Chapter 2

Early the next morning, Amarah and Vyth met in the common hall of the Guard Quarters. The room was empty, still bearing the traces of their conversation from the night before in the few items left upon the table.

"It seems you’re ready, Vyth."

"Of course. We can leave at once." Excitement and responsibility mingled in Vyth’s voice. "Let’s take the fourth evacuation route. It leads toward the forest, so we’ll avoid the battle outside."

Amarah nodded. "An excellent idea. Let’s go."

The streets were quiet, only a few guards lingered toward the city center. The dim glow of torches barely broke the darkness of dawn. The city slowly faded behind them as they reached the hidden door.

The door creaked open. A long, dark tunnel stretched before them. As they entered, torches along the wall lit themselves, their flames casting a pale light across the narrow passage.

"At a normal pace, fifteen to twenty minutes and we’ll be out," Amarah said. "The tunnel leads to a secluded part of the forest, and from there it’s a few hours’ journey to the cave."

Their footsteps echoed off the walls. The silence was oppressive, broken only by the crackle of the torches.

At the end of the tunnel, Amarah stopped Vyth, then slowly opened the exit. They found themselves at the edge of a dense forest.

"Well, that was the easy part." Amarah smiled, though his eyes remained watchful of their surroundings.

"Yes." Vyth nodded, scanning the area. "From here we’ll need to be more careful. They may have hidden traps around the cave."

Amarah regarded him with approval. "A wise thought. In wartime, such places are always secured. Best to be prepared."

As they went on, the forest grew thicker. Sunlight barely pierced the canopy, the air turned damp. More than once they stopped to disable traps. A hidden rope snare, a poisoned arrowhead tucked in the bushes.

Amarah paused for a moment, gazing at the disarmed trap, then said thoughtfully, "This could give us away. If the enemy comes this way, they’ll know someone has passed before them."

Vyth studied the trap. "Maybe so, but if we have to retreat, I don’t want to stumble into it." His tone was firm.

Climbing to the top of the hill before the cave, they gained a clear view of the clearing. The whole area was eerily quiet. The trees swayed noiselessly in the wind, but there was no sign of movement.

"No guards outside. I sense no one within either." Amarah swept his gaze across the clearing.

"Perhaps the information was wrong?" Vyth asked, a note of uncertainty in his voice.

Amarah shook his head. "I don’t think so. Our intelligence rarely errs. Something is not right."

Without another word, he strode toward the cave.

"Silver Knight Amarah? Where are you going?" Vyth hurried after him, muttering in frustration, "So much for me being the leader..."

At the cave entrance they stopped. The air was warmer here, as if the heat radiated out from deep within.

Amarah drew his sword and stepped inside cautiously. Vyth followed, weapon ready in his hand.

"It’s getting hotter." Vyth muttered, sweat beading on his brow. "And I’ve got a bad feeling."

"This is dark energy." Amarah said grimly. "So strong that even you can feel it. That alone is not a good sign."

Vyth scanned the cave with tense focus. "Do they know we’re here?"

Amarah halted, closing his eyes for a moment as though listening. Then he answered quietly. "Perhaps. I’ve concealed our presence, but a truly powerful force could still sense us."

From deep within the cave, the glow of a campfire flickered. Amarah and Vyth stopped at the entrance. The dark energy pressed down on them, each step heavier than the last.

"Well, well..." an unfamiliar voice spoke. From the shadows of the wall stepped a hooded man with dark hair and eyes glowing red. "What a surprise. I wasn’t expecting visitors."

"Nor were we expecting you." Amarah replied, his hand resting on his sword. "Who are you, and what are you doing here?"

The man laughed. "You have no need to know. But since you asked... I am one of the Dark God Khuarus’s highest servants. A Dark Prince."

Amarah drew his blade. Vyth tightened his grip on his own weapon.

"We will not allow you to carry out your plan, whatever it may be."

The Dark Prince laughed again. "Do you think you stand a chance against me?"

With a single motion, he struck toward Amarah. Amarah blocked the blow, then slashed swiftly for the man’s neck, but his opponent evaded with incredible speed. A single kick sent Amarah crashing to the ground.

"Pathetic..." the Dark Prince sneered. "I thought I’d be more entertained." His gaze slid to Vyth. "And you? Weaker than him... or at least, so you seem."

He advanced, but Vyth was ready. He blocked the attack and countered immediately. Surprise flickered in the Dark Prince’s eyes, but his lips soon curled into a smile.

Vyth pressed him with a flurry of strikes, trying to force him back, but his opponent was too fast. None of the blows landed. Meanwhile, Amarah rose to his feet, lightning magic surging along his blade. The Dark Prince didn’t notice him slip behind. With a single thrust, Amarah drove the sword through his back.

The man froze, staring at the blade protruding from his chest. Then he chuckled softly.

"Not bad." he murmured. "I underestimated you." In the next instant, his body burst into flames, only to reform a few paces away. The wound was gone as though it had never been.

"Well then, round two." he said with a grin. Flames engulfed his hands as he attacked again.

Amarah stepped forward, speed heightened by lightning magic, parrying the blow, while Vyth struck from the side. But the Dark Prince caught Vyth’s blade with one hand, then conjured a fireball and hurled it at Amarah. Amarah leapt aside, but the Prince didn’t release Vyth’s sword, he dragged him down to the ground with it.

Vyth struggled to rise, but the Dark Prince’s flaming fist already swung toward him. At the last moment Amarah intercepted, his strike forcing the foe to stagger.

In that moment, Vyth felt the energy of his sword awaken. Holy power surged through him, its light blazing bright. Though he had scarcely begun to understand the weapon’s abilities, the danger drove him instinctively into action. He swung in a single powerful arc at the Dark Prince.

The enemy leapt back, but not fast enough, the blade cut across his chest. The Dark Prince hissed, clutching the wound.

"Well..." he muttered softly. "I underestimated you."

With a gesture, towering pillars of flame erupted around them, trapping them in a blazing cage. In the next instant, he moved faster than they could react. A barrage of blows struck them, and in moments they lay on the ground.

The Dark Prince raised his hand, ready to deliver the finishing strike. But then he hesitated. For a moment he only watched them, then laughed quietly.

"That’s enough." he said. "I enjoyed this little fight. But next time, I will not be so merciful."

He turned and strode toward the exit. Before vanishing into the darkness, he glanced back once more.

"I hope you’ll be stronger next time."

And with that, the darkness swallowed him.

A few seconds later, Amarah struggled to his feet. He glanced toward the cave’s exit, but the Dark Prince was already gone. He stepped to Vyth’s side and helped him up from the ground.

"Are you all right?" he asked.

"I think so." Vyth could barely stand. "I can hardly move... The Dark Prince is gone?"

"Yes. But I don’t understand why he left us alive." Amarah looked toward the exit. "Either way, our mission here is finished. Let’s return to Glelrun and report to High Priest Aryn."

Vyth nodded, and together they made their way out. Once they were certain no further danger awaited them, they set off.

Because of their injuries, the return was slower. The sun had already set by the time they reached the tunnel, but eventually they made it back inside the city walls.

They went straight to the Temple, where Aryn was waiting at the entrance. The moment she saw their condition, she cast healing magic on them.

"What happened?" she asked.

"We crossed paths with a Dark Prince." Amarah said, his tone tense. "He handled us rather brutally... then when he could have killed us, he left."

"A Dark Prince?" Unease flickered across Aryn’s face. "This cannot be coincidence. Even with the siege, I did not expect one of them to appear in person... Something much greater must be moving in the shadows."

By the time her magic ended, Amarah’s and Vyth’s wounds were completely gone.

"This is incredible..." Vyth stared at his arm.

"High Priest Aryn possesses the strongest healing magic in Glelrun." Amarah said. "The Goddess’s Blessing makes it possible."

Aryn gestured for them to follow. "Come inside. We must discuss this in greater detail."

In the High Priest’s chamber, Aryn listened intently to their report.

"This can’t be a coincidence." she said at last. "A Dark Prince never appears without reason. We must uncover what lies behind this."

"High Priest Aryn..." Vyth began. "Who exactly are these Dark Princes?"

"There are two of them, Argath and Vorgath." Aryn replied. "Argath is the more cunning, the strategist. He always knows precisely why he acts. Vorgath, on the other hand, is destructive, cruel, and unpredictable. From your description, it was Argath you encountered. And if he left you alive, there is a reason."

"Could it be that he simply saw no point in killing us?" Vyth asked.

Aryn shook her head. "Argath does not spare lives without purpose. If he let you live, it means he needs you for something."

"Do you already have a plan?" Amarah asked.

"Not yet. I will speak with Goddess Ylena. Perhaps she knows more."

Amarah nodded. "Please inform us if there is any way we can help."

They were just about to leave when Aryn stopped them.

"Vyth." She paused for a moment, weighing her words. "Having seen your determination and abilities, I wish to offer you advancement to Silver Knight."

Vyth stared in shock. "I... High Priest Aryn, I don’t know what to say. Of course it is an honor, but... why me? There are more skilled Guardians than I, who have earned it more."

Aryn smiled softly. "We have suffered many losses in the war. Several will be promoted, and we must recruit new Guardians to replace the fallen. You are not the only one, but your abilities and determination make you deserving of this opportunity."

"But I haven’t even completed my training yet..." Vyth said uncertainly.

"That is no obstacle." Aryn replied. "You will serve beside Amarah, and he will continue to train you. But there is another reason I chose you... though for now, I cannot speak of it."

Vyth was silent for a moment, then nodded. "I accept. And thank you."

Aryn watched him with a faint smile. "I trust you will soon catch up to Amarah’s level."

"Vyth will have all my support to ensure it, High Priest Aryn." Amarah said.

"Good. In a few days, we will hold the ceremony of induction. Prepare yourselves. If there is any development regarding the Dark Princes, you must be ready."

"Understood." said Amarah.

Aryn nodded. "Now go, and rest. You have earned it."

Amarah and Vyth bowed, then left the Temple.

A few days later, early in the morning, Vyth awoke to the sound of knocking. Groggily, he sat up and hurried to the door. When he opened it, Amarah was standing there.

"Vyth." the Silver Knight said. "Forgive me for disturbing you so early."

"Silver Knight Amarah? It’s no problem. Has something happened? Any developments regarding the Dark Prince?" Vyth asked, still a little drowsy.

"Unfortunately, no. In truth, High Priest Aryn sent me to inform you that tomorrow morning we will hold your induction as a Silver Knight. I wanted to prepare you for it a little."

"Tomorrow?" Vyth scratched the back of his neck in confusion. "I didn’t think it would come so soon... I feel ready, but I still don’t quite know what to expect."

"There’s no need to worry." Amarah replied. "It’s only a formality. Don’t expect too much ceremony. Because of the war, not every Guardian will be present, but it is still an important occasion. The new Knights will be given duties right away, but as High Priest Aryn said, I will be with you the whole way to help you."

"Thank you for that in advance." Vyth nodded. "So what exactly should I expect?"

"It won’t be complicated. A few of the more senior Guardians and Knights will be present, along with High Priest Aryn, who will give a speech and induct the new Knights once you swear your oath to serve the Temple. The rest you’ll see for yourself. I’d rather not spoil the experience in advance." Amarah laughed.

The next morning, Vyth prepared for the induction. Following Amarah’s advice, he put on his Guardian armor and strapped the sword from the Temple’s armory to his side.

As he walked through the city streets, he ran into a few acquaintances from the Academy. Many congratulated him, while others watched with envy as he made his way toward the Temple. Vyth felt a little embarrassed. He had not even finished his training, yet he had already been chosen to become a Silver Knight.

At the entrance of the Temple, Amarah was waiting.

"Ah, Vyth. You made it."

"Good morning, Silver Knight Amarah. I hope I am not late."

"No, you are on time. Come on, High Priest Aryn is already inside, waiting for the Guardians who have been chosen."

As they entered the great hall, Vyth glanced along the decorated walls, the banners hanging in place, the rows of candlesticks and flowers. At the far end stood Aryn, surrounded by several Silver Knights and Guardians. She smiled and gestured for them to come closer.

"Amarah, Vyth." she greeted them. "Almost everyone is here among those chosen to become Silver Knights."

"I was afraid I would be late." Vyth smiled nervously.

"We would have waited for you anyway." Aryn gave him an encouraging nod. "Were you able to prepare?"

"Silver Knight Amarah told me what to expect, but I am still nervous."

"There is no need to be nervous." Aryn looked around the hall. "We are still waiting for a few more, and then we will begin the ceremony. Until then, talk with the others or occupy yourself as you wish."

Vyth nodded, then walked the hall with Amarah.

When all the chosen Guardians had arrived, Aryn spoke.

"I ask the Guardians to step forward and line up side by side."

Seven of them took their places. Vyth stood fourth in line. He watched as Aryn stepped to the first and began her speech.

His heart beat faster and faster. He did not even know why he was so nervous. This was the moment he had been waiting for. The moment he had trained for.

While he thought on this, Aryn was already before him.

"Vyth. Please recite the oath."

Vyth looked out over the crowd. He saw his master, who gave him a reassuring smile and nod. For a moment, relief passed through him.

He drew a deep breath and looked into Aryn’s eyes.

"I, Vyth, pledge my life to the defense of Glelrun. Whatever danger may come, I will devote all my strength to ensure my deeds strengthen the peace of this city, protect its people, and lead our forces to victory in the battles to come."

Aryn nodded and moved on.

When every Guardian had spoken their oath, Aryn raised her hand.

"From this day forward, you who have sworn the oath will serve as Silver Knights. Your service to the city will not go unrewarded. Remain true to your vow and protect Glelrun until the end of your lives."

She then signaled for the new Silver Knights to move into the chamber behind the hall. As they walked across, Aryn thanked the citizens for attending and wished them enjoyment of the celebration.

Inside, Aryn addressed them once more.

"I wish to thank you for taking up this calling and swearing the oath to fight as Silver Knights for Glelrun. Your rank deserves respect. The Guardians will look up to you. Support them, strengthen their will, so that one day they too may defend this city. Should you ever have questions or requests, come to me. You will also have access to the Temple’s armory. If you are in need of equipment, ask, and you shall have it."

She let her gaze pass over them for a moment.

"Now go, and enjoy the celebration."

The newly sworn Silver Knights bowed, then joined the celebrating crowd.

A few days after the induction, Amarah and Vyth were heading toward the Temple of the Goddess. Aryn had summoned them.

As soon as they entered, Aryn was already waiting.

"I am glad you came so quickly." She paused for a moment before continuing. "We have received important information. At dawn tomorrow, the demons’ strategic commander will hold a crucial meeting. The location is their command camp, not far from the battlefield. If you move around their main forces, you can reach it within a few hours."

Aryn’s gaze was grave.

"Your task is simple. Infiltrate the camp and eliminate the commander."

Amarah and Vyth listened intently.

"You will have help. Someone will be waiting for you near the camp, on a clearing. Set out at night so you will have time to discuss the details with him."

Amarah and Vyth both nodded and bowed before Aryn.

They wasted no time. Returning to headquarters, they began their preparations.

They prepared quickly for the mission, then had a little time to rest before departure.

Avoiding the demon army that was stationed outside the city, they set out for the arranged meeting place. They remained hidden the whole way to avoid the enemy sentries. Within a few hours they reached the clearing where a hooded figure awaited them.

From a distance the stranger signaled to them.

"Finally you have arrived..." he said as he lowered his hood.

A young elven man stood before them. His long black hair fell loosely over his shoulders, and his dark eyes appraised them sharply.

"I assume you are the help Aryn mentioned." Amarah said.

"I am." the elf nodded. "I am Aendryr... and you are Amarah and Vyth." He paused as he inspected them. "Aryn has told me much about you. She said you would succeed in this mission. I hope she is right... That I am meeting you at all is already a great risk."

"Don't make it sound as if we begged you for help." Vyth interjected. "We are carrying out an order. We would manage without you, so if this is too great a sacrifice, you can withdraw... Are elves really as rude as they say?"

Aendryr smiled.

"All right, I was only joking." He shrugged. "I like your style. As for elves... Many of us dislike humans because of past events. But do not judge everyone the same. It is part of my job to show that attitude, but I have no particular grudge against people. The conflict between elves and humans has always been mutual."

"There were many disputes between us in the past." Amarah agreed.

Aendryr grew serious.

"But to the point. Aryn has surely explained the mission. I will ensure you can carry it out." He glanced around for a moment, then lowered his voice. "I am one of Aryn’s spies. By gaining the demons’ trust I collect information. The moment I learned the strategic commander would hold an important meeting, I alerted Aryn."

"The demons trust you?" Amarah asked. "How did you manage it?"

Aendryr laughed softly.

"It was not simple. You have surely heard of the elves’ life-energy magic. Most use it to shape nature and for healing... but there is another branch." His expression hardened. "Some elves can turn this magic to destruction. We call it elven dark magic. I am one of those who possess this power."

Amarah and Vyth exchanged glances.

"When Aryn tasked me with infiltrating the demons, I posed as a mercenary. It was enough to show them this power... They had no choice but to accept me. Of course they did not trust me right away. It took years to gain their confidence."

A look of astonishment passed over Vyth’s face.

"Now I understand why you said meeting us was risky."

Aendryr smiled faintly.

"I am glad you understand my situation. I made many sacrifices for this assignment." He paused in thought, then returned to the present.

"As for the mission..." he continued. "Other important demons will attend the strategic commander’s meeting. Because it is secret, only a few bodyguards will protect them. They fear leaks. This is our chance. You infiltrate the camp and eliminate them. As Silver Knights you wield Holy power. That will be a great advantage against the demons."

A moment of silence followed.

Aendryr crossed his arms.

"Don't even ask why the demons don't trust even each other. After all these years I still haven't figured it out... But that is their nature."

Amarah and Vyth looked at each other. "All right." Amarah nodded. "Let’s go, we need to get there in time."

After a few minutes of cautious movement, they reached the camp. Aendryr knew exactly which tent to approach. It stood in a secluded spot, away from the others.

"That’s the one." he pointed at the tent. "The commander placed it farther away on purpose, so they can speak without disturbance. The sentries have a clear view of the area from here, which makes it dangerous to get close."

"How do we get there without being noticed?" Vyth asked.

Aendryr smiled. "Before the meetings they always dismiss the sentries, to make sure no one overhears anything. As soon as they leave their posts, we move in."

"And yet they still trust you?" Amarah raised an eyebrow.

"They consider me strong enough to be useful. But not enough to let me into a meeting like this. To them, I am still just a mercenary."

They waited for a short while. Then there was movement. The sentries left their positions.

"This is it. Now or never." Aendryr said.

They quickly sneaked up to the tent. Just a few meters away, hidden behind a rock, they listened to the conversation.

"...once we reach the mountain, everything will be easier." said one of the demons.

"The Temple is guarded." answered another.

"The mountain is the key. If we climb it and remain unseen, only the High Priest and a few Guardians will stand in our way."

"The High Priest?" someone asked suspiciously.

"In the worst case. Khuarus’s command is clear. The statue must be destroyed. That is the true goal of this siege."

"And after that?"

"We withdraw. Destroying the statue will weaken Ylena. Without her, the city will be defenseless."

"The city doesn’t matter. Khuarus’s true goal is Ylena herself. If the statue is destroyed, he can finish her once and for all."

The tent grew silent.

"So their target really is the statue..." Amarah whispered. "This is bad."

"But why is a statue so important to them?" Vyth asked.

Aendryr closed his eyes as he answered. "The Gods are able to shape a part of their power into an object. This is called a Divine Artifact. If the God dies, the Divine Artifact allows them to return. But if it is destroyed beforehand, then it is truly the end."

"This statue is Goddess Ylena’s Divine Artifact." Amarah said quietly. "Only the High Priest and the Golden Knights know about it. How could Khuarus possibly know...?"

"Golden Knights?" thought Vyth. "I’ve never heard of them..."

"We cannot allow them to carry out this plan." Amarah said. "And we cannot let other demons learn of it either."

"He could have chosen a less conspicuous Divine Artifact..." Aendryr muttered.

"Goddess Ylena was defeated once before by Khuarus, the Dark God. Back then they did not know what her Divine Artifact was, so Ylena was able to use it to return. Not long after, Khuarus launched another attack against her. Since Ylena had not yet regained her full strength, she was forced to create another Divine Artifact. That is why it is such a large object now."

Aendryr looked toward the tent. "What’s the plan?"

"There are five of them. The two of us attack. Can you hold them down?"

"With my magic, yes. I’ll bind them with vines. It will make things easier for you."

"Good. Then let’s move." Amarah nodded.

The three of them advanced. Reaching the tent, they approached from three sides. With their weapons they slashed open the tent’s wall and stormed inside.

Inside, there were indeed five demons. Aendryr immediately called upon his magic. Vines lashed out from the ground and bound two demons tightly.

"Aendryr?!" the commander shouted.

"Greetings, commander. Long time no see." Aendryr grinned.

Amarah and Vyth wasted no time. They struck down the bound demons. The others jumped back, and a portal opened behind them. The commander and his two companions vanished through it.

"Damn it!" Amarah hissed. "I didn’t think they could open a portal."

"Neither did I..." answered Aendryr. "Now the disguise is useless."

"So what do we do now?" Vyth asked.

Amarah looked around the tent. On the table lay several documents outlining the demons’ plan to destroy the statue of Goddess Ylena. He quickly gathered the papers, then stepped outside and watched the demon camp stretching out in the distance.

"We messed this up. The commander got away, but now we know what they’re planning. Hopefully they won’t try it. Either way, we need to prepare. And since we’re already here..." he glanced at Vyth and Aendryr. "How about we cause a little damage?"

"What do you have in mind, Silver Knight Amarah?" Vyth asked.

"The ones in the camp still don’t know about us. If we attack from inside, we can surprise them. Aendryr, you can use elf magic. We can use Holy power. What if we combine the two?"

Aendryr smiled. "I like that idea. Let’s do it."

They headed toward the demon camp. Using his magic, Aendryr summoned plants, trees, and flowers that burst out of the bare ground. Amarah’s Holy power strengthened them, and through the vegetation, pure Holy energy spread outward.

Vyth watched them, amazed by the sight, he had never been capable of such use of magic before.

As the Holy energy flooded the camp, the demons panicked. Most of them tried to flee, some screamed as they ran into the forest, while others collapsed in agony, their bodies turning to dust under the pressure of the Holy power.

Within moments, the camp was emptied. Amarah, Vyth, and Aendryr then began their journey back to Glelrun, heading straight to the Temple of the Goddess to report to High Priest Aryn. On the way back, they saw that the Guardians had gained the upper hand in the battle. Without reinforcements, the demons could no longer hold their ground.

After reaching the city walls, they entered through a hidden gate and within minutes arrived at the Temple. Aryn was already waiting for them in the main hall.

"You’ve returned. I assume you completed your mission successfully." Aryn smiled.

"Not exactly." Amarah replied. "The commander escaped before we could capture him. He opened a portal, reacted too quickly."

"That’s unfortunate. But the demons have withdrawn. What else happened?"

Amarah handed her the papers. "We obtained their plans. After that, we purified the area around the camp. The demons couldn’t withstand the Holy power. They either fled or were destroyed."

Aryn skimmed through the documents, then nodded. "Excellent work. Perhaps this turned out even better. If you had only eliminated the commander, you might not have decided to perform a cleansing of this scale. This dealt a much greater blow to them."

"Thank you for your efforts. Return to the Guard Quarters and rest."

Aendryr then spoke. "In that case, I’ll be going."

"If you wish, stay in Glelrun." Aryn suggested. "Now that your disguise is exposed, there’s no reason to return."

"All right. If you have work for me, you can count on me." Aendryr nodded.

Aryn gestured for him to stay, and the two began talking. Amarah and Vyth bowed and left the Temple.

Later that evening, Aryn summoned them again. When they arrived, she was already waiting.

"Forgive me for disturbing your rest so soon. I have good news. The demons have fully retreated. It seems they’ve returned to the Underworld."

"That’s truly good news." Amarah said.

"Given the current situation, I’d like to ask something of you, Amarah. I want you to be Vyth’s mentor for the time being. His training is not yet complete, and there are surely some gaps. It would also be good if you taught him the basics of magic and the proper use of the Holy Relics."

"All right. I’ll do my best to help him improve as much as possible." Amarah nodded.

"And I thank you for the trust." Vyth said. "I’ll do everything I can to be worthy of it."

"Excellent." Aryn smiled. "Return now and rest. Tomorrow marks a new beginning for both of you."

Amarah and Vyth bowed and departed. From the next day on, they began their training. They spent most of their free time practicing, so that Vyth could learn to master magic, something he had no experience in.