They followed the noise and chatter through the tiny temple until Alexx, Silas, and Tinda found Virgil on a bed. It was hard to make out if he was alright through the crowd of robed people. They weren’t wasting any time, a murmur of communication danced between lip and ear, and hands waved with great purpose. The smell of cleaning alcohol filled the air, and the sound of fresh bandages being wrapped assured them Virgil was carefully treated. His clothes and boots were removed as it was mentioned that they needed cleaning and repairing. All Alexx could do was watch. Sheila and Hammond were also standing around, having no second to jump in and provide help. It lasted like this until Virgil was underneath covers, and all scars cleaned. He welcomed the sight of the people he had spent so long traveling with. As everyone gathered around, his face curled.

  “Senkazital has his ship positioned not to far from here.” he warned, “It was heading in the direction of Crowne. I think he’s going there next.”

  This disturbed everyone in the room, but none more than Alexx. His duty seemed to become larger by the second. Simon could guess what he was thinking. “You said was did it stop?” Simon asked.

  “Yeah, right in direct line of this temple. He knows you’re here, Alexx.”

  “Did you see him?” asked Sheila.

  “He stood atop his ship as I flew by, watching me with a smile on his face. I- mistakenly tried to attack him. It doesn’t make sense that the anti-Craeft property of a dragon can do nothing against his immunity.”

  “He’s covered by something higher than Craefting,” Simon pondered, “But what; is it godlike?”

  “I couldn’t touch him,” Virgil continued, “It’s like a force repelled me the moment my claws made contact with him. He just stood there, not even flinching as I attacked, being smug.”

  “You aren’t the child of prophecy, what was there for him to be afraid of?” Hammond added.

  “Then if this temple is his next target, nothing will stop him from taking what he wants.” Sheila said.

  “Is he after the key?” Alexx asked.

  “The easier question is what he isn’t after,” Virgil replied, “Mish is with him. Erym is going to tattle on our victory. He wants me, you, the mask, they key, and all these people who have yet to be turned into corpses. Just before Kryll attacked me, I noticed Nue Sirius hadn’t been touched. I can’t figure out why he might have passed them by.”

  “Oh no,” Alexx just came to the realization that Senkazital has no rush to conquest. “He’s been planning this for centuries. He doesn’t really need to go in any order, he can take all the time he wants. He’s not on a direct path right now, except ours.”

  Hammond was the first to pick up what Alexx was really saying, “He’s toying with you.”

  Alexx agreed with an aggravated head nod, “That’s why he sat still in the forest until now. He has no worries, only time.”

  The feeling of annoyance spread throughout the room. Alexx was bothered to the point of not thinking clearly. Thankfully, Simon had an idea for him.

  “You can use that to your advantage.” Simon said.

  “It’s true,” Sheila added, “If he’s focused on you, he’s not killing people.”

  “As long as you continue to play the mouse,” Virgil said, “The cat won’t get bored.”

  “You want me to run away?” asked Alexx. Virgil was silent, but his body language said yes. Alexx looked around for anyone’s opinion, including Simon, whom had just made the agreement for the key.

  “Follow me.” Simon beckoned for Alexx, and the two left the room. He followed the priest below, and all the way through the next hall, to another staircase. It wasn’t stone, but wooden, and older. It creaked with every step on the way down. The cellar was musty, and a single torch illuminated the square space.

  “Put the mask on,” Simon instructed. As he donned it, one stone on the floor was giving a faint glow. “If you touch that, and follow the cave, you will find the key. Take it, and run. Your friend is right, he will follow you, and my people may be safe.”

  “But we had a deal?”

  “That was before your friend came back and we were faced with an inevitable fight. If Senkazital follows you in his amusing little game, then you’ve done your part in keeping my people safe. Think of the bigger picture. Many more people will be saved by you finding the child of prophecy. Now don’t ask any more questions. Go, Junder!”

  Alexx moved without thinking. He touched the glowing floor tile, watched a large square section slide back into the wall, revealing old stairs. Alexx went in swiftly. His feet were light traveling down the dark tunnel, with the mask providing a form of light in the way of the Craeft, which is in everything, giving a soft glow. An outline was sufficient in guiding him. The path was filled with holes, the walls were jagged, and more times than he cared, the ceiling was so low he had to crawl on hands and knees. Feelings were fueling excitement and determination. This tiny cavern hidden away, with its ancient musk, and walls clear of bug habitation was the next step forward Alexx had waited for. His journey was moving forward with every step. From here on, with key in hand, every step would be one more closer to the goal. Immortality was drawing closer. His grandfather’s legacy will be fulfilled. Alexx can finally prove to everyone they were wrong.

  The tunnel’s construction was methodical, carefully built with support. It was filled with webs, sticky and empty. Simon’s tracks from before were here-broken cobwebs or smeared hand prints where dust had settled. A peculiar form of Craeft softly hung in the air as Alexx stepped into it. This must have been the presence of the key Simon mentioned. It grew with each passing minute, so Alexx felt assured in his assumption. The descent was easy, the walls and floor were flat and wide. This was designed for a small party to carry something, and then leave. The longer the passage grew, the less winding it became, until it flattened and ended with a large door. Simon was right in the walk taking nearly an hour. The door was already open, and inside Alexx could see a corner of a wooden chest waiting for him. It was old, covered in webs, a broken lock laying on the ground. Alexx entered the room, walking directly towards the meager box. He opened it, and gazed upon the prize. Nestled with a pile of tied parchments, a jaggedly designed flask, was a glowing orb, clear of color. As Alexx picked it up, he noticed a string wrapped around it with a scroll now dangling under his fingers. He unwound it, and opened it up. The message was faded, but written in common words.

  This key will be found again, so long as humans exist. I am not writing to dissuade whoever finds this note. If you are even reading this, then you are not the greediest thief this world has seen. If you’re after the Moon’s Heart, or any mythical idea, then I hope you’re prepared for what you find there. If you’re finding this because Senkazital is free from his cage, then may you find the Child of Prophecy with haste. If somehow the worst has occurred, and Senkazital is reading this himself.

  There was a break in the writing, like they came back later to finish their thought,

  Senkazital, betrayer, servant of evil, you foolish creature. Your obsession with the Void has caused a rift between your brothers and sisters. You will never be one of us again. May Valia’s child find you and quickly bring peace to these suffering people. May you never catch a single sight of freedom outside this pocket world. Go rot in the Void you admire so much.

  The letter ends there. Alexx relaxed his arm as he took it in. The author of this letter also believes that Rediew is also a huge holding cell. Alexx stuffed the paper in his pockets and rummaged through the other letters. He found dates and entries of the writer chronicling the journey to this location, and every day of construction. He didn’t find anything else about the moon, or Senkazital. The few bits of helpful information was the flask is helpful for transporting the key so others cannot detect it. He stuffed the key in it right away and stowed it in another pocket. Feeling satisfied he found everything, he admired the key while holding open the flask. All his faith into believing the unknown made real.

  “Next stop, Mordon-Gaal,” He said aloud, his voice echoing, “Then the moon!”

  He quickly turned around and sprinted back. He cut the time needed to get back by running the whole way. He had already charted his next steps, which were eerily familiar to the steps he needed to get off Lanrete weeks ago: “Get away. Get a boat. Get away...” He reached the stairs and was greatly exhausted, but still trying to move as fast as he could. He pushed passed everyone who watched him leave the cellar, running directly for his friends. His entrance into the room was loud, and brought mostly everyone to their feet. The smile on his face and his breath told them everything before he could even open the flask. Their eyes were open wide as they looked at the opulent key.

  “Remarkable,” Hammond whispered, “It’s a clear crystal, but the Craefting on it, they made it to be original. Unable to replicate. Genius.”

  Alexx looked at their faces, but noticed Virgil was sleeping. Sheila caught his glance and explained that he went to rest after Simon made for the cellar. He’d been asleep since, not looking well. Alexx looked at the bandages and remembered the ring Senkazital gave him. He took one look at it, and slipped it off. He felt a presence inside him dissipate like a vapor. It surprised him how he had forgotten that feeling was always there. He put the ring on Virgil’s finger, and watched a faint blue Craeft pass over the body, lingering in places like his stab wound, and bruises.

  “What is that?” Sheila asked.

  “A ring Senkazital gave me,” Alexx stepped back looking at her, “I was about to die from multiple broken bones and open gashes, and he dropped it on me to wear. It healed me, and it had no repercussions. Senkazital had four more on separate fingers.”

  “More ancient mythical tales made real,” Hammond sighed, “Those rings sound an awful lot like the story from the first age. It was said those rings were owned by the two gods and no one knew what they could do. Some suggest it gave Alta and Zaal their power, or their immortality. And you say this one healed you, and nothing else, Alexx?”

  “That’s right,” Alexx replied, “It was pretty fast. Painful, and a little tickly.”

  “Naturally,” Hammond replied, “I can only imagine what else the others do,”

  “Awright, Alexx” Silas said as he jumped up on his shoulder, “Ya got y’er key, le’s go fuh’fill a prawfecy!”

  “You really like my shoulder, don’t you?” Alexx commented.

  “Ah like bein’ taller’ n’ you, yes!” Silas chuckled as Alexx addressed to everyone the plan. “Mordon-Gaal is to the south, and the rocks only make landing possible on the north end, meaning sailing is limited. Fortunately, from here it’s a straight shot. All we need is a boat.”

  “And a crew.” said Sheila.

  “And supplies.” said Tinda.

  “Navigation.” said Simon.

  “Registration.” said Hammond.

  “Don’ fuhget the passes tha Peacemakahs set up.” said Silas.

  “Details guys, don’t worry about those.”

  “This journey concerns all of us. Every detail will be worried about.” Sheila replied.

  “But we don’t have to do it here,” Hammond added, “We can get out of here and settle on preparing things in a place like, Jombardin?”

  “Why not Crowne? It’s literally down the hill, and not across the ocean.”

  “Logistics,” Hammond replied, “We have the Sorek with us who has resources, and their docks have always been friendlier in the past with us than Crowne. Crowne’s policy on piracy and tight control on crime is still as tight as ever. We may not be committing bad, but we’ll still need to get around quickly if we are to save the world. I believe our friend Virgil can help us, once he’s recovered.”

  “No complaints here.” Alexx said.

  “Well, tha’ don’ quite sit well wiff me, buh’ ah knows y’alls ain’t bad folk.” Silas said to the group, “Not ‘zactly shore why ya still wants ta be pirate folk, but, uh… well rite now it ain’t non a ma biznuss, an’ we cans talk it out afteh ya’s finish ovah a meal.”

  “I would like that, Silas.” Sheila, “Are we parting ways now?”

  “Nah, jus’ thowt Ah clear the air. Ah know y’all thanks Ah’m sum uptite ‘ligious fella. Buh Ah grown kinda fond of yas—even this fella here,” Silas pats Alexx on the head, “Y’all dun show’d me there’s still mo’e to peeple n’ ya thank. Ah neva woulda learnt it in ma hole back ‘ome.”

  “That’s sweet, Silas.” Alexx said sarcastically.

  Alexx faced a thunk to the head for his joking, but he followed it up with a playful pull of Silas’ nose.

  There lighthearted banter was interrupted by a knock on the front doors. Alexx peered outside the room and saw everyone looking towards the front in confusion. Something that loud sounded as if a Giant, or a great monkey was beating it down.

  “No one knocks at our door…” Simon marched up to them while the adventurers stayed back. He ordered his fellow monks to stand back while he proceeded to open the door. Light seeped, and the shadows vanished inside the hall. The outside slowly came into form. Many shapes were being made. A great number of silhouettes stood at the door. These beings were coming into focus, and with their identity, came dread.

  Senkazital stood at the center. His clothes were regal, just like the way he kept his head high, and his hand behind his back. His hair was tied and clean. Behind him, making a line were all familiar faces, Erym, Mish-Za-Heel, Rabbas, Myodis, and Lieutenant Brags. Her appearance shocked everyone. Simon stood before this might, but not for long. Senkazital raised a hand, and the mere touch of his palm to Simon’s head repelled the man back.

  “It is such a shame my touch sends anyone away,” Senkazital said in his usual archaic speech, “It would be much better if I could make dragons with my own hands.”

  Erym quickly approached Simon. His monks reacted, but Simon gave them the order to back away. It was good timing as Erym was holding a dragon crystal in his hand, ready to gift it. His smile said ‘I am the powerful one, here,’ as he approached Simon.

  “Are you afraid, monk man?” Erym said tauntingly.

  This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

  “Are you immortal, like Senkazital?” Simon asked in return.

  “I don’t have to be, I’m gifted with such strength that no one will ever best me.” He looked over at Alexx, sneering, “Including those who make cheap shots,”

  “You don’t like cheap shots?” Simon asked.

  “Why?” Erym looked back at him, “You some super quick combat master?”

  “No, just a man with a terrible burden…”

  Erym was confused, but it donned on him what he might mean as a flash of light left the monk’s hand and bathed him in a bright display of electric currents. The impact threw Erym to Senkazital’s feet. Erym was stunned on the ground, pulsing, twitching, and stammering.

  Simon stood up, the sleeves on his robe now singed, and black. He removed the robe, showing flexible battle clothes underneath. The party also saw both arms, neck, back, and stomach tattooed with blue ink, and small words. It seemed a volumes worth of words on him, too small to see from afar. Simon raised his bandaged hands, ready to fight.

  “That was lightning!” Sheila gasped.

  “Then the entire formula for lightning is on his body, I’ve never seen anyone construct it.” Hammond said.

  “And you likely never will again,” Simon exclaimed, “This is the only record of lightning Craeft, made by my mother, and her mother, and her mother’s mother. They wanted to keep it to the women of the family, but my parents had me. They did not withhold it from me. And I will not withhold it’s might from you!”

  Senkazital approached slowly, showing no concern. His face turned to express confusion and his walk stopped out of Simon’s physical reach.

  “Why are you so eager to resist? Are you not curious of the glory that awaits you?”

  Simon grunted before he replied, “Lies and deception have no place in a holy temple!”

  “I have not come to deceive you, but to guide you to understanding, and to a better place.”

  “Your tricks will not work here, now begone!”

  “I have no tricks, only opportunity.” Senkazital seemed to be speaking to everyone in the room. He glanced at Alexx and his companions all huddled in the doorway. He smirked, and raised his arms.

  “Do you have it, Alexx?” he asked calmly.

  Alexx swallowed his reluctance, and forced his natural self to reply.

  “Maybe, what does it matter to you? Aren’t you a bit busy to be chasing me all the time?” He wanted to see if calling out what they’ve suspected will be confirmed.

  Senkazital locked his fingers together, relaxed his arms and breathed through his nose.

  “Yes, Alexx, everything is all about you.” He dipped his head and chuckled, “I mean no sarcasm. All of this,” His hands stretched out as he motioned to everything, “This is all about you. I have all the time in the world,”

  Alexx sighed, his suspicions were confirmed.

  “You on the other hand, are running out of time… Do you think I’m going to let you keep denying me? Oh- I would have, but you went and killed Kryll. He was a very faithful servant.”

  “I didn’t know he meant that much to you,” Alexx replied.

  “Do you know about Kagral? How they are pure essence of the Void?”

  This was the first time Alexx had heard anything like that.

  “You have to establish a connection with the Void, take it in you. Only then can you pull from it, because you are a part of it.”

  “So that is your end goal?” Alexx asked, “To be a part of the Void?”

  “I already am,” he hissed, “And it’s bliss. Soon, everyone will know the Void and accept it.”

  “Ah’ve heard enuff!” A shot fired from behind, it went directly for Senkazital’s head, but it deflected on the unseen force. Senkazital remained unfazed. Silas loaded another, “Y’or just plumb evul! An’ a spawn a evul! Thas’ awl ya know, an’ is awl ya’s ever know!”

  “You seem to misunderstand, my little rodent friend…”

  “Ah unnerstan’ plunty! Ya twist peepowl with y’er lah’s, an ya buleev ya cin do wat ya wants cuz y’er invincabull. But ah gots sum news for ya’s Er’s comin’ a day wen a feller can knock ya ‘roun’, mark ma words! This worl’ uh be rid a yew, wuns en fer alls.”

  Senkazital had a change of face when looking at Silas. His demeanor changed, and a slight tinge of annoyance crossed his eyes.

  “Who are you?” Senkazital asked.

  “Silas B Huckle,” the rodent proudly announced.

  “You have a deep light within you. It’s sickening…”

  “Good!” Silas replied.

  “I want you gone.” Senkazital approached. Simon stood in the way but was tossed aside easily.

  Sheila and Tinda stood in front of Silas, their weapons at the ready.

  “What’s wrong Senkazital?” Alexx stood in between them, swagging. “What’s he got that bothers you so much?” But Alexx was tossed back into the room where Virgil was resting. As he looked up, neither Tinda nor Sheila were standing. Silas fired again at point blank range, but nothing happened. Senkazital readied an attack made of Craeft in his hands. Alexx began to panic. He felt like all he could was watch, but he couldn’t think of what to do. He looked at Virgil, who probably would have done something already. In a flurry of thoughts, Alexx stood back up and shouted, “Senkazital!”

  He got the eyesight of the invincible man. Alexx pointed to the mask, lying on the table.

  “Take it.”

  “I will take it once I am finished with this rodent.”

  “Then I’ll go too!”

  “You think that will save your friend?”

  “Please!” Alexx pleaded. He surprised himself with saying it.

  “No Alexx, whatever it takes, remember?”

  Alexx went frantic. He tossed things at Senkazital as the man reared back his hand to strike. He was acting on pure instinct when he grabbed the mask and tossed it. As he reached for a chair, he saw the mask make contact with Senkazital’s head, and made him reel in pain. There was a gasp that escaped throughout the entire temple. Alexx was frozen for a second, remembering the moment back in the village where Senkazital held the mask in his hand without it repelling. He was making a desperate dash before the memory finished. Everyone was making a dive for it, it seemed as if the world slowed down. Alexx stopped hearing anything except his breathe and his heartbeat. Tinda and Sheila were close, but he had moved before they were reacting. Senkazital was the only other one reacting as well. He was reaching down, realizing the ruse was up. Alexx felt foolish, not even putting it together. Maybe he was too afraid to even try. But there was no way he was letting that mask get away. Senkazital was almost able to grab it, but Alexx’s instincts were a step ahead. He was rearing back a fist. The fist was already touching the mask, and its force carrying the head covering back to Senkazital’s face.

  The cry of pain broke the silence. Senkazital stumbled back, grabbing his nose, and groaning. Alexx caught the mask and slipped it on. He reached for Senkazital and grabbed him by the collar. The fabric was just like any other fabric, but what mattered was that he could touch it. Senkazital was stunned, and looking at Alexx with disdain. But the pirate’s own experience in brawls prevailed, and Senkazital began suffering a series of jabs and hooks. A mixture of cheers and death threats rang out, Alexx’s party encouraging him, and Senkazital’s forces moving in to protect their master.

  The temple was alive with action. The monks were already defending and attacking the Kagral, Erym, and some chased Mish-Za-Heel as she escaped the temple. But the hallway was too crowded for all this fighting. Senkazital had been pushed up against the back of the monks, while they were using their weapons to push the Kagral out. Alexx wasn’t letting up. He was panting, but he was giving Senkazital everything he could throw. His punches were getting sloppy, but it didn’t matter, he just wanted to hit him anywhere. The master of Kagral was reeling and bleeding. His nice hair was coming undone, and his face frozen in pain, like he was going to vomit. Alexx grew weary quickly, and he realized that even with all this, Senkazital wasn’t going down, nor did it seem as if anything had broken inside him. Anyone would have been dead, or unconscious at this point. This must still be the curse put on him. The Amar can take damage, but he can’t truly die.

  So he can just keep taking a beating… Alexx thought as he stepped back and let his arms fall. His knuckles were bruised and cut.

  “This feels familiar…” Senkazital said, coughing and chuckling, “Just like that time, over a couple thousand years. It feels just that time. They had me beaten too, but they couldn’t finish me. These few times I’m thankful for the curse.”

  The fighting behind him still raged. He glanced at his Kagral fighting for him, and the monks.

  “If you think you can just throw punches at me, you’ve gravely misunderstood.”

  Senkazital prepared another Craeft attack in his hand. Alexx foolishly thought it was for him, and prepared to defend, but Senkazital unleashed it behind him, striking all of the monks that made a wall. They bled, and cried out, and crumpled to the ground. Not one of them stood up, or budged. His forces gathered around him. Simon was crying out, and casting lightning. Senkazital was not affected. He wiped his mouth, and leaned on Erym, “If you really care so much about the Moon’s Heart, let’s see how you get it while I go around making more dragons. I know you’ll enjoy carrying the guilt around like all heroes do.”

  He looked at Erym and ordered him to get to the city of Crowne immediately. They all departed hastily. Sheila and Hammond were by Alexx’s side immediately congratulating him.

  “Not bad for a pirate.” She winked.

  Alexx laughed, but he was still focused on his foes leaving.

  “We’ve got to head after them.” he said.

  “We do?” Sheila asked cunningly.

  “We have a holy sword, we can take out his Kagral. We have this mask, it can subdue him. We can take him out and then grab the Moon’s Heart.”

  “We can’t kill him,” Hammond said, “But perhaps we can lock him away, like they did before, until we find our prophecy child!”

  “Yes! So let’s get going.”

  Alexx was ready to fly, blazing a trail when he stopped just before the dead monks, lined across the hall. He was upset by the sight, and realized more people died because of him releasing Senkazital. He looked back to Simon, who could see the guilt on the pirate’s face. Simon approached him quietly, with no expression. A hand was placed on his shoulder, and Simon was looked at him directly in the eyes.

  “You will carry the guilt, but I hope that my forgiveness can ease the weight.”

  Alexx did feel slight relief, and he felt right in moving forward to finish what he started. He carefully stepped over the bodies, and reverently bowed his head to them, and to Simon.

  The party chased their target outside, weapons in hand. Senkazital’s ship hovered down and destroyed the forest as it landed. Alexx was ahead of the group, but followed closely by Tinda, whose natural speed was almost keeping up with Alexx’s enhanced speed. Silas was clinging on to Tinda, Sheila and Hammond were at the rear, and they were closing in on Senkazital.

  “We haven’t figured out how we will trap him!” Hammond yelled.

  “I’ll hold him in an arm lock if I have to!” Alexx screamed back.

  “That’s not practical!” Hammond replied.

  “I will arm lock him!” Tinda screamed.

  Alexx looked back at Hammond for a reply, but Hammond had given up. He was it his wits end like everyone else. The fact that he agreed and did not question it was proof.

  Erym held Senkazital while the Kagral charged, ready to fight Alexx and his friends. Alexx remembered that Makido had somehow managed to kill Trandin, and Rabbas was able to take on a full sized dragon with no fear. Alexx and Tinda engaged the large boar called Rabbas, while Hammond and Sheila were encouraging Makido to chase them away. Makido did not chase them. He had stopped running and was looking into the air. Sheila and Hammond kept their wits up, and continued trying to lead him into a trap. But Makido was motionless, and pointing upward. It felt like a trap, so Sheila asked Hammond to look as well.

  “What is that…?” Hammond said.

  “Is it a trick?” Sheila said keeping her eyes on the Kagral.

  “No, it’s… a light.”

  Surprised, Sheila let her guard down and looked up. The moon, hovering high atop them, had a tiny light shining on it. Both knew that it was not normally there. It was strange to see, even for a Kagral. The light flickered, like a star in the night sky, and fluctuated. It looked like it gleamed, and faded, gleamed and faded, and then gleamed and radiated. In a trail of light it left the moon going downward, then cutting in an arc like a bounce it went right. It bounced up, and then forward. The arcs were not the same size each time. Sometimes it was traveling farther, and sometimes hardly at all, and it bounced many times. But one thing was for sure, it was headed for them. It drew close and was emitting a high-pitched ring. The sound grew louder, and wasn’t slowing down. Sheila and Hammond decided to take cover, as well as Makido. Rabbas, Alexx and Tinda were unaware until Silas noticed it and yelled out. They ran away just in time to avoid the light colliding to the ground. It splashed, and the light burst violently, but no damage was made to the ground. The light rained all around in dazzling sparkles, and nothing was singed. There stood a young boy where the light landed. He was holding sword almost as big as he was. His clothes were unlike anything they had seen, his hair was bright and spiky. He looked to be around the age of fourteen. The boy looked around at everybody curiously.

  “Did I make it?” He kept looking until his eyes rest on Senkazital. His face changed from curiosity to determination.

  “There you are…!” he said, bringing his sword forward.

  Alexx had no idea what was happening. It felt like things were happening at random now. Everyone on the field didn’t move, even the Kagral.

  The little boy continued, “Senkazital, your day has come!”

  Erym was the first to finally break the silence after that proclamation. He was laughing at the kid. “This isn’t some playground!” He set Senkazital down and grabbed his sword, “You shouldn’t be out here, taking a weapon and playing pretend. Monsters are real…” Erym was digging into his power to draw out his dragon form. The little boy did not tremble, instead choosing to put his hand out. There were faint blue lines on the palm of his hand, on the back too, and little gems embedded in his finger tips.

  “You got some cool power to vanquish me?” Erym teased. He laughed until the boy let his hand fall, and a flash of light exploded. It covered Erym completely, but it did no obvious damage. Erym was frozen like he was waiting for something.

  “Where, where is…?” Erym felt around, “Why can’t I see? What’s on my…” He felt his eyes for something, “Why can’t I see, why can’t I see!” his frustration grew into temperament. The young boy closed the gap between them and swung , making a hefty gash across Erym’s belly. Erym was overly shocked by the attack. He fell, holding himself and screaming. He scrambled back, crawling and feeling his way around, while clutching his stomach. While he did that, the boy approached Senkazital.

  “Now it’s your turn.”

  Senkazital was unfazed like before, but he was attempting to stand.

  “Light Craefting, so you did come from the moon.”

  “I’ve got plenty of ways to end this.” The boy flexed his bejeweled fingers.

  “You really think you can kill me?”

  “I’ll show you,” the boy reared back and plunged his sword right into his chest.

  But the sword’s tip only made it in. The boy was pulled back by Rabbas, who attempted to rip the arm he was holding. The boy flipped his sword like it was lightweight, and jabbed Rabbas. He was released, and he went to stab Senkazital again. By this time Myodis had recovered and was attacking the boy. He had no choice but to evade. He jumped out of the way like his body was light. He joined up next to Alexx and Tinda.

  “Get me out of here.” Senkazital commanded. At once they rushed him into the ship, and closed the hatch. The boy was attacking the ship with a spectacular display of different Light Craefts all from the same hand. But none of them had an affect on the vessel. It lifted up, and the boy tried to chase after it, but even with his great jumping ability, he could follow it further into the sky.

  Visibly frustrated, he took out a paper scroll from his tunic. He gripped it tightly, and it began to glow.

  “What is that?” Alexx asked to kid.

  The kid looked up surprised, but answered in kind, “It’s a teleport scroll. I don’t many left, though.”

  “Where are you going?” Alexx asked.

  “Isn’t it obvious? I’m going to defeat Senkazital!” He raised his voice as the ringing sound of light encircled him and glimmered like the light on the moon from before.

  “So wait, are you…” before Alexx could finish, the light wrapped him up and bounced him into the sky. The strange bouncing occurred again and traveled off towards Senkazital’s ship. The ringing trailed with him until it was too far.

  The silence followed. The monks remaining in the temple slowly walked out, lead by Simon. They watched the boy bounce away in the sky, befuddled. Among them was Virgil. He watched the light like everyone else, but joined his companions. Alexx, Sheila, Hammond, Tinda, Silas, and Virgil huddled together, exhausted. Alexx removed the mask, but quickly wished he didn’t as the strength it gave him left. Tinda caught him as he wobbled. Simon joined the group and stretched his hand out to Alexx. Alexx returned the handshake, both smiled at each other.

  “Thank you.” Simon said.

  “It looks like Senkazital will be busy for a while.” Alexx grinned.

  “If he even has time left to be busy,” Simon replied, “The child has come, and so has his end.”

  “So much for his big plans.” Alexx sighed.

  “The scourge on Rediew will be wiped out. And we can finally begin to head into the future without thinking of his return.”

  The company agreed to stay for a while, and eat with them. In addition to some rest, Alexx helped with cleaning the damage from the fight. The bodies were given proper care, buried and given eulogies during one evening. The forest took days to clean. But the wood was gathered together, the excess branches and leaves were burned. The stumps were uprooted, and the ground was maintained. They found lots of rest during this time, and plenty of food. Alexx showed off the key any time he had the chance, and it reinvigorated him to get back to his journey. They had a long talk about what they were going to do. Sheila and Hammond agreed to stay with Alexx for the rest of his journey. Virgil agreed to help him get a boat but would likely say goodbye at Jombardin. Silas would only travel as far as Crowne, and pursue the child to accompany him for the future. Tinda was content being at the temple, but felt torn about following them or staying, so she couldn’t answer right away. The spent a couple more days there after the work was completed and they helped gather enough supplies for a quick boat ride. With farewells, everyone but Tinda said goodbye and departed the moon temple.