finished her breakfast, but she too followed him and the queen out of the dining room. Logan surmised that she would help apply it to Albrecht.

Murlock is waiting in the entrance hall. He is holding the crystal jar containing freshly prepared ointment. Together they all walked to the guest bedroom where Albrecht was bedridden. Penelope is sitting in a chair at his bedside helping him eat breakfast and drink his water. On the dresser rests a bowl of water. A moist cloth is placed over his injured eye. Though it is highly unlikely that it could be saved and restored, whatever discomfort Albrecht was experiencing there had to be removed. Perhaps the cloth dampened by water would act as a cold compress.

We have the healing salve ready, said Minerva. In response, the female guard set the plate of food upon her chair after rising. She pulls back the covers of the bed, revealing Albrechts entire body. All of his wounds have been stitched shut, allowing the mere sight of him to be more bearable. The dried blood had been washed away. The largest of his bruises have diminished in size during the night. Still, he is in terrible shape as he is unable to sit up in bed much less move his arms or legs.

Not quite, said Murlock as he stands before the bed. It still needs one ingredient at this point.

A drop of your blood? asked Logan.

Yes. The blood is the final ingredient in its creation and may be added either during the mixing of the ingredients or after the mixture cools into what you see here.

I do not understand why it has to be your blood, asked Maria.

I am a practitioner of magic, said Murlock, descended from one of the original seven. Magic flows through my blood and it is that magic that grants the salve its miraculous restorative properties.

Seven what? asked Logan. This was not the first time he had heard the term. He had heard it in the vision Raven Dark had shown him.

I will tell all later, said Murlock. But now I must add a drop of my own blood to the salve to finish it.

In response, Penelope takes hold of her spear which she had set against the wall and holds its head out towards Murlock. Without hesitation, Murlock stretches one arm towards the spear. In silence, he lowers one of his fingertips onto its head. Penelope shuts her eyes as if she cannot bear to see her weapon taste the blood of an innocent man.

Doesnt that hurt? Logan is fascinated by Murlocks ability to stoically endure whatever pain he has inflicted upon himself.

After two seconds, Murlock lifts his finger off the spearhead. Blood has begun to leak from the wound, dripping blood onto the carpet. He inserts his bleeding finger into the ointment and stirs the mixture. The colorless lard-like salve takes on a pinkish hue after several seconds. Finally, he removes his finger. Logan and the others are amazed to see that not only has the blood stopped flowing, but the wound has also completely healed.

He hands the jar to Maria who nods and begins to apply it to Albrechts wounds. Albrecht winces as the salve is applied to his body, but the fact that Penelope is at his side gives him the comfort he needs to endure. Had she stayed with him the whole night?

Let us leave her in peace while she works, said Murlock. For now, we begin our preparations for the upcoming battle.

Indeed, said Minerva. We must have a counsel of war with our allies.

Call the captain and his majesty into the War Room, said Murlock. Not only do we have preparations to make, but I have some explaining to do.

Logan understood what he meant by that. What would everybody who looked up to the old wizard think now that they knew he was the brother of the Scourges new master?

He found himself wondering if he would be able to explain himself if his secret were exposed.
					#
Inside the War Room, Logan is gathered with his allies around the round table. A map of the entire realm is spread out upon its surface. Logan has also brought with him the tome revealing the plans of the Scourge for the future.

How strange, said Minerva. It appears that some of the pages were torn out.
Logan felt uneasy at that moment, but he tried to convince himself that he had done what had to be done. Those pages probably did not contain any useful information that could be used by the kingdom in its defense. Then again, he had not even read those pages, only skimmed them for mentions of his name.

Someone from the Scourge must have torn out some of the pages to prevent their most valuable secrets from falling into our hands should Logan have recovered it. said Minerva.

My secret.

But still we have learned much from the information contained within, said Edward. That is what matters!

The remaining four kingdoms still inhabited by human population still stand strong, said Murlock. He had placed four small wood figurines in the shapes of knights upon the map, one each in Tamirtania, Arcanius, Dunkilus, and Naphorphia. 
I believe that in order to win this war, we will need reinforcements from those kingdoms.

I agree, said Edward. The four kingdoms fell easily to the Scourge. What we need is a larger force to defeat them. Though our neighbors are weakened by the attacks, they are not broken. If we can all combine our forces together, we may have the strength to triumph.

We must send out messengers immediately, said Minerva. Though none of the other kingdoms had ever had an actual army and had no need for one, guards are completely capable of defending their kingdom and people. They are just as good as any trained soldier.

No army? asked Logan.

At one point in the history of Iconoclast, this kingdom did have an army, said Murlock.

But no more? asked Logan.

No. One tyrannical king had built an army to conquer the land, but after his death, those lands he had taken were divided into the kingdoms you see on the map. Ever since that time, those lands have been wary towards his kingdom, though none of them have ever been enemies, nor have they been allies.

Things could change by the end of the war, said Leoric. This land faces a common enemy. If this world is to know peace and victory, they must learn to work together.

Such unity had not happened since the revolution against that king, said Murlock. It was he who forged the Sword of Judgment and had the secret chamber behind the fireplace built in order to safeguard it. After his death, the sword was taken from the kingdom and had not been seen for forty centuries...until only recently.

Is the Sword of Judgment still secured away? asked Minerva.

Yes, said Murlock. Still safely locked away in this room behind the fireplace.

Thats a relief, said Minerva. I would hate to think what would happen if your brother reclaimed it.

Brother? asked Leoric.

You deserve to know the truth as well Leoric, said Murlock. Everyone present already knows by now that Raven Dark, formerly known as Draven, is my younger brother.

What? Leoric shouts, obviously shocked.

Yes, said Murlock. The man who was once the greatest knight this realm had ever known, is now the dark sorcerer Raven Dark. My brother.

Then that means that your father..., Logans voice trailed off.

Yes, said Murlock. My father started the War of Wizardry.

Leorics eyes narrow. You were the wizard who fled to these lands to escape their wrath! His voice contains a tone of scornful contempt.

Captain Leoric, Minerva spoke up angrily, do not judge him so quickly after all he has done for us!

No, said Murlock shaking his lowered head. He is right. If not for Lazarus, my brother and father would have pursued me, and the rest of this world would have paid a terrible price for my own cowardice!

Wait a minute, said Logan. You said so yourself that wizards could not harm each other with their magic. So how could you have been in any danger from your father or brother?

Because my father found a loophole in the laws of wizardry and my brother wielded the Sword of Judgment. He also had his own power magnified by the Obsidian of Souls.

What loophole? asked Logan.

Dont you remember what I told you two months ago in my manor? asked Murlock. A wizard can transmogrify the body into another form to gain more powerful magical properties that come with it. Thousands of years ago, mystical creatures and animals roamed this realm before they were hunted into extinction. But they lived on through the experiments of those who practiced the magic arts. Elixers and potions brewed with their blood could grant those who consumed them the magical properties, powers, and forms of those creatures, no longer binding them to the laws of wizardry.

Logan remembered the demonic Minotaur that Garibaldi had transformed himself into that night. It was the same creature that Janus had become before they battled. What other kinds of creatures had existed at one point?

For ages such methods were used by my brethren to combat those who used their powers for evil purposes. We dared not to locate the Sword of Judgment or the Obsidian of Souls for use in our crusade. Nor would we even mention their names for it was forbidden. For it was those artifacts that planted the seeds of hate and fear towards our kind in the first place!

You mean? asked Logan.

Precisely, said Murlock. For twenty-five centuries, our kind were hated and feared by many because of our power. Many of us were embittered by the prejudice we suffered that we used our powers to punish and terrorize humanity.

Is that what the Scourge are doing? Those who pledge loyalty to their cause have all suffered in some way from a cruel world?

The rest of us dedicated our lives to creating a world where we could co-exist peacefully. But this was impossible as long as our brethren worked against us by using their power for ill-purposes. Therefore, we devised methods for neutralizing their powers or dispatching them outright. By the end of the War of Wizardry, we had succeeded in our goal, but there werent many of us left to enjoy living a life free from persecution. 

My father had already killed off most of those who used their powers for evil, my maternal great-grandfather among them. Many of those who worked for peace and died for their efforts had been killed by my father and brother. Others sacrificed themselves to help achieve victory. And I have only myself to blame.

Why do you blame yourself? said Logan. What did you do?

I fled my homeland to escape the wrath of my brother and father when I refused to join them in their crusade and sought sanctuary with Lazarus and his brethren in the very castle you battled through two months ago. I told Lazarus of what was happening and he sent word to all the other remaining wizards in the lands to prepare for the battle to come. Many lost their lives during the battle against my father and brother. 

Lazarus however was the sole survivor of the fight against my father. He used an enchanted crystal he created to siphon the powers of my father and the magical properties granted to him by his chosen form, returning him to his human body before banishing him through a portal to another world. 

One survivor from the battle against my brother succeeded in stealing the Obsidian of Souls. But even without that artifact, Raven Dark still commanded great power from the Sword of Judgment.

Lazarus entrusted both jewels into the protection of the Iconoclast royal family before making preparations for the final battle against Raven Dark. With the Sword of Darkness stolen from my father  

Hold on a minute! Logan interrupted. Why did your father have the Sword of Darkness?

My father forged that weapon, said Murlock. He was the most powerful and feared wizard to have ever lived, holding mastery over the dark arts. He drew strength from the darkness and chose the form of a mystical nocturnal animal for that purpose. He lost all that because of Lazarus.

If Raven Dark was the second most powerful dark wizard as he had said, Logan hated to think was his father was capable of.

Lazarus used the Sword of Darkness to help forge a weapon that would contest the power of the Sword of Judgment. He forged four swords and imbued each of them with the power of each of the four elements making up our world.

Fire, air, water, and earth! said Logan.

Exactly, said Murlock. To do so, he enlisted the aid of four of the most powerful wizards with mastery over one of the elements. Each of these men and women sacrificed themselves to imbue the swords with their own magic and an essence of their souls. One of them was the sorceress Celestina. As he spoke her name, his voice betrayed a sign of cracking.

Did you know her well? asked Logan.

Indeed I did, said Murlock. It still hurts me to mention or think of her name. I loved her you know.

So even Murlock understands the loss of someone he loved. Just as he lost his family, he lost the woman he loved.

Was she the one who mastered the element of air? asked Logan.

Yes, said Murlock. Even long after she died, I tried my best to keep her memory alive. That is why I safeguarded the Sword of Sky in my manor.

Just as I wear the locket given to me by my beloved. It helps keep her memory alive. It is almost as if she is still with me.

But why did you settle in Dunkilus? Logan asked. Why not return to your homeland after the war?

You do not understand my friend. That mansion I lived in was more than just my new home, it was my prison. Where I lived in self-imposed exile for fifteen centuries. It is my punishment for my role in the events that will be forever remembered in the history of this realm. After what happened in Pandorium and Judgiollas, I could not bring myself to ever set foot in those lands again.

Logan saw Leoric shake his head.

So that is my story, said Murlock. I hope none of you think any less of me, though if you do, I understand. I deserve it.

Nobody thinks little of you after your story Murlock, said Edward.

I do, said Leoric crossing his arms over his chest.

Everyone turned to him. What? asked Edward.

Be reasonable Leoric, said Minerva. Just because Murlock is the brother of Raven Dark does not make him our enemy.

This has nothing to do with the fact that Draven, now known as Raven Dark, is his brother, said Leoric. He then speaks to Murlock with a voice dripping scorn and as unforgiving as ice. So much happened to this world and what could have been if not for Lazarus and his kind, because of you and your cowardice!

But that is all ancient history! Minerva spoke up in defense of Murlock, something the old wizard would not do. Each word coming out the the lips of the captain was like an arrow fired from a bow, and Murlock himself stoically stood his ground and took each one, bearing the pain in silent endurance.

Leoric shook his head disgustedly. I used to think of Albrecht as nothing more than a spineless coward who abandoned his kingdom. My mistake. I severely misjudged the boy. At least he put in the effort to redeem himself of his folly and prove himself a man of great courage. He glared towards the wizard with daggers in his eyes. But you...! You are without a doubt the biggest coward in the history of this world! So many died because of you! So many more could have lost their lives if not for the courage your brethren possessed that you lacked! Even today you will not face your past or even return to your homeland to confront what has transpired! Your very presence before me is an insult! 

He forces himself up from the chair he sat. In fact, I cannot stand to even look at you or even be in the same room as you! I do not know whose cowardice is deeper, that of Scourge...or yours! That is how much you disgust me! I want you to know that I have lost all my respect for you Murlock!

Leoric storms off towards the doors out of the War Room.

Where are you going captain? asked Minerva.

To prepare those under my command for the battle to come! said Leoric. And I will not be asking for the wisdom of that ancient yellow bellied wizard any longer! He slammed the door behind him.

Murlock sat motionless in his chair, his face red with shame. Logan asked himself if Leorics condemning words towards Murlock would be as sharp as those from the lips of those who learned his secret. He pitied the old wizard.

Murlock..., Minerva started.

No, said Murlock shaking his head while holding up one hand. He is right. So much has happened because of me. So much blood has been spilled, all because of my own foolishness and the fact that I lacked the courage to face my father and brother. And to think I am the one who started it in the first place.

Whatever do you mean? asked Minerva.

I was the one who trained Fiona Vurpumil, Dravens lover, in magic. She found an ancient book written in a mystic language within the library of Judgiollas, a language she was able to understand. When she consulted with me, I revealed that only those descended from those who wrote those books could understand what was written and that they were books of magic. 

She pleaded with me to teach her in the ways of magic so she could help her kingdom and her people. Judgiollas at that time was suffering the worst drought in the history of the world and farmers could not grow their crops to provide the kingdom with food. I agreed as I believed that doing so would benefit our cause towards establishing a world where our kind could live in peace with humanity.
After several days of teaching and practice, she had perfected mastery over spells that would save the kingdom. She summoned a powerful rainstorm and healed a sick man suffering from drinking tainted water.

Although she had ended the drought saved the kingdom, Fiona did not receive the praise that she rightfully deserved. Instead she was condemned to death and burned at the stake. Though her family had disowned her in an attempt to save face, it was too late. The scandal brought upon them by the revelation of their birthright disgraced them and their once respected family was now hated as if they were practitioners of magic themselves.

Thats...! An appalled Minerva struggled to find the words to describe the horror of this story. She shook her head. Its just monstrous! How could they repay her heroism like that? If my kingdom suffered as hers had, I would have hailed her as a hero and made sure the people gave her what she deserved!

And to think her own family turned against her, said Edward. Its even more disgraceful than what the people did to her!

Yes, said Murlock. Many families who were descended from one of the original seven went to great lengths to hide their ancestry out of fear of persecution. As in the matter of what happened to the Vurpumils, their fears were justified. Sometimes the families were forced to flee to another land in order to bury their secret once more.

The more he heard, the more uneasy Logan felt about what would happen to him if he was revealed to be a former member of the Scourge.

My brother blamed me for her death since I was the one who trained her in the use of magic, said Murlock, a tinge of regret inside his voice. It was her death and his failure to save her that changed him from the noble knight into the dark sorcerer he is now. So much guilt rests upon my ancient shoulders. So much blood has stained my hands, perhaps more than any other human in the history of mankind.

Logan decided not to tell Murlock about all the deaths on Earth inflicted by the Scourge. Doing so would only fill the ancient wizard with even more shame, regret, and sorrow. I do not understand, he said. What exactly has caused such hateful feelings towards these kinds of people?

I suppose you all deserve to know the truth, said Murlock. You may not realize it, but together with my father and brother, I am one of the last remnants of a bygone era.

Four thousand years ago when humans first inhabited the realm, there were seven immortal individuals who have been known as the first users of magic. No one knew where they came from and who exactly they were. The most commonly accepted theory to this day is that they were the deities responsible for the creation of this world and of all life that dwelled within.

These seven deities lived in seclusion away from humanity. Six of them believed in keeping their mysterious talents a secret for concern of the treatment they would endure from a population fearful of the unknown. The seventh believed that such power could earn them the respect they deserved. And so he set out into the world to claim what he believed was rightfully his.

At first, he was accepted by the people for demonstrating his talent, defying the worst fears of his comrades. He earned the trust of the king and became his royal adviser. When the king died there were no heirs to the throne. And so the people decided that this magician should be their ruler. At first all was well. Yet as time passed, in a famous example of how power corrupts, he evolved into a paranoid and vicious tyrant who ruled with an iron fist, building an army to conquer the remaining lands of the realm. Within the year, the entire world had joined together as his empire.

To enforce his reign, he forged a powerful weapon said to contain the power of a vengeful god at the cost of his divinity and immortality. He unleashed the power of this weapon against those who foolish enough to speak out against him. Depending on his mood and how he regarded them, they either became stricken with serious illnesses, a quick and painless death, or a slow an agonizing end. Nothing could protect the victim regardless of whether they were locked in the dungeon or any other room, or even if they were clad in thick armor.

At one point, his creation was used to cause a widespread famine in what is now the kingdom of Tamirtania, destroying crops, and causing hundreds to starve, all just to set an example for any who dared to defy him. It also poisoned the waters of the kingdom of Naphorphia. Any who drank from it became deathly ill.

And this weapon was...? Logan dared not to finish his statement.

The Sword of Judgment, said Murlock nodding his head. He paused and looked around to see if everyone was still paying attention. That previous section of the history lesson had obviously made everyone unnerved judging from the looks of horror and shock on their faces. Yet they were all eager to know how the story would end.

The remaining six deities knew that he had gone too far and that he had to be stopped. Yet they could not kill him due to the fact that their powers could not harm one another. Thus they created a powerful artifact to magnify their powers, sacrificing their own divinity and immortality as their fellow deity had done. This artifact became the Obsidian of Souls, the key to carrying out their regretful task.

By then the entire world had been on the brink of revolution. When that revolution broke out, many died at the hands of those who had pledged loyalty to the wizard king. His fellow six former deities confronted him in the throne room of this castle during the evening of the revolutions climax. As he raised the Sword of Judgment in their direction, they used the Obsidian of Souls to cast a spell that was so powerful it completely destroyed his life essence, reducing him to ashes and ending the threat posed to them by his sword.

Despite their role in freeing the world, the damage had been done. Just as they had feared during their seclusion, they were now feared and hated, feelings that were fueled by the reign of their fallen comrade. Many actually blamed them for all the suffering they had endured over the past few years. Feelings that would persist for twenty-five centuries.

Knowing that they would never be able to live in peace with each other following this tragedy, these six former deities divided the empire into seven kingdoms and gave six of them names. Each of them then took up residence in the land which matched their name.

You mean six of those lands are named after those surviving wizards? asked Logan.

Indeed, said Murlock. The remaining kingdom formerly ruled by their fallen brethren when he was first crowned was named to remember him by. They never set foot in that part of the realm ever again, nor did any of them see each other for the remainder of their years. And though they were no longer immortal, the magic flowing through their blood gave them immense longevity, a reminder of what they had once been. A gift and curse passed down to their descendants who pursued the practice of magic.

Before they died, the six wizards, Dunkilus, Tamirtania, Naphorphia, Judgiollas, Arcanius, and Pandorium each wrote books containing all the knowledge necessary to learn their powers, so that they would be wielded by those with the responsibility to do so for the greater good of the people should the time come, each praying that someday their own kind would be accepted among the people once again. 
However, the only ones capable of understanding the knowledge written within were their descendants.

Which are you descended from? asked Logan.

Pandorium, said Murlock. She was the wizardress who held sway over the power of night and day, light and dark, the known and the unseen.

What about the others? asked Logan.

Judgiollas was a seer who could see into the past. His powers were of great use to historians and in criminal courts. Arcanius himself controlled the element of fire. Dunkilus was the lord of the air. Naphorphia was the mistress of water and it was her power that helped cleanse the poison the Sword of Judgment had tainted the waters of the kingdom with. And Tamirtania was the sorceress who commanded the earth.

I should have known, said Logan. Those four elementalists had the sword containing their element in their kingdoms. He found himself curious about his own history and ancestry. What about me? Who was I descended from?

We all believe you to be the descendant of Lazarus, said Murlock. His ancestor was Iconoclast himself. It is ironic that a representative from the bloodline of he who started the beginning of an era of fear and hatred towards his own kind would be the one to end it.

Just as it is ironic that our greatest champion would be a descendant from that wizard king, said Minerva.

Exactly, said Murlock. Logan is living proof that just because his ancestor was a cruel tyrant does not mean he has a soul overwhelmed with corruption, evil, and hatred.

But how do we know for certain that Logan is a descendant of Lazarus? asked Edward. Your father had been banished to another world by Lazarus. What if that world was Earth?

Logan felt his blood chill at the possibility of being descended from the most powerful and feared wizard to have ever lived. It that was the case, then he and Murlock would be related by blood. It was bad enough that he was descended from a tyrannical wizard king. 

I hadnt considered that, said Murlock. But I do know that when Lazarus sent his family to Earth for their protection, he sent with them one of their family heirlooms for safekeeping. A ring said to allow communication with the spirits of the dead.

It was then that Logan remembered the ring in his pocket. Somehow, that ring had summoned the spirit of Lazarus. The ring with which he would have proposed to Katrina with. He removed the box from his pocket and opened it. You mean this one?

Murlock gasped at the sight of the ring. As did the others.

The ring! Murlock spoke in a voice barely above a whisper. It cant be! But it is! It is said to summon the spirits of the dead, but only if you are related to them by blood or had met them in life.

I saw it happen myself, said Logan. He closed the box and set it on the table. I spoke the name of Lazarus and he appeared before me.

Then this ring is proof of your birthright, said Murlock. Your ability to summon him removes any doubt of your ancestry.

Logan felt relieved that he was not related in any way to Murlocks father. What would a wizard who hated humans think if one of his own descendants fought to protect humanity?

But what about Janus? asked Logan. Raven Dark shared some of his power with him and allowed him to transform into a terrible beast. You said so yourself Murlock that wizards can share their powers with the descendant of another. Does Janus himself have ancestry in this land?

It is possible, said Murlock. But if he does have magical powers at his command, he would have found a way to use them to assault the guards interrogating him and escape from the castle dungeon.

What is going to happen to him? asked Logan.

He will be tried for his crimes against the realm and its people, said Edward. It is likely that he will pay for them with his life should the people demand it. And I am certain that they will.

And when is the trial? Logan asked, trying to hide his concern for his former friend.

Later in the week, said Minerva. Representatives from the four kingdoms conquered by the Scourge will testify. Kain will speak for Tamirtania as will Gwendolyn if she recovers. That girl Agnes will testify on behalf of Arcanius.
What about Naphorphia and Dunkilus? asked Logan.

Albrecht will speak for Naphorphia once he had made a full recovery, said Minerva. I would myself but I did not bear witness to the direct attack on my former homeland.

Edward saw what was happening in Tamirtania, said Logan. Should he  testify as well?

No, said Edward. Minerva and I will represent the people of the kingdom we rule.

That leaves only Dunkilus, said Logan.

You forget Logan, said Murlock, For the past fifteen centuries I have been a citizen of Dunkilus. I will speak for the land which I now call home. Together with Albrecht, Kain, and Agnes, I will see to it that justice for our world and people is done.

Logan felt great concern for Janus more than ever. Surely the fate of his former friend had already been sealed. And he doubted that there was anything he could do to prevent the inevitable without his secret being revealed.

There is also the matter of the four elemental swords, said Murlock. The Scourge had hoped to use their powers against us and all humanity. But now thanks to Logan, they are safely back in our hands.

So now we can turn the tables on our enemies in the battle to come! said Edward.
However, there is the risk of them once more falling into enemy hands, said Murlock. Now that we know there is an enemy spy within the kingdom, that is a risk I am not willing to take.

What do you propose? asked Logan.

I believe it is time to once more forge the Sword of Iconoclast, Murlock replied. Or as it is also known: the Blade of Lazarus.

But how? asked Minerva. We forged the sword back in the great castle of Lazarus. In the time it would take for us to make the trip to the castle and back, it would probably be too late. The Scourge would have made their attack.

Wait! Logan suddenly spoke up as if remembering something. I remember that time in your manor about you telling me that there were two places in their world where the sword can be forged!

Very good Logan! said Murlock proudly with a smile. You have been paying attention!

In the chapel near where Lazarus was laid to rest, I found a similar set of five slates, Logan continued. I did not think anything of it at the time, but now I realize what its purpose is!

Exactly Logan! said Murlock. After Lazarus was laid to rest, the few surviving wizards in their world recognized the power contained within the elemental swords Lazarus forged and how their powers could be combined within the Sword of Darkness. So they built a shrine within one of the towers of the chapel for the purpose of reforging the sword should the time come. 

You being one of them? asked Logan.

Yes. Another was the man who would one day centuries later father none other than Garibaldi himself.

Nobody spoke for the next few seconds as the irony of this statement set in before Minerva finally broke the silence. It is ironic that Garibaldis father helped play a role in what may be our final hope to end this war.

Even more so that his son would play an even greater role in our salvation, said Murlock. For the Sword of Iconoclast itself has the power to protect its wielder from the that of the Sword of Judgment should the sword itself be imbued by the soul of a man once corrupted by evil but redeemed in the end by his own punishment.

Another moment of silence passes as a familiar feeling of irony flows through the room. This time it was Edward who spoke up. So that explains why Garibaldi asked for the sword so he could end his life!

Yes, said Murlock. Which means that the sword, once forged, will awaken the fragment of his soul he imbued the sword with in his final moments.

Even Logan found himself shocked by this turn of events. Did Garibaldi know something like this would happen? Of course he would have. With his death, the Scourge had been trapped in this world and would surely seek out his master for the power he possessed. Believing he had thrown his life away in the service of an even greater madman than himself, he did what he could in order to help the world prepare. He had already been dying from the wound inflicted by a sword thrown piercing his body, thrown by magical means by his unknown master. With whatever time he had left, he did his part to hopefully undo his masters work.

I am beginning to think that Garibaldi himself was not the wicked man he truly was, said Edward. Maybe now I can finally forgive him.

But could I?

What about you Minerva? asked Edward. Can you forgive Garibaldi for everything as I have done?

I already have, said Minerva, before he died. But I cannot forgive his master.

Nor could anyone, said Edward. Leoric certainly would not.

Regardless, said Minerva, we must now focus on the battle to come. We have spoken long enough on what we must do. She arose from her chair. Let us send our messengers out to request reinforcements and prepare our defenses.

Very well your highness, said Murlock. While this kingdom makes ready its preparations, Logan and I will travel to Judgiollas to forge the Sword of Lazarus. There is also another creation of Lazarus that we must recover if we are to defeat Raven Dark.

Are you sure you wish to join me? asked Logan. After all that has transpired in the past?

I do, said Murlock as he rose. There is something that I must do as we forge the sword. Leoric is right. It is time for me to face my past and do my part in stopping my brother. Let us leave at once!
					#
It was fortunate that none of the ships had been destroyed during the Scourges occupation of the kingdom. After sailing in a small rowboat several times guided only by Murlocks magic, Logan longed to board a large vessel. The ships were mainly used to make trading voyages between the kingdoms.

As Logan and Murlock headed for the Iconoclast city harbor, Logan saw the castle messengers heading out on horseback towards the neighboring kingdoms attacked by the Scourge during the war. Another messenger would be traveling by ship to Arcanius. 

Before leaving the castle, he had checked on Albrecht once more. This time, the young former watchman had been alone and asleep. Penelope had left his side to join her father and comrades in training to prepare for the battle to come. Maria had long finished applying the salve over his body and would help feed him his dinner.

Two ships sailed out of the Iconoclast harbor. One bound for Arcanius, the other for Judgiollas. Five hours later, Logan and Murlock watched as the ship that carried them to Judgiollas sailed away into the distance to return to Iconoclast. To save time on a return trip back to the castle, Murlock had left one of the teleportation stones at the castle. The only cargo they had taken on board were the five swords.

Murlock had instructed the captain to drop them off at the island shore closest to the chapel according to the maps rather than at the city harbor. The emptiness of what was once a thriving city would only stir up terrible memories he could not bear to relive. As they had stepped off the ship onto the shores of Judgiollas, Murlock appeared as calm as the ocean on a day with no wind or breeze. Beneath his exterior, Logan suspected that deep down the ancient wizard felt apprehensive about returning to the land he had inadvertantly helped to destroy. A trail led into the woods ahead. Beyond, Logan saw the familiar spires of the estate where Draven once lived.

So..., Murlock finally spoke, here we are. I never thought I would return here after the death of my brother and Lazarus.

How do you feel? asked Logan as they began their hike into the forest. 

Even after all these centuries, I can still sense the silence of a world unpopulated by humans. Seeing the land through my eyes and how little it has changed since that fateful day places a far greater burden of guilt upon me now that I have returned. Even if the tiny handful survivors had remained in this land, their descendants would offer me no welcome.

You cannot believe that, said Logan offering some emotional support.

I thank you for your emotional support my friend, said Murlock. He did not smile at this gesture of compassion. I only wish the survivors of my brethren felt the same way.

What do you mean? asked Logan, ignoring the rustling of a nearby bush as a small fox fled to safety from the approaching humans. He wondered how the animals of this land would react to the presence of humans for the first time in over fifteen centuries.

After the War of Wizardry, there were not many of my kind left. One of those surviving wizards was a friend of Lazarus himself and out of great animosity towards me, he had no problem convincing the others that I was to blame for the war that cost so many lives.

And you did nothing to defend yourself?

Murlock shook his head. In a way, he was right. Too many lives have been destroyed because of me. Although we had finally succeeded in our goal of establishing a harmony between pure-blood humans and the descendants of the original seven, it came at a far greater price than we were willing to pay. I knew then that I could never show my face around my brethren ever again. And to think it all started when I agreed to teach the ways of magic to Fiona, an act that I will forever regret.

You thought your were doing good by helping her. But you did not kill those people. Your brother made that choice when he he gave in to his grief and fury following the death of his lover, and it consumed him. Just as the people of Judgiollas chose to condemn Fiona to death, all because they feared and hated the power she commanded. You do not control the people who acted as they did.

If only my brethren and other pure-blood humans understood that. Even to this day, I sense that this realm has not truly forgiven me. Even without the powers of Judgiollas himself could the war record itself in the history books of this realm. Over the centuries, people were wary around me. Though I performed an assortment of jobs to support myself, including a position in the clergy and for a time as a royal adviser, it did nothing to improve my reputation.

But so much has happened or changed over the years, said Logan. Surely some people believed you were a good person.

Very few did. It is the nature of humans to judge others based on their past, a judgment that can endure history. What happened following the great Iconoclast revolution forty centuries ago is a fine example. But it was not until after I sent you to stop Garibaldi did people finally see me in a new light. My role in its salvation and freedom finally won me the respect that I deserved and was long denied. Still, the guilt and shame weigh heavily upon me. Even more so, considering that Garibaldi himself was the son of my harshest critic among my brethren following the War of Wizardry.

What? asked Logan freezing in place as if suddenly encased in solid ice. The irony of this statement quickly sunk in like a stone in water. The irony that Garibaldis father had condemned Murlock and his character because of everything that had happened and for the sacrifice of his friend. Garibaldi, the man who would ultimately succumb to the will of Raven Dark and carry on his war against humanity. What would Garibaldis father think if he heard of every atrocity his son had committed in the name of Raven Dark.

Murlock stopped and stood rigid by a large oak tree. He leaned with one hand upon its bark. What would his father think if he knew of the role I had played in his sons downfall? I, the man whom he had blamed for the death of much of their brethren and his friend. Could Garibaldi himself have known about his fathers resentment towards me?

Logan regained his composure and snapped out of the trance his body had been trapped within for the past few moments. He died long ago before his son committed those terrible deeds, said Logan. He would have been even more horrified by what his son had done than by your so-called crimes. You did what you had to do. Surely even he would understand that.

Perhaps, but I may never know if what you say is true, said Murlock.
They emerged into a clearing leading into the back end of Dravens estate. The large headstone marking the place where Fiona had been laid to rest rose from the surrounding gardens like a brooding giant. Murlock stood motionless for a few seconds before he finally approached the stone in silence. Logan hesitated, cautiously eyeing the windows of the manor. What if Draven and several soldiers of the Scourge were within. What if they were seen? What would happen?

Murlock stood before the stone with a lowered head before he fell to his knees. He reached out to touch the stone. Forgive me...Fiona, he whispered mournfully. Perhaps if not for me, you might still be alive.

Logan watched the old wizard mourn for his pupil. He understood how it felt for he had been in Murlocks position only two months ago in the cathedral where the Scourge had their secondary base of operations he had knelt before the grave of his beloved Katrina. Yet the Scourge often desecrated her headstone in contemptuous delight. He could still envision himself gunning down the last soldier who made the mistake of doing so and allowing him to bear witness.

He scanned the windows for any activity but there was none. Most of the windows were blocked by closed curtains within. Not one of them had been moved aside. Even if it appeared no one was home they should not take the risk of staying.

Murlock, we must not linger, he said.

Murlock slowly rose to his feet. You are right. We should not be here. I leave this place. He turned to Logan. Come, the chapel isnt very far.
They went back into the forest and stayed in the shadows of the trees while continuing their hike to the chapel.

You mentioned that you worked as a clergyman in Dunkilus, said Logan. Where was this cathedral?

In the forest outside the city, Murlock replied. Past the Phantom Woods.
Though the sun shone through a pale golden mid-afternoon sky, occasionally hiding behind the clouds, Logan felt a chill as if the first snowflake of the approaching winter season had fell upon him. What would Murlock think if the cathedral where he once worked had once fallen into the hands of the Scourge?
					#
At last, they stood before the forgotten chapel. Though it had been only yesterday morning since Logan had first walked outside its ornate doors, now he had returned.

When we laid Lazarus to rest in the tower, I believed I would never return, said Murlock. For it was after we sealed his casket when Plinor himself turned on me and cast all blame for everything that had transpired upon me.

Garibaldis father? asked Logan.

Yes. I lacked the courage to face his companions as I had for my brother and father. The only difference is they did not seek my blood as what was left of my family had.

What happened to the few survivors of Judgiollas if they did not stay in this land?

They took the swords left from the scene of the battle between Draven and Lazarus and left them with the royal families of the surviving kingdoms for safekeeping. They united once more in the land of Arcanius and built a monastery to forever safeguard the Sword of Judgment.

So the monks of the monastery who tended to my recovery in Arcanius were their descendants?

Yes. Through the generations, one man from their families took up residence in the monastery and lived life as a guardian of the sword. But now that the Scourge have murdered them, the last surviving remnants of Judgiollas population have finally died out.

Do you blame yourself for what happened to them?

My friend, I blame myself for everything that went wrong in this world ever since Fiona died. My very existence is living proof that one man can make all the difference in life.

Could one man or woman truly make such a difference?

Yes. You have proven that yourself two months ago and during your time helping us in this war.

They stood before the altar at the front of the main hall of the cathedral where people gathered for worship and prayer.  At the feet, the carpet and stone floor were still stained with two large bloodstains.

This was where we found the bodies of Lazarus and Draven fifteen centuries ago, said Murlock. And as you can see, time has preserved the blood from their corpses to mark where they died.

And their bodies, said Logan. When I saw Lazarus body in the tower, he had  not decomposed at all. How is that even possible?

Just as the magic flowing through our blood when we learn our first spell slows our aging, so too does it preserve our bodies from the moment we draw our final breath.

If the spirit of Raven Dark dwelt within the Sword of Darkness, the Scourge could have easily reunited the soul and body in the same manner they were separated.

It would seem so. Draven cheated fate before Lazarus could act.

Act? What are you talking about?

The elemental swords were not the only weapons Lazarus had crafted. He also created a small obsidian dagger and imbued it with a powerful curse to imprison its victim.

That lit a candle in Logans memory. He thought back to his time in the tomb of his ancestor and remembered the Scourge soldier robbing the coffin of an obsidian dagger. One with a pearl embedded in its hilt.

Did this dagger have a pearl above the blade? he asked.

Murlock stared at him in incredulous wonder. How did you know?

I saw it for myself when one of the Scourge soldiers attempted to rob the tomb.

Rob?

Yes. It was during that confrontation where I accidentally summoned Lazarus. In the end I tossed the soldier out of the window. He must still have the dagger upon his body.

Then we must recover it! The Sword of Iconoclast itself will not be enough. The dagger itself holds the key to our final victory.

Past the doors leading to the cathedral tower, Logan found the corpse of the grave-robbing soldier outside one of the openings in the stone wall. He climbed through and outside. As he approached the corpse, he saw the face had been ripped to shreds as it  had been hurled through the stained glass window. Judging from the odd angle at which the head lay, the impact had broken the neck. It was hard to tell if the body had begun to show the slightest signs of decomposing.

Looking up above him, Logan saw the shattered window through the soldier had been thrown.

Be careful Logan, said Murlock. Make certain you do no touch the daggers blade with your skin. There is no telling what could happen if you did.

It would spell certain doom for the people of this land.

And make certain the blade does not touch the skin of his body either.

Carefully, Logan kicked the soldier with his foot and rolled him onto his back. He undid the clasp  underneath the chin and opened the cloak, laying both flaps upon the ground. On both flaps of the cloak he found a pocket large enough to conceal a Tommy Gun and several drums of bullets. There was a slight bulge in the pocket on the right flap. Taking out his shotgun, Logan touched it to the bottom and felt something solid. He moved the barrel of the gun upwards, pushing the unknown concealed object slowly out of the pocket. A sharp obsidian dagger-like point revealed itself.

Bingo! he whispered. He pushed the dagger out of the pocket.

Logan! Murlocked called to him from above through the shattered window. I found the daggers sheath on Lazarus body. I am sending it down now. 

Only a couple seconds had passed before Logan felt something hit the ground at his side. Turning his head to where the sound came from, he found a small black metallic scabbard with a ring of silver around the top.

Put the dagger inside for safekeeping, Murlock called to him.

Carefully, Logan clutched the hilt of the dagger. With even greater caution he slid the blade into the scabbard where it fit perfectly. He breathed a sigh of relief knowing that he had been successful in recovering the weapon. The soldier  himself had only been interested in the obsidian blade and the pearl, not realizing that it contained a terrible power.

He climbed back through the opening in the stone wall and hurried up the stairs to meet with Murlock. The wizard himself is waiting near the door leading towards the chamber with the five slates.

You have it? he asked anxiously.

Logan held up the scabbard. Right here. Take it. I dont feel comfortable holding it.

Murlock took it into his hands. He cast a quick glance at the pearl. Ah, good! The pearl is still tightly set within.

The pearl gives the dagger its power? asked Logan.

Not quite. The blade itself contains a powerful magic that can curse the flesh it pierces. Dislodging the pearl is the only way to undo the spell, but the curse upon the victim is so powerful that he or she cannot do this. But whoever frees him or her surrenders their own freedom for all eternity, or so Ive heard Lazarus say.

So whoever dislodges the pearl will free the victim from the daggers curse but at the cost of being cursed themselves, without hope of salvation?

Yes. There is a lesson to be learned here for any ignorant thief who cares only about the wealth the pearl can bring. If it had been dislodged, the dagger would have released its magic upon our lifeless foe down there, leaving it completely powerless and useless to us.

Instantly, Logan regretted having thrown the soldier out the window. What if the impact with the ground had loosened the pearl? Without knowing it, would he have thrown away the only chance this world had?

When we get back to the castle, I will lock it up carefully to ensure that its power is not accidentally unleashed upon anyone ignorant enough to touch it.

Murlock opened the doors behind him and led Logan inside where they found five circular slabs of stone piled on top of each other. the five slates. From top to bottom, they were colored yellow, gray, orange, red, and black. Atop the fifth slab were five smaller round stone slates connected together at their base with a platform of stone. Four of them surrounded the fifth. The ceiling above has four sloped stone sections with the sky exposed above them. Light of the mid-afternoon sun shone through, darkening as the sun hid itself behind a cloud.

Previously in the castle of Lazarus, Edward and Minerva had forged the sword. Whatever spectacle the sight of four elemental blades combining into the Sword of Darkness had been missed by his own eyes. Soon he would see it for himself.
There is something I must do as the sword comes into creation, said Murlock. You take the elemental swords and insert them into the outer four slates. I will insert the Sword of Darkness myself. What I am about to do with it is something only I can do.

Logan nodded and began his work. Taking the four elemental swords from Murlock, he inserted them one by one into the outer four slates. Murlock held the hilt of the Sword of Darkness tightly as he inserted the blade into the central slate. But he did not release his grip.

What happened next was a spectacle Logan would forever remember. The crystal blades of the four elemental swords begin to sparkle and shine. Four separate transparent pillars of luminescent light matching the color of the crystal blades surround them and rise into the sky above them. The columns of light grow higher and brighter until he could no longer see the swords within them. Up above them in the sky, the lights form four arches that join together into a singular column that extends down towards the Sword of Darkness. As the pillar grows closer to where Murlock stood silent still clutching its hilt, the four colored columns vanish. To Logans shock and surprise, the four elemental swords had completely disappeared.

The pillar of light engulfs the dark blade. At the same time, runes cover Murlocks head as he raises his face to the heavens. The runes trace themselves down his body towards his hands as his body begins to shine. It could have been a trick of the light, but for a moment, Logan thought he saw a ghostly apparition emerge from the wizards form and enter the sword, drawn into the weapon through its hilt together with the runes upon his hands. The pillar grows brighter, engulfing both the sword and Murlock. Logan is forced to shield hand eyes as the chamber is overwhelmed by a flash of light.

He senses the room return to darkness illuminated only by the sun and removes his arm from his face. The pillar has vanished and the Sword of Darkness is now glowing radiantly, illuminating the surrounding area with a light that brightened the color of everything it touched. Its obsidian blade has transformed into something resembling diamond.

The Sword of Iconoclast had been reforged once more.

Murlock pulled the sword out of the stone where it had been embedded. It is done.

What is done? asked Logan.

In the past, whenever the sword was forged, it could only retain the powers it contained from the five blades combined together for a limited time. Now the sword itself is bound directly to my life. Only once I die will the swords separate once more.

You mean?

This was the only way to prevent Lazarus creations and that of my father from falling into enemy hands. That was a risk I was not willing to take.

How long do wizards usually live for? asked Logan.

Very few have ever died a natural death. The maximum lifespan of a practitioner of magic is about two thousand years.

How old are you?

One thousand five hundred and forty two years to be exact.

Logan gave a low whistle. I am impressed! You are the oldest person I have ever met. And yet you look almost as if you are only about fifty.

Murlock chuckled. In truth I would be about seventy seven in a human lifespan.

You dont look it, said Logan.

Nor am I even feeling every year of it. But for now, we have done what we came to do. Let us return to the castle at once.

He removed the teleportation stone from his robe and held it out. Wouldnt it be a surprise if the captain of that ship returned to Iconoclast only to find out that we made it back before him?

I would love to see the look on his face, said Logan as he and Murlock rub the stone to activate its magic and take them back to the castle of Iconoclast. Logan saw a look a relief on Murlock as if he had been waiting for the time to leave ever since they arrived. Being back in this land brought back many painful memories. Now all he wanted to do was leave them behind.

He would quickly get his wish.
					#
The first thing done once they returned to Iconoclast was to order the local blacksmith to forge the finest scabbard for the blade of Lazarus. The muscular man set to work immediately after the sword is left in his possession. Logan wished he could watch the blacksmith at work, but he was needed elsewhere.

Being in the blacksmith shop reminded Logan of the gun shop he ran back home. He missed his work and the satisfaction of restoring a non-working gun to fire properly. He wondered how much business he was missing and how much longer he would be on vacation.

Many of the guards were still training when he returned to the castle. Many were firing arrows at targets from well crafted bows. Others sparred against each other in duels to test their skills.

Penelope herself was among those sparring. The slightest signs of her being distracted by thoughts of Albrecht are apparent in her movements and thrusts. Still, it was not enough for her opponent to achieve victory in the end. Leoric however saw how her troubled thoughts nearly cost her the match and gently told her that she must clear her head if she was to uphold her duty to the kingdom and its people when the Scourge attacked. Though Albrecht was on the road to recovery, Penelope still felt that his suffering was her fault.

In the evening as everyone sat down for the royal supper, Logan saw that there was no sign of Gwendolyn. It turned out that she had locked herself in her room, refusing to see anybody. She would not even come for supper. Servants would have to bring food and drink to her room and leave them outside the door.

Not at all helping was the opinion of certain individuals who placed much of the blame on her for what had happened. Following the destruction of the fortress used by the Scourge and the rescue of the prisoners, word had spread of the suffering they had endured. There was much sympathy towards Agnes, Maria, Albrecht, and even Edward. Though some felt pity towards Gwendolyn, many more were not so kindly. Vicious rumors had spread throughout the city that she was having an affair with the Scourge jailer, leading up to the rape. Much shame was cast upon her head as she was no longer a virgin and that she had been unfaithful to the man she was going to marry.

Edward and Kain had spent much of the afternoon trying to dispel those rumors and restore her reputation. Very few would listen, so their success had been minimal. Just earlier today while Logan and Murlock had been in Judgiollas, Kain by chance overheard two guards in one of the castle halls gossiping about her, even blaming her for the rape. Angered, the Tamirtanian prince confronted them, the confrontation climaxed in a fist fight which had to be broken up by several other guards. If not for the intervention of the queen, Kain would have been thrown into the dungeon. Instead, the guards were reprimanded for their behavior by her majesty and captain Leoric. Edward, upon hearing of what had happened, made it clear that he would not tolerate anyone spreading rumors about his sister and tarnishing her reputation.

Kain had suffered a bruise during the fight thanks to a steel fist, forcing him to apply some of the magical healing salve. His pride had not been hurt. Instead his actions had bolstered his ego, if only slightly. Until Gwendolyn returned to her normal self, his spirits would not recover completely.
					#
Kains anger over the earlier events had not diminished as they prepared for bed. Logan understood the feeling completely. Even three months after her death, the Scourge still insulted Katrinas name, forever linking her to treason and cowardice. 

I know the feeling, he said. There are those who still scorn the memory of my lover, a dishonor she does not deserve.

Kain was standing in front of one of the windows, his arms folded over his chest. In the glass reflection, Logan saw the anger on the princes face.

Gwendolyn would never have allowed herself to act in such a manner towards her captors, Kain growled. Isnt that why she broke the jailers nose?

She did not deserve what happened to her, said Logan. She never brought it upon herself as so many believe. Tell me, how many people actually listened to the truth?

Very few. Captain Leoric and his daughter are among the few guards who believe me. Then again, I believe they knew the truth all along from the beginning. If only the others felt the same. Some of the healers who attended to her also believe she is not at fault.

Logan tucked his trench coat under the covers of his bedsheets. Where I come from, many people would share the opinions of what many believe. I knew at least one man whose own fiancee suffered a similar ordeal.

So what happened to her? asked Kain turning away from the window to look at him. Logan surmised that the prince has an interest in knowing what happened. There is a twinge of hopefulness in his eyes.

Logan sighed and hunched his shoulders. Sadly, unlike yourself, her fiance was not at all supportive. Like so many, he believed she brought it upon herself. He could not find it within himself to forgive her for what he considered a betrayal and ended their relationship. She...never recovered from her ordeal. Soon afterwards, she killed herself, unable to live with the shame.

That is...a sorrowful tale, said Kain, all optimism fading from his eyes. He sat down upon his bed.

But Gwendolyns story is not to end this way, said Logan. She can still be redeemed. There is still hope as long as you stand by her.

I try to, said Kain. But it is so hard to be by her side if she will not even step outside her room.

Is she seeing no one?

No. Kain shook his lowered face.

Then how is mother going to be able to help her if she will not see anyone?

There was a knock on the door, interrupting the silence between the two men. Logan answered the door to find Anges standing outside.

Hello gentlemen, she said. Pardon me for interrupting you.

Not at all, said Logan. I dont believe Kain minds, considering the subject of our discussion.

Poor guy, said Agnes. She looks past Logans shoulder over at Kain. Logan turns to see Kain tucking himself into bed. Logan, can you come into the hall where we can talk privately?

Logan nodded and stepped outside, closing the door behind him.

Why the need for privacy? he asked. Does it concern Gwendolyn?

Indeed. I do not wish to upset Kain.

Its not good news isnt it?

Agnes shakes her head. Your mother tried to get her to let her in so they could talk, but to no avail.

She cant do this to herself. She has to get some help or she will never get better.

I feel so sorry for Kain. It is as if she is pushing him away. He is now in danger of losing his love as I have long ago.

All he can do is continue to support her.

But what if it isnt enough? She has to reach out and ask for help. But so far she is remaining aloof.

I can understand what with all the rumors surrounding her. Did you hear about what happened earlier today?

You mean what Kain did to those guards? I certainly did. They had it coming. They remind me of Walter and that Scourge soldier on board the ship when we arrived in this kingdom.

I agree. Men who treat women that way deserve no less.

We should not be discussing this any longer if he could be listening in on us at the door.

Logan silently opened the door back to the guest bed chamber expecting to see Kain hurrying back into bed. Instead he found the prince of Tamirtania laying still under the bed sheets with his head upon the pillow. He closed the door again. No, he is still asleep. This is something he probably not want wish to hear. It would only break his spirit completely.

Then let us change the subject, said Agnes. 

What about Albrecht? asked Logan. He suffered even more so than Gwendolyn?

He is still bed-ridden. He cannot sit up or even move his limbs. He cannot even eat on his own.

Then he was in even worse shape than I was during my recovery in the monastery in Arcanius.

Penelope spent all of last night at his side from what I know. She had pulled up a chair and fell asleep sitting upon it. Whatever time not spent training or doing her duties was spent at his side.

I expect shell be spending much of her time doing just than in the next few days. What about mother? Seeing as how you two are sharing a guest bedroom, how are you getting along?

Just wonderfully. She reminds me of my own mother. I know she must be very proud to have you for her son. A shame what happened to your father. I feel like I know you even better than I did that night back home at the inn.

Logan tried his best not to blush. He hoped his mother had not shared any embarrassing moments from his childhood with Anges.

Now lets talk about you and me, said Agnes.

What is this? Logan asked himself.

First of all, I just wanted to thank you for rescuing me. I know I am a little late in telling you, but this is the first time you and I have had any time to ourselves. Well...I  now know the truth about why you agreed to my fathers request to keep me safe.

Youre not upset are you?

Why? Should I be?

Agnes, do you not understand my guilt? I agreed to help the Scourge recover the Sword of Darkness. All because they threatened your life!

And to expose my secret.

And the lives of every other citizen. You didnt have a choice.

You would have offered your own life in exchange for the lives of everyone.

Yes. But even then I underestimated the Scourge and their cruelty. Together with your resolve. She stepped closer. Tell me, do I really remind you of the woman you loved?

After some hesitation, Logan realized that he no longer had anything to hide and nodded. In more ways than one. Your appearance. Your compassion. And your courage. He shook his head. But I know one thing Agnes, you are not Katrina. You and Katrina are two completely different people.

He hoped his words would convince her that he saw her as just a friend and nothing more.

I thought that if I saved you, maybe I could make up for my failure to protect her. When I saw what the Scourge had done to you in your cell, I thought I had failed again.

You did not. I still live. You set me free from my imprisonment. So far, you have kept your word to my father.

But at what cost? Logan thought back to his role in Raven Darks return. 
Because of me, the Scourge now have a new master. The soul trapped within the Sword of Darkness has been released and Raven Dark has been restored to life. Have I only put this world into greater danger than before? And if he recovers his sword, more people will die. There is the chance that you could be among them. Could I have ultimately betrayed the promise I made to your father in the end?

You mean the sword you had in your possession on board the ship that brought us here? The weapon that reduced that soldier to dust?

The very same. Oh my, what have I done? I have taken terrible risks in this war.

We all take risks Logan. I risked my life to come to this kingdom to help you. When you have lost everything but your own life, what do you have to lose by taking that risk?

Well I have seen you are capable of looking out for yourself. But you could still use a little help. I may have to give you more training in the use of my weapons...if that is what you wish.

Agnes is silent as she considers this proposition. Logan also found himself pondering what she could become. Perhaps the warrior Katrina could have become if she had survived?

Yes, she finally said. I would find that to my liking. I still owe the Scourge, especially Revelin for what they did to me.

Very well, said Logan. We start tomorrow.

At that moment in the distance, beyond the corner of his vision, Logan saw the door to Gwendolyns room open. Quickly he opened the door back into his room and pulled Agnes inside.

Logan, what is wrong? she asked.

Logan peeks outside to watch Gwendolyn stepped out of her room and silently close the door behind her. She looks around to make certain there is nobody watching her before she begins to make her way down the hall out of sight.

Putting one finger to his lips as if to request her silence, Logan silently snuck down the hall towards her corner of the corridor. Being cautious as to not alert her to his presence, he poked his head past the corner to see Gwendolyn opening another door leading into a chamber with a circular stone staircase. She stepped inside and closed the door behind her.

That leads to one of the castle towers, he muttered to himself. Why would she be going there? Unless she   With horror, he realized what Gwendolyn intended to do. Quickly, he hurried back to his bed chambers.

What is wrong Logan? asked Agnes as he hurried past her towards the bed where Kain slept.

Kain! Logan shook the princes sleeping form. Wake up!

Roused from his slumber, Kain sat up. What? Something wrong?

Its Gwendolyn! I just saw her leave her bed chamber. She now climbs to one of the towers as I speak!

What? Judging from the look on his face, Logan knew that Kain understands her intentions. The prince quickly pulls back the covers and climbs out of bed. We must stop her! Without even bothering to put on his boots, Kain heads for the door with Logan following him.

Agnes, you alert the king and some of the guards, said Logan. Kain and I will stop Gwendolyn!

Agnes nods and they hurry off in separate directions.

Silently, with Kain behind him, Logan opened the door to where he had seen Gwendolyn enter. Inside was a spiraling stone staircase dimly lit by several torches attached to the walls, bathing the surrounding area in a flickering orange light. He cautiously walked towards the first step motioning for Kain to enter. The two men stealthily made their way up the steps as to not alert Gwendolyn to their presence, even if she was nowhere in sight.

At the top of the steps was an arched stone doorway leading towards the balcony at the top of the tower. The balcony surrounded the tower perimeter with a stone parapet rising to a height of five feet. The parapet itself has several sections of lower height allowing one a spectacular view beyond and below. 

Gwendolyn herself is standing before one such lowered section of the parapet. One would have assumed she had come here to enjoy the view, only to realize the true reason for her visit as she places a dainty food upon the stone surface and climbs up on top. As she does this, she presses her palms upon the surrounding stone for support. Logan knew that there would only be seconds before she took the plunge.
Kain is the first to act. Before Logan could stop him, the prince charged out onto the stone balcony just as Gwendolyn is about to step over the edge. Gwendolyn, no! he screams as he grabs her from behind and pulls her back onto the safety of the balcony.

The moment he grabs her, Gwendolyn bursts into renewed life. She flails her arms about and kicks wildly in an attempt to free herself, but Kain holds on tight for all his strength as he drags her back towards the doorway. Even as she stomps on his foot he will not relent.

Let go! she shrieks. Twice her flailing hands by chance strike him in the face with her fingernails scratching his cheek. Kain remains stoic, ignoring the stinging sensation from his wounds. He will not even clasp one hand over his cheek as doing so would weaken his hold on Gwendolyn.

No! he shouts. I am not going to let go! I will not let you do this!
Footsteps behind him alert Logans senses. He turns to see Edward in the flickering light of the torches climbing the last of the steps. He is followed by two guards, Agnes behind them. The two guards help Kain restrain Gwendolyn further by grabbing her arms as if seizing a prisoner.

Unable to struggle further, having exhausted all her stamina, Gwendolyn finally ceases to resist and begins to sob, having lost her chance to free herself from her shame. Despite sensing that it is now safe to lessen his grip, Kain refused to let go. For the first time in since he had come to free her from the Scourges dungeon, he had her in his arms. But Gwendolyn will not return his embrace, bereft of all emotion that the two would have shared together. She is blind and deaf to all but her own shame.

Bring her back to her room, Edward said to the guards. Upon his face is etched a deep sorrow Logan had never seen before from his friend.

Gwendolyn is escorted back to her room. Only once they are inside does Kain finally release her. She does not respond, as if she had become catatonic. She remains still and stiff as if turned to stone once more. 

He has only turned away and stepped towards the door when she finally speaks. Her despairing words halt him in place.

If you truly loved me, you would have just let me jump.

I loved you enough to save you! he said not looking back. Enough to defend your honor!

Gwendolyn will not turn back to him. Whether it was out of shame for having scratched his face or her ordeal in the Scourges dungeon, Logan himself could not tell.

How can you after what they did to me?

Because I am not that kind of man. What matters now is that you are alive and safe. We will have the rest of our lives to live together after the wedding.

Gwendolyn sniffled as if fighting a losing battle to hold back fresh tears. There will be no wedding.

What? How can you say that Gwendolyn? We can still get married and live happily ever after!

Dont you understand? Gwendolyn finally whirled around to face him, her face contorted with sorrow. I was unfaithful to you!

You were chained to a wall! Edward shouted, desperate to get through to her. He took advantage of your helplessness and vulnerability! There was little you could have done to stop him! You did nothing to deserve what happened to you! He pauses in grief-stricken silence before continuing. If only I had come much sooner. I could have spared you all the pain and suffering you endured. Even silenced those rumors before they even started.

Yes...perhaps you should have. Sadness tempered with a twinge of resentment flow through her words. Kain does not move as if a sword had sliced open his heart. He clearly regrets his last statement.

You cannot possibly mean that! he protested. This is just the trauma of what you endured affecting your way of thinking.

How could you have let this happen to me? she wept. Someone who loved me would have never allowed it.

I would never have let anything or anyone hurt you Gwendolyn. I tried my best to keep you safe when the Scourge invaded Tamirtania. But..., he sadly shakes his head and averts his gaze in shame for his failure, it wasnt enough. Even if you can forgive me for my failure, I dont think I will ever forgive myself should we part forever.

Logan found himself wondering if Katrina forgave him for his failure to save her. Perhaps she had judging from the passion they shared with that one last kiss before she died. But even he could not forgive himself for what happened to her that evening.

Gwendolyn turns away from Kain once more, refusing to look back as she approaches her bed.

But even in spite of everything that happened, Kain argued, I still love you. I always will.

Gwendolyn still does not look at him. I am not sure if I still love you or not.

What? asked Kain, obviously shocked.

How can I ever trust you or anyone else again?

Gwendolyn....please..., I want to help you, but how can I if you will not trust me enough to let me?

Just go Kain, she wept, still refusing to look at him. It is too painful for me to even be around you.

Kain, finally accepting that she has been lost forces himself to leave. He does not say a word to anyone he passes. He brushes off Agnes as she attempts to stop and console him. He trudges back to his bed chambers, letting the door close behind him. And behind the door leading into Gwendolyns room is the sound of soft weeping.
					#
The next morning, the story of the attempted suicide spread throughout the kingdom. Most who received the news were horrified. Many who had been involved in spreading gossip about Gwendolyn felt remorseful and ashamed. Very few remained unsympathetic and continued to condemn her character.

Edward, determined to avoid a future incident, ordered guards posted outside her room at all times. Though Gwendolyn remained locked in her room, she could no longer deny others entrance, for Edward had removed the key from her possession after she had been returned to her room. Servants would still be bringing her food and drink.

Kain by now had accepted the belief that his relationship with her was over. With his spirit further diminished, he fell into a deeper depression. He can longer bring himself to look at the door where Gwendolyn is staying. Out of envy, shame, or sorrow, he is even refusing to look at Penelope or to even check in on Albrecht. How could he when their relationship had been saved and had the potential to grow stronger while his had been destroyed completely.

Kain left the breakfast table the next morning taking the wine bottle with him. Logan understood that this would only be the beginning of an eventual descent into alcoholism. The difference between himself and Kain would be that Kain would not have the ability to control his drinking.

He found himself thinking once more of Walter, the patron at the inn who in a drunken stupor had cursed and attacked Agnes. Considering the anger Kain had shown in their first meeting, he could only imagine the tempers that would flare under the influence of the bottle. Would he be unable to control his anger in public? Around guards? Would it get him thrown into the dungeon.

Back when Logan hit the bottle following the death of Katrina, he spent many evenings in bars. Every few days he would buy a bottle of vodka and empty it within two days. Thankfully, he never spent enough to not being able to afford to pay rent or buy food. He never drank during the day while running the shop. Nor did he wake up with a terrible headache. Never enough to become addicted to drink. And in the days following that evening in the Arcanius inn when he quit drinking, he never got the shakes. A man with trembling arms could not have a steady aim with a gun to defend a city and people who depended upon him.

Edward is even more worried about his sister than he had been following her capture and rescue. Her condition was deteriorating with each passing day.
Judging from the way she stares after Kain as he leaves the banquet hall, Agnes is becoming even more concerned for both Kain and Gwendolyn. Their relationship is in even more danger of ending.

Maria made up her mind that she was going to try to talk to Gwendolyn and help her after breakfast. To prevent Gwendolyn from taking back the key, Edward decided that he would wait outside the door after unlocking it.

But though Kain was sinking further into depression, the same could not be said for another of Logans allies. Penelope herself had upon her face a rare sight indeed: a smile. Logan learned from her that Albrechts recovery has taken a further step forward. Though his wounds were now nothing more than scars which would face within the day, but he had regained the use of his arms.

Penelope confessed that unlike the previous night, she did not sleep on a chair at Albrechts bedside. Instead, she removed her armor and stripped down to her undergarments before climbing into bed, wrapping her arms around his body as if to comfort whatever pain still lingered. When she awoke, she discovered that during her sleep Albrecht had put his arms around her.

At this rate, he would completely recover within another day or two. Though he still cannot sit up or even move his legs, Albrecht at least could hold the woman he loved in his arms.
					#
Outside in the castle courtyard, Logan decided to give another lesson in using guns to Agnes. He once more showed her how to open the barrels of the shotgun to remove the spent shells and how to reload. Again, he showed her how to shoot. For the first time, she would actually be allowed to use a loaded gun.

Agnes took aim at the target and pulled the trigger. However, due to her inexperience the recoil set her slightly off balance. 

Here, let me help you with that, he said. With some reluctance, he took her from behind by the waist. Stand firm or else that recoil will knock you flat on your back. Give it another shot if you will pardon the pun.

She reloaded and took aim again. Once more she pulled the trigger and fired a blast of buckshot at the target. Thanks to Logan, she stayed in balance this time.
Now you will try your hands with the Tommy Gun, he said. This weapon takes both hands to use. He showed her how to remove the drum of bullets and how to reload. Next he demonstrated the proper pose and how to grip the weapon.

Now remember, this is a rapid fire weapon, he told her. So long as you hold down the trigger with your finger, it will fire leader faster than our archers can release their arrows. Of course, the recoil will be stronger and more persistent. Brace yourself like an impenetrable fortress and you will be able to stand firm in place.

Her first attempt was a disaster. Once she pulled the trigger, she found herself unable to shoot straight. As if the weapon had a mind of its own, rebelling against her hands, the barrel at first fired into the sky, grazing some pigeons that were upon the surrounding stone walls. One unfortunate pigeon was struck in its breast as it attempted to take flight and fell dead to the ground. Though Agnes herself removed her finger from the trigger, the damage was done.

I dont think I can do this! she groaned in sorrow at having killed an innocent creature of the air. With my skill and inexperience I would only end up shooting
someone on our side rather than our enemies.

You need to apply a counter force to bring balance to your weapon to ensure you fire straight, said Logan. Here, let me show you how. Once more he took her from behind, this time by her arms. I did warn you that it would provide a greater kick, so you need to make sure you are erect like one of the castle towers. Do not jerk the trigger but pull it smoothly. Steady your arms and remain calm. Keep both feet firmly planted. Now, fire off a short round.

Agnes obeyed his instructions. She kept the trigger down for less than a second. This time she is able to shoot straight, if not for the slight quiver of the guns barrel.

Good, he said. Now you will do this on your own. I will release you now. He removes his hands from her arms and steps back. Remember to keep those feet firmly planted as if you are a tree. Stand firm and have a steady aim. Think of something that will harden your determination and give you strength.

He steps back and watches as she prepares to shoot again. Her arms and legs tense and the soles of her shoes flatten upon the ground at her feet. She closes her eyes and takes a deep breath. She remains still for several seconds before she finally opens her eyes. She applies pressure to the trigger and sends a continuous spray of lead straight towards the target.

Excellent! he said. You are a quick learner. But do not fire too long because we may need all the ammo we can get in the battle ahead.

Agnes lowers the weapon with a smile in his direction.

If I may ask, what did you think of to give you fortitude? he asked.

What else? she asked. I thought of my father.

The memory of your loved ones and the desire for vengeance and justice can strengthen your will, said Logan. Never forget that Agnes.

I wont. You have my word on that. The memory of my family is all I have left, said Agnes as her smile fades.

And you still have that picture to remind you.

She is silent as she dabs at her eyes. No. Not anymore.

What?

After the Scourge took me prisoner in their fortress, they searched me for concealed weapons and found that picture of my family. Then Revelin smashed the frame upon the floor and stomped on it before confiscating the picture within. Her faces darkens with anger as she mentions his name. One more anguish he must answer for.

And he will, said Logan. He felt sorry for her as she had lost the one thing to remind her of the family she had lost. Her mother as a child and her father during the Scourges assault on Arcanius. This was a woman who had lost so much. Logan found himself wondering if he would still be able to retain Katrinas locket by the end of the war. It was all he had left to remind him of his lost true love. If not, would it break him?

Watching her train with guns reminded Logan of when Katrina herself first held a gun in her hands and fired. Perhaps Agnes herself would in a way become the soldier Katrina could have turned out if not for her untimely death.

Agnes eyed the locket around his neck and her eyes gazed with envy and longing. 
Logan, she set the Tommy Gun down upon the ground. I must confess something.

What is wrong? he asked her. Was she preparing to reveal her own great secret?

When I first met you back in Arcanius, I felt as if I was looking upon the face of someone I once knew..., she hesitates momentarily, and loved.

What? asked Logan. You mean the man born of nobility?

Yes, said Anges hesitantly. I scarcely believed it at first. You do not have his eyes.

Logan reflected on the irony of her statement. Just as she reminded his of Katrina, he too bore a resemblance to her former lover.

Then looking upon me must have brought back some painful memories, he said.

At first perhaps. She stepped closer to him. But I knew then you were nothing at all like him, what with you being the hero of this world. You showed bravery where he displayed cowardice. You demonstrated your compassion when you stood up for me against Walter, whereas he abandoned me to Arcanius bandits. You put my well-being above your own life during the assault on the city. You came through for me when I was imprisoned while he left me to my fate. You are a far more noble man than he ever was.

Did I believe I was saving Katrina, succeeding where I had failed in the past?
He smiled. Nobleman. That is a good one Agnes! They both shared a good laugh, but her good spirits uplifted by enjoying that moment of humor soon faded once more.

Sometimes I found myself wondering what direction my life could have taken if he had been like you. Would I have followed him to the altar and raise a family alongside him?

Surely I would have with Katrina. No chance of that happening. If you wallow in the memories of what could have been, you will never truly get over what he did, Logan told her.

I know. Though I resented him for what he did, I could not bring myself to hate him for it. He has never shown any remorse or regret for what he did.
Then perhaps he never loved you as much or the way you loved him. You just havent met your knight in shining armor the way Albrecht or Gwendolyn have, even if she considers Kains armor to be tarnished at the moment. You just keep looking.

She does not know how it feels to love and be loved in return. I was not left with the hunger she feels for romance, even if we have both been left with heartbreak. For me, it was true romance. But for her, the man she fell in love with revealed his true self when she least expected it. Could it be now that she sees in me the man she wishes he had been? The man she yearned to love and be loved in return?
She stood face to face, toe to toe with him. Dont I at least get to thank you? she asked. For everything?

You already have, he said matter-of-factly.

This clearly was not the response she had been hoping for. Agnes at the moment was in her own world, taken back in time to when she and her first love had last been together. She hesitated with a momentarily glance at the ground before closing her eyes and inching her face forward.

Logan felt no desire to share in this moment, even despite her resemblance to Katrina and sharing much of her personality. He felt guilty for denying her the satisfaction of fulfilling her feelings of longing as he held up one hand to gently clutch her lower face, cupping her chin within the palm of his hand. His touch brought her back to the present and the reality of the situation. Im not what youre looking for. He stepped back and shook his head. Youre not what I am looking for.

I think thats enough for todays lesson. We should call it a day and continue tomorrow.

He turned away and walked back to the castle, looking back only once to see Agnes remaining where she stood, gazing down at the ground in sorrow.
					#
Supper that evening included roast lamb, chicken stew with vegetables, salad, and bread. Not surprisingly, Gwendolyn once more refused to show up. Albrecht was still too weak to come.

Logan found it difficult to meet Agnes eyes during the meal. On this occasion, she did not sit near him. Had he offended her in some way that day? At least during the meal he caught sight of her looking towards him. She quickly lowered her eyes. There was no sign of ill-will upon her face.

Any luck with Gwendolyn mother? he asked.

Maria shook her head. No. She would not even look at me. She kept her face buried in her pillow. I do not believe there is anything I can do. A trained nurse can only help heal the body. As the wounds are to her spirit, she is beyond my help

I tried to talk to my sister, said Edward, but she would not even acknowledge my presence. Shes sinking even deeper into depression over what she endured.

So is Kain, said Minerva. Look at him.

The change Logan saw in Kain since the previous evening has begun to take a toll on the young prince of Tamirtania. He refuses to look at anyone or even speak. In one of his hands is a bottle of wine that he sips from with every bit of food he swallows.

The door to the banquet hall opens. In comes one of the guards who salutes. I bring news of your sister. Terrible tidings indeed.

What is wrong with her now? asked Edward, as he sets down his spoon and gives the guard his full attention, his face contorted with concern.

I was patrolling the hallway outside her chambers when the servants  reported that Gwendolyn refused to eat her supper.

What? Edwards eyes widen in shock.

When they entered her bedroom to bring her food and drink, they found her midday dinner untouched.

For the first time during tonights meal, Kain finally lifts his head upon hearing this. Edward stares in astonishment and horror at the news. Then she must be attempting to starve herself!

Dire tidings indeed! said Minerva. Think of the rumors that may spread throughout the kingdom if word gets out!

Cant you do something for her? asked Kain, speaking for the first time.

I doubt force feeding her would do any good, said Edward. She would probably choke herself if we tried.

The guard glares down at Kain. Its your own fault. You should have just let her jump and be done with it! It would have saved us all this trouble!

Before Edward has a chance to admonish the guard for his words, Kains face darkens with rage.

Poor choice of words.

Suddenly rising to his feet, Kain delivers an uppercut so swiftly, the guard is unable to put up a defense. His fist connects so fiercely with the chin that the helmet is knock off the guards face and knocks him flat to the floor. Kain then smashes the bottle of wine on the top of his chair, spilling the remaining contents and fragments of broken glass onto the carpet.

Kain no! Edward yells. But his plea falls on deaf ears as Kain resumes his attack. Logan quickly rises to his feet and attempts to help Edward restrain the prince. Kain however is so enraged by now at this point that it took all of their strength to hold him back, just barely. They grab him too late to stop him from thrusting the broken bottle down at the fallen guards unprotected face. Had the guard not turned his head aside he would have been stabbed in one of his eyes and surely killed. Instead the jagged ends of broken glass bury themselves within his cheek. 

The commotion summons the two guards stationed outside the banquet hall. They hurry to the defense of their comrade and lend their strength to help their king and Logan pulls the furious prince of Tamirtania away and secure him to the floor on his stomach. But the damage had already been done, leaving horrendous open wounds upon the fallen guard.

Get the hell off me! Kain screams. His demands are ignored as they pull the broken bottle out of his grip.

Whats going on in here? Leoric suddenly enters the banquet hall.

In a room full of witnesses who told him what happened, it didnt take the captain long to piece together what had happened. By now, Kain had ceased his struggles.

This is the second time something like this has happened, said Leoric.

Not quite, said Logan. This time Edward had a weapon other than his fists.
As the guard wounded by Kain rose to his feet still clutching his wounded cheek, Minerva took a napkin and applied it to his injury to stop the bleeding. Disgustedly, the captain folded his arms over his chest. I expect a high standard of conduct from those under my command. The poor girl has been through enough and like his majesty, I will not tolerate anyone speaking ill of Gwendolyn. Do I make myself clear?

Yes captain, the wounded guard said.

Good. Apply some of that healing salve upon your cheek. And you. He glared at Kain as he was forced to his feet. Though he had not the energy to resist, the fury is still evident on his face. Your behavior is completely unacceptable and I will note condone your actions.

Nor can I captain, said Edward pitifully. Guards, put him in the dungeon for the night and the morrow. It will be for his own good. Let him have a chance to sober up and calm down.

Yes sire, one of the guards said. Come on you. The two guards escort Kain out of the banquet hall.

To Logan, one thing was certain above all else: that this would not help Kains image in the eyes of Gwendolyn. He would also be sleeping alone tonight.
					#
It was after supper when Logan finally decided to enter the dungeon to check up on Janus. Other than the imprisonment of his former friend and that of Kain, very little had changed down here. Many of the prisoners were still under lock and key from when he himself was imprisoned by the Scourge.

Sir Logan! one of the guards patrolling the dungeon hall greeted him. What are you doing down here?

I am looking for Janus cell, he said. Where is the Scourge lieutenant imprisoned?

Former lieutenant, the guard corrected him. Why? Do you think you can get him to talk? We have been attempting to interrogate him but he refuses to reveal what we wish to know. Her majesty queen Minerva will not allow us to torture him. She says if we do, were no better than the Scourge for the way they treat their prisoners.

Do you agree?

We swore an oath to the crown and kingdom when we became guards and thus we must obey our liege, even if Janus himself deserves much worse. Sometimes I think our queen is too softhearted.

Where is Janus cell?

We imprisoned him in the very same cell where the Scourge kept you locked up. Ironic, isnt it? But if I were in your place Sir Logan, I would not bother gracing his situation with your presence. He is to remain in solitary confinement with no visitors unless ordered by the king and queen. Not even you may see him now.

But Logan would not let himself be deterred. Somehow, he would have to gain an audience with his former friend. If not today, perhaps another time.

What about Kain? he asked. Where has he been imprisoned?

The Prince of Tamirtania is being kept in solitary confinement further down this hall. In his current inebriated state he is considered to be a very dangerous person. Even when he sobers up, most of us will not forgive and forget what he did so easily. Or even at all.

Logan had known many people locked up in jail for disorderly conduct under the influence of alcohol and he had never the misfortune to be one of them. Like so many others, Kains reputation would be tarnished even after his release. People would be wary around him the next time he drank from the bottle too much.

Do all the guards know about it?

Word is spreading like disease among them. They are just sickened by what he had done. The sole exception being the captains daughter for obvious reasons.
Perhaps it is more than just her compassionate personality. It probably has something to do with sympathy at having lost loved ones.

Maybe you should all just remember, it would never had happened it Kain had not been provoked emotionally. Just like what happened the other day. You do know about it right?

Indeed I do. But I will having nothing further to do with that royal scoundrel. His behavior is not befitting of the next king of Tamirtania. Now you should leave Sir Logan, the guard said. A dungeon is no place for the likes of someone with your heroic reputation. The guard resumed his patrol. Logan decided not to leave just yet. He would check up on Kain and perhaps sneak an attempt to see Janus.
As he walked down the dungeon hall, he peeked through the barred openings in each cell door hoping to find Kain. At this hour, most of the inmates were trying to fall asleep, tossing and turning on their beds of straw. Those who had been chained to a wall stare motionless back at him. Finally, he found the familiar form of Kain lying upon the straw bed within one cell. In his current drunken state, the prince would not be much of a conversationalist. He decided to proceed further down.

As he approaches the corner to where his old cell is located, he hears voices. They grow gradually louder as he comes closer.

You think you and your comrades will have a chance once the Scourge invade? The familiar voice of Janus is instantly recognized. They will tear this castle apart in order to free me!

Only a fool would celebrate victory before the battle has even begun! Logan recognizes the voice as belonging to Leoric. With the destruction of the Scourges base of operations, we have dealt a great blow to the enemy.

The destruction of our main base will not stop us. Will not even slow us down!

Our army is already preparing for the imminent final battle. With Logan by our side, we have a chance for victory.

At the mention of his name, Logan froze, finding himself unable to continue any further. He stopped to listen to the conversation. Would Janus betray his secret to Leoric?

Not even Logan could withstand the full force of the Scourges armies! Janus shouted.

He already has, many times, Leoric speaks with pride. So much for the might of the Scourge!

My comrades will come for me! Janus voice is angry. They will have their revenge!

On which? Iconoclast or Logan?

Both!

Regardless of how the battle turns out, it may be too late for you, said Leoric. 
Your crimes against this kingdom and the world are so unspeakable that the people will demand retribution. They will have justice. And even if they do come before then, likely they will execute you themselves. As you have become a prisoner of war, they can consider you nothing more than an embarrassment. The only way they could ever salvage their pride from this wound is by killing you. For all they know, you could have given away their greatest secrets during your time in incarnation. You are dead to them either way.

I will not believe that! said Janus defiantly.

Believe what you will, but the truth will reveal itself to you when it is ready. For now, enjoy what little time you have left in this life.

Now Logan found himself regretting having set foot down here. Janus himself certainly faced the death penalty for his crimes. Not wanting to reveal his presence outside the cell, he turned and hurried back to the exit. 
					#
As he returned to his chambers where he would be sleeping alone tonight, he decided to check up on Albrecht. Seeing as how the former watchman would be testifying on behalf of Naphorphia against Janus in the trial, Logan wished to know how much further he had recovered. Every ounce of strength Albrecht regained would hasten the trial date and possibly Janus doom.

He knocked on the door. Come in, Penelopes voice answered.

Inside she is wringing a cloth she has dipped in a bowl of water. She seats herself upon the chair at Albrechts bedside and gently applies it to his injured eye. The swelling is gradually disappearing as it had over the past two days since the healing salve was first applied.

Penelope has taken off her armor and is now clad in a yellow tunic with white sleeves that she wore underneath with white silk stockings on her feet. Out of her armor, Logan sees that her arms and legs are more muscular than any other women he had known. 

Albrecht is lying motionless on the bed as if sleeping.

How is he? he asked her.

Hes still improving, Penelope speaks softly as if not wishing to awaken him. 
He has spent much of the time resting thanks to a sleep spell cast by Murlock. The spell is undone when it is time for him to eat or when twelve hours pass. His voice is getting stronger now and he is able to speak complete sentences without pausing between words. It will only be a matter of time before he is able to sit up in bed and walk around. When it does, I will miss being able to help him eat and drink.

How much longer? asked Logan. He needed to know for Janus sake.

Another day, give or take, said Penelope. Every morning I apply more of the healing salve over his body. I am impatient for him to make a full recovery.

Even the magic of this medicine takes time, said Logan. Much quicker than without. I am sure he will miss all the extra attention he has been getting ever since his rescue.

He certainly wont miss the unwanted attention he had earlier this day.

Whatever do you mean?

Early this morning after breakfast, one of the young scullery maids came into this chamber when she brought him his food. Though she and others had praised his bravery before over the past couple of days, on this occasion she actually started to flirt with him. But Albrecht wouldnt have it. When he had been first branded a coward, she was among those who never had a kind word to say to him. She smiled and stifled a chuckle. You should have seen how fast she ran when I reached for my spear.

I wish I could have seen that spectacle.

Jealous, are we?

When she came back with his supper, she kept her mouth shut. I think she is afraid of me now. I know she has learned her lesson.

Has Naphorphia been informed of his heroics?

Her majesty ordered the messenger she sent to her homeland to inform the people of what he had done. His reputation there has certainly been restored by now. So much for the alleged shame upon her familys name.

Then perhaps by this wars end his exile will be revoked and he can return home.
Penelopes smile fades. Yes, perhaps he can.

Will you miss him? he asked.

Penelope nods, but does not say a word.

Unless of course he chooses not to go back, said Logan. You could be the reason why he may choose to stay. Think back to how you felt when he was taken by the Scourge and how much you feared for him. That you thought you would never see him again.

Penelope, tell me the truth. Exactly what do you feel towards Albrecht?

I..., she struggles with trying to choose her answer. Though her actions during the previous days belie the truth, she appears to still be in denial.

Sooner or later, you will need to tell him how you feel. You should not have to live with regret the rest of your days if you let another opportunity pass you by. You may never get another chance. If he does go home, you may never see him again. The pain you feel from his loss will be as great as when you lost your friend, mother, and grandparents.

And when I lost Katrina.

Think about it, he said. He chose that moment to leave. Could Albrecht still hear while under the influence of the sleep spell? He closed the door behind him, leaving Penelope to herself.

He returned to his bed chambers. But sleep did not come immediately. He pondered what lay in store for the future for Janus, this kingdom, and his own. When at last he drifted away into the realm of dreams, it was past midnight.
					#
The next morning, on his way down to the banquet hall Logan peeked into the room where Albrecht resided. Sure enough, at some point during the night, the muscles in his back had completely healed as he is now sitting up in bed, eating his breakfast. There is no sign of Penelope. Logan found himself wondering if they had a little talk about her true feelings earlier.

Then he sees Albrecht is now wearing a bronze colored eye-patch. Though the swelling had disappeared completely, the vision was lost.

Logan is the last person to show up for breakfast. Everyone else is finishing theirs. Kains absence can only mean that he is still locked in the dungeon. Someone has already been sent down to give him food and water for the morning meal.

The update on Albrechts condition is the topic of discussion. Minerva is relieved that her cousin is making a swift recovery. She is already making plans for his knighthood ceremony. Though the messenger sent to Naphorphia has delivered the news of his heroics, he is still forbidden to return. He is still in exile...for now.

After breakfast, Logan decided to take another trip down into the dungeon to make a second attempt to see Janus. In the meantime, he would check on Kain.

Kain by now had long sobered up, but his spirits remained low. Not helping his mood were the contemptuous remarks from other guards. Nor did the compassion of a sympathetic Penelope. Somehow they had to help reconcile Kain and Gwendolyn.
Once again he heads for Janus cell. Just as he is about to turn the final corner, voices are heard from past the open door. He recognizes the greeting of Janus current interrogator as Penelope.

So...the captains daughter now decides to grace me with her presence. To what do I owe the...pleasure?

I just thought I should let you know that Albrecht is nearly fully recovered, Penelope speaks after a short pause as if taking some slight offense of a prisoner trying to get on her good side by hitting on her. Logan is surprised that her voice is depraved of any negative emotion. No anger, hate, or disgust. 

Once he recovered his strength to testify against you, we can begin your trial. Getting worried?

Not at all. However, I must confess that I was just thinking about you as I had after I heard of what happened in the fortress that day.

You mean about when Albrecht helped me escape? asked Penelope.

Exactly. Fortunately for me, you will be pleased to know I had no hand in what we did to him.

I know you speak the truth. You were not even there. And as for Bellatrix herself, she has been justly punished for what she had done. Yet according to Logan, she took the cowards way out and killed herself rather than face the full extent of her punishment. I show no pity for those who threaten or harm those I...care for.

Perhaps she has not taken her chance yet. She still struggles with what is in her heart.

I heard about the beating you gave some of my comrades before they forced you to stand down after threatening to blow his brains out. Youre like a mother bear fighting to protect her cubs from danger. The only difference between you and her would be that she would fight to the death. There would have been no chance of persuading her to surrender. Had my comrades repeated their strategy on her cubs, they only would have brought upon themselves the fullness of her wrath.

It is ironic that even then I still could not protect him from what happened next. I was powerless to save him as the stone he activated in the palm of my hand activated and took me to safety.

Then you and I are two sides of the same coin here.

What now? Is he going to tell her his story in an attempt to play on her sympathies?

What do you mean?

You think you are the only one who knows how it felt to have failed someone you loved? There was a time when I had so much to bring me joy in life. I was surrounded by people who looked up to me as a value benefactor who contributed to the poor and needy. I loved a woman who was to bear my child. And all because of one mans greed, I lost everything. My attempts to protect her were all for naught and she died in my arms, taking our unborn child with her.

Thats..., Penelope is at a loss for words, I am sorry Janus.

If this was part of his plan, he succeeded!

No, Janus went on firmly, you could never understand. You have no idea what I went through. To lose loved ones and then to be blamed for it! Condemned as a human being for what society believed was your fault. Nothing I had done in the past mattered anymore.

But I do understand Janus. When my friend Sophia and I went out for an evening on the city after my sixteenth birthday, we witnessed the blacksmiths apprentice using a newly forged dagger to rob a beggar in the alley. Once he realized we had seen his face, he attacked in an attempt to silence us. We fled for our lives, but what we failed to realize was that he had a strong arm for throwing. The dagger buried itself within the back of her neck.

I ran into some guards who were able to apprehend the apprentice. But it was too late for Sophia, she died before they could take her to the healer. The beggars testimony at the trial was enough evidence to secure a conviction. Although the killer was beheaded for his crime, Sophias family believed that if I had not gone out with her, she might still be alive. It was difficult for me to look at them during her funeral. I suppose the same was true for them. 

I sought redemption for my failure to protect her by joining the guards and becoming one of them. Though I love serving my kingdom, it seems I had been cursed. I could not save my mother or the grandparents who raised me when they depended on me.

Listening to this new chapter in Penelopes story about the murder of her friend reminded Logan of the telegram he had sent to Katrinas family to inform them of her death and his failure to save them. Thankfully they did not blame him for what had happened, though he wondered if it would have been possible if they felt differently? He had fought so hard for everyone during this war, everything done in Katrinas name. But even then, there were those he had failed, yet their families did not blame him.

And you still carry the weight of this burden upon your soul, Janus said.

How did you  ?

As do I. I told you lady knight, we have both lost loved ones because we failed them. Yet there are those who still look up to you. Who respect you. And who believe in you. I on the other hand had no such support, at least not until Garibaldi saved me on the night of my execution. He offered me salvation.

Yet that is where the path our lives have taken since our separate tragedy go in different directions. While mine has led me to a possible salvation, yours has only ensured your damnation. Even the crimes of that apprentice blacksmith pale in comparison with what you have done. I find it ironic that you are once more a prisoner, this time for crimes you truly have committed. So much has happened yet little has changed. I would not be surprised if you were ironically sentenced to die a second time. Even your own wife would be ashamed of the man she had married if she was still alive today.

My comrades will come for me! said Janus, his voice rising in anger. Obviously, that final sentence spoken by Penelope has struck a nerve.

I pity you, said Penelope sympathetically. May God have mercy on your soul.
Logan heard enough. He decided to make a quick getaway before Penelope found him eavesdropping on their conversation. He considered himself lucky that Janus had not betrayed his secret to her or any other guard. Was he waiting for the right time to expose Logan in front of the entire kingdom?

For now, Logan decided that it was time to give Agnes another lesson in using guns. There were important matters he needed to discuss with her.
					#
Kain is still locked in the dungeon for what happened I see, Agnes said as she reloaded the shotgun after firing at the target.

He will be released tonight, said Logan. They are standing out in the courtyard. Other guards nearby fire arrows at other targets. In another part of the courtyard nearby, several are sparring with each other in combat.

But even when he is set free, will he still be the same person? asked Agnes. He may remain a prisoner of his own sorrow, never to recover from the loss of the woman he loves. Do you think she hates him?

I do not know. But I do know that she places part of the blame for what happened to her on him.

Agnes was about to fire again at the target, but paused before pulling the trigger. She turns her head with a look of shock on her face. But it is not his fault! He came for her in the end!

Yet now it seems she has shoved him away completely.

I know the feeling, Agnes lowers the shotgun in sadness.

You two are not so different, you and Gwendolyn. You both feel that the man you loved abandoned you when you needed him.

Yet that it where the similarities between us ends. The man I loved never truly loved me.

Do yourself a favor, said Logan. Never think of that man ever again. Doing so will only reopen old wounds and pour salt onto them. Think instead of those that brought you happiness, such as your father.

At the mention of her father, Agnes nodded and raised her shotgun back toward the target. She fired again, keeping her feet firmly planted upon the pavement.
Even after what happened to her, Kain still loves her, she said opening the barrel. That is another difference between us. How can she throw away a perfectly good relationship all because of what happened to her?

She should consider herself lucky, said Logan. I knew a few men who no longer wanted anything to do with the women they loved after they were forcibly deflowered by other men.

Thats...its just not right! she shouted, turning to him. What kind of men would do that to the women they love when they needed them? She is angry at the thought painted by his words.

Where I come from, it is a common belief that the woman is to blame for what happened to her, he said. I know it isnt right, but that is just the way most people think. And from what I have heard here, the belief has been shared by many in the kingdom, though many have come to understand otherwise. Kain, Edward, and others who tried to help her have done what they could.

Logan, I perfectly understand what it is that you are about to ask of me, said Agnes. And I agree.

What? asked Logan.

It is up to me, she said opening the barrel of the gun and allowing the shells to fall out at her feet. I understand much of how she feels and I believe only I can bring her back to her senses and save their relationship. For Kains sake, I must do this.

Well, that was easy. I did not even get a chance to ask.

I think that is enough training for now, she said. I must get started right away! She let the empty shotgun fall to the pavement and hurried off towards the castle.

You will need to speak with Edward to get the key, he called out after her.

I know! she called back.

He stared after her, watching as she disappeared into the distance. He only hoped she would succeed where his mother had failed. If not, what would happen to Kain? Would this interfere with his ability to rule Tamirtania? For the sake of both him and his kingdom, Agnes had to succeed.

All he could do was hope for the best.
					#
When Logan returned to the castle, he learned from one of the guards that the city blacksmith had sent word that he had completed work on the scabbard for the Sword of Iconoclast and that he was waiting for pickup. Murlock had already gone into town to claim the scabbard and to ensure that the blacksmith was paid for his service.

When it was time for the midday meal, Logan checked in on Albrecht to find Murlock undoing the sleep spell on Albrecht with Penelope at his side, food and drink ready. Albrecht opened his eyes and looked up at Penelope with a smile. What happened next stirred up mixed emotions in Logan and elation in the female guard.
Albrecht pushed the bed covers aside and sat up before lifting his legs and rotating his body, finally setting his feet down upon the rug. With a startled joyful gasp, Penelope set his food on the nearby chair, all while never taking her eyes off her friend as he finally climbs out of bed for the first time in several days. Slowly he pushes himself up off the bed before Penelope takes his hands and pulls him up to his feet. For several moments she holds his hands to keep him in balance before finally letting go, trusting that his body has regained the strength to stand. She stands back to give him some room.

Slowly Albrecht takes his first few steps out of bed the way a very young child prepares to walk for the first time.

Quickly! Logan calls out to the guards in the hall. Go fetch her majesty and inform her that her cousin is out of bed! She will want to see this!

Yes Sir Logan! a guard reply. You, Lionel, go inform the queen!

At once! Lionel responds.

Suddenly, without warning, Albrecht loses his balance and flails about wildly before he begins to topple forward.

Albrecht! Penelope catches him before he hits the floor. She helps him back to his feet. Apparently, after being bedridden for days on end, his body has not yet gotten used to moving about again. He knew the feeling all too well.

Just take it slowly for now, said Murlock. With some more use your legs will once more be ready to support the full weight of your body.

Logan heard hurried footsteps behind him and did not have to look back to know that it was Minerva.

Is something wrong? she asked.

He may be out of bed, said Logan, but his body still needs to get used to moving around on two feet after days of being bedridden.

At least he does not have to remain in bed all day anymore, said Murlock.

He just needs to keep on trying, said Logan.

Minerva of course is overjoyed at this new step in the recovery of her cousin. 
Albrecht, I am so happy for you! she said hugging him.

Well you are not the only one, said Albrecht returning the hug. He is right. No one is more joyful about his ability to get out of bed than Penelope herself. Once Minerva releases him, Penelope takes her turn and embraces him tightly. But instead of returning the hug, Albrecht cries out loudly as if in pain.

Albrecht! Penelope quickly lets go and steps back with a worried expression on her face. Whats wrong now?

Albrecht wraps his arms tightly around himself with a shiver. Damn Penelope! That armor is cold!

Penelopes face flushes with shame and anger at herself. It is easy for everyone to see why. Penelope herself is clad in her steel guard armor. Albrecht on the other hand is naked except for the garments covering his groin. The warmth of his bare skin cannot shield him from the chill of being pressed against cold steel.
Bring him the clothes sent by Naphorphia the messenger brought back, said Minerva. He should also eat something.

Shame he still cannot join us in the banquet hall, said Logan.

Maybe tonight if all goes well, said Minerva. For now, we must start making preparations for his knighting ceremony and for the trial of Janus.

Logan took his leave and decided to check on how Agnes attempts to help Gwendolyn. The door to her bedchamber is locked, but he could hear voices from within.

You think you are the only one who knows how to feels to have been emotionally abandoned by a man you loved? asked Agnes. When my lover learned that I was of much lower class than him, he no longer wanted anything to do with me. But Kain is different, he never abandoned you in a time of great need. You should consider yourself lucky. Any other lover wouldnt want anything to do with you after what you went through. Kains support has been a great blessing. How can you think of throwing away a perfectly good relationship because of what happened? You will only live to regret it for the rest of your life.

But Kain will not even talk to me or even look at me, Gwendolyn said.

That is because you pushed him away in spite of his efforts to stand by you. He did all he could. It is up to you to make amends.

Well, it sounds like she is making progress, much more so than mother ever did.
He then decided to leave without hearing anymore. As much as he wanted to listen to this discussion, there was a chance that Gwendolyn would not cooperate in the end. That would be most disappointing.
					#
Kain is released from the dungeon just in time for supper. Yet his spirits have not been uplifted by his freedom. In spite of the fact that he has not been able to have a drop of alcohol in hours, many of the guards are wary around him. Edward, not wanting to risk another incident does not allow a bottle of wine at the table.

As Minerva had predicted, Albrecht had recovered enough strength to walk without collapsing like a tree with a chopped stump. For the first time since being brought back from the fortress he is able to join everyone for supper. He takes his seat by his cousin. 

Kain, with his back to the doors does not see them open. Agnes enters, looking very proud of herself, a good sign to Logan. And sure enough, behind her enters Gwendolyn, eyeing Kain with a look of worry on her face. But whether it was concern for Kain or something else on her mind, nobody knew for certain.

Kain, I have a surprise for you! Agnes says teasingly with her arms behind her back as if hiding a present.

I dont like surprises, said Kain not looking away from his plate of food.

Since when? asked Anges.

I have had enough of them over the past few days, said Kain. I couldnt take another one.

Kain? Gwendolyn asks.

Kain finally lifts his head in surprise. This was clearly not something he expected. How would he react. Gwendolyn, it cannot be!

Agnes sits down next to Maria and smiles at Logan with a wink. He smiles back at her as if to congratulate her.

Gwendolyn takes her seat next to Kain as his eyes follow her every action. Her  face flushes pink with shame. Kain, can you ever forgive me, for the way I pushed you away? For the way I treated you the last few days? For being unfaithful?
Hesitantly, he reaches for her hand and gently takes it into his own. He is genuinely surprised at the fact that she does not pull away. There is nothing to forgive, he said. I understand you had every right to be upset about what happened to you. And you were never unfaithful. That dog who forced himself upon you has paid justly for his actions. But can you ever forgive me, for not being there when you needed me?

Gwendolyn places her remaining hand upon his own. I already have, even if there is also nothing to forgive.

The two stare at each other in silence for several long moments, each oblivious to the fact that every eyes in the room is upon them. Finally, their bodies close the gap between them and for the first time since her rescue, Kain embraces her. Only this time Gwendolyn embraces him.

Looks like there is going to be a wedding after all, said Logan. You should thank Anges for giving you this gift. Without her, none of this would be happening.

Kain, still in Gwendolyns embrace looks towards Agnes with a grateful expression on his face. Thank you, he says softly.

Congratulations! said Edward. You two deserve great happiness!

It is still too early for that, said Logan. We still have the upcoming battle with the Scourge to deal with.

Yet there is much to celebrate tonight, said Minerva. My cousin has fully recovered and Gwendolyn is back to her old self. It is a joyful occasion.

And Penelope herself is in very good spirits, said Albrecht. Rarely have I seen her so happy.

Considering her sorrowful past, such moments of happiness to her are rare indeed.

There is much to do tomorrow, said Minerva as everyone resumes eating. With Albrecht fully recovered, Leoric is already making plans for the knighting ceremony. Janus will also make his appearance in the royal court tomorrow, his first public appearance since his capture. Already the news is spreading throughout the kingdom. I am certain that much of the population will be in attendance.

Any other news? asked Logan.

The strangest thing happened today, Murlock spoke for the first time tonight at the table. One of my teleportation stones has vanished!

Perhaps you simply may have simply misplaced it? said Minerva.

Not possible, said Murlock. And to top it off, one of those communication charms has disappeared as well.

Perhaps it is the work of the spy the Scourge planted in our kingdom, Logan suggested.

No one spoke a word for several moments.

If this is true, then we are all in great danger from a sudden attack, said Murlock. We must be ever vigilant!

Speaking of disappearances, said Minerva, has anyone seen Claudio? I havent seen a trace of him since supper last night. He has been gone for a whole day, said Minerva. Anything could have happened to him.

The doors to the banquet hall opened. To everyones surprise, Claudio himself entered. Sorry I am late, he said. I had some important business to attend to in another land.

We were starting to worry about you Claudio, said Edward. We feared you had fallen into the hands of the enemy once more.

With your service to the kingdom thus far in this war and the information you have gathered about the enemy, there is a very high risk of your recapture, said Minerva.

I fell into the hands of the enemy because of a mistake, said Claudio. A mistake I do not intend to repeat.

Logan eyed Claudio suspiciously without attracting any attention from the others. More and more, he found himself distrustful of this man and pondered whether or not should he reveal his suspicions. But how could he without proof to back them up? What if his suspicions were false? But what if they were true and he failed to act? What would be the consequences?

Did anything change since I left? asked Claudio.

Yes, said Logan. Gwendolyn is back in high spirits and the city blacksmith has completed his work on forging the sheathe for the Sword of Iconoclast.

The what? asked Claudio. 

I am surprised you have not heard of this fabled weapon, said Minerva.

Claudio shook his head. I must admit that I am not familiar with the legend. But I am curious. Tell me more.

The Sword of Iconoclast, said Edward, also known as the Blade of Lazarus is one of the most powerful weapons to have ever existed in this realm. Its power is second only to the Sword of Judgment. It was forged by combining the powers of the four elemental swords within the Sword of Darkness. When Murlock forged the sword in the chapel where Lazarus and Raven Dark did battle, he bound the sword to his own lifeforce.

What does that mean? asked Claudio, listening intently.

It means that should Murlock die, the sword will once more separate into the five blades that had fallen into the hands of the Scourge.

Furthermore, said Minerva, Logan and Murlock also recovered another creation of Lazarus which we believe is our one and only hope of stopping Raven Dark.

And what is this weapon? asked Claudio.

An enchanted obsidian dagger. No one can say exactly what power it contains. Murlock is keeping it under lock and key in the War Room.

Logan found himself wondering why Claudio is so interested in these weapons. The slightest signs of a smile on his face is not a good sign to him.
					#
With Gwendolyn back to normal, the door to her bedchambers would no longer be locked. It is unnecessary for the guards to patrol outside anymore.

Obviously, with their relationship restored, Kain would no longer be roommates with Logan. Gwendolyn had invited her soon-to-be groom to her room for the rest of whatever time they would be spending in the castle, an offer that Kain happily accepted. 

Logan felt a twinge of envy and jealousy. Though he is happy for his friend to have his lover back, ff only the same were true for himself.

Once more, he would be sleeping alone tonight.

So many thoughts nagged at him. When the Scourge did attack, would they be able to repel it? How many would die? Would any of his closest allies fall? What would happen to Janus? What if his suspicions about Claudio were true and he was not who everyone believed him to be? 

And as for Logan himself, would his ultimate secret betray him to the world he had fought so hard to protect?

Having finally fully recovered, Albrecht wished to join the guards patrolling the castle and city. Once a watchman, always a watchman, he said to Minerva in the hallway.

Albrecht, you have a big day tomorrow, said Minerva. You should get plenty of rest tonight. You dont want to embarrass yourself by showing up to your own knighthood ceremony half-asleep, do you?

No, of course not, said Albrecht. But after being bedridden for so long  

One more night will not matter, said Minerva. And with the Scourge planning a final invasion, you will need to conserve your strength and energies if you plan to aid in the kingdoms defense. You would do no good if you could not fight.

I suppose so. I would only disgrace myself once again if I fell asleep just before the invasion. I remember how exhausted I was when the Scourge first invaded Naphorphia.

It didnt stop you from riding all the way out to this kingdom to deliver the news. Even if you did finally fall asleep after falling into the arms of Penelope.

At the mention of her name, Logan saw a smile spread over the lips of the former watchman.

I suggest you retire to your chambers immediately, said Minerva. For your own sake.

Yes Minerva, said Albrecht. I would not wish to tarnish our familys reputation...again. As Minerva left Albrecht to himself, Logan saw Penelope coming down the hallway.

Albrecht? she asked.

Penelope! he said turning at the sound of her voice as if it was the most beautiful song he had ever heard. What a coincidence. I was just thinking about you.

The female guards face blushed, flattered.

Where are you off to? he asked.

Outside to the courtyard, she said. Now that your recovery is complete, I can focus on training for the upcoming attack and resuming my patrols with a clear head.

It is a shame I cant join you, he said. I finally got out of bed and now the queen tells me to get a good nights rest for tomorrow. All I want is to make myself useful once again. Is that too much to ask?

I understand your frustration, said Penelope. But she is right. This is not the time for you just yet. When the time comes, you need to converse your energy. You are no good to this kingdom if you are not ready.

Albrecht sighs. I know. Its just that I long for the satisfaction of serving the kingdom. After what happened in Naphorphia, all I want is to atone for my failure.

Penelope looks towards Logan with a questioning look as if to say, should I? He nods in her direction.

Albrecht, she says after a moment of hesitation, can we go somewhere we can talk...in private?

Why the need for privacy? asked Albrecht.

It is very important as it concerns you and I, she said.

Well, where could we go?

Logan knew exactly what Penelope was going to say to Albrecht, so he decided to choose the perfect place for them, to set the mood.

He led them up to the encircling balcony where Gwendolyn had nearly taken the big plunge just a couple of nights ago. The setting sun had changed the sky to to a brownish orange. The sun itself is partially hiding behind a dark cloud. He watches as they step out onto the balcony before positioning himself in a place down the spiraling steps where they cannot see him.

Beautiful sunset isnt it? asked Albrecht.

It is, said Penelope.

It reminds me of that evening in the castle stables when I first told you what was in my heart and how I felt for you.

Albrecht..., Looking out from his hiding place, Logan sees that she has turned to look him in the face. In the light of the setting sun, side by side, she towers over him by four inches.

The former watchman takes one of her gauntlet covered hands as he lowers himself onto one knee. Penelope, even if you only see me just as a friend and nothing more, I have never felt this way about anybody before in all my life. Being a watchman leaves little time for romance. He gently kisses the steel covering her hand. Penelope, I love you.

Albrecht..., Penelope hesitates, gathering up her courage for what she is prepared to say. I remember that evening very well. I will always remember what happened in the stables as much as what happened in the town square. I will always remember the way your words touched my own heart. Now it is my turn to finally speak to your heart.

Penelope...? Judging from the surprise in his voice, Albrecht did not expect this. He is questioning whether she has had a change of mind.

Penelope gathers up her courage within the words she chooses. Albrecht, the truth is, when you told me your feelings towards me, I felt exactly the same way.

Albrecht is silent as if not believing a word he has heard. You mean? he stammers.

Albrecht, I know I am a few days late in saying it, but..., I love you too!

But you didnt tell me so.

I couldnt. Not after the losses I had suffered. First my mother, then my grandparents. The ones I loved died because I failed to protect them when they depended upon me. And I was afraid that the same would happen to you. If it did, I just didnt believe I could bear it. And as I suspected, that is exactly what happened.

Her face flushes with shame. Now when I look upon your face, the first thing I see is that eye patch, and I am reminded of yet another of my greatest failures.

Penelope, I only need one eye to gaze upon this beautiful sunset. To see where my crossbow bolts fly. But most of all, it takes only one eye to look upon the vision of beauty that is the woman I love. You.

And as for this eye patch, I like to think of it as my personal badge of honor, a reminder  of what I endured. The price I had to pay for saving you. An act of true courage nobody ever expected from someone judged a coward.

Albrecht, I need to know. Why? Why did you save me and not yourself? If not the both of us?

Never, said Albrecht. I ran from the Scourge once when they invaded my homeland, an act that ruined my name and threatened to destroy the honor of my family. I was branded a deserter and a coward, thought to have abandoned those who depended upon me. I would not make that mistake again Penelope. I knew if I did save myself, history would forever bestow upon my name a legacy of shame. Nothing I did in the town square would have mattered anymore to anyone. Certainly not your father. He would have never forgiven me if I did not try to save you.

But do you have any idea of what I endured during your imprisonment? she asked. 
Just as they tortured your body, so too was my heart, soul, and spirit being tormented. I fought to save someone I cared for and once again, I failed.

Penelope, I was trying to protect you.

Albrecht, I am the one who is supposed to be protecting you. As a guard of Iconoclast, it is my duty.

I used to be a watchman Penelope. I was just watching out for you. I do not regret what I did nor the sacrifice I made. I knew what I was doing and I would do it again if I had to. That is what the power of love can do. I apologize for any grief I may have caused you.

Albrecht, you were always in my thoughts. That night you were imprisoned, I dreamed of you. The one thing that kept me going was the hope that you were still alive. Through it all I searched my heart and soul for resolution to the torment they suffered.

Penelope....

I only denied how I felt towards you out of fear. But when I thought I had lost you, I finally forced myself to realize just how much you meant to me. But by then it was too late. I had the chance to open my heart to you and I didnt take it.

Because you were afraid of losing another?

Yes. And if you did not survive, I would have had to live with regret for the rest of my life. It is ironic that someone as you once wrongfully judged has taught me an important lesson in courage.

Penelope...?

You believe me to be a fearless woman Albrecht. But that is not quite the truth. Yes, I have no fear in battle. Nor do I not flinch in the face of danger. She turns away and grasps the surrounding stones of the parapets while lowering her head. But when it comes down to matters of my heart, I am a coward.

Albrecht steps closer to her and gently lays a hand upon one of her gauntlet covered fists. Penelope, dont be ridiculous! You are the bravest woman I have ever had the honor  and pleasure  to meet. You are also the strongest woman I have ever known. He lays his other hand around her shoulder. And certainly...the most beautiful.

She gazes into his face while taking the hand upon her shoulder into her remaining one. If anyone can help heal your wounded heart, it is me. Silence passes between them until after what seems like an eternity, their eyes close as they inch close enough for their lips to touch.

A beautiful sunset with romance in the air. The perfect setting and mood for anyone to experience their first kiss. From where Logan squatted, he saw their shapes surrounded by brilliant rays of light from the setting sun as it emerged from beneath the cloud where it had hid. Watching them reminded him of when he and Katrina shared every kiss, even in the final moments of her life. He found it hard to watch.

Even when their lips pull apart, they remain locked together in an embrace as if not wanting to let go.

Albrecht, I want you to know, you have been a most worthy opponent in this battle for my heart. And I have no regrets about being defeated.

Penelope, we were always allies in this battle. The only opponent we ever faced was the wall you built around your fragile heart. A wall that in the end you tore down yourself.

But there is still the chance that you may not survive the final battle.

Penelope, I am prepared to risk my life for this world, and for you.

As would I Albrecht. If I absolutely had to in order to ensure your survival, I would give my life for you.

So would I for you Penelope.

If I had to, I would fight for you, even if it is a battle I have no chance of winning. So even if the battle could only end in my defeat and death, I would willingly fight in order to spare myself the anguish of losing another loved one. I would rather lose my own life than see another person I love die because of my failure. If that is the price I must pay to ensure your life, so be it.

Penelope, like I said earlier, you are the bravest woman I have ever met. I am proud to love a woman like you and proud that you love me.

Logan decided at that point he had heard enough. He decided to make himself scarce before Penelope and Albrecht parted ways for the evening and discovered him.
					#
The next morning after breakfast, Logan stood in the throne room of the castle together with hundreds of people. Guards of Iconoclast between the crowd and the carpet leading to the throne. Penelope herself is at the foot of the steps beneath the throne. Leoric and Minerva are standing up front near the throne as Edward tunes his lute at the foot of the steps. For the first time ever, Logan would bear witness to Edwards talent with his musical instrument.

A small group of people are standing near the front of the chamber. According to Minerva, they were representatives from Naphorphia who had been invited to watch the ceremony and see what Albrecht had become. Perhaps when the news was delivered back to Naphorphia, Albrecht would be allowed to return to his homeland.

A triumphant call sounded on the trumpets carried by the guards near the doors as Albrecht stepped into the throne room. All heads turned in his direction and follow him as he walks down the carpet towards the throne. As he passes them, the guards raise their weapons into the air and salute him.

Edward begins to play a song he had composed for the occasion. A heroic ballad of Albrecht and his deeds for the kingdom. He sings of the suffering endured, his recovery, and how he is no longer the man everyone had judged a coward, but now a man of true courage.

Once Albrecht climbs the top of the steps, he bows before the queen who returns the gesture.

Kneel, Leoric commands. Albrecht readily obeys and gets down on one knee. Leoric proudly unsheathes his sword and holds it steadily before him.

Albrecht, formerly of Naphorphia, you have proven yourself a man of great courage and heroism, second only to our hero Logan. In publicly defying our enemies, this kingdom has come to see you in a new light. In rescuing my daughter at great risk and cost to yourself, I am honor bound to give you my thanks and revere you with all the respect you deserve. You have demonstrated your selflessness, valor, and bravery by the deeds that have been done. Thus I now bestow upon you the greatest honor we can give you!

He touches his sword to Albrechts shoulders. First the left. Then the right.

Arise, sir Albrecht!

Edward finishes playing his ballad as Albrecht rises to stand fully erect. The crowd erupts into a great unified cheer celebrating the true hero before them.
Watching Albrecht and listening to the jubilant cries of the crowd around him, Logan felt a twinge of envy and jealousy. If only his own people knew of his own heroics. No one on Earth had witnessed his fight against the Scourge. Even if he did tell anyone, he would have only been branded a madman.

Minerva announced that in the early afternoon, the trial of Janus would begin. Her announcement made Logan uneasy. Soon he would learn what the future awaited for Janus.
					#
Logan spent the remainder of the morning giving Agnes another lesson in using  guns. By now, Agnes had grown one step closer to mastering the use of his weapons. 
During each of these lessons over the past few days, Logan found himself fearing that she would end up getting shot by her enemies. After her first lesson days ago, he had taken her to the town blacksmith to get her fitted for a breastplate. He did not want to take any chances and leave her unprotected.

Following the noonday meal, word came from the blacksmith shop that the breastplate he had ordered for Agnes was ready. When he presented it to her, she thanked him and immediately retired to her bedchambers to put it on.

By now the crowds were returning to the castle. It was soon time for the trial. 
Edward and Minerva sat upon their thrones. Guards were lined up in front of the crowds of witnesses to prevent anyone restless enough to attack Janus when he made his appearance. Agnes, Kain, Gwendolyn, and Albrecht are standing at the front near the thrones, prepared to testify on behalf of their kingdom. Murlock, standing at the foot of the steps, would also act as the court prosecutor while testifying for the land that he had made his home for fifteen centuries.

Finally the doors opened and several guards entered. Two of them had Janus by his arms. Two more are positioned behind him holding a sword and spear at his back. Logan heard angry, hostile, whispers all around him as Janus was escorted further into the throne room. Logan tried his best to ignore them.

This is the first time Logan had seen his former friend since his capture. The previous days locked in a cell had not been kind to Janus. His hair is ruffled and his face bears two bruises as if he had been beaten by guards too impatient for him to suffer any consequences for his crimes.

The guards stopped close to the steps and released Janus, yet trained their weapons upon him to prevent him from making an attempt to escape. Even if he had chose to run, it wouldnt have done him any good for the doors leading outside are now under guard.

Janus, Murlock begins to speak, former lieutenant of the Scourge, you stand before us as a representative of our enemies, accused of crimes against this world and its people. Those who bore witness to the suffering of their kingdoms and the atrocities you committed shall now speak.

Our first witness is the newly knighted Sir Albrecht, formerly of Naphorphia, the first kingdom invaded by the Scourge. In spite of the torture he suffered at the hands of our enemies, he has completely recovered, save for one eye.

The crowd claps as Albrecht steps forward to address them. Logan sees Penelope watch with pride as he begins to speak. Though this crowd is not as large as that before which he spoke in the town square, he shows no fear of public speaking.

I am Albrecht, cousin to your queen. My homeland was the first to be attacked by the Scourge. Before they stole the Sword of Water, the legendary weapon used by my uncle Cecil, father to your queen, I watched as they slaughtered innocent men, women, and even children. Janus himself killed several of my comrades and even ruthlessly aided some of his own in murdering an innocent family, destroying their home and looting other for food. It was Janus himself who destroyed the statue of Logan that we erected in the town square. 

What happened next when the castle was invaded, I cannot tell you, for it was then that I took the opportunity to retreat, an action for which I will forever regret. Though I am ashamed to have run, now is the time for me to finally atone. In testifying against the enemy as he stands trial, I can only hope that my shameful past has been redeemed. But some good has come out of my exile. If I had not come to Iconoclast to warn my cousin of what was to come, the remaining kingdoms would have been taken by surprise and the devastation and death toll could have been much worse. Furthermore, I never would have met the love of my life, Lady Penelope, daughter to captain of the guard.

Penelope blushed as the various members of the crowd voiced how touched they were of this news.

Thank you Sir Albrecht, said Murlock. The second kingdom invaded by the Scourge was Dunkilus, the land I have made my home for fifteen centuries in self-imposed exile following the War of Wizardry, which left many of my brethren dead. Mercifully, the king and queen spared their kingdom and people the fate of Naphorphia by surrendering the Sword of Sky. It was a decision that I reluctantly agreed with due to the power contained within and the fear of the role I would play in the what was to come.

The sword was presented to a small squad of Scourge soldiers by a messenger from the castle. The soldiers were led by none other than Janus himself. Despite the surrender of its sword, the Scourge did not walk away without leaving their mark on the kingdom. Dunkilus was left in a state of fear after the soldiers on Janus orders ruthlessly killed the messenger as if sending some kind of message to the people.

Murlocks speech left much of the throne room in uneasy silence, save for several whispers on Janus dishonorable actions. Several people cast angry glances at the former lieutenant. Several people tried to force their way through but were held back by the guards. Logan watched in horror as one man succeeded in getting past them and lunged at Janus with a well hidden dagger, only to be caught and pulled back.

There will be no further interruptions, Minerva commanded angrily, disgusted by the behavior of her people. Anyone else who tries to take matters into their own hands will be removed from the throne room and locked in the dungeon for the day.
Logan sighs in relief. The next person to speak on behalf of their kingdom is Kain.

I am Kain, prince of Tamirtania and soon-to-be brother-in-law of your king. My people have suffered greatly at the hands of the Scourge, no one more so than myself and Edward who tried to aid his homeland in its time of greatest need. Together with his sister, my bride, he was taken hostage by the Scourge. My father the king was killed, leaving me the sole heir to the throne. 

Before his capture, Edward told me of what he had witnessed while in disguise, that Janus himself together with their commander had seized by force several trading vessels and robbing them of everything of value including food. In the days following the attack, some of my people died from starvation and disease, and I was powerless to help my people. Now I call upon my beloved to give her testimony. And for those of you who spread persistent rumors about her character even to this day, I must warn you, she is not whom you believed her to be.

Gwendolyn nods and steps forward. Before I start, I just want everyone to know that the rumors surrounding me are completely unfounded. Yes, during my imprisonment I was raped. No, it was not my fault. I did not seduce my jailer, nor did I tolerate his actions. He walked away with a broken nose. Yes, for a time I was very ashamed of what happened to me, but with the help of my brother, lover, and another woman who helped me to realize what could have been lost forever, I now stand stronger than I ever had been before. And to those who continue to criticize me for what happened, just remember, I know the truth, you do not!

As for the matter of Janus, though he has not in any way mistreated myself or my brother your king, I cannot condone his actions. For it was he and his comrades who took me from my home by force. Though it was not Janus who personally killed my father, he did nothing to prevent it from happening. It matters not if he was simply following orders or if he simply could not care less what happened, his actions are inexcusable!

That will do Gwendolyn beloved, said Kain.

Our final witness is a representative of Arcanius, Murlock announced. I call forward Agnes.

Logan watches as Agnes steps forward to the greeting of the clapping crowd like an actress preparing to play her role in an opera.

I too have endured great loss by the actions of the Scourge, she said. They destroyed my home, my familys work, and killed my father, the sole remaining family I had left in this world. From what I have been told, it was Janus who stole the Sword of Fire from the castle and delivered it into the hands of the Scourge commander, who then used it to raze much of the city to ashes.

Logan immediately found himself wishing he hadnt told Agnes about the theft of the sword. Had he helped contribute to Janus ultimate fate.

Indirectly as a result of Janus actions, I am now homeless and without family. All I had left is now nothing more than ash. Though the city is rebuilding itself, a piece of myself was forever lost to the flames that consumed it that morning. No one in my homeland has suffered more loss than I have.

Throughout the crowd, Logan senses the pity everyone feels for her and the anger towards Janus. To the crowd, Janus was the true culprit in the destruction of her home and loss of her father.

Yet just as Janus had indirectly been responsible for the losses Arcanius and Agnes had suffered, Logan himself was indirectly responsible for everything that had happened in this world since the death of Garibaldi, as Janus had claimed. And he was right.

Janus, Murlock spoke, the witnesses have provided their testimony to your crimes. What do you have to say in your defense?

Janus only folds his arms over his chest. Everything we have done was all in the name of our benefactor, the great Garibaldi.

There is an angry buzzing among the crowd at the mention of Garibaldis name. It is likened to that of a swarm of bees. Even today the wounds inflicted so long ago have not yet healed. His name would be unforgotten and unforgiven perhaps until the end of time.

So you do not deny the accusations against you and make no attempt to defend yourself?

Only a coward would attempt to make himself look innocent even in spite of the evidence. But whatever you do to me, my comrades will exact retribution upon this kingdom.

Very well Janus. By the testimony of our witnesses and that of your own refusal to make any defense, you have convicted yourself of all crimes. Our king and queen will now pass sentence on behalf of his world and the suffering it has endured.

There is not a soul alive who hasnt suffered the march of the Scourge, said Kain, and enough who died due to it. Let him suffer as the people have! The crowd shouts its approval.

Im not one for hanging or chopping heads off, said Albrecht, but after seeing what he had done, I can make an exception! He deserves nothing less! More shouts from the crowd.

Whatever we do to him, I know nothing will bring back my father or my home, said Agnes. I do not blame him for what happened when it is their commander who must answer for what his army has done.

It is not my place to decide his fate, said Gwendolyn. Yet he stole me from my love and did nothing as my father met his end.

Edward, Minerva said to her husband, are we not better than the Scourge themselves? What if Janus is telling the truth? If we execute him, would we only succeed in bringing upon our kingdom a much worse fate?

Perhaps, said Edward. But even if we do not, the Scourge will surely kill him themselves. It matters not what happens to him regardless of his sentence. His life is over!

Edward rises from his throne. The crowd is silent as if to await his judgment.
Iconoclast and the surrounding kingdoms have suffered the afflictions of war, death, destruction, chaos, and fear. Never before had we endured hardships of this magnitude as a united realm. Not even when the wizard Iconoclast conquered this world by force nor the invasion of Garibaldi and his curse can compare to the war that ravaged our lands and affected the lives of us all. It seems even today the fruits of Garibaldis work thrive.

Through the actions of our hero Logan, we have achieved a great victory over the enemy. The time of our days of living in fear are nearing their end. For the first time in the history of this realm since the reign of the wizard tyrant, we shall stand together and unite against a common enemy. But before we can have peace, we must have justice. And before we can have justice, we must prepare for the war that awaits us all.

You Janus now stand before us to face judgment for your crimes. You served a cause where every drop of blood spilled was done in the name of Garibaldi. Now the people demand blood for blood in the name of justice. However, there is a fine line between justice and vengeance, and there is no justice in murder. There can be no justice however if the guilty do not answer for the pain and suffering they have inflicted upon others.

As a symbolic gesture to our enemy that we no longer live in fear, we shall set an example. Just as the Scourge would have executed an innocent man in the town square in punishment for the slightest sign of defiance, so too shall we punish the wicked for their crimes. Tomorrow, Janus is to be taken from his cell and led into the castle courtyard where he shall be secured to the stone obelisk which we use as our sundial, surrounded by all who shall gather to bear witness to his reckoning. He will be granted the privilege of dying with whatever shred of dignity left within him. And may God have mercy upon his soul.

The entire throne room is quick to drown itself in a hail of great cheering in support of the judgment. Logan himself remains deathly silent. He had always suspected that Janus would be executed for his crimes, but the reality of the death sentence hits hard as if he is witnessing Garibaldi ordering Katrinas execution once more.

Highness, Leoric speaks, some of my finest archers are prepared to volunteer for the task. Their arrows shall fly true to his heart.

And I have a bolt with his name on it! hissed Albrecht.

Captain Leoric, were the situation any different and the condemned not of the Scourge, perhaps we would grant our archers the privilege. However, for the people it would not be enough. Just as those who died by his hand, directly or indirectly, suffering all the pain unleashed by his weapons, so too shall he. As a warrior lives and dies by the sword, so too shall he live and die by the gun. And there is only one man among us who can grant us the justice we cry out for. Our hero, Logan, shall have the honor!

Suddenly Logan found himself unable to move or speak as if his entire body had become stiff and lifeless as a board. A chill runs through his blood as if he is encased in ice. The reality of Janus death sentence had entered new territory into unbearable. He himself would be carrying out the sentence. 
					#
The execution had been set for sometime in the afternoon the following day. For Janus, the countdown had begun. And for Logan, a new countdown started. When the time came, would he be able to look his former friend in the eye and end his life? Or would he refuse and ultimately risk the secret of his former allegiance being exposed.

The sky had turned gray with no sign of the sun anywhere, a reflection of his own gloom. Only after the death of his beloved Katrina had his spirit fallen so deeply.

Standing within the courtyard between the castle and the gatehouse leading back towards the city, Logan gazed upon the obelisk where Janus would be restrained. A dais of stone circles the structure, with twelve carved stones positioned like the hours of a clock, the stone representing the twelve points straight towards the front entrance of the castle. Each of the stones stand about three feet high with flat tops to sit upon. Four large patches of grass surrounded by a stone perimeter circle the obelisk. The obelisk itself was ancient, showing the signs of previous executions with spots of faded dried blood that could not be washed away. 
Tomorrow, its surface would be stained with more, if he had the heart to carry out his task.

Janus by now had been escorted by to his cell and was to be kept under guard until the time came for him to march to his death. Before his time came, he would granted one last meal, a priest would say a prayer, and any final visitors were permitted to see him.

Logan decided that he would request an audience with Janus before his time came. Perhaps to make peace. Were the situation any different he would help Janus escape with the aid of the teleportation charm.

Where the other charm had gone he could not be certain.

Edward had set the execution time for tomorrow in order to allow people from the remaining kingdoms conquered by the Scourge to attend the event. For them, it would be closure for the losses they had endured. Seeing one of the soldiers of the Scourge publicly executed would help raise morale around the realm even further than Logan himself had done through all his heroics.

Messengers had already been sent by horseback Dunkilus and Naphorphia. Two others had had boarded ships setting sail for Arcanius and Tamirtania, with promises to return carrying a load of people desiring to witness the execution. Crowds of people from Naphorphia and Dunkilus would make the pilgrimage to Iconoclast for the same reason. But just how many would show up? There is more than enough room in the courtyard for thousands of people.

But to Logan, the thought of people from all over this realm attending the execution unnerved him. What if he could not carry out the task? What if his sentimental feelings clouded his judgment? What if it betrayed his shameful secret? Would a hero ultimately deny the people their chance at having justice?

There you are, the familiar voice of Agnes interrupts his thoughts. I have been looking all over the castle for you.

He does not greet her as he usually does, too wrapped up in his own conflicted emotions.

Where else would I be?

What are you doing here? she asked.

Only what I can...nothing. Save for counting down the hours until I take up my guns again. He would still not look at her. He is not angry with her despite her testimony helping persuade Edward to pass the death penalty. Still he finds it hard to face her.

She comes to his side and climbs up upon one of the stones. That is all you could ever do when the time comes. Nothing will bring back those who died. You can only provide closure. A lot of people will not rest until Janus breathes his last.

What about you? he asks. How do you feel now?

She does not reply at first. Most people awaiting the execution of a murderer make no attempt to hide their feelings of anger, hate, and disgust for the crimes said killer had committed, certainly if they had lost loved ones or family members to what they considered nothing more than a monster, not a human being.

As I said before, I do not blame Janus for the death of my father and the flames that burned much of Arcanius to the ground, even if he did deliver the Sword of Fire into the hands of the true culprit...Revelin. As she speaks that name, the anger in her voice finally shows itself. There is no hatred for Janus, only for Revelin.

My peace will only come once Revelin either breathes his last or is chained up in the dungeon. If people think seeing Janus die will bring them peace of mind, they are wrong. True peace will only come after a final victory in battle.

But what about my peace? When will my soul find it? If ever?

Standing with Agnes by his side in the courtyard reminded Logan of the times he and Katrina had to themselves outside the fortress used by the Scourge. Alone, just the two of them. With no one else to interrupt their privacy.

You seem so quiet, said Agnes. Is something wrong?

Agnes, do you not know what I am feeling now? Surely you cannot understand the conflict burning within my heart! How can you even speak to me after what happened to you?

Whatever do you mean? she asked, puzzled.

He sighs. Anges, there is something that you need to know. Something that no one else native to this world knows. You are about to become the first person to know the truth.

What truth?

Agnes, I am the reason why the Scourge have invaded this realm. When I opposed Garibaldi and helped bring about his downfall, I stranded the Scourge within this world. He paused and finally looked to her to see if she is paying attention and the look on her face. So far, her face remains puzzled and confused. I am the reason why this war is happening. I am why the Scourge stole the elemental swords. If anyone is truly to blame for everything that has happened, certainly to you, it is me. For the destruction of your home and for the death of your father.

He looks her in the face, waiting for any signs of anger, disgust, and hate. But he finds none of it.

So many people are dead because of me. Even if we win this war, I do not know if I will ever know peace.

Logan, she finally speaks. Even if what you say is true, I do not blame you for what happened to my father. You did not kill him or any of those people. If anything, you have fought so hard for all of us. What was it Albrecht said? That casualties are inevitable?

There is more, said Logan. About Janus..., he turns away once more, he was once...my closest friend.

Friend? There is finally a change in her tone of voice. But not of anger or disgust. Rather instead of surprise and shock. The surprise is so great she falls backward off the rock onto the pavement below. Under any other circumstances, he would have hurried to help her up. But now, he stands rigid in place with shame. If the revelation that he and Janus were once friends was shocking enough, he could only imagine what would have happened if he revealed an even greater secret.
She slowly picks herself up and dusts off her clothes. So Janus is a friend of yours?

Once, he corrected her. Now, he regards me as an enemy, all because of what happened to Garibaldi.

So your path in life does not follow his own?

At one point, it did.

He nods. We made different choices and took separate roads down life. War does not change anything. Men and women do through the path they take in life. And at a certain point, we divided down a different course. Now it seems our paths have once more intersected, both of us on different sides of the conflict.

And tomorrow people will look to you to execute him.

Regretfully, yes.

Logan wondered how Katrina would feel if she could see him now. She had always provided emotional support as he had for her in the beginning. But looking into the face of Agnes, Logan soon found his question answered.

Logan, I am sorry. It must be hard for you knowing you will need to kill someone who you once called friend. Even if someone I once known and loved had wronged me, I could never do what you must.

Not even your former lover? The man who betrayed and deserted you?

Yes. Even after what he did, I did not hate him enough to wish him ill.

I am curious. Whatever happened to him? Is there something you are not telling me?

I suppose you deserve to know the truth, said Agnes. He was killed during that evening when the army of creatures Garibaldi commanded attacked. My father had provided sanctuary to many within the inn where they would remain until after Garibalis curse was lifted.

And you feel no sense of closure following the death of your former lover?

No, she shook her head. No one ever deserves to die the way he did, being torn to shreds by a flock of gargoyles. At least his wife and children were spared a more horrific fate.

They survived?

Yes. And I am glad of it. I wish them well.

Did they survive because of him?

Yes. He sacrificed himself to save his loved ones. In a way, his name to me has been redeemed.

Agnes herself may have been willing to forgive, but Logan still felt a twinge of anger and disgust towards the man who had abandoned a lover. Even if he had redeemed himself saving his family, nothing could excuse his previous sin. Even if he did choose to forgive, he could not forget.

Like you said Logan, men change through the path they walk. It is what we do in the present, not the past, what defines us.

Maybe he did change. Otherwise he would have abandoned his family and thrown them to the wolves to save himself, just like he did with you.

Yet he did not.

True. Perhaps Leoric is not the only person to have misjudged someone he called a coward. Maybe if he had survived, he would have been knighted as Albrecht had been.

And when I see you, it is as if I am looking upon him once again, alive and well.

You do know we are not the same person?

I do.

Logan gave one final glance at the obelisk. He did not wish to linger here any longer. To do so reminded him of his grisly task that awaited him tomorrow.
If you will excuse me, he said, this is one place I do not wish to remain any longer.

I understand, Agnes said. Maybe you should spend whatever time is left trying to clear your head.

Ill try, said Logan, but it will not be easy.
					#
Is anything on your mind son? asked Maria during the evening meal. You seem troubled.

As a boy, Logan had always gone to his mother for support whenever he came home from school after encounters with the class bully. His own father had never been there for him emotionally. But now, he found himself conflicted over whether or not he should tell his mother. A glance over at Agnes revealed sympathy upon her face. She knew what emotional crisis burned within his soul.

Within less than twenty-four hours he would fire the bullets that would end the life of his closest friend turned enemy. Either that or he would risk their past relationship being revealed. Would others feel as sympathetic as Agnes had been?

Its complicated mother, he said. Difficult to explain. This is something his mother could not help with. It was times like this that could drive a man to drink or go back to the bottle. Logans resolve and self control was much stronger than that. Not even the finest wine could make him forget. Like the image of Katrinas broken body after her execution, the sight of Janus after he is riddled with bullets would not be forgotten so easily, if at all.

Youre much quieter than you used to be, said Maria. More so than after your successful infiltration mission.

Logan thought back to all the times he had been drinking in the past at the bar and how fellow patrons would sympathize with him. Drunks shared many stories of what they tried to forget through alcohol ranging. Stories involving the anger of their wife over missing an anniversary, the grieving over the death of a family member, or despair from loss of a job. All of which could not even compare to the anguish over having to kill someone you shared history with.

He had no problem executing those who were once his comrades at arms, but this was different.

Does it have to be me to execute Janus? he finally asked.

Is there a problem? asked Edward. Do you not want the honor?

Why me? he asked. Why not some of your guards? Those who volunteered. He eyes Albrecht who swallows a spoonful of the stew.

Because no one else knows how to use your weapons, said Edward.

Agnes does. And she could never perform the task.

And because we want it to be as quick and painless as possible. That will be the only mercy we shall grant to the condemned, no matter how brutal our enemies have been thus far.

Even if he does not deserve it, Albrecht muttered under his breath.

Ignoring her cousins comment, Minerva asked, I presume there is something holding you back?

If he cannot do it, I will! shouted Albrecht. Janus deserves to suffer for everything he has done, especially for Naphorphia!

Logan expected this kind of outburst. In his life, he had attended a few executions, none of which he took any pleasure from the death of the condemned. Yet at each, he had been surrounded by many who screamed hateful jeers upon the prisoner as the noose is wrapped around the neck and the hood placed over the head. After one hanging, he heard someone mutter, Good riddance scumbag!

Logan, what is wrong? asked Minerva. Exactly how do you feel anyway?

Logan sighed. I feel the same way a farmer is when he beheads one of his own chickens.

I do not understand, said Edward. What are you trying to say?

Now I understand about Leoric saying that we should not let sentimentality cloud our judgment.

Do you personally know Janus well? asked Maria.

Sadly yes, said Logan. This was it. He decided to take the chance and reveal everything he knew about Janus, except for the most important fact of all. One that would reveal his past to everyone.

What does it matter anyway? asked Albrecht. Youve killed hundreds of soldiers of the Scourge. Why makes Janus any different?

Because he was once my friend.

The sound of clattering silver upon the floor is heard after he speaks those words. Looking around, he sees that Albrecht is the one who dropped his spoon. Edward, Minerva, Kain, Gwendolyn, Murlock, and Maria stare at him in astonishment. Even Albrecht himself is in shock at this revelation. Agnes isnt at all surprised as she already knew.

Imagine how they would have reacted if I told them the complete truth.

Friend? asked Kain. You were once friends with a soldier of the Scourge?

Yes, said Logan lowering his eyes.

But no more? asked Gwendolyn.

Logan shook his head. How would you feel if your closest friend suddenly turned against you. Hated you? Lost all of his respect for you?

Murlock lowers his gaze in shame. And Logan understood.

I know the feeling all too well, said Albrecht. After what happened in Naphorphia. Even here in the kingdom I could not escape the shame of my failure.

As do I, said Kain. For a time, I felt as if I had lost Gwendolyn. I feared that she hated me for not being there for her when she needed me. For what happened to her.

I did not hate you, said Gwendolyn gently taking his hand into her own. I was not in my right mind at the time. After what happened to me, I could not think straight.

Logan sees a look of relief upon Kains face.

But that is all a thing of the past, Gwendolyn adds.

And I am certain that my reputation in Naphorphia has been restored, said Albrecht.

Murlock remained silent. Even though he had finally been vindicated of his past following his part in the events leading to Garibaldis downfall, the exposure of his past once more tarnished his image. Would he ever be redeemed?

Now can you understand why I do not believe I can carry out the execution?

We do, said Minerva sympathetically.

As much as we understand, you must find the strength to do what the kingdom expects. No one else knows how to use those weapons of yours.

I do, said Agnes. Logan has been training me in their use. But I cannot bring myself to do what he must.

Then Logan must do it, said Edward. He simply has no other choice. If he does not, we may have a riot on our hands. People will take matters into their own hands. Think of what happened at the trial. We cannot have that!

Innocent people could die should that happen! said Minerva. We would be no better than our enemies who invade to conquer and destroy. Janus deserves to die with what little dignity he has left.

Then it seems I have no choice. As much as I cannot bring myself to do it, I must. Otherwise things could get ugly. Too much blood stains my hands already as it has.

Majesties, Logan said, if there is the risk of innocent people dying if I do not do this, perhaps I must force myself to do what is expected.

Then we will speak no more of this subject, said Minerva. As long as we are in complete understanding, there is no more to discuss.

I do have one request though, said Logan.

Yes? asked Minerva.

If I am to do this, wish to have a private audience with Janus. I must make my peace.

Minerva and Edward eye each other and nod in silence. Your request is granted, said the young queen. If you still have the chance to do what you want, you might as well take it.
					#
For the third time since the mission in the fortress, Logan descended down into the dungeon, escorted by one of the guards. Though he had heard Janus voice the previous two times, now he would finally come face to face with his former friend for the first time since his capture. Their first chance to speak. Perhaps even their last.

His escorted stopped before the door leading to Janus cell. Janus! he knocked on the door. You have a visitor.

He opened the door and nodded to Logan. How much time will you waste on this scoundrel?

As much as I need, said Logan. Now about my request for a private audience please? Could I have some privacy?

Certainly, the guard said with a nod. Orders of the queen. He returned back the way he had come, leaving Logan to himself.

Logan waited for the sound of the guards footsteps to fade away before he entered Janus cell.

I should have known it would be you, Janus spoke in an angry and gloomy tone. When I heard your voice, I wasnt at all surprised. Given your inability to let go of such feelings of sentimentality, I expected you would come sooner or later.
Logan closed the cell behind him and focused his attention on his former Janus. He is sitting upon the stone floor, chains locked around his wrists. Though the chains are long enough to grant him the freedom to rise to his feet, they are still too short to allow him to step forward. A closer look reveals his eyes to be bloodshot. Perhaps it is the lack of moisture down in the dungeon or an allergy to something in the air down here that after several days of exposure has cause such a condition.

Such cruel fate, said Janus, that not only will I never have my vengeance, but that the man who brought about the downfall of my benefactor will now be the one who ends my existence. There truly is no justice in this world! The anger in his voice mirrors his frustration.

Im sorry it has come to this Janus, said Logan pitifully.

Youre sorry? Janus asked. You cant be if you plan to go through with it.

I must, said Logan. It is regretful, but it has to be done. Even if it is someone whom I once called my closest friend.

So tell me, why have you come down here? Do you feel regret for your part in my predicament? Or did you just come to gloat?

Gloating would be more suited to Revelin. No. I am here to make my peace while I still have the chance.

Peace? Whatever you do makes no difference to me. Words are meaningless.

Janus, I am going to tell you only one last time and no more. I didnt kill Garibaldi. Raven Dark did that. It was punishment for his failure to dispose of me. The man you called your benefactor had sold his soul to Raven Dark in exchange for power. The man who rescued you from Devils Island, who founded the Scourge, who trained us, was nothing more than his puppet. Just as Raven Dark left Garibaldi for dead after throwing that sword through his chest, so too has he forsaken you. Youre nothing to him now but a loose cannon.

Janus only glares at him. The rest of my comrades would surely disagree. Once they hear of how Revelin spared you once again, they will never follow him again. A pity I will not live to see the mutiny.

It is indeed an ironic twist that once again you are a prisoner awaiting execution, said Logan slumping his shoulders. So much has happened, yet little has changed. Only this time, you truly are guilty of the crimes you have been charged with.

Irony is a cruel mistress indeed. And this time Garibaldi isnt coming to save me. Unless a miracle happens and my comrades invade the castle.

Revelin would surely execute you for your insubordination that evening, said Logan. Before you even had a chance to reveal the mercy he had shown me yet again. But even if they did spare your life, what would you do then? Would you continue to serve the cause you pledged allegiance to years ago?

Yes. I have nothing to live for but the cause I devoted my service to.

Janus, I know that somewhere deep down within is the man who gave so much to society. Who gave charity to those in need. Surely the goodness within you still lies beneath all that bitterness and hate?

Janus only snarls as he finally rises to his feet. Thankfully the chains restrict any further movement, otherwise he would have throttled Logan on the spot. What difference does it make? he shouts angrily. Once the jury came back with that guilty verdict, none of my contributions to society mattered anymore. Even the family that welcomed me into their own when I married their daughter turned their backs on me when I was accused of her murder.

Janus, even though you did not kill your wife, you are still a murderer. You killed innocent people in the name of Garibaldi and his cause. What would Priscilla say if she could see what the man she loved has become?

At the mention of his wifes name, Janus calms himself. Even if I do meet my end tomorrow, we will be reunited in heaven.

Do you honestly believe there is a place in heaven for an unrepentant murderer? Do you really believe she would welcome you with open arms even if you do make it to the Pearly Gates if she knew of what you had done?

Why would you care? asked Janus with narrowed eyes. Unless of course you know some way of communicating with her? I never did believe in such nonsense such as seances.

As a matter of fact, I do possess the means, said Logan. He reaches into his pocket and takes out the box containing the Ring of Lazarus.

You may not believe it Janus, but I have some history in this land. My ancestor Lazarus hailed from this world and this ring is a family heirloom that he sent with his family for safekeeping before he fought Raven Dark. Just say the name of the person you wish to contact, and as long as they are related by blood or you knew them personally, they will answer.

He opens the top of the box and steps toward Janus to allow him to take the ring with an outstretched hand that the chains would allow.

Janus studies the ring. So your ancestor, Lazarus, had fought the founder of the Scourge so many years ago. It is only fitting that you would continue his work.
Logan had expected the ring to suddenly glow at the mention of Lazarus name and summon the spirit of the heroic wizard, but nothing happened. Logan realized at that moment that Janus could be a descendant of Murlocks father, which made him and Murlock kin!

This is a beautiful ring, said Janus with a smile. It reminds me of the one I presented to Priscilla when I  

At the mention of his wifes name, the ring began to glow and the entire cell is bathed in a sparkling rosy light. Startled, Janus drops the box to rub his eyes as they have not gotten used to the sight of brightness after a long time of being exposed to darkness. The apparition of a beautiful woman with medium length hair in a beautiful formal dress appears.

Janus drops his mouth open in recognition. He begins to stammer as if not believing the sight before his eyes. Pri...Pri... Priscilla, it is you!
Janus! the woman speaks with a smile, her joy mirrored in her voice. It is good to look upon your face again.

And I am filled with joy to see you again my love, said Janus, smiling for the first time in days. And to think I did not believe in seances.

As much as he wishes to give them some privacy for this reunion, Logan cannot bear to turn away. If Janus was to die tomorrow, he should see his appreciation for having received this gift.

I have missed you everyday that I lived following your death, said Janus.

As have I, said Priscilla. I have been waiting patiently for your arrival, as is the spirit of our unborn children.

Children? asked Janus blinking in surprise.

Priscilla nodded. Yes. We were going to be the proud parents of a boy and a girl. Twins. They are looking forward to finally meeting their father.

That time may be closer than you think, said Janus. Unless a miracle occurs.

It is a miracle that a husband and wife separated by death can communicate, said Priscilla.

Priscilla, I have suffered more than any other widower could endure in the time since the death of his true love. What happened following your death stunned a grief-stricken husband.

What happened? asked Priscilla her smile fading into a look of worry.
This cannot end well.

When the police found me holding your body, that was all they needed to charge me with your murder. Everyone believed I was guilty, including your own family. I was wrongfully convicted and sent to Devils Island to await execution, but thanks to the compassion of an empathetic man of the cloth, I escaped and was saved.

Priscillas spirit looked around at her surroundings. But why are you back in a cell?

Because fate does not like to be cheated, said Janus. Tomorrow I face execution for serving the cause of my benefactor.

Janus, what are you talking about? Priscilla seems confused. What was your so-called benefactor trying to accomplish?

He wished to cleanse the corruption of the human heart by bringing about a new age of humanity.

Janus, that is not possible. Good and evil are part of every single one of us. Exactly how was he trying to achieve a new age?

Through genocide.

What? Priscilla gasps, aghast at what she hears. You mean mass murder?

We do not think of it as murder. Just as the farmer harvests his wheat, we reap the weeds and parasites that threaten our crop. We think of it as cleansing the soul of humanity so that it may thrive as a species. Even today, long after his death, I help serve his crusade in his name.

Priscilla clutches both hands to her mouth and stepped back in horror.

Uh oh. Poor choice of words Janus.

You mean you aided a madman in the killing of innocent people?

No one outside of the Scourge is completely innocent. With the exception of you my love.

No! Priscilla shakes her head. Gone is the joy in her voice early in the conversation. Now there is nothing left but horror. Do not speak of me that way! The man I see before me is not the man I loved and married.

Janus face now mirrors the shock of his wifes words. What are you saying Priscilla?

My husband was generous, compassionate, and loving! He was a good neighbor to everyone. A pillar of the community. He would never commit such atrocities!
But he has. He has changed because of his experiences in prison.

Even if you were saved from execution, the man I knew and loved died the minute he pledged loyalty to a lunatic.

Priscilla..., Janus is at a loss for words in the face of his wifes sorrowful  condemning words.

I dont know what happened to you during your time in prison after your wrongful conviction, but the man I love clearly no longer exists. Should you do face death tomorrow, I want you to know that I will no longer be waiting for you. And our children will be better off never knowing their father, an unrepentant murderer. You are no better than the man who killed me!

Without another word Priscillas spirit disappears and the light fades away back into the ring lying upon the floor.

Janus stands in silence, having bore the brunt of his wifes condemnation before finally lowering himself upon the floor once more. At that moment, Logan regretted having given him the means to communicate with her.

Janus closes the box, unable to look upon the ring. What have I done? he muttered to himself.

What have I done?

Janus pushes the box away. Once his hands have gone as far as the chains allow, he shoves the box with his foot. I dedicated the last few years of my life to the service of a madman! In the end, I have only found damnation. He sighs sorrowfully. The captains daughter was right.

Staring down at his former friend, Logan realized that he had broken Janus spirit. He had hoped to make peace, but instead he had placed further condemnation as a human being upon him through the words of his late wife. Now Logan found himself wondering what Katrina would think of him if she heard of the things he had done.

Im sorry Janus, he apologized regretfully as he scooped up the box containing the Ring of Lazarus and put it back into his pocket.

No, said Janus, refusing to look up at him, maintaining his shameful gaze upon the stone floor. I am the one who should be sorry. Sorry I ever pledged loyalty to Garibaldi. Maybe I should have declined his offer and faced my death with dignity, even if I did not deserve it. Maybe I should have just let her killer take the necklace. Then she might still be alive today and none of this would have happened.

Regret is pointless now, said Logan sympathetically.

Youre right. None of it matters now anyway. But in the face of my wifes condemnation, I cant help but wonder, even after all my service in the Scourge and the good I did for society before her death, what has my life been worth? What am I as a man?

A good person who simply suffered misfortune and made some terrible decisions. A man who thought he was serving a cause for a greater good.

But it wasnt! I understand that now. I only wish I did much sooner. I am no position to redeem my soul. Even if the priest does perform my last rites, it is probably too late for me. God would never welcome me into his kingdom.

If you repent, he will.

But what of Priscilla? She will not welcome me. And neither will our children. My life is over no matter what happens tomorrow.

Even if Janus had been able to sneak a weapon with him into the dungeon, by now he would have used it commit suicide. He would have done the same if Logan had given him one of his own weapons at the moment. But doing so would rob the people of the justice they demanded.

I am tired Logan, said Janus. Please...leave me. All I want now is to wait for death. All you can do for me tomorrow is what you must. Put me out of my misery.
Logan knew that he had done enough damage for tonight. Without saying goodbye, he turned and left the cell, closing the door behind him as he gave Janus a final glance, knowing that it would be the last time he saw Janus before the execution. With a heavy heart, he trudges out of the dungeon.

As he returns to his bed chambers to await the morning, he passes by the door leading to where Albrecht had slept the past few days. Inside, he hears voices.
My goodness Penelope! What big feminine muscles you have! Albrechts voice says. A few seconds pass before he speaks again. And what big broad shoulders you have! You truly are the strongest woman I have ever known!

What is going on in there?

He peers through the keyhole to find a curious sight. Inside, Albrecht has one hand unable to close itself around Penelopes arm, and his other upon one her opposite shoulder. Both are sitting upon the bed and clad only in their undergarments. His covers only his groin. She has a lace garter holding up her stockings and the silk equivalent of a bra covering much of her bosom. Seeing them together scantily clad reveals her frame to be more muscular than his own slender build.

Penelope pats her thigh in a seductive manner. Albrecht happily obliges and sits upon her lap. She purrs like a tiger while stroke his face and pulls him close to her body in an embrace.

Penelope, do you believe two hearts can beat as one? he asked.

Why? she asked.

Because in your arms, I can feel that giant heart of yours beating against my own. In near-perfect rhythm.

Watching them having this private moment together made Logan feel uncomfortable. But he also once more felt the pangs of jealousy. How long had it been since he embraced his own Katrina? It just wasnt fair that he did not have someone to share such moments? Would he be alone for the rest of his life? Never again to know the joys of sharing moments like this with someone else? Someone who could hold a candle to Katrina?

Albrecht, I will soon need to go back on duty, said Penelope as they pull apart. We should make this quick.

Are you sure you want to go through with this Penelope?

Albrecht, if the Scourge attack soon and I am killed in battle, this could be our final chance to have any time alone to ourselves. She pulls back the covers.

You seem so sure that you will not survive.

I told you Albrecht, I am prepared if necessary to give my life to protect you. I cannot bear to lose another loved one. She slips onto the bed.

Penelope, even if you die, I do not think I could go on without you. I love you so much! Other than my cousin, you are all I have to love.

Even so, if I do not survive to see the battles end, we should make the most of this moment while we still can. I want you to make me feel like a woman before I die.

What the? Are they planning on consummating their relationship?

Show me just how much stronger you have become during your recovery, she says. I want you to be on top.

After a moment of hesitation, Albrecht climbs into bed and positions himself on top of Penelope after pulling the covers back over their bodies. Penelope, are you sure you want to do this? he asked.

As certain as my spear is sharp. Your recovery and knighthood are much to celebrate!

But are we actually allowed to do this?

Certainly. Guards, especially the females, dont take vows of chastity.

They dont?

If they did, would I be here?

You...you mean...? Albrecht stammers as if he had just realized something.

Thats right, Penelope says seductively.

Oh...my! Underneath the covers close to the middle of the bed, there is movement as he begins to thrust his pelvis. But still, do you really want me to do this?

Abrecht, if I have to fight to retain my virginity, then this is a battle I look forward to losing. Only a few of my comrades can actually defeat me in a sparring match and I always lost to my parents. You should feel very honored right about now to be the only man to achieve this kind of victory.

Albrecht and Penelope look into each others eyes for several silent seconds before he lowers his face towards her own and connects their lips together. Penelope lifts her arms to complete the embrace and pull him tight against her body as he continues to thrust his pelvis under the covers.

At that moment, Logan backed away from the keyhole. He had clearly seen too much. The days events had taken a toll on him. The trial. The sentencing. The disastrous visit. Yet even what happened today could not compare to what was to happen tomorrow in the courtyard. When he would put his former friend out of his misery. It was not enough that he had unintentionally broken him.

He returned to his bedchambers to retire for the night and prepare for what the future had in store. 
					#
When he awoke, sunlight is not shining through the window. There is no sign of the sun anywhere outside in the gray cloudy sky.

It turned out he had overslept, missing breakfast. It is nearly time for the noonday meal when he finally rose from his bed. The meal consisted of roast chicken, mashed potatoes with butter and gravy, vegetable soup, and biscuits. Some of the leftovers would be given to Janus for his last meal. Logan could only wonder what his previous last meal had been while imprisoned in that penal island colony and how it compared to this one.

The main discussion over the meal was the upcoming execution. Logan cared not to listen. Though Albrecht had expressed eagerness the previous day for seeing Janus die, he is quiet, not saying a word. Was it guilt that kept his tongue silenced? Worry over what Leoric would say should he find out about what his daughter and her lover had done? Repeating the mistake he had made years ago which shamed his family and ruined his relationship with his parents?

Something troubling you Albrecht? asked Minerva. You seem to be anxious about something.

Logan dared not look at the watchman. He was ashamed of himself for having eavesdropped on their private moment and he would not want to embarrass Albrecht by revealing what he had seen.

Does it show? asked Albrecht. Well, it is a very personal matter. But that is just something I will have to discuss with Leoric.

It concerns Penelope doesnt it? asked Edward. Let me guess. Youre thinking of asking for her hand in marriage.

Judging from the look on his face, Albrecht hadnt expected the young king to say such a thing. As a matter-of-fact, I am, he blushed. That is...if we survive.
Albrecht, if it was meant to be, you both will survive, said Minerva.

Logan felt a twinge of jealousy and envy toward Albrecht. And the look on Agnes face mirrors his own.
					#
Crowds of people from Naphrophia and Dunkilus arrive in the early afternoon. They were soon followed by the ship from Tamirtania. Several people in each gathering carry a banner from the kingdom they represent. The ship from Arcanius is due to arrive within the hour according to those at the harbor who spotted it from a distance with a spyglass.

A priest is escorted down into the dungeon to administer Janus final rites. By now, Janus had eaten his final meal. Logan dared not pay another visit to his friend before the execution. He would have to wait until then before he could see what had become of his former friend overnight because of his broken spirit.
Messengers from Dunkilus, Naphorphia, and Tamirtania had also arrived to inform the king and queen that the armies of their lands were marching towards Iconoclast to provide reinforcements and a tactical advantage for when the Scourge made their final attack upon the kingdom.

On Minervas request, Leoric was to have a private audience with Albrecht. The two arranged to meet within the castle study. Logan decided to eavesdrop on their conversation because the subject of Albrechts impending proposal to Penelope would help ease the tension within his troubled heart and take his mind off the events to come, even if only temporarily.

When he arrived outside the study door, he found that he was not the only one eager to hear the discussion. Minerva and Agnes are both outside the study door. Minerva is wearing a happy look on her face as if proud of her cousin. Agnes on the other hand retains her envy and jealousy and has her arms folded across her chest. Both women hold up a finger to their mouths as he approaches.

Leoric, Albrechts voice is heard beyond the door, which is slightly ajar by one inch, I mean Captain Leoric! I do have to address you as Captain, right?

No need to be formal Albrecht, said Leoric. Or rather, Sir Albrecht.

Albrecht will do my liege, said Albrecht. I mean, Leoric.

You deserve it, Sir Albrecht. I know I havent treated you very well in the days since your arrival. When you first came to Iconoclast, I believed you were nothing more than a coward. I questioned the character of a man who abandoned his kingdom to save his own neck. But when you proved yourself in the town square that evening in publicly defying the Scourge, I was mistaken. And when you sacrificed yourself to save my daughter, I finally came to realize the true depths of your courage and valor as a true hero. It would seem that my daughter was right about you all along. She is a much better judge of character than I ever was. For this, I apologize for ever doubting you.

I accept your apology graciously Leoric.

Albrecht, if you are ever allowed to return to Naphorphia, you will always be welcome this kingdom. But if you choose to remain in Iconoclast, I speak on behalf of all under my command that we would gladly welcome you among the guards.

Thank you Leoric, or rather, Captain Leoric. I am honored. But there is something that I wish to ask you. It is the reason why we are meeting privately.

Of course Albrecht. Speak.

Captain, it concerns Penelope.

Ah yes. My daughter. What of her?

Is he going to reveal what they have done the previous night?

Captain Leoric, I love her.

And I can tell that she feels exactly the same way about you. I always had my suspicions about her feelings about you. A father has an instinct on such matters.

Captain, I know you never truly approved of our friendship...but...,

Sir Albrecht, yes, it is true that I did not approve. I did not know what my daughter saw in you, but it was something that neither I nor my men and women could see. Our judgment of you was clouded by our own ignorance. But on my part, it was also due to my pride and fear.

What do you mean?

There was time when I was like you Albrecht. I was a young man once. I fell in love with one of my fellow comrades when we were nothing more than recruits. But the strain of our civic duty. The resulting scandal upon the discovery of her unexpected pregnancy destroyed my relationship with my mother and father, a rift that never truly mended itself. Yet even though we were forced to end our romance, we never stopped loving each other. Our only regret was that we could not be the mother and father Penelope needed as she grew from a child to a young woman.

I never knew Captain.

I did everything I could to stop you and Penelope from falling in love because I feared she would make the same mistake I made. And how would I ever hold my head up high if my brave daughter fell in love with a coward. It would have never worked out. But once more, I was mistaken. I want you to know now that you and Penelope now have my blessing.

Thank you Captain Leoric. And as long as we are discussing Penelope, there is something I wanted to ask.

What if Katrina had lived? Would I have had to ask her father for her hand?

In the past, you objected to our relationship. But even now, would you have any objections if I asked Penelope to be...well...my wife?

There is a moment of silence as if Leoric is hesitant to speak. Would he say yes? Most fathers would not grant approval to a man wanting to marry his daughter if he was of a different ethnic, religion, or education.

Albrecht, there was a time when I would not even give you the time of day. Now, I would be most honored if you were to join my family.

Captain, thank you! You will not regret this!

I know. I...almost envy you two. I have asked myself many times how my life would have turned out if Charlotte and I did reunite and marry. I wish you both many years of happiness together.

Minerva dabs at her eyes as if to celebrate the success of her cousins meeting. However, Agnes cannot bear to hear another word and hurries off. 

There is just one problem though, said Albrecht. Where am I going to get a ring?

Albrecht, I retain nothing from my past life as in aristocracy, except for one thing, my family heirloom ring. I had kept it with me should Charlotte and I ever rekindle our relationship. Since that never happened because of her tragic death, it is only right that it should be my gift to you.

Thank you captain Leoric.

Of course, it was one thing for Albrecht to ask approval from Leoric. All that was left now was for Albrecht ask Penelope herself for her hand in marriage? There was still a chance she would refuse. But the chance of her accepting was great.
					#
Logan, it is time, said Leoric.

Logan knew what the captain meant. The public is waiting for him out in the courtyard. It was soon time for the execution.

After eavesdropping on the captains private discussion with Albrecht, Logan had gone to his bedchamber. He stared out the window down at the obelisk in the courtyard watching as the crowds grew, impatient to see Janus pay for his crimes.
The late November sky had a chance over the course of the afternoon to clear up, though heavy clouds still blanketed much of the sky and horizon. Judging from current position of the sun it was mid-afternoon, sometime after 3:00. At this time of year the sunset would not begin until about another couple of hours had passed. Much of the exposed sky to the southwest has become a pale yellow. In all other directions, the sky at this hour has become a pale bluish green. The clouds closest to the location of the sun have been tinted a combination of orange, yellow, and brown. The largest cloud towers like a giant blacksmith anvil. 

Moments after Leoric speaks, the sun hides itself behind the giant anvil cloud as if refusing to shine down upon the terrible event to come. Though he would see one last beautiful sky before he died, Janus would be denied a chance to see the light of the sun one last time. Logan had met people in his life who believed that if the sun did not shine upon the condemned at his execution, is was a sign he was not to be welcomed into the kingdom of God.

Well, this is it.

Many of his allies planned to witness the execution for their own reasons. 
Agnes and Maria had no desire, but still decided to attend for his own sake. They would be there for emotional support. 

Gwendolyn decided not to be there. Kain was torn between his own desire to be by her side or to watch the execution among the crowd. In the end, he compromised by choosing to watch from a window while keeping Gwendolyn close by. 

Claudio had no desire to attend and witness, claiming that is was distasteful to for human beings to watch one of their own die. 

Edward and Minerva would be attending to help keep the peace as would the guards in order to prevent the crowd from becoming too restless. Murlock would also attend for the purpose of seeing justice done for the crime committed against Dunkilus.

Albrecht was eager to see Janus die, though Penelope did not feel the same way. Unlike Kain who chose to stay by his love, Albrecht chose to attend, despite the fact that being with Penelope would give him a chance to propose. He would ask her afterwards. Penelope with other guards would maintain security within the town and castle. With much of the population attending the execution, their homes were still vulnerable to thieves. The main gate to the city would also be heavily guarded in case the Scourge chose to attack soon.

The castle servants also choose not to get involved as they are preparing for a celebration to rejoice at the triumph of justice over evil.

Logan is escorted out of the castle and into the courtyard where the crowd is waiting in a semicircle surrounding the obelisk. There must have been about two thousand people in attendance, more than double the size of the crowd the Scourge had gathered in the town square that evening to bear witness to an example to be made. Now, a larger crowd is gathered to see justice done. Twenty-five guards are also present to keep the peace.

The cheers heard in his own ears are deafening as he approaches. Shouts of encouragement towards him as he marches down the pavement. Already two guards are securing Janus himself to the obelisk facing the castle as condemning jeers are shouted in his direction from the crowd screaming for his blood. Janus himself makes no effort to strain himself against the ropes holding him in place against the stone surface of the obelisk. 

Edward and Minerva, standing off to the side together with Albrecht hold up their open hands and in response, the crowd grows silent.

Janus shows no improvement in spirit as he refuses to even look at the crowd. He gazes one last time up at the sky, the time for repentance at hand. Yet still not sun does not show itself from where it hides. His heavy breathing is labored as if he awaits his death, an end to his sorrow and misery. Though he has likely prayed for forgiveness and mercy during his final rites, his God would have the final say in his judgment. Would he be allowed to enter beyond the gates of heaven? Or to be condemned to the pits of hell? To him it did not matter, for if Priscilla would not welcome him, heaven would be no paradise.

Janus by now had accepted all hope of rescue from his comrades within the Scourge was gone. Even if they had come, he had no desire to be saved. All that mattered now was his tormented soul finding peace. He nods to Murlock standing nearby as the guards step away, satisfied that he is going nowhere. The guard nods back.

The prisoner wishes to make a final statement, Murlock announced.

Then let him speak, said Edward.

Logan is quick to find both his mother and Agnes in the crowd. They are standing up at the front, side-by-side, looking in his direction with clasped hands as if praying for him to be strong.

Janus takes several heavy breaths before he finally begins to speak in a tone loud enough for all nearby to hear, yet his words echo gently with all the remorse of a man who knew he had done wrong, but now pleaded for forgiveness.

My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart, he begins to recite the Act of Contrition. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have sinned against you whom I should love above all things.

Amid all the scornful protests and disgusted remarks of the crowd behind him, Logan listens to the final statement made by Janus. Through it all, he feels his resolve begin to weaken. How could he bring himself to kill a contrite and repentant man? A man who had done much good before wrongful imprisonment? A man who walked the path of greater evil in service of Garibaldi? A man who finally realized the error of his ways in the face of his wife and her condemning words?

The crowd is growing restless as Janus continues his statement, refusing to accept his remorse after all he had done. The guards tightly gripped their weapons, prepared to hold back the crowd if they rioted. Albrecht shows enough self-control to not load his crossbow and aim it towards Janus. Oddly enough there is no disgust or angry expression on his face. Perhaps this scene reminded him of when he had been in the stocks and pelted with vegetables during a time when he had been scorned as a coward.

Logan had not felt this way since he witnessed Garibaldi plunging the Sword of Iconoclast into his own heart, filled with remorse, shame, and regret in the aftermath of being betrayed by Raven Dark.

I firmly intend, Janus continued, with your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin. Our Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us. In his name, my God, have mercy.

At that moment, the sun shows itself as it emerges from behind the giant anvil cloud. Rays of sunlight shine down upon the scene and touch the obelisk where Janus stands secured, bathing him and the surrounding area in a yellow light. He looks up to the sky and smiles, content at this symbolic gesture from the heavens.
Even after he finishes speaking the crowd remains in an uproar. Some people throw small stones towards Janus where he stands, hoping to pelt him. One young man   thankfully has his arm seized by a guard before he can throw the stone clutched in his fist. None of the stones hit Janus, bouncing harmlessly on the stone at his feet. Janus however remains silent, satisfied that he has repented. He could only hope that it was enough to received the mercy of his God and forgiveness from Priscilla.

Once more, Minerva and Edward hold open their raised hands. Together with the guards who hold back the crowd with the tips of their swords and spears, it is enough to finally silence the outraged crowd. Edward nods towards Logan as if to say, It is time. Give them the justice they seek.

Logan meekly nods back. He forced himself to strengthen his resolve once more. Given the behavior of the crowd so far, he could only imagine how they would respond if he did not go through with it.

He takes out his chosen weapon for the occasion: the Tommy Gun. He removes the drum of bullets, partly spent from an earlier lesson with Agnes, and loads a full one. At that is left now is to take aim and pull the trigger. Forcing himself to maintain a steady grip, he raises the gun and points it straight ahead towards Janus as the silent crowd watches. He slowly puts one finger to the trigger.
Just as he prepares to apply the pressure needed to send a spray of bullets into the body of his former friend, he stops. Something about this situation felt eerily familiar. Looking into the face of Janus who stared back with a look of sorrow and regret, Logan shut his eyes tightly as the image of Katrina tied to a stake awaiting her own execution entered his mind. He could still hear the voice of Revelin giving the order before he, Bellatrix, and three others opened fired, with Logan himself arriving too late to prevent it. 

Now, in a cruel twist of fate and irony, he finds himself holding the gun that was to execute Janus. And there was nothing he could do to prevent it, unless he threw down his gun at that moment. But to do so would ignite the anger of the crowd even further.

He shut his eyes tight as the memory of his beloved in a hail of bullets and buckshot replays itself. He could still hear the gunshots.

A sound forces him back to reality. It is not the voice of someone in the crowd calling for blood. Nor is it someone voicing concern for him, asking if he was alright. It was the sound of a distant boom, like thunder. Yet the weather is wrong for a storm.

Everyone gathered heard the sound as well judging from the murmurs, gasps, and turning of heads.

What was that? asked Edward.

The sound appeared to be coming from within the castle. Another distant boom is heard. Then another sound is heard, the familiar noise of distant gunfire.

Logan felt his blood chill and his heart stop. Oh no! No!

Majesty! a voice shouts loud enough for all to hear. The sound is coming from one of the castle balconies. One of the castle servants is standing upon the balcony shouting as loud as he can. The castle is under att   but before he can finish, there is another gunshot, silencing him. His limp form topples over the railing of the balcony down to the courtyard, landing with an impact that snaps every bone in his body.

I thought he would never shut up! a voice shouts loud enough for everyone to hear. It was a voice Logan knew all too well.

Revelin!

They are here! Edward shouted. But how?

Penelope! Leoric shouts fearfully. She is in the castle! He is afraid that they have shot her.

No! Albrecht cries out.

The stolen teleportation charm! The Scourge must be using it to invade the kingdom from within!

High up in the sky are one hundred dark shapes resembling flying creatures. They looked nothing at all like birds heading south for the winter. As they descended, they reveals themselves for what they were.

Gargoyles. Carrying soldiers of the Scourge by their taloned feet.

Archers, prepare yourselves! Leoric shouts.

Albrecht readies his crossbow with a loaded bolt and takes aim at one of the gargoyles, hoping to pierce one of its wings and send it crashing to the ground, or one of its feet to force it to drop its passenger far to the pavement below. The guards stand ready with their bows, prepared to loose a storm of arrows in defense of the people.

Is this really happening? Where are they coming from?

Once the sky invaders are within range, Albrecht and the guards open fire, letting loose a total of twenty-six shots. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to hit a moving target with arrows or bolts, much more to do so than with hitscan projectiles such as bullets. Out of all twenty-six, only four hit their target. Roaring in pain, three gargoyles drop their passengers to the stone pavement below, their screams cut off as every bone breaks in their body upon impact. The fourth gargoyle has one of its wings clipped. Unable to fly any longer and keep itself aloft, its own weight together with that of its passenger sends it on a collision course with the ground.

One of the gargoyles flies on a course towards the gatehouse. The crowd watches in horror as the gargoyle lands on the ramparts outside the tower, allowing the soldier it carries to enter and lower the gates. They close shut just as more guards from the town, alerted to the events of the courtyard arrive, preventing them from joining the battle. Panic begins to ensue as the realization that they cannot escape sets in.

I must take action and help them! If they cannot shoot down the whole flock, there will be a slaughter!

Taking aim with his Tommy Gun, Logan opens fire upon the invaders. Albrecht and the guards reload their own weapons and release another arrow storm. By now, the gargoyles are closer to their destination and are easier to take down. Seven more are taken down by the arrows. Logan manages to shoot down ten more before he runs out of ammo. One of the gargoyles he shoots through the wings crashes to the pavement at his side.

Runes trace themselves onto Murlocks forehead as he points his fingers into the sky. Magical bolts of lightning fly from his fingertips into the sky. Though not as fast as lightning bolts during a thunderstorm, they strike with deadly precision.

Logan hears hurried footstep as Agnes quickly searches the body of the fallen soldier before him, taking his shotgun and whatever ammo he had. Another gargoyle is shot down by one of Albrechts bolts. The soldier it carries however frees herself just before the crash and lands safely upon the ground, the first of the invaders to successfully touch down. She does not get a chance to gloat and draw her weapon before Agnes blasts her with two shells worth of buckshot. Agnes turns back to him with a proud look upon her face as her foe collapses dead. A feeling of pride overwhelms him, his work to make her into the warrior Katrina could have become has paid off.

He quickly reloads and opens fire once more into the sky. Albrecht and the guards let loose a third hail of arrows, taking down only three more invaders. Agnes succeeds in dropping another. Logan manages to only shoot down six more gargoyles and their passengers before they descend low enough for the risk of him, Albrecht, Murlock, and the guards shooting innocents by accident. Out of a hundred gargoyles, about seventy have successfully carried their passengers safely to their destination. Those gargoyles take flight once more into the sky before finally settling down upon the ramparts and castle towers.

The guards put away their bows and draw their swords and spears, ready to defend the people, when a sudden shot halts them.

Enough! Revelin shouts, holding his weapon up to the sky. A look in his direction reveals a dozen more soldiers of the Scourge marching out of the castle, half of them holding at gunpoint several hostages they have taken. We have already killed several of the guards posted  in the castle and some of the servants. Any sign of resistance and these people will have their brains blown out over the courtyard!

Kain and Gwendolyn are escorted side-by-side with guns at their backs and their arms up in surrender. Three servants follow them. Much to the relief of Albrecht and Leoric, Penelope is unharmed, though her helmet is missing from her head, and the soldier holding a gun to her back is clutching her spear in his free hand. Another soldier follows carrying her helmet. The final person escorted from the castle is Claudio himself, yet he does not have his arms up in surrender, nor does he have any guns at his back. To Logan, this was very strange and suspicious.
The sight of Penelope under threat is enough to convince Leoric. Stand down! he orders the men and women under his command. Without question, the guards change their combat stance to a neutral one.

Fear not Gwendolyn, Kain says to her softly, we will get through this. I will keep you safe.

Two of the soldiers who flew in by gargoyle calmly walk towards the obelisk and begin to untie the ropes binding Janus. Even once he is free Janus makes no movement.

Revelin smirks triumphantly. So much for all your preparations! Instead we turn the tables and ambush you by coming in the unprotected back door! Now the kingdom is once more at our mercy!

But how? asked Leoric.

With these! Revelin gloated as he takes something out of his pocket and held it up. An emerald sparkle confirms all suspicion of what it is.

The missing teleportation stone! Murlock gasps.

Revelin grins as he tosses the teleportation charm aside. Touche!

The sound of cawing catches Logans attention and that of his allies. Perched atop one of the towers is a familiar black raven which swoops down towards the obelisk as if moving in for the kill on its prey. Once it touches down, the raven changes its shape to the familiar form of Raven Dark. The crowd stands in a mixture of awe and fear at this newcomer.

You indeed have grown old Murlock, he said removing his mask, revealing his face to all. To have left your magical creations left unguarded. This mistake shall cost you and the kingdom dearly...brother! The crowd gasps at the revelation that Murlock and this mysterious sorcerer are siblings.

Oh so it was you who created such a charm? asked Revelin. Then we must thank and congratulate you. How does it feel knowing you played the most important role in what could lead to our final victory?

Murlock does not speak. His entire body has gone stiff as a board as if he is encased in a block of ice. Logan sees a look of immense guilt appear on his face as if history is about to repeat  itself in the form of his own work. How would the old wizard ever be able to forgive himself for this? Would his reputation once more be tarnished, forever beyond redemption this time?

Revelin gloats at Murlock. In spite of all your defenses, you forgot about one thing: the spy we had planted in this kingdom! It was he who alerted us to what you were planning and who gave us the means to carry out the perfect ambush. He removes something else from his pocket, something that glows with a topaz glint.

It cant be! Murlock gasps. My charm!

How does it feel, Revelin taunted him, to see your own work used against you? To play an indirect part in the doom of an entire kingdom.

All too familiar, Murlock finally speaks shamefully. Many centuries ago, I trained  a young woman named Fiona in the magical arts so she could save her kingdom. And yet in spite of her heroics, she still lost her life because of human fear and ignorance. I cannot help but feel responsible for what my brother  her lover  has become.

You should, said Raven Dark.

Once Lord Draven, the greatest knight this world had ever known, Murlock addresses everyone, now he is none other than the dark sorcerer before you all: Raven Dark. Gasps of horror erupt from the crowd. They were all familiar with the history of Raven Dark and his deeds. Whatever blood he has spilled in Judgiollas has stained my hands, all in the name of his lover, stains that will never truly wash away. And I do not know if I will ever be able to forgive myself for my role in her death.

Your greatest mistake brother, said Raven Dark. Yet in the previous days, you made mistakes that could doom this kingdom and the rest of the human population.

Such as? asked Murlock warily.

Putting your trust in the wrong person! a voice calls out. Heads turn to the source of the voice.

That voice! I cannot be!

The crowd gasps at the sight of the speaker.

Claudio. In one hand, he holds up for all to see the second of the communication charms. In the second, he hold the other teleportation stone.

No! I should have known!

Claudio flings the charms behind him, ignoring the horrified looks in front of him. The defenses of your kingdom have failed because you were all so gullible. Now that I have sprung the trap I helped to build, you are all trapped inside.
Revelin chuckles, ignoring the horrified looks in Claudios direction. Hes good isnt he? Maybe he should have been a stage actor. He has quite the talent for pretending to be something he isnt, especially when he fooled you all into thinking he was an ally.

That was the final confirmation Logan needed to determine the spys identity. It all made sense. Claudios surprise when he saw Logan in the castle following his return from Arcanius when assumed dead. Why he was in better shape than the other prisoners at the fortress. Why he hesitated before activating the power of the teleportation stone when he heard the suggestion for destroying the fortress.
What the hell? Youre the spy! Edward shouted. You stole one of the teleportation and communication charms and delivered them into the hands of the Scourge!

So that was his outside business!

Perhaps if you had figured that out much sooner, none of this would be happening, Claudio sneered. It was I who alerted the Scourge to Logans vulnerable state while recovering in the monastery. I was the one who delivered the magic charms into the hands of the Scourge. It was I who alerted them to the execution of Janus and your plans for a counter attack.

So that is why the Scourge attacked the Brotherhood of Judgment! Why Claudio refused to attend the execution.

So it really was you! said Logan. I had my suspicions that you were the spy. And I would have exposed you if I had proof.

I know, said Claudio. So now I choose to expose myself. I will let you know that I was one of several visitors you had while you were in your coma within the monastery of Arcanius.

Claudio, we trusted you! Minerva cried.

Trust can be misplaced, said Claudio, looking very proud of himself. That has been the gravest mistake anyone could ever make. Even the greatest of men have suffered their downfall because they gave their trust too freely.

Traitor! Edward yells.

Impossible, said Claudio shaking his head mockingly. In order to betray, first I had to have pledged my allegiance to your cause. And this is something I could not do when my true loyalties lay elsewhere! He looks towards Revelin who nods back. But if you all want a lesson on treason, why not ask the master himself? 
He smirks in Logans direction. Isnt that right Logan?

Logan suddenly froze. He had dreaded this moment for a long time and had done all he could to prevent it from happening. But in spite of all his efforts, his greatest fear is about to come true.

Whats he talking about Logan? asked Minerva, a look of confused shock on her face. Logan saw heads begin to turn in his direction.

Uh oh!

Oh you dont know? asked Revelin. Its quite a blow to know that someone who pledged loyalty to your cause was actually working for the enemy all along. A sinister grin spread over his lips like a sadist who had just stabbed someone and now prepared to twist the knife even further. So how does it feel knowing that your strongest ally once pledged his services to Garibaldi, our founder?

Outrageous! Edward shouts amid all the gasps. How dare you try to sully our heros name? Shouts of agreement erupt from the lips of the crowd, only to be silenced by shots from the guns of the Scourge into the air.

Fine, said Revelin, dont believe me. But you might as well listen to Logan. He wouldnt lie, not even to save his own neck. He would keep a secret though.

I guess this is it! The jig is up! Revelin must have waited for a chance to tell the whole realm at once of my horrible secret.

Logan, tell everyone that he is lying, said Minerva pleadingly. Tell us that what he says is not the truth.

The weight of his shame is so great, he lowers his head and shook it. I cant.

What? he hears Minerva gasp.

Logan decided that everyone deserved to know. What did it matter now? All of his work had now been undone. Raven Dark had not only been revivified because of him, but now the Sword of Judgment would be back in his possession. Even Lazarus himself would be ashamed of what he had done.

He had just opened his mouth to speak when Raven Dark pointed a finger towards him as a rune in the shape of lips opened wide traces itself upon his head. His finger glows briefly before a glowing light flows like water in Logans mouth within the space of less than a second before he can react. A familiar tingling sensation comes alive within him.

Logan, I believe the whole world deserves to know the truth about you, he said. 
Not just those gathered here.

What did you just do? asked Logan.

I have used a magic spell to amplify your voice to be heard across this entire realm. Now everyone can hear what you say no matter where they are, whether they are awake or asleep. No matter how soft you speak. Even your whispers can be heard upon the wind. Only the deaf cannot hear what you are about to say.

This spell is similar to the one Murlock used upon himself and Logan in the War Room days ago when they hid the Sword of Judgment. No one else could have heard them speak. Suddenly, thinking back to what they had done, Logan felt his stomach churn. It was bad enough that the whole realm was about to learn his secret. But if Claudio had been working for the Scourge all along, then he had witnessed where the sword had been hidden. What chaos would be unleashed once Raven Dark reunited with his weapon?

Go on Logan, Raven Dark spoke, everyone is waiting for the truth.

Logan sighed. I wish I could tell you all differently, he addresses the people before him. But I cannot. As you all probably know, the Scourge are the followers of Garibaldi, the man who a thousand years ago brought a terrible curse among you all. But he wasnt satisfied with what he had done in this world. He spent the next ten centuries making preparations to build an army to bring about a new age of humanity through genocide and enslavement. He recruited thousands of men and women to serve his cause. After a moment of hesitation, he gathered up his courage and spoke words that he knew would destroy his heroic reputation forever. And I was one of them!

If the crowd had been horrified by Claudios betrayal, the sight of Raven Dark, and the revelation that Murlock is his brother, the shock could not even compare to that of the revelation that their champion was once a soldier of the Scourge. Once the eruption of stunned gasps faded away, he heard the clatter of steel as swords and spears hit the pavement when the guards let slip their grip. Over two thousand people stared in horrified astonishment, with open mouths. Some clasped hands over their mouths. Some even fainted.

He saw his mother and Agnes staring at him with looks of shock. A mother who now knew how her son was able to fight the Scourge on equal terms. Agnes herself now knew the secret her father had carried to his grave.

That is why some of the pages in that tome were missing, he confessed. I tore them out and burned them in the fireplace of the castle study. That is why I agreed to help the Scourge recover the Sword of Darkness. I did it all to hide the truth about myself from all of you. I was just so ashamed of my past, I was afraid you would all judge me negatively and see me as your enemy as if nothing I had done even mattered.

He lowers his head in shame, refusing to look at anyone. He listened, waiting to hear angry jeers and murmurs among the crowd. But there was nothing but silence. At that moment, the tingling sensation in his body fades away as the spell loses effect and dies.

And so, Revelin shouts mockingly, the greatest hero the land had ever known falls from grace in front of the entire realm! Just as I planned!
Logan lifts his head enough to glare at Revelin.

First you strand us in this world. Next you deliver the Sword of Darkness into our hands, giving us the means to restore our true founder to life. Then we trick you into freeing Claudio as our hostage. Now you have allowed all your new allies to be lured into a trap. Everything that you have done has only led up to this moment. With the tide turned once more in our favor, it is only right these people see the truth for you who once were.

Everything I have done is being used against me in an attempt to destroy my reputation! Have all I accomplished simply used to ensure the final victory of the Scourge?

After all you have done, all you have accomplished, in the end none of it matters anymore now that the tables have been turned on your allies and that everyone knows your secret. Now you know how Janus  once your closest friend if I might also add  felt after he was accused a killing his wife and unborn child, a crime he never even committed. The world allowed her true killer, Claudio, to go unpunished.

What? Claudio killed Priscilla? Well, Janus wrote in his journal about how the spy the Scourge planted in Iconoclast was the true killer of his wife.

Ignoring the gasps of shock from the crowd at the revelation that he and Janus were once friends, Logan looked towards Janus who glared at Claudio with a look of righteous indignation. Claudio only gloats back mockingly.

So now, Revelin went on, considering all that has happened and been revealed this day, the people gathered here cannot help but wonder who is their true enemy: the army who invades to conquer and reclaim what was taken from them in the name of their fallen benefactor, or their 'hero', who all he really accomplished in the end was ensure their victory and the doom of those who put their trust in him.

What have I done?

In whom was trust misplaced? In Claudio or Logan? The answer: both?

Commander Revelin, a soldier speaks up, now that your plan to destroy his reputation is complete, are we clear to take him out now? His comrades have their weapons ready to finally exact their vengeance.

Not yet, said Revelin shaking his head. We will not need to kill him. The people will do that for us! A fitting end for this 'hero'.

Now why would I wish for that? asked Raven Dark. Logan not only is responsible for my renewed life, but partly thanks to him, we are on the verge of our final victory over this world. My vengeance against this realm will soon be completed. Logan has proven himself a worthy ally, one too valuable to be thrown away. Garibaldi may have regretted recruiting him in the end, but he still has much potential.

We will never accept the betrayer back into our ranks! one of the Scourge soldiers shouted in protest. He is long overdue his own execution! In response, Raven Dark lifts his other hand as runes trace themselves upon his forehead. He focuses on the soldiers weapon and makes a motion of his hand as if pulling at something. As if seized by an unknown force, the soldiers gun comes to life and positions itself in front of his face. Raven Dark then makes the motion of pulling an invisible trigger. Before the soldier even had a chance to react or realize what was going on, the gun goes off in his face. He falls to the pavement dead from a bullet to his forehead. The runes on Raven Darks forehead vanish and the gun falls with a clatter.

The crowd cant decide whether to cheer for the soldiers death or fear for the power Raven Dark commands. Terror and shock keep them silent.

Are there any other objections to my proposal to welcome Logan back? None of the soldiers make a sound, yet Logan suspected that they were too afraid to make their true feelings known in Raven Darks presence. He looks to Logan. Now then, Logan, have you given any new thoughts to accepting to my generous offer? To rejoin your fellow men and women who have been turned away by society? Humanity has been known to be extremely unwelcoming to its own kin, especially those who make mistakes or who have found no place in society.

Never! said Logan. Even now, I could never go back!

Logan, in light of your secret being exposed to all who depended on you, you would never forgive yourself if you passed up on this once in a lifetime opportunity. This is your one and only chance to truly belong somewhere! Mankind is prepared to forever forsake your name for the remainder of history. Now you understand humanity does not deserve a hero! We however deserve a champion to aid our crusade! Let me enlighten you to the benefits of reconsidering! Dont deny your true calling. Come back to my side and help me finish the work we started.

What can I do? I cannot betray my promise to Katrina! But how can I continue to fight in the face of impossible odds if I no longer have the support of my allies. Maybe Bellatrix was right. Some hero I turned out to be!

Wait! Janus calls out, attracting everyones attention as he comes to Logans side. I believe there is much more to the story! Everyone must know the whole truth! It is true that once Logan had a place among the Scourge, but now they call him a traitor for fighting against them. Logan, tell everyone here why you turned against the Scourge.

Logan glances at Janus to see him nod. He nods back in understanding. Revelin had done his best to destroy his own reputation. Now it was the time to at least redeem or salvage it.

Logan, Murlock said, everyone must know your side of the story, not just everyone gathered here. Another familiar rune traces itself upon his forehead and his raises his finger towards Logan. Open your mouth, he said. Logan obeys and feels another tingling sensation in his body as a familiar spell takes effect. Apparently, Raven Dark is not the only one with knowledge of a spell that can amplify ones voice. He nods gratefully in Murlocks direction, knowing the old wizard understands him perfectly and is willing to give him the chance to explain his own side of the story, a privilege that he himself had been denied after the War of Wizardry.

Revelin does speak the truth, he addresses the crowd, that I was once a soldier of the Scourge. Now you all understand how I am able to fight them on equal terms. I trained alongside their men and women many hours. When Garibaldi came into my gunsmith shop that fateful evening, I was told that if I signed on that I would be serving a cause for the greater good. And I accepted. But I was a fool, I just did not realize it at the time!

Garibaldi recruited those who had been rejected by society as he had been. He also made the offer to those who sought to find a greater purpose in their lives. The Scourge was one of the few organizations that had a place for women. And it was one such woman who in the end opened my eyes to the truth about what Garibaldi was planning. Unlike the other women who were embittered by their time in a society where they had no rights, Katrina retained her humanity and compassion, uncorrupted by her time within the Scourge.

Because he never truly recovered from being rejected by Minerva, Garibaldi frowned upon relationships between man and woman in the Scourge and did his best to separate the genders. In spite of his efforts and rules, Katrina and I fell in love. The evening I was going to propose to her, she discovered the truth about Garibaldi and his crusade.  When she refused to support him, he had her executed. And I...I could not save her.

Logan looks to where Penelope stands and sees on her face a look of sympathy and empathy. She understood how he felt. He also sees a look of guilt upon the face of Minerva. Though she had no regrets about choosing Edward over Garibaldi as she truly loved him, the fact that her rejection of him had struck a nerve. It still weighed a heavy burden upon her soul. It was as if she still blamed herself for everything that had happened and for all the deaths on Earth.

Though even today the Scourge revile her as a traitor and a coward, to me Katrina was the bravest woman I had ever known. When she died, so too did whatever allegiance I had long pledged to Garibaldi. I had dedicated my life since enlisting to the service of one of the darkest hearts to ever terrorize humanity. When the Scourge invaded my home city, I saw a chance for retribution. I swore that I would give meaning to the death of the woman I loved.

Ultimately, I completed my vengeance against Garibaldi, yet my work remained unfinished with the Scourge still at large. Everything I have done, I did all in the name of Katrina. Inside this locket, which she gave me for my last birthday, is her picture. I kept it close to me all ever since. Whenever I look upon her face, I am reminded of all the times we shared. But ever since she died, it became much more to me. It is a reminder of my mission, the promise I made at her grave. She gave me the courage to face impossible odds, the strength to persevere, and the believe that humanity is worthy of salvation.

Though his words echo with a fierce determination, pride, and the stout heart within him, the reality of the current situation now begins to take its toll. He slumps his shoulders.

I thought that by stopping Garibaldi and the Scourge, I could make up for my failure to be there for her when she needed me the most. I thought I could give whatever short life she had meaning. I thought I could find a greater purpose in my own life. He sighs, lowers his head, and shakes it. But in the end, all I did was get more innocent people killed and possibly seal the doom of this world.

Once more, the spell that had taken effect on him fades away.

Logan, Raven Dark says, you and I are no different from each other. We are two blades on the same sword. We are both motivated by the memory of the women we loved and our failure to protect and save them. Logan casts a glance towards Penelope, who as he expects looks surprised at Raven Darks statement.

Everything we have done, all the blood we have spilled, the battles we fought, is fueled by more than our righteous indignation. What we have both done in the name of our loved ones are acts of conviction to honor their lives and memory. Even after forsaking my knightly vows, I never stopped believed in justice.

And neither have I! said Logan.

That has always been your strongest trait, said Janus. You know the difference between right and wrong. You always had a strong sense of justice. And like Katrina, you knew you had made a mistake in pledging loyalty to the Scourge. I know that now.

Murlock casts a familiar spell upon himself to amplify his own voice. Do not forget everyone! If not for Logan, you would all still be under Garibaldis curse. Nothing more than stone statues cast by the sword imprisoning my brother. Even if our freedom has exposed us all to great danger, Logan has done much to ensure our survival.

Logan may be an outsider, but even he has shown more loyalty to this world and its people than Draven before his fall from grace to become Raven Dark. He has put his life on the line for us time and time again. Were it not for him, Arcanius and Tamirtania would have suffered even more greatly in death and destruction than they had. Who else will speak up for Logan in honor of his deeds?

Albrecht, Kain, Penelope, Gwendolyn, Agnes, Minerva, Leoric, Minerva, and Edward all raise an arm. One by one Murlock casts the spell to amplify their voice to allow the realm to hear their words.

I would have been killed in the town square that evening, said Albrecht. Myself and the other hostages would never have been rescued from the fortress. 

And I never would have found the courage to open my heart to the man I love, said Penelope.

I would have forever lost the woman I loved, said Kain.

And in my own shame, I would have thrown away the love of a man who has always tried to be there for me, said Gwendolyn.

What is this? The people are speaking up for me? They still remember my deeds?

I never would have realized and understood the importance of family over duty, said Leoric.

I would be living on the streets of Arcanius if Logan had not allowed me to follow him, said Agnes. Nor would I have found a new purpose and meaning to my life.

Logan felt a twinge of guilt for having initially refused to allow Agnes to accompany him. He had been so concerned for her safety at the time that he hadnt realized that she had nowhere else to go.

I would still be a crystal statue imprisoned by Garibaldi, said Minerva.

And I would still be a tree, said Edward. Logan has done more for this land than any other hero had done, second only to Lazarus! His deeds are still worthy of being remembered through praise and song! And if the Scourge think that I am going to stop writing the ballad to honor his deeds simply because of his past, they are wrong! What happened in his past and his former allegiance to them does not matter to any of us! Humanity needs a hero! Humanity deserves a hero! And Logan is still the hero we deserve and need!

The crowd begins to shout and cheer in agreement with their king. At that moment, Logan felt as if a great burden had been lifted off his shoulders, from his soul. All his worries, fears, and doubts were all unfounded. Though his secret had been revealed, the people did not care, for the the memory of all his deeds and heroics rang strong in their minds. The entire realm by now is cheering in support of him in spite of the Scourge and their attempts to defame him.

He smiles in Revelins direction. So much for that strategy! Revelin only glares back.

Revelin and the other soldier raise their weapons skyward and open fire. Yet the crowd will not be silenced. He nods towards one of the soldiers holding one of the castle servants hostage. The soldier nods back and and puts the barrel of his gun to the back of the mans neck and pulls the trigger. The crowds cheers and shouts of support towards Logan finally vanish as the servant falls forward, dead. Shrieks and screams of terror replace the jubilant aura.

Do not think this changes the fate of your world, said Revelin. We still hold all the cards here! And as the supreme commander of the greatest army that ever existed, I alone shall lead us all to our final victory.

I destroyed your main base, said Logan. The Scourge should be in disarray!

You did, said Revelin, but you are a fool to think it will stop us or even slow us down. You see, we have a new main base. Where do you think I have been during your assault on the fortress? What have I been helping Raven Dark with? Where most of our other troops were stationed? You might say that we have been very busy with preparations to resume where we left off.

What the heck are you talking about? asked Logan.

Here is a little hint: some of us came down from the sky. Look up and see for yourself! He raises a finger up towards sky in the distance behind Logan. 
Everyone turns to see a large dark shape set within a massive dark brownish orange cumulus cloud. Gasps and murmurs of uneasiness flow throughout the crowd.

Is that an entire island? asked Logan.

Not quite, said Revelin with a smirk.

Murlock removes a spyglass from his robe and peers through it. It cant be! Castle Judgiollas!

Precisely! said Raven Dark. You see brother, I decided that a mere fortress built by Garibaldi would not suffice or suit my needs or those of my army. In the end, I chose the castle of the king I once served during my time as a knight.

But how? asked Logan. How is it possible that you raised the entire castle into the sky?

Magic. What else? It is this floating castle that we will use to pick up where we left off back on Earth. In the absence of attacks from the Scourge, the people of Earth now assume that we are nothing more than a memory and that they are now safe. With my ability to open portals between this world and Earth, we shall remind them that the Scourge are anything but, and that we are a greater force than ever. You may have destroyed our flagship used to travel between the worlds, but all you did was buy humanity some time. Now, we have a tactical advantage.

You see Logan, said Revelin, I have once again proven that I am the right person for the job of leading the Scourge. My troops have faith in my ability to lead us all to victory.

Do they? Janus calls out. He nods towards Logan. Feeling a smile spread over his face, Logan nods back. Janus believed he would not live long enough to see a mutiny among the Scourge, but now fate smiled upon him and would grant him his request.

Murlock, Logan said, cast your loudmouth spell one more time.

Without question, Murlock does as he is asked. For a third time, Logan feels the tingling sensation within him. Unlike the previous two occasions, it fills him with a sense of happiness as if watching the greatest comedy of all time on stage.

Revelin, as long as we are sharing our greatest secrets, he says, why not tell yours?

Dont be ridiculous! said Revelin smugly. I have nothing to hide!

Truly? What about back in the fortress when you stopped Janus from killing me? 
The effect is as expected, the exact reaction Revelin expected from the crowd after revealing the secret of Logan and his past allegiance to Garibaldi.

What? one of the Scourge soldiers shouts angrily. The other soldiers glare towards Revelin. It takes all of his own self-control for Logan to stifle a laugh.

Isnt that right Janus? asked Logan. Why not tell your former comrades about how he actually shot your gun out of your own hands. Is that true?

Every word of it, Janus says with a smile as if savoring what could be the beginning of Revelins downfall. Logan feels a sense of pride at the fact that the remainder of the Scourges armies could hear how Revelin once more denied them a chance of vengeance against their enemy. And you left me behind and allowed me to fall into the hands of our enemies.

You disobeyed a direct order! said Revelin. Insubordination is one of the worst crimes a soldier can commit!

So is sparing an enemy! one of the soldiers yells angrily. He and his comrades  glare daggers at Revelin as if there are ravenous wolves prepared to fight over a fresh kill. Revelin himself stares back at Logan wide-eyed to see his own strategy backfire upon him. The tables have been turned on him. We have had many chances for vengeance and every single time you have denied us that privilege! Showing him mercy is the lowest form of treachery against our crusade in the name of Garibaldi!

Touche! Logan taunts. I ask my former comrades, who is the greater traitor? Myself or your self-proclaimed commander, who put his own ego and pride above your crusade? This strategy of his to destroy my good name was executed all because he cannot stand the fact that someone else has earned the respect he craved his whole life. Respect he worked hard to receive, but could not earn no matter how hard he tried. His own selfish ambition may have changed the fate of the Scourge and now leads them down the path to ruin. Rather than victory, they now march towards an uncertain future, one that may end in their final defeat, just as they thought much earlier that they were on the verge of winning the war.

So I ask you Revelin, he continued, is it simply because I remind you too much of the brother you competed against for your fathers praise? The brother who always won? And who even today continues to win? How does it feel Revelin to know that your arch-rival has finally truly gotten the best of you?

Janus begins to laugh. Even Logan himself is barely able to contain his own laughter as he claps one hand over his mouth. Revelin glares back at him, surrounded by his own troops, all of whom look like they are ready to rebel against his leadership.

So what? Revelin shouts, trying to placate his angered troops. Everybody should know that the best way to truly destroy a man is to break his spirit. Every enemy as a weakness, one that must be exploited in order to achieve victory. Even if my strategy has failed there are other ways to destroy his will to fight. Simply killing Logan is not enough. Even if he falls, we still have his new allies to deal with, who will continue to fight in his name. Opposing morale has never been greater since his unexpected arrival in the town square that evening.

But let us not forget that it was Logan through his unwitting foolishness that allowed us to penetrate the defenses of this kingdom. Letting Logan live so far has been good strategy on my part. For now however, we will soon have another tactical advantage over our enemies. And it is Logan who helped play a part in it. He eyes Logan with mocking triumph. For according to Claudio, he helped hide something in the castle that belongs to our new benefactor. A sword with an amethyst blade.

Logan felt a chill as if the first sign of winter is approaching in the late autumn. He sees the eyes of Murlock widen in alarm. Raven Darks eyes narrow as the signs of a slight smirk appear on his face. He rubs his gauntlet covered palms together, anxious at being reunited with what had once been in his possession.
Logan himself, together with the king, queen, captain of the guard, and the old wizard himself are among those who know its exact hiding place, said Revelin with a sneer. And they made the mistake of revealing it to our spy, completely ignorant of the consequences.

But they also made another mistake, Revelin went on. They revealed vital information that will help us retake what is our. You see, the elemental swords have been combined into the Sword of Darkness to create a new weapon. A weapon bound to the life force of the wizard Murlock. All we have to do is kill him in order to reclaim the elemental swords.

All right, where is it? Raven Dark demanded. Where is the Sword of Judgment brother? Where have you hidden my sword?

Yours? asked Murlock. It belonged to the first wizard king of this realm. One of the original seven who ultimately forged the weapon at the cost of his divinity.

Logan cast a glance towards Leoric. The captain stares as a silent witness to the confrontation between the two brothers. Murlock had fled in the past from his brother and father. Leoric expects Murlock to have fled the courtyard by now and is genuinely surprised at the fact that he has not done so.

Yet it was last wielded by me! said Raven Dark. Now I will ask you only one more time brother...nicely. Where is it?

Murlocks eyes narrow as his face becomes contorted with anger. The last known survivors of Judgiollas and their descendants dedicated their lives to protecting it from falling into the wrong hands. If you think I will betray their memory by telling you, think again!

I will not ask you again brother, said Raven Dark with a more threatening tone. 
Tell me where the sword is!

What will you do if you do not? Murlock retorted. Havent you forgotten that your powers cannot hurt me so long as you do not possess the Obsidian of Souls?

Nor can your powers hurt me. Too bad for the rest of these people that they are not safe from the power I command!

You would not dare! These are innocent bystanders!

No one is completely innocent brother. A rune begins to shine on his forehead as his gauntlets smolder menacingly with an ember-like glow as if he is preparing to cast a fire spell. Now you have a choice to make. Either you tell me where you have hidden my sword or these people shall suffer the consequences! And their blood will be on your hands, not mine!

Murlock is at a loss. So many have already died because of him. Now more lives are under threat unless he cooperates. Would he betray the memory and duty of those descended from the last of the population of Judgiollas to protect the people? Or would he remain silent and risk more bloodshed. And why was Raven Dark not asking Claudio when he himself knew where the sword is hidden?

But even if I do tell you, there will still be grave consequences for these people, said Murlock.

And for the people of Logans world, Raven Dark adds. Not an easy choice to make, is it brother? Think of it as further punishment for your role in the death of my beloved Fiona. 

Havent I been punished enough already? asked Murlock. For centuries, the people blamed me for the War of Wizardry and my own kin blamed me for the deaths of much of their bretheren. I lost so much, including my own beloved Celestina when she sacrificed herself to imbue the Sword of Sky with her soul.

My lord, Claudio speaks up, if he is unwilling to cooperate, why not ask me where the sword is located?

Good question!

And spare my brother the reminder of his full responsibility for his role in what happened in the distant past and what is to come? Never! These people have great respect for my brother and I intend to destroy it. He must suffer the consequences of his own foolish meddling, as he did when I massacred the people of Judgiollas following the death of my Fiona, which I place more blame upon him than the people who burned her at the stake! 

And as for why I do not ask you, let me remind you that the Scourge exert their power over others through fear. Let me give you an example!

He thrusts his hands towards one of the banners hanging from the walls surrounding the castle. A magical flame erupts in the manner of a dragons breath and instantly reduces it to nothing more than ashes which fall to the stone below. The frightened crowd can do nothing but watch.

Last chance brother! Where is the sword? Either tell me or the next spell makes kindling out of this entire city and its people! He prepares another spell as his hands glow once more. You have a chance to spare them this fate. Or would you prefer to shoulder the blame as their ashes scatter to the winds?

Murlock sighs in defeat. The whole city under threat combined with his own guilt over his past is enough to weaken his resolve. In the end, he felt that he had no choice but to comply to spare them a horrific fate...for now. The sword is located within the castle War Room, he speaks softly in a voice above a whisper.

Louder! So everybody can hear you seal their fate!

Inside the castle! In the War Room!

I must be ever vigilante to prevent this from happening! Claudio shouts in a  mocking tone, repeating Murlocks earlier statement mere days before. Murlock lowers his head in shame and shuts his eyes, refusing to look at anyone.

His eyes gleaming, Raven Dark replaces the raven mask onto his face and transforms himself into his raven form once more. Before any of the guards or Logan can react, he takes flight towards the castle.

New orders Revelin shouts to his his troops. Hold back Logan and his allies! But do not kill Logan. Instead, paint this courtyard with the blood of those he pledged his loyalty towards! We shall give the people a new reason for them to lose all faith in him. He needs to see everything he has fought for undone! I want him to experience the greatest failure of his life!

So much for that mutiny! said Logan to Janus as Revelin hurries into the castle.

Cant always get what I want now, can I? Janus replied shrugging his shoulders.

Take the prisoners and integrate them into the crowd to be shot later, said Revelin. But escort the lady knight down into the dungeon!

No! Albrecht yells.

Not my daughter! Leoric exclaims in fear.

She is long overdue her own punishment for what happened that evening, said Revelin. And this time, there will be no one to save her!

The soldiers holding the hostages at gunpoint force the castle servants, Kain, and Gwendolyn towards the gathered crowd. Five soldiers, four of which are female, surround Penelope and train their guns on her.

Leave her alone! Albrecht shouts as he tries to force his way forward, only to be restrained by a couple of soldiers. Take me instead!

No Albrecht! Penelope cries.

Revelin only shakes his head. We will not take any chances this time. And as for you, you look like you have been through enough yourself. Yet I have not forgotten your act of defiance that brought further shame upon the Scourge during our last visit. You will soon be dealt the death that Logan spared you. But if you or her show any signs of resistance like you did that evening, we will splatter their blood and brains upon the stone! He motions to the five soldiers holding Penelope captive to take her into the castle.

Penelope! Albrecht exclaims loud enough for his voice to echo on the winds as if professing his feelings for the whole city to hear. His tone is a mixture of sorrow as if he would probably never see her alive again, combined with defiance against the force tearing them apart. I love you!

I love you too! Penelope cries out to him as she is escorted into the castle by her captors, Revelin and Claudio following them.

Once Revelin is out of sight, one of the soldiers picks up the gun from the fallen Scourge soldier killed by Raven Dark and places it into Janus hand. Revelin cannot stop you this time. Now is your chance!

Before Logan realizes what is happening, two of the Scourge soldiers catch him off guard, seize him, and force him to his knees. He looks up at Janus who casts an uneasy look upon the gun in his hand and upon his face.

Youll never get a cleaner shot Janus! one of the soldiers remarks with a grin. 
Now is the time for the great betrayer to pay for his crime!

And if anybody else makes a sudden movement, I will pull the trigger myself! one of the soldiers says as he puts a gun to the back of Logans head.

Janus does not reply. He gazes at the surrounding crowd who came to witness his own execution, now standing in horror at the tables being turned upon their hero under threat from the man who was condemned to die.

What are you waiting for Janus? one of the soldiers asks. You have your chance at vengeance. Take it!

In spite of finally having a chance for vengeance, with numbers on his side, Janus is hesitant. Logan found himself wondering if Janus would actually kill him. Would Janus renege on the vow he had made earlier to his God?

Janus, think of the memory of your wife! he pleaded.

Do it in the name of Garibaldi! one of the soldiers shouts.

If ever there was a time to redeem yourself, this is the best moment to begin! Logan continues to plead. Be the man Priscilla had married and atone for your sins!

At the mention of his wifes name, Janus finally stirs. Priscilla, he speaks her name softly. Forgive me. He finally raises the gun, pointing it towards Logan. Logan feels his heart sink as Janus takes aim, yet he cannot bear to look away. Suddenly, without warning, he quickly adjusts his aim to somewhere above Logan and pulls the trigger. A yell of pain is heard in his ears as the soldier holding the gun to Logans head staggers back. Janus takes aim again, this time to his left and shoots the soldier, striking him in the pelvis. As the soldier falls in pain clutching his wound, Logan hears the blast of a shotgun. To his surprise, the soldier on his right collapses forward with a large hole in the back of his cloak just below his neck. Sensing that his flesh bondage has weakened, Logan takes the opportunity to rise to his feet. He pulls out his shotgun and finishes off the soldier clutching his pelvis, much to the praise and cheers of the crowd. He turns to Agnes and sees smoke coming from the barrels of the shotgun in her hands.

Janus, what are you doing? one of the Scourge soldiers shouts. They do not know which is more surprising, Janus turning on them, or the fact that a young woman with no training among them has shot dead one of their own.

Janus glares towards the soldiers. You tell Revelin I am through following Garibaldis ideals! As of now, I renounce my allegiance to the Scourge and pledge loyalty to the people of this land. I know it is too late for me to take back the things I have done. I know it is too late for the people for forgive me. But it is not too late for me to have one final chance for my own salvation and I intend to take it! All I have left to fight for my own redemption!

One of the soldiers snorts. Very well Janus. Then as of now, you are hereby branded a traitor! And you will join Logan together with these people in death!

Going against Revelins orders? asked Logan.

You have made your intentions quite clear Logan! We will not risk further damage! In Garibaldis name, you will die now!

Say that again! Logan says as he reaches into his pocket for the box containing the Ring of Lazarus.

In the name of Garibaldi   At that instant, Logan opens the box, exposing the ring to open air. At the mention of his name, the ring begins to glow and engulf the surrounding area with a pinkish sparkling light. A ghostly figure takes shape out of thin air. The crowd gasps and awes at the sight of a man all too familiar.

The Scourge soldiers are so amazed that they lower their readied weapons. His face! One of them says.

Master Garibaldi! Another speaks.

The ghostly spirit of Garibaldi, the Scourges founder looks all around him at his surroundings. At all the people in the courtyard who up till only about two months ago had been nothing more than stone statues. He does not stop turning when his gaze meets Minerva. He looks away from her quickly, something Logan did not expect. Judging from the look of surprise on her face, neither did Minerva.

He finally stops when his eyes meet those of Logan. Logan? he said. I did not expect to see you again. He stares down at the Ring of Lazarus with a look of curiosity. Was this this artifact that had summoned him?

Garibaldi, one of the soldiers spoke up, the time to avenge your death has come. Now is the time for Logan to pay with his own blood for his betrayal and your downfall.

Garibaldi smiles as he turns away from Logan. It is natural for the souls of the dead to demand retribution. Logan watches as smile turns upside down. But I do not seek vengeance against Logan. Rather I demand the blood of Raven Dark. He dealt the mortal wound and left me for dead. Logan had nothing to do with my death.

The Scourge soldiers all stare in astonishment and shock at this revelation as if refusing to believe it.

Before I died, I had finally come to accept that I had made a terrible mistake. That I chose the wrong path in life. I made a foolish choice by selling my soul to Raven Dark for power, all for a woman who ultimately spurned me for another.
Logan does not dare to look at Minerva, though he knew deep down she is still in turmoil over what had happened and the events afterward.

All this ultimately led to my own end when Raven Dark abandoned me for my failure to kill Logan. In that moment, I realized the folly of a life wasted in the pursuit of my selfish vendetta and desire to rule humanity. I sought redemption in death by imbuing the Blade of Lazarus with my soul, allowing it to fight the power wielded by Raven Dark. Even beyond the grave, I have found a new purpose as my soul calls out for retribution against my former master, a master you now serve to fulfill the work I started.

Everything we did, we did to honor your name! one of the soldiers says.
Garibaldi shook his head. The Scourge may still honor my memory, but to know that you all carry on my legacy, the fruits of my lifes work, brings me no joy beyond the grave. I founded the Scourge to cleanse the heart and soul of humanity, bringing about a new age governed by myself. But even in the bitter end, I realized that I was no better than humanity as we saw it. The legacy I left behind on this world does not deserve to be honored by anyone.

History may only remember me for what I have done that evening, but now I believe that it is time for the final chapter in my existence to be written. It may be too late for the people of this land to forgive me, but now is the time I did my part to atone for my role in all of this.

Logan sees Garibaldis face become a mask of anger. Knights of Iconoclast, he shouts, drive my former servants out of the kingdom! Amidst the cheers of the crowd and the shock and horror of the Scourge soldiers, he goes on. If they are too slow to retreat, kill them!

Garibaldi vanishes as does the sparkling light surrounding him. Logan closes the box. With pleasure! he said. This is one order from Garibaldi I will gladly carry out!

The gargoyles perched upon the ramparts and towers of the castle swoop down towards the panicking crowd, their talons ready to rake human flesh.

Defend Logan and the people with your lives! Leoric yells to the men and women under his command. Attack! In response the guards ready their weapons.

You want Logan, youll have to get through us first! Albrecht shouts.

So be it! one of the soldiers snarls. Take them down!

The soldiers holding the hostages at gunpoint change their priorities to eliminating Logan, Janus, and as many of their allies as possible. Kain produces a hidden dagger and stabs one of his former escorts in the back of the neck before twisting the blade in the wound.

By now, the entire courtyard is in chaos. Kain takes Gwendolyn by the hand and joins Edward, Minerva, Maria, and the castle servants in taking refuge behind stone dais supporting bronze statues. The crowd flees in an attempt to escape the Scourge even spite of the gates being closed. Even if they could not leave, fleeing to a safe distance is the next best thing to do. Unfortunately, in the ensuing panic, dozens of people fall and are trampled. Some unfortunate civilians are caught by the gargoyles who lash grievous wounds with their talons.

To Logans surprise, not all of the Scourge soldiers are staying to fight. Two dozen of them, unnerved by Garibaldis order to the guards are fleeing the courtyard by latching onto the gargoyles taloned legs. Those who have chosen to stay and fight can do nothing but watch as their comrades abandon them, retreating back towards the castle in the sky.

We have to open the gates so the people can evacuate! Logan shouts.

Easier said that done! said Janus. Somehow we have to gain access to the gatehouse!

What about the guards outside the gate? Cant they somehow break it down?

They dont have anything in their possession with the capability to do so, said Murlock. And even if they could gain access to the gatehouse, the door is probably locked by the soldier inside.

Murlock, the teleportation stones! Logan shouted. What if they could get us into there?

Brilliant! Murlock shouts.

At that point, the town guards seen outside the gate who were unable to join the earlier battle now charge onto the ramparts surrounding the castle courtyard outside the gatehouse. With their bows and crossbows prepared, they open fire on the gargoyles and the Scourge soldiers.

Throughout the course of the battle, Logan keeps Agnes at his side, determined to fulfill his promise to her father and keep her safe. In a way, ensuring her survival would make up for his failure to save Katrina from death.

Five of the soldiers train their weapons on Logan who dives for cover when necessary behind the nearest structure just as they open fire. He is prepared to return fire at the first chance he gets when he hears one of the soldiers yell 
Ouch! Peeking out from behind his shelter, Logan sees that some of the crowd has hung back and is throwing rocks at the soldiers in an attempt to aid him. Another soldier is stuck in the shoulder and one is hit in her face close to her eye. 
One of the soldiers nods to the others who nod back before turning their guns on the civilians. Though Logan is astounded that people are willing to sacrifice themselves to protect him and prolong his life, the feeling does not last long at the sight of the five soldiers opening fire. The civilians flee, but some of them do not get far before they are gunned down. Enraged at the slaughter of innocent civilians and regretting having taken cover in the first place, he emerged from his shelter without any regard for his own life and fired upon the soldiers, not taking his finger off the trigger until all five are dead.

Twelve more of the Scourge soldiers advance, opening fire on the fleeing crowd, dropping men, women, and even children. Another twelve engage the guards. Twelve more open fire on the guards atop the ramparts outside the gatehouse. Murlock himself joins the fray, zapping magical bolts of lightning upon Scourge soldiers and into the sky towards the gargoyles attacking the civilians. Most of them are too fast even for his magic, but a few of them fall from the sky and crash to the pavement.

Logan! shouts Leoric. We must save Penelope and stop Raven Dark!

Logan nodded. A more urgent matter was at hand. There is probably still time to stop Raven Dark if any guards remaining inside the castle can stall him and buy time.

Having seen where the teleportation stones had been cast earlier, Logan began to make his way towards their location. Once he had recovered them, he would return both to Murlock so he could use them to help the civilians evacuate by somehow gaining access into the gatehouse.

By now, about half of the Scourge soldiers who stayed to fight have fallen, killed by gunfire from himself, Janus, and Agnes, or from a barrage of arrows and bolts, then finished off by a thrust from spears and swords. But several of the guards have been killed as well. At the moment, they appear to be winning the battle against the Scourge.

Motioning to Agnes, Logan, together with Leoric and Albrecht, heads for the castle entrance. The Scourge soldiers by now are so focused on their attacks upon the guards that he and his allies are able to slip by unnoticed during the chaos. 
He sees Kain attack another soldier from behind with his dagger, but the soldier is quick to react and whips him with the stock of his own gun. Pinning Kain to the stone with his foot upon the stomach, he aims his weapon towards the face of his foe, grinning smugly. Logan took careful aim to take him out before he could shoot Kain. But there is no need for him to pull the trigger, for at that moment Gwendolyn takes a sword from one of the fallen guards and thrusts it into his body from behind, the tip of the blade emerging from his stomach. With a final gasp of pain and shock, the soldier keels over lifelessly, allowing Kain to stand. Gwendolyn drops the sword as Kain embraces her in gratitude. She hugs him in response before pulling him to safety behind one of the statues lined up before the castles main entrance.

Ignoring both communication charms, he scoops up both teleportation charms hurries back to Murlock. Logan watches as a rune traces itself onto the old wizards forehead. He makes the motion of picking up one of the stones without actually touching it. 

You sure you can do this? asked Logan.

Watch me, said Murlock. I must atone for my part in endangering these people and save as many of them as I can. I will rejoin you later as soon as possible!
The ancient wizard raises he clenched fist and one of the charms rises from Logans hand into the air. Then pointing a finger towards the window of the gatehouse with his other hand, Murlock thrusts his opened fist forward, sending the stone flying towards its target with perfect accuracy. After several moments, the window shatters as the stone makes contact, breaking through this obstacle. Satisfied that the stone is now inside the gatehouse, Murlock takes the other stone and activates it. He is engulfed in a pillar of light that quickly vanishes from sight.

Logan waits for several tense moments watching the gates leading out of the courtyard. What if the soldier inside the gatehouse quickly dispatched him? What if all his efforts had been for naught?

To his relief, the gates raise allowing the panicked crowd to evacuate the courtyard. He breathes a heavy sigh of relief knowing that whoever has survived is now out of harms way.

Now he can focus on an even more urgent matter. The matter of saving Penelope and stopping Raven Dark from reclaiming his weapon. He turns away back towards the castle entrance.

Youre not going anywhere without me, Janus voice is heard behind him.

Why is that? asked Logan turning to face his friend.

I have a score to settle with Claudio!

You can join us if you want, said Leoric with arms crossed over his chest, but do not think for a moment that I trust you.

Then I will prove myself worthy of your trust, said Janus.

He has already saved Logans life, said Albrecht. That is a good start.

Still, his crimes against this kingdom are unforgivable, said Leoric. What happened long ago in Naphorphia cannot compare to his actions. What you have done is beyond redemption of your character.

We shall see, said Janus as Logan opens the doors before him and motions for his allies to follow. Time was short. They had to prevent Raven Dark from reuniting with the Sword of Judgment.

Now! a voice out of nowhere screams as they entered the main hall. Behind the sound of steel sliding upon stone is heard behind them. They turn to see the portcullis close shut, sealing them inside the castle. Outside Logan sees a soldier of the Scourge holding up one of the communication charm, a mocking grin upon his face. He tosses the charm away. Logan turns his attention forward once more to see another soldiers standing on the balcony overlooking the room between both sets of stairways ahead. A familiar topaz sparkle shines in one hand.

He took the bait! he shouted. Four soldiers of the Scourge emerge from their hiding places behind the pillars and stone platforms supporting statues of knights holding swords. Two more stand and reveal themselves positioned near their comrade on the balcony. Logan sees two more soldiers emerge from the balcony of the gatehouse directly above the closed portcullis. Some hero he is! Abandoning the very people he pledged to protect in favor of pursuing the commander!

This situation does not look good. They outnumber us ten to five!

And look who he has brought with him, one of his comrades says, the leader of this lands army, his daughters lover, and the girl who bears a striking resemblance to that traitorous coward he loved.

Logans blood boils at this statement. So far they had not noticed Janus. Maybe that was because he is hidden behind them.

Where is my daughter? Leoric demands.

Some father you are! one of the soldiers declares mockingly. You cannot protect her the way you could your own kingdom!

Logan sees the captains angry face betray a hidden sorrow and regret as if those words are a sword piercing his very heart.

Where is Penelope? Albrecht exclaims angrily as he readies his crossbow.

Does it matter even if we tell you? This is the end of the line for every one of you, one of the soldiers says. Especially you traitor!

Though Logan knew they are talking about him, Janus himself steps forward. Brand me a traitor to the Scourge and I shall wear the title proudly as my friend does!

What? the soldiers stare at Janus in astonishment and surprise at his statement. Even Logan himself believes his own sense of hearing is playing a trick on him. Did Janus call him 'friend'? Were they once more reunited on the path they had chosen in life, separate roads that joined them together as allies once more.

When Agnes readies her shotgun, the soldiers surprise becomes amusement. Oh look Logan! Your dead girlfriends double thinks she can handle our weapons!

Logan had only taken her along because he believed the castle would be safer without all those gargoyles and soldiers. Now it looked as if he had led her into a trap set by the Scourge. But his worry is tempered by his own pride at having trained her in the use of his weapons and the breastplate he had the blacksmith forge for her. He had done all he could to prepare her for such a moment, one that he hoped would never come.

I taught her everything I know, he said with a smile.

One of the soldiers chuckles cockily. Dont make me laugh? She is nothing more than a mere peasant girl! She couldnt hit the broad side of a   But he was silenced by Agnes blasting him in the chest with two barrels worth of buckshot, with enough force to throw him back into one of the decorative suits of armor, sending it crashing to the carpet in pieces.

Hows  that  for  a  peasant? she snorts each word one by one with greater emphasis and anger.

Logan takes advantage of the other soldiers surprise. Now! he shouts before opening fire with a Tommy Gun at the other soldiers. Taken by surprise, one of the soldiers are unable to react and are felled in a hail of lead. Albrecht takes careful aim and shoots a bolt through one soldiers forehead before he could return fire. 

Leoric takes the shield from the fallen suit of armor. Holding it up to protect himself from spraying bullets, he charges at the final soldier on the bottom floor and thrusts his sword into her chest.

Watch out captain! Janus shouts as both soldiers on the gatehouse balcony take aim at Leoric. He opens fire on the captains would-be assassins. One takes several bullet to his chest, throwing him back against the wall behind him. His comrade ducks down beneath the railing to avoid the hail of bullets. Leoric takes advantage of the opportunity to seek shelter behind a statue.

Hiding behind a second statue, Albrecht emerges and takes out the second soldier on the gatehouse balcony with a well-aimed bolt to the forehead. His gun falls from his hands as his lifeless body hunches forward and falls over the railing to the floor below with a loud thud.

One of the soldiers on the floor above sees Agnes searching the soldier she killed and stands at the top of one stairway. Taking his Tommy Gun and all the ammo he carried, she is unaware of the danger. Logan sees him taking aim at her and emerges from behind his stone safeguard before shooting him in the arm before he could pull the trigger. He ends up wasting several seconds worth of rapid fire into the floor. Agnes, alerted by his screams, takes aim with her new weapon and opens fire. Whether she was thinking of her father or determined to save her friend, she is able to maintain a steady aim, filling his stomach with lead and finally ending the pain he endures. Both he and his weapon tumble over the railing to the floor.

The two remaining soldiers realize that they are outnumbered and outgunned. Whether out of common sense or to hurry away to warn their commander, they turn and flee the scene.

Thats right! Albrecht yell after them. Run away like the pathetic cowards you are!

Looks like all your training has paid off! said Logan. Agnes smiles back, proud of herself.

A groan and gurgling sound interrupts their moment of triumph. Careful inspection revealed that one of the soldiers are still alive. One of the soldiers has only begun to lift his head and reach for his fallen weapon, only for Leoric to bury the blade of his sword into his chest.

We have to find Penelope and stop Raven Dark! he said as he wipes the blood off his sword.

Revelin said she would be taken down into the dungeon! said Albrecht.
Then we must hurry and rescue her. I cannot bear to lose what is left of my family.

What about Raven Dark? asked Logan.

I may have told him which room to search, but not exactly where. Even by the time we do arrive in the War Room, he will still not have found it.
					#
As they descended to the dungeon, Logan reflected on the irony of the situation. Today, Janus would have been executed. Now he is back in the dungeon as if his sentence had been commuted.

The torture chamber hasnt been used in many years, said Leoric. I hate to think that my daughter is to become the first person to suffer in that chamber who does not deserve what is happening to her.

Logan had seen the inside of the chamber once. There were no windows allowing sunlight inside, only candles and torches are used to light the room. Yet the candles and torches had not been lit for over a thousand years. All the tools and implements of torture were contained inside for stabbing, crushing, slicing, stretching, burning, and much more than he cared to think about. There is an iron maiden, a rack, and several iron cages. As bloodthirsty as he was towards his enemies, especially those who killed Katrina, even Logan himself would never resort to such horrific and agonizing methods. 

Then he thought back to when he had help Kain kill the Scourges jailer by opening up the iron maiden. Yet it was Kain who threw his victim in and closed the torture device. Even Logan himself was sickened by it.

Wait! Albrecht said softly. I hear voices!

Who from? asked Leoric impatiently.

Albrecht hurried down the hallway towards the source of the voices with Logan and the others following him. They follow the passage lit by torches towards the door to the torture chamber, a door which has been left open. The closer they get, the clearer and more audible the voices became.

Why cant we just kill her now and be done with it? a female voice is heard.

Revelins orders, a male voice says. If we kill her, it would be too easy. To truly defeat your enemy, you must break him, or in this case, her.

Albrecht motions to his comrades to stand back. He motions for Logan to follow him however. Taking out his crossbow, he silently creeps towards the open door. Logan follows his lead. Agnus, Janus, stay out here and keep watch! he whispered. If anything does happen in here, be prepared to provide backup!

She has it coming anyway, a second female voice is heard. According to Claudio, she played a role in Bellatrixs death. What she did to her, we will do to her. What is it the bible says? Do unto others as they have done unto you!

Albrecht listens intently. None of the voices are recognized as that of Penelope.
I still think it would have been much easier to kill her, the first voice speaks again. It will be difficult to torture her body through that armor.

Yet her face is left unprotected after her helmet was knocked off in the original battle in the castle, a third female voice speaks again. Even if she survives what we intend to put her through, no way will lover boy want anything to do with him after we disfigure that pretty face of hers.

If he is even still alive, a fourth female voice is heard. Likely, his corpse now joins those upon the courtyard.

Fat chance.

Remember how easily she surrendered back in the fortress when our comrades put their guns to his head and threatened to blow it off? This time, he is not coming to save her.

If only they knew....

Albrecht presses his back to the wall to the side of the door. Logan does the same to the wall on the right side. He quickly peeks into the chamber to see five familiar soldiers of the Scourge, four of which are the females who forced Penelope into the castle. Penelope is suspended upside down by a rope tied around her lower legs above her greaves and her hands are tied behind her back. The rope stretches up towards a hook attached to the ceiling of the chamber and leads down towards a device that resembles two posts driven into the floor with a cylindrical rod between them. The rope is coiled around this rod and a wheel attached to one of the posts is turned to rotate, tightening or loosening the rope to lower or raise the weight attached.

Albrecht listens for any sound of his beloved, yet she is silent, as if not wanting to give her tormentors the pleasure of hearing screams of pain to come. Any other person in her shoes would be shrieking and yelling in fright just from hanging upside down.

How does it feel? one of the ladies ask her. Now you know how it feels to be a bat hanging upside down all day long. Lets see how long you can last as the blood rushes to your head.

The fifth soldier, the lone male, tall and muscular, rotates the wheel until Penelopes head hangs about five feet off the ground. Ladies, think of this as a chance for the weak to turn the tables on the strong. Show her just how strong you are and how weak she is.

With pleasure! one of the female soldiers says before punching Penelope in the face with whatever limited might she has. The force of this weak punch is enough only to sway the rope slightly to the side and back again. Hey, this is just like hitting a pinata! she grins.

That was supposed to hurt me, right? asked the voice of Penelope, unimpressed by the pitiful strength of her foe.

Were just getting warmed up! one of the soldiers said as the first woman kicks Penelope with harder force. Once shes had her fun, we will begin to exact excruciating pain upon you. I dont think even you could handle it lady knight.

Pain is for the weak! Penelope says defiantly as the first soldier punches her again. Right now I am feeling very proud of myself.

Whether you are strong or weak remains to be seen, the male soldier said. My comrades lack the physical strength to bruise your skin. But still enough to use some of the tools of torture. If you thought what happened to lover boy was terrible, what awaits you is far worse.

One of the other female soldiers has started a fire within the nearby hearth and uses a pair of tongs to hold a round metal ingot over it. First Ill apply a piece of red hot metal to your skin.

Then I will take these tongs and this knife and use them cut off your tongue, a second female soldier sneers. Lover boy will never hear the sweet sound of your voice again.

Then I will gouge out one of your eyes, a third soldiers says eyeing Penelopes own spear set against the wall.

And then we will lower you down onto the floor where I will chop off one of your arms and legs, said the male soldier eyeing a battleaxe set against the wall. Being a burly man, he is strong enough to lift it. Once done, we will leave you to bleed to death slowly and painfully.

A fitting punishment for what you did to Bellatrix, one of his female comrades said. Suicide would be a quick and merciful end to your pain, but we will ensure you suffer every second of your agony before your death! You will not live to see the final battle where we claim our ultimate victory at long last! And the Scourge shall once again hold the pride and honor of being the most powerful army in all existence!

Sorry! Penelopes voice is heard. But when I look at the five representatives of the Scourge before me, I do not see any power. Nor do I see four women trying to empower themselves. All I see are five weaklings who are too cowardly face me in a fair fight and  allow me to defend myself with all my might!

You will pay for those heretical words! 

Once the soldier holding the tongs containing the metal ingot over the fire is satisfied that it is hot enough, Albrecht makes his move. Quickly reading his crossbow, he takes careful aim and fires a bolt. His aim strikes true as his bolt buries itself into the back of her head and into her brain. Death is quick and merciful for what happens next would have been even more agonizing and painful. Still clutching the tongs, she falls forward, her face landing upon the hot steel ingot. A sickening sizzle is heard as hot metal makes contact with human skin and the air is filled with the stench of burning skin.

Penelope! Albrecht and Leoric shout together as they stand in the doorway.

Albrecht! Father! Penelope cries out joyfully and relieved.

The female soldiers and their sole male comrade stare in shock at this intrusion. 
How did they get in here? one of them asked. How did they survive the outdoor battle?

We had quite a distraction! said Albrecht.

Youre outnumbered five to four, said Leoric. Make it easier on yourselves and surrender.

What do you take us for? Cowards? asked one of the Scourge soldiers.

Exactly! said Albrecht. Just as I said so that evening back in the square.

You will pay for that insult you male pig! one of the women yells at him.

The only woman in the Scourge who showed any courage at all was Katrina! said Logan as entered the torture chamber with Janus and Agnes behind him. There are only two brave women down here in the dungeon. One is Penelope. The other is my friend Agnes. And I think its time you were all taught a lesson in the power of true feminine strength, said Logan as he stands in the doorway. He nods at Albrecht who nods back in reply. Taking aim again, Albrecht shoots a bolt at the rope from which Penelope hangs. Like a serpents tooth, it bites through easily and Penelope is caught in gravitys embrace, falling to the floor. But with her legs still tied together and her hands behind her back, she is still helpless and unable to join in the battle to come.

Get them! the male soldier shouts.

Havent you forgotten? asked Albrecht as the female soldiers ready their weapons.  Youre not the only ones who can fight from a distance! Which in my opinion is the best way to deal spineless cowards who refuse to fight fair!

Shield your eyes! a voice shouts. You too Penelope! Logan and his allies do as they are told. From behind his shut eyes, Logan senses the torture chamber illuminated as if the sun is shining within.

I cant see! one of the soldiers shouts.

Im blind! another screams.

You can open your eyes now, the voice shouts to his allies who all obey. Logan sees Murlock sheathe the Sword of Iconoclast at his side once more. He found himself staring at four soldiers of the Scourge who are staggering and flailing blindly about. In the darkened torture chamber, the sudden illumination had given their eyes no time to adjust to the brightness, leaving them stunned and helpless. 

A rune traces itself on Murlocks forehead as he makes motions with his hands, seizing and throwing behind his back the guns carries by their enemies, leaving them unarmed and defenseless. By the time the soldiers recover their vision after about ten seconds, Murlock has disarmed them all.

Come quietly, said Leoric. You face superior numbers, training, weapons, and armor.

The three female soldiers each grab a tool of torture from around the chamber. A sword, a knife, and even Penelopes own spear are taken into the hands of the Scourge. Logan has already brought enough shame upon the Scourge, one of the soldiers says. We will not further tarnish our own reputation as a force to be reckoned with by giving ourselves up!

Well if that is what you want on your tombstone, so be it! said Logan. Still, I do not think it would be fair to fight on these terms if we have all the guns. But I know how we can tip the balance and still have the upper hand.

Seeing at how Penelope is still struggling to free herself, Leoric nods towards Murlock who begins to prepare another spell. Penelope, on your front! he orders her. She does as she is told as Leoric holds up his sword. A familiar spell takes hold of it and flints it towards Penelope. One of the female soldiers attempts to stop it with her own sword. The two blades clash, but following the metal clang, Murlock directs the sword to bury itself into her chest. The sword she holds falls to the floor with a clatter. As her lifeless body follows, the sword frees itself and proceeds to cut the bonds securing Penelopes hands behind her back.

Before the sword can cut through the bonds securing Penelopes legs, the male soldier seizes it and wrestles with the unseen magic force with all his might. One of the other female soldiers throws her knife at Murlock in an attempt to stall his concentration and cancel the spell. Murlock, unable to control more than one object with the magic spell, removes the magic force from the sword and places it upon the knife, halting it in mid-air before rotating it towards she who threw it. 

Thats enough! the male soldier shouts holding Leorics sword to Penelopes throat while placing one foot upon her stomach. Stand down wizard or she dies!
Seeing no choice, Murlock cancels the spell upon the knife, allowing it to fall to the floor.

Leoric glares towards the three remaining soldiers. What kind of cowards are you? Threatening my daughter in an attempt to force us to stand down! You Scourge have no honor!

You call it dishonorable, the male soldier sneers. I call it good strategy! Just as it is considered poor strategy to leave yourself unarmed!

He suddenly yells in pain as one of Albrechts bolts buries itself in his shoulder. Albrecht quickly reloads and takes aim again, this time at the leg upon Penelopes stomach. Just as he fires, he is struck in the face by the fist of one of the two remaining female soldiers and knocked to the floor. Holding Penelopes spear in in one hand, she pins him to the floor with one foot to his neck and the toes of her other boot upon his waist.

Leoric is about to hurry forward to aid Albrecht when the other female soldier comes up behind him, seizes him by one shoulder, and holds a scythe to his throat. 
Dont interfere! One move and you die! And then we will kill him!
Agnes and Janus by now have entered the torture chamber and ready their weapons to aid the others. But the remaining soldiers in the room are unfazed.

Stand down or the captain dies! one of them shouts. With no choice, Agnes and Janus lower their weapons.

Her comrade points the tip of the spear towards Albrechts sole remaining eye.
Youre going to need another eye patch when I am done with you! A triumphant smug smirk spreads over her lips. You cant see where you shoot when you have no eyes! I can hardly wait to see the look on lady knights eyes when she learns that I used her own spear to blind lover boy! 

The soldiers are so intent on Logan and his allies together and what they intend to do to Albrecht that they fail to see Penelope now on her feet. After Albrecht shot her captor in the shoulder, she took advantage of the distraction and her captors newfound weakness by seizing the blade of her fathers sword with one gauntlet covered hand and force it out of her captors grasp. Had she not done so, the sword would have cut her throat when he fell forward after taking a bolt to the calf of his leg. She rolls to the side as he collapses like a fallen pillar before cutting the ropes binding her legs together.

With Penelope free, Logan saw no reason to act. Neither did Agnes, Janus, or Murlock.

Some friend you are Logan, the soldier with the scythe says. Just standing there and doing nothing while she prepare to inflict pain and suffering upon this young man.

I dont need to lift a finger to save him, said Logan with a smile. His love will set him free.

Too bad shes all tied up at the moment.

You think so? Ha!

Coming up silently upon the soldier with the scythe to Leorics throat, Penelope clutches her fathers sword tightly by the hilt with both hands before raising it above her head and swinging it downward. The female soldier screams in pain as her arm is severed at the joint. Leoric shoves aside the severed arm to prevent the scythe from cutting his throat. Penelope kicks her side and tosses her father his sword. He proceeds to use it to finish off the female soldier who threatened his life.

Alerted to the screams of her comrade, the soldier pauses and turns her head just time to see Penelope seize her spear with both hands. Towering over her by five inches, her strength overwhelms that of her foes own feeble might.

Now you did it! said Albrecht with a smile of relief. Gone and made her mad!

Still holding on to the spear, fighting in vain to pry it out from Penelopes grasp, the soldier is lifted off her feet as Penelope raises it as far as her arms can stretch. Logan watches in amusement as the soldiers face betrays her own terror as if staring into the face of an enraged mother grizzly bear. Penelopes own face is contorted with livid fury, a fierce growling snarl emerging from within her throat.

Show her what you are made of my lady! said Albrecht as he crawls away backward.
Before the soldier can react, Penelope delivers a swift headbutt to her own. Dazed, she is unable to resist as Penelope swings her body around with such force, the soldier loses her grip on the spear and is tossed aside as if she were nothing more than a rag doll. Still groggy from the headbutt, she is unable to react as Penelope advances on her with her spear ready like an avenging valkyrie. Her fallen foe screams a blood-curling cry as Penelope slashes the air in front of her face with her spearhead. Still screaming she clutches at one eye as a river of blood flows down from the freshly opened gash. Though she had boasted of her plans to gouge out one of Penelopes own eyes and made an attempt to blind Albrecht, the tables had now been turned on her as one of her own eyes had been damaged.

Now helpless she is caught off guard once more by the enraged female guard who grabs her around the neck and repeatedly smashes her face into the stone wall, leaving a small crack where her head hit. Finally, her screams are silenced as her head is bashed into the wall once more, cracking open her skull, bringing about a merciful end to her suffering.

For several long silent moments, Penelope surveys the damage she has done and the death she has dealt until finally her face softens and her frown turns upside down into a smile as if satisfied with her handiwork. Her rage had been spent, the threat to her loved ones destroyed.

Penelope? asked Leoric. In response, Penelope smiles towards her father, but with a hint of concern. Never before had she come so close to losing the last remaining member of her family.

Father, are you all right?

Never felt better! said Leoric smiling at his daughter.

Penelope! Albrecht by now has pushed himself up to his feet. Watch out!

The lone male Scourge soldier by now has pulled the bolts out of his wounds and risen. Seizing the battleaxe which he now prepares to swing as he charges at Penelope, dragging his wounded leg behind him, he yells a fierce battle cry as if to avenge his fallen comrades by taking out the woman who killed them, as if he desired to prove his superiority over her simply because to him, she is just a woman.

By now he is so close that there is no time for her to throw her spear, nor for Logan, Agnes, or Janus to shoot without risk of harming Penelope. Albrecht knows that no matter how fast he recovers his crossbow from the floor and reloads it, it would be too late.

But Penelopes training as a fighter once more saves her life even though her foe is a match for her in strength and towers over her by three inches. As her enemy swings the battleaxe, she drives her spear into his shoulder. Though the soldier does his best to ignore the pain, this new wound is enough to impair the aim of his swing and the strength behind it. With nimble reflex she seizes his weapon by the handle under the blade. Then clenching her other hand into a fist, she delivers a punch to his face that is so fierce and quick, the connection with steel driven by her strength drives bone fragments from his nose into his brain. He falls back like a chopped down tree and finally lies still.

As she recovers her spear, pulling it out of her foes shoulder, Penelope sees Albrecht running towards her with his arms stretched out before him. She drops her spear and holds her arms open to welcome him into her embrace.

I dont know what would have been worse, Albrecht said. Losing you for good or never being able to look upon your face again!

And I was so worried for you! Penelope replied. If you and father had been killed out in the courtyard, I just dont know if I could cope!

Ahem! Logan cleared his throat. There will be time for you two lovebirds to coo later! Right now, we have to secure the castle!

Hes right, said Leoric. We have wasted enough time as it is! We need  reinforcements. I fear that the Scourge ambush may have killed the few guards who remained in the castle at the time. By the time Raven Dark does find the sword, we should have built a strong defense able to pry it out of his grasp.

You should not underestimate my brother, said Murlock. You have no idea what power he is capable of! But I do have some good news.

What? asked Leoric.

The battle outside has ended. We have won. That is the good news.

And the bad news? asked Logan.

The Scourge soldiers were not fleeing. They used the gargoyles to gain entry to the castle. In spite of the orders of their commander, they are determined to end your life at any cost.

Logan remember the soldier he had seen outside the gates with the communication charm. He must have alerted the others after witnessing them survive the ambush in the entrance hall.

The Scourge can send all the troops they want! He said. I will paint this castle with their blood!

Leoric takes Penelopes helmet from where it sits atop an iron rack and tosses return it to her. Penelope, you and Albrecht bring reinforcements to secure the castle. Have them close the gate once they are inside!

Agnes, said Logan, worry in his voice, you should not linger in the castle any longer. It would be safer for you outside.

But Logan, she protested.

Agnes, I made a promise to your father and I intend to keep it. For now I want you to help the relief effort outside. And if you see my mother, make certain she is safe.

Well...all right. I lost my family. I would not want you to lose yours.

And keep an eye out for Kain and Gwendolyn. Make certain they are alive and well. Meanwhile, Janus will accompany us to the War Room where we will make certain the sword remains.

You sure he can be trusted? asked Penelope casting a wary glance towards Janus.

He saved Logans life, said Albrecht. And he has pledged his allegiance to us. For me, that is enough.

And he saved my life too, said Leoric. After a few moments of surprise, Penelope gives Janus a grateful smile in reply. 

Go now Penelope, said Leoric. Hurry. We do not have the luxury of time.

Yes father. I will bring back reinforcements as quickly as possible.

No Penelope! Do not come back into the castle! That goes for Albrecht as well. I have a feeling that the situation is only going to become even more dangerous than ever. Too dangerous even for the both of you.

But father  

That is an order Penelope, from both your captain and your father. But understand, your father just cannot bear to see his daughter possibly lose her life in service of the kingdom.

But father, what if you lose yours?

If that is the price I ultimately pay to protect my kingdom and the rest of this world, so be it. Should that happen Penelope, you need to be strong!

Father...,

Not another word on the matter Penelope. Now get going!
Penelope sighs, defeated. As you command father. There is a look of foreboding sorrow on her face. It is as if she fears she would never see her father alive again.
					#
Murlock threw open the doors to the castle war room with Logan, Janus, and Leoric following him. They expected to find the room turned up-side down by now by Raven Dark. But what they found both surprised and shocked them. 

What? Murlock gasped. Everything looked like it had been when last they had been inside as if nothing had changed. Had Raven Dark even found this room? Even if he had, would he have discovered where the sword was hidden?

Looks can be deceiving, said Janus.

With a worried glance, Murlock pushed the sword crest on the fireplace mantel and waited as the structure rotated. The tension is so great, sweat begins to drip down his face.

Once the secret chamber behind the fireplace is opened, the four men enter. Logan felt his own heart pounding as if it is about to burst from his chest. What if his suspicions about the sword missing are confirmed? What if Raven Dark had only made the war room look undisturbed even despite his thorough search? What if Claudio had told him about the swords hiding place? If Raven Dark had been reunited with the Sword of Judgment, how great would be the magnitude of death and destruction? Everything would be his own fault and that of Murlocks as well. Would he and Murlock have ultimately betrayed the memory of the final survivors of Judgiollas through their actions in hiding the sword in the kingdom and then revealing it to the spy the Scourge had planted? Would Murlock be able to live with himself for telling his brother in which room the sword lay waiting for its master to find it?

But to his great relief and that of Murlocks, they found the Sword of Judgment still embedded within the slate where Iconoclast himself had kept the weapon he had created. But relief tempers with suspicion. What if it was an illusion? He remembered back at Lord Dravens manor how the Sword of Darkness he found was nothing more than a magical mirage created by Raven Dark to fool him. What if the fallen knight turned dark sorcerer had done the same now?

Murlock clearly had the same concerns as he approaches the sword. With one trembling hand, he reaches for the hilt as if expecting his hand to pass through. But instead his hand settles upon the top of the hilt. It is no illusion. The old wizard breathes a sigh of relief.

Wait! Leoric spoke as he halted in his tracks. Do you feel that? He looks around cautiously. There are four of us here, yet I hear the footsteps of five!

The sound of a loud banging poof is heard behind him. It happens so suddenly that Logan thought he would have a heart attack at the moment. He turns to see a cloud of bronze colored dust and smoke several yards behind them at the point where the circular chamber meets the rectangular entrance.

Oh no! No!

As the cloud fades away, it reveals the figure none other than Raven Dark himself, a triumphant smile upon his face. Old age has addled your wits brother if you were gullible enough to fall for my trap!

No! Murlock gasped as if his greatest fears had come to life before his very eyes. What have I done?

I knew you would lead me to the sword. And I have been waiting in the shadows anticipating you would make your move to see for yourself if the sword was still safely hidden away.

Logan suddenly realized that Raven Dark used magic to make himself invisible inside the war room, waiting for his brother to enter and open the secret chamber before making his move. Had this been part of his plan? How could one who was once the greatest knight the land had ever known stoop to such deceit?

It is you who is trapped! said Leoric. Even now my guards are securing the castle to prevent your escape. The gate has been closed! There is no way out!
Raven Dark only smirks. Perfect! I welcome the challenge! 

A familiar rune traces itself upon his forehead, glowing underneath the raven mask. He makes the motion of closing his gauntlet covered hands around something and then pulling upward.

No! Murlock shouts in alarm. Logan turns to see the Sword of Judgment pull itself out of the slate in the way Arthur pulled Excalibur out of the stone in the old legends Logan is familiar with. Raven Dark makes the motion with one hand as if to pull the sword towards him, which is exactly what happens.

A similar rune appears on the forehead of Murlock as he casts the exact same spell used by his brother in an attempt to keep the sword out of his grasp. Pulled at in opposite directions by magical forces from two different practitioners of magic, the sword hangs motionless in mid-air. The two spells of equal strength are at a stalemate, whatever might and muscle possessed of the casters do not matter.

This is what happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object brother! said Murlock.

Leoric draws his sword and advances on Raven Dark in an attempt to weaken Raven Darks spell and keep the sword out of his grasp.

Dont! Hes too powerful! Murlock shouts. But his words fall on deaf ears as the captain charges while preparing to swing his own weapon at one of Raven Darks arms. Unfortunately, Murlocks warning is not ignored by Raven Dark. Just as Leoric swings his sword, the sorcerer outstretches one arm towards the captain and turns the attention of his spell onto his foe. If Leorics intention was to weaken the spell on the sword, he had succeeded as the sword pulls itself back towards Murlock.

Leorics arm holding his weapon is seized by an unseen force. With his other hand, Raven Dark magically seizes the captain by the throat and lifts him off his feet. With both hands shoving forwards, he flings Leoric back, sending him flying towards Murlock, who is so focused on the Sword of Judgment that he fails to see Leorics body flying towards him until it is too late. Just as the swords hilt it about to touch his hand, Leoric crashes into Murlock, the collision throws Murlock off his feet and pushes him back towards the slate where the Sword of Judgment once rested, canceling out his spell and sending the sword to the floor with a clatter.

Without hesitation, Logan lunges towards the sword and seizes it with a tight grip. Once more, he held this blade in his hands. The power he had witnessed that one time had filled him with so much horror and dread that he never wished to touch it ever again. Now he had no choice. The future of mankind depended upon it.

Janus aims his Tommy Gun in the direction of the sorcerer, but Raven Dark, still having the spell in effect, seizes hold of his weapon. Logan watches as the barrel of the gun is shoved upward just as Janus pulls the trigger. Bullets ricochet off the ceiling.

Obviously, a full frontal assault on him with a gun is completely ineffective! An unexpected ambush on the other hand....

How kind of you to retrieve what is rightfully mine Logan, said Raven Dark. I knew you wouldnt disappoint. Logan senses an unseen force grab the sword and wrench it out of his grasp. Even his own vise-life hold on the sword is no match for Raven Darks spell. Were it anyone else, Raven Dark would have seized his or her hands and plunged the sword through their heart to retrieve his weapon.
The spell dies as he finally takes the sword into one hand and lovingly caresses it for but a moment as if reunited with an old flame before sheathing it.

If you think we are going to let you walk out of here with that sword, you are mistaken! said Leoric as he and Murlock rise to their feet.

Leoric no! Murlock shouts as he tightly grips one of his shoulder to prevent him from confront his brother. You will only get yourself killed! You have no idea how powerful that sword is! You cannot even begin to imagine or comprehend the terrible magic it is capable of!

He shall soon learn as will the rest of this world, said Raven Dark.

Enough of this! Murlock shouts pushing himself past Logan and Leoric. If you blame me for what happened to Fiona, then let me answer for it! Take my life if you want, but leave the rest of humanity and this world out of your vendetta! If you want me, you can have me! Im running no more!

Logan sees Leoric stare at Murlock in astonishment and surprise as if not expecting someone he had branded the greatest coward in the history of the kingdom to say such a thing. Janus watches with awe and curiosity at what he is willing to do to atone for something that happened in the past.

As you wish brother, said Raven Dark as he raises the sword and points its blade towards Murlock.

Stand back! Murlock said to his three companions, motioning for them to stay back. I brought this all upon myself and now is the time I pay the price.

As he had seen once more, Logan watches as the sword begins to glow and sparkle. Silent tendrils of lightning crackle across the amethyst blade as a pillar of mist emerges and stretches slowly towards Murlock who stands in stoic silence, having accepted his fate. Within a few seconds the mist would envelope his body and inflict a terrible painful death upon him. Would he be reduced to nothing more than dust as Logan had witnessed.

Unexpectedly, Raven Dark lowers the sword and directs it away from his hated brother. As he sheathes the sword, the power within grows silent as the mist fades away. He turns and steps outside the chamber. Farewell brother! Reflect on your role in my victory as you rot away in this stone cell! With a final scornful look towards Murlock, he touches the sword crest.

No! Murlock exclaims as the fireplace begins to rotate back to its original position. No matter how fast anyone could run it would be too late. The fireplace returns to its original position, sealing off the secret chamber and trapping them within.

He cut off our escape! cried Leoric. Now we are trapped!

Stand back! said Logan as he takes out a stick of dynamite. Ill blow open our exit!

Dont bother, said Murlock. The stone separating the war room from this room is too thick and strong.

Damn it! Logan muttered to himself as he put the dynamite away. Even if he used up his entire supply, it would have been wasted. Well couldnt we just break the windows? asked Logan.

Even if we did, there is no way we could survive the fall.

What about the teleportation stones? How else could you have gotten into the castle?

The stones would be shattered if we tossed them out the windows.

But what if you used a spell to position them in a safe place in the courtyard? You did so in order to open the gates to allow people to evacuate.

You need to see where you want them to go for the spell to work. And we cannot even see the courtyard from the windows anyway.

So much for that plan, Logan says, frustration beginning to kick in.

How could I have been so stupid? Murlock curses himself. How could I have fallen for the trap my brother had set? In despair, he sits upon the stone dais. 
Now, the Sword of Judgment is back in his possession. And with it, he will ravage this world and kill off the rest of the population as he already did for Judgiollas and Pandorium. Raven Dark is right. I am the cause of all this. I betrayed the memory of the final survivors of Judgiollas and their descendants.

Youre not the only one who shoulders the burden of blame, said Logan. I was the one who brought the sword to this kingdom. I removed it from the monastery.

Yet I was the one who hid the sword in this chamber, revealing the entrance to the spy planted by the Scourge.

Exactly! said Leoric. The true blame for this is on Claudio, not you.

But how could I not have known that Claudio was a spy working for the Scourge? He played us all for fools! It is hard to tell whether Murlock is more angry at Claudio or himself.

And now here we are, imprisoned with no way out, said Logan. Looks like you will have to get used to having Murlock for a cellmate captain, whether you like it or not. He doubted whether the confrontation between the two brother wizards would be enough to sway the captains opinion towards respect.
The captain glances towards Murlock but does not look away.

Murlock..., he starts.

Dont! Murlock says holding up one hand while shielding his face with the other. 
How can you or anyone else ever look upon me now? I told my brother where to search for the Sword. None of this would be happening if I hadnt helped the Scourge recover the Sword of Darkness.

There was no other way, said Leoric. Not with the threat of innocent lives and the rest of the kingdom at stake. If I had been in your place, I would have done the same in order to save them, especially if my own daughters life had been in danger.

But you are not sure if you will survive what is to come? said Logan.

I have served my kingdom for almost thirty years Logan, said Leoric. I have sacrificed much of myself over those years for my country, including my relationships with my parents, the woman I loved, and my own daughter. However, I do not regret that I only have one life to give for my homeland, I would gladly do so, just as any father would give his own life for his own child.

Penelope would be devastated to lose you.

True. But I would rather die than see her fall in battle. When she ran off towards the dungeon in the fortress, I could not stop her from going off by herself. She was that determined to rescue Albrecht without regard for the danger. Instead of trying to stop her, I went after her to ensure her safety.

Despite everything, you were a greater parent than my own father. He was emotionally distant. The only thing he ever did as any protective father would do was forbid me from following him into fighting for my country during the Great War. If he didnt, I would not be here. I would have been killed in action as he had been. Then I would not have been able to do what I have done for this world or my own in my war with the Scourge.

And we all owe him for that, said Leoric. Your father was a brave man, so are you. And Albrecht. And certainly you as well Murlock. You displayed great courage during the confrontation with Raven Dark out in the courtyard and here in this secret chamber. It looks like Albrecht is not the only person I have severely misjudged. His face flushed red and pink with regret and shame. I am a terrible judge of character.

And to think you said a few days earlier you could not stand to be in the same room as I, said Murlock.

I have had a chance of heart and mind, said Leoric. 

As did I, said Murlock. I have since returned to Judgiollas to reforge the Blade of Lazarus. The sword is now bound to me, my very life is the one force preventing it from dividing into the blades that combined their power to forge it.

A good move on your part, said Leoric. I believe once more that I can trust you. You have proven yourself a man of great courage with a stout heart.

I was prepared to offer my own life to Raven Dark, said Murlock. In doing so, I thought I could appease his anger in exchange for mercy for the rest of this world.

Yet he did not take it, said Janus. Why did Raven Dark spare you?

He knew the truth, said Murlock. He knew I was willing to accept my punishment. Even if the swords power had taken my life, it would have done him no good.

Why? asked Janus more intently.

The sword was enchanted to contain within it the power of a vengeful god. And there is only one way to quell the anger of a god, said Murlock. Think carefully. What did people do throughout history to appease the gods they offended?

They offered prayers and gifts, said Logan. But most ancient civilizations offered sacrifices. Especially human sacrifices.

Exactly. The one thing that could truly appease the wrath of the gods was a willing sacrifice. Iconoclast himself knew this when he created the sword. Vengeance and justice demand retribution against the wicked. Whether or not they accept their punishment willingly, justice shall be served and the anger of those who had been wronged would be appeased. The same principle applies to the Sword of Judgment. Should one willingly offer his or her life for the sword, accepting punishment unflinchingly for their sins, the power of the sword will be broken forever.

So you are saying that Raven Dark did not take your life because it would have rendered the sword powerless? asked Janus. All because you were willing to take full responsibility for what he considers an unforgivable sin?

Yes, said Murlock. He would not want to lose the power within the sword, even if ironically it is the only way he could take my life by his own hands at the moment.  Once the swords power is broken, the weapon itself can be destroyed.

So if we are to ultimately win this war, someone must give up their life willingly? asked Janus.

Regretfully, yes, said Murlock with a sigh.

It is pointless to wallow in regret now, said Leoric. Somehow we have to get out of here and stop Raven Dark. We still have a chance to save this kingdom!

How? asked Murlock. We could call out for help and no one would hear us. By the time someone did come to set us free, it would be too late. I doubt even my own magic could help us get out of here. Even though I have recovered both communication charms, they will do no good in here. If I had known this would have happened, I would have given one of them to Penelope, Albrecht, or even Agnes. 

This cannot be the end, said Janus. I did not come here to be imprisoned once again. I came here for revenge and redemption.

And you will have it, I assure you! said Logan. Someone will come and open the chamber eventually.

Such as whom? asked Murlock. The only others other than the four of us who know how to are the king, queen, and Claudio.

Knowing the Scourge, said Janus, Claudio may lead them into this secret chamber with the intention of finishing you off.

When that happens, we will have our chance to escape! said Logan.

Suddenly the silence of the room is broken by the sound of a rumbling as the fireplace rotates, revealing none other than Claudio in the widening opening. In steps five soldiers of the Scourge, led by none other than Revelin. Claudio does not follow them inside however.

Logan recognized two of the soldiers as those who fled following the failed ambush earlier.

First insubordination Janus. Now treason? asked Revelin. I never expected this from you.

I prefer to think of it as atoning for my sins, said Janus eyeing Claudio with a look of vengeful fury. Claudio only sneers back and takes his leave. As much as Janus would love to give chase, it would be difficult to do so with the soldiers blocking the way.

And as for you Logan, Raven Dark told us where you were imprisoned. Normally we would have left you imprisoned within this stone cell. But the current situation demands otherwise. We shall ensure that this kingdom will fall!

I see you are not alone. Present company includes the the leader of this kingdoms army and the brother of our true founder. But that is about to change! He takes out a small brass whistle and blows it. It is one of those whistles that only animals can hear as no sound comes out. 

Logan and his three allies are taken by surprise as the rear wall of the chamber shatters, showering the floor with broken shards of glass as a gargoyle flies though. Two more gargoyles follow through the rear window carrying Minerva and Edward. They drop their human captives before joining their two companions upon the stone floor as if they are dogs awaiting further orders from a master.

Your highness! Leoric shouts.

I had them captured to be brought here, said Revelin.

Just what do you intend to do? Logan demanded.

I do not intend Logan. I succeed! If only the family who disowned me back home could see me now. The commander of the greatest army in history, one that will soon finish what it started and bring about the dawn of a new age for humanity governed by the Scourge.

You have to get through me first!

Logan, I do not need to kill you in order to claim victory. All I need to do is break your spirit and shatter your will to fight. And what better way to achieve this than by destroying whatever confidence the people had in you? Exposing your past as one of us may not have done the job, but the circumstances surrounding this conflict may give me the results I desire.

Even now, our ground troops march towards this kingdom, due to arrive within the hour. By then this kingdom will have fallen into anarchy and chaos with the death of its rulers without heir. Its own army will be powerless to stop us as their forces will be in disarray without their leader to command them.

So, feeling proud of yourself for your role in all this? Revelin smirked. First you trapped us in this realm by bringing about Garibaldis downfall. Then you hide the Sword of Judgment in the castle within sight of our spy. Then you 'rescued' him from the fortress. I dont know about you, but I cant think of anyone else who has helped change the course of human history more than you!

Revelin chuckled. Perhaps deep down, you are still a soldier of the Scourge, and you did a fantastic job playing the part. So I ask you: where does your true loyalty lief with? To the Scourge? To humanity? Or to yourself? Was everything you have done in this world in the name of the woman you loved? Did you delude yourself into think you were fighting for a greater good? Were you trying to atone for your failure to save Katrina? Or was it all just an attempt to destroy your past? To ensure that no one could ever learn the terrible truth you were determined to take with you to your grave? In the end, it doesnt even matter. All your efforts were in vain! As I said before Logan, some people are not worthy of redemption!

The battle is not over yet Revelin! said Janus. Now is not the time to celebrate victory.

But now is the time of my greatest triumph! Revelin said as two of the soldiers seize Janus and retrain him. You may have escaped execution, but death does not like to be cheated. He nods towards the three gargoyles. As if in understanding his unspoken orders, two of the gargoyles lunge at Leoric and Murlock, pinning each to a pillar. Before Logan could even take out a weapon to defend himself and his allies, the third gargoyle pins him to a wall.

Kill them all, said Revelin, but leave Logan alive and seal the chamber behind you. Let him suffer alone in silence as everything he fought for collapses around him. Once the old wizard breathes his last, we can reclaim the weapons Logan stole from us. For now, I together with the remaining troops in this castle will prepare to help our lord and master escape with his sword. Come find me when you are done and we will withdraw once our objective is complete! He turns and runs out of the secret chamber, leaving the five soldiers behind.

The soldiers watch their commander retreat. Even after he disappears outside, they wait for several moments to make certain that he is gone.

I thought he would never leave, one of the soldiers says. Now that he is gone, what is to stop us from exacting our revenge?

You said it! a second says. Im not leaving until I get a shot at Logan!

What Revelin doesnt know wont hurt him, speaks a third as she and the remaining soldiers train their weapons on Edward and Minerva. The last thing he will hear before he dies are the shots that kill all his friends!

Insubordination? asked Janus. Going against orders?

Silence traitor! If you are not with us, you are against us! And you will join your friend in a death fitting for a betrayer! He takes aim at Janus with his gun.

Logan sees a familiar rune appear upon Murlocks forehead as he stares towards the gun held by the soldier. Even when pinned to a pillar by his shoulders, Murlock can still move his hands. Making a motion of grabbing something with one hand, the wizard hastily pulls his arm to the side just as the would-be executioner pulls the trigger. His aim suddenly sabotaged by magical means, he ends up shooting a bullet intended for Janus that instead hits one of the soldiers restraining him through the chest, piercing the heart.

As the lifeless corpse of their comrade falls, the others glance towards Murlock and realize what had happened, that this was no case of friendly fire.

Never underestimate the power of your elders! he said.

The soldier holding her weapon on Minerva suddenly falls sideways to the floor, a bolt buried within the back of her neck.

What the? her comrade says in alarm. Were being ambushed from behind! The remaining soldiers turn towards the entrance of the chamber. Looking further down the chamber towards the entrance, Logan sees three familiar figures enter. One of them reloads his crossbow. The second tightly clutches a spear. The third figure carries a Tommy Gun that she is now aiming at the would-be executioner. He barely has time to realize that he is in her sights before fires of a short round of bullets with steady aim into his stomach. 

Taking advantage of the distraction caused by the intrusion, Murlock magically takes hold of the shotgun formerly used to threaten Minerva and manipulates its motions until its barrels rests against the head of the gargoyle pinning Logan to the pillar. The blast is powerful enough to shatter its skull. Without life to sustain itself and its strength, it is easily pushed away by Logan. Logan takes his own shotgun and blasts the remaining soldier restraining Janus in his arm. Taking advantage of the grip weakened by pain, Janus wrenches himself free and kicks the soldier to the floor before coldly executing him with a bullet to the head.

Kill them! the remaining soldier holding his gun on Edward shouts towards the gargoyles. Kill the captain and the old wizard! Those are his final words as the figure holding the crossbow shoots a bolt into his head. As he falls, the figure holding the spear charges into the chambers towards Leoric.

Murlock tosses one of the teleportation stones to a spot several feet away from where he is held captive and activates the other stone, freeing himself from its grip. The beast turns on him in a fury as if embarrassed by its prey escaping. But Murlock is ready with a spell of his own. The pillar magically breaks free between the floor and ceiling  and falls towards the beast as it advances on him, its razor sharp talons brandished. Unaware of the danger behind it, the gargoyle is crushed underneath like cookie dough underneath a rolling pin.

Just as the gargoyle restraining Leoric prepares to rake its talons across his exposed face, a spear is driven deep into its hide. As the beast roars in pain, its grip on the captain loosens enough for him to break free. He retrieves his weapon and retrieve his sword, allowing him to finish off the gargoyle.

Penelope? Leoric is surprised by his daughters presence and that of Albrecht.

Father! Penelope shouts. Overwhelmed at his joy at seeing his daughter and the fact that she saved his life, Leoric drops his sword and holds open his arms. As Penelope embraces her father, Logan turns away, only to find himself looking at Agnes. As happy that he was to see her again, that if not for her help, they probably would not have all survived, he is also worried. If the situation was as terrible as Leoric believed, then she was in danger as well.

Agnes read his mind. They are all alive and safe, she informed him. He sighed with relief. 

I told you to stay in the courtyard where it is safe! Leoric said, his tone a mixture of anger towards her disobedience, worry that she put herself in danger, and and happiness for seeing her once again.

You expected her to listen? asked Albrecht. And you expected me to stay out of danger? Ha!

I wont leave behind what is left of my family! said Penelope. This kingdom and its castle isnt just yours to protect!

Then let us protect them together, as a family! said Leoric as father and daughter release each other. There is no time to waste! said Leoric. Let us hurry into the War Room and discuss our plan!

Together, the nine of them step outside the secret chamber, closing it behind them. Leoric opens the door leading to the halls outside. You! he calls out with a pointed finger. In here!

A guard enter the War Room and salutes both the captain and his rulers. 
Majesties, it is good to see that you are well, he said.

What is the situation out there? asked Leoric.

We have taken down four more of the gargoyles and three soldiers of the Scourge, the guard said. Two of our own have fallen and perished from their injuries. We have not seen any sign of Raven Dark or the commander of the Scourge.

And what of Claudio, the Scourges spy?

We are searching for him, leaving no stone unturned. But he appears to have vanished.

And Raven Dark?

A few of us have gone after him, but they have not returned. I fear the worst.

We can only hope that they have succeeded in slowing him down, buying us precious time. His only chance of escape is one of the outdoor balconies or through a window large enough for his raven form.

But what if the Scourge take control over the gatehouse? asked Logan.

Then they could open the castle gates and allow Raven Dark to retreat amid the chaos, said Leoric. We must prevent that from happening no matter what!

What about the king and queen? asked Penelope. The danger here is too great for both of them. And it is too dangerous for them to remain here with the gargoyles invading the castle.

How many are there? asked Leoric.

Thirteen. Well...better make that ten now from last count.

Raven Dark is probably using them together with the Scourge to distract the guards and to cover his escape! said Logan.

Then we must join the battle, said Leoric. We must prevent Raven Dark from taking the Sword of Judgment out of the castle. I hate to think of the consequences for this world if we fail. With any luck the guards posted in this castle have slowed him down and bought us time.

What about the Scourge? asked Logan. Should they find out that we escaped the
chamber, they will be gunning for us.

Yet you are their main concern Logan, said Murlock. Despite what their commander has ordered, their troops want nothing more than your head on a platter.

We must also help the king and queen escape to safety, said Leoric. With no one to succeed them, this kingdom will fall into lawlessness and disorder. We cannot let that happen for the sake of this land and its future!

I have a plan, said Murlock. It involves the use of my magic charms.

We could also disguise ourselves as soldiers of the Scourge, said Edward.

That would be too risky with the Scourge still present, said Murlock.

What about a secret passage out of the castle? asked Logan.

Unfortunately, there is none, said Minerva. Surely even those who built this castle would have created one if they foresaw a day like this! For now, the safest place inside the castle is the secret chamber behind the fireplace.

What about the dungeon? asked Logan. Could we just lock them in a cell and wait for the Scourge to abandon the castle before we let them out?

Cell bars would provide no protection against the Scourge. The front gate is our best chance.

But what if Raven Dark is waiting for us to open it? asked Logan.

Open it? asked Edward. With the power of the sword, wouldnt he just destroy it?

Impossible, said Murlock. Thankfully, the power within the sword has its limits. Even the mightiest steel and strongest rock can withstand its power.

But the gate in Arcanius had been destroyed by the power of the Sword of Fire! said Logan.

Yes. And the Sword of Fire could also melt stone.

I witnessed it happen during my duel with Garibaldi that fateful evening, said Edward.

As did I, said Minerva.

The Sword of Earth also had the power to break rock, said Murlock. We made the right decision in reforging the Blade of Lazarus. Now the powers of those swords cannot be reclaimed by the Scourge and used against this kingdom. We will need their combined power within the Sword of Darkness to help win this war. Only it has the power to protect someone from the power of the Sword of Judgment. The power of judgment itself affects life itself.

If Raven Dark is waiting for the gate to open, we cannot take that risk. That is why we will use my magic charms. Someone will need to take one of the communication and teleportation stones each. The teleportation stone will be placed beyond the closed gate. The communication charm will be used to give the king and queen the signal to activate the other stone.

What if the Scourge reopen the chamber? asked Logan. Claudio knows how to do so. He could surely inform the others!

At the moment, he is unaware of the fact that we have survived the ambush that their commander set for us. The two of them believe that you are trapped inside, surrounded by the bodies of your allies and friends.

For now, the Scourge are unaware of our escape, said Leoric. We should take advantage of this. But should Revelin realize we are free, he will take action, stopping at nothing to ensure that the Scourge do everything necessary to destroy the future of this kingdom. Someone should remain in the chamber with the king and queen to ensure that they are safe should any gargoyles invade the chamber through the broken window. Another person should remain outside to open the chamber and allow that person to leave once the king and queen are out of the castle. Should those in the chamber require further assistance, this person will give it.

The person who takes the stones to the gate should disguise themselves as a soldier of the Scourge in order to avoid suspicion, said Murlock. To avoid alerting the Scourge and their commander on our escape, Leoric, Janus, and I will remain here since we were imprisoned inside the chamber. Because Agnes, Albrecht, and Penelope were not inside the chamber, Revelin will not have detected our freedom.

I would prefer to keep my daughter close, said Leoric, but she has come this far even in spite of the danger. Her courage and valor are an inspiration to me.

What about me? asked Logan.

You and Agnes will carry the stones to the castle gate, said Murlock.  To avoid detection, the two of you will disguise yourselves as soldiers of the Scourge. But I also have another task which I believe is fitting only for you. At this point there is only one way to stop Raven Dark. The time has come to finally put the final creation of Lazarus to use.

The magic dagger? asked Logan.

Exactly. Seeing as how you are our best chance at stopping Raven Dark or at least stalling him, said Murlock, you are the one who should use it.

Why me?

My brother does not see you as his enemy and we will take advantage of the trust he has in you. He unlocks a small cabinet and takes out a familiar scabbard which he hands over to Logan. You know what to do when the time comes!

You sure you want me to do it?

It is regrettable, but it has to be done, said Murlock solemnly. My brother has to be stopped whatever it takes.

As for the rest of us, once the king and queen are out of the castle we will join up with the remainder of the guards to repel the attack! Leoric and I will remain in the secret chamber with the king and queen. Janus will stand guard outside the fireplace. This way, should the Scourge detect your escape and their commander sends forces to investigate the situation, Janus will be prepared to take them out should they break down the door. Leoric and I will be able to defend the king and queen from any gargoyles who invade the chamber through the broken windows until it is time for them to evacuate. Once done, Janus will set us free.

Penelope, you and Albrecht rally the remainder of the guards together to strengthen the defense of this castle, said Leoric. Search for the remainder of the Scourge forces and for Raven Dark. I will rejoin you as soon as I can.

Yes father, said Penelope saluting her father.

You can count on us captain! said Albrecht saluting Leoric.

I know I can! If we can take out the Scourge commander, their forces will be in disarray. I would love to see the looks on their advancing ground troops when we leave his corpse outside the city gates on a pike!

I doubt it. They all heard the revelation of his mercy towards me. No way will they surrender. Nor will it affect their morale.

Except maybe positively.

Onward! said Leoric. We have a kingdom to save!

Logan sees Janus nod in his direction. At last, the reconciliation between the two men has been completed. He felt renewed determination flowing through his blood, to fulfill the promise he made to Katrina and eradicate the Scourge once and for all.
					#
Disguised in the cloaks they had taken off the corpses of the soldiers in the secret chamber, Logan and Agnes part ways from the rest of their companions, taking both guards with them. Albrecht and Penelope have already gone off to join the rest of the guards.

Janus seals the secret chamber with Murlock, Leoric, Edward, and Minerva inside. He locks the door behind Logan and Agnes.

This stealth mission would be more difficult than the previous one that evening when he returned to the kingdom from Arcanius. Without the cover of darkness, there is a greater risk of detection. He could only hope that the guards would keep the Scourge busy long enough.

They would need to make their way to the main gate of the castle. He silently prayed to himself that the guardhouse had not fallen into the hands of the Scourge. And even if the guards still controlled the gates, they would know that those approaching them were not soldiers of the Scourge, but friends in disguise.
With the War Room on the opposite end of the castle as the entrance gate and on one of the upper floors of the castle, the trip would take anywhere between five and ten minutes if they hurried and all went well. The clock is ticking. If they were to strengthen their chances of success, they needed to work quickly.

The castle is in chaos as the gargoyles clash with the castle guards. Few of them engage in battle with their talons. Logan watches as one of them slices through one guards armor like a knife in soft butter. Another guard slashes off one of its wings with his sword in defense of his wounded comrade. The sounds of muffled gunshots are heard from a distance. Logan wished he could join the fighting, but doing so would blow his cover and possibly put the others in danger.

You heard the captains daughter! he heard Albrecht shout on the floor below. Carefully peeking from behind the wall, he saw Albrecht and Penelope together with a crowd of eighteen guards. Distract the Scourge long enough for the captain and the others help the king and queen escape the castle! Defend the gatehouse, all outdoor balconies, and prevent access to the study, chapel, dining room, guest bedrooms, library, and throne room! Those are the rooms with windows large enough for his raven form to escape from! Let the call sound forth! He shall not escape!

Where are the king and queen? asked one of the guards.

They are still in the secret chamber behind the fireplace in the War Room, said Penelope. Father and Murlock are providing protection. I need someone else to stand guard outside the War Room Door to ensure no Scourge soldier can break it.
Logan hears voices volunteering for the tasks. The voices diminish in volume as he and Agnes hurry down another corridor.

But something caught Logans eye, something that needed a closer look. Between two marble pillars built into the walls, two large piles of dust and ash is gathered upon the carpet. Oddly enough, one of the piles contains within a suit of armor and a sword, neither of which show any signs of rust or corrosion.

Raven Dark was here! he whispered to Agnes.

Do you think he could be hearby? she whispered back.

There is a chance he could be. We must be on our guard! He sees a look of fear on her face. What is wrong?

I was just thinking about what happened that moment on the ship. I saw firsthand the power of that sword. Seeing its handiwork here fills me with a sense of dread.

As is has for me. Still now. If the sword is taken out of the castle, the consequences for this world could be disastrous! More innocent people will suffer similar horrific fates.

How strange. The armor and weapon is missing from one of the piles. Agnes digs around the pile with her hands, scattering ash and dust.

What are you doing? Logan whispered.

I am looking for something to determine if this truly is the remains of one of the guards. It could be a gargoyle that he or she was fighting and they were both caught by the power of the sword. Or even a soldier of the Scourge.

Raven Dark would never destroy one of his own minions, Logan whispered. And the Scourge prefer to fight from a distance like the cowards they are. Even if it had been a soldier of the Scourge, his or her cloak would be here. Just like what happened on the ship.

But if this truly is a guard, then where is his or her armor and weapon?
The two of them exchanged worried looks. I have a theory, she whispered. What is Claudio has disguised himself as a guard using that armor?

I hope for the sake of our allies that you are wrong.

At that moment however, Agnes discovers something buried within the pile of dust and ash. She pulls out a small pistol.

Perhaps this was the body of a soldier, she concluded offering it to him.

It couldnt be, said Logan as he pocketed the gun. Where is his cloak? I remember on board the ship that though the sword reduced that soldier to dust and ash, it did not affect his uniform.

Then why did I find a gun buried within?

That is a very good question. But we must not waste anymore time lingering here! Our allies are depending on us!

They hurry down the nearby steps and turn down another set of stairway at the end of the flat section between both sets of stairs. They only have one more floor before reaching the entrance hall where the gatehouse is located.

So far so good!

This corridor has stone statues of saluting knights standing upon tall dais on one side. The opposite side has numerous windows allow them to see outside into the courtyard. Through one window, Logan sees one guard hold his position on an outdoor balcony. He successfully shoots down one gargoyle with his bow. But he has no chance to gloat before another gargoyle flies up behind him and seizes him by his shoulders before taking flight. In horror, Logan and Agnes watch as the gargoyle flies high into the sky, taking its human prisoner away from the castle. Then, it releases its grip, allowing its captive to plunge down towards the courtyard far below. Logan keeps his eye on the guard and his fall, finally looking away with eyes tightly shut and cringing as he hits the stone surface below. Death from that height is certain. No one could have survived. Gwendolyn could have suffered a similar fate if not for him and Kain.

Instantly Logan knew that the guards defending the balconies are in danger from similar airborne attacks. There is a chance that Raven Dark could still escape off one of them. Those balconies could be protected more successfully indoors.

We must hurry Agnes! he said. They will need our help!

The next hallway has arched pillars with stained glass windows. There is an intersection leading down towards the castle chapel, lined with stone dais supporting statues of angelic beings. A lone guard patrols the hallway, taking no notice of the two.

Voices are heard behind the doors. Agnes stealthily creeps towards the door and puts her ear to them.

What do you hear? he whispered.

I hear them! she whispered back. There are several soldiers of the Scourge inside!

Then we should move on quickly before they realize there is someone outside listening to them.

Wait! Agnes whispered. I hear his voice! She listens more intently.

Who? Logan whispered. Raven Dark?

Agnes face contorts with anger. Him! She readies a Tommy Gun. Logan, take this, she tosses him the teleportation stone she carries. Hurry away from here and get to the castle gates! Finish our duty for me and remember me for who I was! She hurls open the doors.

Agnes no! Logan shouts. As much as he needed to avoid detection and alert Revelin, he had no intention of betraying the promise he made to her father. You could be walking into an ambush! He chases after her into the chapel expecting to see her go down in a hail of bullets. But nothing happened.

He had been in the chapel several times during his time in the castle over the past few days to attend services, a baptism, a wedding, and a funeral. The castle chapel is a tall rectangular room with stone walls, with an orange carpet outlined with white leading up to the parapet. Stained glass windows depicting religious figures decorate the walls. The largest window is located high up on the far wall behind the parapet, orange of color has the image of a silver and gold colored angel with wings and arms outstretched. Lit candelabras are lined up alongside the pews.

Standing near the parapet he found Revelin together with four other soldiers of the Scourge. Revelin has turned to face the intrusion away from the troops he addresses.

Logan? Revelin looks at him wide-eyed as if not expecting him to be here. Why are you here? Arent you supposed to be sealed within the secret chamber, surrounded by the corpses of your allies?

Logan smiled. The only corpses in that room are those who made the mistake of disobeying their commander.

Revelin stares in silent astonishment. My troops? Going against orders? 
Obviously this revelation shocks him even more than the fact that Logan has escaped and now stands before him against all odds.

Indeed! said Logan reveling in the pleasure of seeing the look on Revelins face. Can you not see you have a mutiny on your hands? Those under your command want me dead. You are at odds with what your troops desire.

He could not have escaped without my help! said Agnes. He released me from the fortress dungeon. Now I have repaid him!

The doors to the chapel open as the guard from the hallway enters, alerted to the noise. Logan is relieved that he and Agnes have a new ally. The guard steps further into the chapel and stops several feet away from them.

Why are you here Revelin? asked Logan.

Hiding no doubt! said Agnes. And preparing to escape! Agnes takes aim at Revelin. Logan is surprised to see none of the four soldiers prepare to defend their commander. I still owe you for my father and for my home. And thanks to Logan, I have the skills to take my vengeance! On behalf of the people of Arcanius, I will take down the Scourges commander or die trying!

Agnes no! Logan shouts. You are outnumbered and outgunned!

I dont care, said Agnes. I have nothing left to live for!

To Logan, it is almost as if Katrina has come back from the grave to exact her own vengeance against Revelin for his role in her death. He was the last of her executioners. As much as the situation amused Logan deep down, he also felt genuine concern for Agnes, fearing for her life. What if the breastplate underneath her bodice could not protect her? Even when she does take out Revelin, will the others finally draw their own weapons? What if she is gunned down in the manner Katrina had been?

Of course you dont, said Revelin matter-of-factly. But why blame me and the Scourge when you should be blaming Logan? Logan feels his own face flush with shame and regret. In a way, Revelin is telling the truth.

Its his fault you lost everything, Revelin said. Your home, your work, what was left of your family. All gone, because of him!

You lie! Agnes hissed.

Temper temper, Revelin said calmly as if addressing a child throwing a tantrum. 
Think before you shoot foolish girl. Even should you succeed in taking me down, my troops will drop you before you can even pull off one shot against any of them. Seeing the woman who bears a striking resemblance to the lover Logan lost that fateful evening would remind him of his greatest failure. Your death would most certainly break Logan and his will to fight.

Agnes hesitates. Though she desires to take her revenge, even at the cost of her own life, it appears that the words of Revelin have left her at a crossroads. Just as she had offered herself that evening in the city square in an attempt to save everyone, now she finds herself conflicted at what to do. Would she only end up throwing her life away for nothing and ultimately destroy the one chance the world had by breaking Logans spirit? Would it destroy his will to keep fighting?

Finally, she lowers her weapon so that the barrel is aimed towards the floor.

I knew you would see it my way, Revelin sneers. Now then, where were we? Ah yes, now I remember! I was talking about Logan and his role in everything that happened to you. But while we are on the subject of Katrina, let me enlighten you Logan. You claim that everything you have done was all in the name of Katrina. But do you truly believe she would have stood by your side even after everything that has happened? After all the deaths? All the destruction? After all that is to come? All because of you and your meddling? She must be turning in her desecrated grave by now if she knew of everything that has happened, knowing that she sacrificed herself in vain and that the future of humanity is almost as much her legacy is it is yours.

Then again, if you really want to know how she would feel, why not ask your friend? The innkeepers daughter who possesses a striking resemblance to the woman you loved? Ask her!

Logan looks to Agnes. He is almost hesitant to ask her what he needs to know.

What is wrong Logan? Revelin asks. Is it because she reminds you too much of your greatest failure? When you failed the save the woman you loved? Or is it simply because you feel you are the reason she lost everything? Her home? Her family?

Only once Agnes turns in the direction of Revelin does her expression change to what Logan expected. How dare you! she shouts angrily. You killed my father and destroyed the inn, leaving me with no family and without a home! And now you try to place all the blame on Logan! You are nothing but a coward who will do anything to save his own neck!

Logan feared that her condemning words would strike a nerve with Revelin and force him to take action against her to defend his wounded pride and his bruised ego.

Agnes, Logan said gently but filled with great guilt, hes right. I couldnt save the life your family had made for you. I couldnt save your father, even after he learned the truth about me.

She turns back to him, her look on her face reverting to shock. What?

Agnes, your father was the first person to know the truth about my history with the Scourge. A secret he carried with him to his grave.

Is that why you let him die? asked Revelin. Because of your own cowardice?

No! Thats not true! Agnes shouts angrily towards Revelin. I saw for myself how Logan ran into the burning inn to save my father! I saw how he helped my father try to escape off the balcony! He would have succeeded if not for you and your troops!

Yet he did nothing even as I stood over him with the Sword of Fire!

You threatened to execute innocent civilians! Logan shouted. He told me to save myself while I still could!

Exactly! said Revelin triumphantly. You cared more about saving yourself than an innocent man!

Stop it! Agnes yelled. I was there when it happened! I saw how your soldiers threatened my people. My father sacrificed himself to save me, Logan, and Arcanius, just as I followed his example to save the people of this kingdom in the town square that fateful evening!

What would Geoffroy say if he ever found out what happened this day? Did I truly betray his trust and that of everyone else, without even knowing it?

Logan, Agnes pleaded, tell me. How did my father react when he learned the truth about you?

He didnt care Agnes, not after how I defended your honor that night in the inn. Not after I fought to protect Arcanius and its people. He had faith in me. He told me everyone else believed in me.

Look outside the first chance you get Logan! said Revelin. Do you really believe the people will still believe in you after everything that has happened this day? By the time our ground troops arrive, this kingdom will be in no condition to defend itself, thanks to you. Just as the people screamed for the blood of Janus for his crimes, so too they will demand retribution against you, blaming you for what is to come and all that has happened. In their eyes, you will no longer be their defender nor their savior. In spite of everything, all you really accomplished was seal their fate.

Enough! Agnes shouts as she raises her gun again towards Revelin. You and the Scourge are responsible for all the death and destruction, not Logan! You and the Scourge took everything away from me!

Not everything, Revelin said smugly. He removes something from his pocket and holds it up. Agnes gasps at the sight of it. Logan sees a familiar picture of her family. The same picture taken from the inn as it burned. That he gave to her. That was stolen from her after the frame was destroyed.

Revelin removes a lighter from his pocket. But that is about to change! He flicks it open, sparking a small fire.

Agnes stares in horror at the spectacle before her. It appears that Revelin is forcing her to choose between vengeance or the preservation of the one item left to remind her of what she had lost.

Stand down or I burn this picture the way I made toast out of your father!
After a moment of hesitation Agnes drops her weapon. Two of the soldiers seize her and search her body for other weapons she may be carrying. The other two hold their weapons on Logan. Dont interfere or she dies! one of them says.

The soldiers finish searching Agnes yet they do not release her, keeping a firm grip on her arms. Revelin closes the lighter, extinguishing the flame. A moment of silence passes before he touches the picture to a nearby lit candelabra, causing it to catch fire.

No! Agnes screams a mixture of horror, sadness, and rage, but the soldiers restrain her and hold her back from throttling Revelin.

Why is the guard not reacting? Why has he not come to our aid?

The guard steps closer to Agnes. To Logans shock and surprise, he draws his sword and holds its tip to her throat. Stand down wench or I will slit your throat!
What? Logans horror mirrors the look on the face of Agnes.

Revelin smirks as the guard lifts the visor of his helmet.

No! Logan gasped. It cant be!

Claudio! Agnes gasped. Claudio only sneers triumphantly at the success of his deception.

Was that his gun we found?

With a sword to her throat, Agnes can do nothing but watch helplessly as Revelin drops the burning picture to the stone floor. Tears well up in her eyes at the sight of the one memory she had left of her family burn to ashes.

Stupid foolish girl, Revelin taunts her. And you as well Logan, for falling for his deception once more!

The king and queen are still imprisoned in the secret chamber behind the War Room, said Claudio. The captain of the guard and the old wizard are inside with them.

Perfect! Revelim smirks. How will the people ever call Logan a hero again after they learn he abandoned the rulers of this kingdom and the leader of its army to their doom? He takes out the brass whistle once more and blows it. Moments later, the large stained glass window high up on the wall behind the parapet of the chapel suddenly shatters as three gargoyles fly in. Through the broken window, Logan sees a fourth gargoyle carry a guard through the sky before sending him screaming to the ground far below. This gargoyle then flies through the broken window to join its kind.

Take the girl to the castle! Revelin orders one of them. Lock her in the dungeon!

Would it not be easier to just kill her now? asked one of the soldiers. Think of how it will break Logan!

There is no way he could ever gain access to the castle, said Revelin. Let us now repeat history and force him to relive his greatest failure.

One of the gargoyles takes flight towards Agnes and seizes her by her shoulders. Ignoring her protesting shrieks and cries of terror, it carries her out one of the broken windows.

No! Logan screams, powerless to do anything but watch as the gargoyle carries Agnes into the rust colored sky towards the floating castle.

Once again Logan, I win! Revelin shouts triumphantly. Just as always!

No! Logan groans as he falls to his knees and clasps his hands to his forehead covering his eyes. Not again! He had failed to upkeep his promise to Geoffroy. The capture of Agnes was as unthinkable as his failure to save Katrina that evening. He hated to think what Katrina would say if he used the Ring of Lazarus to summon her. Would she confirm what Revelin believed? Would he be able to live with himself as Janus could not?

Attack the secret chamber where the king and queen are, Revelin commands the remaining gargoyles. Slaughter them both together with the old wizard and the captain of the guard! Leave no one alive! One of the gargoyles roars in understanding and takes flight out the window together with its two companions.

But what about the betrayer? asked one of the soldiers.

Let him stew in the misery of his failure! said Revelin. Now that we have broken his spirit, he is in no state to continue to fight!

Then let us put him out of his misery! one of the soldiers said.

Troops, I gave a direct order! Raven Dark needs our help. Forget about Logan.

Not a chance! One of our primary goals was the death of Logan! We have waited long enough to avenge our glory!

At this point I dont think killing him will change anything, said Revelin.

Wrong! Seeing his bloodstained corpse will not only bring a smile to our faces but destroy the morale of the people.

You can do whatever the hell you want Revelin, another soldier says, but we are done taking orders from you!

Had he not been so overwhelmed with his own despair, with the memories of Katrinas execution and her final moments playing themselves in his head, he would have found their disobedience amusing.

Your funeral! said Revelin. Logan hears the sounds of three separate gunshots in rapid succession snapping him back to reality. A gurgling sound is also heard. Removing his hands from his forehead and uncovering his eyes, he turns to see the bodies of three of the soldiers lying upon the stone floor. The fourth soldier has Claudios sword poking out of the front of his throat, the exposed steel stained with blood. He pulls the blade out and sheathes it. Revelin puts away his smoking weapon. Once more he had saved his life, this time through executing four rebels against his command to pursue vengeance.

Are the others ready? Revelin asks Claudio.

Yes. Other than you and me, there are only six troops left in the castle. While the guards will be too busy searching for the Scourge, we will walk away undetected with help from our master.

Good! Revelin blows the whistle once more, summoning a lone gargoyle through the broken stained glass window. I will leave the rest to you. And I shall walk away with quite a trophy. The ultimate prize for my final victory over Logan and this world.

As he takes hold over the taloned legs of the gargoyle, Revelin turns to Logan with a sneer. Good-bye Logan! Enjoy watching everything you fought for undone! Nothing can stop the Scourge now! The gargoyle carries the Scourge commander out the window into the sky.

Janus takes his leave from the chapel, leaving Logan on his own.  Logan opens the locket and looks at the face of his dead lover. Though her picture smiles at him, he cannot help but wonder if Revelin spoke the truth. How would she feel right now?

I am sorry Katrina. I failed. Forgive me Geoffroy. I failed my promise to you.

The cruel irony of his situation dawned on him in a new light. He is in a chapel, a place of worship for those who lived and worked in the castle, who offered prayers to their gods, and confessed their sins. People had prayed for a savior during the war. Now it appeared their prayers had been betrayed. He is alone, surely being judged by the gods as having failed the people who depended upon him. Many had prayed for his success. But in the end, none of it mattered. The moment of judgment is upon him.

He closes the locket, unable to look upon her face knowing that he had failed her. If Revelin had been telling the truth, he had also sullied her name.

Pull yourself together! A voice inside himself says. You need to stop Raven Dark! Leoric, Murock, the king and queen are still in danger! If you do not act, you will no longer be considered a hero! Remember your promise to Katrina!

He had faith in me! His earlier words to Agnes echo in his head. He told me everyone else believed in me!

Agnes! He remembered her earlier words outside the chapel. Finish our duty!

He forced himself to his feet. The muscles around his lips tense. His determination becomes stronger and more focused. He had to hurry and complete the mission he had been chosen for.
					#
The next corridor outside the hallway beyond the chapel overlooks a tall room shaped like a cross, with pillars and statues built into alcoves within the walls, tapestries hanging from long steel rods attached to the walls below the railing, and a red carpet outlined with silver rolled along the floor up the stairs towards the doors leading into the throne room. Two guards stand outside the doors, ready to defend their position. Several large silver and crystal chandeliers hang from the ceiling. More statues stand on dais, each holding stone spears from which hang tapestries with the emblem of a sword. Ornate columns connected by arches border the perimeter of the hall, supporting the floor upon which he stands.
The corridor he stands within has paintings on the wall, each depicting past rulers, the surrounding countryside, and the castle itself. Another painting, depicting the events of both the eve of Garibaldis curse and its undoing by the Blade of Lazarus also hang on the wall, both of which appear to have be recent creations by a talented artist. There is no time to admire these beautiful pieces of work.

The corridor leads into the entrance hall of the castle where the gatehouse waits for him. The corpses of the soldiers killed in the earlier ambush remain where they lie. Nothing appears to have changed since he had been here previously.
Logan carefully looks around for any soldiers of the Scourge. Satisfied that he was alone, he hurries down one of the stairs towards the gatehouse and throws off his disguise. Do not open the gate! he shouts to the guards above on the balcony above the gatehouse. He holds up the teleportation stone. The guards nods in understanding as they know exactly what the stones are capable of doing. 

He gently tosses the teleportation stone he carried through the steel bars of the gate.

Done! Now to give Edward and Minerva the signal that the stone is in place and that they should flee.

He takes out the communication stone. The stone is in place! Get the king and queen out of there immediately! He waits for several moments before a bright flash illuminates the corridor beyond the portcullis. Once the light pillar fades away, the king and queen are standing where it once appeared. Judging from the tears in their royal robes, they had been slashed at by the talons of the gargoyles sent by Revelin, but fortunately they appear to be unharmed as there is no blood anywhere on their clothes. Minerva had been more vulnerable due to her pregnancy. Other than what had happened in the city square that evening, this was the closest she had come to losing her baby.

Are you all right? he asked.

If not for Murlock and Leoric, we would not have survived, said Edward. Where was your cover blown?

There is no time for talk! he shouted. Hurry to the city gates! I must regroup with the others and stop Raven Dark.

Minerva tosses the teleportation stone back through the bars to Logan. Be careful and good luck! she says before she and Edward turn and hurry towards the doors leading out of the castle.

Murlock! he shouts at the stone. Murlock!

The image of Murlock begins to shine above the stone in a topaz light. 
Congratulations Logan! You have done well! Leoric and I were able to hold off the gargoyles when they invaded the chamber. As you probably saw, Edward and Minerva were also attacked but they escaped without a scratch thanks to our efforts. Janus himself entered the chamber to provide aid, which is fortunate for the king and queen. But in the end they could not have escaped to safety without you and Agnes. Well done!

Where are you, Janus, and Leoric now?

We are back in the War Room getting ready to join the battle. What is your situation? How did the Scourge discover you?

We found them in the castle chapel. I tried to stop Agnes from entering, but she did not want to let slip a chance for vengeance against Revelin for what happened to her home and family.

What happened to her?

They took her to the floating castle as their prisoner. But that is not the worst part.

What?

We found Claudio.

Claudio? The voice of Janus is heard. What about him?

Well...rather he found us. He has disguised himself as a guard of Iconoclast.

What? Leoric is heard shouting. The spy is in disguise as one of my guards?

Yes! After Raven Dark used the power of the sword to kill two of your guards, Claudio donned one of the suits of armor. He attended the meeting called by Penelope and Albrecht when they rallied the guards. He learned where the king and queen were located and ambushed Agnes and I in the chapel when she attempted to take her revenge on Revelin. He informed Revelin of the whereabouts of the king and queen.

And Revelin sent the gargoyles to attack us no doubt, said Leoric.

Revelin and Janus are now seeking to join forces with Raven Dark and the remaining Scourge soldiers to help him escape.

We must make our last stand immediately! said Leoric. We must stop our enemies or die trying! You alert any nearby guards of the situation and keep an eye out for Raven Dark. Be prepared to carry out your task and finish the work of your ancestor.

The image above the stone fades away. As he puts the stone back into his pocket, Logan turns and hurries back to the stairways. With the king and queen safe, now he could rejoin the battle.

Guard the gates! he calls up to the guards on the balcony above the gatehouse. 
Keep an eye out for Claudio who is disguised as one of your own! Some of his comrades may follow his example!

The guards salute. Understood Logan! We shall defend our posts!
Logan runs between the two stairways into the the cross shaped hall leading to the throne room. The two guards are still stationed outside the door.

You two! he shouts. Claudio has disguised himself as one of your own! Be on your guard!

The two guards remain motionless as if they had never heard his warning.

I said   he repeated.

We heard you Logan. Or rather, traitor! one of the guards spoke harshly.

What?

We are well aware of Claudios disguise. And we cannot allow you to warn your allies.

What the hell? You two are Scourge soldiers in disguise!

Correct. The two imposter guards draw their swords. Obviously they had to discard their guns as they would only give away their identities. Time to die betrayer!

As the two disguised soldiers advance on Logan who prepares to defend himself, the doors to the throne room suddenly open themselves. Out steps Raven Dark who  points the blade of the Sword of Judgment on the two soldiers advancing on Logan. The power of the sword activates as an eerie mist column erupts forward and engulfs the two soldiers. Within a matter of moments, they are nothing more than a pile of dust burying their disguises.

Master Raven Dark! a voice shouts from inside the throne room. A soldier of the Scourge disguised as a guard stands in the doorway. Why are you aiding our enemy?

I do not consider Logan my enemy, said Raven Dark. And if any of you take action against him, the fate of your allies will be your own!

The soldier gulps, obviously terrified. Y-yes master, he stammers.

You, Revelin, Claudio, and three others are all that remain of the Scourge within this castle.

Actually, Revelin has already fled, said Logan.

What? the disguised soldier shouts in disbelief. He left us behind?

Enough! said Raven Dark. I am going to need your help to escape through the main gate. Now go! Find Claudio and carry out the plan!

Yes lord Raven Dark! He looks back into the throne room. You! Come with me! He leaves down the left hall, taking his companion with him. Both wear a disguise that could fool any guard of Iconoclast.

So good to see you again Logan, Raven Dark speaks as he steps further down the hall towards Logan. In truth, I was hoping you would find a way to escape your confinement. I knew you wouldnt disappoint.

Why are you still here? asked Logan. As much as he wanted to pursue the disguised soldiers, he had a more important matter to attend to. Why have you not fled back to your castle by now? You had plenty of chances!

Because I am not finished with this kingdom yet. Now that the Sword of Judgment is back in my possession, partly thanks to you and Murlock, my next move is to demonstrate to the people the power I command. The power of a vengeful god who shall punish the sins of humanity and finally complete Garibaldis life work. The people may think they are safe now, but I intend to give them new reason to fear.

History has not forgotten what this sword can do nor what power I am capable of. And the people of this era live in ignorance of what their kind did in the past to my Fiona. I am going to make them remember before they face my righteous fury.

The people of the remaining kingdoms had nothing to do with the death of your lover! Logan protested.

It matters not! Raven Dark retorted. For too long, her own kind had been persecuted and even hunted like animals all because humans feared our power. Now, I am going to take retribution upon them all, one by one. What has already transpired during the events of the past two weeks cannot compare to what is to come! Even the wars that cleared off all human life from Judgiollas and Pandorium shall pale in comparison to the fate the rest of this world shall suffer. 

Hasnt this world suffered enough? asked Logan angrily. He is appalled at Raven Darks cruel sense of self-righteousness. He was no better than Garibaldi. Maybe even ten times as worse. Many more perhaps.

Justice does not forgive, nor forget, and knows no mercy. Just like you Logan. A man after my own heart.

I am nothing at all like you or Garibaldi. I know what side of this conflict I belong on! Lazarus may not be here to stop you this time, but I am! The people still look up to me as their hero even in spite of my past being brought to light.

But will they still think of you as a hero when their enemies march upon this kingdom and raze it to the ground? Just how high must the corpses of those you failed tower before their peers lose all faith in their champion? Your unrelenting valor served you well and won you the respect of many. But now your own foolishness has assured nothing more than my victory. It is almost as if my fateful confrontation with Lazarus never happened!

He holds up the Sword of Judgment and stares into its blade as if in some kind of trance. With this sword, shall I formerly the knight Draven end all human life in this world and lead the Scourge into beginning a new era for humanity on your world! The sword has an insatiable appetite for justice and retribution. Soon now it shall feed!

The smile on Raven Darks face vanishes as he continues to stare into the crystal balde. Looking past him to the left side of the cross shaped hall, Logan sees that Albrecht has emerged from behind one of the stone dais and take aim with his crossbow before firing what could be the bolt to end the threat of the dark sorcerer forever.

But Raven Dark has already seen his reflection in the amethyst blade and quickly turns as a familiar rune glows through his mask. He holds up his hand and closes it as if to seize something unseen to the naked eye. The bolt halts itself in mid-air much to Albrechts horror. Raven Dark opens his hand, allowing it to fall to the floor with a clatter. 

Focusing on the statue next to Albrecht, he makes the motion of pulling something downward. Before the watchman knew what was happening, the statue breaks free and falls on top of him. Apparently the statue is too small to crush him flat and squeeze the life out of him. However, it is still heavy enough to pin him to the floor, leaving him defenseless.

Raven Dark approaches the fallen statue where Albrecht lies motionless underneath. The statue is obviously too heavy for him to lift. He cannot do a thing to move it. The sorcerer aims his blade towards Albrecht who glares back at him, unafraid and defiant.

Logan knew he had to act, even if it meant betraying the trust Raven Dark had in him. Even if the dark sorcerer would regard him as an enemy. Logan reaches for the scabbard inside his pocket.

No! A voice cries out. Logan watches as Penelope leaps over the balcony overlooking the hall. Upon landing, she charges forwards and leaps over the fallen statue, putting herself between the sorcerer and her lover. She readies her spear for battle. If you want him, youll have to get through me first!

Penelope no! Albrecht shouts. Hes too powerful! You fight him, you will lose! And not just the fight!

I know! said Penelope as Raven Dark prepares himself for battle. Logan remembered her vow to protect him no matter what, even if she had to fight a battle where she had no chance of winning. And now that moment had come. She loved him enough to sacrifice her own life for him. That was how strong and pure her love for him had become. Albrecht himself is powerless to help her and he now fears that he will lose her forever, unless Raven Dark kills him as well after taking Penelopes own life.

As the battle begins, Logan removes the scabbard from his pocket. If Penelope is to be saved from her fate of fighting a battle she cannot win and survive, she could at least distract the sorcerer long enough for Logan to get close enough to stab him with the dagger. 

He pulls the dagger up enough to reveal the crossguard. To his horror there is no sign of the pearl set within the quillion. What the? he gasps. He pulls the dagger fully out of the scabbard, revealing the blade to be constructed of steel.

No! he gasped. He remembered Claudios interest in the dagger and where it had been kept locked up. Had he stolen and replaced it with a normal one? Somehow he had pickpocketed the key from Murlock while the old wizard slept one night, replacing it once he had no further need of it. Without the dagger, there would be no chance of stopping Raven Dark.

Logan! Get Murlock! Penelope shouts. He is the only one who can free Albrecht!

Logan silently nods before taking out the communication stone and concealing himself behind one of the columns off to the sides of the hall.

Murlock, he speaks into the stone. Murlock!

The image of Murlock appears above the stone. What is it Logan?

I found Raven Dark. He is in the hall outside the throne room.

Then what are you waiting for? Use the dagger and do what Lazarus could not!

Impossible. Apparently Claudio has stolen the dagger created by Lazarus without our knowledge and replaced it with a non-magical one.

What?

What is worse, Albrecht is now pinned under a statue by Raven Dark and he cannot free himself. And Penelope is fighting him, a battle that she is not going to win.

Through it all, Logan peeks out from behind the pillar to watch the confrontation between the fallen knight and his opponent, a woman fighting to protect the man she loved. Unlike other confrontations with those who threatened either Albrecht or Leoric, there is no hate, anger, or rage upon her face. Just nothing more than a grim determination to protect those she loves. Logan already knew that Penelope was going to lose and the price of her final defeat would be her own life. Penelope herself knew when Raven Dark succeeded in defeating her that she would be killed. If the price of keeping Albrecht alive was her own life, so be it.

The Sword of Judgment clashed with Penelopes spear numerous times throughout the battle. But at one point she successfully punched Raven Dark with such force the raven mask falls off his face in two pieces, exposing his face.

Penelope is more concerned about saving Albrecht than her own life, he went on. 
You are the only one who can free Albrecht. We have to get him to safety otherwise Penelope will have died in vain.

Leoric should know about this! said Murlock. We will come as quickly as we can! His image fades away from atop the stone.

As Logan tosses the teleportation stone aside, he sees Penelopes spear seized by magical means as a familiar rune appears on the forehead of her foe. Raven Dark rapidly rotates his body around with his closed hands outstretched. Penelope herself is helpless as unseen forces lift her off her feet and spin her body in mid-air before hurling her across the hall. She loses her grip on the spear and lands on her back with a thud, sliding backward for about a yard before lying motionless. Her helmet is also torn off her head and lands nearby. This is the first time that one of the combatants has fallen.

Logan watches as Raven Dark approaches his fallen foe. Penelope has only barely begun to push herself up off the floor when the sorcerer outstretches one arm and summons a magical chain that wraps itself around her chest and arms. He draws his hand back, pulling Penelope up to her knees.

It was over. Penelope had been defeated and she knew it. Though she had succeeded in destroying the mask covering the upper portion of his face, in the end, it was not enough.

Raven Dark aims the blade of the Sword of Judgment towards her. Did you actually think you could defeat me lady knight?

Penelope lowers her head and shuts her eyes. No. Not even more a moment.

You are either brave or foolish to challenge someone when you are clearly outmatched.

I knew I couldnt win, I knew that this battle could only end with my defeat and death.

Then why? By now, the Sword of Judgment is beginning to crackle with lightning as it prepares to unleash its power upon its helpless victim. Were you that eager to throw your life away?

Penelope looks up into his eyes as if to peer into his soul. You think you are the only one who knows how it feels to have failed to protect those you love? I couldnt save my closest friend, my mother, or my grandparents. I still feel guilty and that guilt will never leave me, just as it never left you after you lost the woman you loved.

Now, the mist is emerging from the swords blade. Penelope once more lowers her face as if accepting her fate.

I would rather lose my life than lose someone else I love. As my final request, I ask that you spare Albrecht, otherwise I will have fought and died in vain!

Unexpectedly, the mist vanishes just as if is mere inches away from her face. The lightning also disappears. What is happening? Logan asked himself. Why is he hesitating?

Wait! Her words reflect her sympathy towards him. Could he feel the same way now that he understands her? Could the emotions that fuel the power of the sword have died away because of this internal conflict ignited by her words.

Raven Dark lowers his sword. The magical chain disappears. Another magical spell lifts her up off her knees and feet before he casts he aside where her back hits a stone dais supporting another knight statue. Her body slumps to the floor where she sits motionless.

Penelope! Albrecht exclaims. He struggles vainly against the statue restraining him to the floor. He clearly lacks the strength to free himself. Raven Dark completely ignores him as he walks down the carpet towards the southern hall of the chamber towards the main gate of the castle, vanishing into a cloud of smoke and dust.

Despite being defeated in combat, Penelope has succeeded in protecting Albrecht. Only her love for him and the empathy of Raven Dark had saved her from losing her life.

Once Raven Dark has vanished from the chamber, a pillar of sparkling light shines around the teleportation stone on the floor. It fades away, revealing both Murlock and Leoric. He points them in the direction of both Albrecht and the still form of Penelope.

As Leoric hurries over to his motionless daughter. Logan watches as the wizard focuses on the fallen statue before making motions with his hands as if slowly pushing something upward. Unseen forces lift the stone knight off Albrecht who rolls to the side before rising to his feet. He appears to have suffered no injuries as he is able to stand erect and has full mobility of his arms and legs.

Penelope! Albrecht shouts as he rushes to her side gets down on his knees. His assassination attempt failed and with no chance to make another, he now wants nothing more than to be at Penelopes side But he could not determine whether or not she was alive.

Penelope..., his voice breaks as he hugs her still form. Judging from his sorrow in his voice, if he knew for certain that she was dead, he would have pick up her fallen spear and thrust it through his own chest to reunite with her in the afterlife. Logan understood how he felt after having lost Katrina. The pain of that evening would stay with him until he drew his final breath.

Logan quickly explained everything that had happened. From Albrecht being pinned under the statue, foiling his assassination attempt to Penelope and her losing battle against Raven Dark and how he had spared her life instead of taking it with the power of his sword. Logan also shows Murlock the non-magical dagger he had in his possession instead of the one crafted and enchanted by his ancestor.

Through it all, the captain stares down at his daughter, mixed emotions showing themselves upon his face. Sadness as if he had seen the body of his beloved Charlotte once more. Pride of the courage his daughter displayed against incredible odds and that she destroyed his mask. Regret at not being there by her side to protect her. Anger at the fiend who could have killed his only child.

On top of everything, Logan added, the remaining soldiers in the Scourge have disguised themselves as guards.

Then we must be on our guard, said Murlock. If our enemies wear the armor of our kingdom, they will be difficult to detect. 

Where is Raven Dark? asked Leoric.

He has already headed towards the entrance hall of the castle, said Logan. He watches as the face of the captain contorts with anger before turning and charging down the southern hall in pursuit, one hand clutching the hilt of his sheathed sword before pulling it out.

Captain, no! Logan shouts. He is far too powerful!

But Leoric pays no heed to the warning as he continues on his way.

You must find Claudio and recover that dagger! said Murlock. It is our only hope of stopping Raven Dark!

Where is Janus? asked Logan.

No doubt searching for Claudio to pursue vengeance.

What about Albrecht? asked Logan.

Murlock glances towards Albrecht. The watchman is still embracing the still form of his lover.

Albrecht appears to have lost his will to fight at the moment, said Murlock. He should stay here with Penelope should she regain consciousness.

What about the captain, do you think he can hold off Raven Dark long enough? asked Logan.

We can only hope that the captain lives up to his reputation as the greatest swordsman in the kingdom. An equal to Raven Dark in every way, except in honor.

Raven Dark sent two of the remaining soldiers of the Scourge to find Claudio and help carry out the plan to aid his escape from the castle.

Then they must be preparing to take control over the gatehouse! said Murlock. 
We must hurry and stop them!

Go find Janus, said Logan. We may need his help. Where we find those two soldiers, we will surely find Claudio!
					#
Where are you Raven Dark! Leoric exclaims into the entrance hall of the castle.  His voice has all the fury of a father about to face the man who would have killed his own child.

Before parting ways with Murlock, Logan had given him the dagger in his possession. It would be of no use to him. Murlock promised to bring Janus to the entrance hall as quickly as possible, through the use of the teleportation stones if necessary.

Logan found the captain between the two stairways of the entrance hall. There appears to be no sign of the sorcerer. The two guards on the balcony above the gatehouse have drawn their bows, ready to let loose a volley of arrows upon the enemy if he dared to show his face. Their eyes scan the area searching for Raven Dark.

Logan sees two more guards step out onto the balcony of the gatehouse. Without warning, they shove both archers off, sending them plummeting down towards the stone floor. There is a sickening thud and crunch as their bodies make impact with the floor.

No!

A banging poof is heard as a familiar cloud bursts out of thin air. Raven Dark steps out, ready to accept Leorics challenge with the threat of the guards loyal to the captain gone.

Do you challenge me noble captain? asked Raven Dark. Without regard for what you are dealing with? Are you prepared to fight for your life in the name of your kingdom and the rest of the world? Your own ignorance and arrogance will be your downfall!

Leoric advances towards the sorcerer with the tip of his weapon pointed ominously towards his opponent. You have killed some of my finest knights, but do not think that because you defeated my daughter that I will fall so easily! I helped train her in everything there is to know about combat! There is pride in his voice at helping his daughter become the warrior she is.

Then you are a worthy opponent! said Raven Dark unsheathing his own sword.

Stand back Logan! said Leoric. Go clear the gatehouse!

Logan did not need to be told what to do. He raced up one of the stairways. As he ran alongside the railing on the floor above, he kept his eyes on the confrontation between the captain of the guard and the dark sorcerer. He also watches as the portcullis begins to raise itself. Though the way is clear for Raven Dark to escape, at the moment he would rather accept the challenge of the first worthy adversary he had fought since Lazarus.

As he approached the corridor to his left, another guard stepped out in front of him. Going somewhere traitor? he asked.

Is that you Claudio? Logan hissed as he skidded to a halt.

Who else? The guard asked as he opened the visor of the helmet, revealing his identity.

You were once the greatest knight this realm had ever known Draven! he heard Leoric shout as he and Raven Dark continue their duel. Now youre a disgrace to your armor!

It doesnt matter who I used to be, Raven Dark replied. What matters is who I am now! I am the true scourge of humanity and I am here to finish what Garibaldi started!

I see the capture of your friend has done nothing to weaken your resolve, said Claudio. So much for Revelin and that strategy. However, his plan to help our master escape is proceeding rather flawlessly.

Yet you didnt take into account of me stopping it! Without attracting his attention, Logan carefully removed the teleportation stone from his pocket and tossed it behind him.

I cannot allow you to do that Logan. While all the other guards loyal to the captain search the castle for our remaining comrades in disguise, they have no idea that we are preparing to escape undetected. Their failure to stop us will surely lower their morale in the battle to come.

It was a brilliant tactic on Revelins part to disguise ourselves as guards to gain entry to the gatehouse. We fooled them just as I fooled you and the girl!

So that was your pistol we found in that pile of dust and ash? asked Logan.

Of course! No one would ever suspect to look through them to find anything. And even if the two of you found it, so what? It is too late for this kingdom! The damage has been done! Our victory is assured! And as for you, the borrowed time Revelin granted you has run out. You have made your intentions quite clear. We will not risk any further chances!

Logan pulls out Claudios pistol, but before he could even take aim at his unprotected face, Claudio slaps his gauntlet covered fist against his hand, knocking the gun out of his grasp. He feels a tight grip upon his arms as someone grabs him from behind. A quick glance to his sides reveals the two disguised soldiers from inside the gatehouse.

Take him into the corridor! said Claudio. Out of Raven Darks line of sight!
Once he is inside the corridor, the two soldiers force Logan to the floor on his knees. One of them forces his hands behind his back. The other unsheathes his sword and grips the hilt tightly with both hands.

You should have quit while you were ahead Logan! sneered Claudio. Oh right! You are going to be a head!

The other two soldiers chuckle at this joke of his.

Take his head with you out of the castle and leave it beyond the city gates for everyone to see, said Claudio as he picks up his pistol. Then shutting the visor on his helmet, he walks runs further down the corridor, leaving Logan with his captors.

The last thing Logan sees before the soldier gripping his hands behind his back forces his head down is the second soldier raise his sword above his head. Your treachery ends now! he says triumphantly, not loud enough to attract the attention of Raven Dark. The Scourge now have their vengeance!

Beyond the corner of his vision, Logan sees a bright light surround the teleportation stone four feet away. What the? he hears the voice of the soldier with the sword shout. He glances up high enough to see Janus and Murlock emerge from the fading pillar. Murlock unsheathes the Sword of Iconoclast and holds it up above his head. Logan shuts his eyes tight just as the sword gives off a sudden flash of light. He hears shrieks of agony as his enemies are temporarily blinded. Logan opens his eyes to see the two disguised soldiers staggering in helplessness clutching at their eyes.

Janus bodychecks the soldier holding Logan captive and freeing him. Taking advantage of his freedom, Logan takes the soldier back out onto the floor overlooking the entrance hall before shoving him over the railing. As he watches the body fall to the floor with a satisfying thud, the impact breaking the neck, he sees Raven Dark swing his sword with such force that it cleaves Leorics own at the hilt, leaving the noble captain defenseless holding nothing more than a bladeless sword.

Where is Claudio? asked Janus.

He ran further down the corridor! Logan point down the direction where he had last seen Claudio. He sees a look of murderous fury upon the face of Janus as he pushes the remaining soldier over the railing to join his comrade in death. 

Claudio! It is time for him to answer for everything he has done! And I intend to see to it that he draws his last breath! The rest of his life is going to be measured in minutes!

How disappointing, Logan hears Raven Dark speak as Janus runs down the corridor. And here I thought I had finally found a worthy adversary other than Lazarus. He sees the sorcerer holding his sword towards Leoric. Tendrils of silent lightning begin to crackle across its blade.

Murlock, do something! Logan shouted. Seeing the danger Leoric is in, Murlock prepares a familiar spell. Raising his other hand above his head, the sword in his hand is pulled out of his grip by an unseen force and raised into the air, hovering before him.

Catch Leoric! Murlock shouts. With the motion of an overhand throw, he tosses the sword towards Leoric, directing its hilt towards the captains open hand. He drops his broken sword and takes the blade of Lazarus into his hand just mere seconds before the mist emerging from the Sword of Judgment can make contact with him. The mist draws itself backward as if sensing the aura of the Blade of Lazarus, refusing to come any closer. With the Sword of Iconoclast in his hands, Leoric is now immune to the power within Raven Darks weapon.

You dare to strike down your foe when he is unarmed? Leoric roars. You truly have no honor...Raven Dark! You depend too much on your own magic and the power of the Sword of Judgment. Fight like a man if you had any courage!

Logan watches the two men resume their duel, Leoric fighting with more passion than ever.

You must go after Claudio! said Murlock tossing Logan the teleporation stone he had dropped earlier. He has the dagger! Without it we have no chance of saving this world!

What about you? Logan asks Murlock.

I will close the castle gate and buy us some time. If you need my help, you know what to do, as you have the stones.

As Murlock hurries into the gatehouse to lower the portcullis, Logan hurries down the corridor after Janus in pursuit of Claudio.

Where are the two remaining soldiers? Are Penelope and Albrecht in danger? I should check up on them!

Logan keeps his eyes open for any sign of Claudio. But there is no sign of the Scourge spy anywhere. He could have gone down or up a stairway or even into one of the rooms of the castle. And in disguise as a guard, he could fool those loyal to Leoric and the kingdom. Only the gun he carried would give him away.

He found himself worrying for Albrecht and Penelope. Had she regained consciousness by now? If so, how soon before she would learn of the danger her father is in. How would she react if her father fell in battle with Raven Dark and she could not have done anything to prevent it? It would be like losing her mother, friend, and grandparents all over again.

He found two piles of dust that were all that remained of guards killed by the power of the Sword of Judgment. The armor is missing from them, not a good sign. Even worse, there is no sign of discarded guns buried within. 

How many guards are left within the palace who are still alive? How many gargoyles are left to fight them or help the remaining Scourge soldiers flee? What if Claudio intends to flee immediately? Should he succeed, the dagger would be lost, and the fate of the kingdom sealed.

Where was Janus? He had been the first to give chase after Claudio. But now there is no sign of him and Logan had lost sight of him when ran off after shoving the second soldier to his death. Logan himself is more familiar with the layout of the castle than Janus as his friend had spent much of his time locked up within the dungeon. Janus could easily get lost however.

Down to the right he sees two stairways, one leading down, the other going up. To the left, he sees the familiar passage leading to the area overlooking the hall leading into the throne room. Racing over to the balcony he looks over the railing to see Albrect still clinging to the motionless form of Penelope.

Good! He thought to himself. They are safe. They have not been attacked in their defenseless state by Claudio or any other remaining soldiers. However, as Penelope had still not regained consciousness and Albrecht still not moving from her side, I cannot count on their help right now, as much as it would be appreciated.

Footsteps are heard behind him. He had only just turned when a gauntlet covered fist clutching a pistol whips through the air and strikes his face before shoving him over the railing. Penelope had leaped over the railing earlier to challenge Raven Dark, landing upon her feet. But tumbling down headfirst, he would break his neck upon landing in this position just as what happened to the two soldiers he and Janus had thrown over earlier.

Fortunately from where he had fallen, a steel rod from which hung a tapestry is built into the wall. He seizes the rod with a tight grip in order to save himself. The rod is more than strong enough to support his weight as he hangs from it with the floor about eighteen feet feet below him. At this height, if he were to let go, he would probably sprain his ankles upon landing. A more physically fit person with a stronger body such as Penelope could land on her feet without hurting herself. He would need to land on something to cushion the fall or rely on the help of Murlock to land safely.

He heard the click of a gun above him. He looked to see Claudio himself having just taken off the safety latch. You managed to be more trouble than any of us thought you were! said Claudio. Now the greatest so-called hero this world had ever know meets his end!

Logan knew there would be no way to defend himself in this position, unless he allowed himself to fall. He realized that he had no choice and risk whatever injury the fall inflicted to save himself. But Claudio would still have the advantage of a higher position from which to shoot.

Stop! a voice calls out. Logan breathes a sigh of relief to recognized the voice.

Janus! Claudio hisses.

We meet again Claudio, said Janus, his voice tainted with anger and hate. For the last time! 

Pulling himself up higher onto the rod he clung to, Logan reaches into his pocket and takes out the teleportation stone before tossing it up and over the railing. With Claudio distracted by Janus, he had a chance to take all steps necessary to save himself. Next, he takes out the communication stone. Murlock! I need you here! Feeling the strain of holding himself up with one arm, he quickly replaces the stone back into his pocket and once more holds on tightly with both arms. He feels the strain weaken as the strength holding him up increases.

Recognize this? he hears Claudio speak above him. It was the same weapon that spilled the blood of Priscilla! Now it is only fitting that it reunites the both of you. And this time, the bullet will strike its intended target without your foolish meddling. Remember what happened to Priscilla that night when she died because of you?

You pulled the trigger! said Janus angrily.

It was still your fault. You should have just given me her pearl necklace! Maybe then none of this would be happening. Even if you do kill me, it doesnt matter. It will not restore your name or reputation among those who knew you. They will forever call you a wife murderer and baby killer.

Maybe. But seeing your blood flowing from the wounds I inflict upon your corpse will bring a smile to my face and ease my torment to know that her true killer has been brought to justice.

As the two men argue, Logan sees a pillar of light above him shine. Several moments pass before he sees Murlock emerge and appear over the railing looking down at him. A familiar rune glows on his forehead as he makes the motion of grabbing something around the sides. Logan feels unseen forces clutch his waist. 
Logan, let go! Trust me!

Logan releases his grip on the rod. He did not expect himself to fall, trusting Murlock and his word. He also did not expect himself to be floating in mid-air as if held there by invisible wings. Murlock slowly lowers his arms, maintaining the position of holding something. Logan feels himself slowly lowered to the floor. As he touches down, he hears the moan of a woman awaking from a long sleep. He sees Penelope, having regained consciousness lift her arms and embrace Albrecht, grateful for the fact that he is still alive and that she has succeeded in saving him. Albrecht also is greatly relieved and joyful of her recovery as he tightens his own embrace before helping Penelope up to her feet.

The distant sound of clanging swords by now is gradually becoming louder.  Logan sees Leoric and Raven Dark still engaged in a sword duel, their battle driven back away from the gate and now in the southern part of this hall.

Murlock tosses down the teleportation stone towards Logan, slowing its descent with a familiar spell. Logan catches it, keeping his eyes on the confrontation between Leoric and Raven Dark, knowing that he had to hurry and recover the dagger from Claudio. As skilled and powerful a warrior Leoric was, even in the end he would fall before Raven Dark, once the greatest knight this world had ever known.

Father? Penelope gasps at the sight of what is left of her family fighting the dark sorcerer who earlier had defeated her, but spared her life. Judging from the tone in her voice, she fears that the moment when her father dies for his country has come. Father!

No Penelope! Leoric shouts. Though his happiness at her recovery shows itself in his voice, there is still fear for her safety. Stay back!

Logan sees Albrecht grabs his crossbow from where it lay. Reloading a new bolt, he takes aim at Raven Dark.

Albrecht no! Penelope shouts. You might hit father! Albrecht nods in understanding, not wanting to take the risk of striking the captain and killing what was left of his lovers family. He lowers his weapon.

Logan quickly rubs the stone, engulfing his vision with a bright colorless light. Moments later, he finds himself floating off the floor. He feels his feet touch down upon solid ground again as the light fades away, depositing him safely upon the floor above a few yards behind Claudio who is completely unaware of his presence.

Down below, Logan sees the swords of Raven Dark and Leoric clash yet again, this time with enough force to disarm both combatants, sending their swords flying in opposite directions.

Truly, we have met our match! said Leoric. But instead of retrieving his own weapon, the Sword of Iconoclast, he picks up the Sword of Judgment and tightly grips the hilt with both hands, using every ounce of his strength to hold on as if the future of his kingdom and people depended upon it.

And here I thought you were an honorable man, said Raven Dark, if you will not even let me retrieve my weapon!

What would you know about honor? Leoric growled. For the sake of my kingdom and its people, I cannot allow you to lay your hands upon this weapon!

But Raven Dark only laughed. You underestimate me noble captain! A mistake that will now cost you dearly!

There is no greater tragedy than justice denied, Claudio says triumphantly as he closes the visor on his helmet to protect his face. But on this occasion, I consider it a comedy! He takes aim at Janus as his finger approaches the trigger slowly as if savoring this moment.

Murlock casts a familiar spell once more and reaches forward with both hand and makes the motion of touching his palms to a solid surface before pulling backward. Unseen forces yank Claudio off his feet as the helmet is pulled from his head, exposing his head and leaving it vulnerable. Finally alerted to the presence of those behind him, he turns, a look of shock etched over his face as he sees Logan.

You! How did you?

Enough talk Claudio! Now hand it over!

Hand what over?

Dont play stupid Claudio! Hand over the dagger my ancestor forged. The dagger you stole!

Dagger? asked Claudio. What dagger? His face becomes a mask of mocking triumph. Oh, that dagger! The so-called trophy that Revelin claimed as his own.

What?

Youre too late Logan! I already handed it over to Revelin! And he has gone back to our new base. There is no chance you could ever get it back now.

No! Murlock gasped.

No!

With the dagger in our possession, humanity is left with little chance. Now that you know it is futile to fight any longer, surrender is imminent!

With Claudios back turned, Janus seizes his chance. Lunging forward, he takes out a familiar looking dagger. For you Priscilla! he shouts. Claudio never had a chance to react as Janus buries the blade into the side of his neck. Claudio opens his mouth but instead of a cry of agony comes only a gasp. A crimson line begins to run down his neck from between the skin and the blade.

This is for my unborn children! Janus shouts. He removes the dagger from the neck, slicing downward as he pulls it out. The released pressure causes a surge of blood out from the severed carotid artery, painting the nearby wall and floor. Claudio claps a hand over the wound to slow the flow of blood, but his precious life fluids flow between his fingers. At this point Logan knew that Claudio was a goner and that he would bleed to death in less than a minute. But Janus isnt finished yet. He wrenches the pistol from his hand.

And this is for everything I have suffered since then! Janus repeatedly pulls the trigger, emptying the gun into the one man he hates more than any other. The first and second bullets pierce through the breastplate he wears and bury into his stomach, one for both the son and daughter Janus lost. Claudio finally finds his voice again and screams in pain. The third and fourth bullets hit both legs and bring him to his knees. The fifth shot weakens his grip on his neck and opens a slight gap between his hand and the severed artery behind the torn flesh. The final shot penetrates his skull and lodges itself in his brain to deliver the justice that had been long deserved.

As Janus finally takes his vengeance, Logan peers over the railing and sees Leoric wrestling to retain control of the Sword of Judgment as Raven Dark casts a spell to seize the sword with unseen forces. Clasping his hands together upward and hastily pulling them down to his own chest, Raven Dark magically drives the amethyst blade into Leorics chest despite the captains efforts. Strengthened by the magic propelling itself, the sword easily penetrates Leorics armor.

No! Penelope screams. No father! No!

Leoric falls to his knees as his hands lose their grip on the sword. Blood flows from around the blade as Raven Dark triumphantly seizes the hilt. Silent tendrils of lightning dance from the exposed portions of the blade as the captain is engulfed in a cloud of transparent mist erupting from within. He gasps as if suddenly finding himself unable to breathe. Logan expected the captains body to wither and become emaciated and gaunt as if thinning itself over his skeleton. But nothing happens.

Raven Dark pulls the sword out of his opponent and Leoric finally recovers his voice. You...have no honor...Raven Dark!

I must admit, said Raven Dark, you put up a good fight. But not good enough!
Raven Dark sheaths his sword and uses a magic spell to toss Leoric aside.

Father! Penelope cries as she hurries to his side.

Why is she not attacking Raven Dark in rage at what he has done?

Logan hears the sound of a clatter and turns away to see that Janus has tossed away the empty gun. He forces Claudio up to his feet before shoving him over the railing and sending him crashing to the floor below. Logan watches as a smile spreads over the face of his friend at the sound of the impact.

Looking over the railing, Logan saw that death had done nothing to slow or stop the flow of blood. Yet it is difficult to determinate what had finally ending Claudios suffering: the impact, or loss of blood. Janus peers down at the corpse, scrunches up his face, puckers up his lips, and spits downward. Good riddance!
Rest in peace Priscilla! Your death has been avenged! But although the spy working for the Scourge has been justly punished for his treachery, the fruits of his work still thrive. And with the dagger in the possession of Revelin....

Murlock uses a spell to safely lower one of the teleportation stones to the floor below. Logan activates the second stone together with Murlock and Janus. Janus walks over to Claudios corpse and kicks the body repeatedly. Logan hurries after Raven Dark in pursuit with Murlock behind him, running past Penelope who in on one knee at her fathers side. Albrecht is also at her side.

Raven Dark stands alone in the entrance hall before the closed castle gate as if waiting for something to happen. Mere minutes earlier it had been opened, but now it had been closed. Murlock had done well to seal the gate. Leoric had held off Raven Dark long enough for the gate to close and now the sorcerers escape has been cut off.

The sound of metal sliding upon stone is heard. Logan skids to a halt in horror as the portcullis raises.

What? Murlock exclaims. What are the guards I posted to secure the guard house doing?

Those arent guards! said Logan. They are the two remaining Scouge soldiers!

No! Murlock shouts.

As Raven Dark steps through the gates to freedom, the portcullis closes behind him, preventing anyone from giving chase. The two disguised soldiers emerge onto the balcony, open the visors of their helmets, and draw Tommy Guns, aiming their barrels at Logan.

How could I have been so stupid? Murlock curses himself as Logan prepares to defend himself.

Diving behind one of the dais as the soldiers open fire on him, Logan peeks out to see the soldiers taking aim at Penelope and Leoric. Still grieving over the bleeding form of her father, Penelope is unaware the the danger she is in. Albrecht however has been alerted to the sound of gunshots as he charges into the entrance hall to provide backup. Janus himself also appears to join the fray.

Though Murlock has taken cover behind another dais, Logan knows he cannot rely on the wizard to aid him now. He sees Murlock clutching his head with both hands and shaking it. Stricken with guilt over the role he unwittingly played, the wizard would not be able to concentrate in battle with a spell to assist. Still, with Albrecht and Janus to even the odds and distract the soldiers, Murlocks charms could allow Logan to pursue Raven Dark.

Murlock, the teleportation stones! he shouts. I need them to pursue Raven Dark! The old wizard takes out the stones and tosses them to him. Hurry!

With the soldiers focusing their attention on Albrecht, Janus, Penelope, and Leoric, Logan makes his way towards the gate. Albrecht shoots off a crossbow bolt at one of the soldiers, striking him between the eyes before he can fire at Penelope. The gun he carries falls from his grasp to the floor below. His body soon follows, hitting the floor behind Logan as he approaches the gate.

As Logan tosses one of the stones through the open steel, he turns to see Janus taking aim at the second soldier and opening fire. After a short burst, the soldiers gun and body fall to the floor near the first soldier. With this death, the Scourge have been successfully driven from the castle, the battle against them won.

Activating the second stone, Logan immediately finds himself standing beyond the portcullis. Leaving both teleportation stones on the floor, Logan hurries after Raven Dark into the courtyard.

Outside the courtyard, most of the bodies of civilians have been dragged away out into the city. Only a few remaining wounded remain together with the corpses of slain Scourge soldiers and gargoyles. Some of the guards outside see Raven Dark and prepare themselves for battle, only to be quickly reduced to a pile of dust and ash burying their armor and weapons. A crowd is gathered outside the opened gates, witnessing the power commanded by the sword. Screams of terror and horror are heard upon the breeze.

Triumphantly holding the Sword of Judgment to the sky, Raven Dark sneers at the civilians gathered outside the gate and at the guards around the ramparts surrounding the gatehouse. The guards take aim with bows and crossbows, ready to defend the civilians if necessary.

Logan sees Kain and Gwendolyn dragging one of the few remaining wounded towards the gate. Raven Dark sheathes the sword and stares in their direction. Knowing what is to come, Logan hurries forward as fast as his legs could carry him. He sees a rune trace itself upon the forehead of the sorcerer as he stretches his arms forward in their direction. His gauntlets glow with a reddish orange glow.

Kain, Gwendolyn, Edward shouts from behind the open gates, standing at the front of the crowd, watch out!

Kain and Gwendolyn stop what they are doing, the body they carry slowing down any chance of escape.

Gwendolyn, run! Kain shouts. Save yourself!

I wont leave you! Gwendolyn shouts back.

Whatever emotional conflict Raven Dark suffered preparing to finish off Penelope earlier is strangely bereft. Perhaps it was because the two lovers are prepared to die together instead of one sacrificing himself or herself to protect the other, and he is unable to empathize.

No! Logan screams as he throws himself in front of Kain and Gwendolyn just as Raven Dark summons a surge of flame erupting from the throat of an invisible dragon in their direction.

You fool! Raven Dark shouts.

He stands silently as the spell engulfs him, the screams of the civilians at the sight of their champion bathed in flames overwhelming his senses. He knew that the people fear that this could be the end of their hero, whose death shall destroy all morale. But through it all Logan feels only a tingling sensation as his bloodline shields him from the power of the spell. Any other less fortunate soul would instead feel intense pain from the burning flames.

The last time a spell had been used against him was during the final confrontation with Garibaldi. Now Raven Dark would finally understand the true reason for why Garibaldi could not kill him with magic.

The flames draw back towards Raven Darks gauntlets, exposing Logan to the civilians. The sounds of relieved sighs mixed together with puzzled murmurs fill the air. Logan turns behind him to see Kain and Gwendolyn completely unharmed, both staring at him in a combination of gratitude for saving them, and shock at the fact he hasnt been affected by the spell.

Both Edward and Minerva are not at all surprised at all by what has happened.

It cannot be! Its impossible! Logan turns to see Raven Dark staring open-mouthed at the sight before him: a man completely unharmed even by a magical conflagration.

Thats enough! Logan shouts stepping forward towards the dark sorcerer. Without the dagger this was his last chance to stop Raven Dark through reason and diplomacy. This has gone far enough Raven Dark!

No mere man could survive a spell of that power! said Raven Dark. Who are you exactly Mr. Logan?

Look all around you Raven Dark! Logan motioned to their surroundings in the courtyard at all the dead bodies of the Scourge and the few remaining wounded innocents. You claim everything you have done was all in the name of the woman you loved! But isnt there a time to draw the line between justice and mindless vengeance? Do you think she would approve of what you have done? Do you think she would condone your actions? He reaches into his pocket and pulls out the box containing the Ring of Lazarus. He flips the lid back and reveals the ring to Raven Dark. He sees the face of his foe become a mask of surprise, eyes widened at the sight of the jewel. Why not ask her yourself? He shouts as he tosses the box forward, where it lands at the feet of Raven Dark.

The sorcerer stares down the ring for several silent seconds before lifting his eyes. That ring belonged to the family of he who struck me down! How come you possess   He stops in mid-sentence as if pondering something that has come to mind. Several more silent moments pass before his widened eyes narrow. Ah. I understand now. So that is why my disciple could not kill you with magic that evening. Perhaps he is not the weakling I believed him to be.

Logan turns to the crowd. I need healers inside the castle. Some of the guards are injured and Leoric is mortally wounded.

Captain Leoric? asked Minerva, her voice echoing in the winds with shock.

Several healers, including Maria herself hurry through the open gate towards the castle. By now someone should have opened the gate to allow entry. If not, they would have to use the teleportation stones. Maria is familiar with their usage. Perhaps she could teach the others how to do so.

What are you waiting for Raven Dark? asked Logan. Dont you believe Fiona deserves to know what her love has done in her name? Ask her! If Janus himself had realized the error of his ways after speaking to his wife, perhaps the same would happen for Raven Dark.

I believe I shall! said Raven Dark. He removes the ring from the box and holds it up to the sky. Come to me...my beloved Fiona! The ring begins to sparkle as the surrounding area is engulfed in a rosy light. The spirit of a beautiful woman whom Logan had seen once before in a vision shown him by Raven Dark appears from thin air.

Fiona? Raven Dark gasps. Is it really you, my love?

Draven! Fiona turns to him. Is that you? Is it! It is like a dream come true. She looks him over. You look different Draven. I do not recognize the armor you wear.

Fiona, when you were murdered by the people who you had saved, I could no longer allow myself to serve the kingdom. I refused to stand by an allow your death to go unpunished. I gave up my knighthood and found new purpose by mastering the art of magic, joining my father and brother down the path they had previously chosen, a path you risked your own life to walk.

I did not regret the path I chose Draven, even as I was tied to the stake. Not even in the final moments of my life did I regret the choice I made. Without my help, the kingdom would not have survived the drought.

If only she knew!

Draven, tell me, how is Judgiollas? she asked.

I do not go by the name Draven anymore, said Raven Dark. Now I go by the name of Raven Dark. And as for Judgiollas, the kingdom has been destroyed and brought to ruin.

What? Fiona gasped.

Logan found himself wondering how Fiona would react to the actions of the man she loved in life. Would she condemn him as Priscilla had done for Janus? And how would Raven Dark react? Would he be brought to his senses from the brink of madness?

The people of Judgiollas are no more, said Raven Dark. Thanks to my magic and the minions I summoned, they have been justly punished for your death. Your murder has been avenged.

You have done what? Fiona gasped.

Everything I have done was in your name. All the blood I have shed, all the destruction I have wrought, and all that I have yet to do was done to honor your memory.

No! Fiona shouted in horror and anger. Do you realize what you have done?
Raven Darks smile disappears. What?

In destroying Judgiollas, you have undone everything I have done to save the kingdom. I accepted the risks and the curse of following the path your brother set me upon. And if my life was ultimately the price I paid to save the people who could not tolerate such power, so be it.

Though I spared Judgiollas its fate, it suffered a more horrific end because of your selfishness and refusal to forgive. Through your actions you have rendered my sacrifice in vain! How can I ever rest peacefully in the afterlife knowing that the man I loved tarnished my legacy with the blood of innocent people? To know that the noble knight who professed to love me has disgraced my memory with so much senseless death.

Raven Darks face has become a mask of shock and horror in the face of his loves admonishing speech.

I loved you Draven, back when you were a man of great courage and honor. But I cannot love the man who has undone my lifes work and sullied my name with blood. I gave my heart to you...and you have broken it. You betrayed everything you stood for, including the woman you loved! And for that, I can only pray that a hero will arise to stop you.

Fionas image fades away as the pink illumination surrounding the area is drawn back into the ring. Raven Dark stands in horrified silence, stilling holding the ring in his hand. He falls to his knees with his face lowered in sorrow, as if the weight thrust upon his soul by the words of his love is too great for him to bear.
Logan could do nothing but wait. Would Raven Dark unsheathe the sword of Judgment and thrust it through his chest, destroying its power and ending his own life in an attempt to salvage whatever honor he had left. Would such a final act of atonement be enough to win Fionas forgiveness?

Logan turned to look back at the crowd staring beyond the gates. Edward and Minerva stare with pity and sympathy towards Raven Dark. Even the guards above the walls have set aside their bows and crossbows as if the war itself has ended.
More than ever, Logan found himself wondering how Katrina would react if he summoned her with the ring and confessed his actions to her. Would he lose her just as both Janus and Draven had lost theirs?

Finally Raven Dark lifts his head up towards Logan. Gone is the sorrow, grief, and despair. Now there is nothing left but a glare of anger and pain. He forces himself up to his feet and tosses the ring forward. It rolls along the courtyard pavement and rests aside one of Logans boots. Raven Dark kicks the empty box towards Logan.

One of the guards once more takes up his bow and lets loose an arrows towards where Raven Dark kneels. A light begins to glow in the form of a familiar run upon Raven Darks forehead as he turns towards the sound of the bowstring and closes one hand while focusing on the arrow. The arrow halts itself in mid-air to the shock of the crowd. Gasps are heard in Logans ears as the arrow falls to the pavement with a clatter after Raven Dark opens his fist.

Look at what you have done Logan! He hears the hissing voice of the sorcerer as he bends over to pick up the ring and box. As he replaces the ring back into the box, he  hears the sorcerer speak again, a voice containing a new emotion he had not heard in Raven Darks tone since that evening before Garibaldi died after a sword was magically thrown into his chest. One combining anger, disgust, and hate.

Her memory of the love we shared together was all I had left! I did what I could to honor her memory to keep her alive within my soul. That is the sole purpose for which I forsook my knighthood, a pledge I could no longer allow myself to obey in the light of her senseless death. My one and only purpose since then has been to uphold justice in her name. His face darkens with rage. And now...I no longer have anything to honor! Even after her death, I gave her my heart...my love...my soul. That is what you, my brother, and the people have taken from me!

There was a time when I saw you as my greatest ally! That time is now at an end! Now you are my enemy as much as your ancestor was. Even more so than my own brother! If you think you have spared humanity its fate through her words, you are terribly mistaken! I will never forgive humanity for what it has done! For the crimes it has committed against her and the rest of my kind!

If you think this changes anything, you are correct! If you believed you could change humanitys fate, you succeeded! From this day onward my new goal is the complete and utter destruction and annihilation of the human race! This world and your own shall be devoid of all human life...all thanks to you and your foolishness!

Oh no! 

Logan expects the dark sorcerer to unsheathe the Sword of Judgment and unleash its power against him in vengeance. But instead Raven Dark transforms himself into the form of a giant raven. With an ominous caw, the raven takes flight up into the sky towards the cloud within which floats the castle of the kingdom Draven once served. The frightened crowd can do nothing but watch as the bird becomes nothing more than a dark spot in the sky, its color and texture made by the clouds the color of dust and corroded armor as if to symbolize the weakened defense of the kingdom.

It was finally over. The battle against the Scourge in this kingdom had been won. But Logan found himself wondering if they had ultimately lost the war. Raven Dark had fled. The Sword of Judgment was back in his possession. All their efforts to keep it out of his hands had been in vain. The dagger forged by Lazarus, the key to winning the war, had been intercepted by the Scourge. Agnes had once again been taken hostage. And captain Leoric was surely not long for this world.

I have failed! These people depended on me to help turn the tide of the battle. That was the reason which I was summoned back. But now all it seems I have accomplished was deal the killing blow. Some savior I turned out to be!

Logan! he heard Murlock shout. You had better get in here! Logan looked all around for the old wizard, but found him nowhere. Perhaps his voice had been amplified by magic.
					#
Inside the castle throne room, the wounded guards are being tended to by the healers. Some of them have suffered nothing more than a few scratches. Others have had gashes inflicted upon their flesh.  Their armor had done little to turn back the talons of the gargoyles. Fortunately, Murlock still had plenty of the magical healing salve to spare. The more severely injured guards have had to remove their armor in order for the healers to work.

In total, during the course of the battle, the kingdom had suffered a total loss of about eighteen guards. Ninety-six civilians outside had been wounded. Seven guards were injured during the defense of the castle, four of whom require more medical aid than the others.

Logan found his mother helping tend to Leoric. Murlock and a small gathering of uninjured guards stand nearby surrounding their leader. A look of grim foreboding gloom is drawn upon Murlocks face. Penelope is refusing to leave her fathers side. Albrecht watches over her with great concern both for the captain and for his lover.

Logan sees his mother shake her head sorrowfully with eyes closed. There is nothing that can be done. she said. I am sorry.

What is wrong with him? asked Logan.

It is more than just the wound inflicted by the sword thrusting through his chest, said Murlock. When my brother activated the power of the sword, it ravaged his body on the inside. Not only are his internal organs severely damaged, but the captain is also suffering from blood poisoning. He will not live to see the night fall.

No..., Penelope moans.

Logan hears the doors to the throne room open. He turns to see King Edward and Queen Minerva enter. They walk past the injured guards lying upon blankets set on the floor, surveying the scenery before coming to a stop before where Leoric lies.
Leoric coughs as he continues to fight the battle against his own body, one he knows he cannot win. Maria and her partner step away. All we can do now is make him as comfortable as possible until death claims him, she said.

Father...., Penelope kneels at her fathers side as one of the healers props a pillow underneath the captains head.

Penelope, said Leoric, I have served Iconoclast for nearly three decades and I am proud to give my life in service to this country. My only regret was never being there for you growing up, or your mother that fateful evening.

Watching what could be the final time father and daughter had with each other reminded Logan of the last time he had seen his own father before he had gone off to fight in the war. If he had known that he would have never seen his father alive again, he would have had a more emotional farewell.

I have had many successes as a soldier, as a leader of men and women, and as a man of honor. But as a father...as a lover...when it comes to family, I am a failure. Though I have upheld my familys honor, it came at great cost to myself. I am no better than my own father for giving more to this kingdom than to you and your mother.

No, said Penelope. You were every bit the father I wanted. The father I needed.

Leoric coughs. 

You have grown much since you completed your training, said Leoric. His voice is now beginning to weaken. Father Death is slowly approaching. You displayed great courage against incredible odds fighting Raven Dark even though you could not win. Your strength, skills, and courage as a warrior are still needed for the final battle.

You have demonstrated that you are a better judge of character than myself. I was wrong to misjudge both Albrecht and Murlock, men of great courage and character. But the one person I misjudged more than any other was you, my own child. I believed your compassion was your greatest weakness. I was wrong. It was that compassion that helped Albrecht become the man he is now. The strength within your own heart is your greatest trait as both a woman and a warrior. And I want you to know I couldnt be more proud to have a daughter like you.

Penelopes eyes glisten with the tears beginning to water them. Whether they are out of pride of hearing her fathers words or the sorrow of his approaching end, Logan could not tell.

Leoric reaches up with his arms as if wanting to embrace his child one last time, but his body has become too weak to lift itself. Penelope seizes the opportunity, knowing she will never have another chance. She lifts her father up off his back and embraces him.

Your comrades at arms have developed great respect for you during this war, more so than they ever had during your service, Leoric rasps. It is only right that now they will look up to you.

Father?

Penelope, from this moment onward, my burden is yours to bear. You have proven yourself brave, a good judge of character, and stout of heart, more so than myself. It is only right that you should take my place as the new captain of the guard.

Father...,

Your mother and I helped train you to be the warrior you are today. The kingdom doesnt need me anymore. But it needs you more than ever. He cough one last time, weaker than the others. His time is clearly running out. Just as we need you...to be...strong.

Father, you cannot die! Penelope says with a cracking voice.

I am proud to die...for my country, Leoric says with a smile. Just as I am proud...to be...your...father...!

He takes several soft breaths before falling silent. His arms fall away from Penelopes sides back to his own.

Father? Penelope gasps. But there is no reply. As she loosens her grip on Leoric, his body falls back with his head resting once more on the pillow.

The guards surrounding them take off their helmets as put them to their hearts as a final respect towards their fallen captain. Logan takes off his own hat and places it over his own chest. Everyone except Penelope lowers their heads in silence over the now lifeless body of Leoric. 

Father! Wake up! Penelope shakes her fathers still form. Dont leave me!

Penelope..., Albrecht speaks gently as he lays a hand upon her shoulder, hes dead.

No! Father! No! One of the healers sadly drapes a black blanket over the corpse, covering him from head to toe. Penelope rests her head upon the spot covering her fathers breastplate and weeps into one arm. Just as she had lost her closet friend in childhood, her mother and grandparents that fateful evening a thousand years ago, now she had lost her father, the last surviving family she had left.
Albrecht gets down on one knee and gently drapes an arm over her shoulders and around her neck with one lowered hand. For several moments, all is silent save for Penelopes sniffles.

I cannot help but feel that this is all my fault. I never should have taken the Sword of Judgment from the monastery. Maybe then the captain might still be alive.

So, one of the guards finally speaks up, what are our orders captain?

Excuse me? Penelope lifts her head.

We follow you now, said the guard. We are awaiting our orders.

Are you crazy? Penelope shouts, stricken by grief. Your former captain, my father, has been dead for a minute and now you expect me to lead?

It is the captains final wish Penelope. Or rather, captain Penelope!

You are not the only one who lost loved ones, said another guard. But I will not let my grief stop me from fighting for my kingdom. And neither should you!

I..., Penelope sniffles. No! I cant do this! Im not fit to lead! Before anyone can react, Penelope flees the throne room. No one is able to stop her. The doors slam themselves behind her.

Poor Penelope, said Minerva. She has done so much for this kingdom and now she has lost her entire family. All we can do now is let her grieve.

There is no time for that! one of the guards shouts. As we speak, the Scourge are preparing a final invasion, due to arrive soon! We are in no position to rally our forces together to amount a proper defense!

What a nightmare, said Logan. The kingdoms defenses have fallen. The Sword of Judgment is in the hands of Raven Dark as if the dagger forged by my ancestor. The former captain of the guard is dead and his successor overwhelmed with despair. 
And so many people are injured or dead.

At least the spy planted in this kingdom has been justly punished for his deceit and treachery, said Edward.

But the damage has already been done, said Murlock. How could I have been so blind? How could I have fallen for his tricks? How could I have allowed this to happen?

Murlock, if anyone is to blame for this disaster, said Logan, its me!

Logan, you cant take all the blame, said Murlock. Part of it rests upon my shoulders as well.

No, Logan shook his head as he trudges up the stairs towards the thrones. I gave Raven Dark the means to communicate with Fiona. Just as Priscilla had done for Janus, now Fiona has condemned Draven for his actions. He now considers me his enemy even more than he does you. He sinks down into one of the thrones. Maybe it would have been better for this world if I had never come back. Maybe then none of this would have happened!

Logan, if you had not come back, we could not have come this close to victory over the Scourge, said Edward.

Yet in the end, all I did was snatch our final defeat from the jaws of victory! He takes out the ring of Lazarus and opens the box, staring angrily into the jewel. Revelin was right! All I did was sully the legacy of my love! Some hero I turned out to be! He tosses the box to the floor in front of him, the ring falling out and tumbling down the short stairway leading down from the thrones. Garibaldi was right! I am no better than the Scourge!

In the end, it appears that Revelin has succeeded in breaking me. This was our most desperate battle yet and even all my best efforts were not enough.  How can I continue to be the hero humanity needs if the will to fight is gone? 

At the mention of Garibaldis name, the surrounding area is engulfed in a sparkling rosy light as the ring begins to shine and sparkle.

I never thought I would see the day when you would say such a thing Logan, he hears a familiar voice. Raising his head, Logan sees the familiar form of the Scourges founder.

And here I thought you were a true champion of justice, fighting for the greater good of all mankind! Garibaldi said.

Logan sighed. Look all around you Garibaldi. So much has happened during this war all because of me! Raven Dark once more walks the land. The most feared weapon to have ever existed in this world is back in his possession. The captain of the guard is dead as are over a hundred other innocents this day. All because of my own foolishness!

I thought you foolish when you first marched against the Scourge, said Garibaldi. When you waged a one-man war against your former comrades. Yet against all odds, you succeeded.

Ha! All I did was place the people of this world in greater danger after your curse was lifted! Because of me they now face extermination! Everything I fought for has led up to this moment. All my work has been for naught!

Lazarus depended on me to save this world from Raven Dark. Now I have only ensured its doom!

There is another sparkle of light from the jeweled ring as another figure appears from nowhere. It is the form of a spirit whom he had seen almost a week ago in the tower of the abandoned chapel where Lazarus had died.

It is not over yet Logan, said Lazarus. Only a fool would accept defeat when there is still a chance for victory.

Logan shook his head. There is no chance! The dagger you created has fallen into the hands of the enemy. There is no way that we could ever gain entry to the castle floating in the clouds.

Logan, many of my brethren believed that the dream of a world where our kind could co-exist peacefully with humanity was just that, a dream. Many of my kin abandoned that dream over the years.

And it appears that the dream became reality, said Garibaldi. But there were not many left to enjoy it, my own father among them.

And soon, there will be no one left to suffer the horrors of this war any longer, said Logan. In the end, all I really accomplished was undo the lifework of many who struggled for that dream!

It is too soon to say that, said Lazarus.

How can you say that? asked Logan. I do no know if even Murlock knows a spell to help anyone reach the castle up in the clouds. Raven Dark is stronger and more powerful than ever. The world is lost! It is as if everything you fought for and sacrificed your life for no longer matters.

What would the woman you loved say if she heard you say that?

Logan arose from the throne with renewed anger flowing through his boiling blood. 
Dont you dare mention her name! Need I remind you who ordered her to be killed, branding her a coward and a traitor?

Logan, she would not have given up as easily as you have, said Garibaldi. The fruits of my lifework still thrive and grow. Unless Raven Dark is stopped, my sacrifice will have been in vain and my soul will not rest so long as I am denied justice for Raven Darks sins.

I have news for you Garibaldi, Logan hissed, Raven Dark now intends to destroy the human race. The next age of humanity you planned has become total genocide, thanks to me! The world is left with little chance.

There is always a chance, said Lazarus. Life is full of them. And if we do not allow ourselves to take them, what good can we make of our own existence? I took a chance in raising an army to fight Raven Dark and Valkereye.

Valkereye? That is the name of the father of both Murlock and Draven? That is the name of Januss ancestor?

The odds against us were great, said Lazarus, but the sacrifices we made were worth it. We recovered the Obsidian of Souls, stripped Valkereye of his powers, and cast him from this world into another. If not for the choice I made to oppose them, there would be no one left in this world today.

You made a choice to oppose the Scourge Logan, said Garibaldi. Just as your ancestor had done in the War of Wizardry. You succeeded where many would have failed.

Now you have another chance to take Logan, said Lazarus. The people of this land need a hero more than ever. You must take up this one last battle where I cannot. Otherwise everything you have fought for will have been for naught.

If he will not fight, Janus called out, I will.

So will I, said Albrecht.

We are not beaten yet! one of the guards spoke up. As long as we have the strength to fight, we shall!

And my power will serve this side of the conflict as well, said Murlock. But we cannot do this alone Logan. We need you! Humanity needs you! In spite of everything that has happened today, it is too soon to give up now! Mankind needs a hero! And as for the floating castle, there must be a way to gain entry! If only I knew how to make anyone fly like a bird!

Fly?

Humanity has one last chance to fight for its survival Logan, said Garibaldi. 
And if you pass up this chance to help turn the tide of the final battle, you would never forgive yourself.

And neither would Katrina.

You told me so yourself Logan that you would never forgive me for what happened to her that evening. You remember, dont you?

Of course I remember!

Even if you cannot forgive me, I understand. After what happened, I do not deserve it. Should you see fit one day to do so, that is your choice. If you cannot fight for what you believe because of your own doubt, then do so for her, as you had promised.

Logan opened the locket containing the picture of Katrina. He stared at her smiling face for several moments, wanting to tell her once more how he had failed her. But something about what Garibaldi had said rang true. He had made a promise to her. Everyone was right, it was much too soon to give up now. So long as they lived and had the strength to fight, so would he.

He closed the locket and frowned as his blood burned with a fierce determination. One to finish what he had started. Otherwise all his efforts will have been for naught.

You are right! he shouted. It is not over yet! In spite of what Raven Dark believes, humanity needs and deserves a hero! The Scourge have not won the war yet and it is too early for them to claim victory! Revelin thinks he has broken me, but if that is the case, I simply must laugh!

Well spoken Logan, said Lazarus. Logan saw all his gathered allies smile at his renewed spirit. Clearly, a strong will is the strongest trait of a true hero even in against incredible odds. You follow in my footsteps well.

I will have justice yet! said Garibaldi. Raven Dark will pay for what he has done over the course of a thousand years ever since I sold my soul to him. Deliver me my retribution in his blood!

The spirits of Lazarus and Garibaldi vanish as the rose colored light is drawn back into the ring from where it lays at the bottom of the steps. Logan walks down the stairs and scoops up the ring and the box from where they lay.

You ready for what is coming son? asked Maria.

This world needs a hero, said Logan. More than ever. Our ancestor is not here, so his burden falls to me. But this is something that I cannot do on my own! I will never everyones help!

And we are ready to aid you, said Albrecht. But we will need Penelopes leadership to rally our defenses! She cannot disappoint her father now!

But how can she do so if she is overwhelmed with grief? asked Logan.

I believe only I can help her, said Albrecht. Penelope had always been there for me in my times of greatest despair. Now it is my turn to repay her. But if only I knew where she went.

The doors to the throne room open and another guard enters. He salutes the king and queen. Majesty, I bring word of the approaching Scourge troops.

How close are they? asked Edward.

We estimate their arrival within fifteen minutes. In the distance through my spyglass, I also detected the approach of four separate armies.

The reinforcements we requested are on their way! said Minerva. But I fear they may not be enough without a strong defense on behalf of our own city.

We are running out of time, said Edward. We need Penelopes leadership!

Where did she go? asked Minerva.

She said is going to a place where she will have privacy, the guard replied. 
Then she was seen heading for the War Room.

Upon hearing that, Albrecht turns and races out of the throne room.

There is still the matter of reaching the floating castle, said Logan. But if only we had the power of flight!

Celestina was one of the few to master the art, said Murlock. I do not have the ingredients to concoct an elixir grant one the ability to transform into one of those few mystic ancient beasts with wings.

Then where does that leave us? asked Logan.

Son! said Maria. Do you remember what happened following your fathers death? We restored his fighter plane following its destruction.

Logan felt his heart skip a beat. Of course! But could it fly high enough to reach the castle?

Its maximum altitude is four thousand feet. And the castle itself is within a cumulus cloud. Those kinds of clouds are lower to the ground than others.

Then where there is a plane, there is a way! said Logan. I can bring the plane here to this world with the help of the medallion around my neck and fly to the castle!

We have a chance after all! said Minerva. But what is a plane?
You will soon find out! said Logan.

Before you go off to fetch it, said Maria, perhaps you should check on both Albrecht and Penelope. We need her to help rally the troops to defend this land.

But what about Penelope? asked Edward. What if even Albrecht cannot help her?
Logan opens the box and looks into the jewel of the Ring of Lazarus. Perhaps it was her only hope. He hurries out of the throne room to find Penelope and Albrecht. They were running out of time. They needed to rally the defenses of the castle.
					#
Strangely enough, the War Room was empty. The fireplace has rotated to reveal the secret passage. Inside, he heard familiar voices.

First Sophia, then my mother, my grandparents, and now my father, he heard Penelope moan.

Penelope, I have lost a lot of people I cared for, he heard Albrecht say. I lost my parents during the eve of Garibaldis attack. I lost my aunt and uncle when I was a young child. All I have left is my cousin.

Peeking through the opening he saw Penelope and Albrecht sitting on the stone platform leading to the slate where the Sword of Judgment had once rested. Albrecht had draped one arm around her neck and resting the hand upon his shoulder.

At least you still have one surviving member of your family, said Penelope with a sniffle. I envy you Albrecht for not having lost everyone important to you.

You havent lost everyone you cared for Penelope. You still have me! We still have each other.

But I lost my family. I couldnt save my father just as I couldnt save Sophia, mother, or my grandparents.

Penelope, we cant always save those who have a special place within our soul. The loss of loved ones can break the heart, but it can also strengthen the will and our own sense of humanity...if we are strong enough to give ourselves the chance to do so.

Well said. Not even my grief over losing Katrina could stop me from fighting the Scourge.

If that is true, then I am perhaps the most frail person in this kingdom, said Penelope. 

Not true Penelope!

But it is! Even to this day I still feel guilty for the losses I suffered. If only I had been more skillful and stronger, I could have saved my mother and grandparents that fateful evening. They might still be alive today if only I had been there much sooner! And as for Sophia, I never should have gone out that evening. Her parents were right. Perhaps she would still be alive today if not for me.

But even in spite of everything, you did not allow your grief and regret to stop you from saving that merchant that evening. Nor did you let it hold you back when you came to save me from imprisonment in the fortress. And this evening, you fought to help protect the castle.

And even in the end it wasnt good enough! My father lost his life and there wasnt anything I could have done to stop it! Maybe I should have let you take a shot at Raven Dark. Then he would still be alive!

But you didnt. You were afraid that my bolt would strike your father. And I knew that if that happened, I could never forgive myself.

And I could never forgive myself if that did happen. What kind of guard am I if I couldnt save anybody?

You saved me Penelope. In more ways than one. Without your friendship and support, I would have put a bolt between my own eyes. Thats how great my shame was. Through you, I found more than friendship and my one true love, I found redemption. And so have you. You saved me Penelope. Now it is time I saved you.

How? asked Penelope.

Logan knocks on the mantle of the open fireplace as he steps in. I hope I am not intruding, but I believe I have the solution to your problem. He removes the Ring of Lazarus from his pocket.

That ring! said Albrecht.

What is so special about that ring? asked Penelope.

Its an enchanted ring that was in my familys possession, said Logan. It allows one to communicate with the spirits of the dead.
Logan tosses the ring to Albrecht who catches it. Taking her arm, he then places the ring into the palm of her hand. Penelope, I think it is time you faced your own internal demons. Your own doubts. Confront yourself. Put your heart and soul at peace. Just say the name of those you wish to speak to and they shall grant you an audience, as long as you knew them in life or are related to you by blood.
Penelope stares into the ring for several moments before finally speaking. 
Mother, father, grandma, grandpa, and Sophia.

The secret chamber is illuminated in a beautiful rose colored light. Five spirits materialize from the sparkles. One of which is the familiar form of Leoric. An older couple in their sixties also appear from thin air. The man has a goatee and a balding head and the woman has short hair. A young woman with short hair appears standing at Leorics side. Like him, she is clad in steel armor without a helmet. Her hair is medium length and reaches down to her shoulders. The fifth and final ghostly figure has the appearance of a younger woman in her late teens.

Hello Penelope, said the woman in armor.

Mother! Penelope gasps. Grandma! Grandpa! Father! Sophia!
You look so different Penelope, said Sophia. I almost didnt even recognize you in steel armor.

My, how youve grown, said the older man. Youre everything your father has said you are.

Youve become as strong as your mother was when she was your age, said the older woman. You were almost as good a second daughter as you were our granddaughter.
Leoric has helped train you well, said the spirit of her husband.

But all my training still couldnt save any of you, Penelope said sadly.

Penelope, I regret that I only had one life to give for this kingdom, said her mother, and I regret never being around for you, just as I regret waiting for too long to form an actual mother-daughter relationship. But most of all, I regret that your father and I never had a chance to be together as a family.

Until now, said Leoric. Now that Charlotte and I have been reunited in death, we have all of eternity to share together without anything holding us back. But I regret that whatever time we have together as a whole family must wait. With our enemies marching on the kingdom, we must not linger. In our current state, we cannot join the battle to come, so it is up to you.

But I dont know how to be a leader of men and women, Penelope said.

You are already a leader of your own destiny, said Leoric. You helped take charge of the guards as Murlock and I defended the king and queen. But to be a good leader takes more than skill and heart. A great leader is defined by the strength, will, and character of his or her followers. And your comrades have gained great respect for you in such a short time since the war against the Scourge broke out.

Do not doubt yourself Penelope, said Charlotte. Maybe you could not save your family, but you can still help save the kingdom and its people in their time of greatest need. We believe you will be a great leader, but you must believe as well.

I believe in her as well, said Albrecht. She believed in me when few did. If not for her, I would not have rediscovered the meaning of true courage.

Perhaps some good did come of what happened that evening I died, said Sophia.

And much more than that, said Albrecht.

Leoric told me of you, said Charlotte, about how he misjudged your character. About how strong your love for my daughter has become. How she nearly gave her life for you against incredible odds.

And I am proud to love such a brave woman, just as you should be proud to be her mother.

Penelope, do you love Albrecht? asked Charlotte.

Penelope glanced back at Albrecht who smiled at her. She smiles back at him. With all of my heart mother!

And we all know how big her heart is! said Albrecht.

Maybe I couldnt save my family, but I did save you, said Penelope taking his hands into her own.

As have I saved you.

But still, Penelopes smile fades, maybe if I had another chance, I could have saved them.

Penelope, do not despair, said the spirit of her grandfather. You did what you could. Even if you failed, it is still better to try and fail than to idly stand by and do nothing.

Penelope lowers her head in shame. After I found your body and that of grandmother, I couldnt bring myself to go back out into the streets and fight. While my father and comrades fought for their lives to protect the public, I did nothing but give in to my own grief.

Penelope, said Albrecht gently putting one hand on her shoulder, I truly regret leaving Naphorphia, even if it was to bring word of the attack to the kingdom ruled by my cousin. My actions were considered cowardice and desertion, resulting in my banishment. Even now I still regret doing what I did, fleeing instead of staying to fight. But I am not going to flee now before the advancing army of our enemies. You should not make the same mistake I made that night, nor should you allow your own despair over the loss of every member of your family keep you from being the savior we need. You would never forgive yourself if you failed the entire kingdom.

Penelope lifted her head and looked back at him.

Remember this daughter, said Charlotte, the ones you love will never truly leave you so long as you keep their memories alive within your heart.
We will always be with you, said Leoric. We will watch over you and wait for the time when we can all be together again as a family. But for now the kingdom needs you. The people need you. Your comrades need you. If those who look up to you to lead them are to know victory, if this land its people are to know peace, and if you and Albrecht are to have any kind of future together, you need to stand strong! Only the power in your heart can help save this kingdom, for no other guard besides your mother and myself has served this land with more love than you. Once you have saved this world and its people, then you will be free to grieve for me.

Penelope, Albrecht takes one of her hands into both of his own. He gets down onto one knee. Even if I am allowed to return to Naphorphia, there is nothing left there for me. But here in Iconoclast I have family. But more importantly, I found you. I love you more than life itself and I want to spend the rest of my life with you.

Albrecht?

Logan knew what was going to happen. He watches, filled with envy. Envy at Albrecht taking the opportunity fate had never given Logan himself.

Penelope  or rather...Captain Penelope   if we survive this day, may I have the honor of your hand in marriage?

Logan sees the faces of Penelopes family watch with pride. Penelope shuts her eyes with a heartfelt sigh as tears flow down past the flesh dam. She sinks to her knees in silence in front of Albrecht, one hand still within his own. She finally opens her eyes and stares into his own. Soft breaths pass through her lips. 
Several more moments pass before she finally gently pulls her hand out of Albrechts. She leans forward and reaches out to him, pulling him in an embrace close to him.

Yes! You may! she cries.

Logan imagined how his proposal to Katrina would have gone. He pictured himself on one knee offering her the ring of Lazarus. Of her accepting. Of the two of them sharing an embrace.

Penelope, we still have to save this kingdom together, said Albrecht. Let us be heroes now and then we will be free to share our lives together! He scoops up her helmet from off the floor and offers it to her. The kingdom needs you Penelope. Your comrades need you.

Penelope looks to the five spirits of those whose deaths have influenced her life and spirit. This is what you have been trained for Penelope, said Leoric. Your mother and I helped train you to be who you are. If you do not do your part, everything you trained for will have been for naught.

If you cannot do it for your family, said Sophia, do it for the people! For me!

It was because of her that you trained to become who you are, said Leoric. This is your chance to honor her memory and those of your family.

Penelope looks down at the helmet in Albrechts hand. Finally she takes it into her hands and places it onto her head. She clenches her fists and puts them to her waist, frowning with a fierce determination. Thank you...everyone! I will do it...for all of you! Mother, father, Ill make you proud of me!

We already are Penelope! said Charlotte.

And we couldnt be more proud of you any more than this moment! Take our love 
with you and fight with all your heart. We will always watch over you Penelope!
All five spirits fade away as the pink light fades away back into the Ring of Lazarus.

Lets go! said Penelope to Albrecht. We must rally our armed forces together and prepare our defenses!

Logan hears footsteps within the chamber. He looks back towards the opening to see Murlock approaching. The others are standing ready awaiting for your orders, said Murlock.

How much did you hear? asked Logan.

Enough, said Murlock with a smile. You and Albrecht have done well. Now we must all do our duty to save this world.

What about Janus? What will he do?

He will fight alongside the others. His training in the weapons of the Scourge will give us a tactical advantage.

What will you do?

I will help defend the city and its people alongside its guards. As for you, you must gain entry to the floating Judgiollas castle and fight the Scourge on their own territory. Should we win the battle quickly, we will join you in the final battle.

I will need the teleportation stone.

Indeed. Murlock hands over one of the teleportation stones. You should also take one of the communication stones. He gives one of them to Logan.

What about the Sword of Iconoclast?

I will hold onto it for now, said Murlock. Its power shall help our defense. If I survive the battle, I will bring it with me when I arrive with reinforcements to aid me.

If I am to gain access to the castle, I will need the power of flight. But I will need to return to Earth to retrieve the power to do so!

If that is true, then hurry! Now is the time for you to be the hero humanity needs! Now is the time for the hero humanity deserves to come forward!

I am ready to fulfill my final destiny! said Logan. He puts his hands to the medallion around his neck and rubs it. He finds himself floating weightlessly as his body is pulled up off the floor and is engulfed in a pillar of light. He is pulled through the tunnel before him towards a swirling portal at the other end. He emerges to find his feet touching back upon the floor within his old room back on the family farm. He is home.

But this homecoming would have to wait, for the war is not over yet. He is here only to retrieve the one thing that would help him access the floating castle used by the Scourge as their new base.

He leaves the house and approaches the shed where all the tools of the family farm are stored. Pulling open the doors, he finds his fathers restored fighter biplane greeting him with its black fuselage and orange wings with matching braces. The flag of his country dangles from below the bottom of each wing. It was his only hope of reaching Raven Darks new castle. For the first time since its restoration, the plane would once more take flight.

He opens the shed doors all the way to allow the biplane enough space to leave its confines. Then climbing up into the cockpit, he sits upon the pilot seat. Normally in his youth, whenever he and his father flew together in this plane, he sat in the passenger seat. Now, for the first time, he would fly alone, seated in the front.

Now all he had to do is start up the plane. From experience in flying with his father in the past, he knew that the propeller used a rotary piston engine to spin. Yet this plane could not start on its own. His father would gather a crew consisting of some of the farmhands to activate the engine. One of them would grab the propeller and swing it downward with all his might. It would take several tries before the engine kicked into life and the propeller continued to spin with gradually increasing velocity. When this happened, he would immediately step back to avoid injury.

Now the major problem was how to start up the plane and get it off the ground. Normally some of the farmhands would help him and his father with this task in the past, but now it was solely up to him. It would be easier if another person was around to help him, but at this hour the farmhands had gone home for the evening.
He wondered what had all been happening back on the farm during his time away. With him and his mother gone, had the farmhands been worried? Had they even bothered coming to work? If so had they taken advantage of their employers absence to steal from the farm? Logan vowed to himself that when he and his mother returned, they would hire a supervisor to watch over the workers should the owners of the farm be away.

But there was another problem. How would the plane get to Iconoclast?

Damn! he muttered to himself. Had he come back for nothing? Would he have to wait for the Scourge to arrive in the castle to invade Earth.

How was it possible that the Scourge were able to open portals between this world and Iconoclast with their flagship that Logan had destroyed about two months ago? And what about the castle? How would it be able to travel between the worlds? In both cases, there had to have been some kind of technology to allow inter-dimensional travel possible. Yet Garibaldi had never traveled on the ship. All the Scourge had were the crystal crosses that granted them the power to travel between Iconoclast and Earth.

Would the medallion he wore allow the plane to be transported to Iconoclast? If he had managed to get the plane into the air, would it also travel with him through the power of the medallion? Or would it take only him and send the plane crashing to the ground far below? And would he emerge on the other side only to fall a great distance? 

There was only one way to find out. Gathering all the tools that would be needed to help start up the plane together with a large can full of gas, he climbs into the pilot seat and activates the medallion. He found himself once more floating in the air as his body lifted off the seat. Engulfed in a pillar of bright colorless light and flying through the tunnel, Logan sees that indeed the plane is traveling together with him. He breathes a sigh of relief.

The light pillar fades to reveal himself and the plane within the courtyard of the castle. He hears gasps of awe surrounding him. Looking all around, he finds himself surrounded by curious onlookers staring at the strange spectacle before them.

Penelope and Albrecht have rallied together the guards of the castle, preparing the defenses of the city. Edward and Minerva also stand within the courtyard together with Maria, Murlock, Kain and Gwendolyn. A crowd of civilians has gathered outside the gates in curiosity of what Logan has brought back.

So that is what a plane looks like? asked Minerva.

Amazing! said Edward. So this will fly?

Yes, said Logan as he stood and stepped out of the cockpit. But I cannot get it started on my own. I need people to help me start it up!

What can we do to help? asked Maria.

Mother, you have seen the farmhands back home help father and I with the plane. I need you to help lead the volunteers and give them orders on what to do!
					#
And so everyone set off to work. Maria directed the grown crew of volunteers. First, the plane needed enough space to push itself forward until Logan could direct it into the sky. A dozen guards pushed the plane towards the castle gate between the dais of statues and rotated it so that it faced towards the gatehouse separating the castle from the city. Other volunteers take the tools Logan brought with him and get to work on the plane, following Marias orders.

Through it all, Penelope herself has directed the majority of the guards to stand atop the ramparts surrounding the main gates to the city to prepare for the upcoming Scourge invasion.

Logan checked to make certain that the ignition had been turned off as Albrecht gets to work on turning the engine to clear away any stale oil and air. Once he is done, Kain empties the contents of the gas can into the intake manifold, giving the plane fuel for the flight.

Were running out of time Logan, said Albrecht, who is impatient to join the defense of the city against the oncoming Scourge.

Were almost done, said Logan as he checks the security of the brakes by pushing and pulling on the propeller. He nods to his mother before he climbs into the pilot seat of the plane.

Contact! Maria shouts.

Logan knew that was the signal for him to turn on the magneto, which he does by pushing a button in the cockpit. Start the propeller! he shouts. And stand back once you do!

Penelope grabs one part of the propeller and swings it downward with all her strength. She immediately stands back as the propeller continues to rotate with gradually increasing velocity. The engine kicks into life.

Logan switches on a second magneto with another push of a button. And away we go! he shouts. He looks in the direction of Murlock who has a familiar rune glowing upon his forehead as he points towards him. Logan feels a familiar tingling sensation in his mouth.

Everyone steps back as the plane begins to push itself forward. He pulls the throttle and takes the controls as the plane lifts off the ground.

Go forth my allies, for this is what you have all trained for! he shouts over the noise of the spinning propeller. We now fight for the future of all humanity! And to those who do not survive to see the final victory, know that your name shall be remembered now and forevermore!

Higher and higher the plane rises, passing over the ramparts. Down below he hears the sounds of the cheering crowds as he flies towards his final destiny. The city guards stand at their posts ready to defend the city, armed with bows and crossbows with quivers full of arrows and bolts. Soon they would be joined by their captain and her lover.

Several miles away he spots his destination. The cloud in which Judgiollas castle stands, held weightless in the sky by a magical force. As his altitude climbs higher, he gazes down at the ground far below and sees the approaching Scourge army. A further distance away he spots four more armies, each bearing a different banner. The reinforcements from the four kingdoms previously conquered by the Scourge have arrived to join the battle to come.

With the teleportation stone still in his pocket, Logan knew his mission. Gain entry into the castle and fight his way inside. He would leave the stone somewhere within so that reinforcements would join him if the battle below had been won.
The cloud grows ever closer as the plane approaches, the largest opposition it had ever faced in its existence. It would be one heck of a dogfight with the soldiers surrounding the ramparts. Surely even they would not be expecting his arrival. Certainly not Revelin. He could hardly wait to see the look on Revelins face when he realized that his foe had indeed reached the castle against all odds.

The dark shape within the cloud came into full view as the plane flew closer. Directly above the drawbridge is the barican connecting both sets of ramparts with a large stone keep behind it, a bridge leading towards it. About a dozen soldiers are posted on the ramparts. Some of the soldiers march back and forth, the others stand motionless. The sound of the plane alerts them to his approach and they prepare themselves for battle, welcoming the action as if being on guard duty was getting too boring for them.

Logan prepared to descend down upon his enemies and open fire with the planes guns. But he quickly makes a shocking discovery. Something was missing from the cockpit and the controls in his hands.

You have got to be kidding me! They restored everything except the weapons systems!

As the soldiers open fire up at his plane, Logan had no choice but to abandon his attack and fly on forwards. It would be difficult for him to shoot one of his own weapons down upon the soldiers without taking his hands off the controls. He would have to find a place where he could touch down in order to fight the enemy on their own territory. Though he is heavily outnumbered, he had always triumphed against the Scourge in battle, the skills he learned and perfected through training had served him well and would continue to do so in the final climatic battle to come.

The plane by now is approaching its maximum altitude according to the altimeter. He could only hope that the plane could clear the rising ramparts and walls before him. In the center of the wall is a stone spire with a flag flying in the wind atop. Below stand a raised rampart leading into the stone keep connecting the walls with the tower to the side.

The sounds of screaming lead is heard as bullets ricochet all around him, some striking the fuselage of the plane. The plane climbs higher as it approaches the wall and the arrow on the altimeter approaches the far right. Would he make it? Or would the plane crash here and now, ending his life and all hope for this world?
Just as the arrow reaches the far right, his plane successfully clears the wall. But in the distance stands a parapet covered bulwark that is higher than the structure he had just flew over. He knew he could not fly over this one. He would have to find a place to land.

On both sides of this area, he sees the castle ramparts with several more soldiers patrolling them. Both sides also have a lookout tower used in the past by guards to see anyone down below. Between the two towers he sees stairways leading down to atop a balcony-like structure supported by tall stone pillars. Below lay the main gates leading into deeper into the castle. Atop this structure lie several small gardens with trees and bushes. 

There appears to be no way he could land the plane safely anywhere. His only option is to jump onto the top of the balcony-like between the two lookout towers. Doing so of course would require him to sacrifice the plane and allow it to crash into a wall.

He furrows his brows in determination as he directs the plane forward and descends it low enough for him to land safely on the tower. Ill do it for you Katrina! he said to himself. With a mighty battle cry, he catapulted himself out of the plane onto the balcony mere moments before the plane crashed into the lookout tower. He turned and watched with some sorrow as pieces of the restored fighter plane tumbled down far below. It had flown its final flight.

Logan silently gave thanks to the memory of his deceased father for all his flying lessons. He readied himself for battle, prepared to fight his way through the outer defenses and into the castle. 