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Read this file after completing Leviathan's Cove

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With great reluctance, he reached with trembling hands towards the Sword of Darkness where it lay upon the seabed at the very heart of the cavern. Once before he had held the blade in his hands when he recovered it from Garibaldis castle. As before, dread and fear meshed together sent a chill through his very soul as if all the blood within his veins had frozen solid as he clutched the hilt.

Now all he had to do was leave the cavern and deliver the sword. Although unwilling to complete the task at hand, he had no choice. For the sake of those imprisoned on board the boat and in the Scourges base, along with everyone in the city and his own reputation, he made his way back towards the crevice that led from this chamber into the previous sector.

Wearing the wet suit made it easier to breath underwater like a fish. Without it, he would have long run out of oxygen and drowned before locating the sword. Safely within the suit, his body felt as dry as the desert surrounded by a massive oasis of water. At a weight of eighty kilograms, wearing it made it difficult to walk and running was certainly impossible. Underwater, the suit felt slightly lighter and it was easier to move around.

Above him in the previous sector was the surface of the pond. He reached down towards the belt and adjusted the suits buoyancy enough to begin his ascent. As he approached the surface, he started to feel difficulty in breathing. He realized with horror that his oxygen supply had run out. He made another adjustment to increase his rate of ascent. Just as he felt he was going to black out, his head broke through the surface of the pool. He clung to the edge of a rocky ridge surrounding the pool and pulled the helmet port open. As the oxygen flowed back into his lungs, a heavy sigh of relief passed from his lips. This was the closest he had ever come to dying. Not even the time when he was shot off the rooftop of the Arcanius inn by Revelin had threatened his life to such a degree.
Now all he had to do was escape the cavern. If he had one of Murlocks transportation stones, that would have been the easy way. He would have to take the long way out. Thankfully, there would be no more swimming underwater along the way.

He clambered onto the ridge and struggled to remove the diving suit. With its oxygen supply spent, it would need to be repaired before its next use. However, he decided to abandon the suit entirely. Without its heavy weight, his body was more mobile and he had more freedom of movement. The weight of the suit would surely break the vines he could climb up, ensuring that he would remain trapped in the cavern for all eternity. Without fresh water, he would become severely dehydrated in only a couple of days.

Once he was free from the useless diving suit, he kicked it into the pool below and watched it sink to the bottom. He stowed the Sword of Darkness away in his trench coat and began to journey back to the surface where the Scourge awaited him.
					#
He found his boat still waiting for him outside the cave entrance and paddled his way back to the Scourges ship. Hooks at the ends of chains descend from the davits as two soldiers on the deck turn the cranks. The hooks lock into place on both ends of the boat and slowly hoist him out of the sea.

Murlock, Revelin, and a large squad of Scourge soldiers have gathered on the deck to greet his arrival. With great reluctance, Logan drew the Sword of Darkness from out of his trench coat and tossed it at Revelins feet. He saw a smile spread across the commanders face as he bent over and closed his left hand over the hilt.

Well done Mr. Logan, Revelin flatly congratulated him.

Thats gratitude for you.

Revelin held up the sword for all his troops on board to see. Behold comrades, the fabled Sword of Darkness is once again in our possession!

As the Scourge troops shouted and cheered in celebration, Logan looked uneasily towards Murlock who stared back at him grimly as if to say, how could we have been so foolish?

Now that we have reclaimed the five mystical swords of power, Revelin went on, our lost glory is in our grasp!

And as for you Mr. Logan, Revelin turned to face him, you have performed splendidly but foolishly! While we thank you for your co-operation, Im afraid we no longer have need for your services.

I never did serve the Scourge or their cause! Logan wanted to protest, but kept his mouth shut.

Weve been waiting for this moment for a very long time! said Bellatrix as she and the other soldiers trained their weapons on Logan. Dozens of cocking sounds spell him impending doom. Several other soldiers hold their weapons on Murlock to keep him at bay.

Surrounded on all sides by his enemies, Logan feared that this was the end. Still, he was one to go down without a fight. He reached for his own weapons, preparing to defend himself and Murlock to the best of his ability before being gunned down. But what happened next was completely unexpected.

Revelin grabbed Bellatrixs Tommy Gun by the barrel and shoved it downward. No! he said shaking his head.

Bellatrix and all the other soldiers stared at him in astonishment. No? Bellatrix asked with a surprised tone swirling with anger.

I want to keep him alive long enough so he can watch all hes worked for and fought for undone! Like I said, killing him is no longer enough for me.
With resentful glares at their commander, the soldiers lower their weapons. Logan stared at his rival, eyes wide with bewilderment. This was the second time Revelin had spared his life in less than a day. Once again, the Scourge had a chance for revenge and once more their commander had denied it.

Just because you spared me doesnt mean I like you, said Logan. Never have, never will! Katrinas corpse was evidence of his most unforgivable sin.
The feeling isnt mutual Logan, said Revelin with a smirk as he eyed the Sword of Darkness. This doesnt change anything.

Sparing my life yet again was your own terrible mistake Revelin!

But not as terrible as yours I believe, a mysterious ominous voice spoke out from nowhere.

Logan felt his blood run cold and his heart stop. Murlock gasped in shock. His own eyes widened with astonishment and terror drained away his anger.

That voice! His mind screamed. It cant be! Its impossible!

It was a voice he had heard before back in the throne room of Garibaldis castle. The voice of his hidden unknown master who expressed displeasure at Garibaldis failure. The image of a sword flung by an unseen force and impaling Garibaldi from behind through the chest replayed itself in his mind. Just as his memory showed the sword dealing the mortal blow, he felt something hard strike his skull. All the strength sapped from his body and his legs gave out as gravity embraced him, pulling his limp form to the deck as the world around him went black.
					#
When he regained consciousness, he was staring up at the sky. His blurred vision struggled to adjust to daylight. It was slightly warmer and yet the sun was nowhere to be seen through a cloudy sky. The floor beneath him rocked like a babys cradle as the sounds of rushing waves and rippled water fill the air. There was a slight throbbing pain in his forehead. Struggling to rise, he found himself lying back within the small boat that had taken him towards the cavern. He was back in the harbor of Iconoclast.

But how did he get here? Did the Scourge drop him back into the boat and send him adrift back to Iconoclast? It wasnt possible that he had come back by chance. Someone had to have rowed the boat.

Ah, so you are awake at last! he recognized Murlocks voice. His vision finally cleared revealing the old wizard himself seated upon a nearby barrel.

Logan clambered to his feet. Murlock held his hand to keep his body steady and helped him out of the boat. We must return to the castle immediately and report what has transpired to the queen.

During the trip to the castle, Murlock explained to Logan what had happened after he was knocked unconscious by the stock of Revelins gun. The Scourge placed him into the boat and forced Murlock back inside with him. Another soldier of the Scourge accompanied them as the boat was once more dunked into the sea and rowed them back to the harbor. Once back in the harbor, the soldier delivered the message from Revelin to the remaining troops in the city that they were to withdraw and return to the base. Iconoclast could now rejoice in its newfound independence and freedom.

Inside the castle, they met with Queen Minerva and captain Leoric. Logan gave his report on what happened after he handed over the Sword of Darkness. As he told her about the voice he heard back in Garibaldis castle, her face went pale with horror.

It cant be! she said clasping a hand over her lips. Garibaldis master!
If Minerva herself was horrified by the news, Logan wondered how Edward would handle it. He and Minerva had also heard the voice back in Garibaldis castle.

The Sword of Darkness is no ordinary weapon, said Murlock. Its obsidian blade also acted as a prison for the soul of a malevolent wizard who terrorized this world during the great War of Wizardry.

The very same wizard to whom Garibaldi sold his soul to for powers, said Leoric. 
Power that was used to terrorize the people of this land before the curse that shrouded this land when unleashed by the Sword of Darkness. According to our history books, he was also the wielder of the Sword of Judgment.

Who was he? Logan asked Murlock. If anyone would know, its you. After all, you are the only person who lived through those days. 

Murlock nodded grimly and began telling his tale. If you recall the story I told you about a magician who sought to destroy all his rivals, he enlisted the aid of one of his sons who long ago lived in the land of Judgiollas. His son was also a master of the dark arts. The father discovered loopholes in the laws of wizardry, allowing them to kill off their own brethren, and use their magic to clear off entire population of both lands they inhabited, leaving the two kingdoms devoid of human life. Once done, they turned their attention to the remaining five kingdoms to eradicate the entire human population. Luckily, a surviving wizard  your ancestor Lazarus  halted their advance and ended their reign of terror, saving thousands of lives, but victory came at a terrible price. Ever since the War of Wizardry, the remaining five lands have been wary of each other. For after all, if representatives from another land had attacked them, what would they expect from the remaining six kingdoms?

But why would a father and son kill off their own kind? asked Logan.
Because back in those days, those who practiced magic  wizards, witches, sorceresses, magicians, enchanters to name a few  were greatly feared due to their power and their near immortality, a life spanning a few thousand years. People were terrified that such power would be used against them and throughout history, several users of magic did just that to torment and terrorize them. Not even those who used their powers to benefit the populations could redeem their reputations. But enough of that history, back to the story.

The father  sired by a sorceress and an astronomer  believed he was doing everyone a favor. But in destroying his own kin, he became something much more in the eyes of the citizens. Rather than becoming a hero by eliminating his own brethren, he found himself more abhorred than all the rest of them put together. Ironically, it was Lazarus who became the hero in this tragic story. Even after all these years after this malevolent wizard was cast out of this world, the dark curse he placed upon Pandorium still works its magic upon the land, magic so strong that not even the Sword of Iconoclast could cleanse its influence.

Didnt he have two sons? asked Logan.

Indeed. Being descended from powerful users of magic, their bloodline allowed them to easily study what no mere human could understand. Both brothers however chose different paths in life. The elder brother studied magic and learned how to use and control powerful magic spells and enchantments. His younger brother traveled to Judgiollas to seek his fortune and he became a knight.

And no ordinary knight he was, said Leoric. He was the finest swordsman the entire realm had ever known! Greater than our own queens father, the Naphorphian warrior Cecil. They called him Lord Draven, the kingdoms champion and the hero of Judgiollas.

So the elder brother was the son who fought alongside his father in the war? asked Logan.

Murlock shook his head. You would think so wouldnt you? No. At some point, Draven studied and mastered the dark arts. It was he who joined his father genocide of all magic users and what would have been the rest of the human population in this realm.

And in doing so, he forsook his knightly virtues and oaths! Leoric said disdainfully.

Logan was beginning to suspect which of the brothers was imprisoned within the Sword of Darkness. What about his elder brother? What happened to him?
He refused to support his father and brother. As a result, his own family marked him for death, save his mother who had died when he was young. He fled to the south to escape their wrath due to his inability to fight back. If not for Lazarus, they would have pursued him throughout the remaining continents, killing everyone who stood in their way. Thousands of people would have died because of his own cowardice.

Who was he?

Murlock only shook his head. That matter is of no importance. What does matter is that it was only through the heroism of Lazarus that Draven and his father were ultimately defeated. At the end of the battle, Dravens soul was separated from his corpse and his father was stripped of his powers before being banished to another world. His name is forgotten by all but the pages of history.

And to you? Logan queried.

Murlock nodded gravely. While the war was began by Dravens father against his own brethren to win the respect of the population, it was only through Lazarus heroism that people stopped fearing those of magical talent and began to see them with a new sense of respect. Unfortunately, by then, there were very few wizards left in the land of Iconoclast to enjoy the new status quo.

You amongst them, Logan pointed out.

Precisely, said Murlock. And as youve probably begun to suspect, it is the soul of the fallen knight Draven who is imprisoned within the Sword of Darkness. It was the voice of Draven we heard on board the ship.

And in Garibaldis castle, said Minerva.

But why did the Scourge want the Sword of Darkness? asked Leoric.

Perhaps one of them will sell their soul for such power, suggested Minerva.

Logan hated to think what would happen if the Scourge repeated Garibaldis folly. With such powers, they would be free to continue where they left off back on Earth. The entire planet would soon be at their mercy once more as if his every effort two months ago had been for naught. If Revelin was the one who gained such powers, just how much would it inflate his massive ego? Would he actually go so far as to consider himself a god among mortal men and women?

That would only be possible if that person was of a the bloodline of a magic user, said Murlock. Only such a person would know how to understand and use magic.

I shudder to think of the alternative, said Minerva.

What? asked Logan.

Suppose Draven himself was set free from his imprisonment? What if the Scourge found a way to restore the soul to the body? Even despite all the death and destruction theyve wrought, the revivification of Garibaldis master would make all that transpired so far seem like mere childs play. I fear for my kingdom and my people should the Scourge once more have a powerful wizard on their side. It would be a repeat of history and the prelude to another Wizardry War!
Logan felt an uneasy feeling in his stomach and head. And to think its all my fault!

Yet I also fear for the life of my husband, said Minerva. Imagine the suffering he must have endured by now being tortured by the Scourge.

And the other people taken prisoner by the Scourge, said Leoric, including my daughter and her friend Albrecht, whom Ive only truly begun to hold high in regard.

There is also Gwendolyn, the bride of prince Kain of Tamirtania, said Logan. 
Together with my friend Agnes and my own mother.

And of course Claudio, Minerva added.

What? asked Logan.

Before the Scourge withdrew from this city, they took one last prisoner on board their final ship. Our scout.

They must have uncovered the truth about him being a spy, said Logan. Maybe they caught him eavesdropping on one of their conversations and locked him up with all the others to keep their secrets untold.

He was probably our best chance at locating the Scourges man base, sighed Minerva shaking her head.

But I do know where their base is! Logan wanted to tell them but fear held him back. They would certainly ask him how he knew. And he certainly couldnt reveal to them that he used to train within the fortress in the year he was amongst the Scourge. He forced himself to remain quiet, though guilt prodded him. With-holding vital information to aid the kingdom could be considered the slightest loyalty to the Scourge, but he had a reputation to preserve. People would lose trust in him as well as their respect for him should they discover the truth.

So what do we do now? asked Leoric. How are we supposed to launch a counteractive strike against our enemies on their turf if we cant find them?

Logan saw a smile curl up Murlocks lips. I anticipated such a problem, he said. 
Therefore, I took the necessary steps to ensure the solution. You see, I smuggled on board within my possession my magic teleportation stones. I kept one to myself, giving the other to Albrecht with instructions to use it once they had arrived at the Scourges fortress. Once he activates its power it will transport him back here and he will reveal the location of the base.

Why couldnt you have given it to Agnes?

Murlock removed a small stone the color of emerald and engraved with mystic runes from a pocket in his robe and gently tossed it aside onto the floor. Logan was familiar with these stones and their power. He had used them to transport himself, Minerva, and Edward back to the this castle following the death of Garibaldi. Now all we have to do is wait.

I believe we have a more concerning manner on our hands, said Minerva. We need to recover the Sword of Darkness to ensure that the dark wizards powers are never bestowed upon the Scourge.

But the sword will be kept under guard at their main base, said Leoric. And we dont even know where to look nor do we have any scouts willing to volunteer for such a mission.

Ill have to search for it myself then!

Majesty, Murlock interrupted. Perhaps the same spell I used to locate the sword may be of use once more. You see, since Logan and I were cast away from the ship, I watched through magical visions where the ship sailed. Its destination is northwest of Dunkilus.

And? asked Minerva hopefully.

Murlock shook his head. The ship stopped at a rocky island with granite cliffs and a few trees. Since the island is unknown to me, I cant determine any other geographical features or the flora or fauna. Despite my wisdom, even I am not familiar with every corner of the world. I have never had the chance to travel across the realm nor have I had any desire to since the War of Wizardry. I have spent much of my life in Dunkilus after the conflict, but I have never set foot in Naphorphia, Tamirtania, or even Arcanius. I was born in Pandorium and spent the first two decades of my adult life in Judgiollas. If the Scourge have their base located on an island, it is highly possible that it is one that I have never visited.

So until Albrecht returns, we can do nothing more, said Minerva.

Yet we have no information as to exactly what they intend to do with the Sword of Darkness, said Leoric. And by the time we do learn of their intentions, it may be too late!

Suddenly, at that moment a faint green sparkle of light near the magic stone caught Logans eye. It stretched out into a vertical column of luminous green light that widened until it was about four yards in diameter. Through its slightly transparent walls, Logan saw what he presumed to be the silhouette of Albrecht. But when the figure stumbled outside as the column squeezed itself out of existence they saw that it wasnt Albrecht at all.

It was Penelope. Her helmet is missing and she appears to be dazed and in shock.

Penelope! Leoric gasped with joy at the sight of his daughter. He charged forward and held out his arms as she collapsed. Her fathers rigid form was all that kept her from hitting the floor.

Logan found it hard to watch the reunion between a father and his daughter. Why must every sight of a warm embrace between a man and woman bring me nothing but sorrow?

Penelope appeared drowsy as if the teleportation had siphoned off all her energy. But she still had the strength to speak and stand as her father helped her up to her feet.

Father! she speaks weakly.

Leoric was so overwhelmed with happiness that a tear began to glisten in his right eye. I thought I had lost you as I lost your mother that evening so many years ago back before Garibaldi

I dont understand, Murlock stammered, I gave the stone to Albrecht. Why are you here in his stead?

It was Albrecht, she gasped. She spoke the next few sentences taking several deep sighs to catch her breath. The Scourge were going to torture him and I in retribution for their fallen comrades last evening. They planned to start with him I managed to punch out several of them before they forced me to surrender by threatening to blow out Albrechts brains and tarnish my armor with his blood. One of them struck a blow to the back of my head with their weapon, knocking off my helmet and throwing me to the floor. So they changed their plans and decided to torture me first. Albrecht embraced me, cupped our hands together and begged for forgiveness as he removed his hands and rubbed the stone which he placed into my own with my fingers. He backed away as the charm did its magic and backed away just as they seized him. The last thing I saw before the light pillar blocked my vision was Albrecht taking a punch to the face.

Leoric stares in astonishment at his daughter as she she spoke. Emotions of surprise and remorse are evident upon his face. He lowers his head in shame. It seems Ive severely misjudged that boy! To sacrifice his own chance to flee for the sake of my daughter. Now I  may never get the chance to thank him.

Why couldnt he have given it to Agnes? Logan muttered to himself.

I hate to think whats happening to him now, said Leoric as he tried to console his daughter.

I told you he was not a coward, said Minerva shaking her head proudly.

Only a coward would save himself rather than another, said Leoric. Your cousin is without a doubt one of the bravest young men I have ever known. It seems my daughter is a much better judge of character than I am.

Albrecht Penelope moaned once more. The shock of her friends sacrifice was too much to bear upon her weakened spirit. Logan sensed suspected that she truly did love Albrecht despite being unable to reciprocate. Obviously, she cared a great deal about him if she had fought them to stop them from torturing herself and him.

Take her to the guest bedroom, said Minerva. She needs to rest.

Yes highness, said Leoric. Ill need some help though. Logan, give me a hand here and help me take my daughter to the guest bedroom.
					#
Logan helped Leoric carry his daughter off to where she could get some rest. Penelope continued to moan Albrechts name in anguish and grief. Apparently, she had been telling the truth the previous evening about grief distracting someone from their duty to their kingdom in need. It was as if she blamed herself for what happened. 

Minerva opened the door to the bedroom and the two men carried her in.
Take it easy Penelope, said Leoric. You are not responsible for Albrechts plight. He chose to save you rather than himself.

If he had saved himself, it would only solidify a reputation as a coward. Logan remembered the story Agnes had told him when she was abandoned by the man she had loved to save himself from desert bandits. A man of good character would not have done such a thing. Katrina had sacrificed herself for what she believed in. Regardless of what the Scourge say about her, she is the bravest woman I have ever known.

What do you want me to say? she whimpered. That I wish he had stayed in Naphorphia? That I wish I never met him? That he loved another, one who didnt fail him just as she failed everyone?

They lay her upon the bed behind the maroon velvet curtains.

Im sure hes still alive, Minerva tried to assure her. Then with a twinge of concern, she added, Hopefully.

Albrecht Penelope moaned. The more she spoke his name the more Logan understood her true feelings. As much as she said she saw Albrecht as a friend whom she cared a great deal for and nothing more, her despair belied her true feelings. Perhaps she did deep down love him, she was just too late to truly realize it. Now it seemed she would have to live with the regret that Albrecht would never know how she felt...if he was still alive. Yet now was not the time to talk to her about such things. Not in her state.

Father...I cant, she says mournfully. I cant do this anymore.

Do what? Leoric asks.

I am a failure as a guard. What use or good am I to this kingdom if I cannot protect even those close to my heart? My position is hopeless. You were right all along about sentimentality holding us back. All my comrades were right about me being too softhearted to be a guard. As was you.

Well let me be the first to admit I misjudged you. Someone who is softhearted would never have done what she did last evening. Killing two soldiers of the Scourge. You may have a kind and compassionate heart but obviously it extends only to our people and the rest of our world. You may not realize it Penelope but I hear that many of your comrades are beginning to see you in a new light.

What? Penelope asks. Whatever despair weighed her down has been weakened judging from the speed at which she sits up.

Albrecht is not the only one who is building a more positive reputation among our people. You were right, he has a lot of heroic potential. And so do you. Therefore, I will not dismiss you from our ranks. Neither your mother nor especially Albrecht would not want that. Dont repeat the mistake he made in Naphorphia, a mistake that he has now been redeemed for in the town square last evening and when he saved you. My daughter is one of the bravest women I have ever known in my life, next to my beloved and my queen. Only a coward would abandon her kingdom when it needs her and you Penelope are no coward. So long as the kingdom survives, so shall your spirit and your resolve.

But how can I go on being a guard if those whose safety is my responsibility can protect me better than I for them? Penelope lets herself fall back onto the bedsheets.

Penelope, you may think of Albrecht as nothing more than a special friend you have come to care a great deal for, but he is much more than that. He is your comrade, one whom I will gladly welcome into our ranks if he desires it.
Minerva smiles and nod her head proudly.

I understand perfectly what you are feeling now. I grieve every single day for your mother who died that evening when Garibaldi attacked the kingdom with his minions. We both do. But I would not allow my grief to distract me from my duty to the kingdom I love.

Then you have a stronger will than I have father.

Penelope, I think you are ready to know the truth. Your mother and I were never married. He pauses and stays silent as if in embarrassment at revealing this information. 

Penelope looks up at her father in shock. You mean I am...?

Illegitimate? Yes. You were born of an unwed mother and father.

I never knew. Grandma and grandpa never told me anything about that. But I want to know more about your relationship with mother.

Leoric pulled up a chair and sat down. In the beginning we started off as new recruits. I was the only child of a count and countess, she was the daughter of commoner merchants. Charlotte and I shared a strong attraction from when we first met. But once we were in the service of the crown we hardly had time for romance because of our overwhelming duty to the kingdom. Our relationship became strained.
But when she became pregnant, it only created new problems. For a time we tried out best to keep it a secret. But when she could no longer fit her body into her armor, the knowledge went public. There was a great scandal because we were not married yet expecting a child. Fortunately, given the circumstances people were more shocked than outraged. Her parents were not at all upset, they were thrilled at the prospect of becoming grandparents. My parents on the other hand were furious because I was fathering a child with someone from a lower class. Feeling that I had brought shame upon their family they disowned me. Though the scandal was soon hushed shortly before your birth, the damage had already been done. I was never able to reconcile with my parents. They spent the rest of their lives denying they had a son, carrying their disgust at me to their graves after they died in a carriage accident.

It was then that we realized that we would never be able look at each other again without being reminded of the disgrace we had brought upon each other and our families. Thus we made the mutual agreement to end our romance. Furthermore we both knew we could never properly raise a child with our overwhelming civil duties. Leaving you with her parents was all we could have done to give you the loving family you deserved to have, people who could take care of you.

Reminds me of when my own father ask the previous king and queen to take me in before he died of wounds he and more suffered defending me from a band of brigands when I was a very young child, said Minerva sorrowfully with sadness etched in her face.

So what happened to mother after the separation? asked Penelope who had been listening intently to the story of her parents.

We tried to keep our distance from each other, Leoric went on. Still occasionally we would cast a glance at each other as if whatever feelings we shared with each other was still there.  We hardly spoke to each other. Whenever we did it was not for long. The emotional wounds we had unintentionally inflicted upon each other still lingered in our souls. Deep down we still cared about each other but we never dared rekindle our romance.

Sometimes we would talk about what had happened to you. We never denied   that you were our daughter when others brought up the subject. Occasionally we would see you with your grandparents while they were working in the marketplace attending to their business. It broke our hearts to know we could not raise you as our own. When you joined the ranks of the guards at age sixteen, your mother and I were both quite surprised, though we were also thrilled. We watched you train for eleven years and grow from a girl into a young woman who was one of the best fighters in our ranks and among the most dedicated to her kingdom. Only a few months before she died that evening did your mother find the courage and the strength to allow herself to form the emotional bond with her child that we had forced ourselves to sacrifice in the name of duty.

It pains me to this day that we never had the chance to rekindle our romance. But I never stopped loving her, even after all these years. Just as I love my kingdom as much as you love your your mother, father, your grandparents...and even Albrecht. 

He pauses as the final part of his statement hangs in the air. Penelope looks up at her father, her despairing face is awestruck at finally winning her fathers love just as she had won her mothers so long ago. It is also the look of understanding that she truly does love Albrecht, everyone around her knows it and she can no longer deny it.

Did you just...? Penelope started.

For me, duty always came first, Leoric replied. But when you were taken by the Scourge I thought I had lost what was left of my family for good. I had many chances to be the father you wanted and needed but never took any of them. Fear and my own foolish pride held me back. Although you were the product of the love Charlotte and I had for each other, you were also a reminder of the disgrace I had brought upon my own family and hers, a shame that forever destroyed any hope of winning the praise of my own mother and father. In a way I was an even greater coward than I believed Albrecht to be.

Is that why you did not approve of our relationship? Because you thought your were protecting me from making the same mistake you made?

In a way...yes. Your comrades never did think much of you beforehand. You probably already noticed that your poor reputation among them worsened when you became his friend. And I have heard gossip surrounding your name from the lips of civilians because of your relationship. But it was not just you I was trying to protect. Like the vain fool I am, I was also trying to protect my dignity. For how would I ever be able to hold my head up high if my own daughter became involved with the man who abandoned his kingdom when they needed him?

You ought to be ashamed of yourself captain Leoric, said Minerva pursing her lips in disapproval with a shake of her head. Placing your own reputation ahead of helping someone who needs a friend.

I know that now, said Leoric. Now even I must swallow my pride and realize I made a severe error in judgment, not just towards Albrecht, but about you as a daughter. It was this experience of nearly losing you that has forced me to realize that there is much more at stake than just my kingdom and that I have another duty: to my family, or what is left of it. Just as my own father cast me away like I meant nothing to him, so too have I shunned my own daughter out of duty and my wounded pride. I am sorry if I have been a better soldier than a father and that your mother and I were never there for you growing up. I do not deserve your forgiveness. There are no other words to express how sorry I am to have failed you as a father.

Leoric turns his head away in shame. Penelope slowly reaches out and takes one of his hands within her own.

Father...I forgive you. You believe you do not deserve it, but I will choose to grant you mine anyway.

What? Leoric seems almost unwilling to believe it.

Grandma and grandpa said you were a good man and mother a wonderful woman they were proud of, even if you two were unable to raise me yourselves. When I was growing up, I had very few friends, and many children shunned and ridiculed me claiming my parents must not even care if my grandparents were raising me.

Penelope, I am sorry for what you have endured. Though we regretted giving you up, we had no regrets about leaving you with those who could care for you. We did the best we could have done back then.

I know father. I never blamed either of you for what I endured growing up. I partly joined the service to the kingdom because I wanted to have an actual relationship with you and mother. And now it seems I have finally succeeded. I never stopped loving you father, just as I never stopped loving mother.

Leoric gazes once more upon his daughter. Pride and joy from any father towards his own daughter shines within his eyes. Penelope...thank you.
With eyes glistening of joyful tears, Penelope sits up in bed and holds out her arms at Leoric who reaches out to embrace his daughter. Watching a reconciliation between father and daughter stirred up feelings of envy and jealousy within Logan. Though he was happy for Penelope, it did not change the fact that he had never been given the chance to have a close relationship with his own father. He did sympathize with Leoric for being disowned by his family and never having reconciled.

But...what about Albrecht? she asked sorrowfully as she lies down once more. He said he loved me. And I never got the chance to tell him how I truly felt. It cannot end this way!

So deep down she does love him! Perhaps she was not completely being honest when she gently let him down.

Listen, Logan tried to console her, I know how it feels to know that someone you care for is in grave peril and you dont know whether youll ever see them alive again. There is a chance Albrecht may survive. He may have the chance my Katrina never had.

Penelope stared up at Logan in understanding at his loss. She managed to nod with what little strength she had left. In spite of his own loss months ago, Logan was trying his best to remain strong for everyones sake. The pursuit of justice demanded all his energy and strength.

And what of Agnes? What would the Scourge do to her? Would they kill her? Torture her? Deny her fresh food and water? Whatever they were doing, it would be solely to break him due to her resemblance to Katrina.

And his mother? How was she faring as a prisoner of the Scourge?

And Edward? He had already undergone torture. What shape was he in now?

We must let her rest now, said Minerva. Perhaps she will feel better in the morning.

On this I agree highness, said Leoric. We should leave her be and make preparations for Logans departure immediately.

But before we do, said Murlock, there is another matter to take care of first. And only Penelope can do this. He unrolls a parchment containing a map of the world and a feather quill with its tip dipped in fresh ink. Can you tell us where the fortress is? Where they took you? 

He holds out the feather for Penelope as she slowly reachs out and takes I with whatever strength she had. Murlock holds out the map with stead hands as she marks an X upon a small island several inches to the northeast of Judgiollas. She dropped the pen at her side as she fell back upon the pillow.

Logan stared at the X she had marked on the map. Even without the parchment, he could still have found the fortress on his own. I must leave for Judgiollas at once! he said. The prisoners must be rescued and the swords recovered.

Let me confirm if the Sword of Darkness is within the fortress, said Murlock. He shut his eyes and put his fingers to his temple again as the eye rune traced itself once more upon his forehead. Several moments of silence pass before he speaks. Oh my goodness! This cannot not bode well. It only confirms my greatest fear.

What? asked Minerva with a look of worry to match her tone.

A large squad of Scourge soldiers have just boarded one of their ships taking the sword with them. One of them is holding a map of the entire world to another and pointing to the main island of Judgiollas.

The spell faded as Murlock pulled his hands away from his head. Based on what Ive learned from the visions the spell has shown me, I have come to the conclusion that they are taking the sword to the location of the dark wizards tomb.

Somewhere within the heart of the forest on the southeastern flank is a long forgotten cathedral where the final battle of the War of Wizardry was fought. It was there where Lazarus achieved victory but succumbed to his wounds before he could enjoy glory. Both he and Draven are eternally laid to rest within its walls.

Logan felt a chill run through his blood as if the temperature in the room had suddenly dropped. But not for long.

You mean? Minerva gasped.

Exactly, said Murlock with a grim frown. They intend to revivify Lord Draven himself! Even if Logan does leave now, by the time he arrives, there is the chance he could already be too late. Of course, the Scourge may not take the quickest route to the cathedral, so there may still be time to get there.

Should I call for volunteers to aid Logan in this quest? asked Leoric.

No captain, said Minerva. While I must admit I admire your willingness to aid our country and world by any means necessary, I believe Logan has a much better chance of success if he goes alone. After all, his ability to fight this enemy has been proven far more superior than even our greatest warriors and soldiers combined together. I fear things can only get much worse for our world before they get better and we will need all the soldiers we can muster. I believe the true war is yet to be declared.

Very well then, said Leoric. Logan is our only hope for victory, peace, and justice.

It filled Logan with a sense of pride to feel that people depended on him as their hero. Yet the pressure of having so much depending upon his young shoulders was a heavy weight to bear. Still, Logan knew he had to be strong and prepare himself for his greatest challenges yet. Everything he had endured so far seemed like a hundred meter dash compared to what tests awaited him in the future.

I hate to send Logan in alone against such incredible odds, said Minerva, but it seems we have no choice. If anyone can halt the Scourges campaign against our world and the human race, it will be him.

But if he does fail, said Leoric, we must call upon the remaining lands and combine our forces against the common enemy. We shall launch an assault against the fortress if our hero falls in battle.

Perhaps we should do so anyway even if he does succeed in bringing home the prisoners and the swords, said Minerva. If the Scourge do launch a counter-strike against our kingdom, we should be able to repel them. Remember what kind of battle that could have been waged if their commander had not held up Logans hat? They would have easily slaughtered us all.

I believe you are right highness, said Leoric. We must send our messengers across the four nations the Scourge have conquered and send for reinforcements to aid us in the war to come.

Were wasting time discussing our strategies! Logan interrupted them. I must leave at once!

Murlock nodded. Youre right! We have little time to lose my friend. While the recovery of the remaining elemental swords and the rescue of the Scourges prisoners must also be carried out, it is urgent that you must hurry to Judgiollas and stop the Scourge from carrying out this dark ritual and resurrecting one of this lands most powerful enemies, second only to his father. You must not fail!
But if I do, I will never forgive myself for my role in this act.
					#
Guided by a magic spell of Murlocks linked directly to the map Logan carried, the small boat carried him to his destination. Over the course of the next couple of hours, Logan checked his weapons, made sure the barrels were clean and polished, and loaded with fresh ammo, ready for battle should the need come. He also checked inside his pocket to find the teleportation stone Murlock had given him. It was similar to the stone he had carried with him into Garibaldis castle two months earlier. The magic of the stone would teleport him and the fortress prisoners to safety once he had completed his mission.

But first, there was a more important task at hand: stopping the revivification of Draven and recovering the Sword of Darkness.

The sun had nearly disappeared underneath the horizon as he approached the island. A forest of deadwood trees with crimson leaves sapped of life in the autumn season stood before him. The wind blew eerily and cold as if in a graveyard. The sounds of crickets chirping in the air added to the foreboding atmosphere.

As the boat came to a stop at the edge of the island, Logan stepped outside. Time was of the essence and the clock was ticking against him! Time was the enemy now and every second counted.