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?302Please respect copyright.PENANANK2NDJYgTP
“Tenna, is there a magic which can track movements?” I asked.302Please respect copyright.PENANAWij6S2kcbs
“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.” 302Please respect copyright.PENANAY6sgKO92wg
“How about creating something like that?”302Please respect copyright.PENANA3krUBddjiU
“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.302Please respect copyright.PENANAAZPmuAX02X
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.302Please respect copyright.PENANADpJq2a3obq
“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.”302Please respect copyright.PENANAhKuZM2eOW6
Her expression was serious, but also sad. It might be our last time meeting.302Please respect copyright.PENANAl39xoJa6Ww
As if…302Please respect copyright.PENANAstRGPNCp8B
“I can’t and won’t do that, I promised your mother to protect you.”302Please respect copyright.PENANAbgu2kxrvBr
Her eyes grew wide in surprise. Of course they would, I called the Empress mother after all.302Please respect copyright.PENANAoq2ytaLZuk
“N-no, you don’t understand!”302Please respect copyright.PENANAjNblEJiIFl
I cut in before she could finish.302Please respect copyright.PENANATqIg7I3UiB
“I might not be as strong as you, but I still have a favour to repay you. Besides, I would never leave you behind.”302Please respect copyright.PENANAJdsrkGQjN5
I came across a little weird, but my feelings were set in stone. I wanted to protect her at all cost.302Please respect copyright.PENANApYxqZufANK
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?302Please respect copyright.PENANASIesWT4dcz
“They are trying to induce fear in us.” I said.302Please respect copyright.PENANAY4cM2a8oyg
“What do you mean?” Asked Tenna.302Please respect copyright.PENANAeiHSZSns1V
“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.”302Please respect copyright.PENANAQpiB8EDpm7
“Even if they were to do that, what if reinforcements arrive?”302Please respect copyright.PENANAIjmrkpMGYr
“I think they are still tracking us somehow and if we tried to get any help they would instantly attack.” I explained.302Please respect copyright.PENANAimxJbSjGCp
Silence fell upon us until a dwarf with a breaded beard broke it.302Please respect copyright.PENANAb54ngY9xy1
“Excellent insight Tousa, you have the qualities of a leader.” Said Durin while stroking his beard.302Please respect copyright.PENANAB22VyGrizZ
We went over every information with him too. Now he wore dwarven armour fitting of a king. 302Please respect copyright.PENANADwhJmAFEsY
He stroked his white beard in thought, but didn’t seem to get further as we.302Please respect copyright.PENANAULZ8rSIcpY
“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.”302Please respect copyright.PENANAdxZ9JBXAqb
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.302Please respect copyright.PENANASgxzVq9iu6
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.302Please respect copyright.PENANAEmsPdOB3Dw
We entered the tunnel and sat down close to the entrance.302Please respect copyright.PENANAB5GUhkVpEV
“H-hey Tousa…C-could I rest my head on your shoulder?” asked Tenna slightly flustered.302Please respect copyright.PENANA7UjwJYjDAY
“U-um sure, I don’t mind.”302Please respect copyright.PENANAcn9L6e1aGV
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. 302Please respect copyright.PENANADsdNQ9XPqV
I didn’t say anything, after all my nerves weren’t in a better shape and her warmth comforted me. 302Please respect copyright.PENANAE8D8uJRc1E
A slight smile appeared on her face as she dosed off and shortly I followed too.302Please respect copyright.PENANA7ZaH6kGGsa
“Tousa! Tousa!”302Please respect copyright.PENANANGpTTuSLFY
The same figure as my inner self was calling to me. He looked older now, but I could tell it was him.302Please respect copyright.PENANAHX02rDEydX
“Tousa! Wake up, Tousa!”302Please respect copyright.PENANA1txebPq3Ij
I jumped awake when I realised the voice was actually female.302Please respect copyright.PENANAiHCxH6qCCw
“A-are we under attack already?” I asked in panic.
“No, but they started moving, so come, get up.” 302Please respect copyright.PENANAx3ZY6rAXaV
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.302Please respect copyright.PENANAAiUjRlcoe3
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.302Please respect copyright.PENANAcE12i2OFrv
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.302Please respect copyright.PENANA7m3yIU0YC8
“Firee!!”302Please respect copyright.PENANADcXGAE3bDX
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. 302Please respect copyright.PENANAXc7o9N2pz8
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.302Please respect copyright.PENANAWIfwGxqnbd
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.302Please respect copyright.PENANA75xRiJGKAR
“Hyagh! More are coming, do not let your guard down!” 302Please respect copyright.PENANAYnbZ6PuUU0
The demonic beings roared in response staying valiant at her orders.302Please respect copyright.PENANA5BM1MTotW7
Soon the next wave came with double the soldiers.302Please respect copyright.PENANAwZK2tQ7HGh
“Frigeo!”302Please respect copyright.PENANAfD59vkgGnL
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.302Please respect copyright.PENANAtlXDcvFJ1r
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.302Please respect copyright.PENANAQEeoOr9JDy
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.302Please respect copyright.PENANAQoFl9AwX1u
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.302Please respect copyright.PENANAIRi70awxXf
Behind the shining helmet I certainly could feel a ghastly aura. He was strong, way stronger than us.302Please respect copyright.PENANAGVoKR6hV0P
“Tenna!” I cried out but she realised his presence too.302Please respect copyright.PENANA0jkYOrA5fb
Suddenly he stopped and just watched the fight unfold. 302Please respect copyright.PENANAWWmXoOMlEp
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.302Please respect copyright.PENANAVOBb6E7XZt
That is when I felt it, pure bloodlust and evil. The ground started shaking and an incredible shockwave blow me away.302Please respect copyright.PENANA8h5uyJFYsj
I took the full blunt of Ken’o’s attack.302Please respect copyright.PENANA9aWcUyRkhI
“Tousaaa!!!” Tenna cried out, her voice filled with despair and anger.302Please respect copyright.PENANA415Ag6g75q
She instantly leaped towards the menacing knight only to get easily parried. She flew back towards my now unconscious self.302Please respect copyright.PENANA0HyExsp9Hw
I kill him! I will kill this abhorrent scum!!302Please respect copyright.PENANAbJ3VmcgDfx
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. 302Please respect copyright.PENANAdkIKnkJA3I
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.302Please respect copyright.PENANAGN6M1GaWR6
Thrusting his great sword forward I had no choice left.302Please respect copyright.PENANAA75oVqfd4R
For my beloved!302Please respect copyright.PENANAaUHkqAzFtz
I clenched my teeth and leaped with all my might, the next moment a sharp and great pain struck my stomach. 302Please respect copyright.PENANA7xb8v8yPSi
A direct hit.302Please respect copyright.PENANAZHLCudkAK6
“Ha ha haa! What a lovely sight! Even an insect like you can act a little human. You disgust me, diee!!”302Please respect copyright.PENANAiFG8RUzIQS
He trusted his sword deeper into my wound and the world slowly faded away in front of me.302Please respect copyright.PENANAMjy0In3S6U
I… I am… s-sorry…302Please respect copyright.PENANAVdxljar0Ps
“Is this how durable demons really are?” called a female voice.302Please respect copyright.PENANAnFCpLQyPdE
“W-where am I?!”302Please respect copyright.PENANAkAclR98zZC
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.302Please respect copyright.PENANA4RhdvJwDM2
“You are in your mind Tenna. You will die.”302Please respect copyright.PENANAoYAaWTwF4g
“W-what? B-but, oh right…” I remembered what just happened.302Please respect copyright.PENANAJ6iKUAve6l
“Aren’t you incredibly selfish?” said the beautiful woman.302Please respect copyright.PENANA2OCX14hFKh
“Wh-what do you mean?”302Please respect copyright.PENANAUdII3zKN4t
“You jumped in to save your loved one and now you leave him to his death?”302Please respect copyright.PENANA98FumDPpPY
“B-but I am not strong enough! You said it yourself, I will die.”302Please respect copyright.PENANA4QLWbfz8uE
“Yes, you will, you alone are not strong. But you are only a part of us.”302Please respect copyright.PENANADqonlDgQCS
“Us? I am a dem-…”302Please respect copyright.PENANAkcSVP9iF4u
“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!”302Please respect copyright.PENANAUZA2iSU1HG
“I-I don’t understand…”302Please respect copyright.PENANAZtAtMVLy6d
The woman grabbed my hands and pulled me into a hug.302Please respect copyright.PENANAWQ3UWDiDFU
“What do you want the most?”302Please respect copyright.PENANALPMu5xWTm0
“Huh?”302Please respect copyright.PENANAjk0U6j9YWy
“Why did you want sacrifice yourself?”302Please respect copyright.PENANAXMVXzbiINj
“I… I want to save him!”302Please respect copyright.PENANAafEuEG0jIH
“Then let us do right that.”
“Let go you stinking scum! How long do you want to grab onto my blade!”302Please respect copyright.PENANATTeeLPz2ac
“Amans…”302Please respect copyright.PENANAq3lRzmhA3s
“Huh? What are you mum-!”302Please respect copyright.PENANAAPfby1k9QT
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.302Please respect copyright.PENANAsgmpvtCygC
Durin watched this unfolding and couldn’t believe his eyes.302Please respect copyright.PENANAi8qHgPI5NK
“T-this is… ancient elven magic!! But how?!”302Please respect copyright.PENANAcyEy8OEU6f
Tenna grabbed Ken’o’s great sword and slowly pulled it out of her abdomen. 302Please respect copyright.PENANAUKeKA0Ejji
“Don’t… don’t… DON’T YOU DARE TO TOUCH MY BELOVED!!!!!”302Please respect copyright.PENANA6UhE4PQEU9
The magical energy around her surged to an even greater height, Ken’o was mortified by the sight.
302Please respect copyright.PENANASNkqKPnPkE
“Amans Exsuperabilis!!!!” Tenna cried out finally.
302Please respect copyright.PENANAxx9IzlW6F9
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.302Please respect copyright.PENANA7dh9Xjd6KL
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.302Please respect copyright.PENANAMEyInyfWbp
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.302Please respect copyright.PENANAo4QwqKeIUo
“Wake up, Tousa.”302Please respect copyright.PENANAfQiXyA0Ic7
I warm and somewhat deep voice called out to me. Slowly I opened my eyes, but my vision was still a little blurry.302Please respect copyright.PENANA2v4OUhh3Nh
“Wake up, you still have someone to protect.”302Please respect copyright.PENANAlLv6gnkNCc
That is right, Tenna is fighting alone, but I am powerless.
“You have to wake up, she is in danger.”302Please respect copyright.PENANAmeiTCumRHW
Danger? No, I can’t help her even if I managed to wake up.302Please respect copyright.PENANAsznteeU0lc
“You can save her, you know. She is fighting for your sake.”302Please respect copyright.PENANAaIoyjTdImr
Save her? Save her… Yes, I must save her!302Please respect copyright.PENANAGvyUZQ8PDq
I slowly got up, my body had a terrible wound. I took an almost direct hit after all.302Please respect copyright.PENANAS8ZmRI1GgA
I looked around and I was in that space again. Before me stood the now adult boy whom I saw.302Please respect copyright.PENANASxulZCKB5W
“Good, you finally got up my son.” he said smiling.302Please respect copyright.PENANALGV84KHUOx
“S-son?”302Please respect copyright.PENANASrLZkf5ESM
“Ha ha, don’t worry about it. Now go and save your beloved.”302Please respect copyright.PENANALV3SkoCeiW
“B-beloved?!”302Please respect copyright.PENANAzGAmzmakUs
“Isn’t she important to you?”302Please respect copyright.PENANApeMxEXiZiA
“W-well…”302Please respect copyright.PENANANDBrJ6lg6W
She certainly is, I stayed here because of her.302Please respect copyright.PENANAycAHeFflo0
“I lend you a hand, but it will cost a lot. Your body is already beyond its limits.”302Please respect copyright.PENANAs0GhMbptLB
“I don’t care.” I answered with determination.302Please respect copyright.PENANA9lUfUgPPz9
“Very well, go and call upon one of the most ancient magic. I will be with you.”302Please respect copyright.PENANAbfoQGjWfWZ
“Thank you father.”302Please respect copyright.PENANAC5H34NOUB9
He was a little surprised, but smiled with joy.302Please respect copyright.PENANAakvmDz6qvr
The world around me returned to normal. I tried to get up, but the pain was unbearable. Blood dripped from my wound. 302Please respect copyright.PENANAXXZHLOS9py
“Not yet!”302Please respect copyright.PENANAsRCt7Uz5Wy
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. 302Please respect copyright.PENANA87vRUvhLFr
She really is a Halfling, huh.302Please respect copyright.PENANAqJO8itVGxs
“Tenna! Get baack!”302Please respect copyright.PENANAfzSRlMhSR7
Ken’o looked in my direction, but his face distorted at the sight.302Please respect copyright.PENANAe0LITr7Jy8
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. 302Please respect copyright.PENANA5DRPwJMjj0
“Scum like you, should be burnt alive!”302Please respect copyright.PENANAIhTDCyuXxl
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.
302Please respect copyright.PENANAFRhMPZa2MZ
“Negatum Atrax: FLAMMA STELA!”
302Please respect copyright.PENANAZiAeHpBNVK
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. 302Please respect copyright.PENANAlexQiudm8b
302Please respect copyright.PENANAEs4eHuEHl0