We had to assess the situation quickly. Further scouts were sent out to confirm the movements of Ken’o. Luckily Tenna brought a map of the surrounding area, it was from Haji Meni.
We were certainly sure by now, that Haji Meni was some sort of trap, but we had no idea what kind of trap. Both of us wrecked our brains around the journey to the Dwarven Kingdom, but nothing significant came to our mind. It was as if Ken’o just magically knew, that we were here.
Magically?406Please respect copyright.PENANAa39GV0g1Ff
“Tenna, is there a magic which can track movements?” I asked.406Please respect copyright.PENANArL092CcmIW
“Movements? No, not to my knowledge at least. I am fairly sure if there was, Mother could use it, but she never used anything similar to that.” 406Please respect copyright.PENANAx2oYhvXCmn
“How about creating something like that?”406Please respect copyright.PENANAGOENHFqrHz
“Spell creation? I know you can combine them, but creating one isn’t easy. If Ken’o actually made a spell to be able to track us, he must be a rather powerful magician. That is a little impossible though, he is a fighter through and through. Even though he is human, he refuses to rely on magic and always used brute force.” Explained Tenna.406Please respect copyright.PENANAZwnIfJnoSK
She and the Empress collected as much information as they could in an attempt to be one step ahead at all times. But our situation now was rather suffocating.406Please respect copyright.PENANA1U6AUVE1eR
“One more thing Tousa, you should hide and when the right moment comes you must run, run for your life. I don’t know what will happen.”406Please respect copyright.PENANAE8Gc2R2PoX
Her expression was serious, but also sad. It might be our last time meeting.406Please respect copyright.PENANA3RDCBGArxZ
As if…406Please respect copyright.PENANAIqJwXB9O2I
“I can’t and won’t do that, I promised your mother to protect you.”406Please respect copyright.PENANA11UUTJy2D5
Her eyes grew wide in surprise. Of course they would, I called the Empress mother after all.406Please respect copyright.PENANAsnCs2mx0c3
“N-no, you don’t understand!”406Please respect copyright.PENANASDZKkxDP1P
I cut in before she could finish.406Please respect copyright.PENANAq1hO6RPLUg
“I might not be as strong as you, but I still have a favour to repay you. Besides, I would never leave you behind.”406Please respect copyright.PENANAHDnBNwBJSX
I came across a little weird, but my feelings were set in stone. I wanted to protect her at all cost.406Please respect copyright.PENANAuQncNMGfAh
Before we could break into another argument the scouts returned. The army of Ken’o hit up a camp not quite far from us. Their numbers seemed endless. Just how big is the human army?406Please respect copyright.PENANADNGCvhwVF9
“They are trying to induce fear in us.” I said.406Please respect copyright.PENANAAUN5Ymn242
“What do you mean?” Asked Tenna.406Please respect copyright.PENANAW9ROkoqu7g
“They probably won’t attack us during the night, but we cannot risk letting our guard down. They have superior numbers and can take turns with guarding. We don’t have such luxury.”406Please respect copyright.PENANANGBUUCSk6T
“Even if they were to do that, what if reinforcements arrive?”406Please respect copyright.PENANAqnJNSjUxTT
“I think they are still tracking us somehow and if we tried to get any help they would instantly attack.” I explained.406Please respect copyright.PENANAhrJY5OmZuP
Silence fell upon us until a dwarf with a breaded beard broke it.406Please respect copyright.PENANAmILtzMzk8L
“Excellent insight Tousa, you have the qualities of a leader.” Said Durin while stroking his beard.406Please respect copyright.PENANA6HqR49NBRK
We went over every information with him too. Now he wore dwarven armour fitting of a king. 406Please respect copyright.PENANAmD3u5hfQ0W
He stroked his white beard in thought, but didn’t seem to get further as we.406Please respect copyright.PENANAwNP8A5FQnK
“I already stationed most of the dwarves around the mountain. They might have superior numbers, but this is a fort, strong enough to withstand high level magic. The walls are imbued with Ai’s magic.”406Please respect copyright.PENANABBOdxunBfp
We had to come up with a strategy. Even if Ken’o didn’t attack head on, he certainly head enough men to widdle us down. My magic was probably good enough for normal soldiers, but I needed time to cast it.406Please respect copyright.PENANA2jIvTscfPI
We strategized until past midnight. We felt the fatigue set in. Durin insisted, that he and the dwarves would stand guard until we rested. Even a short sleep would do us good.406Please respect copyright.PENANAbfmkgdLIFm
We entered the tunnel and sat down close to the entrance.406Please respect copyright.PENANAQjMwlgC80o
“H-hey Tousa…C-could I rest my head on your shoulder?” asked Tenna slightly flustered.406Please respect copyright.PENANAe7izP74xBr
“U-um sure, I don’t mind.”406Please respect copyright.PENANAIymBQpXI5f
She sat down right next to me, but she didn’t just rest her head she also locked her arm with mine. She was trembling slightly. 406Please respect copyright.PENANAQ3fXR89HI2
I didn’t say anything, after all my nerves weren’t in a better shape and her warmth comforted me. 406Please respect copyright.PENANA45Dx9H25g8
A slight smile appeared on her face as she dosed off and shortly I followed too.406Please respect copyright.PENANAQQ0qoG43cF
“Tousa! Tousa!”406Please respect copyright.PENANARGEkAq5xFU
The same figure as my inner self was calling to me. He looked older now, but I could tell it was him.406Please respect copyright.PENANAylXYuSMamt
“Tousa! Wake up, Tousa!”406Please respect copyright.PENANAZdnOLQAbSk
I jumped awake when I realised the voice was actually female.406Please respect copyright.PENANASZcl92JEYq
“A-are we under attack already?” I asked in panic.
“No, but they started moving, so come, get up.” 406Please respect copyright.PENANANmwIMPQUax
Tenna was the one calling to me. She held her hand out and I took it. Our rest was short, but it felt good for sure.406Please respect copyright.PENANAl5Gn1AuBSM
The scouts reported movements. The enemy army started coming at us in waves. Since there were too many of them they had to split up.406Please respect copyright.PENANAquk7QS6uJB
The first wave arrived soon enough. Because of this sudden change in their formation a slight hope appeared before us. Ken’o was still a great threat, but maybe.406Please respect copyright.PENANALggiDgyIk6
“Firee!!”406Please respect copyright.PENANA3ywLQyRJgG
A great barrage of arrows rained down on the human soldiers. Dwarven arrows were much stronger than normal ones. Many shots pierced through the poorly crafted human armour. 406Please respect copyright.PENANAiA6SZ7DwiC
Meanwhile at the entrance the demonic beings stood in a half circle, rendering the defending needed area half. I and Tenna were in the inner circle.406Please respect copyright.PENANA59xDzHIaI1
The demonic beings did great work and only a few stragglers came through. Those were swiftly overwhelmed by Tenna’s sheer power. Her movements were quick and swift. Every move was more like a dance move than an attack.406Please respect copyright.PENANAfgXlj7YLOt
“Hyagh! More are coming, do not let your guard down!” 406Please respect copyright.PENANACjIf22VzZ8
The demonic beings roared in response staying valiant at her orders.406Please respect copyright.PENANA7ykGibV6gf
Soon the next wave came with double the soldiers.406Please respect copyright.PENANAedpknce3Oj
“Frigeo!”406Please respect copyright.PENANAUQMA1lMiZ6
As previously discussed, I and Tenna would be a team while Durin manages the dwarves. It was dangerous to fight for us outside, but it was our own decision.406Please respect copyright.PENANA0H6CwUq3Xn
With Durin in lead soon a big group of dwarves rushed out and formed a second line of defence before us. Even with this numbers the second wave was much stronger and I continuously casted Frigeo.406Please respect copyright.PENANAbtQr8aHT9e
I started feeling sluggish when our biggest fear appeared. Not far from the second wave and a third behind his back Ken’o was slowly marching our way.406Please respect copyright.PENANAuGSCQISEBX
His armour wasn’t full body. He only had gloves and no arm protection and even his legs were only half covered. His stature was truly grand, he was a warrior through and through.406Please respect copyright.PENANAm8vpEM7sbc
Behind the shining helmet I certainly could feel a ghastly aura. He was strong, way stronger than us.406Please respect copyright.PENANA1NKRA1wFeb
“Tenna!” I cried out but she realised his presence too.406Please respect copyright.PENANA3pkr3bTJDv
Suddenly he stopped and just watched the fight unfold. 406Please respect copyright.PENANAXWsCgD4FpA
With Ken’o not moving I and Tenna turned up our pace. I casted Frigeo on a larger scale and Tenna leaped towards the enemies and cut them down in a blink of the eye. We continued this tactic, but I was slowly getting tired. One effect of using this much magical energy was that I started getting dizzy and fatigued.406Please respect copyright.PENANA6J06g1uea5
That is when I felt it, pure bloodlust and evil. The ground started shaking and an incredible shockwave blow me away.406Please respect copyright.PENANAIqC1bKYtfC
I took the full blunt of Ken’o’s attack.406Please respect copyright.PENANA0KItBmdg7c
“Tousaaa!!!” Tenna cried out, her voice filled with despair and anger.406Please respect copyright.PENANAfNukdHUcpJ
She instantly leaped towards the menacing knight only to get easily parried. She flew back towards my now unconscious self.406Please respect copyright.PENANAfspGsG9tEi
I kill him! I will kill this abhorrent scum!!406Please respect copyright.PENANAY1slqqYsfQ
I leaped yet again forward trying to strike him from my lower right. I got only blocked this time and our difference in power was immense. 406Please respect copyright.PENANA91Uyz3Xm7U
A big shockwave engulfed our surroundings and soldiers from both sides were sent flying. He easily pushed me away, but before I could react he targeted Tousa.406Please respect copyright.PENANAh4YzdiosxD
Thrusting his great sword forward I had no choice left.406Please respect copyright.PENANA0eZ9KjMeOc
For my beloved!406Please respect copyright.PENANALyFc9y4nNz
I clenched my teeth and leaped with all my might, the next moment a sharp and great pain struck my stomach. 406Please respect copyright.PENANAK1PHpGJThm
A direct hit.406Please respect copyright.PENANA83QHbzlFC2
“Ha ha haa! What a lovely sight! Even an insect like you can act a little human. You disgust me, diee!!”406Please respect copyright.PENANAGmryz2g36C
He trusted his sword deeper into my wound and the world slowly faded away in front of me.406Please respect copyright.PENANAUaAlj9AM3C
I… I am… s-sorry…406Please respect copyright.PENANAubx7g20vvD
“Is this how durable demons really are?” called a female voice.406Please respect copyright.PENANAySkOPDbyvR
“W-where am I?!”406Please respect copyright.PENANAbkcW21h5au
I found myself in a dark place, more like the darkness surrounded me. A sole woman stood before me. She had snow white skin, long ears and golden blonde hair. Her dress was like of a princess’s.406Please respect copyright.PENANAgKlz10ILti
“You are in your mind Tenna. You will die.”406Please respect copyright.PENANARcvUkZSjSE
“W-what? B-but, oh right…” I remembered what just happened.406Please respect copyright.PENANAM9ziCxG5Gd
“Aren’t you incredibly selfish?” said the beautiful woman.406Please respect copyright.PENANA09lNu9IRoi
“Wh-what do you mean?”406Please respect copyright.PENANAkDYuoNUtU4
“You jumped in to save your loved one and now you leave him to his death?”406Please respect copyright.PENANA2WywheBTnZ
“B-but I am not strong enough! You said it yourself, I will die.”406Please respect copyright.PENANAnugjyFUdNo
“Yes, you will, you alone are not strong. But you are only a part of us.”406Please respect copyright.PENANAko8JwIYJFB
“Us? I am a dem-…”406Please respect copyright.PENANA8owNn7BthR
“See? You are part elf too. Never wondered why your magic was this low? It went into the concealing of your true nature. You are a Halfling!”406Please respect copyright.PENANABZViApbphS
“I-I don’t understand…”406Please respect copyright.PENANACinlP1ROq7
The woman grabbed my hands and pulled me into a hug.406Please respect copyright.PENANAtsNIaP6FWC
“What do you want the most?”406Please respect copyright.PENANAWQsp4AYpcK
“Huh?”406Please respect copyright.PENANApNXcWM9On8
“Why did you want sacrifice yourself?”406Please respect copyright.PENANA1oI1oM2we7
“I… I want to save him!”406Please respect copyright.PENANACUlywuBJRh
“Then let us do right that.”
“Let go you stinking scum! How long do you want to grab onto my blade!”406Please respect copyright.PENANAq70xcFBrmC
“Amans…”406Please respect copyright.PENANAOvJZpOv9jn
“Huh? What are you mum-!”406Please respect copyright.PENANAkZCgLM7H3E
An incredible amount of magic energy started emitting from Tenna. Her white hair grow longer and turned to a golden blonde. Her darker skin became a lighter tone and her ears grew longer.406Please respect copyright.PENANAbQkpBFmNPX
Durin watched this unfolding and couldn’t believe his eyes.406Please respect copyright.PENANAVLqY4TunBu
“T-this is… ancient elven magic!! But how?!”406Please respect copyright.PENANAEXlXH5XVp1
Tenna grabbed Ken’o’s great sword and slowly pulled it out of her abdomen. 406Please respect copyright.PENANAeKyEacD8X7
“Don’t… don’t… DON’T YOU DARE TO TOUCH MY BELOVED!!!!!”406Please respect copyright.PENANAQn4P5HE4HW
The magical energy around her surged to an even greater height, Ken’o was mortified by the sight.
406Please respect copyright.PENANAPXDClRcd5C
“Amans Exsuperabilis!!!!” Tenna cried out finally.
406Please respect copyright.PENANAWHkQw8SZPU
Bright light enveloped her and once it faded she was clothed in white and golden yellow armour. Durin couldn’t believe his eyes. The quality and design were beyond dwarven knowledge, something almost impossible.406Please respect copyright.PENANAyj0yr27dUF
Tenna leaped at Ken’o who half dumbfounded and half in shock barely blocked her attack. Even with all his might Tenna managed to bring down the blade of her glaive which slowly bore into Ken’o’s shoulder.406Please respect copyright.PENANA0aorza2iVv
Once they parted Tenna furiously barraged him with attacks pushing him further back. With every attack more and more cuts appeared on the strong knight who was overwhelmed by the elven warrior’s speed and anger.406Please respect copyright.PENANA8XUGtVP2us
“Wake up, Tousa.”406Please respect copyright.PENANAua2MB7CrhY
I warm and somewhat deep voice called out to me. Slowly I opened my eyes, but my vision was still a little blurry.406Please respect copyright.PENANAdEsZnSYx2u
“Wake up, you still have someone to protect.”406Please respect copyright.PENANAfCeOnfhgae
That is right, Tenna is fighting alone, but I am powerless.
“You have to wake up, she is in danger.”406Please respect copyright.PENANAe7icCFXbUE
Danger? No, I can’t help her even if I managed to wake up.406Please respect copyright.PENANAEjcwYBOfqX
“You can save her, you know. She is fighting for your sake.”406Please respect copyright.PENANAbvWD8Gf1gw
Save her? Save her… Yes, I must save her!406Please respect copyright.PENANAXIAi8z1sis
I slowly got up, my body had a terrible wound. I took an almost direct hit after all.406Please respect copyright.PENANAlYdGKeDk7q
I looked around and I was in that space again. Before me stood the now adult boy whom I saw.406Please respect copyright.PENANAyqvjmyZpxy
“Good, you finally got up my son.” he said smiling.406Please respect copyright.PENANAsfyIRXvGdd
“S-son?”406Please respect copyright.PENANAJllelEgybK
“Ha ha, don’t worry about it. Now go and save your beloved.”406Please respect copyright.PENANAz48GBNSK4s
“B-beloved?!”406Please respect copyright.PENANAuztPaxWmMi
“Isn’t she important to you?”406Please respect copyright.PENANA4WL7Yc9aI7
“W-well…”406Please respect copyright.PENANAG28bdG51X4
She certainly is, I stayed here because of her.406Please respect copyright.PENANAUEkHfQfoib
“I lend you a hand, but it will cost a lot. Your body is already beyond its limits.”406Please respect copyright.PENANAV6iKuGHD4a
“I don’t care.” I answered with determination.406Please respect copyright.PENANADIJh3xJF8L
“Very well, go and call upon one of the most ancient magic. I will be with you.”406Please respect copyright.PENANAH62vLMHfIX
“Thank you father.”406Please respect copyright.PENANAaaRFkodIWs
He was a little surprised, but smiled with joy.406Please respect copyright.PENANAEUYGCXMClb
The world around me returned to normal. I tried to get up, but the pain was unbearable. Blood dripped from my wound. 406Please respect copyright.PENANAEJ0JvxZyIc
“Not yet!”406Please respect copyright.PENANAyNTqgZ4rU5
I looked over the fight. All I saw was a beautiful girl fighting Ken’o furiously, but she was getting tired. I thought for a second and called out to her. 406Please respect copyright.PENANAg7j90jAvrb
She really is a Halfling, huh.406Please respect copyright.PENANA5W7oAmHATt
“Tenna! Get baack!”406Please respect copyright.PENANAfDGM3zDfIy
Ken’o looked in my direction, but his face distorted at the sight.406Please respect copyright.PENANATmaVB2HFlZ
The magic circle on my palm started changing runes. First three, then six, then nine and last twelve runes which formed a second magic circle. With determination in my eyes, my trembling hand held one of the most powerful magics. 406Please respect copyright.PENANASZUzzkh5B0
“Scum like you, should be burnt alive!”406Please respect copyright.PENANATWlr8ZBewN
Tenna moved back as fast as she could. In the sky the same magical circle appeared, but much bigger. Menacingly the runes started changing the same way, Ken’o stood frozen in shock, and all the soldiers started running way before I started.
406Please respect copyright.PENANASs4nLc76D3
“Negatum Atrax: FLAMMA STELA!”
406Please respect copyright.PENANAxYcNPTeh6i
Suddenly a crimson and black coloured pillar of flame descended from the Heavens and engulfed Ken’o. The shockwave was incredible and I finally lost my consciousness completely. 406Please respect copyright.PENANAqItRNoxrXC
406Please respect copyright.PENANAFL8bW7y6C7