The smoke created a large plant being and reached up high. As the plant being grew and stretched, so did the ceiling. Darian's eyes widened in wonder. Then there was the feeling of fear again. Darian shook it off. He gripped his swords tighter and waited.The being raised up its voice and screeched loudly. Darian was pushed back a few steps. It told him one thing—this being he was about to face was powerful.The being rushed towards Darian, its feet slapped the floor as if it was pounding whatever was beneath it. It threw a hand attempting to clap down on Darian, but Darian dodged and rolled on the floor to escape.It widened its arms and fang-like roots grew out of it. The fangs moved towards Darian, attempting to either crush or rope him.Darian rushed at it, slashing the fangs and targeting the feet. He was fast and deliberate, slashing and cutting. The being seemed to move fast too.Darian moved up its back and climbed it quickly. He wanted to cut the head or something. Maybe it w

As Darian spoke, his eyes began scanning the bodies. At a corner, where the leg of the tyrant should have been, lay a fresh body. On the wrist was a familiar bracelet. Darian rushed to that side and began pulling his friend out. The bodies in the tyrant seemed to be covered with some kind of orange slime. Darian succeeded and he laid Noel on the floor. Darian went on his knees to check if Noel was fine. Luckily, Noel was still breathing, although he was unconscious.At that moment, Darian could hear the scream of the little tyrant behind him, “Hey, you! I will kill you for this disgrace!”Darian rose to his feet, gripping the sword in his hand tightly. He narrowed his eyes. He had no time for a little busybody. All he wanted to do now was to take care of his friend. For disturbing him, the little imp would have to pay the price. Darian flung his sword and it hit the sword the little being was holding with so much force. The sword in the little being’s hand flew away.The eyes of the b

Julian began to shudder in fear. He knew that Darian was accusing him of disloyalty.“Master Darian, I told him nothing. He happened to show up at our door the moment I stepped down from your room. Then he asked me about your well-being, and I said that you are well. I divulged no information.”Darian turned back to face Jean. “So you are here because you…”Jean cut in fiercely, “I suspect you had something to do with those eagles. Eagles never appear near this area in a thousand years. But hundreds of them gathered on the outer walls of your room.”Noel rose to his feet, “I think it is time we cool things down. We all have been friends for a while. I think it is time we sit down and talk nicely to each other.”Darian sat down slowly and so did Jean. Their eyes never left each other.Noel could cut the tension with a knife. He spoke, “I did not know what happened. The eagles just gathered here and troubled our night. Darian and I did not want to disturb our butler or anyone else, so w

Adam spoke, “This is to assure the people of the exorcism that occurred in the town. It is no big deal that ministers should make an issue of.”Deji Fountain stroked his beard with pride. “Given the circumstances, I propose we postpone this ceremony.”Darian shot a sharp look at Deji Fountain, who turned away after giving a fierce look back.Darian whispered in Noel’s ear, “I have a bad feeling.”Noel whispered back, “His words are weak. They cannot stop your celebration.”“Not that, I feel like danger is coming,” Darian whispered, and then he stood straight. Noel stood straight. He wanted to ask Darian if it was an Eagle sense or something, but he held his peace.The drums rolled again. Heads turned and people whispered to see who was coming in. Then the announcement was made, “Master Blade is coming in.”Everyone rose again. Master Blade strode in with his ceremonial robes and seven soldiers walked behind him, carrying spears, swords, and shields. They also wore metal armor. Jean an

The blood oozed out of Blade and began making a trail. He said to Adam, “Make my blood sprayed on the door and a different path than that Darian is on. The story we shall tell Her Holiness is that Darian captured me and stabbed me when he discovered I had discovered his secret. Then your men found me and brought me here.”Adam nodded his head. Then he rose to his feet, turned to three soldiers, “Do as he says.” Then he turned to another, “Get the physician at once!”***Darian and Noel kept walking through the path when Darian suddenly stopped and leaned against the wall. He put down the bag in his hand. Noel placed one hand on his waist, “You are not tired, are you?” Noel asked.One hand went into Darian’s hair. “I never wanted to be on the run again,” he said.Noel placed a hand on his shoulder, “We have to move. Blade sacrificed himself for you. If we are caught, it would be a waste of his good intentions.”Darian stood straight. He would have time to weep about his situation later