The Chosen One: The Cesaria Chronicles, #1 5i6q15

The chosen one The cesaria Chronicles, Book 1

Ayush pandey

The Chosen One The Cesaria Chronicles, Book 1 Copyright © 2021 Ayush Pandey

This work of purely fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, any resemblance of fictional characters to actual persons living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental. All right reserved. No part of this publication can be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means-electronic, photocopying, mechanical, or otherwise-without prior permission of author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

To my mother, for always ing and believing in me.

Contents

Map of Cesaria A Nightmare Cesaria Training at Isen Tor Journey to Edesa Tristina A Traitor The Prophet The Outlaws The Mystic Weapons A Test of Intelligence A Test of Valor BONOUS: The Cesaria Chronicles II

Map of Cesaria

A Nightmare

“YOUR HIGHNESS, YOUR highness, they are here, they’ve arrived at our gates”, screamed a deep male voice in terrific voice, it was so loud that I woke up. When I opened my eyes I thought I shouldn’t have opened it, I woke up at a completely unaccustomed and strange place. A tall, muscular man with azure green eyes was standing before me. His face clearly showing he is frightened and have lost all the hope. He wore a chain mail armor which had a vertically erected aggressive lion symbol on it which I presumed to be the symbol of his Kingdom. I noticed two big swords hanging on scabbard made of fine leather on both sides of his waist and a knife strapped on left leg. I didn’t know what’s going on, I had many questions and I needed answers, soon. I ordered the man to leave and to much of my surprise he left. I started glancing at my room which was not my room actually. It was a big hall, made up of stones and marbles with all royal interior fittings like royal bed, mirror, swords & shields and banner of this Kingdom, a vertically placed aggressive lion. However, there are no lights but candles and lamps. From what I from my history classes is this type of rooms were made in medieval castles, and the way that guard or whosoever he was, addressing me it is certain that I’m in a castle where I’m a noble, a King or a Prince probably. While I was wondering all these, a medium heighted person, with short dark black hairs and rugged sand colored uniform whom I presumed to be a servant arrived at my door. He bowed and said “Your armor my lord, your special arms are sent to blacksmith and might arrive at any moment”. I noticed he brought a full plate armor with steel helmet, gloves and plate boots which looked so heavy that it will require at least four people to lift. I tried lifting the plate armor but it didn’t even budged. I went to my bed which was very comfortable and started to think what can be worse than sleeping at your place and waking up at a complete unfamiliar palace amid a war, but perhaps I was wrong. While I was thinking that, the guard who woke me up previously, arrived again exclaiming “My lord, come see, they’ve camped outside the castle gates”. Fear was clearly visible in his voice. I looked around for something suitable to wear as what I was wearing wasn’t be appropriate in this world or whatever it was. I found a surcoat with royal symbol embedded on it and changed it with my white night suit whose color has already faded and now looks grey.

I went outside my room with that guard leading the way, soon we reached at the top of castle and stood at one of the battlement which gave a clear view around the castle. However, it wasn’t the time to look at the views as all I could see was nothing but a dark legion full of deep dark armors. They were more than 100,000 soldiers. It appeared like darkness has taken a form in front of this castle and would devour it soon. I had no idea what was going on here or what would I do. My mind stopped working when I saw a legion full of dark armored soldiers marching in front me, this castle is surely not going withstand this siege. As far as I could see, I saw only a dark legion equipped with swords, bows & arrows, maces, halberd, spears, artillery and much more. One couldn’t even imagine this type of army or battle which can begin at any moment. To add more on this they brought siege machines at front. At that very moment I saw one of the foot soldier, not equipped with anything started to march forward, behind him several catapults, cannons, ballista and trebuchet were following. He stopped and so did the siege machines. Those machines were painted in darkest black possible. He signaled something and then the entire world stopped for a moment, everything became so quiet that one could hear the sound of his heartbeats and then suddenly the earth himself roared like as an earthquake was evoked, surface started to tremble and before I could manage my balance a huge stone lit with fire was thrown out of a trebuchet rushed towards the battlement where I was standing and before I could do anything it hit the battlement and I witnessed a blackout. I screamed as I woke up, once again. I heard my mother saying “finally you woke up Jaden, you couldn’t keep on sleeping whole day, at least not today, it’s already afternoon”. I looked around and I was glad it was all a bad dream, actually a nightmare. I couldn’t express how relived I was when I was out of that nightmare. I quickly changed myself to a formal suit and rushed out to dining hall for breakfast or rather launch. I asked where is father to which my mother said he already left for office, I asked whether he would be present at my birthday party tonight. It was important day for me as I was turning eighteen and finally free to take my own decisions. When I was seven my real father died in a car accident and my mother got married to Mr. Ekada, a business tycoon. I knew he didn’t liked me much but he at least got me a nice teenage away from drugs and everything bad. After my launch I hurried to my car as I had to make arrangements for my birthday party and pick my brother or rather half-brother, Arnold from school. I was already late and didn’t wanted to be late anymore. While I was on my way to my brother’s school a over speeding truck rushed towards me and before I could do anything it clashed with my car and it was no

dream this time and once again I witnessed a blackout.

Cesaria

WHEN I OPENED MY EYES, I was astonished, I woke up in a castle, once again. Though it was a bit different this time. Instead of swords or shields hanging around there were crystal balls, wands and sticks and above all these my bed was floating in air. It was certain I was dreaming once again, I pricked myself but it hurt. All of a sudden a stranger face appeared before me, a very old thin person with flaming, sky blue eyes, he wore a white robe which had mysterious blue eyes with a zigzag shape below it and held a staff in his hand, his long white beard and hairs were untied. He looked very wise, a person who can answer all my questions. He came closer to me and raised his arm and positioned it above my head and recited something. In a matter of seconds my mind became completely blank, I didn’t knew what happened but I couldn’t think anything. He begin to speak “Do not fear young one, I’m Ronin the wise, ruler of Wizard Kingdom Isen Tor. You’re the chosen one, the one who will establish peace in Cesaria.” I asked him what is chosen one and why my mind became blank suddenly? He replied “There is prophecy that a young warrior from another realm will come and help Cesaria in getting rid of all evil and establish peace in five Kingdoms. Your mind my dear is blank because of spell I used on you, don’t worry when the time will come I’ll get your memories back but for now the foremost task is to introduce you to Cesaria”. I still had many questions and he answered everything patiently. I asked when you or all the five Kingdoms cannot defeat the evil how can I, a 18 years old with barely any magic or skill of war do it. He listened to me and said “Prophecy can never be wrong young one. And currently all the five Kingdoms are not together, you can be a mere boy now but we’ll teach you the warfare after which you’ll unite all the Kingdoms together and lead them in final battle against King Baltazar Von Morgan, as it was directed in prophecy.” I asked, who is King whatever Morgan you said? He waved his staff in air after which the white stone on staff which was still so far begin to glow blue and suddenly a huge map appeared before us. “This is Cesaria. There are five Kingdoms in Cesaria and we all were living peacefully until Baltazar Von

Morgan arrived on our lands. His Kingdom Orindoth, lies behind the Mystic Sea. Between our five Kingdoms and Orindoth lies a huge barren, rocky area we call wastelands, whoever went there has never returned, lore say it is an area of gods as neither wizard, witch nor mercenary magic work there. Few days back a dark fleet landed on Edesa with dark soldiers boarded on it, nobody knew where they came from. They handed a sealed scroll to port master of royal port saying it should only be opened by King Gildenstern, the ruler of fearsome Knights. The letter said King Baltazar von Morgan wants to be Emperor of Cesaria, accept Orindoth as high Kingdom or face the wrath of black legion. He has given a time of 2months to think on this.” I always wanted to be a savior, a leader and I didn’t even had any option so I agreed to do whatever the old man said. I asked him more about Cesaria. He pointing to map said “There are five Kingdoms in Cesaria. This is Isen Tor land of Wizards, and I’m the Master Wizard, the ruler of Isen Tor. Our Kingdom is protected by special magical runes which are powered by the powerful wizards. It prohibits anyone to enter uninvited. Then comes Edesa, land of fearsome Knights which is ruled by King Gildenstern. Below them lies, Theodin, the Kingdom of Dwarves, which is ruled by Thirrum the Mighty. They supply special arms and armors to Knights. Sultan Yorlek, the ruler of Mercenaries rules the desert areas of Cesaria and are neutral to other Kingdoms. At the other corner lies Orane, which is fragmented in many small witch tribes and is ruled by High Priest Fiona.” I started to imagine about everyone especially the black legion and mercenaries and almost got lost into my thoughts when the master wizard said to begin my training sessions. I replied I have no problem in that. But I don’t have any knowledge of any kind of magic or warfare. He chuckled and said don’t worry, we will start from the beginning. He then turned and chanted something. After a few moments another strange face appeared. He looked like master wizard, Ronin talked to that stranger for a while then turned to me and said “He is Rowan the Lightbringer, my son and the Prince of Isen Tor. He will show you the way around.” Rowan was medium heighted person with flaming blue eyes like his father although without any magic staff and beard. He wore a long brown robe with the symbol of Isen Tor, a blue eyes with a zigzag shape below it. He turned and waved at me and asked me to him to tour the Isen Tor Kingdom and Star Palace. Soon we were outside the gates of Star Palace.

Travelling with magic was fun I said to myself. This castle was different from the one I saw in dream, it was floating in air. I was amazed at this which I think Rowan understood and said, “we’re wizards and with the channeling power of our ancient wizards our Kingdom floats in air disabling any treser to come here uninvited.” The land of wizards was quite beautiful, it had houses floating in air, the people around here wore long robes and some of them carried staffs and wands. They all were medium heighted and had blue eyes. Rowan then asked me if I’m interested in exploring the castle. I nodded and we went inside the castle as two elven guards with pointed ears in white armor equipped long sword and shield started to open the huge spiked door after looking at their prince. Upon entrance there was a huge open place which Rowan pointed as city hall. City hall was full of elven guards and people who were waiting in different queues, probably it was an istrative office of wizard Kingdom. Behind that lied another huge gate through which only elite guards or royal people were allowed. As we entered there were hundreds of room. He pointed towards an open area, when we reached there was a cloud, it acted as an elevator and soon we were beneath the ground level, as we walked in I saw 3 wizards whose height higher than 10ft were standing and white-blue lights were emitting through their hands. Rowan explained me that they are they keep the Isen Tor city elevated from the ground. Rest of the day ed out in looking around the city after which we went for the dinner, the royal food was delicious, freshly baked bread and some strange names I can’t was served before me. It would take me some time to get used to this. After dinner Ronin came to me and said, “have a nice rest. From tomorrow we will start our training sessions, suitable cloths and other necessity have been sent to your room”. When I reached my room there were some different colored robes neatly putted around in a cupboard which wasn’t there in morning. This city never failed to amaze me, Cesaria didn’t seemed to be that bad after all.

Training at Isen Tor

NEXT MORNING I WOKE up very late, Ronin was there as soon as I woke up. He chided at me for waking up late, “discipline is first lesson for anything. You’ll get your punishment as you are late for your first class, you won’t get breakfast today. Now follow me”. I apologized and left out for training grounds with him. We reached at a large plain where Rowan and a stranger was waiting for us. They greeted their King. Rowan said “He is Lucias, leader of elite guard of Isen Tor and you already know me. We will be your preceptor in honing your magic and basic warrior skills.” I was curious to learn about real magic so I nodded attentively. We all bowed to Ronin as he turned to leave. Lucias was a tall and thin like other wizards. His long hairs were neatly tied and he had long white beard like Ronin and had flaming blue eyes like Ronin and Rowan. I was wondering why every wizard is thin other than Rowan when Lucias said “I’ll look after your physical war skills and fire, water & air magic whereas Rowan will look after ether magic and final test as a warrior wizard”. He seemed to be a nice person. Lucias then turned to Rowan and said “you can carry on with your work your highness I’ll let you know when he will be ready for ether magic.” Rowan disappeared in air like his father and Lucias turned to me. “We’ll start with magic part first”, said Lucias and out of nowhere a stone appeared. He then asked me to get all the thoughts out of my mind and concentrate on the stone. I replied my mind is already blank after Ronin’s spell. He chuckled. Then concentrate and heed your spirit, instructed my preceptor. Initially it was quite boring and disgusting as nothing was happening and Lucias offered no help but watched me carefully. Finally I calmed my mind, closed my eyes and tried once again. “It worked! It worked!” I exclaimed when Lucias was eyeing me carefully and suddenly Ronin and Rowan appeared and they all cheered to themselves. I asked them what is the occasion why they are so happy to which Ronin replied, “You are not a wizard by blood and even in wizards there are some who are born without the

blessing of magic so we were quite nervous whether you have magic or not. Indeed you’re the chosen one and this magic proves that. Now tell me what you saw”. I told him that I saw red, blue, grey, white and flaming orange color within me, flaming orange color, however, was bit away from others. Their eyes grew like I told them about some nightmare. I looked at Rowan, he said “Red represents fire magic, blue represents water magic and grey represents air magic and a combination of all these, the white represents ether magic which we also call spirit magic sometimes. However, no wizard had ever seen ether magic in his first go and this flaming orange one is unheard of in Cesaria and beyond.” Ronin interrupted by focusing on positive side and said, “For now let’s not panic about flaming brown spirit, Lucias get him well versed with your side so that Rowan can take over. It would be better not to mess with this new magic without proper knowledge of it.” Both King and the prince disappeared in a second and we were back in the class. We then spent rest of the classes in theoretical knowledge. Lucias taught me that fire is aggressive magic, water is defensive, air is ive whereas ether or spirit magic is always unpredictive, and it can be used in variety of ways as per the will of wizard. Also the ether powered wizards are very rare, only a handful of them are left. Ronin, Rowan and half-sister of Rowan are ether powered. I had no idea that Rowan has a half-sister too, I’ll ask him about this later I thought to myself and focused on my classes with Lucias. He dismissed the class in afternoon at the time of launch and instructed me to work on enhancing the concentration as we moved towards the dining hall of Star Palace. We had our launch of bread, honey and snowberries. I asked about Rowan but the guards told me he is not in palace. I decided to go to my room and sleep as using my magic for first time has exhausted me. I woke up as a servant knocked on door. He had brought me dinner. I ate in my room only. After finishing my food I begin to concentrate, I chose a candle flame to look at. I slept during that only and woke up next morning. I went to breakfast where Rowan and Ronin was already present. I greeted them and started my breakfast. They asked me about my first class, I told them everything. They nodded and we got up. I moved towards my class where Lucias was waiting for me. We shifted to physical weapons today, he told me about pros and cons of every weapons like a spear is more useful for a cavalry and is tough to handle for a novice, axe

are great damage dealer however slower than a sword, bows are great but the wielder is in stake if target reaches close to him. Then he showed me a variety of weapons and told me that every warrior has a basic knowledge of all weapons and specializes in one of them. He then asked me about my choice of weapon. Among sword & shield, two handed sword, bow & arrows, axe, spear, halberd, mace and war hammer I chose a halberd. Finally our classes were done for the day and I was too exhausted to do anything or talk to anyone so I directly went to my room after the training sessions and asked the food to be delivered in my room. I slept as soon as I finished my dinner. Next day I woke up before my class time had my breakfast in my room only and asked the chef to lead me to training grounds. I was checking on my halberd when Lucias arrived. He was glad that I was on time. He said today we’ll start with air magic the easiest one. He then instructed me to heed to my powers and command them as my will. For air magic, feel the air around you, as you command your power you’ll feel air beneath you. As per your command it will have its density and the more the concentration the stronger the will and easier to heed your powers. I did as I was instructed. Soon I was floating a inch above in air and feeling lighter, such that air itself carrying my weight. My movements were more swift and I could sprint faster and longer and jump higher. Lucias came to my level and said this was your air magic, this way it can you in physical battles by making your movements in much efficient manner. While I was listening to him I fell down, Lucias chuckled said, “this is lack of concentration. While you use your power you should maintain a proper with your magic else things can go drastically wrong.” While doing this time ed like anything, it was afternoon already. Lucias asked me to take a break and have something to eat. I was hungry too so I went to dining hall where Ronin and Rowan was already having their launch. They asked me about my training which was going quite well so far. As soon as I had my launch I stood up and left for training grounds however Lucias wasn’t there, he got engaged in some other work of palace with elites so I got a holiday with more practice for next day. I spent rest of my day in my room practicing my air magic. Next day I was on the field at the scheduled time but Lucias wasn’t there again, however training couldn’t be delayed further so Rowan took over and we started with fire magic. Rowan instructed me to shape my fire magic like a fireball and imagine a fireball in my hands. Soon a fireball, or rather fire in uneven shape

appeared at my hands. I felt no burning at all. Rowan told me as long as your concentration is on the fire magic it won’t harm you but if concentration broke, your own magic can burn you to ashes. I got frightened for a moment but didn’t let my fear to break my concentration. We then spent rest of the day enhancing concentration and other aspects of fire magic such as lighting a torch or using it as a siege weapon. Training with Rowan was better, he also constructed me some targets out of his ether magic so that I can practice my fire magic without hurting anyone. Then we had our dinner and I left for my room. I was wondering I didn’t had breakfast or launch today still I didn’t felt tired or hungry. The chef replied that the wizard food here even if consumed less can sustain a person for longer durations. I had one thing bothering me since morning where is Lucias? Hasn’t he came back yet? I thought tomorrow I’d ask Rowan about this and slept while thinking.

Journey to Edesa

NEXT MORNING DURING breakfast I asked Rowan about Lucias but he seemed to have no answer. While I was eating my sweet bread an elite eleven swordsman came and bowed before the Master Wizard. Ronin asked him what’s the matter to which elite replied “We’ve received this letter today, a royal messenger from Edesa has brought it and said it has to be only be opened by Master Wizard.” Elite handed over a scroll and left. Ronin read the later and became very tensed. He asked Rowan to immediately leave for Edesa. “They have been attacked by soldiers of black legion today,” said Ronin. Rowan didn’t seemed to be so much interested and replied casually that why we wizards should interfere in internal matters of Edesa, are they so weak that they need our help. The tension in room increased when Ronin said that the dark legion soldiers were aided by some dark magic of warlocks, the Knights felt so weak that they couldn’t even lift their swords. Rowan said I’ll take Jaden with me, superior Knights of Edesa can train him for physical battles better than wizards. Ronin nodded and summoned a guard and asked him to arrange two chariots. Soon Isen Tor was at ground for a moment and two chariots were placed at ground by wizards. The chariot was made of gold and the royal symbol of Isen Tor was engraved on it very beautifully. Two beautiful white horses was at front to pull the chariot. We left for Edesa, after a distance I saw Isen Tor was in the air again. I asked Rowan how much time it would take to reach Edesa. Rowan replied “Our destination is Edinberg Castle, the capital of Knights. It lies in the middle of Edesa, King Gildenstern resides there. It will be a two day journey. Tonight we’ll travel to Aquallia, a major wizard city. And will leave for Edinberg Castle at dawn.” I liked Rowan, he answers everything in such a manner that it sounds very polite. Night was upon us and we still had to travel for few more hours. I was already tired of travelling in a chariot however I kept quiet and didn’t complained because Rowan was Prince and still travelling without any tiredness or problem so it would have been looked rude to complain here. Soon we were at Aquallia. It wasn’t similar to Star Place, it was small and streets were empty as we arrived there in late night. The buildings were painted mostly in blue and white, some

inns were still open. We went towards the castle where an elven swordsman was at guard, or rather I should say he was sleeping during guard. He shouted something when Rowan asked him to open the gates, however when he saw who was at the gates he apologized and opened the gates right away. Being a Prince had its own perks. Next day Rowan arrived at my room so early that I chided at him. Even the sun wasn’t out yet. He calmly said “I know you’re tired but it’s a long journey to Edinberg Castle Jaden which we have to cover today only so we have to leave early, once we reach there you can have your rest.” I nodded and felt bad for shouting at him. I got ready to move on. We mounted our chariots when the elven guard opened the gates for us. Soon we were outside the borders of wizard Kingdom as I saw the some Knights in armors of steel checking everyone going past them. Rowan explained me to keep quiet, they are border guards of Edesa and don’t like outsiders, King wanted to meet us without anyone knowing else there might be panic about black legion. He then instructed me to say I’m friend of Rowan if they asked me and not to tell my real name. Luckily they didn’t asked much after Rowan did some formalities and gave them a purse of gold coins. That’s it we are in territory of Knights where Rowan is not a noble but a guest. It was afternoon but I was still sleepy so I decided to talk. I asked Rowan more about Cesaria. He said you have already seen wizards and will soon meet Knights, let me tell you about mercenaries, they are someone you don’t want to mess with, adaptive to all types of situations and loyal only to Sultan. There are rumors that Sultan commands centaurs and minotaur. I looked puzzled which he understood, as usual. He seemed to be someone who could read minds. He then told me about centaurs, a big creature with back of horse and four legs with body of a human who can fight with twin swords or a huge battle axe which we can’t even lift, they are fast, agile and strong. Minotaur on other hand are big, muscular and bulky creature who look like taurus walking on two legs. They are very strong and durable but slow. Witches are less in number and more engaged in healings but the warrior witches are extremely skilled be it healing or fighting. One warrior witch can take on a bunch of centaur, minotaur, wizards or Knights alone. I wondered they could be best weapon in coming battles but to my disappointment Rowan told that they hardly come out of their lands. Last time they were seen at Edinberg Castle some 70years ago when Kingdoms were

making pacts and peace agreements for Cesaria. He continued, High Priest Fiona is a blessed warrior and healer, her potions can heal the one who is on the verge of death but she has grown old. When he finally came to dwarves he seemed like he didn’t liked them much. He told me that they are good blacksmiths, weapons and armors made by them is one you can always rely on. They have long beards and prefer to drink more than they eat. Their Kingdom is located very strategically and cannot be breached, their Stone Palace is more than 300years old and so strong that it can withstand ten sieges at time. With this information I got in my mind that dwarves are more defensive, witches doesn’t care about affairs outside Orane, Sultan is too busy looking after his mercenaries so it was up to wizards and Knights for now. I was about to ask Rowan about his half-sister when we were ambushed by a group of bandits. They were the same dark armored soldiers who were sieging the castle in my dream. “Soldiers of dark legion”, hissed Rowan. He immediately made a plan, “I’ll engage them meanwhile you run as fast as you can, don’t wait for me, and use your wind power. Once you’re out of sight I’ll put up an invisibility spell and follow you” whispered Rowan which I could hear only with help of air magic. He then got off his chariot and created a fire ball which he directed towards one of the dark armored solider. They all rushed towards us, fireball appeared on both hands of Rowan, he kept attacking them, and shouted, run Jaden, run as fast as you can. I gathered all my guts and concentrated on my air magic, soon air started to swirl around me and I became so lightweight that I ran faster than our chariots. I came so far that I couldn’t even hear Rowan or any sound of battle. I was bit worried, what if they killed Rowan, what if they capture him, what if..., till I could think anything else Rowan came to view. I finally relaxed. He has brought a dark soldier with him. I asked him why he had brought such a trouble with him. Rowan said he will be interrogated. He can be one of those who attacked Knights with help of warlocks he can be used for information about their hideout and plans in Edesa. Also the King would be pleased to see a prisoner from dark legion. I nodded and we started to move towards Edinberg Castle once again using our air magic. Rowan dragged the prisoner along the journey. We arrived there at night. More than a dozen of guards wearing a chainmail armor embedded with emblem of an aggressive lion were standing carrying different types of weapons were posted at main gates. I exactly, it was

the Edinberg Castle and the symbol of aggressive lion which I saw in my dream. They asked our identities. Rowan told them he is Prince of Isen Tor and showed some symbol on his hand after which they opened the gates. He handed over the dark soldier to one of the gatekeeper and told him to put him at a secure place with extra guard. We went to King immediately, a tall, muscular, blonde haired person, not more than 45 with golden eyes was waiting for us. He wore a long surcoat with royal symbol of Edesa embedded on it. “King Gildenstern. Give him a short bow when you meet him”, whispered Rowan in my ears. He went to King and both of them shared a formal bow to each other. King then glanced at me, I gave him a short bow and said Jaden at your service your highness. He chuckled at this and told me not to be such formal with him. He was a nice guy I liked him immediately. “It would have been a long journey and both of you must be tired, I won’t take long. I will get some of my best esquire for your service who will serve you while you are in Edesa”, said King Gildenstern. Both of us nodded as he called two esquires. They bowed to us and led us to our rooms. I this room, it was the same one where I woke up in my dream. I didn’t reacted to it at that moment as I thought it was too personal to discuss my dream with some royal people, and asked the esquire to get me something to eat. He brought me bread, honey, butter and smoked fish which was very delicious. The food here tasted better than the food of wizards. I slept as soon as I finished my food.

Tristina

I HAD A GOOD REST AND felt refreshed when I woke up. I called for my esquire, he arrived within few seconds. I asked him about Rowan’s room. He pointed towards room in front of mine. I knocked on the door, “Come in”, said Rowan from inside without asking who’s on the door. I went inside, Rowan was dressed in a red tunic and long loose tros. I asked him how to proceed with things today. He replied, “Get yourself dressed formally, we have to attend a meeting with stalwarts of King. There we’ll discuss about the attack on patrolling Knights and the prisoner soldier from dark legion. Then I’ll request King to get you best Knight to teach you the warfare of elite Knights, after which you’ll remain here in Edesa and learn while I will go to old forest and search for any traces of dark legion”. I wanted to him in his journey to the old forest but I knew I’m not capable enough, at least not yet so I nodded. This all sounded a nice plan to me. Rowan then called an esquire and requested him to get us some suitable formal wear and food. He bowed and left the room. He arrived after half an hour with two blue chain mail armor with surcoat and boiled eggs & snowberry juice. We had our breakfast after which we changed to the cloths esquire has brought. Esquire then came to us and informed that all the Knights have arrived and King is expecting you at palace hall soon. We went inside the hall where several Knights were already seated in chain mail armor with different emblems. I whispered to Rowan why there are different symbols on every armor, I thought Edesa had only one ruler. Rowan replied in a whisper, “They are lords of Edesa, they all rule under King Gildenstern with different titles such as Duke, Jarl and other nobility title of Knights I’m unaware of”. I nodded. King then begun to speak, “As we all know we were attacked by soldiers of dark legion in old forest, however they were aided by some dark spells which we presume was done by warlocks. So to help us with magic Isen Tor has sent us help and we’re glad that Prince Rowan is with us to help us in this task of eliminating the soldiers of dark legions from Edesa”. Rowan stood up and facing towards the Knights he said, “Thank you King Gildenstern, I’m honored to work with brave and fearsome Knights of Edesa. Also I’ve brought a dark soldier with me as a prisoner who is at the dungeons, I request King to interrogate him and get the most out of him. However I’m not alone, this is Jaden”, he said pointing to me. “As per the Prophet Nerzuhul, a time will come when Cesaria will dwell in evil of some dark creatures who would be aided by dark magic, at that time a

savior will come who will unite all the five Kingdoms and end this evil to establish peace once and for all. And we all know that prophecy of wizards are never wrong.” Everyone started to get a clear look of me which made me a bit uneasy, I don’t like people staring me. Rowan cleared his throat and started to speak once again, “So I request King Gildenstern to help Jaden with warrior skills of elite Knights.” King Gildenstern didn’t seemed to be amazed as he already knew this. He was about to say something when someone came in. A tall, muscular, black haired young man with stormy grey eyes in his twenties entered. He wore a plate armor without any symbol on it. He said “father if the audience is over, can we start our march to Old Forest”. King waved him to take his seat. He sat on a throne next to King which I presumed to be of Prince of Edesa. King then started to speak once again, “Prince Tristian, Prince Rowan, Sir Goth and Sir Pyere with a legion of elite warriors will lead an expedition in Old Forest where soldiers of dark legion were seen, meanwhile Tristina will stay within the castle and help Jaden with his warrior skills. I also order all of you to extend your full to Jaden. Meeting is dismissed.” I noticed Rowan got uneasy when King said Tristina, there is surely something with that name. Everyone started to move out and Rowan came to me. “Alright so I take my leave for now, beware of Tristina, I don’t trust her much. If you feel anything wrong just leave the palace and ask for Erik, he is the one I trust most”. He then left with Tristian. King Gildenstern called for an esquire and directed him to call Tristina immediately. Soon, a fine young girl almost of my age came who was looKing devastatingly beautiful came to view with that esquire. King introduced us to each other. She wore a long blue dress and a shining tiara like a crown made of diamonds, it suited perfectly with her fair skin. Her long black hairs were untied and her eyes were of golden brown color. Her voice was so sweet, pleasing and convincing that she can handle any diplomatic situation. King instructed her to teach me all she has learned from elites and Tristian. She nodded and asked me to follow her. We went to stables where she asked somebody to bring two royal horses. I thought we would start our training sessions, I enquired. “And we will”, replied Tristina. Learning to ride is also one of the basic aspect in Legion of Knights. We’ll ride to barracks situated in western Edesa, it has everything we require for our training. The stable keeper brought two beautiful white horse.

Now put your one leg on stirrup and hold the bridle while pushing yourself to sit on saddle. I was glad that I mounted it in one go without falling. “Not bad for a first timer”, said Tristina. She then told me to keep my elbows at right angle and keep my grip tight while spurring the horse whereas keep it level and still while riding slow, for now we’ll not start spurring until you learn to balance. I nodded and started riding the horse. Soon we started spurring. “You learn really fast Jaden”, Tristina said. I tried not to smile but seems like it was visible on my face. I thanked her and asked her how much time it will take to reach the barracks. We’ll reach there by midnight. Tonight we can rest and from tomorrow your training for an elite Knight will start. I nodded. She asked me about Ronin. I replied he is a wise and nice soul and yeah obviously fit and fine what can trouble the master wizard anyways. She than asked me about my wizardry skills, I told her everything happened during my first class with Lucias, the flaming orange spirit within me and that I’ve learned basic of fire and air magic. She rose her eyebrows and said it is strange, never heard anything like that. You said Lucias taught you magic, they are still making that poor guy work, it’s not good, he deserve some rest and chuckled. We reached barracks earlier than we expected. Tristina led me to a pavilion and directed me not to talk to anyone and stay within the camps as assassins and wild creatures sometimes attacks this barracks. I’ll get the things arranged for tomorrow. See you tomorrow, have your rest. The pavilion was a big tent with camp fire lit in front of them. It was simple from inside and nothing but a camped, candles, pot and a table. Next morning Tristina arrived in my tent with some dried meat and fruits. She apologized for letting me sleep hungry, I didn’t seem to mind. We ate together in my camp. She then asked if we could start our training. I nodded and followed her. Soon we were alone in an open plain where several targets and hurdles were set. She said endurance and strength is vital for an elite Knight so we’ll start with that. Let’s start easy, I want you to run around this plain five times without using your wizard powers then we’ll proceed further. I asked why I’ve to run without wizard power, isn’t it foolishness. She said wizard powers are mysterious and unpredicted and after using ether powers it can diminish for a while, that time your Knight powers will become handy. I nodded, it all made sense. The plain was as big as a castle’s courtyard. I knew I would get tired still I started. While I ran around the plain Tristina used to train other soldiers of

barracks who were training a bit far away from us, I took advantage of this situation and used my air magic in between. After running for more than 2hours I completed my goal of five rounds. She came to me handed me a sword and said start sparring with it, swing it in all the directions randomly three hundred times. I got into it, the sun was above us and I was wet due to my sweat when I finally completed with my second task. She then brought me some launch and water. We ate together while discussing some utter non sense things. She said let’s get back to practice. Now we will start with theories. Being an elite Knight doesn’t mean about only physical strength but also the mental abilities like making war formations and strategies. I nodded and she went on. In Edesa, if we rank soldiers from bottom to top it can be summarized as infantry, cavalry, chariot, war elephant, Knight and finally an elite warrior. We refer to legion as ribbon. A ribbon consists of 1012 infantries, 420 cavalries, 300 war chariots and 112 war elephants and is led by an elite Knight who knows all types of formations. These elite Knights work under warlord. The current warlord of Edesa is Tristian. We currently have 53 ribbon army stationed under various lords of Edesa. These ribbons are placed strategically to form different types of war formations like lotus view, crescent view, needle view, snake view and so on. I got so indulged into it that I forget to keep the track of time, the night was upon us. “Our training would go on like this, only the repetitions of rounds will increase and the weapon will change for you to practice”, said Tristina. I nodded as we stood up begin to move towards our tents. We had our dinner which was rather simple here, dried meat, bread loaf with butter and tons of fruits. I was so tired that I slept as soon as I was on my bed. The next few days went similar, running, weightlifting and spurring in morning then launch after which we used to learn about army formations and other tactics. Almost after a week I asked Tristina is there any word from Rowan? She shook her head and said, “here at barracks we are not permitted to have any from affairs of outer world” I didn’t liked it but still nodded and went to sleep. However, I woke up when I heard a vicious war cry, it wasn’t of training and who will train in midnight anyways. I picked my halberd and moved outside when I saw the assassins are everywhere, checking every tents and taking prisoners, those who resisting were

killed. Tristina too came out of her tent, “good time to show what you’ve learnt so far and started to charge towards one of them”, she said and rushed towards an assassin. In a single strike she sliced the head of an assassin. She then picked up a one handed sword of a fallen warrior in one hand, and a fireball appeared on her other hand. She started to burn the assassins to ashes with one hand while slicing their heads with other simultaneously. “Behind you”, screamed Tristina. Without even turning I immediately moved my halberd behind from the sharp side. An assassin who about to kill me laid lifeless on middle of my halberd as my weapon penetrated his chest. I ed Tristina, and said her to rush towards their leader. Get him alive, we’ll need him for interrogation. I said in her ears. She winked and said “Cover me and I’ll take care of rest”, and started to charge towards leader of assassins. A tall, muscular man with wrinkles on his face and a scar on his black and angular eyes who wore a lion’s head as cape. I moved besides her, killing everyone approaching us, my halberd’s silver sharp edge became red. Within a few moments a ring of fire appeared around the thug lord, “you’re trapped, your army is almost dead, surrender to us, we may spare your life”, said Tristina in such a manner that he surrendered as he realized his defeat is certain. Finally my first battle was over, and I won. That night I also realized the power of a warrior-wizard. We started looking for our casualties and asked the barracks in charge to get them medical assistance as soon as possible and also clean out the area. He nodded and instructed his men for the work. I must it that I was really impressed with skills of Tristina, for which I complimented her with beauty with brain & skills. “It was nothing, those assassins were useless, knew no magic or tactics, they just know how to swing a sword and think they know all”, and thanked me like it was her everyday occurrence. “All this sounded more of a plan to me, a plan to kill me or probably you, it should must be reported to King immediately. Pack your things we’ll leave for Edinberg Castle at first light”, said Tristina in a serious tone. I nodded and went inside my tent. I didn’t had much things, just a halberd and few books on war formation and tactics of Knights which Tristina gave me on 3rd day of our training.

A Traitor

SUN WAS UPON US, BOTH of us slept more than expectations. We asked one of the recruit to pack some food for us and hurried towards the stables, took our horses and started our journey to Edinberg Castle. We were continuously spurring our horses, so there was little or no interactions between us. We rode till late afternoon and stopped near a village, tied our horses and watered them and sat to have our launch. Nevertheless, we didn’t rest there and left as soon as we finished our food. By night we were in Edinberg Castle, we went to King’s Chamber immediately and recounted the complete story of the surprise attack on us. He furrowed his brows and said, “it can’t be a coincident that you were attacked twice.” Twice? I asked puzzled. King nodded and continued, “initially when you were on your way to Edinberg Castle then on barracks. We shall discuss rest tomorrow, the expedition team sent to Old Forest will return tonight, let’s see their reporting first then we’ll plan further. Have your rest you’ll need some”. We nodded and left for our rooms. I was just slept when esquire woke me up and informed me that King has requested my presence in hall immediately. I knew something was wrong as Tristian was about to return by this time, they must have brought some terrible news and coming days are going to be hectic now. I changed to surcoat, took a sword and went towards the meeting place. I was the last one to arrive, King Gildenstern, Tristian, Rowan and Tristina was already there. King begun to speak as soon as I took my place near Rowan, “So Tristian and his legion was also ambushed in old forest, a whole ribbon of dark legion aided by warlocks ambushed them as soon as they were about to leave the forest, surprisingly the attack on legion took place exactly when those assassins attacked the barracks. This can’t be a coincident again. On both instances nobody knew that you can be found in those places. Also the attack on Rowan and Jaden on King’s road was not a coincident, they must have information that Prince and the Chosen warrior are travelling to Edesa. This is certain that there is a traitor among us. For now we can trust only the people in this room.” King didn’t even finished speaking when we heard a wounded soldier crawled inside the room. He looked like he recently took bath in blood, “my lord, we couldn’t make it, he took war tactics and other secrets of Kingdom and killed....” And he died before he could complete his sentence.

All of us rushed outside to see what is happening, who killed that guard, who else is killed and who the hell is traitor among us. We saw someone running towards the hallway in a black cloak, Tristina and Rowan rushed to him using their wind power but then we couldn’t believe on our eyes, a dark portal opened inside the palace in front of that betrayer. He stepped inside and in a matter of seconds he disappeared. We lost, all the secrets of Edesa were gone. We didn’t even had a breath when another guard came before King and informed that both prisoners, soldier of Orindoth and leader of assassins lay lifeless inside their cells, someone assassinated them. King asked everyone not to panic but in reality it was a moment to panic and he himself was panicking as someone of his own Kingdom has betrayed him. We went towards the meeting room once again. King enquired who all knew about arrival of Rowan and Jaden and that we’re going to old forest and barracks? “All the lords and Knights of realm knew about the expedition in old forest and Jaden’s training at western barracks father. About his arrival only you, I, Sir Pyere and Sir Goth knew”, replied Tristian. I started wondering where Goth and Pyere are, they were not present in meeting either. “Pyere died of lethal wound on his chest in an ambush in old forest, we brought his body for a proper cremation, Goth said he is very tired after this expedition and may not make it to meeting today”. An elite Knight to be tired after this basic expedition sounds weird to me, said Tristina. Tristian agreed and nodded. King called two esquires and directed them to go and check Goth in his chambers immediately. When they came back they informed Goth isn’t present in his chambers. That’s it, things were crystal clear, Sir Goth was the traitor. “They have attacked us thrice, wooed one of our elite. Edesa will not take this insult, next attack should be ours, prepare the army. I also want a royal notice that Sir Goth is no more an elite Knight but a betrayer and take his entire family to custody immediately Tristian. Now his family has to pay for his deeds”, King ordered in anger. He would have never expected such betrayal from one of his elite so this anger was certain. Rowan who was quite so far final broke his silence, “I fear it would not be a wise move King Gildenstern. Ask Tristian, the dark armor was very hard, and your ordinary soldiers won’t stand a chance against them with their ordinary weapons. Only your elite legion or those with a dwarven made sword can penetrate through it without fail. Regular weapons will eventually break after a few strike which can be a risk in war”. As soon as he finished I said, so what’s your suggestion Rowan shouldn’t we even try? “I didn’t meant that way Jaden but is it wise jumping in a battle without proper knowledge of

enemy army and them having complete information of your army and ranks? That too when you don’t even have proper equipment? Choosing our battles is a very important and risky task, if you take one wrong decision everything would be lost.” I agreed to him and so did others. He had a point in his words. King listened to our conversation carefully and said, “do we have of wizards?” and looked towards Rowan, he nodded. “Excellent. If we get the of High Priest and Sultan, we may have a chance, death blow of warrior witch can penetrate even the Stone Palace,” said King with a hope in his voice. He was a great King indeed. He continued, “Time has come for you to act Jaden, you’re the chosen one and I, King Gildenstern VI, give you the full of Edesa” at that very moment a familiar face appeared. Ronin was here with Lucias. I was so happy to see him. Tristina went to Ronin and hugged him, he too hugged her back. But seemed like she forgot where she was, she immediately ed the manners and formalities and got back to her position. “Rowan sent me a message of whatever has happened and asked me to you all in Edesa. In this hard times I, the Master Wizard of Isen Tor choose to align with Jaden the chosen one”. I didn’t knew how to react to this, I was touched by the love and trust they had on me. They have given me a great power, a power of two Kingdoms, a power of two strong races of Cesaria. But I knew great powers comes with great responsibilities. Being a leader wasn’t easy task, you’ve to keep calm in every situation, think & make plans, execute them and make changes to it as per the situations, everybody start counting on you only for commands. That moment I thought I was better following the orders, the people around me be it Tristina or Ronin was way better than me, I have to command them. Several doubts start to pop in my mind, Can I do it? I’m I capable of leading the armies in war? Can I unite all the Kingdoms? Can I lead such wise and powerful people? What if someone oppose me? So much started, my world changed in a moment. I stopped my hammering heart, took a deep breath and started. For now do not trust anybody except for the people in this room. Our enemies are very strong, we’ll need strong allies. So our foremost task is to gather allies and make a grand alliance. Tristian and Rowan I want you two to visit Wandala and meet Sultan. Persuade him to us anyhow, it is vital for us to have the mercenaries on our side. Ronin and Lucias I request you to get back to Isen Tor and start the preparations for coming war, gather all the wizards, healers & warriors and all the elven army. King Gildenstern, you get the better idea of equipment we’ll need against Baltazar’s army and ask the dwarves to supply them in bulk, it is

important for us to have the Knights with full power. No one should ever get our intentions, spread the rumors that wizards and Knights have dissolved the peace treaty and a war between them can break any time, so that this preparations will look like a border dispute of two Kingdoms. Meanwhile I and Tristina will go to Orane and convince High Priest Fiona to us and teach us the mystic art of witch healing. Is this clear to everyone? Any questions? I asked when I was done. Everyone nodded and left, only Tristina stayed with me. “Seems like your time with me in western barracks has made you cleaver and sharp. With you on our side our victory is certain”, said Tristina and chuckled. I too laughed and we moved out of the hall together.

The Prophet

AS I WAS MOVING OUT of the hall with Tristina a voice popped in my mind, “Jaden, the time has come for you to meet me, to know the truth, to know your enemies & the allies and your ultimate goal”. I was astonished, did you hear that? I asked Tristina. What do you mean Jaden? Never mind, I replied and ignored that voice thinking it was nothing. The voice popped again, “it’s not a mistake young one, only you can hear me, for you’re the chosen one. I’m Nerzuhul. Meet me near the big fig tree in the forest between Aquantia and Sand Port, in south of Star Palace. It is on your way to Orane.” I grew anxious hearing this, this can be a spell of warlocks. Ronin and Lucias had already left for Isen Tor so I asked Tristina to lead me to Rowan, however she refused and offered that she can help. I asked her about the fig tree near Aquantia. She told that there are many tales related to it but one thing that is certain is it is magical and very old. On that tree only your arrival was depicted. How you got to know about it, she enquired. I didn’t replied to it and told her that we’re leaving to Orane, right now, and asked her not to take anything as it will slow us down. She asked me what the plan is. I told her, we’ll leave to Aquallia and wait there tonight, then our next stop would be at Star Palace. From there we’ll move to Aquantia then Sand Port since it can be risky to go through the forests, we’ll take a ship from Sand Port to Tribal Port. “You must be kidding”, said Tristina but I shook my head and went towards stables. I brought two white coursers. During my time at barracks I have got to know that coursers are white and fastest horse, after them comes hunters, they are brown in color, slower but durable than courser and ultimately comes a war horse, it is an armored hunter, which looks very fascinating and is used by mounted Knights and war chariots. That time I only wanted to reach that fig tree. We left Edesa on coursers and soon entered the borders of Isen Tor. We kept our interactions very limited, she didn’t seemed to very happy in Isen Tor and I was too busy in wondering about that voice and fig tree. I was also worried that how will I convince High Priest to help us. Finally after a tiresome journey of three days we arrived at town of Aquantia. I was in no mood of visiting the city’s royal palace, so we went to an inn and took a room there. I changed my travelling cloths to a long coat with a cloak and started to get out of the room, when Tristina shouted, “there is no way I’m letting

you go out alone Jaden. Aquantia is not a safe city for a royal. Tell me what’s wrong with you, I’m sure there is something troubling you since days”. I recounted her everything that Nerzuhul said to me in my mind. She didn’t panicked or reacted but nodded simply. We begin to move towards the fig tree. It was a dark night, we started to go towards the forest with our weapons in our hand. “That fig tree is in the middle of forest”, said Tristina and led the way. When we reached the fig tree there was nothing, nobody, not even an animal. Suddenly the voice popped again, “I asked you to come alone young one, didn’t I?” I trust her with everything I said in my mind. “Very well then, as you wish”. Soon that voice halted and a strange green light appeared around the tree and seemed like the time itself has become still, everything became motionless and all of sudden everything became silent. We couldn’t believe what we saw, a raven turned into an old man with a staff, he wore a brown cape with his hood on. His face barely visible. “Since you didn’t came alone, I can’t disclose my real appearance to you young one. Now tell me what do you want to know from me”, Tell me who am I? What is my destiny? “Your destiny was written long ago, you are destined to be the guardian and savior of Cesaria, the one who will remove all the evil from this land, establish peace and righteousness in these lands and harmony among everyone.” Who is King Baltazar Von Morgan? Where he came from? How can I defeat his army? I should know my enemies? I should must have all the knowledge of my enemies if I’ve to go against them “King Baltazar is epitome of hatred, evil and a warmonger. Nobody knows where he came from. You’re right you can only defeat him when you know him. But much to your misfortune, you and your people know nothing of him. Come with me, it is better to see it yourself.” A blue portal appeared before us. Nerzuhul signaled us to step in. We were standing on a cloud. I saw a barren, rocky land around when I stepped through the portal. “Wastelands”, exclaimed Tristina. The Prophet nodded to this and said, “This is one aspect of Baltazar’s power, this place is called Suzdal, the evil sorceress who practice dark magic resides here. Baltazar has of Suzdal. Unfortunately we can’t go closer than this, the dark magic of Dragarth the scourge bringer can sense us.” Soon another portal opened and Prophet asked us to follow, we stepped in it was also a barren and rocky place with dead trees around. “This is another side of Baltazar’s power, he has of Blademaster Demnok, the war chief of Orcs. These orcs are brute warriors, the reason why nobody ever returned or crossed mystic seas are these warlocks and orcs.”

Once again a portal appeared and we stepped through. It was not wastelands but marshy and swampy lands this time. A huge dark castle was before us. “We are at Orindoth. This is Dark Palace. The Kingdom of King Baltazar”, said the Prophet. Can you take us to King Baltazar? I asked. He shook his head, “I wish I could but he is in Suzdal with Dragarth and Demnok. They know that the five Kingdoms will not accept their offer to regard Baltazar as Emperor and Orindoth as high Kingdom and that is why they are planning for war. You don’t have luxury of time young one, the war is at the gates of Cesaria and can start anytime soon, it would be better for you to make a strong alliance. Seek out Antonidas at Sand Port & Lizben in the town of Aquantia and negotiate with them. They can be a potential war generals to your alliance”. We nodded. Anything else you want to know young one? I nodded, one last thing. I saw a flaming orange spirit within me, one that was away from rest of the spirits. Master Wizard said it is unheard in Cesaria and beyond. Can you tell me something about it? “That is spirit of Azeron, the mightiest phoenix ever lived.” What is phoenix? Why he is inside me with my other spirits? I enquired. “He is currently trapped in another realm and has become weak over the years due to curse of Dragarth. Knowing your extraordinary ether powers he has decided to manifest his last remnant within you with a hope that you’ll revive him. With the help of your ether powers and your will you can summon him to aid you in your coming battles. Mind you, everything has a price. If you summon him you’ll lose your ether powers forever as you have to push your ether powers within him.” I nodded. I’ve nothing more to ask, I said to prophet. “Alright then farewell young one. Always , Righteousness can never fail, if all seem to lost, explore the deep sea near islands of sea of serpent. It will be difficult but it’s worth it. And In your journey listen to everyone because, not everybody knows everything but everybody knows something which not everybody knows”. Then he took the form of a raven and flew away. The engravings on that fig tree about my arrival disappeared. We went back to our inn, on our way we didn’t said anything neither looked at each other. That day I slept peacefully and probably Tristina as well. Next morning when I woke up I noticed Tristina wasn’t in her bed, but was doing something on the tables, I went to check. She has arranged a nice breakfast, boiled eggs, smoked fish, butter, honey, dried meat and her favorite a ton of fruits. We started eating together when she asked what’s the plan now.

To be honest I didn’t wanted to discuss war or plan at the moment but I stopped and thought for a moment and said, I can’t think of anything, why don’t you suggest something Tristina. Seems like she had something in mind and got happy when I asked her for the plan. “I guess we should find this Lizben and Antonidas first and see who are they and how they can help us. After that we can leave to Orane and seek out High Priest Fiona.” I liked her idea and gave it a nod. Soon we finished our breakfast and started to prepare ourselves for coming challenges.

The Outlaws

WE STARTED OUR JOURNEY to Sand Port. It was nice morning, few clouds in the sky with a morning sun looked really nice. The town of Aquantia was completely different at this time of day, the streets was full of people and stalls. Noises of people was bustling. We kept on our way, the journey to Sand Port was not far we expected to reach there by afternoon. “Don’t you think we are nice riders? I’m thinking to cavalries or became a charioteer”, said Tristina and chuckled as she came closer to my horse. You can be my charioteer if you want, I replied and laughed. It was nice travelling with her, she always used to look after my food and trainings, used to make me laugh in uneasy situations and can make plans too. I liked her, she has all the qualities one expect for. While chatting and laughing together time es by like anything. It was afternoon already and we have reached our destination, The Sand Port. As soon as we entered the gates, the guard hailed us and came to Tristina, “We’re at your service your highness, how can we serve you.” Tristina seemed to be uneasy, I don’t know what happened, I’ll ask her out later I thought and asked the guard about Antonidas and Lizben. “Are you sure my lord that you’re looking for these names only?” I nodded. He seemed to be a bit confused. “Well unfortunately, I can’t lead you to them. They are the most wanted outlaws in Isen Tor and beyond. Lizben is Captain of Moonshot, the most advanced pirate ship and is famous as Pirate King.” And what do you know about Antonidas, I enquired. “He is known to lead the best assassins in Cesaria. Besides, he is also famous for selling, eh, some magical, unordinary goods.” I thanked him and went inside the port gates with Tristina who was quiet so far. The port was a seaside town, full of bustling people who were busy in different courses, loading & unloading of cargo, checking the cargo, looking for best prices etc. I noticed many small and big boats anchored there. The smaller ones are fishing ones, the larger ones are mostly cargo ships carrying goods from & to Orane and Edesa, there were also some big enger ships from Edesa. I was wondering why the Nerzuhul thought that the lord of outlaws and pirates could be found here in a busy city and they would us. Tristina was following me quietly, without offering any help or advice. I asked her what’s wrong with her. She shook her head but didn’t said anything. I knew there is something she is hiding from me but I was too busy in thinking about Lizben and Antonidas that I dismissed her thoughts. I pointed towards a tavern and asked her to follow me, which was the only thing she was doing since we’ve

arrived Sand Port. The tavern was a big hall with a smell of fishes and sea. I could only see people who smelled like they don’t know things like cleaning yourself or bathing exists. They were way too busy in their work, which seemed like their perfect course, drinking. I went to the tavern keeper, a small, fat man and asked him to give us a room and serve something to eat. He asked a young boy, whom I presumed to be his son to look after the things and came with us to show us the room. On our way I asked him about the person we were looking for. “Eh, one more traveler looking to buy some unordinary items and sail to other Kingdom, no” and laughed. His voice sounded like a bull was speaking. “Well lucky you, they both visit here frequently. However they won’t meet you. You’ll need s. If you have some coins to spare, probably I can get something arranged for you.” I nodded immediately and gave him 10silver coins which Tristina had given me. “Oh so you’re from Edesa. Well none of my business. They may arrive at any moment, I’ll bring both of them to your room. You can have your deal here” said the Tavern keeper and left us in front of a small wooden room. It was spacious from inside. A bed was kept in the center along with some decorations and mirror on the right wall. I sat on the bed, thinking my next move, how to talk to them, I saw Tristina went to bathroom, probably to have a bath. These royal ladies have to bath every time they could, I said to myself and chuckled. I finally thought of an offer for those outlaws when almost after half an hour Tristina came out and I must say she was looking devastatingly beautiful in wet hairs, I couldn’t get my eyes off her. She was trying to wipe her long black hairs when our eyes locked. We were just staring each other when there was a knock on the door. Tristina immediately tied her wet hairs and I went to open the door. I saw tavern keeper, and two person behind him. “This is Antonidas”, pointing to a tall, muscular man with black hairs in a long cloak with a hood on. I noticed two black parallel marks drawn on both cheeks. His black angular eyes were carefully observing me. He carried a sword on his waist and three daggers strapped in his body, two on each leg and one on elbow of left hand. His every inch looked lethal. “And this one is none other than the famous Pirate King, Lizben”. He said pointing to other person standing casually beside Antonidas who grinned at his introduction. He was also a tall muscular man. His body looked so fit and strong that he could alone pull a war chariot for hours without any fatigue. I noticed a vertical scar stretching from his forehead to lower nose. I

signaled them to come inside and closed the door. “We were informed that a traveler from Edesa need some special goods and a fleet to sail back to Edesa. But we didn’t knew it is the Princess of Isen Tor, or should I say Edesa herself. So a plan to capture us my lady?” said Lizben when he saw Tristina. “And who is this gentleman? A suitor to Princess of two Kingdoms?” added Antonidas. I immediately understood it can be dangerous, so I overtook the conversation. No my friend I’m not a suitor nor a champion to Lady Tristina. We’re just friends. I do need your services, or rather your loyalty I should say. “And why should we you?” asked Antonidas. Well I’ve got some great deals for both of you. Since both of you are most wanted criminals and if we want we can track you down across Cesaria as we did now. And I don’t think you like running away from us every time, you’re living life with a lot of money but can’t even spend openly, and apparently we’ve some use of you both, so here is my offer, prove your loyalty to us, and we in turn will get you respected positions in our realm. Antonidas, just think you’ll be the general of Royal Army of Edesa and you Lizben, the master of Royal Port. Sounds good right? “Your offer is really very generous gentleman, but who are you, why the King Gildenstern would agree to appoint most wanted outlaws in his Kingdom? Also we are free animals, we can’t follow orders”, said Lizben after discussing something with Antonidas for a minute. Well I presume you’re aware of the prophecy that a warrior will establish peace in Cesaria. They both nodded. Yes, I’m that chosen warrior. The minions of Baltazar are already in Edesa and King Gildenstern has decided to align him with me, so he will appoint you if I’d say him to. And that would of course happen only when you’ll prove your loyalty to me. Oh and yes don’t worry, you don’t have to follow orders of everyone, just my words would be enough. They asked for time to think. I nodded and said but keep in mind if we can track you once we can track you again. Betray us and face the wrath of Chosen Warrior or us and be the savior. They nodded and went outside. They got back soon. “We’re ready to work with you, but we do have some conditions.” I nodded, go on. “We’ll follow your orders only and want payment in advance” said Antonidas. They agreed rather easily, I expected a harder persuasion. Get your men and the ship ready we’ll be leaving for Orane this evening. You’ll

get your advance payment on Moonshot. They nodded and left. “Nicely done, I didn’t expected things to be this soft and swift”, said Tristina. Finally we have made one more alliance and have a great sea now. “I’ll get something suitable to wear onboard”, said Tristina and left the room. After few hours there was a knock on the door. I thought it was Tristina so I went to open the door but it was Lizben. “We’re ready to set sail my lord, the ship and the men are waiting for us”. Just then Tristina also arrived. We’re ready to move Tristina let’s go. The ship which nobody has ever seen was anchored at the center of docks today. Moonshot was a huge ship, it was sleek and beautifully built with fine wood, massive masts was raging to sail in deep ocean. Though he had replaced the pirate flag on crow’s nest with royal symbol of Edesa, I noticed a pirate symbol on main mast. At the end of bowsprit a pirate sword was engraved beautifully which was shining with red orange sun of evening which was about to set. Twin cannons appeared on gun ports all around the massive ship and below the bowsprit I saw iron carved in shape of mouth. I was puzzled and asked Lizben about that. “It’s our protection, huge flames comes out of those steel which can burn our foe ship to ashes”. Really an irable ship it was. We went onboard. “I’ve tried my best to make you comfortable”, he said pointing to a cabin and signaled us to follow him. “This was my room, you can have it now. As we’re in a ship we’ve to make with what we have, so you both have to share this cabin”. I shot a quick glance to Tristina who doesn’t seemed to have any problem so I nodded. “And...eh”, he was hesitating to speak. I understood what he meant and handed him 100silver and 10gold coins of Edesa. He seemed to be overjoyed. Controlling his excitement “Antonidas has went to get his equipment and his men. He’ll be arriving at any moment after which we’ll be leaving to Orane”, said Lizben and left the cabin happily. Not bad, I said to Tristina who was still lost in her realm of dream. I went to her and putted my hands around her shoulders. I looked into her eyes, and asked, what is bothering you. She was about to say something when all of a sudden we felt a shock and she hugged me tightly. “We have set the sail”, came a voice from outside but she didn’t let me go, instead started crying. I hugged her back and softly said that she can be open to me and tell me everything. She burst out like water in a flood. “I hate being away from my father”. You’re with your father Tristina, aren’t you? “No silly, Gildenstern is not my father. I was born to second wife of Master Wizard Ronin. However when I was 12 my father and my

mother, sister of King Gildenstern drifted apart because of dispute between Kingdom and I was brought to Edesa with my mother. Rowan is my half-brother, he thinks due to me his father Ronin is grief-stricken and hates me. My mother died years back and now I’ve no family I can rely on, I’m all alone. King Gildenstern takes me as a responsibility and not family. I feel like I’m a burden to him”. So far I used to think that King Gildenstern is her father. I looked into her eyes and tried to calm her. That day I got to know why Rowan doesn’t trust Tristina and why she hugged Ronin when he arrived Edinberg Castle. It all made sense. I told her that Rowan is a good friend of mine and promised her that I’ll talk to Rowan and uncomplicate the things between them. She seemed to very happy and hugged me again. “Thank you very much Jaden, it is only you who understands my feelings and this is why I feel comfortable with you. In fact I do not train anyone and I was about to deny to train you as well. But...”, she hesitated for a moment but kept her tone and continued in a breaking voice, “I have something to confess. When I saw you I fell in love with you. The training sessions helped me to get close to you and understand you. I love you Jaden, initially I thought it’s a mere attraction but with the time my love for you has only increased”. Saying this she placed a gentle kiss on my lips. I pinned her to the wall, pulled her closer and tightened my arms around her waist and she placed her arms around my neck and got melted in my arms. Finally she broke the kiss, both of us stood against each other, breathless, staring at each other when we heard a knock on the door. It was Lizben, he was calling us outside. I placed a gentle kiss on her hand and went outside with her. We were in sea of serpent informed Antonidas. The journey to Orane will take around four days. I turned to Tristina who was looking very happy and clam now. This all was very sudden and unexpected but as we all say, unexpected things are always better, and this thought that I’ve someone who loves me gives me courage and strength. The coming days won’t be hard as I’ve my love with me and together we can face any danger and protect each other.

The Mystic Weapons

FINALLY AFTER A JOURNEY of four days in Moonshot we were at Tribal Port. The journey was a bit peculiar but there wasn’t any attack on us probably because of fear of the Pirate King. Even if anybody dared to attack us he would have become food for fishes as four great warriors, Tristina, Lizben, Antonidas and I was onboard. Lizben and Antonidas had already told us that we can stay here as long we want to, they will wait for us at Tribal Port. I shot a glance at Tristina and asked her what to do. She shook her head and replied she doesn’t have any plan neither she knows anyone in Orane. We went back to Moonshot to meet Antonidas and asked if he has any s in Orane. He nodded and asked us to follow him. Lizben too ed us, he instructed something to his men and led us to a tavern. It was afternoon already and the Tribe Port was not as busy as Sand Port. Also it was smaller than Sand Port. There were less number of boats anchored and so did people. Most of them were fisherman and fishing boats. Lizben explained witches doesn’t like visitors that is why you won’t find hustle around here, and the main food of witches is smoked fish which is the reason majority of boats stationed here are fishing boats. The people here were brown and black skinned with black hairs and mostly thin with some strange and weird tattoos on their body and face. They were bare chest and wore loose cloths, females wore a breastplate and loose cloths like men. The tavern was a quiet place with few people in. A medium height brown skinned person with a turban whom I presumed to be the tavern keeper welcomed us. He served us some smoked fish and dried meat. Antonidas told him that we’re here to meet High Priest. Tavern keeper laughed at this and said why an outlaw wanted to meet High Priest. Antonidas didn’t seemed to be offended instead chuckled. Antonidas said this two are from royal house of Edesa, they wanted to meet High Priest, we’ve just brought them here, for a price. He grinned at his last word. You guys know High Priest meets no one, also Orane and Edesa doesn’t have good ties if you , said the tavern keeper. I was fed up of their conversation, just tell us where can we find her and we will take care of rest, I shouted to tavern keeper.

“So impatient no? Well Fiona can be found at central tribes. It would take it days for you to reach there on foot. Since you are with my friend Lizben I can arrange some convenience for you for a very low price, say 25silver coins”. That is way too much argued Lizben, and offered 10silver coins. “No my friend no, it won’t work, 20 is best I can go with”. 13 is my final offer Drek, see to it if you can do. “Alright, make it to 15 and I’ll get you”. Fine, deal closed, 15silver coins, said Lizben and took out a pouch form his cloak and handed it over to tavern keeper Drek. “You can have something to eat my friends by that time I’ll bring your ride”, said Drek and left. You’ve got a nice bargain, I said to Lizben and chuckled. Drek came back after half an hour and informed us that our convenience has been arranged, by evening we’ll be in Central tribe. We thanked him and left the tavern. Two chariots were waiting for us. Each chariot had four boars for pulling the chariot. One chariot for Antonidas & Lizben and one for us. Antonidas approached me and said, “eh, mate, see, Fiona doesn’t like much of my kin. It would be better for you to go with your friend meanwhile we can get our some errands done and wait for you at Lizben’s ship”. I nodded as we mounted our chariot and left. Our charioteers knew where we have to go so we just had to wait. The boars were faster than horses. Orane was fragmented into various smaller tribes who act independently and report to High Priest. High Priest can only give recommendations and issue guidelines for tribes and can interfere in internal matters of tribes only if they are acting against the welfare of tribesman or Orane. Besides tribes have their own army which is independent of Central tribe which is tribe of High Priest. High Priests have their own small yet very powerful army called sacred legion, they work as per the wishes of High Priest. While Tristina was telling me all these we reached Central Tribe. Our chariot stopped in front of a big wooden gate guarded by woman warriors, they had a sharp sword with a big board shield and wore a steel breastplate, hides probably of bear and a Viking helmet with wings of Pegasus on its corners. Their long black hairs were braided perfectly. “What business an outsider have in Central Tribe”, said one of them in not so pleased voice. Before I could have said anything a big, muscular yet fat person with Viking helmet and armor made of lion’s fur welcomed us. “Let them come, High Priest order, they guest.” The woman warriors opened the way and let us in. He asked

us to follow him. He carried a bulky axe made of stone and a sword on his waist. He led us to a big tent and said High Priest is waiting for us inside. We nodded and went inside the tent. A thin brown lady with a scepter of bones in her hand was sitting on a throne made of stones. She was so old that her skin above eyebrows were coming to her eyes. She had some strange engravings on her whole body . We bowed before her. “Welcome scion of Nerzuhul. I’ve foreseen your arrival”, said the High Priest in her dull voice, probably because of ageing. “Let’s keep it simple and to the point”, her tone was sharp. “Orane never interfere in disputes of northern Kingdoms.” I grew uneasy and sad as she was about to dismiss us without even listening to us. “Don’t panic young one I’m not going to dismiss you right away.” These words gave me some relief and a hope. “Since this is a grave threat to whole Cesaria and you have traveled for days to meet me I won’t let your efforts go in vain. I’ve heard the prophecy that you will unite everyone and looking at your recent allies it is certain that you are the Chosen One. And for that you have the partial of Orane. You can stay here as long as you like and learn the mystic warfare of my sacred legion. In addition to that I also give you the command of a part of my sacred legion”. I was very grateful to Fiona. I was about to thank her but she rose her hand and stopped me. “Wait my child, I’ve not finished yet. Being the Chosen One has got you partial only. You must prove your skills in order to get full of Orane”. I nodded and thanked her for her assistance. She called the fat person who brought us to her and instructed him to take care of our protection and our trainings. He nodded and signaled us to follow him. “Me Thorgil, leader of sacred legion under your command. Follow me, I lead you your tents. You rest, we start fight tomorrow.” He said in a kind tone and brought us to our tents. Although it was difficult to understand what he is trying to say I got that he meant our training will start from tomorrow. “You rest, me get food”, said Thorgil and left. Night was upon us. Slaves started to light the torches in front of tents. I asked one of them to light a fire in front of my tent. I and Tristina were sitting together. The fire in front of tents reminded us of western barracks. We were ing our old memories of the western barracks of Edesa where we got to know about each other better when Thorgil came back. He had brought us some food and water. Some fruits and a lot of dried meat, smoked fish and grains. We ate together and went to sleep in our tents as we

were tired of sleeping in a ship and can finally have a nice rest. Next morning I saw Tristina was standing beside my bed. She was shouting at me. “Wake up Jaden, High Priest is waiting for us”. Soon I came to senses and changed to a white cotton tunic which was must kept by someone while I was asleep. We then went to tent of High Priest Fiona. Thorgil and an unfamiliar face was inside with Fiona already. “This is Morgatha, one of the master healers of sacred legion. She will teach you the mystic art of witch healing”. Said High Priest Fiona pointing to a young brown girl in her twenties. She wore a full bronze armor. Her long hairs were braided and she too had engravings on her body. Her eyes and hairs matched the color of her bronze armor. “And you’ve already met Thorgil. Morgatha will look after your healing art and Thorgil will teach you the mystic warfare of my legion. As we don’t have luxury of time I want you to start right away. Tristina will start with healing and you start with warfare. When done you both can teach each other.” I nodded, her plan was better than what I thought. We bowed to High Priest and left the tent. Thorgil took me to a big tent and said “Wait! Weapon choose you”. I thought he want me to pick a weapon so I went inside the tent but he stopped me. “No, wait. In Orane you no chose weapon but weapon whose you”. I understood and we waited outside that tent for few minutes but nothing happened. I started wondering am I that bad or not worthy for a weapon, but perhaps I was wrong. I deserved better. The tent we went to was for ordinary warriors. Thorgil then guided me to another tent it was smaller than previous one. “Equipment of sacred legion here”, he said. We were waiting when a beautiful sword and a small flail came out on its own. Thorgil eyes grew like he saw a monster, “We see High Priest now”. We went back to Fiona’s tent. Thorgil told her that I got two weapons from second tent. She also looked amazed. “You’re first to get two weapons from second tent. The sword you have is unbreakable and as light as air, the green jewel on it make it extraordinary, its strike can kill any dark powered creature in one blow no matter how strong it is. The flail you’re carrying can increase or decrease its size as per the requirement and it can penetrate any material”, said the old High Priest with excitement in her tone. I looked at the sword, very beautifully built with perfect curves throughout the

blade. The handle was made of fine leather to prevent sweating. Some strange words were engraved on its hilt with a green jewel. A sword like this needs a name, since it can slay demons in one blow and has perfect curves on edges I’ll name it Demon Edge. The black flail which was small but can change any moment and become a destructor of foes. Since it can show stars to enemy in morning I’ll call it Morningstar. I was happy, finally I’ve got my ultimate weapons to fight this battle. I was really very grateful to Fiona and will be forever in her debt. We bowed to Fiona once again and left for training. Thorgil took me to an open ground where several other novices were training. “We start with flail”, I took out the flail and tapped my sword in scabbard. “It increase size, stretch it how big you need”, instructed Thorgil. I picked the handle of flail and stretched it from other side. I couldn’t believe on my eyes, the thing which was hanging on my waist so far has become so big that it can be lethal to anyone. “You do opposite this, flail short again”, said Thorgil and brought two woman warriors to help me in my training with flail. They wore full armors, this way they won’t get hurt even if I hit them hardly. “We start basic, run fast in circle, keep juggling flail”. Learning flail was fun. We spent rest of day practicing and at the end of today’s training I learnt three techniques. I was tired practicing with flail whole day, I wish the flail was as light as a sword. When I reached my tent I saw Tristina was already there, waiting for me. I rushed to her, I wanted to hug her but it would be inappropriate in Orane that too behind the tent of High Priest. I noticed a golden pendent with a pink jewel on her neck. It was looking beautiful on her. You’re looking beautiful in this pendent Tristina, I complimented her. “This is nothing but a magical artifact. Morgatha gave me. It will increase my elemental powers. Also I’ll never run out of magic now even after using ether magic”. She sounded like she didn’t cared of my compliment but she was blushing, it was clearly visible. So princess is trying to tease me, I said to Tristina and chuckled. While we were having our great time Morgatha arrived with food and servants who lit the fire and torches in front of tents. We ate our dinner, bread made of grains, smoked fish and dried meat and discussed about our day. It was after a long time we spent a day without any

trouble. Next day I woke up on time and had my breakfast with Tristina. We left for our training as soon as we were finished. Thorgil was waiting for me. “Looking happy and energetic. Eh, start training”, he said trying to tease me. Maybe he saw me talking to Tristina yesterday. We had just started our training when I saw Lizben and Antonidas were arguing with guards, maybe guards were not letting them in. I approached the woman warrior and requested her to let them in. They made way for them. I was worried, Lizben wouldn’t have had come this far in Orane, there must be some serious reason. The look on their faces reveled that they have brought some disturbing news. “A vast army of dark soldiers is spotted crossing mystic sea. No doubt they are planning something big”, said Lizben. We are in Orane traveling to Edesa to inform King and make preparations for battle would take more than a week. I thought what could be worse than this, but perhaps I was wrong. Lizben continued after a short pause, “This is not enough, your friend Prince of Isen Tor and Prince of Edesa has been taken prisoner in Wandala.” What? You must be kidding me, this can’t be true, I exclaimed to Lizben. He shook his head. “There was an internal dispute going on in Wandala since a few months, your friends went there amid a revolt and chose to side with revolting mercenaries, apparently Sultan didn’t liked it. There are rumors that he they were involved in revolt against Sultan. Whatever the reason the point is that they are prisoner right now.” We must help them as soon as possible. I led Antonidas and Lizben to my tent and went to Thorgil and asked him, Can you please seek out Tristina and take her here, say it is very urgent, he nodded and left. I went back to Lizben and Antonidas. I offered them some fruits but they refused. Soon Thorgil came with Tristina. “If you don’t have a valid reason to interrupt my training I’ll have your head today”, shouted Tristina but when she saw Lizben and Antonidas she calmed down, maybe she understood it was quite important. I shot a quick glance at Thorgil he understood and left. I recounted everything that Lizben has told me to Tristina. I would like to know your ideas on how should we proceed, I said to all of them. “We should focus on defending Edesa and send a diplomatic messenger to Wandala”, offered Tristina. “It won’t work

Princess, if Sultan can capture those mighty warriors it is certain that he is not interested in negotiations”, said Antonidas. “But they are mercenaries my friend maybe a large sum of amount can do it”, said Lizben. “We’re fighting for Cesaria, everyone is helping even the witches. Why should we pay to those scums to free our warriors who went there to seek help”, protested Tristina. I too ed this argument. Finally after listening to all the situations and arguments I came up with a plan. We had two missions at the moment, defend Edesa and free Prince Tristin and Prince Rowan. Antonidas, get your fastest messenger to Isen Tor, seek out Ronin, tell him Jaden sent you and need all the warrior wizards in Edesa as soon as possible. Get him this symbol so that he can get to Master Wizard and handed him a gold coin of Isen Tor with my name engraved on it. Get another messenger to Edesa, ask that messenger to seek out King Gildenstern and deliver my message that he should start amassing all of his army as war for Edesa is near and can start anytime soon. I want you two to gather all your men in Edesa, any casualties of your men will be compensated. “We don’t want any compensation, we’re happy to help you in this battle and you willingly”, said Lizben and Antonidas nodded. I must it that I was touched by this. Ready the ship, we are leaving for Edesa right now, I ordered to Lizben. Tristina follow me, we must tell the situation to High Priest and request our leave. “No Jaden we can’t tell her the capture of Tristin and Rowan, she may think we are weak and if our Prince are not safe how they can defend our people”, protested Tristina. Lizben and Antonidas ed this. But she is a powerful seer, she will get to know this eventually and if we lie to her now she may not trust us, I argued. And I was right this time, we must inform her everything. Lizben and Antonidas rushed to ship and we went to Fiona and recounted the whole thing again. She looked tensed for the first time. “You must leave immediately my child, take a part of my sacred legion, they will help you out. Just , if you enter this battlefield with a hope of winning and if you lose you would be full of sorrow, pain and feeling of revenge, if you win it will boost your ego and make you bloodlust making you fight more battles to satisfy you. So fight this battle to establish peace, doesn’t matter you win or lose. One can lose all his battle but still win the war by striking at right point at the right time”. Her words were kind and it really helped me, it boosted my morale and this was what I needed the most at the moment. Fiona then summoned Thorgil and directed her to gather half of sacred legion and march towards Edesa and

us in our battle against dark legion. Thorgil nodded and left. She continued, “Your journey to Edesa will take around a fortnight if you go by ship and we don’t have such luxury of time, you’ll need some special ride to get you there as early as possible”. She then summoned Morgatha and asked her to get us two special rides. Morgatha nodded and asked us to follow her. We thanked High Priest and left. Morgatha led us to an open fenced place where several animals such as boar, lion, and wolf were kept separately. She then asked us to wait there and went somewhere. She came back with two massive legendary beasts, hippogryph. With body of a horse and head, wings and sharp talons of eagle it was extremely fascinating to see those two proud beasts. I already had Demon Edge and Morningstar with me so I mounted one Hippogryph and left for Tribal Port with Tristina to inform Lizben that we’ll meet in Edesa directly. I’m already having a bad feeling about this that it won’t be going like how it’s looking, there is something we are missing but for now it is must for us to reach Edesa.

A Test of Intelligence

AFTER A JOURNEY OF four days Edinberg Castle finally came to view. We landed on one of the battlements of castle. Palace guards hurried to see their Princess and hippogryphs too. This creature was a myth for Edesa, everyone was trying to get a glimpse of mystic bird. I asked one of the guard to take the hippogryphs to palace stables and make sure they’re taken care of. Tristina and I went inside the castle to meet King. He was in a meeting with elder council. I was wondering why had he called council when I asked him to prepare for war, didn’t he received my messenger? I was wondering when we reached the castle hall where council was going on. Tristina went to her seat in council but I didn’t stopped, my news had utmost importance. I directly went to King amid meeting and whispered him of dark legion and capture of Rowan and Ronin. Tension was clearly visible on his face. He immediately called off the council and asked everyone to leave. “Explain whatever you know in detail”, King said to me. I recounted everything Lizben told me, I didn’t mentioned his name instead simply referred him as my source. King listened me patiently and finally spoke, “Well I fear I don’t have good news either. Dwarves have denied any help, they even stopped sending supplies till the time roads are safe”. I felt like I should kill this Thirrum the mighty first. Tristina finally broke her silence, “While I was learning with Morgatha, she told me that the dark armor couldn’t be penetrated. You have to either burn the armor with fire magic or shoot a flaming arrow right in the middle of neck and chest, there is a gap in between body armor and helmet. I was getting anxious of all these negative things. We had no defense, no army to match dark legion, the Knights are useless against dark soldiers of King Baltazar. The strong black armor would have to be burnt so we can’t even get the spoils of war. We must take some bold decision and a risky step now. “Jaden, it is the time, summon Azeron, he is a Phoenix. His flames can reduce the dark armor to ashes”, Said Tristina King Gildenstern looked puzzled on this. I couldn’t reveal about our meeting with Nerzuhul nor I can tell him about what we have discovered about orcs and warlocks as we already had enough troubles on our plate and can worry about this later, so I only told King Gildenstern about the flaming spirit within me and lied that Fiona told me that this is spirit of a mightiest and immortal Phoenix Azeron. “I agree with her Jaden, if he is so powerful and has chosen to manifest himself within you

then he will surely help us. It would be a wise move”, said King Gildenstern. I told him that the price to summon Azeron is my ether power and maybe he understood it is a very risky trade as he said, “in that case Azeron should be our last resort, if we are on the edge of losing then I want you to summon him Jaden”. I nodded. He continued, “For now what allies do we have?” I told him that I’ve sent messenger to Ronin, he might arrive anytime soon and also have half of Fiona’s sacred legion. I saw a glimpse of hope when he heard of sacred legion. I finally told him of my latest alliance, outlaws. I went on to speak, apparently we didn’t had enough warriors so I’ve got a special assistance, the famous Pirate King Lizben and lord of underworld Antonidas have decided to us. “I didn’t expected this from you Jaden. How could you chose to make an alliance with those outlaws”, protested King Gildenstern. To my surprise, Tristina replied in a harsh tone, “They have earned our trust and proven their loyalty. It was them who brought the news of Tristin and Ronin, if not, we would have waiting for them instead of helping them.” King nodded, maybe he didn’t expected Tristina to them. For now we should welcome any assistance. “So how are you planning to help Tristin and Ronin”, asked King. I shook my head. I didn’t had any plan at the moment. “We would need Jaden to be here for Lizben, Antonidas and Fiona have decided to help the chosen warrior and not Edesa. King can’t leave the palace as Prince is already in trouble, Kingdom might dwell in chaos. So only I can do this. What I suggest is you both stay here and prepare defense against dark army meanwhile I go to Wandala and negotiate with Sultan”, suggested Tristina. It was a logical and most practical plan. King agreed and added, “Try negotiations first. I’m ready to pay the ransom, if money doesn’t work threaten him of war with Edesa, Isen Tor and the chosen warrior. If that stubborn fool still doesn’t agree to release Tristin and Ronin then I give you freedom to take any step you like. Just bring both of them back here with any means possible” Tristina nodded and stood up to get herself ready for her journey. We were done here so I too went with her. When we entered her room she locked the door and turned to me. “It is true that I haven’t spent much time with you but it’s about feelings. The way I feel with you, I have never felt with anyone, nor will I, because I love you. You’re haunting my dreams every night since I’ve met you. And I can give my life for you”, she said with a touch of care, affection and fear in her voice I never seen.

Her last words were whisper. She slowly putted her arms around my neck and rose on her toes and placed a kiss on my lips. I wrapped her in my arms and pulled her closer, my chest pressed her in pinned her to the bed, distance between us reduced to zero, even the air couldn’t . We stopped as I broke the kiss. She wanted to say something. I loosened my grip but held her close to me. She continued, “Before I go I want to tell you that I may or may not”, I stopped her before she could complete. I knew what she was about to say and I cannot bear those words from her. I went close to her ear and whispered, I will always love you. “And I you, forever”. I left her room to let her prepare for coming journey and asked the guard outside her room to lead me to my room. I slept as soon as I was on my bed. A esquire knocked on my room, “King has summoned you my lord”. I woke up, I realized I slept in the same cloths I arrived but I was not bothered about it neither I was interested in changing right now so I went to meeting hall. Tristina and King was already there. We smiled when we saw each other. King said, “As Tristin isn’t here and Tristina would also be leaving in few moments, I want you to make the troop formations for coming battle and thereby assign you as the new warlord of Edesa”. I nodded and told him to call war generals I’ll them after Tristina leave for Wandala. He nodded and went on to call all the war generals. I and Tristina were alone. We started to walk towards the stables to get the hippogryph, they were way faster than horses or ship. When we were outside the stables I hugged her for one last time before she left. A single tear fell on her hairs, I brushed rest and controlled my emotions somehow. “Take care my love, I can lose my powers but can’t afford to lose you”, I whispered and left. My heart sank as I saw Tristina leaving. She had my heart with her and I didn’t knew when and if I’ll get it back. I noticed an esquire was waiting for me, maybe he saw me when I was talking to Tristina and waiting when I would get free. He informed me that the King has summoned all the war generals who might arrive anytime soon and expecting you to assign them work as soon as possible. I nodded and went to castle barracks with esquire. Six Knights in a full plate armor were sitting in barracks built within the castle.

King was also seated in the center with a big map of castle laid on table in front of him. He gave me seat near him. One of the war general gave me a grumpy look, maybe he didn’t liked the way I’ve became so important to King, perhaps he doesn’t know the struggle and problems I have to go through. I chose to ignore him and inspected the surroundings. This barracks was different from what I have seen during my training, it had high tier weapons, armors, several maps and parchments. King gave me a parchment with complete information of Edesa army and name of our six generals. As dark legion may arrive anytime soon, we can’t summon the army of nobles so we have to work with all we have stationed within castle walls. Everybody including the King was eyeing me. I stood up cleared my throat and asked everybody to get closer to map of castle. I started dispatching the orders as if I was the warlord. I stated we will keep the war strategy simple and begun to speak. We will not use any strategy which we used earlier as they know our all formations and its weakness. Fire is going to be our biggest ally in this battle so I want everyone to think everyone on how much we can use it. We have to make sure they remain in front of main gates and not flank us. We don’t need any Knights or infantries for this battle, so they are restrained from battle fields. One of the general objected this saying it is an insult to for a Knight to stay away from battlefield when their comrades are fighting and even if they agree to this what would they do. I replied calmly, they will control artillery, shield the archers & gate and those who know how to handle a bow will become an archer. The General who had objected nodded and asked me to continue. I started allocating the positions of Generals with the army they’ll command. On left battlement General Aiden will take command of archers. General Hamzen will take command of siege weapons with a bit modifications, we will lit the cannonballs and other resources we can hurl on them. On right battlement General Larquis will take charge of archers. General Aybars will take look after shielding archers on both flank. I noticed it was General Carl who gave me grumpy look. I continued, General Carl will look after all the ammunitions and fire for siege weapons and arrows, this war will last for a couple of days so it is General Carl’s work to look after all the wounded soldiers. It was visible he didn’t liked it but he nodded. And you General Manisto, I said glancing at him, you have the most difficult task for this coming battle, you’ll lead the shield, it is a new formation that I have made to prevent them from entering our castle till

wizards come to our aid, with their fire power we can win this battle. Our reinforcements can arrive at any moment amidst a raging war. General Hamzen enquired about our reinforcements. I told him we can expect assassins, pirates, wizards and sacred legion of High Priest Fiona. I noticed a grin on everybody’s face. “With this much power we will surely overwhelm them my lord. Please continue with your battle formation”, said General Manisto. I nodded and went on. On my signal, the soldiers with broad shields will form a three layered V shaped shield in front of castle gates gate, with them there will be pike man and lancer who will target the little gap in between helmet and armor of dark soldiers, if any dark soldier cross a layer it would be the work of second layer to kill him, if any dark soldier manage to sur all the three layers he have to face King Gildenstern, who will lead the best of elites, who will target the necks of dark soldier with a halberd or sword. This formation will be called tri-shield formation and it would be led by General Manisto. And I will look after everyone from the central wall and burn every dark soldier who will dare to cross the tri shield. General Aybars enquired about Tristin and Tristina. King Gildenstern gave me a worrying look. They are on a diplomatic mission in Wandala to secure the alliance of Sultan, I replied. King looked really relived and finally dismissed the meeting. “Edesa and I are forever in your debt Jaden. You are truly a savior. Though I doubt if I can ever repay you but I assure you that I’ll try my best to repay you”, said King Gildenstern in a kind and breaking voice. I nodded and went to have my hard earned dinner with him. Special food was cooked that day for everyone to boost their morale. I went to my room after my dinner and slept while I was deeply lost in thinking about Azeron and my ether magic.

A Test of Valor

NEXT MORNING A KNIGHT woke me up, it was exactly what I saw in my nightmare. I knew that the dark legion may arrive anytime soon but didn’t expected him to be here today itself. I knew what that Knight was about to say so I dismissed him. He didn’t left instead insisted that I should must listen to him. I already knew what he was about to say still I nodded. “They are here your highness, they have camped just outside our gates.” Several thoughts started to cloud my mind, how and why do I still that nightmare about black legion arrival when Ronin has already used a spell that made me forget my past? I was worried on this but I dismissed all the thoughts and that Knight. I need to be courageous right now, everyone is counting on me. I asked an esquire to get my armor. Soon a servant arrived with my full plate armor. I strapped my demon edge on my back and Morningstar on my waist and went outside. More than a lakh of dark armored soldiers have camped right before my eyes. I knew soon a cannonball would be hurled on us, before it could happen I ordered to open the gates and went to talk to their warlord. Actually I was just buying sometime so that our soldiers can take their positions. I was mounted on a beautiful courser. Soon I was inside their camps. A soldier took my sword and flail then checked me thoroughly and let me . Banners with black lion on a white background was placed on top of every pavilion. Another soldier came to me and led me to their warlord. He was a tall person and wore a full spiked black armor which was as dark as night, only his eyes were visible which looked cold as steel. Before I could say anything that warlord handed me a sealed scroll and dismissed me. I wanted to get some time but I couldn’t so I failed in my first task. While I was going to back to Edinberg Castle the solider who took my weapons returned it back. None of them uttered a word. I took the scroll and went inside the castle, King Gildenstern was armored and ready and so did the others. I handed that scroll to King and he immediately opened it. “Conquerors has stepped on lands of Cesaria, war is before you, kneel and we may spare your life, resist and feel the wrath of King Baltazar Von Morgan”, was written in that small, yellowish scroll. “We will never win this war”, said war General Carl looking at enemy army. King didn’t looked pleased with him and in a very harsh tone he replied to Carl, “Since when the brave Knights of Edesa are afraid of war?” War may break

out any moment and the morale of soldiers were very low but it was a matter of time, King Gildenstern knew how to boost the morale of his people. He spoke in a loud and clear voice which could be heard to the last rank of soldiers, “Warriors of Edesa, the time has come for us to show our courage and valor. I know you all are brave and best, show those dark soldiers that the Edesa is not a mere Kingdom but a Kingdom full of battle hardened warriors”. He then turned to me, “Now it is upon you Jaden, show them that you’re the chosen warrior who will end all darkness.” He paused for a moment and gave a loud war cry, “To arms my warriors. For Edesa”, the whole crowd seemed to be cheered up and there were echoes all around. From my nightmare I knew they’ll start off with siege weapons, so our first priority was to get rid of those siege machines. I signaled General Aiden and General Larquis to start the first part of our plan. Archers were posted in both battlements and I rushed to my hippogryph who was waiting for me in outskirts of castle. As per my expectations, they unleashed their siege weapons on our archers. Our battlements were destroyed and none of archers survived, fire and smoke filled the entire courtyard of castle. I mounted my hippogryph which they have not expected at all and flanked them from right side. Before they could understand what has happened or what to do, I poured oil all around their siege machines and ignited a spark with my fire spirit. As all the siege machines were made of wood, it started burning. The destructor of Edinberg Castle was being reduced to ashes in front of everyone. I went back to castle after destroying their siege machines and failing their first move. I knew after such a huge loss they will surely call for a retreat which will get us enough time. When I went back to the castle I noticed everyone was standing with sorrow expect General Larquis and General Aiden. King Gildenstern and General Carl along with others were helping the wounded soldiers. General Carl hated me and I already knew this, in a harsh voice he said, “How could you enjoy when your men are wounded and fighting for their life in front of you”. King Gildenstern also glanced me with a mysterious gaze. “We can enjoy General Carl because, they are not soldiers. They are prisoners, who have committed heinous crimes and had a death sentence issued against them”, replied General Larquis. King looked amused and chuckled, “So there are plans which even I don’t know”. I nodded with a smile. We have won our first move. I asked King to immediately get the damaged parts of castle repaired. He nodded and went to call someone, all the Generals followed their King.

I went on to inspect the damaged battlements, the stone of their catapult was way bigger than what we had. I was glad we got rid of them and gave enemies a nice loss in initial stage of battle. But our celebrations were short livid. They called for second wave of attack. I didn’t expected them to react this early. I had thought if we will destroy their siege equipments we will get time till evening at least, but the second wave of their attack started around afternoon. Luckily they were only using infantries, our tri shield formation can resist it. They started to march towards are castle gates. I screamed for General Larquis and General Aiden who were busy looking after damaged castle. They immediately rushed to me, before my order they knew what they had to do. Hundreds of archers appeared throughout the battlements and castle wall. Being defensive during a siege was better. Soon hundreds of flaming arrows were shot at them but it was useless, their armor absorbed the blows. Only a few of them whose neck was targeted died. There were so many of them in dark armor that it looked darkness itself is approaching to devour the Edinberg Castle. I shouted to General Hamzen, he immediately responded and our siege machines were on work, our catapults, canons and ballista started to crush them. “Archers are not effective my lord what to do”, screamed General Larquis. I told him to the ranks with King Gildenstern and let General Aiden lead archers on both sides. He nodded and went downstairs to King. They have almost reached our gates, now is the time for tri shield formation. I shouted, General Manisto, now, take the charge. He nodded and soon the castle gates were opened. I was looking after everyone and using my fire powers to burn the dark soldiers. “There are so many of them Jaden, we can’t hold the shield for more than a couple of hours”, shouted General Manisto. The pressure was increasing, our attacks were failing and our defenses for falling. They are limitless and we are very few of us, eventually every one of us will get tired. “Jaden they broke through our two layers. We can’t hold on for any longer”, shouted King from below. The dark legion was about to penetrate our third layer of shield but right before they could do it a horn sounded form northern frontier and a loud war cry erupted throughout the battlefield, “For the Chosen One”. It was them, Antonidas and Lizben were here with a full army of assassins and pirates. The dark legion has never expected them. War drums started to echo in battlefield from dark legion’s camp, it forced them to retreat. The battle ended, for today. Twilight was upon us. We were fighting

since afternoon, and what’s worse is we have to fight tomorrow, probably whole day. God knows when their never ending legion will fall. I instructed General Carl to let our reinforcements in as soon as possible and went to inspect our casualties. Undoubtly their casualties were higher than us but we’ve lost our one of the most reliable and brave war general, General Manisto. I was standing with King Gildenstern when Lizben and Antonidas arrived from back gate. They bowed before the King. King Gildenstern then did the most unexpected thing, he said, “You’ve done a great service to Edesa, and for that I, King Gildenstern VI, using my immunity power as a King pardon you from your all crimes. And recruit you and your men to royal army of Edesa.” They bowed before King again and pledged their loyalty to Edesa. “During our journey to Edesa we saw a dark ship. We knew it belonged to dark legion so we pillaged that ship. Now the enemies won’t get any supplies. We can starve them to death my lord”, said Lizben with a proud in his voice. King patted Lizben’s back and asked him to the meeting where we will make tactics for tomorrow, Lizben and Antonidas nodded and went inside with King. I turned to General Hamzen and asked him to get someone to collect the spoils of war, tomorrow we will also wear the dark armor. Antonidas overheard this conversation. Hamzen nodded and left. I went to my room, after using my powers for so long I was very tired. It was just that I reached my bed an esquire told me that King is expecting me at castle hall. That’s it, this is my life now, wars, meetings, training and diplomacy. I went to meeting place. King Gildenstern, all the generals, Lizben and Antonidas were waiting for me. Initially, we had two minutes silence to pay respect to General Manisto and other fallen warriors. Antonidas broke the silence, “I was thinking one of my men can dress in their armor, enter their camps and kill their warlord thereby ending this war in one go”. King Gildenstern dismissed this idea by saying we can’t adopt low key strategy to win, it is better to die than adopting such tactics. General Larquis said, “our archers were proved inefficient today, we can’t rely on them”. “Well, the bolts of my crossbows can penetrate any armor. The tip of bolt is made of legamite ore”, offered Antonidas. King glanced Antonidas with a suspicious look and looked like Antonidas understood that. “Dwarves and I had a deal, if I will get them rid of bandits they’ll give me tons of legamite. So it is my hard earned wealth my lord”, said Antonidas. Everybody chuckled on this.

Finally I begin to tell my plan which I know everybody would agree. Tomorrow we can’t go with tri shield formation, not because our enemies know it but because we don’t have anyone to lead it. So I have come up with idea of flaming ground and siege machines. We will leave the main gates opened and set a huge bowl above the main gate which will hurl lava upon enemies. “It won’t be possible your highness. After hurling it once we cannot refill it amid a raging war”, protested General Hamzen and everyone ed this statement. Before I could have said anything I saw a familiar face. It was Lucias. If he was here than the wizard army too. I was more than happy when I saw him and hugged him. ing where I was and my manners I continued with strategy for tomorrow. King offered a place to Lucias beside me. I continued, so if we can’t fill lava than we will fill it with oil and two soldiers form each side will hurl a burning torch on them thereby setting them on fire. Everybody gave this a nod. And I want everyone to make cannons and ballista, we will need it tomorrow. In between refilling the oil bowl if soldiers enters our gate they will be targeted by cannons and ballista. Now positing, Marshal Lucias will stay with me and lead the wizards aggressively. General Larquis will lead crossbowmen. General Hamzen and General Aiden will take care of siege machines. King Gildenstern, Antonidas, Lizben and General Aybars will lead front assault in case they enter while reloading weapons. I finally turned to General Carl and before I could have said anything he spoke in a grumpy tone, “yes I know, I will take care of ammunitions and wounded soldiers.” A chuckle went out in room as I nodded on his words. Meeting was dismissed. I moved out with Lucias. I asked the esquire to bring our food in my room. I told Lucias everything happened so far and how much I missed him and my friend Rowan he listened everything attentively. However I didn’t told him about Tristina. I had a nice time that night and slept peacefully. Next day I woke up myself. It was dawn. Lucias was also up, he was inspecting the castle and repairing the destroyed parts with ether magic. I wish I knew ether magic too but I had no time to learn. I didn’t disturbed him and went on to check on weapons and dark armors we have recovered yesterday. I saw different soldiers, assassins, pirates, Knights and wizards all under one roof. Maybe this is what uniting everyone means. On a closer look the dark

armor was shining like a moon in a dark night. It was lighter than our plate armors. Soon King woke up, I asked him to wear one of these armor but he denied. I didn’t asked him twice and we went for breakfast. It was early in the morning, but it was a palace so fresh food was always available. Soon war horns and drums sounded from both sides and second day of war started. Perhaps they too have made a battle formation. “These fools are using our formation against us”, said General Aybars. They started to march towards us in a crescent moon formation with tons of archers all around. Well, I, for one, didn’t knew that they had archers. We had wizards with us today so I was confident that we can easily break their any formation. Their crescent moon almost reached the middle of battlefield when war drums sounded once again. “They are flanking us”, shouted Antonidas. A needle formation was approaching us from behind. We can’t hold two fronts at a time. I gave a worrying look to King Gildenstern, he immediately rushed towards back gates with his ranks. Get your crossbowman and help King Gildenstern, I shouted to Antonidas. He nodded and went towards the back gate with his soldiers. Their archers were not a problem for our wizards but more of irritation. Soon the battle started. Sounds of war cries, swords clashing and screams filled the battlefield. One rank of our wizards were blasting their crescent moon like an elephant riding over anthill and crushing everything in path. We were winning at front gates and defending nicely at back gates. But perhaps fate had something else listed for us, they have got their trebuchet repaired. While every one of us was engaged in front and back gates they flanked us from southeast and northwest. That’s it, we were doomed, we couldn’t withstand the might of trebuchet and once they get into the castle from any corner they’ll have our heads. I turned to Lucias and asked if wizards can do anything. “Perhaps my army can stop their blows with water magic which will absorb the stones. But Jaden if my army went there to defend they’ll enter from front gate”, said Lucias, who was still calm. I barked at him, just do as I say and take your wizards there, we’ve already lost many wizards. I saw a surprised gaze on his face, maybe he never expected me to talk to him like this. He instructed more than half of his wizards to take charge on northeast wall and use water magic to counter trebuchet and with few of remaining wizards he went to southeastern walls. I stopped for a moment and thought to summon Azeron, it was now or never, we’ve already lost, they have attacked us from all sides. But there must

got to be some other way, I can’t give up, not in my first battle. And maybe god wanted us to win, they may have army, but we had righteousness, and righteousness can never fail and with this thought I tried something, something that is stupidity for any other wizard, witch or Knight. I thought if I can merge my ether magic with Azeron then why can’t I merge my fire power with wind. With this thought, I went outside the castle gates and formed a huge raging tornado with my wind powers and lit it with my fire power. Everybody stopped, there was a complete eerie silence. Nobody had ever seen or heard of such a magnificent fire tornado. Soon it started to engulf the dark soldiers. While my fire tornado was doing its work, there was a loud battle cry, “For the Scion of Nerzuhul”, the sacred legion of High Priest Fiona was here. Leading the charge was Thorgil on a hippogryph. His army rushed on trebuchets. Our wizards went aggressive and started pushing dark enemies back. Dark legion called for a retreat. “Kill all, we no need prisoner”, shouted Thorgil and soon the sacred legion got rid of dark army within hours. Finally the bloodshed came to an end. Everyone was happy, cheering and celebrating the hard earned victory. I saw Morgatha, she dismounted her hippogryph and came to me. “You have failed to secure the alliance of High Priest. When you were fighting here for Edesa they conquered Isen Tor. Master Wizard Ronin the Wise is a prisoner now”, said Morgatha in a cold voice. Everything has a price so did this victory. We had won but at what cost?

BONOUS:

The Cesaria Chronicles II

Prologue “IS EVERYTHING GOING as per plans? What is the status in western Cesaria?” enquired a deep vale voice sitting in front of fireplace. “I fear it is not, we do have captured the Master Wizard and his Kingdom and Sultan is still loyal to us, he has captured Prince of both Kingdoms but perhaps they have of Fiona. We have lost Edesa.” replied a short green skinned man with a fear in his voice. “Silence fool, Edesa was our priority, if you can’t handle a pesky young boy you don’t deserve to live.” said the deep voice. “Don’t worry my lord I will personally go there and I assure you that the whole Cesaria will be yours” replied Green man. “It would be better for both of us else you know what I can do. I want the head of that Scion of Nerzuhul. Now get out of my sight Dragarth.” said person from shadowy corner with a dismissal in his voice. The short green skinned man whose face was hid by his cloak left the room and met a tall, thin yet muscular broad shouldered person who held a massive katana in his hand. His every inch looked lethal. The person in cloak said, “Prepare your army Demnok. King is not pleased with the defeat in Edesa and want us to personally lead the army and conquer the lands”. Demnok nodded with a grin and stepped in a portal and disappeared.

Acknowledgements FIRST OF ALL I WOULD like to thank god for showering his blessings. Then there are certain people I would like to thank, without whom I would have never completed this book. My first gratitude is to my mother, she always ed me, believed in me and let me do what all I wanted. Then I would like to thank my preceptor Ms. Apurva Rathi for always motivating me and believing in me that I could do better I would also like to thank my preceptor Ms. Gitika Garg who always ed me and believed in me that I can do it and helped me reach my potential. And a ultimate thanks to all the readers.

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