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?380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6enHlV9MN
“Tenna, is there a magic which can track movements?” I asked.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdWE7Iz6icM
“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.” 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ6qdyFnzQA
“How about creating something like that?”380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡww2EEKIzr4
“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.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ33qb8wHj8t
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.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVxxK2HfCWt
“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.”380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9XqCWVCW01
Her expression was serious, but also sad. It might be our last time meeting.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3JEcnMSVEJ
As if…380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡucmPc36ol0
“I can’t and won’t do that, I promised your mother to protect you.”380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE73XBSrZVh
Her eyes grew wide in surprise. Of course they would, I called the Empress mother after all.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUOGnqhgKVj
“N-no, you don’t understand!”380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡItngkx4BxR
I cut in before she could finish.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGOY3PEQsvF
“I might not be as strong as you, but I still have a favour to repay you. Besides, I would never leave you behind.”380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUg4Z1aAYpi
I came across a little weird, but my feelings were set in stone. I wanted to protect her at all cost.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXEs5dqEhFG
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?380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvzcpa1iZon
“They are trying to induce fear in us.” I said.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSNpYtJ5m1U
“What do you mean?” Asked Tenna.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiTzOGWOKVZ
“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.”380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLl04mppRVr
“Even if they were to do that, what if reinforcements arrive?”380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa2l9xYSo9E
“I think they are still tracking us somehow and if we tried to get any help they would instantly attack.” I explained.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJTXQgAjkuY
Silence fell upon us until a dwarf with a breaded beard broke it.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX4vFg9JI56
“Excellent insight Tousa, you have the qualities of a leader.” Said Durin while stroking his beard.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfBAWiEjgY
We went over every information with him too. Now he wore dwarven armour fitting of a king. 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5fD4oF9ezo
He stroked his white beard in thought, but didn’t seem to get further as we.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoQ2walWzDK
“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.”380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxM5aVbnGGL
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.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS3jMQDpFmF
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.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUqw3itdPFL
We entered the tunnel and sat down close to the entrance.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXPhjtmpQ4m
“H-hey Tousa…C-could I rest my head on your shoulder?” asked Tenna slightly flustered.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKRZHgf3LoA
“U-um sure, I don’t mind.”380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUVlghiLBmn
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. 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqLMrvPtbS
I didn’t say anything, after all my nerves weren’t in a better shape and her warmth comforted me. 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZW2PUOc5X0
A slight smile appeared on her face as she dosed off and shortly I followed too.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡixxRIq4wMt
“Tousa! Tousa!”380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡczFMGDbLHz
The same figure as my inner self was calling to me. He looked older now, but I could tell it was him.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbCZevePdfC
“Tousa! Wake up, Tousa!”380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtoUMvKjwqe
I jumped awake when I realised the voice was actually female.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuFapkkLGm0
“A-are we under attack already?” I asked in panic.
“No, but they started moving, so come, get up.” 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsYA2rfojcg
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.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC8wQVq0SDS
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.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaPwSxqyI85
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.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx2TXvqh7MK
“Firee!!”380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEHeJm6Oqve
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. 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwzG7GoPuTw
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.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFveP9c9GoR
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.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡESQLwGVmAU
“Hyagh! More are coming, do not let your guard down!” 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh6QTHefoSn
The demonic beings roared in response staying valiant at her orders.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGisTbNAqhI
Soon the next wave came with double the soldiers.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJpCzcAfEo2
“Frigeo!”380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrYZYhEqxkr
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.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjAbEhrdZCm
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.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeGdtk68blK
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.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCgr9C479Cn
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.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnbfhSFIG82
Behind the shining helmet I certainly could feel a ghastly aura. He was strong, way stronger than us.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8o3M3mHw66
“Tenna!” I cried out but she realised his presence too.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡswYiURVY12
Suddenly he stopped and just watched the fight unfold. 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEMKaqMYbzs
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.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCfjZgqEMsn
That is when I felt it, pure bloodlust and evil. The ground started shaking and an incredible shockwave blow me away.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKor6uBRtX
I took the full blunt of Ken’o’s attack.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDn0ypSLXTW
“Tousaaa!!!” Tenna cried out, her voice filled with despair and anger.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9FlPBk8dEh
She instantly leaped towards the menacing knight only to get easily parried. She flew back towards my now unconscious self.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVV7QvP0pEd
I kill him! I will kill this abhorrent scum!!380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi5NhxCwXBM
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. 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIg2lMVi2S0
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.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaOpIu3NzGt
Thrusting his great sword forward I had no choice left.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu7ZH8p4uo6
For my beloved!380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfTTmbdCkjb
I clenched my teeth and leaped with all my might, the next moment a sharp and great pain struck my stomach. 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSRGPGcsBGP
A direct hit.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeUlSkQ3JQr
“Ha ha haa! What a lovely sight! Even an insect like you can act a little human. You disgust me, diee!!”380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLduEVMTKh
He trusted his sword deeper into my wound and the world slowly faded away in front of me.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq5wwofeLOp
I… I am… s-sorry…380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFG5kpGmLIV
“Is this how durable demons really are?” called a female voice.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9eLdMTBPRS
“W-where am I?!”380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91T0Q3VkwE
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.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZClDHD2Rd
“You are in your mind Tenna. You will die.”380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtHHBJ2qMd9
“W-what? B-but, oh right…” I remembered what just happened.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQ1dwDfOdG
“Aren’t you incredibly selfish?” said the beautiful woman.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSjfCepKIsp
“Wh-what do you mean?”380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0PgZJp0LDF
“You jumped in to save your loved one and now you leave him to his death?”380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlmLeyZpxJQ
“B-but I am not strong enough! You said it yourself, I will die.”380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGcj4r3NPc4
“Yes, you will, you alone are not strong. But you are only a part of us.”380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFtnMdwfZw8
“Us? I am a dem-…”380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxLnVQxQEN3
“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!”380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCSabIAeUHw
“I-I don’t understand…”380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPoWRstX8uL
The woman grabbed my hands and pulled me into a hug.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMIFdzVTi5f
“What do you want the most?”380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKxYHBrMdZt
“Huh?”380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy3d9EitQhN
“Why did you want sacrifice yourself?”380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVWwOyWLAp
“I… I want to save him!”380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3JQinuLXw3
“Then let us do right that.”
“Let go you stinking scum! How long do you want to grab onto my blade!”380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBBQpZoXPLR
“Amans…”380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQkkO7UQHLv
“Huh? What are you mum-!”380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZlF8xSQt5S
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.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡegEPlYgjlg
Durin watched this unfolding and couldn’t believe his eyes.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRqWPqm7vD1
“T-this is… ancient elven magic!! But how?!”380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72Fx27HdO2
Tenna grabbed Ken’o’s great sword and slowly pulled it out of her abdomen. 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ73DatIKbEC
“Don’t… don’t… DON’T YOU DARE TO TOUCH MY BELOVED!!!!!”380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjaDKZ1tKWE
The magical energy around her surged to an even greater height, Ken’o was mortified by the sight.
380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1tLTnXrUXi
“Amans Exsuperabilis!!!!” Tenna cried out finally.
380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9RGyeET2Gx
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.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ64NmcwVRsW
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.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4zbZd3FJH8
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.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCBf5sP3Auo
“Wake up, Tousa.”380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeU2Rw4lFEL
I warm and somewhat deep voice called out to me. Slowly I opened my eyes, but my vision was still a little blurry.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqfR6CPzBhv
“Wake up, you still have someone to protect.”380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIjJ1NEV8HU
That is right, Tenna is fighting alone, but I am powerless.
“You have to wake up, she is in danger.”380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZR48kaHtNJ
Danger? No, I can’t help her even if I managed to wake up.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlL7FYgfoCt
“You can save her, you know. She is fighting for your sake.”380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJzM3hdNdNu
Save her? Save her… Yes, I must save her!380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcTKQl4GZ4g
I slowly got up, my body had a terrible wound. I took an almost direct hit after all.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3yoai2KofX
I looked around and I was in that space again. Before me stood the now adult boy whom I saw.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV7uFbFEsiq
“Good, you finally got up my son.” he said smiling.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4gkoB424g8
“S-son?”380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlRPz3U96It
“Ha ha, don’t worry about it. Now go and save your beloved.”380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkuGwTv7UPG
“B-beloved?!”380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0a7JM7GpVV
“Isn’t she important to you?”380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfq08QyYkTv
“W-well…”380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrKjfufVxB8
She certainly is, I stayed here because of her.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcN7inQM9ti
“I lend you a hand, but it will cost a lot. Your body is already beyond its limits.”380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQ2v8tMBSf
“I don’t care.” I answered with determination.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy13ZzR07Rh
“Very well, go and call upon one of the most ancient magic. I will be with you.”380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2sRJCumUcZ
“Thank you father.”380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡclgL5ju0r0
He was a little surprised, but smiled with joy.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu4PHXYFXPo
The world around me returned to normal. I tried to get up, but the pain was unbearable. Blood dripped from my wound. 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPryBZNKLod
“Not yet!”380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgW7Wk6PNA9
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. 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyi6ZTuKzIu
She really is a Halfling, huh.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFi8ZmHUmzX
“Tenna! Get baack!”380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZqrVBAbQk
Ken’o looked in my direction, but his face distorted at the sight.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzpGe9BhHwF
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. 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8uuDWC9RVz
“Scum like you, should be burnt alive!”380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx1nhPXfUQF
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.
380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZWNTxGd0H
“Negatum Atrax: FLAMMA STELA!”
380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMUEADEU6vZ
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. 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmXfP9zVcG3
380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsSlUMHwLXz
