The Legend of Vigilance

[Kildare]

This is my own creation. I didn't really have the time to update it since the last time I did(It's not complete). I think the storyline kinda sucked, but I guess it's just what every author thinks of his own creation - not to mention I'm just a beginner, after all. :P

Synopsis:

The mystic world of Averia has known peace for three eons, where the inhabitants, humans, elves and various mystical creatures, lived together in perfect harmony – until the Burning Horde. Demons and horrors beyond imagination appeared from nothingness, and invaded the lands of Averia with only one objective. To destroy all life.

When hope began to fade, the survivors of the vicious onslaught joined hands and formed a great army, known as the Order of Vigilance, and together, they retaliated against the Horde and pushed them back to their final stronghold – the Fiery Citadel – where no living but the Horde itself could traverse. However, the Horde was so brutally slaughtered by the very people they sought to destroy, that they could not launch another counter-attack against the armed might of Averia.

Peace returns to Averia, but will it last? The remnants of the Order stood guard for ten years, but the Horde made no move, and the people of Averia became convinced that the Horde was no longer a threat…unknowing of the dark danger that is about to reemerge from it’s deep sleep, to become all the more stronger and powerful than before!

[Kildare]

History of Averia:

In the beginning, the Almighty Creator made the heavens and the earth, as well as the races of men, elves, dwarves and many other magnificent creatures. He filled the earth with plants, water, animals and fowl of every kind, and he placed them in the care of his creations. Thus, his duty fulfilled, the Creator blessed his creations, and left them to rest.

Now, the creatures of Averia lived peacefully with one another for three millennia - though at a few times in history, several wars broke out between the kingdoms of Averia, but were not serious enough to threaten the existence of a race - and the earth prospered. Great cities were built and trade between the races prospered, and for a time, the races of Averia knew only peace - until the Reckoning. The mountains split, the earth cracked and heaved, the waters flooded the lands where the great cities stood. Fiery rocks rained from the heavens to consume the helpless creatures and cities below. Millions of lives were lost, and the survivors were forced to flee and seek refuge in the mountains. No one knew the cause of such destruction, until the horrors known as the Burning Horde - for their bodies burned with hellfire and brimstone - rose from the deepest pits of the earth. These horrors were fearsome and terrifying, for they attacked the races of Averia with savagery and cruelty, and worst of all, they possessed the art of Necromancy. The more they killed, the more their numbers grew. They lived to destroy.

The races of Averia united, and formed great armies to defend what was left of their civilization. They managed to contain the Burning Horde, but were unable to utterly drive them out. Soon, however, every mage, wizard, cleric and warrior Averia joined hands, and formed the Order of Vigilance, determined to exterminate the Burning Horde from the face of Averia. And they nearly succeeded. Drawing upon the powers of the Creator, and the arts of ancient magic, they began pushing the Burning Horde back.

During their conquest, they made a shocking discovery. They discovered dozens of portals all over Central Averia, the place where the Burning Horde had first emerged. They soon arrived at a final conclusion - The Burning Horde did not originate from Averia. They came from a different world. With the joined hands of the mages, wizards and sorcerers of Averia, they focused their powers and magiks and began sealing the portals that they discovered. In a short amount of time, nearly all the portals in Averia were sealed. What remained of the Burning Horde were pushed back and forced to build a powerful fortress, enchanted with every ounce of their own demonic magic, on the Valley of Death, directly on the center of the earth. This fortress was known as the Fiery Citadel, as great fire surrounded the fortress, forever protecting it from the demonhunters of the Order. The Order of Vigilance could not penetrate their fortress and it's powerful magiks, where the last remaining portal stood.

Failing to destroy the last remnants of the Burning Horde, the Order of Vigilance built a great city, just outside the northern borders of the Citadel of Fire, and named it The City of the Vigilant Eye, to guard the way to and from the Citadel forever, preventing the Burning Horde from ever emerging to threaten the peace of the people of Averia once more.

Now, ten years have passed, and peace reigned in the land once more, and the land was rebuilt to its former glory. The people of Averia began to forget the Horde that had so nearly threatened the existence of Averia, and the Order of Vigilance began to dissipate, it's members began arguing amongst themselves, vying for power. Many returned to their homelands to begin life anew, and only a handful stood watch amongst the barren lands of the Burning Horde and it's dreadful citadel. However, the Burning Horde had already begun preparations for their return....

[Kildare]

History of the Five Nations:

After the creation of the creatures of Averia, the races split into different tribes and nations over the centuries, until they finally settled into five separate kingdoms, which are now known as the Five Nations - Averon, Treno, Vermicia, Solune and Midgarde.

History of Averon:

The nation of Averon was the first kingdom ever to be formed on the face of Averia, thus the people of the kingdom dedicated the name of their kingdom to Averia. Set on the western continent of Averia, Averon is the only nation presently retaining the old forms of Averian civilization. Averon is comprised of all the races of Averon, thus making it a multi-racial country. Ruled by a democratic council represented by all races, the nation prospered and became the richest of all the nations of Averia. However, when the Reckoning occurred, Averon was first to suffer the demonic rampage of the Burning Horde, and the people of Averon were forced to scatter to the four corners of the world. It was only with the actions of Sir Lorien the Great, called the Knight of Peace, along with the help of King Treno XV that held the nation together. Sir Lorien had called upon the aid of Treno, Averon's neighbouring nation, who began receiving refugees who fled the wrath of the Burning Horde. It was only years later when the Order of Vigilance began pushing back the Burning Horde that the people of Averon, under the leadership of Sir Lorien, were able to recover their lands, and built their capitol, Av Lorien, dedicated in the name of their hero.

History of Treno:

Treno - often called the Kingdom of God - is a kingdom dedicated entirely unto religion and is comprised only of two main races, the humans and elves. Treno's first king, King Treno I, started life as a Priest of the Creator, and he decided to form a kingdom dedicated to the name of the Almighty Creator. Rumored to have personal contact with the Almighty Creator himself, Treno began building numerous monasteries, churches and cathedrals all over the kingdom, and is the first to ever train the Order of Light, an order comprised entirely of Paladins, priests and Clerics, introducing the powerful divine magic that was essential in pushing back the Burning Horde. When the Reckoning occurred, Treno was the only nation that remained unscathed - as if the entire kingdom had been protected by the Hand of God. Treno began receiving refugees when the Burning Horde was discovered. It was King Treno the XV, who believed the Horde as spawns of hell, that issued a call for the warriors and mages of the world to join hands and form the Order of Vigilance, which successfully pushed back the Burning Horde, ending the era of terror and destruction which had reigned upon Averia. Treno stands on the northwestern and northern part of Averia with its capitol, Heavensgate, located in the heart of the kingdom.

History of Vermicia:

Imperial Vermicia, often called the Mortal Lands, is the only nation comprised entirely of humans. Well versed in the arts of war and combat, the people of Vermicia are proud and ethnocentric, who looked down upon the other races of Averia, thinking themselves as a superior and master race. Due to their greed and sense of superiority, Vermicia was responsible for most of the wars that had invaded Averia before the Reckoning. Even during the Reckoning, the people of Vermicia refused to aid, or receive aid, from the other nations of Averia. Thus, only a handful of warriors and mages of the Order of Vigilance were from Vermicia, though they managed to form a sub-group called the "Sons of the Vigil". The Vermician Empire stretches through the entire eastern Averia, with its capitol, Vera, standing below its northern border.

History of Solune:

Located on southwestern Averia, Solune is a nation of elves, dragons, centaurs and other less numerous races. Solune can be considered the only nation that retains the ancient arts and magiks. Most of the population lived in forest cities, and only one city stood in the plains - Sol Terrin, the Forest Citadel. It originally served as a trading outpost with the other nations. Solune's capitol, Solar, stood within the central forest area of Elfwood, and had became the center of study for all kinds of magic - except dark magic, which was forbidden and abandoned after the Reckoning. During the Reckoning, a brave group of elves, centaurs and lizardmen banded together and formed the Order of the Dragon Knights, which learned the arts of ancient magic and skills under the feet of the Dragons of Averia. The Order, under special request from the Five Nations, soon merged with the Order of Vigilance. Though separate, the Dragon Knights thus became a sub-group of the Vigilance itself. The Dragon Knights became famous after the Battle for Sol Terrin - where the legendary Dragon Knight Kil'daran Dragonbane challenged Norax Hellbringer himself in single combat - which won the first victory for the Order of Vigilance since the Reckoning, and was the turning point for the War against the Burning Horde. After the war, the Dragon Knights built the City of Il'veratha, the Great Black Dragon, and made it their primary headquarters, which guarded the southern border to the Fiery Citadel.

History of Midgarde:

Midgarde, or better known as the "Eye of the Magi", is a land comprised of mages, sorcerers, wizards and all kinds of magic users - including the feared and despised Necromancers and the dwarves, giants, gnomes and halflings of Averia - and is located on the south and southeastern Averia . Their capitol, Terra, the City of Magic, stands just a little further below the City of Il'veratha, the Dragon Knights fabled fortress city. Closely allied with it's western neighbour, Solune, trade and friendly contact between the nations has caused their knowledge in ancient and power magic to thrive. In a few centuries, Midgarde grew into a powerful and fearsome nation; it's capitol standing as a beacon of light for all who wished to study the mystical arts of magic. Solune, on the other hand, limited its studies to only divine and nature magic, therefore unable to thrive into such a magnitude of power as Midgarde. During the Reckoning, the mages and wizards of Terra joined hands, and caused a magical barrier to surround the City of Magic, thus preventing it's imminent destruction from the natural disasters and was able to preserve it's center of learning, though the rest of the kingdom broke and burned. After the intrusion of the Burning Horde, the mages and wizards of Midgarde responded to the call of King Treno XV and formed the essential part of the Order of Vigilance, which eventually pushed the Burning Horde back to the Fiery Citadel.

[Kildare]

History of the Burning Horde:

Shortly after the Reckoning and the invasion of the Burning Horde, researchers all over Averia gathered to discuss the origins of the Burning Horde. Many suggested that the Burning Horde were spawns of darkness and evil, while others suggested that they were a hidden and outcast race of Averia, which they thought the Almighty Creator had banished as they were failures of his creation. However, the discovery of the portals - called the Fire Portals - proved them wrong. The researchers realized that the portals led to another world, and after much research and discussion, was called "Nephirrim" - which means "hell" in the language of angels. Before they could investigate further, however, the Fire Portals were ordered to be sealed under the general agreement of the Five Nations, thus forever preventing future research on the homeworld of the Burning Horde. Deprived of their main research topic, the scientists and researchers proceeded to investigate the Burning Horde themselves. The Burning Horde, they discovered, were comprised of dozens of different "clans", led by the strongest clan, called the Hell's Fury. Other major clans were the Flaming Horn Clan, Lightning Claw Clan and Death's Hand Clan. The clans, the researchers determined, was also separated into several different "castes", or ranks - The Chief, Fire Lords, Darkmasters, Flameguards and the Grunts. The Chiefs are the leaders of the clans, and they can only be elevated into the position of Chief from the ranks of the Fire Lords and Darkmasters. The Chief will most likely be the elite among the elites, and are undoubtedly hard to kill. However, defeating them will most likely throw their subordinating clans into disarray. The Fire Lords are the "captains" of the clan, leading the warriors of the clan into battle. Each clan has about half a dozen or so Fire Lords. The Fire Lords are comprised mostly of Archdevils, demons and incubuses. The Darkmasters are the most terrifying of the Burning Horde - they're the fearsome "masters of the dead", and are versed in the arts of demonic magic. Comprised of archdevils, lesser devils, succubuses and incubuses, the Darkmasters can reanimate the bodies of the dead to swell the ranks of the Burning Horde, and summon a rain of fire upon their enemies. The Flameguards are the standard fighting unit of the Horde. They're comprised of devils, demons, doppelgangers, orcs, fiends and the fearsome Hellfire golems. The grunts are the lowest caste of the Burning Horde. Basically slaves, the grunts are mostly found in the front ranks of the Horde and are used in construction of the Hordes forts and dens. Comprised of mostly imps and lesser demons, orcs and goblins, the Grunts are relatively harmless unless found in great numbers, and they are estimated to be in an excess of a million when they first entered the world of Averia.

[Kildare]

History of the Vigilance:

When the Burning Horde set foot on the lands of Averia, they were believed to be led by the Chief of the Firestorm Clan, a powerful Demonknight called Norax Hellbringer. The first nation to fall under the onslaught of the Horde was Averon, whom after the Reckoning, was forced to scatter throughout the world, and was therefore unprepared to meet the invasion. The survivors rallied under the banner of Sir Lorien, who led them through an escape route to the kingdom of Treno. After destroying everything they laid their hands on, the Burning Horde proceeded to cross the border of the kingdom of Treno, to attack the city of Threshold, which stood nearest to the southern border of Treno. Forewarned of the advance of the Horde, the combined forces of Treno and Avelon successfully repelled the first wave of attacks of the Horde, but was inevitably overrun and forced to retreat further into the kingdom. However, they managed to stall the Horde long enough to allow the citizens in Threshold to flee. Therefore, Threshold burned, but with little casualties.

By then, the nations of Averia, informed of the invasion of the Burning Horde, held an emergency meeting in a council in Midgarde. It was then that King Treno XV issued a call for every warrior, cleric and mage of Averia to join hands and formed the Order of Vigilance. The call was answered immediately by the warriors of Averon, who had lost everything to the Horde, and was backed upon by the clerics of Treno. The mages and wizards of Midgarde and the Dragon Knights of Solune followed the call and joined the Order. However, only a few warriors from Vermicia, fearsome though they may be, responded to the call, and the rest steadfastly refused to aid their brethren. Those few that joined the Order called themselves the Sons of Vigilance.

Thus, the Order of the Vigilance - numbered into an excess of five hundred thousand - began training their warriors, clerics and mages with every art and skill they possessed, and these increased their power and skills by a hundredfold. Aided by the armies of the Five Nations, the Order began moving out against the Burning Horde, who stood poised at the southern border of Treno. However, no sooner had they set out when they received dire news from the southwest - The Burning Horde is poised to attack Solune, with Sol Terrin as it's first target. With no choice, the Order released the Dragon Knights, whom immediately rode on their fearsome Dragons to save their homeland.

The Dragon Knights met the Horde head on, and for the first time since the Reckoning, Averia had won - though at great cost. Solune was saved, but fully half the Dragon Knights had fallen in battle, decimating their front ranks. As for the Order of Vigilance in the north, they maneuvered their way around the Burning Horde stationed at the Threshold, and surrounded them. After a great and bloody battle, the Order crushed the Burning Horde within the city, freeing it from the grasp of the Horde. Wasting no time, the Order proceeded deep into Averon territory and pushed the Horde into the center of the earth - to their stronghold at the Valley of Death. But the Order and what remained of the armies of Averia could no longer pursue them, for they had only left a quarter of their original number. Thus, they had no choice but to fall back and cease their conquest. The Order of Vigilance, wanting to forever hold back the Horde in their Fiery Citadel, decided to built a great stronghold, the Vigilant Eye, at the northern pass into the Valley of Death, while the Dragon Knights protected the southern pass, forever sealing the Horde within it....until the day they should emerge once more into the world of Averia.

[Kildare]

Prologue: Beginnings

- Year 3275 - Av Lee -

Darkness filled the skies as night passed through the little village of Av Lee, which was surrounded by the silent presence of the Averonian forest. The forest was being unusually quiet tonight, as if it was in a deep sleep - or terrified of something. However, the villagers of Av Lee were not. They were celebrating the first year of a newborn baby, and they did not intend to stop until past midnight. The event of a newborn soul was celebrated through dance and gifts while the women passed out their advices on how to raise the offspring. The men drank their ales and told tales of their hardworking sons as some became warriors and some became farmers as their fathers did. With the large bonfire in the middle of their little village, their celebrations could last for hours before ending in a peaceful night protected by the stars above.

Hours passed, the sky darkened even more, and the bonfire in the village began to fade as the villagers returned home to the comforts of their beds. However, one couple still stood awake around their private little fire, watching their year old son sleeping soundly within a swaddling cloth.

"Our son is going to be a strong and handsome man, won't he, love?” said the woman, who was carrying the baby.

The man next to her gave her a sound kiss on the cheek, and held her hand even as he looked into the face of his son.

"I'm sure he will, honey. He is his father's son, after all.” He replied with a proud, knowing smile. "It’s late, hon'. Why don't we go back to bed?"

"Oh...I just wanted to stay a little longer...this night is just too beautiful to waste on sleep..."

"Alright, hon'. But we shouldn't be too long you know...there are dangerous creatures roaming the woods at ni-"The man's words were cut off, as suddenly there was a great terrifying roar at the edge of the village, followed by a scream.

"Wh-What was that?” The woman said, holding her baby close to her body, terrified. The man drew his sword, which was belted at his side, and looked around, alarmed.

More screams punctured the air, and there were sounds of fighting somewhere nearby. The screams were getting closer, and there was the clanging sound of the night watch’s alarm as he desperately rang the bell hung on the village's watchtower.

The man turned towards his wife, sword still in his hand.

"I think you should go b-"The man tried to warn his wife, but was cut off in mid air when his wife screamed, looking in horror at something behind him. A terrifying roar pierced the air from behind him, making his hair stand on end and causing his entire body to tremble.

The man whirled, and stopped, his face depicting indescribable horror, for standing directly in front of him was an abomination from hell. It was huge, standing seven feet tall, with horns on it's head and has red eyes - deep blood red eyes. But what was more alarming was not the fact that it was ugly, but by the fact that it was burning. It's entire body - from head to toe - was burning with indescribable heat, and worse still, it did not seem to be affected by the fire. It howled loudly as he launched himself onto the terrified man before him.

The man immediately responded by slashing at the burning demon, making a cut on it's massive chest, but it did not stop the demon's advance, as it's razor-sharp claws ripped the man's body apart, the man's limbs and organs littering the entire area.

The woman screamed, turned and ran with the baby still clutched in her arms. The demon, with blood dripping from it's claws, gave another terrifying howl and ran after it's prey, leaving the pieces of the man's body behind him.

The woman dashed into a deserted stable, and tried to escape by dashing through the backdoor. However, she did not make it as the demon's claws grasped her leg, and dragged her backwards. The woman gave a cry and fell to the ground, dropping the baby on the floor. The baby was wide awake, and had begun to cry, it's wail tearing through the night, adding to the dying screams of the now burning village.

The woman gave out her last scream as the demon tore her body apart, just as it had tore her husband's, her blood overflowing on the ground. Apparently still unsatisfied, the burning demon stood and watched the crying babe hungrily for three heartbeats. Then, with a cruel grin, it's bloodied claws reached for the crying babe.

[Kildare]

- Year 3290, January 31st, Sunday, 0843 hours - Averson family home, Paladria -

"Evan!"

"Evan, WAKE UP!"

The young lad known as Evan Aravan woke from his terrible nightmare with a start, gasping for air.

"You were having that nightmare again, haven't you?” A familiar male voice asked from his side.

Another young lad of Evan's age stood next to his bed, his hand on Evan's shoulder, and a look of concern filled his face.

"Y-Yes...."Evan replied hesitantly.

"Are you alright?" The young man asked.

"Yes, I'm fine, Oran. Thank you." Evan replied.

The lad known as Oran Averson did not seem satisfied with his answer, but knowing better, he shrugged and turned to leave Evan's room, but stopped at the door.

"By the way, you better wash up and come down for breakfast. Today's our first day of training, remember?” He said without looking back, and proceeded out of the door.

Evan definitely did not wish to remember what they had to do today. Just a week ago, Oban Averson, Oran's sire, a man nearing his fifties, had announced that he had signed them up as acolytes in the Order of Vigilance, despite protests from Evan. Now the day had come when he would have to leave the Averson home to a new and foreign place to train. Grudgingly, he raised himself from the comforts of his bed and dressed himself in his favourite blue leather hose and red cap. Making sure his hair was combed and orderly; Evan left his room and trooped down the stairs to the smell of breakfast in the dining hall below.

Oran and Oban Averson had already seated themselves at the round dining table in the hall, and the table was filled with plates of eggs, bacon and sausages. Then, Attie Averson appeared at the doorway from the kitchen with a plate of freshly baked bread, homemade cheese and butter as Evan seated himself at the table.

Placing the plate on the center of the table, Attie Averson also took a seat next to Oban and looked at Evan with a questioning, earnest expression.

"I trust you had a good night's sleep, sweetie?” She asked.

Oran looked as if he was about to say something, but when Evan gave him a look that had daggers in it, he clamped his mouth shut and remained silent.

"Yes, ma'am." Evan replied.

Apparently satisfied with the answer, Attie placed her hands together and looked at Oban and Oran, who looked hungrily at the plates of food before him, ready to pounce.

"Well, we have to say our prayers before we eat, shouldn't we?" Attie said. "Evan, why don't you pray today?"

Evan nodded, and began to utter a short prayer. Satisfied, the family dropped all manner of civility and ravaged the platters of food before them. In a matter of minutes, every dish on the table had been emptied.

"I think...*burp*...I ate too much,” said Oran, who was rubbing his tummy satisfyingly.

"Now, now...we have don't have much time to relax here. We have a place to go, remember?" Oban reminded the boys, also rubbing his filled stomach and licking his mouth. "Why don't you kids go and pack up while I dress in my "work" clothes? Then we'll leave for...."He paused.

"...the City of Vigilant Eye."

[Kildare]

- Same time - undetermined place -

"...the Vigilant Eye. A male dark and soft voice spoke in the darkness.

"What about the other two?” Another rasping voice asked from within the shadows, it's face hidden.

"I've located the Hand....it's at Il'veratha." The first voice replied. "Of the other...we could not determine it's present location at the moment. But I believe that it is only a matter of time before we do."

"No matter, as long as we can get any one of the three parts, our victory is assured.” A third, sinister voice responded. "But now, we have work to do."

- Same time - Angel Keep, Angel's Hill -

"...the Vigilant Eye."

King Treno Lighthaven stood near the window in the "throne room" of Angel's Keep, a fort standing on a defensive hill two hundred meters above the ground. King Treno, his graying beard whistling through the wind, looked out of the window, which overlooked the entire northern plains of his kingdom. Then he sighed.

"So, it's true then....that they are beginning to move?” He asked.

"Yes, Holy King.” A deep resonant male voice replied from behind him. "That is what that has been revealed to me."

"What are they planning, prophet?” King Treno asked, turning to look at the man behind him.

The "prophet" was robed in a hooded cloak, which covered his entire face. It may be a trick to the mind, but from deep within the cloaked prophet, tiny bits of light - light that cannot be seen properly unless looked upon closely - seemed to be flooding out of him, as if he was made entirely out of light.

"I'm sorry, sire, but that has not been revealed to me." The prophet replied. "The words which I have interpreted from the “messenger” have only told us that they are planning something – something large and sinister - but nothing more. I’m afraid we will have to wait – or find our own source of information. The Creator will only reveal to us that which we will need to know. But what will you do now, good king?"

King Treno XV took a deep breath, sighed, and looked back outside the window, taking in the view of his beautiful kingdom once more. A kind of deep sadness seemed to reflect from his eyes as he contemplated the next thing that he must do. He turned back and looked at the prophet straight in the eye, a look that spoke volumes.

"Well, then it looks like we'll just have to be prepared for whatever they are going to throw at us."

[Kildare]

- Same time - The Imperial Chambers, the Imperial Palace of Vermicia, Vera -

"...The Vigilant Eye."

"Are you absolutely sure of this, Ozma?" A tall medium built man in his mid-thirties and dressed in golden armor spoke, his voice loud and authoritive. He half-stood above an ornate, jeweled throne in the wide, open chamber within the Imperial Palace, his face in a state of shock and anger. A pale and lean man knelt a few feet before him.

"Yes, your Imperial Majesty.” The man spoke, rising. "My sources in the western kingdoms have given me overwhelming proof of this."

Emperor Rathma of Vermicia's face red and jaws white with anger, and was pounding his fists on the arm of the throne.

"How dare they??" He screamed with unrestrained anger, scattering the goblets and plates on the table next to him towards the floor with one mighty sweep of his hand. "How dare they challenge the might of Imperial Vermicia? I can't believe this!" He pounded his jeweled throne further, almost breaking one of the gems secured within the throne.

"Your Majesty,” The man known as Ozma said, apparently not finished. "I have also confirmed this with...Him."

The Emperor of Vermicia's mouth dropped and widened, his face paling.

"T-The Holy One has confirmed this?” The Emperor stammered in fear.

"Yes, my liege." Ozma replied. "I'm afraid it is so."

The Emperor paced the room back and forth as he calmed himself, his anger faded into determined resolution, and tried to think. Finally, he stopped and turned towards his watching advisor.

"Summon my generals, Ozma. I have orders for them.” The Emperor finally spoke. "Let those infidels come, for they shall surely fall before the absolute might of Imperial Vermicia."

[Kildare]

Chapter 1: The Order of Vigilance

- Year 3290, January 31st, Sunday, 1145 hours - Plains of Treno -

They had been traveling for a few hours now, riding on a wagon towards the City of the Vigilant Eye. Evan watched sulkily as they plodded through the plains of Treno while Oran was looking excitedly for any sign of the fabled city. They had never been out of Paladria ever since they settled there a dozen or so years ago. So, unlike Evan, Oran was obviously looking forward to visiting a new place.

Oban, who had been driving the wagon, suddenly motioned them to look at a faint outline in the distance.

"See that place? That's the Vigilant Eye. Looks like a miniature mountain, doesn't it?” Oban told them, pointing at the faint outline.

Indeed, what at first sight looked like a mountain, was in fact a grand fortress city standing high atop a defensive hill. As they drew nearer, Evan saw that the white towers of the fortress soared high above in the air, overlooking the entire region. A tall building - no, a fortress tower - stood higher above it's surrounding towers, it's top like an ever seeing eye, challenging all who drew near it, and Evan suddenly understood why they had named the city the Vigilant Eye.

"Now," Oban started. "When we enter the Vigilant Eye, I want you boys to behave yourselves, and when I introduce you to your masters, please do remember to mind your manners."

Evan and Oran looked at each other, rolled their eyes and sighed.

"Yes, father." Both boys gave up and agreed. As much as Evan loved Oban like a father, Oban can sure be long-winded at times.

Soon, they reached the city gates, where a pair of tall and burly guards, with swords belted at their waists and spears in their hands, admitted them.

"Afternoon, Oban." One of the guards said, recognizing Oban as a senior member of the Order. "You're late, and who are these boys?" He indicated the pair sitting behind the wagon.

"These are my kids, Argan." Oban replied.

"I thought you had only one child,” The guard said, surprised.

"Oh, the other is a child - an orphan - I've raised as my own." Oban assured him.

"Oh, alright then. Go on in."

The guards signaled the gate guards, and the gate slowly creaked open. The wagon proceeded ploddingly into the City of the Vigilant Eye.

A sight of wonder greeted Evan's eyes. People were everywhere. Merchants working at their stores, workmen maintaining the city, women patroning the market and children playing around their houses. The city absolutely teemed with life and activity. However, the wagon did not stop but moved past them - towards the great tower in the center of the city. They moved past building after building - taverns, smithies, workshops, etc - and finally reached the inner gate to the tower, where a second pair of guards - these time, wearing ornamental silver burnished breastplates, the picture of a great eye on it's crest, with a large halberd at their sides. The guards did not talk to them as the first pair did, but rather crisply saluted and admitted them into the courtyard of the tower. As the wagon stopped in front of the entrance into the tower, an elderly man dressed in strange, colourful robes descended the tower to meet them.

[Kildare]

"Ah, Oban," The old man greeted them in a surprisingly youthful voice, his hands reaching out, which was received by Oban's firm and strong grip. "I see that you have arrived. Are these the new trainees?" He looked at the pair behind the wagon, trying to get their belongings of to the ground.

"Yes, my Lord Alderbaran. This is my son, Oran," Oban introduced him. "And this is Evan Avaran, my adopted son."

"Welcome, boys. Come in.” Lord Alderbaran said, his arms motioning them inside. "I'll give you boys a tour of the place."

They took their belongings and mounted the spiral stairs to the tower. They reached the first level door, and Alderbaran opened it, revealing a wide hall with assorted training equipment and rooms around it. It was also empty of people. Evan could not believe that the tower could even fit in several smalls room in a single level, much less a wide hall with even more rooms.

"This is the Training Hall," Alderbaran explained. "You will train here in the martial arts and weapons expertise. Above this level are another nine levels, which makes a total of ten levels."

They continued up to the next level, and Alderbaran opened the door to reveal a series of corridors. There were several people - trainees, from the look of it - walking about the corridors.

"This is the trainees' dormitory, which contain 250 rooms that are fit for four residents. There is also a refectory here."

"You'll leave your belongings here," Alderbaran instructed them. "They'll be taken care of."

The boys obeyed, and they followed Alderbaran up to the third floor. The door opened to reveal an open hall with a huge fighting pit in the center. At both sides of the hall were a series of locked rooms.

"The Dueling and Challenge Hall,” Alderbaran told them. "You are allowed to duel with other trainees in the hall. The pit in the center is used for basic martial arts combat and challenge. The rooms on the sides are rooms that contain live environments for specific duelings and challenge as well - most which are magically enchanted. They are the Arcane Sanctum for magic, Wild Forest for archery and hunting, Chamber of Darkness for the clerics and paladins, The Warzone for warriors and tacticians, Beast Arena for the Dragon Knights and the Elite Chambers. The Elite Chamber are only restricted to veterans and senior members of the Order. New trainees are not allowed due to the dangers within the Chamber."

They moved on to the fourth floor, which was actually a vast library filled with books and scrolls. Something felt strange in the room, as the air was heavy in the room, and Evan could feel a strange pull emanating from some of the books in the library.

"This is the Arcane Library, containing information about most of the world, including legends and mythology, and every spell and book the Order had ever acquired." Alderbaran explained.

They proceeded to the fifth floor, and it revealed a room with walls line with assorted weaponry and armor. A blacksmith and his apprentices were working on several weapons and armor on an open workshop, the sound of hammer striking anvil echoing through the room.

"This is the Armory. You are allowed to request for weapons in this place," Alderbaran informed them. "But you'll have to pay for it though - at a discount rate, of course."

They moved on to the sixth floor, and it revealed a room much similar to the Trainees' Dormitory, though it is much grander – and larger of course.

"The Senior Member's Apartments," Alderbaran told them even as the proceeded up the sixth floor. "This is were most of the senior officers and trainers of the Order retire for the day."

They moved on. The door to the seventh floor was locked with a sign pinned to it, saying "Danger! Proceed with caution".

"This is the Advanced Training Hall. They continuously lock it due to the dangers within the room. There are live monsters and traps in there. Those who are experienced enough with the Training Hall downstairs come up here to further their skills. So try to avoid entering this place unless you're ready."

The eighth floor was a place much resembling a zoo, as there were strange animals in the room, some locked within cages, others left to wander in open, though confined, places. Evan could hear several bestial roars from deeper within the place.

"The Bestiary. You'll find plenty of trained beasts within - gryphons, carrier pigeons, hawks and owls, horses and even camels. There are several more vicious ones within too, usually used for battle."

The ninth and tenth floors were interconnected. The ninth floor was separated into three different levels. Men and women in white robes and cloaks moved around the ninth floor, some experimenting with strange items while others were observing the sky – or something else – through a large telescope placed on the highest level on the ninth floor. The tenth floor is only accessible through the ninth floor, and it was closed, with a “no-entry” sign placed on the door .

"As you may have determined, you can access either the ninth or tenth floor when you reach this level. The ninth floor contains the observatory and alchemist lab, as well as medical facilities. The tenth level is the residence of the Elders, and is strictly off-limits to new trainees." Alderbaran concluded. "That is all, you may now return to your dormitories, where you'll be greeted by the Dorm Master for your new residence."

"Lord Alderbaran," Oran said, pointing at a door chained with several locks. "Where does that lead to?"

"That..."Alderbaran faltered. "...That place is off-limits. You are strictly forbidden to attempt to enter the room at the pain of death." He said with a note of finality. "Now, move along."

Oban, who had followed them silently from behind, motioned them to follow him back down the stairs.

[Kildare]

"Looks like I'll be leaving you here," Oban told his son. "I'll be in the city, so if you need me, just look for me at the Lion's Inn. Now, you boys be good, alright?" Then, he gave both of them a sound hug and left them as they reached the second level.

" I wonder what's in that locked room,” Oran wondered aloud as they stepped into the corridor in the Trainees' Dormitory. “I bet they keep something valuable in there.”

"It’s a place where you shouldn't be then,” A gruff voice suddenly said from behind, nearly causing the boys to jump out of their skin – metaphorically speaking, of course. They turned to see the person who had suddenly interrupted their conversation. The man who stood behind them appeared to be a blonde man in his mid-twenties, and was about an inch or so taller than the boys.

"Who are you?” Evan asked him.

"I'm the Dorms Master, Brandon,” The man said. "I'm supposed to take you to your dorms. Come, follow me."

Dorms Master Brandon led them through several corridors to a room. A plate bearing the number 135 was stuck on to the entrance door.

"Each dorm - which aren't really dorms, but separate apartment like rooms - can fit up to five residents. This room is only occupied by two people, so you'll be joining them.” Brandon said, and he knocked the door three times.

The door opened, and Evan gasped, his face reddening. A rather beautiful young woman - from the looks of it, appears to be no older than fifteen - stood by the open door. She was also an elf. She was wearing a simple dress, and she was in the process of brushing her hair. Evan had never seen an elf before.

"Hi, Brandon.” She said sweetly. "What can I do for you?"

"Your new roommates are here.” Brandon replied as gruffly as possible.

"Oh!" She exclaimed excitedly. "I haven't even dressed properly yet." She turned to look at the boys. "Nice to meet you, boys. My name's Il'vitha Heavenstar. What's yours?” She stretched out her hand to the awestruck Evan, who was too stunned to even move.

Oran nudged Evan from behind, and Evan immediately snapped out from his reverie.

"Oh y-yes!” He finally said, taking her hand, shaking. "N-Name's Evan."

"And mine's Oran.” A much more composed Oran introduced himself, reaching to shake Il'vitha's hand. "I heard that there's another person here. Where is he?" He asked.

"Ah," Il'vitha exclaimed. "I absolutely forgot about her." She turned to look behind her. "Hey, Trixie! Why don't you come out and introduce yourselves?" She called out. Then she turned back to look apologetically at the others. "She's a little shy, so try not to scare her too much."

A figure appeared at the doorway, and Evan thought that their other "roommate" was a child. But when her face appeared, she actually possessed an adult face, only that she was three and a half feet tall. She looked shyly behind Il'vitha, her face red with embarrassment.

"Her name's Trixie Lightfoot. She's a halfling, so she's quite short." Il'vitha explained to them.

"Hi, Trixie. We're your new roommates, so you don't have to be afraid of us.” Oran assured the little halfling.

Trixie, her face reddening, stepped out from behind Il'vitha with her hands behind her, and responded with a soft "hi".

"Well,” Brandon cut in. "Now that you're all introduced and accustomed to each other, I'll leave you now.” Then without another the word, Brandon left them.

"Well, don't just stand there. Come in. Your things are already here." Il'vitha told the boys.

The boys obediently stepped into their room. It looked just like a normal houseroom, with a bathroom and toiletries. There were two double-deckered beds, with one already occupied. Their bags lay on the other bed, Evan's on the top bed and Oran's below. The boys just stood at the center of the room, unsure of what to do next.

"Well, you guys are supposed to report yourselves at the Training Center with the other new trainees, where you'll be assigned to your respective trainers." Il'vitha informed them.

"Aren't both of you coming with us?” Evan asked her.

"Oh no," Il'vitha replied. "This is my second year, actually. So, I'll be going to the Library for my duties. Trixie will be following you though, this is her first year as well." Il'vitha looked at Trixie, who was standing shyly at the corner. Then she turned back to them. "You guys have to dress in your standard training equipment though.” Indicating the clothes and equipment Oban had prepared for them prior to the journey.

"Now scoot, before you get "reprimanded" for being late." Il'vitha told them. "Have fun, boys." And she left the room to adjourn to the Library.

"Hey!" exclaimed Oran, who was sifting through his belongings. "Look what Dad provided for us!" He held up a well-made quality short sword and swung it around a few times. "I think Dad gave you one too!"

Evan turned to look at his stash on top of his bed. Then he sighed.

"Alright, then.” He said. "Let's get dressed up and report ourselves in the Training Center before we get in trouble."

[Kildare]

Chapter 2: Masters and Comrades

- Year 3290, January 31st, Sunday, 1345 hours - The Training Hall, Vigilant Eye -

Evan felt ridiculous wearing the leather vest and helmet with his sword belted at his side. With Oran and Trixie, they had adjourned to the Training Hall, and were surprised to find the place - that was empty an hour ago - teeming with dozens of people. Apparently, they weren't the only recruits around here.

Evan saw old Lord Alderbaran walk up to a pavilion at the center of the room. Then, with a slight cough, Lord Alderbaran muttered something with his fingers twigging in the air, and something shimmered in the air in front of him.

"*Ahem* May I have your attention please?” Lord Alderbaran spoke in a voice that thundered and amplified through the entire hall. Evan was surprised as the old man's feeble voice could not possibly have been able to be that loud. However, the old man continued as if he was just merely speaking.

"Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Alderbaran Firestorm, Elder Scrollkeeper of Vigilance, and I bid you a warm welcome to the Vigilant Eye. I presume that most of you are tired from your recent journeys, and would rather adjourn to your rooms for some rest. In that case, I will try to end this meeting as quickly as possible, so I do hope that you'll bear with me." Alderbaran paused. "May the new recruits come to the front, please?"

The new "recruits", most of them dressed in the simple leather vest and helmet, obeyed and walked to the front of the pavilion.

"Come on, let's go.” Oran told the others. They moved to the back of the mob of recruits shambling to the front of the stage.

Alderbaran watched them for a scant moment, and continued.

"I will now introduce you the master trainers before splitting you into your individual groups." Alderbaran told them. "May I present the masters?” He held out his hand to the group of people behind him.

The first of the group stepped out. He was a dwarf with a black wiggling beard and heavy build, but was only standing more or less at four feet. Evan had never seen a dwarf before. Then a thought struck him. He had obviously never seen much of the world, and realized that there were many things that he would see in this new place.

"I have the honor to present Master Weapons Trainer Korgath Darkhammer." Alderbaran introduced the dwarf to them. There was a thunder of applause as Korgath tried to manage what he thought was a bow.

A second master stepped out. Evan gasped. He was a man reaching his eighties and was leaning onto a staff with magical energies sizzling around its tip. But what amazed Evan was that he looked just exactly like Lord Alderbaran, the only difference is the serious look on his face, unlike the youthful expressions of Lord Alderbaran.

"I also have the honor to present Lord Arcturus Firestorm, my brother, the Spellkeeper of Vigilance." Alderbaran explained to the astonished recruits below. Alderbaran's twin brother gave a nod and stepped back.

A third man stepped out. He was a young man in his twenties, but his body was heavily muscled, and an enormous sword was slung on his

"Sir Avran Latrei of Vermicia, the Master Teacher of the Sons of Vigilance.” Sir Avran appeared to be a very serious and proud man, and he refused to bow or even nod at the people below.

"Sons of Vigilance?” Evan asked, looking at Oran, confused. Oran returned an equally confused look and shrugged.

"High Patriarch Torel Iselore, Lightkeeper of Vigilance." Alderbaran introduced an elderly man who held a scepter in his right hand. Torel managed a graceful bow and retreated back into the group.

The next person who to step out was a giant. He was a good seven feet tall, and he was armored from head to toe with equipment made entirely out of scales taken from some great reptilian beast. He held a lance in one arm and his helmet was fashioned in such a way that it resembled a gigantic reptilian lizard. He also had a sword belted at his side.

"I have the honor of presenting the Dragonlord of Vigilance, Sir Korvash Drake. He will be taking charge of the acolytes belong to the Dragon Knight Order within the Vigilant Eye." Korvash did not give any gesture nor bowed, but merely nodded his head and stepped back.

"Master Odren Albren, Martial Arts Trainer of Vigilance." Alderbaran continued. A bald man in his mid-thirties stepped out to face the congregation below. He was six feet tall with a plain face and brown eyes. He did not wear anything above his waist, revealing harden muscles that rippled down his entire body and battle scars cuts could be seen on his face and body. He bowed and stepped back.

"Master Scholar Tarandar Rigel, Bookkeeper of Vigilance," Alderbaran introduced a short elderly man in his sixties, who wore a simple dress robe and had nothing whatsoever resembling a weapon. "Who shall teach you in the various subjects you will learn in his class, which is located at the alchemist lab on the ninth floor."

"Last but not least, I have the honor to present Lady Elva Swiftarrow, the Master Markswoman of Vigilance.” Alderbaran said finally. "And the only woman trainer in this tower.” He added.

A last figure stepped out onto the pavilion. She was a young woman in his late twenties with blonde hair and brown hair. She wore a plain leather vest, much resembling to the one worn by the trainees, and a green leather cap. A longbow and a quiver of arrows were slung unto her shoulder. She gave a florid and graceful bow before retreating back into the protective circle of trainers. The crowd gave a last string of applause, before Lord Alderbaran held out his hand for silence.

[Kildare]

"We have not much time left, so I will now explain the procedures of your individual teams." Alderbaran said. "You will be separated into groups of eight. To do that, we have decided to merge two groups from your rooms, according to room number. You will have to make up a new name for your team when you meet, and will submit it to the Dorm Master when you're ready. Please note that this procedure is on a first come first serve basis, so those unfortunate teams who's desired team name has been taken will be rejected and requested to think of another name." Alderbaran paused. "I will now announce the rooms that will be working together."

Lord Alderbaran proceeded to announce the teams, stopping between groups to let his words sink into the crowd.

"Room 135 and Room 154,"Alderbaran announced Evan's team.

Lord Alderbaran continued to announce the teams for another fifteen minutes before he finally concluded.

"Now that it is settled, you may now be excused and return to your dorms. You should also meet up with your new teammates." Alderbaran instructed them. "There will be no classes today. You shall register for your classes here tomorrow at first light. You're dismissed."

[Kildare]

- Year 3290, January 31st, Sunday, 1405 hours - Trainees' Dormitory, Vigilant Eye -

Evan and the others returned to the their room to find Il'vitha waiting for them.

"I heard that we've been paired up with Room 154,"Il'vitha said. "Want to check up on them?"

"Sure," Evan said eagerly. "Why not?” He looked at Oran. "Are you going?"

Oran nodded. He looked at Trixie questioningly, who had followed them from behind like a child to her mother. Trixie's face reddened, and nodded in reply.

"Let's go then,” Oran said.

Together, they set off for room 154, passing several twists and turns in the corridors. Midway, Evan was awed at how vast the entire level was, as it did not look that big from the outside.

"The entire building is infused with magic," Il'vitha remarked, as if reading his thoughts. "On the outside, this tower may look small, but on the inside, it's as large as three fortresses added together. Anyway, here we are."

Truly, as ahead of them, there was a door marked with the number 154. Il'vitha knocked the door three times, but there was no response.

"Looks like they're not here," Il'vitha said. "We'll leave a note."

Il'vitha raised her hand, and Evan watched in astonishment as she muttered an incantation, her hands drawing symbols in the air. A blank parchment and a quill suddenly appeared in her hand from out of nowhere.

"Wow,” Evan exclaimed. "How did you do that?"

Il'vitha turned to look at him, slightly confused. Then finally understanding, she laughed.

"What's so funny?” Evan asked, hurt.

"No, it's not that. I just didn't realize that you are not adept in magic." Il'vitha assured him.

"Magic?” Oran asked.

"Yes," Il'vitha replied. "Magic."

"Are you a mage?" Evan asked her, suddenly curious.

"Oh no, I'm not a mage." Il'vitha told them. "I'm a Dragon Knight." She paused a moment. "Well, not exactly a Dragon Knight, I'm just a Dragon Squire. But I'll be the best Dragon Knight in the world when I train hard enough!" She said with zeal in her eyes.

"But if you're not a mage, how do you know magic?” Oran asked, apparently confused.

"Don't you know? Dragon Knights were given special physical AND magical training during their initiation." Il'vitha explained. "Come, let's write the message and pin it to their door. I'll ask them to meet us at the refectory for dinner."

Il'vitha proceeded to write on the parchment with the quill. Then she pinned it onto the door with a knife.

"Well,” Oran said. "What do we do now?"

Il'vitha pursed her lips as she pondered her options.

"Well, you can always go back to our room for some sleep," She started. "Or I could give you a tour around the tower."

"We're not tired," Oban told her. "And we've already been given a tour around the tower."

"How about a tour around the city then?" Il'vitha asked them.

"Of course!” Oran exclaimed excitedly, his eyes brightening. "Why didn't I think of that?"

"Let's go then."

[Kildare]

- Year 3290, January 31st, 1500 hours - Lion's Inn, City of the Vigilant Eye -

In fifteen minutes, Evan found himself in the Lion's Inn with the others. As they stepped into the ale-reeking tavern, Evan saw that the entire place was filled with a different variety of people. There were warriors and mages of every kind, and there were also common workmen, merchants and even noblemen. There were women – whether for legitimate or illegitimate reasons - in the tavern as well.

"This is the Lion's Inn," Il'vitha informed them. "The best tavern in the Vigilant Eye, with the best accommodations, gossip, food and beverages."

A familiar figure caught Evan's eye.

"Hey, Oran,” Evan said. "Unless my eyes are playing tricks with me, isn't that your father?" Evan pointed at Oban Averson, who was sitting at the bar drinking a mug of ale and talking to several men - whom by the way they dress, were fearsome and experienced warriors.

"Why,” Oran replied, surprised. "Now that I look carefully, it is Dad! But who are those people with him?"

"That's your father, Oran?" Il'vitha, who was following them, asked in a surprised manner.

Oran nodded in reply.

"You're from the Averson family?” She exclaimed excitedly. "Your father was reputed to be one of the best marksmen in Averon, and is one of the senior members of the Order!"

"He was the best marksman?” Oran said, frowning. "He didn't tell me that. He must have wanted to keep it a secret from us."

"Come,” Evan interrupted them. "We should let your Dad know we're in the city."

"Right.” Oran nodded. They walked towards Oran, who suddenly turned and noticed them.

"What are you boys doing here?” He asked, surprised. "Aren't you supposed to be in the Barracks?"

"We won't be starting our training until tomorrow, father.” Oran explained. "So we decided to take a tour around the city."

"Oh," Oban said, understanding. "Well, who are your friends?" Indicating Il'vitha and Trixie, who were trailing behind them.

"This is Il'vitha, and this is Trixie." Evan introduced them. "They are our new roommates," Evan told him. "And our teammates as well." He added.

"You mean you're splitting into teams this year?" Oban exclaimed. Then he pursed his lips. "That means we'll be having that..."He looked as if he was going to say more, but he clamped his mouth shut.

"Having what?” Oran asked his father.

"Sorry, I'm not supposed to say. You're not supposed to know until your masters tell you." Oban said apologetically. Then he turned to Il'vitha and Trixie. "Nice to meet you ladies. Please take care of my young charges here, ok?" He told them.

"I sure will, good sir!" Il'vitha assured him.

"Anyway, you guys better get on with your tour now. I've got some things to discuss with my old comrades here.” He indicated the group of men who were surrounding and watching him. "Run along.” He said with a note of finality. Then he returned to his interrupted discussion with his comrades.

"I wonder what we're having this year that we aren't supposed to know.” Oran remarked thoughtfully to Evan as they began to leave the Lion's Inn.

"Come, let's get out of here." Il'vitha told them pointedly. "We don't have much time until evening. We still have that appointment to go to, remember?"

[Kildare]

- Year 3290, January 31st, Sunday, 1530 hours - Derrick's smithy, City of the Vigilant Eye -

They visited a few shops in a row before reaching a blacksmith under the name "Derrick's Smithy". They entered the shop only to be greeted by a wondrous sight. Tons of masterwork armor and weaponry lined the walls of the smithy, their blades reflecting the sunlight that streamed from the open doorway, almost blinding Evan and his friends.

"Welcome!” Said a man in a leather apron, who was working on a blade that lay on an anvil in the center of the smithy. The man looked closely at them for a moment. "Haven't seen you around here before. Are you new to the city?” He asked.

"Yes, goodman." Oran replied. "We're new trainees for the Order. We were just looking around the city."

"From the Order?” The man looked in surprise. "The Order saved my life once, during the Reckoning. I always sell my equipment to them at a cheaper discount.” He told them. "So if you guys want to buy any equipment, stop by my smithy, and I'll give you a good discount!"

"Why, thank you, good sir," Il'vitha said gratefully. "Your name's Derrick, isn't it?"

Derrick nodded in reply. He was about to say something when a voice interrupted them from behind.

"Well, well, well...If it isn't my good old neighbour boys!"

Evan and Oran's eyes widened as they recognized who the speaker was.

"Well strike me down if it isn't good old Jared!” Evan whirled around. "And Marian too!" Indicating the other person accompanying the man that just spoke to them. Jared Goran and Marian Knight are a year or so older than Evan and Oran, and they were their neighbours in Paladria. They were both in love too. They greeted and hugged each other.

"Haven't seen you guys for a year now. What are you doing here in the Vigilant Eye?” Oran asked.

"Didn't your dad tell you?” Jared looked surprised. "We joined the Order last year."

"Your dad told us that you two will be joining in this year, so we thought we'd come and look for you guys." Marian told them.

"Well, he sure didn't tell us..."Oran said sulkily.

Jared looked at Il'vitha and Trixie questioningly.

"Who are these two cute ladies?” He asked, grinning.

"Oh," Evan replied. "They are our new teammates. They were just guiding us through the city."

"My name's Il'vitha," Il'vitha introduced herself. "And this is Trixie."

"Nice to meet you!" Jared and Marian said in response. "Anyway, we don't have much time left, as I promised my teammates that we'll be going on for the Arcane Sanctum challenge today. See you guys later!" Jared said, and the both of them left Derrick's shop.

Il'vitha turned to look at Derrick, who was watching their little exchange with an amused look.

"Anyway, nice to have met you, Derrick." Il'vitha told him. "We've gotta go too, so we'll be seeing you around next time."

"Do come by when you have the time,” Derrick said, smiling, and returned to his work.

"Come! Let's stop by the Barracks. It's just down the next street!" Il'vitha said excitedly to Evan as they left the shop.

[Kildare]

- Year 3290, January 31st, Sunday, 1530 hours - Military Barracks, Vigilant Eye -

The Barracks was a large defensive building with a large training yard on the outside. The local militia could be seen training with various weapons and equipment, attacking dummies and running and jumping through training ditches that were set up on the yard. A guard holding a four-foot pike was stood watch outside the building.

"Hey, Il'vitha!" The guard said as he saw Evan and his friends arriving. "Haven't seen you in a dog's age! How are you?"

"I'm fine, Drognan." Il'vitha replied.

"Who are your friends?" Drognan asked her.

"These are my teammates. They're here for the first time, so I thought I'd show them around the city." Il'vitha explained. "Can we come in?"

"I'll go call the Captain," Drognan said, doubtful. "Only he can authorize a visit by civilians."

They waited as Drognan entered the Barracks to search for his captain. A few minutes later, Drognan appeared with a man in full armor with a red cloak strapped on his shoulders. On the center of his breastplate was the crest of the Vigilant Eye.

"Ah, Lady Il'vitha," The captain said. "What may I do for you?"

"Well, Captain Aegis," replied Il'vitha. "My friends here - they're first years - want to have a tour around the city. So I thought I'd bring them here for a visit. Can we, please??" She fluttered her eyes pleadingly.

"Well…I,” The Captain faltered for a moment. "I....Alright, you may enter, but try not to touch anything or disturb anyone. I'm kinda busy, so I'll let Drognan here bring you guys around." And with that he went back into the barracks.

"Alright," Drognan said. "Where should we start?"

Drognan proceeded give them a fine tour around the barracks, from the insides of the administration to the training yard. The entire barracks was built with solid marble stone, reinforced with an outer layer made of entirely of granite. From the inside, beautiful pictures of historical battles hung on the walls and realistically sculpted statues of long-ago warriors and mages could be seen on various places in the barracks.

"We have in our possession some of the finest weapons and armor in the world," Drognan said as they inspected the armory. "Not to mention enough manpower and resources to last us a twenty year siege."

[Kildare]

"Well, that's about it," Drognan said, concluding the tour. "Nice to have-"

Suddenly, a battered and badly hurt soldier burst through the door, limping as Drognan stopped talking in mid-sentence.

"Armos??" Drognan exclaimed. "What happened-"

"Ugh," Armos grunted, his hand touching his side ribs. It was bleeding from an open wound that seemed to have been torn open by something big - and sharp. He fell limply, only to be caught by Drognan and Evan before he could fall onto the ground.

"Drognan," Armos said weakly. "I don't have much time left. You've got to get as many men as you can and block the pass into the valley of death. The Horde is attempting to break through our garrison there. The-They've already killed Lieutenant Geran and his men..."He finally blacked out, unconscious.

"You guys better get Armos to the medical room, I have to notify Captain Aegis of this disastrous event." Drognan told Evan and the others.

But Evan wasn't listening. His brained burned with fury when he heard the word "Horde". Those murderous bastards....Evan thought. They killed my family...and left me for dead.

"Evan! What are you doing??" Oran shook him from his reverie. "Help us carry him to the medic room!"

Together, they lifted Armos' limp body and brought it to the medic room. The physician in charge attended to him, and assured Evan and the rest that he was fine. When they reached the entrance of the Barracks, they saw that Captain Aegis and Drognan had already assembled outside with a full regiment of soldiers.

"We're all equipped and ready, Captain." Drognan told his captain.

"Alright, you take the men and move out to relieve the men at the garrison and take defensive measures." Captain Aegis instructed him.

"Aye, sir! But what about you, sir?" Drognan asked him.

"I have something to attend to first. I'll join you when I'm done. Now move out!"

Drognan saluted and ordered his troops to march. As they marched off, Captain Aegis approached Evan and his friends.

"I have a favor to ask of you," Captain Aegis said. "I don't have anyone to spare, so I need one of you to inform the Order of this unfortunate turn of events."

"I'll do it," Trixie said suddenly from behind them, speaking for the first time. It was a mature voice that did not suit Trixie's appearance. She imitated Drognan's salute and left for the tower. Before she went off, she looked back and said, "I'll meet you guys later at our appointment."

"Captain, may I have the permission to accompany you and your men to the garrison?" Evan asked suddenly.

Before the Captain could reply however, Oran cut him off.

"Are you mad, Evan?" Oran protested. "It's the Burning Horde out there! They'll rip you apart before you could even blink!"

Yeah, just like my parents. Evan thought.

"Yes, he's right, Evan,” The captain agreed. "As much as I like to oblige you, but you're in no condition to even fight a lesser demon. I'm terribly sorry. You guys better return to the tower, it's getting late." He said, before leaving with a detachment of guards to follow after he departed regiment.

"He's right, Evan." Il'vitha told him, echoing Captain Aegis' words. "Besides, we have an appointment remember? Come, let's go back before we miss it!"

The others turned to leave, but Evan remained still with his brain overflowing with rage as his mind recounted the murder of his parents years ago - back in the little village of Av Lee - in Averon.

"I will have my revenge,” Evan whispered to himself, his eyes burning with zealous fury. "They won't escape me for long." Then he turned to follow the others back to the tower.

[Kildare]

- Year 3290, January 31st, Sunday, 1755 hours - Refectory, Trainees' Dormitory, The Vigilant Eye -

They met in the refectory for their evening dinner, and to wait for the other half of their teammates. The refectory was not packed yet as Evan, Oran and Il'vitha seated themselves at one of the tables with their meal, which consisted of roast beef and assorted vegetables. Oran absolutely could not resist the aroma when they first entered, and had rushed to the food counter to grab as much as he could.

"They have very good cooks here, don't they?” Evan remarked to Il'vitha. Even he could not resist long against that delicious aroma, and had joined Oran in his food spree.

"Oh yes, they hire the best cooks in Treno," Il'vitha told him as she too, joined them. "But the fees for their employment would make your hair stand on an end."

"Where's Trixie? I thought she said she'd meet us here," Oran said as he stuffed his mouth with cooked cabbage. Then he saw something somewhere ahead of him. "Speak of the devil-ess..."He said with a smile. A small figure was walking towards them from the entrance. Trixie. She looked tired as she joined them at their table.

"So, how did it go, dear?" Il'vitha asked her sweetly.

"Well, Lord Alderbaran said that the matter would be taken care of, and told us not to worry." Trixie told them, her face reddening again.

"Why do you always feel ashamed of yourself?” Oran suddenly asked. "There's no need to be ashamed around us. We're friends now."

"Well...I...uh...I," Trixie stammered, her face reddening even more. "I just feel shy..."She looked down at the table, refusing to look at Oran.

"Well, you'll have to stop being shy, you know," Il'vitha told her gently, smiling. "We may not have time for you to be shy later in the future, especially when we have a mission or a training session. Instead, you should try your best to talk more freely, so that we could get to know you more, and we could communicate better. Besides, if you keep doing that, you won't be able to get a guy for yourself, you know.” She grinned at her.

Trixie looked up at Il'vitha with an astonished look on her face. Then she flushed and nodded. "I'll try my best,” She promised.

"Umm, guys,” Oran interrupted them. "I think the "others" have arrived." He pointed at a group of four people who wandered around the refectory, as if they were looking for someone.

"Over here!" Oran shouted at them, waving his hand at them.

A girl in the group pointed at him and motioned her friends - all men - to follow her. In a few moments, they made their way towards their table. The girl who had led them was dressed in an apprentice robe, and she had a jeweled staff slung on her back - indicating that she was a mage. She appeared to be around Evan's age, and as she drew nearer, her face pinked noticeably as she caught Evan's eye for the first time.

One of her companions was also a boy about a year or so older than Evan and Oran, and he was dressed in chain mail and visored helmet with a broadsword slung on his back. The other two were men in their mid-twenties, one dressed in a hooded cloak and held a staff in one hand, and the other was a gigantic man dressed in full plate mail with a green cloak strapped onto his shoulders. On his right arm he held a helmet crafted into the shape of a serpent, and Evan instantly realized that this man was a Dragon Knight. A real one. Slung on his back was a four-foot adamantium lance that was so sharp that Evan felt it could pierce through steel armor as if it was butter. As he drew closer, Evan saw that his entire armor was made out of dragon scale. That suite of armor could cost a fortune if it was sold. The mage girl stepped forward and held out her hand in a friendly gesture.

"I presume you're our teammates from Room 134?"She asked politely.

"Right you are,” Oran said, taking her hand. Evan saw that Oran's eyes had a look of adoration in it, and he carefully concealed a smile. The man in chain mail also stepped forward, and he raised his visor to have a closer look at them.

"What?” He exclaimed. "They're just kids!” Things were not getting off a good start here.

"Thoras!" The mage girl reproached him. "Mind your manners. They may be young but they are still our teammates. You will treat them with respect if not friendship."

"You are in no position to lecture me." Thoras retorted. However, before he could go any further, a plated hand grasped his shoulder.

"Do it," The Dragon Knight behind him said ominously. "Or would you rather let me MAKE you do it?"

"N-No, Sir." Thoras stammered with fear at the intimidating Dragon Knight before him. "Not at all."

"Then you will treat them with respect?" The Dragon Knight asked in a tone that could break down the very rocks.

"Y-Yes." Thoras nodded nervously.

"Good.” The Dragon Knight turned back to Evan and Oran. "I apologize for my comrade's behaviour. I assure you, he will not do it again."

"And what is your name, Sir Knight?" Il'vitha asked him, her face awed. "I'm a Dragon Squire and this my second year, but I've never seen you around before."

The Dragon Knight raised his visor, revealing a handsome, mature face with deep blue eyes and broad eyelashes. "My name is Kil'dare Dragonbane, son of Kil'daran Dragonbane. I've just been transferred here from Il'veratha."

Il'vitha's eyes widened and her jaw dropped. "You're the son of the Legendary Lord Kil'daran Dragonbane?"

"Yes," Kil'dare's jaw tightened, as if he was reluctant to admit that he was the son of legendary hero. "I am."

Evan saw what was happening and smoothly interrupted their conversation. "And what is your name, my lord and lady?” He asked the mage girl and the quiet man in the hooded cloak.

"My name's Emilia Knight,” The mage girl smiled, and reached out to shake his hand. "And my quiet friend here is Javert Dimitri, a cleric." Javert nodded in acknowledgement. "And who may you and your friends be?” She asked in return.

"Name's Evan Avaran." Evan introduced himself. "And this is Oran Averson." Oran reached out to shake Emilia's hand.

"My name's Il'vitha Heavenstar." Il'vitha told her, but did not reach out to shaker her hand. "And this is Trixie Lightfoot." Trixie's face reddened again at the mention of her name, but she quickly recovered, remembering what Il'vitha had told her earlier.

"Well,” Oran said with a friendly grin. "Now that we've been properly introduced, why don't you guys join us for dinner so that we could get to know each other?"

"Why not?" Emilia said, returning the smile. They both laughed sheepishly, and soon the others joined them too in laughter. Then they seated themselves at the table and talked about themselves till near midnight. Soon however, the refectory keeper announced that it was time to close, and they grudgily left to return to their rooms.

"See you guys in the Training Center for registration tomorrow!" Emilia told them as they parted. "Good night and sleep well!" But as it turned out, Evan's sleep was all but well.

[Kildare]

- Year 3290, February 1st, Monday, 0300 hours - Room 135, Trainees' Dormitory, Vigilant Eye -

The demon laughed evilly as it's bloodied claws reached for the helpless babe. Suddenly, a dark shadow filled the doorway into the stable, and a flurry of swift movements blurred the air as something flew across the room towards the demon, followed by another, and yet another. The demon looked in surprise at the three arrows that suddenly sprouted in it's burning chest for a moment, then fell to the ground with a gurgling sigh, it's fire dying just as it did.

Evan woke from his dream - no, his nightmare - with a scream, and gasped for air just as he had after the previous dream on the night before he had left Paladria. His sudden shout had awoken the others in his room, and Il'vitha - who had jumped off from her bed at the slightest sound - immediately reached for her sword, which lay at the side of her bed.

"What's wrong? Are we attacked?" Il'vitha asked, her sword swinging around dangerously through the darkness, as if there was an invisible intruder around her.

"No, there's nothing wrong," Oran tried to calm her. "Evan's just having another nightmare. Right, Evan?" But Evan wasn't listening.

Who was that shadowy presence that had saved his life from the demon so many years ago? Evan thought. Oban had told him that he had found him abandoned in a place somewhere, which he had neglected to tell him - for some obscure reason.

"Evan?” Oran called him.

Who was he? Was the dream real? And the arrows! They were fast, and half a second after the first arrow was released, the mysterious archer had already shot yet another two - an impossible feat. Evan's mind raced as he tried to find an answer to his questions.

"Evan!” Oran shouted this time, drawing Evan's attention from his reverie.

"What?” Evan shouted back, obviously irritated.

"I said, was it a nightmare?” Oran repeated his question.

"Yes," Evan replied sulkily.

"The same one?” Oran asked him.

"No, it was different this time. Usually, the dream ends with the demon reaching for me, but this time..."Evan stopped.

"What?” Oran asked impatiently? "What is it?"

"There was someone else..." Evan told him. "He saved my life..."

Oran suddenly kept quiet, his eyes weary.

"What's going on here?" Il'vitha asked worriedly from her bed. "Is Evan alright?" An expression of genuine concern filled her face.

"It's nothing that you need to worry about,” Oran assured her. "He always has a nightmare now and then. He used to wake me up every night for the past few years or so." Then he turned back to Evan.

"Did you see his face?” Oran asked him.

"No, it was too dark."

"I see,” Oran said with a look of relief, as if he didn't want Evan to know who that person in his dream was. Evan wanted to ask him whether he knew anything about it, but decided against it. It was still late - or early - and they all had a long day ahead.

The night passed through uninterrupted as the others went back to sleep, leaving Evan deep in his thoughts for the rest of the night.

[Kildare]

Chapter 3: A test of skill

- Year 3290, February 1st, Monday, 0830 hours - Training Hall, Vigilant Eye -

Evan shifted uncomfortably in his equipment as he stood waiting with the others in the Training Hall. At the center of the hall were several tables and chairs where the trainers sat waiting. There were several sheets of paper on the table in front of them.

"How could they stand being in that much steel?" Evan asked Oran, who stood idly beside him, indicating the armor which were worn by some of the trainers and warriors in the hall. "I can barely resist crawling myself out of this stinking cow jacket." He held up the front of the leather vest he wore for protection.

"I guess it takes some time to get used to it." Oran shrugged indifferently as he replied. "Here comes Lord Alderbaran."

Alderbaran appeared at the entrance hallway as he walked up onto the central pavilion, and he made some intricate symbols in the air with his fingers, muttering a soft incantation.

"Good morning, acolytes," Alderbaran spoke in a voice that amplified through the entire hall. "Welcome back to the Training Hall. I believe you've had a good rest last night, and are well prepared for today's activities. As you can see, the various teachers and trainers in front of you will have several "tests" for you to determine your class and skills. The notice at the front of each table indicates the class "tests" you'll be going through. Go through them patiently and do as they tell you to. If you feel you are not suited for any of the classes or skills, feel free to skip them in order to preserve time and energy. Please begin immediately."

[Kildare]

Evan was the first to approach the table where the short but fearsome looking dwarf known as Korgath Darkhammer sat looking at a sheet of paper. Several training hay dummies stood around the table like a platoon of guards. A set of assorted weapons lay on the table like a mini armory.

"What's your name, kid?" The dwarf squinted at Evan as he approached the table. Korgath was sizing him from top to bottom like a side of beef.

"Evan Aravan, good sir." Evan replied nervously. He was a little apprehensive of the strongly muscled dwarven warrior.

"Evan eh? Sounds a little weak to me." The dwarf said coolly. Before Evan could launch a wave retorts against him, the dwarf smoothly cut him off. "But appearances may be deceiving. Let's see how good you are with the sword. See this dummy here? Use your sword on him." The dwarf looked pointedly at the dummy nearest to his left.

Evan obediently drew his short sword in the professional way that Oban had thought him the week before they came to the City. Bracing himself, he held the sword low with its tip pointing towards the dummy. Then he charged, lifting the sword high in the air, and brought it down with all his might.

In a flash, the dummy's left arm flew and landed several yards from where it stood, spraying hay all over the place. Korgath looked slightly impressed as Evan sheathed his sword and returned to the table.

"You need to eat more," Korgath said critically, instantly puncturing Evan's self-congratulatory pride. "But I guess you'll do. Let's see how well you do with the other weapons."

Evan proceeded to "test" the other weapons - axes, polearms and blunt weapons - on the dismembered dummy. By the time Evan was done, the dummy had already lost its head and all it's arms.

"I guess you pass," Was all that Korgath said when he returned the weapons to the table. "Welcome to the Weaponsmastery class, Evan." With that, he dismissed Evan with a wave of his hand and called for the next trainee.

When it was over, Oran had barely passed his "test", and Trixie failed it completely, due to her small size and strength. Trixie looked slightly rejected as she completed her test.

"Don't feel so bad," Oran tried to cheer her up. "Maybe you'll do better in the ranged weapons test."

As it turned out, Trixie managed to pass that test with her excellent skill with the sling, though she failed all the other weapons. Oran did much better with the bow. He appeared to be quite good, as the Lady Elva Swiftarrow complimented him very thoroughly. Evan didn't do so good however, and therefore did not manage to enter the archery classes.

The next test turned out to be the martial arts test by Master Odren Albren, and at the end of it, all of them came out with bruises and sores all over their body – which to say that they failed the test in the process. In fact, only one out of ten trainees managed to pass the test.

"God," Evan moaned as he rubbed his sore knuckles and bruised hips. "Did he have to kick so hard?"

"I think he did it on purpose," Oran replied, wincing at a bruised shoulder. "I hope the next test isn't this bad."

The next one - the clerical test - turned out to be a gross overstatement of "bad". The test was nothing more than several confusing questions involving religion and spiritual matters, ending with a slight probing touch on the head by the Lightkeeper Torel Iselore. Surprisingly, Evan passed the test while the others didn't

"That was really strange," Evan mused.

"That it is," Oran agreed. "I don't understand most of the things he asked, and I definitely didn't understand why he needed to touch our head at the end."

As they moved to the last two tables, Evan noted that the Dragonlord Sir Korvash Drake and Sir Avran Latrei of Vermicia were not among of the trainers that were present in the hall. In fact, the number of trainees present was also slightly diminished.

The next in line was the test on knowledge and philosophy, by the renowned scholar, Tarandar Rigel. The test was no different from the previous test, except that the questions involved secular and worldly matters, and there was no "touching" of the forehead as the previous one did. Evan and Oran passed for this one.

The last test involved magic and sorcery, and it turned out to be quickest and easiest of all the tests. It only involved a slight check up on the body, where the archmage Arcturus Firestorm performed by placing his palms on their chests.

"I'm only going to do a magical check-up on you, so don't get excited if you feel a little strange," Arcturus told them before he began.

Evan felt a surge of probing energy rushing through his body, but apparently, it did not find what it wanted. Arcturus shook his head disappointedly, indirectly telling Evan that he did not pass the test. Oran failed it too, but Trixie passed when a faint potency for druidry and nature magic was detected in her. Evan felt a bitter taste of disappointment, as he had really wanted to know more about magic, and learn it – if he could.

After going through the all the tests, they were once again assembled at the center of the hall, and Lord Alderbaran addressed them once more.

“The tests that you have passed are the individual classes which you are fit to attend. Classes will not begin today, but on the morrow. The weapons mastery classes will be located in the room at the north wing of this very hall and will be held in the morning of every first, third and fifth day of the week. Unarmed combat and martial arts classes will be held in the room at the east wing, on the second, fourth and sixth day, also in the morning. Archery will be at the west wing on the first, third and fifth day, in the afternoon. Scholastic study classes by Tarandar Rigel in the afternoon of second, fourth and sixth day and clerical classes by the revered Torel Iselore in the night of the first, third and fifth day will be held in the Library. The arcane arts of magic, sorcery and wizardry will be held in the Alchemist Lab every night.” The words tumbled breathlessly from the aged wizard’s mouth.

“As I said,” He continued. “Classes will not begin today, but will start at first light tomorrow. As for the rest of today, you’re free to make friends or explore the tower or the city at your free will. Remember at all times, the Advanced Training Center will be restricted to all first-year trainees. Please do not enter at the risk of your life. That is all. You’re dismissed.” He concluded before leaving the hall.

“That was quick,” Oran remarked sarcastically as the crowd began to scatter.

“It sure is,” Evan agreed. “Look, there’s Il’vitha.” He pointed at the familiar form of Il’vitha, who was waving at them, at the entrance. “I think she’s calling us.” Evan said.

“I heard that you guys have the day off,” Il’vitha told them when they met. “So am I. Want to go off someplace?”

Nothing could have prevented them to leave at that point.

****to be continued****