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Read this file after completing "Tamirtania Castle"
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I came too late, Logan cursed himself. They have already stolen the Sword of Earth.

He passed through the gate leading back to the city, intending to chase down the thief and take back the sword. A thousand years ago, his friend Edward had been transformed into a tree through the swords power. Who knew what plans the Scourge had for the sword?

Up ahead, he saw a lone cultist dressed in a green robe disappear down the street to his left. It may have been a trick of the light, but Logan thought he saw a glint of topaz from within the emerald robe. Gritting his teeth, he approached the alley, trying to make his footsteps as quiet as possible. He would take his enemy by surprise and take back the sword of Earth.

Carefully peeking into the street, Logan saw the cultist pull a sword with a topaz blade out of his robe and examine it. It may have been his ears deceiving him, but Logan could swear he heard the robed figure breath a sigh of relief. Something didnt feel right. Still, he had to recover the sword.

He drew his guns and stepped into the street quicker than lightning. Drop it! he shouted. If you value your life, you will hand over the sword! Green robed soldiers of the Scourge were among the lowest ranked in the army. They had no experience with guns yet they made up for it with explosives. He knew his enemy wouldnt have enough time to attack. In the time it would have taken him to light a stick of dynamite and throw it at him, Logan would have filled him with more lead than a pencil.

Logan dont! the cultist shouted pleadingly while frantically holding up one palm.

What the hell?

Logan kept a steady grip on his guns as his enemy pulled away the hood of his robe, revealing a familiar face. He lowered his guns.

Edward? he exclaimed.

Sorry old friend, Edward apologized. Didnt mean to deceive youagain.

Thats the second time I almost killed you by mistake! said Logan putting away his guns.

I apologize if my disguise worked too well, Edward smiled. It worked once before.

Logan remembered the same thing had happened back in Lazarus castle almost two months ago. Edward had killed a Scourge soldier with nothing more than a concealed dagger, stole his robe, and disguised himself as one of the Scourge. His ruse worked perfectly, allowing him to sneak through to the Shrine of Elemental Destiny undetected. Logan had almost killed him, mistaking him for an enemy in his disguise.

What are you doing here? asked Logan.

I came here to prevent the Scourge from stealing the Sword of Earth, said Edward. There was no way I was going to let the blade that cursed my body for a thousand years fall into enemy hands. And after all, this is my homeland. I may be the king of Iconoclast now, but I am still one of the people of Tamirtania, and I must help my people in their time of greatest need.

You took a terrible risk coming here, Logan scolded him.

Risk is the spice of life my friend, Edward replied. You took many great risks to save our land two months ago to break Garibaldis curse.

This is different, said Logan. You have no idea what you are getting involved with. You could have been killed!

I know, said Edward. But with the Scourge invading and stealing the elemental swords, what greater risk is there? I must do what I can to help protect my land and my people.

And what about Minerva? asked Logan. Where is she?

She is still back at the Iconoclast castle, said Edward. She didnt handle the invasion of Naphorphia, the land of her birth, and the theft of her fathers sword very well. I too share her sorrow and anguish, for among the deceased here in Tamirtania is my own father. And my own sister has been taken hostage.

Sister?

Yes, said Edward. The Scourge have taken what is left of my family from me. At least I know my sister still lives.

Logan placed a sympathetic hand upon Edwards shoulder. I know the feeling all too well my friend. I know what its like to lose a father, even if we werent very close. My mother still hasnt truly recovered from his death, just as I still mourn for my Katrina. Despair weighed his head down. And Im afraid I will carry that grief for the rest of my life.

You loved her so much, didnt you, asked Edward.

Yes. When I attended your wedding to Minerva, I saw what could have been had she still lived. He turned away and dabbed at his eyes. I envy you Edward.

Edward didnt say anything in reply. Logan guessed that he was sharing a moment of silence out of respect for his friends sorrow.

Logan turned back to face Edward and lifted his head up once more. You and Minerva have both suffered great losses, but you still have each other. Thats what matters the most. Hold on to each other and take strength!

Edward stood silent for several moments before nodding. Thank you Logan. When I return to Iconoclast, I will speak of you and your words to Minerva. Your presence here will surely lift her spirits. I only pray that her despair does not affect her condition.

Logan arched his eyebrows in confusion. Condition?

Edward smiled. Minerva is pregnant Logan. Already, weve secured an heir to our throne.

Logan was happy to hear of his friends news, but all the same, he was overcome with envy and slight jealousy. Congratulations! How far along is she?

One month, said Edward. She only found out just a couple days ago.

Logan watched as his friends eyes began to water joyfully. Im going to be a father!

The fires of Logans jealousy began to grow. But still, Logan felt no hatred within the fire. The only hatred he felt was for the Scourge. If not for them, Katrina would still be alive.

What are you doing? a sudden sharp voice behind them yelled. Kill him!

The Scourge! Edward cried as Logan turned his head to see a brown robed cultist standing several yards away. His enemys eyes widened with shock before narrowing with anger.

Imposter! he yelled. Youre not one of us!

So much for my disguise, said Edward as he pulled his hood back on.

Edward, run! Get out of here! Logan shouted as he reached into his trench coat for his gun. Ill handle this!

Be careful my friend! Edward said before hurrying off.

Stop that green robed imposter! the Scourge soldier screamed as loud as he could to alert any nearby comrades. At the same time, he reached for his gun to attack Logan. Stop hi  

The cultist never had time to finish his alert as Logan drew his Tommy Gun. Eat lead loudmouth! He pulled the trigger, unleashing lead hell right into his open mouth. He choked back his nausea as screaming lead scraped his enemys tongue and punched a hole through the back of his mouth, piercing his brainstem.

Spewing blood from his mouth, the soldier collapsed forward, crashing to the pavement. Blood flowed out of his open mouth and formed a spreading puddle underneath his face.

I guess I shut you up! Logan said grimly as he turned and ran off after Edward. Permanently!

Logan found the gates to the harbor unlocked and passed through them. Edward would surely try to flee Tamirtania taking the sword with him.

Tossed off to the sides was a green robe. Logan recognized it as Edwards disguise which allowed him to steal the sword undetected. Now that his cover was blown, there was no longer any need for it.

He could only hope that Edward had fled the land safely and was back towards the castle where he ruled.

He was alerted by the sounds of approaching footsteps. Hiding behind a large wooden column, he watched as several Scourge soldiers marched towards a large ship anchored at the end of the docks. A black flag with a horned skull fluttered in the wind. Obviously, this was the ship from where the Scourge had invaded Tamirtania.

Suddenly, his eardrums were pummeled by the sound of an explosion combined with the sounds of splintering wood. At the end of one of the docks, he saw where the explosion had come from: a small wooden boat with a single mast. Atop the mast, a flag with the emblem of five swords surrounding another fluttered in the wind. Broken planks of wood were blown from the explosion like rocks thrown from a volcanic vent during eruption, crashing into the sea with a splash.

The explosion was so loud he jammed his fingers into his ears, but even it wasnt enough to block out the noise to a tolerable volume.

There was something familiar about that emblem. He had seen it at the castle of Iconoclast two months ago. The five swords were the elemental swords and the sword of darkness surrounding the Excalibur of Light.

He pulled his fingers out of his ears just in time to hear a familiar voice. 
Unhand me you scoundrels! I am the king of this world!

Oh no! Theyve captured Edward!

From his hiding spot, he watched as two soldiers of the Scourge dragged Edward with them towards the ship where two more troops were stationed, one dressed in red and another in blue. A third soldier followed behind Edwards captors, pointing his Tommy Gun at Edwards back, threatening to pull the trigger if he didnt move forward.

The king huh? the red robed soldier spoke as Edwards captors stood before him. He removed the hood of his robe revealing a head covered with crimson blood hair. Well, Im sorry to inform you boy, but this isnt your throne room. Even if it was, dont expect me to bow before you. I bow to no one! Id sooner die!
Logan felt his blood begin to boil. He recognized that voice anywhere. It was the voice of a man he hated just as much as Garibaldi.

You arrogant swine! Edward roared. I will see you hanged for these atrocities against my homeland! As the king of this land, I order you to unhand me at once and cease all this destruction and death!

And if we do not? the familiar voice demanded. Just what do you intend to do boy? The soldiers of this land have fallen before the might of my troops!

Logan will stop all of you! Edward said defiantly.

I highly doubt that!

We found this on him, one of Edwards captors held the Sword of Earth. This boy apparently disguised himself as one of our troops and stole the sword, then tried to escape. How else could he have done it undetected?

The commander took the Sword of Earth by the hilt and admired his new prize. Well done soldiers. Three down, two to go. That just leaves the swords of Fire and Darkness.

What shall we do with this boy Commander Revelin?

By now, Logan felt his face grew hot as he clenched his teeth. Revelin! I should have known! he said to himself.

Back when he was still a soldier of the Scourge, Revelin had been Logans greatest rival. Hailing from Germany and one of the Scourges top soldiers, Revelin had always been more skilled in the usage of firearms and other skills the Scourge honed, a fact that he would never let Logan or anyone else forget. Revelin was without a doubt the most arrogant, narcissist, and egotistic person Logan ever had the misfortune to meet. 

Logan had never liked Revelin, but his dislike had evolved into pure hatred because Revelin was another member of the firing squad that killed his beloved Katrina.

And now he commanded the armies of the Scourge! His defeat would be no easy task. Still, even if he was taken out the Scourge would not surrender. There were many other capable soldiers to take his place.

There had been five soldiers on the squad that killed Katrina. Logan had killed one of them back in his apartment when the Scourge invaded his home city two months ago. Another met his doom outside Garibaldis Cathedral back in the kingdom of Dunkilus. Both had underestimated Logan skills and the might of his vindictive fury. Both paid for their mistakes with their lives. There were only three squad members left to take revenge on, one of them being Revelin. And he would obviously be no easy kill.

Chain him up in the brig, Revelin ordered. When we return to the fortress, lock him up! We cant have him alerting his own kingdom when the time comes to attack! Well take them by surprise!

You are all cowards! Edward yelled as his escorts forced him onto the ship. Not brave enough for a fair fight?

I dont do fair! Revelin sneered.

The soldier carrying the Tommy gun saluted the commander and his blue robed companion.

What is your report? asked Revelin.

Commander Revelin, our surviving troops have reported that Logan was in the city. Many of our comrades have fallen before him.

Incompetence! Revelin roared in fury. Are my soldiers really that weak that they cant even kill the one responsible for disgracing the most powerful army in the universe!

Commander Revelin, the soldier calmly replied, though a bit shaken, you forget that Logan was once one of our finestuntil he betrayed us.

Am I, your surpreme commander to tolerate failure of my troops. Until Logan draws his last breath, we cant show our faces anywhere else in the universe! Revelin yelled. I can almost picture the rest of all creation laughing behind our backs!
Logan shook his head in disgust. Same old Revelin. Still as proud as ever!

What is our next move commander? asked the blue robed soldier standing next to Revelin.

We will return to the fortress, lock our hostage up, then gather more soldiers from the reserves to attack the next kingdom, which according to our maps of this land is Arcanius.

And what if Logan is there to defend the land?

So much for the better Janus!

Logan felt his heart skip a beat. Janus? he said to himself.

Back in the Scourge, Janus had been Logans closest friend. Janus was older than both Logan and Revelin. While Revelin was twenty-seven years and Logan was only twenty-four, Janus was nearly forty. They trained together. Both also shared an intense dislike of Revelin. Although their paths had split, they were soon to meet again, most likely as enemies, even though Logan felt no hatred towards Janus, even though Janus might not feel the same. To actually see him and Revelin working together for once was unexpected. But apparently, Janus had put aside his personal feelings towards Revelin to work together against a common enemy.

Tell me Janus, said Revelin, do you still think of Logan as a friend?

We trained together Revelin

Commander Revelin! Revelin shouted. I am your commanding officer, the highest ranking solder in the Scourge! You will show me the proper respect!

Logan slapped himself in the forehead. Same old Revelin indeed! he muttered under his breath.

Janus sighed, Yes Commander Revelin. As much as I dont like you, Logans betrayal of all the great Garibaldi stood for and everything he gave me was inexcusable.

Very good Janus.

Arent you forgetting something? asked Janus. After all, I am the Luitenant of the Scourge, second in command only to you. Shouldnt I also be addressed as such?

No, said Revelin shoving a finger into his face. I am your superior! Only one can stand above all others! And thats me! I was handpicked by Garibaldi himself to command the entire Scourge army as its finest soldier!

Logans anger and disgust boiled over. This was just about as much as he could take of Revelins arrogance and narcissism. He stepped from out of his hiding place and approached the docks, preparing to step out into the light and confront his archrival. With his back turned, Revelin could not see him.

Commander Revelin, said Janus, do not underestimate Logan. His treachery resulted in the deaths of hundreds of our comrades in Garibaldis palace. Taking him down will not be easy.

You dare speak highly of Logan? Revelin yelled. Just whose side are you taking? The Scourge or the one who wounded our pride?

Logan saw the third soldier turn his head towards him, eyes wide in astonishment. Speaking of wounded pride Commander Revelin, look who just showed up!

As Logan stood still, standing several meters away, Revelin turned around. Logan saw his most hated rivals eyes widen in shock and the eyebrows of his former friend arch as if his own presence was an unexpected surprise.

You! Anyone in the range of the harbor could hear Revelins exclamation. His surprised face changed into a mask of rage. His body began to shake as if he was ready to explode. His head was quivering with such force that the hood of his robe fell, revealing a head of hair red as blood. His hands clench into tight fists. Damn you Logan! Damn you! If there was such a thing as anger incarnate, Revelin was it right now.

Logan found himself barely able to control a smile from spreading over his face as Revelin continued to rant and rave. Still, he had to be on guard. Like the wounded narcissist that he was, Revelin is certainly expected to retaliate.

Do you have any idea what youve done? Youve stranded us in this god-forsaken realm! You have single-handedly tarnished our reputation as the most powerful army in existence!

Revelins comrades took one step back as if expecting their commander to explode from the tension.

Still as arrogant and proud as ever I see Revelin, said Logan crossing his arms over his chest and shaking his head. You havent changed one bit!

Well I for one am not going to let you get away with what youve done! Revelin yelled. You have made a mockery of us! None of this would be happening if you hadnt went up against us and killed Garibaldi!

Calm down Commander Revelin, Janus spoke calmly. We got what we came for. We might as well cut our losses and pull out now!

Revelin appeared to relax, but his angry face glared in Logans direction. As his comrades boarded the ship, the muscles around his jaw tighten as if his teeth clenched together behind his lips. He stormed up the wooden plank, stopping halfway to turn his head to face Logan. Logan saw his rivals face contorted with nothing short of pure hatred.

This isnt over Logan! We will have our revenge yet!

He boarded the ship and gave the order to set sail. Logan watched as the Scourges new ship sailed away into the distance and out of Tamirtania.

Next time Revelin! he snarled in anger. Next time!

Logan stood there pondering the situation. He had won another battle against the Scourge, but in a way, the Scourge had achieved victory in some way. Not only had they succeeded in the theft of the Sword of Earth, but now his friend Edward was hostage. He wondered exactly how Minerva would handle the news. Would it affect her and her unborn child? Somehow, he had to deliver a warning to her kingdom to prepare for the upcoming attack.

For now, his top priority was to somehow reach Arcanius before the Scourge and try to defend the Sword of Fire. Logan knew all too well the power of the final elemental sword. Wielded by Garibaldi a thousand years ago, it made toast out of two of the most benevolent rulers the land had ever known. Should it fall into the hands of Revelin and the Scourge? He hated to think of the consequences.

There was another concern, one for the citizens of Tamirtania. Exactly how many were injured? How high was the fatality count? And what had been destroyed?
Tamirtania had been fortunate he had arrived in the earliest hour of the invasion. Perhaps the death and destruction wouldnt be very bad.

Returning to the city, he was relieved to find that the devastation wasnt as serious as it could have been. A few houses had been destroyed and several buildings were badly damaged. The chapel itself was undamaged as if protected by some sacred power. A small crowd of civilians had gathered outside the front doors of the holy building, surrounding a man lying on the ground. Someone was kneeling at his side, but he couldnt see who it was.

Keep back everyone! he heard a woman shout. I need more room!

That voice! Logan thought to himself. He felt his heard skip a beat. Could it be? He approached the crowd, determined to know the truth.

Where is the healer? asked a man. This man needs a healer immediately! Hes bleeding pretty badly!

I know what to do! the woman said. I used to work in a hospital.

Whats a hospital? asked another woman.

It cant be! Logan increased the speed of his pace.

It was fortunate Logan came, a man said. If not for his interference, so many more could have died and the devastation would have been much worse.

That reminds me, the familiar female voice spoke, I also have a son named Logan. In fact he recently told me how he had journeyed to another land, killed an evil sorcerer, turned a bunch of statues back into people and  

It is! Logans mind screamed.

Gasps of astonishment erupted from the mouths of the citizens at the womans story, interrupting her.

What? asked the woman. Did I say something?

Look! a man shouted pointing. Our savior returns!

The crowd, alerted by his shout, turned to face him as he stood several meters away. Cheers tore from their throats and drowned out the voice of the breeze and the rustling of the trees in the courtyard. Several people stepped aside, allowing him to see the woman kneeling by an injured man, a pool of blood beneath him. Strips of cloth torn from the cloaks of fallen Scourge soldiers were wrapped tightly around his left arm and his chest to halt the flow of blood. She and Logan locked eyes in surprise as her own opened wide.

Mother? Logan exclaimed in shock.

Son? Maria cried out in surprise.

Logan saw astonishment in the eyes of his mother as realization dawned upon her face. A sigh expelled itself from her mouth as she fell sideways to the stone pavement leading to the chapel.

Mother! Logan cried out as he ran to her side.

She fainted! a man said.

Dont just stand there! Logan shouted at the crowd. Help me carry this man to a healer and my mother to a place where she can rest!

					#
Logan carried his mothers unconscious body to the local inn. Perhaps it was out of gratitude that he was given a free room. He doubted the innkeeper would have taken his money anyway even if he had brought any.

After he set his mother into a bed, he left her to return to the task of checking up on the townspeople and the state of the town. Many of the town guards had been slaughtered as had been dozens of civilians. But many more hundreds had been saved. Thanks to his intervention, the damage had not been as severe as it could have been.

For the rest of the evening, he met with grateful civilians and was escorted to the castle where he received an audience with the prince of Tamirtania in the castle study. The king had been killed during the invasion of the castle as were many of his guards. Fortunately, the heir to the throne was unharmed and was to be crowned immediately, but prince Kain insisted that the coronation be postponed until peace returned to the kingdom and the threat of the Scourge eliminated.

There are far more important matters to attend to, Kain told Logan and the surviving guards. We must see to the repairs of the town and looking after the survivors of our kingdom. We cannot rest and live in peace until we achieve victory against the Scourge. There is much work to do.

I have some disturbing news, said Logan. Edward, formerly of Tamirtania, now the king of Iconoclast, has been taken hostage by the Scourge.

Kain slammed a clenched fist in anger onto the table before him. Damn it! All our efforts to protect the Sword of Earth have been for naught! It is not enough for the Scourge to slaughter our people and steal our national treasure! Now they have to take hostages! And if theyre not satisfied with just taking the King of Iconoclast, theyve kidnapped my bride-to-be Gwendolyn! I swear upon my fathers blood and the honor of our kingdom that we will not rest until those scoundrels are brought to justice! And for me, the only form of justice that will satisfy our demand is the spilling of blood!

Few times had Logan ever seen anyone so angry. But even the rages of Garibaldi and Kain himself paled in comparison to Revelins ranting at the harbor. Kain himself had also lost his love to the Scourge themselves as had Edward a thousand years ago. But she was still alive. If only I were that lucky.

Highness, one of the guards said, control yourself. Logan is here! If anyone can end the invasion of the Scourge, its him!

Kains face softened. Still, as long as the Scourge march across this land, our people dare not rest! As much as the five remaining kingdoms since the great War of Wizardry have always been wary of each other, we will have to co-operate against a common enemy.

There is more, said Logan. I overheard their commander, a man named Revelin, speak of launching a surprise attack against Iconoclast. We must send warning to Queen Minerva!

Those cowards! Kain snarled. Resorting to such dishonorable tactics to defeat our armies and our kingdom. Our people cry out for revenge as much as they cry out for justice! His face softened again. Your presence Logan is the one thing that keeps us from total despair. That and the promise of vengeance against the Scourge!

The people of this land arent the only ones with a desire for vengeance, Logan told himself. The Scourge demand vengeanceagainst me!

Send a messenger to Iconoclast at once! Kain ordered his guards. Report to Queen Minerva about the Scourges upcoming surprise against her kingdom and of her husbands abduction!

Yes sir! the guards saluted.

You will have your justice...I swear it! Logan told Kain. And for your people justice can only come in one form: the gun.

What is a gun? asked a puzzled Kain.

Once the hearing was ended, Logan was escorted back to the town. He returned to the room where his mother was sleeping and climbed into another bed. It had been a long day, but tomorrow was to bring new challenges, new obstacles, and new battles. He needed to rest for the night.

Early the next morning as the sun began to rise, Logan awoke and stood at the bed where his mother slept. He pulled up a small chair and sat down by her side. After what seemed an eternity, although it was only a few minutes, she began to stir.


Her eyes open and begin to adjust to the light and her new surroundings. Slowly, she pushed herself up.

Where am I? she asked herself. Was it all just a dream?

No, he told her taking her left hand in his. It was not a dream. Although sometimes I wish it was.

Maria began to rub her eyes with her right hand. I dont understand, she said turning to face him. One minute I was in your room dusting, the next thing I knew I was whisked away to  

She stopped. Logan saw her eyes focus on the medallion he wore. Logan, that medallion! I was dusting it in your room when it happened!

Its a magical medallion mother, said Logan. It was given to me by the wizard Murlock for saving this world two months ago. It serves as the magical portal between Earth and the world of Iconoclast.

Maria stared at him, eyes wide with astonishment. Then your story was?

He nodded.

Oh my god! Maria uttered to herself before falling back to the bed. People are not going to believe this!

They dont need to, said Logan. I doubt they would anyway.

He took the medallion in his hands and brought it closer to her. Mother, I want you to rub the medallion again. It will take you back to Earth and to safety.

I will do no such thing! Maria shouted pushing the medallion away, her voice was filled with more passion and force than he had heard in the months since her husbands death.

Mother, its too dangerous for you to stay in this world! he argued. Things are only going to get much worse before they get any better!

Maria pushed herself up, the strength of her body suddenly renewed. This is every mothers dream, she said, to see her son become a hero...and in an alternate world for that matter! Im going to stay right here until this war ends!

With a sigh, Logan arose from his seat. Fine, do as you wish mother. But for now, I have to depart for the land of Arcanius for that is the Scourges next destination! People are counting on me. And I still have some unfinished business to attend to in this land.

He was just about to step out of the room when Marias voice stopped him.

Son?

He had his hand on the knob.

Im sorry I didnt believe you earlier.

If I die, youre all she has left, his fathers words echoed in his mind. You need to take care of her should something should happen to me.

Sorry father, he muttered silently to himself. But there are more important matters at hand now.

He turned to face his mother. He was right. Things could only get worse before they got better. There was a chance he would probably not survive the battle. Who knew? This would probably be the last time mother and son saw each other.

Worry about that later mother, he said. For now, I must hurry!

Good luck son! Maria called after him as he closed the door behind him.
					#

The ship sailed across the vast sea towards the land of Arcanius. Logan sat in the cabin with the captain, a tall bearded man in an orange uniform with a feathered cap on his head. A quill pen was in his hand. A copper inkwell sat before him with a parchment in front of his eyes. The parchment was a map of the lands of Arcanius. One the wall behind him was a map of the entire world of Iconoclast. From where he sat, he couldnt get a clear look at the map.

If this ship sails to the harbor of Arcanius, we would not arrive until tomorrow at midday, the captain said. By then, it would be too late should the Scourge attack soon.

According to the map, the Arcanius harbor was located on the far south of the continent. He glanced at the map hanging on the way and learned that Arcanius is located at the far south of the others.

There has to be a quicker route, said Logan after inspecting the map before him.
There is, said the captain breathing in through his nose. But that route could prove to be far more perilous!

Logan struck the table with his fists, causing the inkwell to rattle. Perilous my foot! Ive faced great danger when I first came to this land two months ago. Ive braved many dangers, faced entire armies of the Scourges forces, and creatures beyond your darkest dreams! If I can handle those dangers, I can certainly face whatever this alternate route has to offer!

The captain sat silently, a smile spreading over his lips. I dont know whether to call you a brave man or a foolish one. Still, you have proven yourself in defending Tamirtania, yet the danger you now face is greater than you could know.

He touched the tip of his quill pen to where the ocean met an inlet on the map, an opening of the land like a mouth, curving slightly downward. Then he moved the pens tip to the city of Arcanius. Mapmakers tell us that the shortest distance between two points is a straight line. Unfortunately, the terrain on this route makes such a distance impossible.

Logan studied the map. It was drawn on a parchment that was tanned by years of collecting dust and exposure to sunlight shining through the window of the ships cabin. Time had caused much of the ink to be faded, but Logan could see black, blue, and red ink applied to color the ocean, a few rivers, and a vast desert which spanned almost the entire kingdom. Symbols resembling upside-down bowls chained together represented bluffs and cliffs in the valley that were too steep to climb. A narrow passage sliced a path through the desert between the bluffs. The route led through a canyon and eventually to a cave. The route ended at the city of Arcanius several miles away from the sea.

Then I will have to navigate as the terrain allows me to, he finally said to the captain.

Arcanius is a land comprised of mainly of desert. Water is scarce, therefore we will provide you with a waterskin of fresh water to prevent you from dying of thirst. The city of Arcanius is an oasis within this wasteland. Your route will take you through parched plains and canyons. But it will also force you to brave a place so dangerous that people dare not speak its name: Death Cavern.

The captain appeared quite nervous as he spoke the name of the cavern. Very few people are brave enough to enter the cavern, none have ever come out alive. The skull shaped entrance of the cavern serves as a grim reminder to all who dare to enter.

It seems I have no choice! said Logan, determination flowing into his voice. 
For the sake of the kingdom, I must prevail.
The captain shook his head as he carefully rolled up the map and gave it to Logan. 
Like I said Logan, I dont know whether to call you a brave man or a foolish one. Perhaps youre both. He shook hands with Logan. I wish you the best of luck my friend.

I make my own luck! said Logan.
					#

The ship stopped at the inlet as the captain and his crew finished loading crates of supplies onto a small boat to take Logan into the desert.

Logan climbed into the boat hanging over the side of the ship. The captain unsheathed his sword.

Good luck Logan! he said with a salute before cutting the ropes holding the boat in place.

The boat fell into the sea with a crash as the ship began to sail back towards Tamirtania. Logan watched the ship for several moments before he paddled into the mouth of the inlet. He paddled underneath a small stone arch and pulled to a stop outside the vast desert.

He forced open the crates and inspected the supplies. He found the waterskin and a large cache of weapons and ammo taken from the dead Scourge soldiers of Tamirtania. He checked the waterskin to make sure it was filled with water and found it full to below the opening. Everything else in the crates was something he had no use for.

He loaded his weapons, prepared to face the hostile environment before him.