anny woke up to the first ringing of the seventeenth bell. Swinging his legs over the side of the bed, he stepped, bare-footed, onto the cool stone floor. He knew that he didn't have to be up for another hour but he knew he would be unable to go back to sleep; his training had conditioned him to waking at this time. Besides, jumbled thoughts and feelings still haunted him from the night before, his encounter with Sir Syndil had unnerved him.
Chris stirred, sat up and nodded in Danny's direction.
Danny filled him in, giving Chris every confusing detail about his last training session with Sir Syndil. While he was telling Chris the story, his friends began to wake up as well.
"Why can't I go back to sleep," groaned Doug, shifting in the sheets.
By the time the final toll of the seventeenth bell had come and gone, everyone, except for Matt, appeared to be wide-awake.
"Somebody, please wake Matt up," Alonso groaned, as he rubbed his eyes. "If I have to be awake, so does he."
Anthony shrugged and moved over to the edge of Matt's bed. Gripping the side of the mattress, he lifted it upward, overturning both bed and boy, spilling him somewhere beneath in a mound of sheets and blankets.
"What the… what's happening," mumbled Matt from somewhere beneath the heap, causing laughter to erupt from those in the room. The pile of sheets shifted as Matt peeked through, pushing the mattress aside. Still half-asleep, he wiped his eyes, slipped his glasses over his face and reached for his sword. Pulling the blade halfway out, he said, "Who's the newb that did it?"
Everyone pointed accusing fingers at Anthony. Matt followed their gestures and turned an angry eye toward the larger boy.
Anthony stood up straight as if he couldn't care less being the target of Matt's anger. Still dressed in the thin white fabric of his sleeping robes, his massive chest and sizable biceps stretched the cloth taut across his muscular build.
"You guys are such newbs," said Matt, thinking it best that he not confront Anthony as he slipped his sword back into the scabbard.
A resounding fit of laughter ensued in Matt's honor.
All Matt could do was shake his head as he went to work gathering the sheets and straightening his bedding. "Newbs," was all he managed to say in his own defense.
After a good laugh, Danny felt better. It had been some time since he was able to feel free enough to do that, to laugh.
"I'm hungry," said Anthony, a fact that never seemed to amaze anyone.
"Breakfast does sound good right now," agreed Danny.
With that, everyone seemed to agree as they made their way down to the main hall. Finding a long table, they sat down next to the huge fireplace at the far end of the hall. The flames were fresh and toiling, licking the bark of newly-placed wood. A feast awaited them, food stacked high on the table. Anthony filled his plate and then his mouth. Chris followed him, as did the others. A few minutes later, Briza joined the group, finding a seat next to Doug.
"Morning," Doug greeted her, his voice somewhat muffled from the muffin in his mouth.
"If you ever visit Elsmelda, your manners are going to have to improve most drastically," said the she Elf.
Doug swallowed hard, embarrassed.
"Whipped already," said Matt, before finishing off a forkful of eggs.
"What does he mean by whipped?" Briza asked, unfamiliar with the Human expression.
"He is suggesting that, because we've become close, I'm sort of your slave," explained Doug.
"My race does not allow slavery!" Briza said, taking to her feet, motioning toward the hilt of her sword.
Matt allowed himself a slight chuckle as he held his hands before him in a sign of peace. "For living such a long time, you Elves really aren't that bright."
"She hasn't had very much experience interacting with Humans," Doug told him, placing a reassuring hand over Briza's and navigating her away from the sword at her side.
"What does he mean, clarify?" Briza asked, now confused more than angered.
"He's just being stupid, I'll explain later," said Doug before turning on Matt. "Most Elves will never set foot beyond the boundaries of their own borders and are not familiar with Human slang."
"Good to know," said Matt, adjusting his glasses, shrugging.
"Should I be informed that you have slighted me, Squire Mickler, I shall uphold my honor with my blade," said Briza.
"Truly, I meant no offense," Matt said, now a little concerned. "Tell her, Doug."
"I'll explain it to her like you meant it. How she interprets it is completely up to her."
"Speaking of my race, how did your last session with Sir Syndil fare, Squire Firoth?" Briza asked Danny.
Danny suddenly realized that it had been very late when he returned to the barracks the night before. He realized that Briza had yet to hear the tale. However, still somewhat confused by what had transpired, Danny felt more than comfortable recounting the details, if not for Briza, then for his own understanding.
"We dueled," began Danny, "and Sir Syndil tested my progress to the point that I thought he might actually kill me. Yet, I have a feeling that he discovered whatever it was that he sought as far as my… ability is concerned."
"Perhaps, he merely wanted to challenge the Mageknight," said Briza. "Sir Syndil's legendary ability with the blade is always the talk of Elsmelda. A good swordsman strives to pit themselves against stronger opponents, hoping the one to follow will be more skilled than the previous opponent. Maybe, he wanted to face the legend of the Mageknight in order to prove something to himself."
"Perhaps," said Danny, more for everyone else than himself, he still had his doubts.
"What'll you do now, man, knowing that Sir Syndil doesn't have some evil plan in store for you?" Chris asked.
"I don't know."
"Are you going to make yourself known to the King of the Light?" Doug asked.
"I don't think I have much of a choice there. Calador told me that when this was over, he'd see to it firsthand that I did just that."
"You're going to be famous," said Anthony.
"Just don't forget about us, man," joked Chris, thudding his fist lightly against Danny's right shoulder.
Danny's tone turned serious. "I'll still be me. Being the Mageknight won't change who I am. Besides, I still have to pass the true test. The Bonded blade of the Mageknight still remains at the bottom of its resting pool. If you remember, I failed to pull it from the water, just as you did."
"That's true," agreed Alonso. "For all you newbs know, I might be the Mageknight. I think I'll give it another shot. Maybe I'll be able to pull the sword out on my second try."
"Still," interrupted Danny before Alonso could continue any further, "Alamber has yet to return from Elsmelda."
"And there is no word from the magician as of yet," said Calador from the end of the table. All eyes turned to the Elf, shocked that they hadn't heard his approach.
"That's rather rude of you," pointed out Alonso.
"I made no attempt to hide my movements, Squire Martinez," said Calador, standing rigidly.
"Maybe he's been unable to find anything," said Matt.
"That is one of many possibilities, Squire Mickler. Yet, I keep coming back to what you just said about your last lesson with Sir Syndil," the Elf said, turning in Danny's direction, as if to address him alone. "It would be unlike Sir Syndil to give up so easily. However, from what you have told everyone here, you feel as if he has done just that."
"No," said Danny, shaking his head, "I said that it felt like he found what he was searching for. Whatever he wanted from me, I think he found it."
"Forgive me, Squire Firoth, but it does not add up."
Danny felt annoyed. He was beginning to feel that Calador had been manipulating him from the beginning in order to turn him against Sir Syndil. He stood up. At this point, he didn't know whom to believe anymore.
"Are you sure that you're not reading more into this than you should be? That your personal grudge against Sir Syndil isn't clouding your judgment?"
"I told you, from the beginning, that my personal feelings toward Sir Syndil had nothing to do with my involvement in your safety," said Calador, his mood unchanging even in light of Danny's obvious frustration. "My duty as your caretaker is to see to your well-being, by any means necessary. You must forgive me if I refuse to fall short of my responsibility; I believe that this business with Sir Syndil has not yet come to its full fruition."
"Enough!" Danny said, more forcibly than he meant to, causing the majority of those gathered within the hall to turn in his direction. "Enough," he said again, this time in a softer tone. Taking a deep breath, Danny turned away from the table. "I need some fresh air," he said, walking toward the double doors that marked the exit to the first-year barracks.
"Wait up, man."
Danny turned on his friend and held up his hand, palm out. "…Alone."
Chris stopped dead in his tracks, his face wrought with confusion.
Seeing the hurt in his friend's eyes, Danny felt the need to explain. "Thank you, everyone, for your friendship," he said, addressing everyone seated at the table, "but this is my burden. The final duel between Lion Army and Dragon Army begins in about an hour. Save me a seat."
With that, Danny faked a smile and strode off toward the doors, alone as he wished.
Stepping outside, Danny took in a deep whiff as the salty sea air invaded his nostrils, carried on the wings of a soft breeze. Walking forward, he made his way past the barracks of Griffin Army and Horse Army. Some squires lingered outside, getting ready to leave early in order to get a good seat for the final duel. He paid them no heed and walked on. He intended to wish Sabrina luck before she left, however, stopping before the towering construct of the Dragon Army barracks, he figured that he probably wouldn't find her. Without knocking, he knew that no one would answer, the building looked vacant. Dragon Army was in the running to win the Chalice of Light for the third year in a row. There was no doubt that they were preparing in the Great Dome while he stood there.
Danny regretted not telling Sabrina the truth and he knew that if he could turn back time and tell her what he should have, he would. Feeling very alone, he turned down the small alleyway that separated Dragon Army and Rat Army. With no particular destination in mind, he simply walked, allowing his mind to roam completely free, something that had been far beyond him the past few weeks. He walked, not keeping track of time, comfortable in the release it allowed.
Turning a corner, a strong tone announced the first of sixteen bells. Danny panicked, the final duel would begin any minute and he would be late. However, before he could put his legs to good use, he almost gasped as he spotted a flash of orange robes combined with a yellow sash and flowing red hair. Then, just as quick as he'd appeared, the man vanished in a blur of motion, blocked by a high brick wall.
"Alamber," whispered Danny, he quickened his step into an all-out sprint.
Alamber seemed to be heading for the Castle of Light.
"…Alamber!" Danny yelled, as he rounded the stone corner.
A good distance away, a confused Alamber turned with an expression of utter surprise. Perhaps the last person the Half-Elf had thought to encounter was Danny Firoth. Alamber's eyes darted in every conceivable direction. He had the appearance of concern and purpose. Once sure that no one else might surprise him, he motioned Danny over with a wave of the arm.
Speeding up, Danny covered the distance, coming to a sudden stop. "Alamber," he said, his tone rising in question.
"Hush, Squire," said Alamber, holding a finger in front of his lips. "The Dark has a presence here. However, I know not the strength of it yet."
"What are you…" began Danny, he was interrupted as Alamber gripped the cloth covering his neck and hauled him into the nearest alley.
"Be silent, Squire," encouraged Alamber for the second time, as he scanned the immediate area.
Danny held his tongue.
"We are in grave danger," returning his attention back to Danny, once again sure that they were alone. "I must go to the King of the Light to present a warning, and you must get to a safer place. You must go now, go back to the first-year barracks, as quickly as you can." Releasing Danny, Alamber turned back the way he'd come. "Go, now!" he yelled, looking back for the briefest of seconds.
Danny hesitated. "Wait!" he yelled. "What did you discover in Elsmelda?"
Alamber stopped dead in his tracks; he took a deep breath before turning back toward Danny. "The orb you found in Syndil's possession was an ancient artifact used to communicate directly with the Shadow world. We have been betrayed, Danny and Syndil is the betrayer."
"Are you sure?"
"Books do not lie, Danny."
"But Sir Syndil has always been interested in researching Shadows, perhaps he was just examining it."
Alamber shook his head to indicate the opposite. "When you found it, the orb had been used shortly before. I know this because of your description of it. The swirling shades that you described within told me as much. If Syndil hadn't used the device just prior to finding it, the sphere would have appeared completely clear."
Danny shook his head, unable to believe what he was hearing. Sir Syndil had trained him and helped him to improve to a level that he would've never reached without him.
"Why do you defend him so, Danny?"
"I've trained with him individually ever since I arrived here. He helped me."
"He used you. If you are the Mageknight, you will be the sole contributor to the downfall of the Dark. It is written. It would only make sense that he focus his efforts on you if he is conspiring with the Shadows."
Danny suddenly found himself struggling to breathe. He'd never realized that Sir Syndil's betrayal could go so deep.
A distant roaring announced that the final duel between Dragon Army and Lion Army had begun.
"Of course," said Alamber, turning his attention in the direction of the Great Dome, "the duel for the Chalice of Light. Everyone's attention will be focused on the duel." Alamber looked back toward Danny. "It is the perfect time for him to strike. Listen, we are all in grave danger, but you are perhaps in the most danger, Danny. Being the likely candidate to become the Mageknight, Syndil will probably target you."
"But Sir Syndil…"
"Stop calling him Sir. Syndil is no longer a Knight of the Light and should not be addressed by that honor. He has betrayed us all and he must be punished accordingly."
Before Danny could respond, a rapid clang of bells pierced the silence, the rhythm much faster than the usual canter of chimes that announced the hours of the day.
"What's that?" Danny asked, confused, the chime of the sixteenth bell had rung only minutes ago.
"We are undone… I am too late," said Alamber, his one good eye lost to the distance of the twin bell towers.
"What's happening?" Danny asked, raising his voice in an attempt to speak over the continuing clanging of the bells.
"That signal means that the island is under attack. Syndil has made his move."
"What should we do?"
Alamber swiveled back toward Danny. "…We? We will do nothing, Squire. I must see the king now and you will return to the first-year barracks until you are instructed otherwise. Is that clear?"
Danny hesitated.
"Is that clear, Squire?"
"Yes," Danny said, reluctantly.
"Promise me that you will do as you are ordered."
"I promise," Danny lied, yet again.
"Now go." With that, Alamber turned and disappeared around the corner in a dash.
Moving in the opposite direction, Danny picked up his step; the ringing of the alarm coincided with the increasing beat of his heart.
Now where to? he thought as he exited the alley between two large brick buildings.
Suddenly he heard, a loud bang that mimicked a thunderclap, it was coming from somewhere to his left, it shook the ground beneath his feet. Seconds later, a billowing plume of black smoke swirled into the air, marking the location of the carnage, it was near the middle of the island.
Without another thought, Danny picked up the pace. Over the past few months, his training had prepared him for just this situation, or so he thought. His legs moved at a steady tempo. With his right hand on the hilt of his sword, he navigated the twisting turns of the city. However, nothing could've prepared him for what he would come across as he turned the corner.
He stopped dead in his tracks. Not three feet from him, a short, robust Dwarf lay, face-down and still, his fiery red hair in a tangled mess and his steel plate armor soiled with a mixture of dirt and blood.
Kneeling down, Danny grunted as he eased the old Dwarf onto his back, revealing a pair of blue eyes that looked weakly up at him. Danny recognized the Dwarf, it was Sir Bartlett Firebeard, Master of the Forge.
"Me… Bonded, lad," groaned the Forgemaster.
Danny scanned the area, he noticed the red glint of a hammer head indented halfway into the nearby stone. Leaving the Dwarf's side, he put both hands upon the handle but he pulled back as the flesh of his hands began to burn from the surprise heat that the silver pommel radiated.
Sir Bartlett allowed himself a low rumbling chuckle that turned into a fit of coughing. "'Tis hot, lad… use the sleeves of ya robes," he managed to say in between fits of pain.
Danny wrapped the thick fabric of his robes around his hands. Gripping the heft of the hammer a second time, he could still feel the heat emanating from beneath the covering. Giving it a quick tug, he discovered that the hammer was wedged deeper into the stone than he'd first anticipated.
"What happened?" he asked, bracing his foot against the rock, forcing the hammer free.
"'…Twas Syndil, dat snake. Joined da Dark, he has," managed Sir Bartlett as he struggled to prop himself up on his elbows and scoot his back toward the wall of the nearby building.
Danny grunted, the hammer proved heavier than he'd thought possible. Grunting again, he hauled it to his shoulder and carried it to Sir Bartlett as he lay slumped against the stone.
"Give er here, lad," croaked the Dwarf.
Danny hesitated for a moment, wondering if the Dwarf could handle such a heavy object in his condition.
"Here," ordered Sir Bartlett again, raising his right hand to receive his Bonded.
Figuring he had little choice, Danny lowered the hammer to its master.
The Forgemaster took the hammer bare-handed, the heat of the handle was apparently of no consequence. Wielding the weighty weapon as he would a common twig, Sir Bartlett spun the hammer downward. The glowing red steel met the stone of the road, causing a series of scarlet sparks. Putting his weight upon the handle, he propped himself up and made ready to stand.
"I owe ya an apology, lad."
"Just . . . take it easy," said Danny, slipping a helping hand beneath the old Dwarf's arm to help him up.
"I could na stop him!" Sir Bartlett said, slamming his hammer into the stone for emphasis. The head of the hammer burned with a sudden burst of crimson light, as if the weapon itself reflected the Forgemaster's innermost feelings.
"You did your best, now just try not to move so much," comforted Danny, concerned, a few of the Dwarf's wounds had opened up and were beginning to bleed anew.
"No, lad, ya do na understand," said Sir Bartlett, shaking his head. "Da ya remember when I told ya that ya name sounded familiar?"
Danny nodded in an attempt to keep the Dwarf from expending too much energy.
"On dis here day, I just remembered, Syndil has stolen da Bonded dat contains da soul of ya fatha and I allowed him ta take it."
"What're you saying?"
"Ya be Lightborn, lad. Ya fatha was a Knight o da Light."
"No," said Danny, confused as he stepped back. "My father was a soldier in the military. He died over seas, he was a hero."
Sir Bartlett braced himself against the stone. "Aye, lad, a hero and a soldier, but a knight he was too."
"Why would he have kept this from me?"
"Ta protect ya, lad."
"Sabrina told me what a Bonded was. It contains the essence of the knight placed within it. So, my father is still alive."
In the distance, a loud boom drew the knight and the squire's attention. Danny realized that the sound seemed much louder and closer than the first time.
"Father," whispered Danny, taking a series of steps toward the noise of battle.
"No, Squire Firoth, it does na work dat way. Ya father is gone, lad. Whatever remains in da shell of a Bonded isn't what it was before. It'll be ya fatha's energy sure enough, but it will not a be him."
"It doesn't matter," said Danny, his eyes remaining focused on the distant plume of black smoke. "I have to save him."
"Ya are no match fa Syndil, lad. Ya be but a squire. Let the Knights o da Light handle dis."
"No," said Danny, turning, he eyed Sir Bartlett with a new-found confidence. "I'm more than just a squire. I'm the Mageknight." He turned away from the bewildered Dwarf and disappeared around the corner, intending to put right what Syndil had wronged.