Dear Friends, welcome to the world of "VEIL OF TRUTH" that I have created for you and of course myself. Consider this my free e-book on a fantasy world filled with adventure, love, sacrifices and convictions. It is a new world where I have created and the lives of her characters are unfolding even as I greet you. Their adventures, lifes and spirit will be shared with you readers from time to time as they unfold for me, I will unfold for you. Enjoy their adventure and I do look forward to your comments. Welcome to the world of "Veil of Truth".

Chapter 1: Power and Responsibility



"Mirok assist Duvar!", Sivan shouted to the warmage who stood several feet to his left. Sivan noticed that the bluish air surrounding the army was fading, which could only mean that Duvar, would not be able to hold his spell for long. "At once Sentinel Sivan", Mirok confirming his order, and immediately began probing the spell pattern that Duvar was casting and channeled his energy into it.

As Mirok's energies joined with Duvars', the pale bluish air surrounding the army brighten up, follow by vigorous shouts from the battle harden veterans. The bluish light mixed with the darkness of the night and flashes of pale green when Sivan's men clashes with the invisible elements, left the battlefield in a ghostly scene, as men fought men to the death. The added energies from Mirok has ensured the soldiers ability to see the enemy invisible units, and Sivan could only hope that it would be enough to hold the front elements back.

Sivan placed his hands several inches away from his eyes, fingers stretch out, brought them close together to form a square shape with both his thumb and second finger, and moved slowly and slightly upwards, downwards in a smooth motion. A spell of far sight took form in the square areas of Sivan's fingers when a tattered soldier leap down from his mount as he came close to the command tent. "Sentinel, the left flank was nearly overrun and is falling back." Seconds later, another soldier arrived and reported that the right lines would not be able to hold its position for long.

Sivan evaluated his options, his Left flank was nearly gone and his captains would be retreating towards base camp to regroup and it would only be a matter of time before the enemy reaches them from that direction. His two warmage are now concentrated on the vision spell that enabled his men to see the invisible elements, and one of them is coming close to exhaustion. Nevertheless, his front lines were being hit tremendously hard despite the spell. Sivan hesitated, and as he was about to issue his command, the battle field, his command tent, the soldiers and finally his war armour vanished. He was left afloat in the middle of a circle, surrounded by seven others on a higher platform, as they concluded their spell. As energies surrounding Sivan dispersed, he dropped down on one knee, brushed back his blond hair, wiped the sweat of his brow and sighed.

More than 3 turnings of a season, Sivan has been apprenticed within the Order of the Watchers. During his chapter in the war, Sivan was noticed for level headedness and rational thinking by a Warden. This leaded to a recommendation by a Sentinel, the highest rank of the Order, and with the approval from his own commanding officers, Sivan began a new chapter on the year of his twenty seventh cycle. Having joined the Order, Sivan had proven himself to be a fast and eager learner, advancing quickly through the Order's ranks of Mage and Warmage. A quality that had been harness through blood of battle.

In training for the rank of Warden, Sivan now finds himself at the strategy training hall. The hall was circular in shape and had three levels, the lowest level where Sivan stood was the training platform, the spell casters were on the second platform which is the casting platform and the third level, the observation platform. The training platform is shaped in proportion to the hall and large enough for three grown men to move comfortably. The second platform has seven two triangle formed stars. Each star indicates the position the casters were to take, in correspondence to the casting of the training spell. The final platform was lined with benches that would allow observation to the training sessions. The hall was clear of any decorations and was softly lit by orbs placed at various positions around the hall. The light orbs were unique properties that are mined by the dwarfen kingdom in the Dunearian mountain region. Beneath the mountains, the orbs appeared to be nothing but normal crystals. When exposed to daylight the orbs would absorb the rays of the sun and glow like an evening star when they were used in the darkness, continuously regenerating itself and glowing till its properties within the crystal depleted.

A figure stepped down from the observation platform and headed towards Sivan. He was a middle aged man, unlike the warmages who dressed in black robes, silver tabard and belts, he wore a hunters garb. Power surrounded that man, and every step he took hinted at it. Standing at six and a half feet in height, shortly trimmed hair with two streak of gray on both side of his head, harden muscles in every inch of his body, Sentinel Roszak was a commanding presence. As he reached the young man, Sivan stood up and said, "Sentinel Roszak, I had everything in control. I was about to issue a command when the illusion ended. I would have done better."

Sentinel Roszak gestured to Sivan to remain silence and led him upward towards the exit of the training chamber as the warmages left accordingly. "Sivan, what was the situation when the training spell started?" Sivan reply instantly, "Midday, human elements only on both sides, I was placed in command of units holding on the battlelines for half the face of the moons. The army was dug down on lower grounds, two war mages was under my command. The army comprised of scouts, pikemen, arches and swordsmen, supplies were ample, warring spirit was acceptable. Reserves were about a day's march and the attack was to be on three sides, lift, front and right sides." Roszak nodded and asked, "What would be your evaluation of the conditions confronting your army?"

Sivan thought for a moment and answered, "According to the reports provided by the illusion, the enemy numbered two to one in men, apparently three warlocks were reported but unconfirmed, and they had the advantage of upper ground." Sivan paused for a second and continued, "I guess the odds were against me but our defenses were capable of holding on and if...., if I had one extra warmage I would have held until the reserves reached us." Sivan held back a step and allowed the Sentinel to pass through the door first, and stay a step behind the Sentinel as they moved down the hallway, away from the training hall. "In all accounts, Sivan, you did well to have held your position till mid of night. However, your hesitation had caused your elements to be crushed." Roszak answer with seriousness in his voice."

Sivan argued, "But it was only a second. I had to evaluate my options to ensure the army elements were able to carry out my next orders." Roszak cut in.."and what was that? Withdrawal?" Sivan nodded.

Roszak stopped and turn to Sivan, "Withdrawal was the only option", Roszak emphasised, "taken the situation in the battlefield. Your decision to hold the enemy till your reserves arrived is commendable. The possibility was there, and you had utilised your elements effectively. However, taking the situation of your army was in, you need to be able to anticipate the enemy's abilities. When the illusion started, you saw the odds against your army, you realised that withdrawal might be necessary and you also saw the possibility of holding your position, BUT.....a withdrawal plans should had been planned and conveyed to your captains so that should they caught in the position, they know what they are suppose to do and where they are suppose to be. You decided to stand your ground, good but you decided to take personal command of the defense when your captains would have been able to execute your battle plans just as efficiently. You took upon yourself task that should have been meant for others. You should have used the time to plan a withdrawal should you need it. You understood the need but you did not believe you would need such a plan. Contingency planning is never a waste of time."

"But with withdrawal in mind, would it not be possible to lessen the determination of the army to fight?" Sivan asked, "Continue", Roszak stated without any hint of expression. "Well, take the training just now for an example, any common soldier would be able to see the odds against us. If a Sentinel is thinking of retreating, wouldn't the men lose hope in holding their position and wouldn't the men fight less eagerly when, even a Sentinel, is thinking that they can't win?"

As Roszak and Sivan talked, they passed through a quiet hallway, into the main dome and out into the courtyard separating the main palace from the training building. The marble of the training building shone brightly against the full moons, one moon full circled and the other, a three-quartered moon. The training building consist of the main dome where students and teachers gathered and awaited their turn in the usage of the training halls. The main dome is connected to four smaller domes, called training halls, through hallways. Each of the domes was allocated different types of training. The eastern hall, which Sivan and Roszak came out of, was for strategy training, the southern hall for weapons training, the western hall for spell training and the northern hall, Sentinel training. Each of the halls was constructed in the same manner, except for the Sentinel Hall, as the northern hall is better known as. All halls except the Sentinel Hall, whereby the contents are only known to the Sentinels and their trainees, has the same three level platforms with the only difference in the size of the casting platforms. The casting platforms varies according to the nature of the training. The eastern has seven star positions, the sourthern hall has three star positions and the western hall has fourteen star positions. Each star represents the position a caster is suppose to take in the casting of the training spell. The reason for the difference in the start position is due to the nature of the training spell that is being cast.

As they approached a stone bench, Roszak sat Sivan down, "Sivan, do you know the difference between being a Sentinel and a General?" Sivan sat up straight and responded, "A sentinel is superior in abilities and skills to the Generals'." "And why is that?" Roszak inquired further.

" The Sentinel's abilities in the arcane arts and the training that they received before assuming the status of Sentinel", Sivan paused in thought and continued, "A Sentinel's experience and skills gained through the training illusions that enable him to experience all forms of battle strategies practically, which on the other hand the General's would have to gain through a life time service in battle and yet still might not experience every strategy that he had studied." "Very good analogy from your lectures. Tell me then Sivan, what do you personally think is the difference?"

Sivan looked at the Sentinel and said, "Power."

Roszak kept silent, stood and offer his right hand to Sivan. Sivan smiled, knowing surely he had responded correctly to Roszak questions, a feat not many of the students could achieve. Sentinel Roszak was considered one of the most powerful Sentinel with Sentinel Trovak coming close to comparison. And while Sentinel Trovak is open and friendly, Sentinel Roszak is serious and has a hard look that could make a rock shy away.

But as Sivan reached out, Roszak turned his hand, grip the outer side of Sivan's wrist and pulled him forward with unanticipated strength. As Sivan was hurdled forward, Roszak grabbed Sivan's right ankle with his left hand and lifted him of his feet in one smooth motion. With a loud thump, Sivan was laying on his back starring at the night sky. Sivan let out a loud groan and winced his eyes, as Roszak knelt on one knee next to him and said, "Power......and responsibility. Never.......never forget it." Roszak said softly but his words were clear and sharp, putting an edge of danger to the meaning of the words.

Sivan pushed himself up from the ground, as Roszak sat himself down on the bench. Roszak opened his mind to the fountain, and water flowed out towards them and gather itself in front of Sivan, as if an invisible bucket was there. The simple power that Roszak shown put Sivan into the same awe as when he first saw the power of the Sentinals, a power that none could achieve. His talents had to use items of power or even their hands in order to pattern out the spell that they wanted but the Sentinels seem to have acquired a higher power as they draw their spells without any pattern or item of power. Many times during his term as Mage and Warmange, Sivan had wanted to leave the order as his hunger for the knowledge was not made available. He had the question addressed to his teachers, but the answer was always the same, be patient until the hour that you are ready to receive. Frustration was ever in his heart, but he did not lose hope, for he realised later that the teachings received improved his spells and skills and that alone was a invaluable gift.

While Sivan splashed himself with the water, Roszak spoke, "Power and responsibility must go together. They are one as they are two and one cannot, must not, do without the other. In the battlefield, the Sentinels has the responsibility to ensure all the elements of the armies are properly utilised. In the correct utilisation of the elements, the life of the elements are protected from being foolishly wasted by inexperience commanders. In that, men knows and expects the Sentinels' to do what is best and that their lives are not foolishly wasted. Does that answer your earlier question?" Sivan replied that he understood as he continued to wet down his hair and neck.

"Before obtaining our badge of warden, it is required that you know the aspect of commanding a one race army, thus you being of human race, human unit armies are the required elements. But as you reach higher status, warden and sentinel, you would have to learn the details of commanding multiple race elements within an army. It is foolish to place elfen archers in the forefront of a charge just to gain more range and an excuse that their speed and agility will be able to get them across the defense quickly enough when the charge gets to close. Your fundamentals need to be strong, young warmage."

Sivan cupped his hand, directed towards the nearest flower bed and opened his hand outward, the water moved accordingly with this hand, stretch itself over the flower bed and breaking itself into small droplets, showering the flowers tenderly. Sivan then nodded to Roszak, indicating that he understood. Roszak continued, "Sivan your mage training was quicker than most, you are strong in the arts. Soon you will advance to Warden and one day, you might even choose to be a Sentinel but it is important for you to understand the bond, power and responsibility has on each other. The enemy has temporally stop their advance for reasons unknown. This time given will allow you and others to learn what you can from us and hopefully, turn the tide of each battle you fight. Now, go wash up and rest", and without turning his head, Roszak enquired, "Yes Warden Carlira?"

Sivan was caught unprepared as he did not sense anyone approaching, and hearing Warden Carlira's name mentioned, Sivan jumped to his feet. He turned his head from side to side but did not see anyone until a figure walked out of the shadows from the bushes behind the Sentinel.

"Good ev'ning Warden Carlira" Sivan greeted the Warden, bowing and his right palm over his heart. Turning to Sentinel Roszak, "By your leave Sentinel Roszak", and headed across the gardens towards his quarters in the castle. Roszak got up and turned to face Warden Carlira. Carlira bowed as they exchanged greeting in the tongue of Carlira's race.

Carlira smiled and walked over to where Roszak stood. One cannot say that she walked, as her movements was graceful, poised and elegant as befitting her race. When the moon light took away the shadows, Roszak could clearly see the sharp nose, her narrow eyes, thin eyebrows, shoulder length light green hair and the pointed ears of her race. Looking the very elfen warrior in her agile movements, slim and tall figure clothed in the hunters outfit alike to Roszaks'. Although tall by human standards, she was considered at an average height by the standards of her race, nevertheless, Carlira by any races' standards was beautiful.

"I see your lesson's had not changed", Carlira smiled. Roszak held her by her shoulders and kissed fatherly on her forehead and said, "And would you have expected it do?" Without answering, Carlira place her arm in the crook of his arm and walked towards the castle. Carlira did not expect to see any changes to this particular human. Roszak, has always been a quiet and serious human. The occupants of the castle of light knew that much about Roszak but the elfs, her people and her, knew something much more. Her memories floated back to the first day that she meet Roszak, when she was but waist high. He had been one of the humans that seek out her people to be apprenticed. Although her race had never apprenticed outsiders in their magical lore before, it seem that this group was welcomed and taken as part of the elven family. Among the twelfth apprenticed, Roszak was the meanest looking human her young eyes had encountered.

"Welcome back. How is your father?", Roszak interrupted her thoughts. Carlira startled at the question and Roszak asked again, "Rigoron, how is he?"

"He's fine and asked the same of you. Also, he asked me to tell you that his arrows waits impatiently to fly." Carlira answered with a smile. Roszak laugh softly and said amusingly, "So, are you going to tell me what it is that you want to talk about or you just happen to take a stroll in the mid of night that happen to coincide with the end of my training with young Sivan?"

Concern then overtook her facial expression, "Three things" She sighed slightly, sat down on the nearest stone bench several yards away from the castle entrance and continued softly, "Galedon draws nearer to the great freedom even as we speak." Roszak's memories flashed back to when he was a boy barely 10 cycles old, when his own grandfather and several other Wizards and their charges approach the elfs. Roszak had never encounter elfs before and that morning he and the other children were growing restless with anticipation upon the coming of the High Sentinel, the very name used by his order in homage of the elfen mages. The first ray of light shone through the trees as Galedon, flank by several other Sentinels and elfen soldiers approached their encampment. Roszak could still picture the old elf standing there holding his crooked tree staff in his white and gold-lined silk robes, his long green-white hair gently blowing in the misty morning breeze. Galedon, to his young eyes, was magic and wisdom incarnate in one body, mind and spirit.

"I've spent many cycles with your people, the great freedom is as celebrated as the blessed coming. Why then do water draw itself in your eyes?" Roszak asked as he knelt beside her and tenderly put one hand consolingly on Carlira's. Silent fell for the moment as Carlira looked Roszak in the eye, then she gave a backhand slap on Roszak's shoulder, "Because I 've been stuck with you humans far too long for my own good." she said as she replaced the tear with a smile. "Your human values in life and death is dark and infectious, yet at times beautiful and enlightening. Although my people value the release from their worldly obligations" she paused " I cannot help but adopt the human affection for the coming lost of m y, what you humans call Grandfather." And as she mentioned the name, a tear fell from the corner of her eye, falling softly as it has formed. When Carlira felt the teardrop against her cheeks, she felt embarrassed and got up quickly, walked a few paces away from Roszak and wipe her eyes dry.

Roszak understood what she was going through. The elfs has a very unique social structure, yet not too different from the humans. One can say that the elfen people do not have family units like the humans, though it can be thought of as being similar but in a wider sense. Like a tree representing the root of the family, through time, branches springs out from its trunk. With that each human knows their family that they are born into, as each branch knows its beginning. The elfen society differ slightly in comparison. When two elfs are united their offsprings represents a new seed. As time goes by, more trees grows and soon they make a forest. With that, each elf like each tree, knows the forest they belong to. Human society values the tree that they come from, elfs on the other hand, do not see the value of a single tree but the forest in which all trees belongs. Where humans sees the tree as the family, the elfs see the forest as their family. Galedon feared the differences would undermined the very foundation of the whole elfen race, whereby family integrity overshadowed what was best for the race at large. Because of this Galedon spent a lot more time with Roszak and his grandfather, learning from them. The learning troubled Galedon deeply as he found the happiness in recognising one's own family. Soon after, Galedon discovered that Carlira was his youngest granddaughter, in addition to the likeness Carlira took to Galedon's own departed wife, it was inescapable when parental emotions slowly grew in the old elf.

"Carlira in the many cycles that I have taught you and your kind. I have reminded all of you of the dangers when one tries to understand another's customs and cultures, even so when one attempts to integrate the difference." Roszak sat himself on the bench, "The elfen beliefs and values between the humans are conflicting but at the same time, it is similiar only in different focus. It will be hard to do butt return to your people's ways."

"How could I not grieve? There had never been any individual families within our people. Fathers and mothers, were our guardians and mentors until our coming of age, then my people becomes my family. Galedon was captivated by you and your grandfather, his curiosity resulted in his attention for me."....listening to Carlira's words, Roszak remembered the times when Galedon was talking to his grandfather and whenever Carlira played nearby, Galedon would steal quick glances, his hidden smile and soft laughter when he saw her fall from her little games and the way she played gleefully with the other children....., "his concern for me".....Carlira in turn, remembered the time when she has fallen ill, and how Galedon would come to her home, sit at her side to either read to her or entertain her with magical tricks....., "his personal love. Roszak.....," with tear in her words ".....I knew my grandfather and it hurts to see him die."

Carlira fought back hard to keep her tears in check. Roszak sensing that, remained silent and did what the only thing left for him to do. Carlira did not need advice, consolation or direction. All she needed was someone to talk to, someone to listen, without having them being judge and juror on her emotions. "I first heard of Galedon's condition when I reported back to Elder Eleron. I visited Galedon.....You should have seen the look on his face when he saw me. I remembered him strong and steadfast. It was hard to see him frail and weak yet his eyes shone when he saw me walk into his chambers. He said that....." Carlira could feel the tears breaking through, quickly got up and walked a few paces away from Roszak ".....that I was as beautiful as his departed Velura, that I had her eyes and he thanks you and your grandfather for giving him a second happiness. The second happiness that is me."

She felt so naked to such emotions. As an elf, she knew her people lived only to better themselves, each following their chosen path, each performing their responsibility to improve life accordingly and death was the unwanted reward, the release from their worldly responsibility and their final rest. Galedon did his share in improving the elfen people and it was only right, that the time has come for him to rest from his labour, but she could not help feeling selfish for not wanting him to depart from this life, her life. Roszak could see that Carlira was in the verge of breaking down, he then got up and walked slowly towards her. Carlira tilted her head slightly and looked from the corner of her eyes at the impending shadow that drew nearer towards her. She closed her eyes and held herself tightly as she waited to feel his touch. As Roszak moved to comfort Carlira, a sense of void could be felt in a distance. Roszak felt totally uneasy and just as he was able to make some sense of the uneasiness, it was too late.

"Carlira!" Roszak shouted as he dived forward taking her into her arms. As Roszak enclosed her with his body, he swirled his body around knocking the projectiles away from their target, hitting a nearby tree with thump-like sounds. Roszak sensed the approaching missiles too late to call up a protective shield around Carlira. Without knowing the type of object that was shot at Carlira, Roszak hoped that the elfen armour he wore was enough to withstand the attack. The elfen armour was one of the many things that Roszak acquired from his time with the elfs. Magic was used in their creation, first when the fabric was made and again when the fabric was woven into clothing. This transformed normal clothing like Roszak outfit, into armour, yet retaining the cloths softness and lightness. The armour had proven to be stronger than any other type of steel armour made by men and is able to deflect low level magical attacks, but most importantly, the armour retained the wearer's agility and strength. Upon hearing the missiles hit the tree, Roszak and Carlira both knew the armour had protected Roszak.

Both of them, then crouched low next to one another, as battle instincts took over their senses. Roszak immediately scanned the surrounding for any close range attackers as Carlira, with her acute elfen senses scanned for long range attackers. Carlira shouted, battle instincts taking over her emotions, "Drajdul! Southeast balcony!". He then turn his sight towards the direction that Carlira has indicated, although having acquired sentallic senses but with the clouds blocking the moons glow, it was too dark for him to pinpoint the Drajdul. Instantly Roszak focus his will, the white of his eyes turned yellow and his pupils enlarged, enabling him to see the humanoid form clawing up the southeastern balcony. As it reached the top of the balcony, it turns its head, faced the Warden and Sentinel and shot itself with a claw stretch forward towards them at a tremendous speed.

Within seconds the Drajdul was upon them.

Roszak instantly, leap backwards and then combine his powers to amplify his leap higher and faster. "Dragon Swept" Roszak sent his thoughts to Carlira. "Timing", Roszak thoughts sped passing his maind, "Focus now", he reminded himself. Taking a deep breath and in a change of a thought, Roszak changed the directino of his force to propel himself directly towards the Drajdul at a speed that blurred his movement. Calira, with years as Roszak first Warden, dived low towards the ground and curled her body into a ball, rolled once, and swiped her legs sideways towards the back while keeping her body low to the ground. Alike Roszak, Calira amplified the force on her legs. The Drajdul caught unprepared, titled its head upwards to locate Roszak, thinking Carlira to roll away from its attack. In that instance, Roszaks' heel homed in on the top of the Drajdul's head, knocking its head towards its chest. Disorientated the Drajdul ran his claw into the ground. As the Drajdul head was knocked forward, the ball of Carlira's feet contacted fully on the Drajdul's face a force that twisted its body around its arm. Losing all sense of control, the Drajdul's body spun and with a loud snapping sound, the body snapped away and lay motionless nest to its arm, still stuck to the ground. Within seconds of losing his life, the blackness that was his skin lifted from the body, lingering momentarily in a grayish mist and with a mournful cry it dissapeared, leaving behind a naked human body with symbols tattooed all over his head.

"Carlira, Drajdul move in numbers, alert the castle!" Roszak shouted as he landed on the ground. Carlira nodded, and as she turned towards the nearrest castle tower, the castle entrance to the garden blew apart with an explosion that lit up the whole night with a yellow-orangy light. A figure inside a bluish sphere was pushed back by the force of the explosion. The flames licked around the blue nimbus protective shield hungrily but never once penetrated the shield. Roszka raised his own shields immeidately, as Carlira jumped and twirled in midair using her armour to deflect fragments of the explosion. When the explosion died, Roszak could see clearly that it was Sivan inside the shield. Before Roszak could warn Sivan not to use magic agianst the Drajdul, Sivan shouted his thoughts back into the castle, "You fools! Don't use your arts" and immediately Sivan threw himself to the ground. A bolt of lightning crackled passed the space vacant by Sivan's body, seconds after he threw himself to the ground. "Damned" Sivan could be heard cursing as he pushed himself back on his feet and ran back into the castle.

"Go!" Roszak waved Carlira to the nearest castle tower as he raced behind Sivan. As he ran towards the castle, flashes of light could be seen coming from the blown entranced. Charging into the castle, Roszak first sight was to find a Drajdul lifting someone up by his head before plunging his crawls into his chest. Roszak could not tell who the person was with the Drajdul's crawls holding his face, but his mind responded one name, "Sivan". Roszak could see the sharp ends protroding out the person's back before the Drajdul clenched his fist and removed its arm from its victim's chest. As the body fell limped, the Drajdul opened his mouth to suck the powers from the lifeless body. A group of War Mages appeared with only their trousers, obviously awaken by the commotion or someone and headed straight to the armory. As they emerge from the left side entrance of the hall, they charged at the drajdul with long-bladed spears. Without turning its head, the Drajdul flund the body towards the four men. The three most front of the group lowered their spears to avoid stabbing the thrown comrade, not knowing that their effort were fruitless and fell back on the ground as the body hit them. The fort side step the falling heap of bodies and as he prepare to attack the Drajdul, he saw Roszak charging in from the blown entrance and quickly noticed that he was unarm. Instead of trying to kill the Drajdul, the War Mage threw the spear directly at Roszak.

As the War Mage threw the spear, the Drajdul turn to face the fourth War Mage. When the Drajdul realised that the spear's target was not itself, the Drajdul turned his head following the direction of the thrown spear. Roszak, seeing the War Mage throwing the spear at him, immediately somersaulted into the air above the spear and grabbed the spear hilt in midair. As he landed onto the ground he leaped towards the Drajdul as he swung the spear in a full arc above his head thrice, twice to gain momentum and at the three swing, Roszak spear hit the Drajdul's neck, decapitating before it had the chance to defend itself. The decapitated body then slumped onto the ground and alike the Drajdul before, the blackness lifted from the body and disappeared into the air. Roszak looked up and saw the War mage that threw himt he spear, Antur, helping his other comrades up and gently lay the died War Mage onto the side of the hall. Roszak recognised the rest of the War Mage, Milor, Bilay and Jickar. "Sivan?" Roszak called to the senior of the four. Antur replied, "No, Sentinel Roszak. Its Victar." Somehow Roszak was relief that the died man wasn't Sivan, and in realising that the danger was still lurking around the castle, Roszak instructed the four of the them to look after the wounded that lay around the hall. Roszak took a second to commend Antur for remembering his lessons. The training of the War mage was always to consider the best of the situation at a whole and against any personal gain, recognitions or rewards. The Order hoped to create warriors of, not only in skill but also in brains. Antur knowing that he may not be able to defeat the Drajdul, thus evaluated that surrendering his weapon to Roszak was the best option available. In that response, Antur had been instilled the teachings of the Order and it had defeated the Drajdul without further casualties. Roszak hoped that the four will be safe in the hall, and if could help it, he will see to it that no more young trainess would die tonight.

At the moment, he heard the tower bells thundered. He then felt a bit more relief knowing that Carlira had made it to the tower and at least the castle is now aware of the unexpected attack from the Drajduls. He then focus on the impending battle with the remaining Drajduls and hope that their kill counts would not be too high. A thought then came to him, "The children", and rushed towards the staircase leading to the first floor in the middle of the hall.

As he rush towards the grand staircase he heard a familiar voice call out from above, "Roszak!". In hearing his name resonating from above, Roszak looked up. Leaning on the 2nd floor railings, dangling his sword, Ricker with his white hair falling all over his face, smiled and let out a breath, "A little late for the party, aren't you?" In seeing the relax form of Ricker, Roszak let down his guard, knowing very well that the danger in the castle has ended.
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