PROLOGUE
Greetings traveler, and prepare yourself for adventure. I am the bard and I will take you through the mists of time to a land of magic and mayhem, wizards and warriors, orcs and goblins. I shall take you to the land of Deira, ruled by Ling Ashra, to observe the exploits of one calledOrion: the best of warriors and the worst of men. Orion was captain of the king's army and possessed handsome features, strength unparalleled, and courage unmatched. One would believe that Orion would be the envy of every person alive, but, alas, he was feared and hated by men for this warrior was consumed with ungodly arrogance and intense ferocity. Orion believed himself blessed by God and believed anyone less fortunate was being punished by God. Thus, Orion constantly berated the poor folk of the kingdom, calling them "worthless rats." On the field of battle, Orion was a bloodthirsty animal, for victory, to him, meant total destruction of the enemy and woe to the man who met him in battle, for Orion would not leave him alive. The sins of the guilty shall be revisited upon the guilty and Orion came upon his punishment while traveling through Borenshire Woods one morn. Come with me and visit that fateful day.
Borenshire Woods is a peaceful area located to the west of the kingdom and is considered sacred ground for knights as it was here that Saint Eric, the patron saint of the knights, disappeared centuries ago. Once a year every knight is required to make a pilgrimage to his shrine and thank Saint Eric for being blessed a knight. Orion arrived at the shrine and began to thank Eric in these words:
"Saint Eric, I thank the Lord through you that I have been dubbed knight. I have truly been blessed for my wealth, strength, and courage are greater than any man's. I also thank God through you for giving me strength to crush my enemies into powder and ask for a real army for the one I command lacks the stomach to do what is necessary to win."
"Eh, is there someone there in the woods, " an elderly voice rasped.
"Who goes there?"
"A harmless old man, good sir knight. Please, I am starving and have no money, so I beg a boon of thee."
"Leave old man. If you are in need then you are being punished by the Almighty. Go and beg for forgiveness."
"I have not offended the Lord. These are rough times for all and I am unable to work."
"Fie! You are lazy and nothing more. Away from me."
"Please sir, just a kaputnik," the man begged grabbing onto the knight's leg.
"I said AWAY!!" Orion snarled and kicked the man off his leg, mounted his horse and began to ride away.
"STOP!!!" a voice clapped like thunder and Orion's horse bucked the knight to the ground.
Orion quickly drew his sword, prepared to vent his anger on the old man. However, where the old man once stood, there was now a tall, youthful man in his place. The newcomer had a boyish face, blonde hair flowing to his shoulders, and was clothed in white armor. In his hand the man held a shield emblazoned with a dove and Orion knew that it was Saint Eric and fell, quaking at his feet.
"S-S-Saint Eric, I did not know it was you, please forgive me."
"Forgive you?! Would you have forgiven that old man? Thou thinks he is better than all men. True, you were blessed by the Lord but you have forsaken His generosity. You spit on those less fortunate, yet they are children of God as well. You slaughter men in combat and then thank God for your viciousness. Orion, you are a miserable wretch and our Heavenly Father bids me tell you that you shall never enter Heaven as punishment."
"No-o-o! Please, I beg of you another chance."
"As you sowed, so have you reaped," declared the saint and he vanished.
Orion buried his face in his hands and wept. After hours of sobbing he
made his way deeper into the woods and never came out.
PROLOGUE 2
A year passed following Orion's disappearance and, rapidly, the knight became a bad memory. Upon the passing of that year something strange occurred. Beyond the realm of the kingdom lies Forbidden Forest: a dank, ugly wood which nobody enters for fear of death and mystical happenings. On this day a dark cloud began to slide in from the forest and made its way to Deira, plunging the land in darkness. The king summoned his wise men and questioned them as to what was happening.
"It is magic, my liege, chaotic magic."
"What shall be done my wise men."
"The source of the magic must be destroyed."
Thus, King Ashra assembled his bravest knights at the gate of the castle, preparing a strike on Forbidden Forest. Suddenly, the gate was blown in with such a force that the king and his men were thrown from their steeds. Two figures walked into the courtyard of the castle. One was a spindly man, wearing a gray cloak with hair of matching color. His face carried the look of authority with his thin lips curled into a sinister sneer. The stranger's eyes were most disturbing as their grayness burned with the feverish glow of madness. The stranger's companion was a powerful looking knight, clad in black armor. Aside from that, nothing could be ascertained for he kept his face hidden with a visor.
"Who art thou?" queried the king.
"I am called, Mordamir, the wizard of chaos."
"Mordamir!!" gasped the king.
Legends were told of the evil wizard Mordamir, a man who was once the student of Merlin. Upon turning his studies to chaotic magic, Mordamir quickly went insane and Merlin was forced to banish him from the land. One of the king's knights tried to attack Mordamir, but Mordamir's knight drew a hefty, black broadsword and shattered the knight's blade. The Black Knight raised his blade to strike the fallen knight but Mordamir prevented that from happening.
"I so detest violence. Besides, there are easier ways of eliminating pests," said Mordamir with a wave of his hand. The knights disappeared leaving the king alone to face Mordamir.
"Where are my men?" demanded the king.
"Do not fear, your majesty for you will soon be joining them in limbo. I merely wanted to see if you would surrender your kingdom first."
"I will not."
"I thought as much," sneered Mordamir making the king vanish.
"Come my friend, it is time to. . .redecorate our new home."
Chapter One
Orion was oblivious as to the events happening in his former home. Since the fateful encounter with Saint Eric, Orion had settled in the middle of Borenshire Woods leading a dismal life. He scrounged what food he could from the land and was reduced to wearing rags, incessantly mourning his condition. One night, upon falling asleep during another bout of tears, Orion had a very strange dream. He dreamed he was walking down a long hallway filled with mirrors which showed past events from his life in which he was slaughtering foes on the battlefield. Orion turned his face away, shocked at his violence. But his attention was quickly drawn to a mirror at the end of the hallway. It was a strange mirror, gilded in gold, with glass that vibrated as if made of water. Orion could not resist from touching his reflection and the glass rippled, changing his reflection into an image of his past self. Orion's reflection began to stare at him and emitted an eerie laugh. The mirror Orion's hands lunged through the glass pulling the original inside. Orion fell for an eternity and then landed in Deira, where he gazed in astonishment at the altered state of the kingdom. Most of the homes had been burned to the ground and those that survived had completely rotted away. Orion hurried to the castle only to find that it had completely collapsed, except for the area where the throne room was located. Orion cautiously opened the door and was greeted by the image of a man with slate-gray eyes which burned with insanity. The man let loose a thunderous laughtdoor and slammed the door in Orion's face. The landscape underwent another metamorphosis, now it was the shrine of Saint Eric and the saint stood there as if he were waiting for someone. Casting his eye upon Orion, Saint Eric spoke to him.
"Orion, thou hast been granted a chance at redemption. Journey to the Rainbow Waterfall and find Adriana. She will aid you in your quest."
Orion awoke with a start and was amazed to find himself girded in his armor, which was polished as new.
"The Rainbow Waterfall?" Orion muttered.
According to legend, this waterfall had been touched by the first rainbow, created when God promised never to flood the world again. Ever since that time, the waters flowed all colors of the bow. Orion immediately set out for the fall and, upon a day's journey, alighted onto the fall's area. He looked around for any clue as to the whereabouts of Adriana and his gaze was drawn to the colors of the waterfall where he noticed a crevice in the wall behind the fall. It was a treacherous trek, but Orion scaled down the cliff and made his way into the crack. Inside the crevice stood a simple shack and Orion entered. Inside the shack, a fire had been prepared and Orion moved to the comforting warmth. On the table, a meal had been prepared and Orion stared at it hungrily. In answer to his thoughts, a woman's voice suddenly bid him, "Sit and eat." Orion took a seat and began to satiate his hunger and slake his thirst. While he was eating, an elderly buxom woman dressed in peasant clothes seated herself across from Orion.
"Are you Adriana?" asked Orion incredulous.
"Why do you seem so surprised?"
"Because you're a peasant woman. How can someone from low surroundings help a knight?"
"Orion, why do you judge by appearance? You know nothing of me, yet believe that I can be of little value. It is not one's station in life that is important, but the condition of one's soul. When you were a knight, did you not go to chapel? Do you not know sacred Scripture? The mother of our Lord was but a simple woman, yet she was raised above all mankind."
Orion was silenced by this speech and Adriana continued.
"I know that you had a strange dream and wish to understand its meaning. The images in the mirrors represent your violent way of life while the reaction of your reflection represents the cruel way you have treated people. The face you saw in the throne room is the dark wizard, Mordamir, who has conquered the kingdom. In order to redeem yourself, you must destroy Mordamir and do one thing more: find a new way of life. One that is humble and peaceful."
"But being a knight is all I know. What is this new way?"
"You will know it Orion. However, I can tell you this: the only weapon potent enough to defeat Mordamir is the Holy Sword, hidden within Valhalla Mountain. The sword can only be found by one who possesses the orbs of wisdom, peace, and courage. Your first goal should be the orb of peace which is hidden in the Valley of the Spirits and is guarded by the Knight of the Crescent Moon. A clue, Orion. To lose is to win, and he who wins shall lose. We shall meet again," said Adriana waving her hand.
Orion closed his eyes for a moment as Adriana spun her hand around him. When he opened them, Orion found himself on the crag above the waterfall. Hurrying to the edge of the crag, he discovered that the space behind the wall had been sealed. Shrugging his shoulders, Orion began his journey and reached the Valley in several days. It was late when he arrived so the knight built a fire and laid down to sleep, dreaming once more. This time, Orion dreamt that he was standing on a hill and saw Christ on the cross. The Lord raised his head, smiled at Orion, and said, "Through me, you shall be saved." Orion awoke with a start, breathing heavily. Unable to return to slumber, Orion drew a pipe and began to smoke. Suddenly, he heard the sound of music coming toward him and a knight, clad in yellow armor made his way toward him, playing a lute, and singing the "Corpus Christi Canto". The knight's eyes had been closed but they snapped open and he stared at Orion.
"Ah, a visitor."
"Greetings, stranger. Would you like to share a smoke?"
"Indeed I would."
Orion passed the pipe and the newcomer smoked blissfully for a few minutes.
"What is your name friend?" asked the knight between puffs.
"Orion."
"Oh, I have heard tales of you. The false knight who preys on the helpless."
"FALSE KNIGHT!!! Slanderer, give me your name before I send you to meet the maker."
"I am called the Knight of the Crescent Moon."
"Knight of the Crescent Moon? It is you whom I seek. Give me the orb!"
"So you know of the orb. Why should I hand it over to you?"
"Because I seek the Holy Sword."
"YOU??! Seeking the Holy Sword. HA! HA! HA! HA! HA!" said the Knight, roaring with laughter.
"Very well. We'll battle for the orb. But first, a demonstration of my power," declared the Knight, drawing his sword. Swinging with a fraction of his strength, the Knight split an oak in two.
Orion's eyes flickered in fear at this display of raw power, but stood undaunted. The Knight lunged at Orion, swinging his sword in a mighty arc. Orion sidestepped the attack and heard the ground crack as the sword struck the earth. The resulting shockwave brought Orion to his knees and the Knight swung his sword again. Somehow Orion was able to deflect the blow. For several minutes the warriors waged fierce combat with sparks shooting from every clang of the blades. Then they stopped, breathing hard, looking for a weakness in the other's defenses.
"He could have split me as he did that tree. Why is he toying with me?" wondered Orion.
The Knight renewed the attack, gaining the advantage over his weaker opponent. The Knight prepared to hammer Orion's head with his blade, but he reacted with lightning speed, bringing the hilt of his sword crashing on the Knight's wrist, causing him to drop his sword. Orion tripped the Knight with his sword and held the blade to his face.
"Go on, Orion. Finish it!" the Knight spat at Orion.
Orion prepared to levy a fatal blow but was suddenly struck by a thought.
"To lose is to win, and he who wins shall lose," Adriana had told him.
Orion threw his sword down and stared stonily at the Knight for several minutes. Finally he spoke.
"You're beaten. Give me the orb."
"You're not going to slay me."
"And lose by using violence? Never."
"Very good. For centuries, I have guarded the orb of peace and you are the first to understand Adriana's clue. It shows character. Orion, I believe you will succeed," said the Knight uttering some strange coo.
Suddenly a dove flew to the Knight carrying a crystal emanating a soft, white glow.
"Orion, you have earned the orb, so keep it safe. Now head to the town of Rivala where the orb of courage is located. The citizens of that town need your help and you will find the orb, provided you are able to help the townspeople. Farewell."
The Knight disappeared into the valley and Orion continued on his quest.
Chapter Two
Orion wandered in the valley for several days but was unable to locate Rivala. He was out of food, water, and had not slept since his encounter with the Knight of the Crescent Moon. After a few more minutes of walking he saw the gates of a village with a well in front of them.
"Water. Water," rasped Orion.
But Orion collapsed before reaching the well. When he awoke he was in a bed.
"Where am I?"
"Rivala, friend," said a voice.
A man wearing tattered clothes approached Orion.
"Who are you?"
"Jack, guv. And yeself?"
"Orion."
"Welcome to Rivala, Orion."
"Why did you help me? For all you know, I could be a dangerous enemy," said Orion.
"Well sir, I sees ye on the ground and I remembers the golden rule, 'Does onto others as you'd 'ave done onto ye' so's I helps ye. 'Sides, youse don't look dangeros."
"I thank you," said Orion rising.
Orion felt refreshed and glanced at the humble surroundings. On one of the walls, he noticed a cross and his strange dream occurred to him.
"How can I be saved from someone who is no longer here?"
"Ye say somethin' friend?"
"It was nothing."
"Huh? Well come on, ye can keeps me company whilst I help to tend the fields."
Shrugging off the feeling, Orion walked out of doors and was met by an unusual sight. Before him stood an immense garden, but vassals were not tilling the soul. Instead, Orion saw poor people working together with the wealthy and members of the clergy. They were helping each other and talking as if they were old friends.
"Jack, who rules this town?"
"Ruler? I don't know what a ruler is."
"One whom you serve."
"Oh, youse means God."
"No. Lower than God, but anointed by him."
"One sec guv. Friar Braddock, can youse joins us?" Jack asked a portly clergyman.
"Always my son."
"This here's Orion."
"A pleasure," said Friar Braddock shaking Orion's hand.
"Orion wants to sees our ruler. What's that?"
"I remember them from the old days. They were individuals who ordered people to do things for them."
"You're pullin' me leg."
"No, I am not."
"If you do not have a ruler, how do you maintain order?!" demanded Orion.
"Orion, in Rivala we believe in communal living because a set hierarchy only served to stimulate oppression and discontent. In our society, each man helps each other, regardless of accidents of birth. No man is better than the next so we work together and each man shares in the rewards of labor."
"Then I, too, must help. I understand you are in some kind of trouble."
"We are indeed, Orion and it is a grievous tale. Ten years ago, an army of orcs and an army of goblins arrived at our village and declared. . .war is what they called it. They began to burn our homes and destroy our fields until we bribed them to leave. Since then, the orcs and goblins come once a month to collect money to stem their violence. But we are running out of gold and they come tonight to collect their ransom."
"They will collect nothing but a swift death. Tonight, lock up the townspeople. I will await the arrival of these varlets and teach them a proper lesson."
Later that eve Orion, girded for battle, waited outside the gates of the village. Trying to ease his nervousness, Orion walked to the well and drank some water. Suddenly, the knight became aware of an eerie stillness in the air. . .followed by the sound of approaching footsteps, akin to marching. Orion made his way through a nearby wheat field and came upon a clearing where he saw the two armies. Hiding himself amongst the wheat, Orion waited and listened.
"Tonight, let's take their gold and destroy the village," said the goblin leader
"I agree. These mortals are beginning to bore me," said the orcan leader.
With those words, the armies began to march through the wheat. Orion knew he had no chance of fighting two armies, but what if the armies were to turn on each other? Timing his move, Orion snaked his hand through the alien corn and tripped an orc right into the path of a goblin.
"Watch where you're going!" snarled the goblin.
"You watch where I'm going!" returned the orc.
Orion drew his sword and plunged it into the back of the orc. The orc keeled over into the arms of the goblin. Then Orion uttered a cry to draw attention.
"He has killed our brother. The goblins want the gold for themselves. ATTACK!!" roared the orcan leader.
The two armies set upon each other with intense ferocity while Orion ran back to the well and hid himself until the morning. When the morning arose, the knight drew himself out of the well and surveyed the land. Not a single member of either army was left alive. Orion walked into the village and met Friar Braddock.
"It is over Friar."
"Well done my boy. Here is a small token of our esteem."
Friar Braddock handed Orion a small orb which gave off a strong, steady glow.
"It is the orb of courage Orion."
"How did you. . ."
"This morn, Saint Eric appeared in my room and gave this to me. He bid me tell you that it took courage to attempt to battle two armies by yourself and you earned this orb. Now travel to Forbidden Forest and seek out the Night Dragon, who guards the final orb: the orb of wisdom. He will be a dangerous enemy so take some items which will help," said the friar giving Orion a shield and a cloak.
"What does a friar need with items such as these?"
"I wasn't always a clergyman. I used to be a knight like yourself: angry and lost. Then one day I discovered the path of life."
"Maybe you can explain my dream," and Orion related his dream of the Lord.
"I could interpret your dream but I will not Orion. You must discover the truth for yourself and I believe you will. At any rate, the cloak has mystical abilities and allows one to remain invisible while he wears it. It will prove invaluable to you. Godspeed, my son."
Orion left Rivala that day and began the journey to Forbidden Forest.
Chapter Three
After a week's travel, Orion made it to the edge of Forbidden Forest and it looked as dreary as legends had proclaimed. Unsheathing his sword, Orion slashed at the thorns and brambles which reached out to grasp him. After a few minutes of pruning, Orion cleared a path to a brook where he began to drink. Upon satisfying his thirst, Orion realized that he had no clue as to the location of the dragon's lair and wondered if there was anybody in this forest who could, or would, aid him in his endeavors. In response to his thoughts, a face suddenly appeared in the brook and Orion's head snapped up to meet the newcomer.
"Greetings, stranger," said the newcomer revealing a toothless smile.
"Greetings. I am Orion."
"I am Dask. What are you doing in these woods?"
"I seek the lair of the Night Dragon."
"Ah, I know where that is. It rests at the base of Valhalla Mountain."
"Can you take me there?"
"Indeed I can. But you look tired. Rest at my home tonight and I shall take you to the lair tomorrow."
"I could use some rest."
"Very well. Follow me."
Dask took Orion to a tent, prepared a hot meal for him, and let him sleep on some straw. During the night, Orion woke up, feeling groggy. Through his sleepy haze he heard Dask talking to himself. Creeping to the tent's entrance, Orion peeped outside and saw Dask sharpening a knife on a rock.
"Your quest ends here fool. You shall get no closer to Mordamir."
Orion quickly made his way back to the straw and feigned sleep. Minutes later, Dask came into the tent, rose over Orion, and raised his knife. Orion kicked Dask in the chest, bowling him over, and causing him to drop the knife. Retrieving his sword, Orion pointed the blade at Dask's nose.
"Kill me, eh? I have a much better idea: you'll take me to the Night Dragon's lair now!"
Dask swallowed hard and nodded assent. Grabbing a lantern, Dask led Orion through the dark night until they came to the cave.
"Here is the entrance, now what happens to me?"
"I should destroy you, but that would bring me down to your level. Run away, and pray my eyes never alight on you again."
Dask ran deep into the forest as Orion approached the cave. Stopping short of the entrance, he noticed two eyes, burning like coals, staring back at him. Raising his shield, Orion stepped forward and a stream of fire shot from the cave, engulfing the shield. The heat was intense and Orion did not know how much he could take. Fortunately, the flame receded and the knight moved away from the entrance. Donning the magic cloak, Orion faded into nothingness and called out to the Dragon.
"Dragon, I mean you no harm. I only wish the orb of wisdom which resides in your cave."
Thunderous footsteps resounded through the cave as the dragon slowly exited his cave. Orion had never seen such an awesome sight in his life. The dragon, tall as a mountain and armored with thick scales, turned his head from side to side in a vain search for the invisible knight.
"Mortal!" bellowed the dragon. "You nor any other human shall take any part of my fortune."
"What is one orb when you already have so much?"
"IT IS MINE!!!"
"Dragon, you are a poor miser. You live here in solitude with a forutne that does nothing, except satisfy your cold heart. You are also a coward who attacks unsuspecting men with your fire should they wander into your home," said Orion as the dragon grew angrier and angrier. "Frustrated, dragon? I'm not surprised. You cannot find me and it riles you."
"FOOL!! You cannot hide from me forever. I will find you, even if I incinerate this forest to do it. I fear nothing for I AM FEAR!! I AM RAGE!! AND I HAVE FOUND YOU!!!!" roared the dragon his eyes fixing on Orion's shield.
The dragon unleashed a torrent of flames, dissolving the shield in a matter of seconds. The dragon lowered his head to inspect his damage and emitted an ugly guffaw, cut short as Orion, who had hidden behind the dragon the entire time, separated the dragon's head from its body. The head hit the ground with a sickening thud as Orion removed his cloak. Tossing the cloak aside, Orion entered the cave. Upon entering the dragon's treasure room, the knight was nearly blinded from the shine of gold and jewels piled high in the room. After his eyes adjusted to the glow, Orion began to search for the orb of wisdom. Suddenly, Orion was struck with a strange sensation and looked in the corner of the cave. Seeing a small orb, he picked it up.
"Is this the orb of wisdom?"
The orb began to glow and the orbs in Orion's pouch glowed in response.
"An orb which indicates its brother orbs. It must be a wise orb."
"Congratulations Orion," a female voice called.
"Adriana."
"You have done well to make it this far. Now only the Holy Sword awaits."
"Where do I find it?"
Adriana closed her eyes and muttered an incantation. Upon its completion, the back of the cave shuddered and swung open like a door.
"Proceed, Orion."
Orion entered the doorway and it sealed behind him.
Chapter Four
Orion made his way down a long, dark path, twisting and turning, and Orion feared that he had lost his way. Suddenly, the path ended and Orion found himself in a lighted area facing two separate doors. In front of the doors were two of the strangest creatures Orion had ever seen. They were identical in every way, with bluish skin, long snouts, wearing checkered cloaks, and laughing and jumping. The two creatures stopped their play, looked at Orion, and began to study him curiously.
"A stranger," said one of the creatures.
"And strange looking at that," said the other.
"Perhaps he seeks the sword."
"Yes, the sword perhaps he seeks."
"I do seek the Holy Sword," said Orion.
"Ah, you are not far from the goal, knight."
"Yes, close you are."
"What manner of creatures are you?" queried Orion.
"Why guardians we are. Yes. Guardians of life."
"And death."
"Where do these doors lead?"
"One leads to the sword which you seek."
"The other leads to your doom."
"How do I know which door to take?"
"You may ask one guardian a question to aid you."
"But only one guardian."
"Beware, for the guardian of life always tells the truth."
"But, the guardian of death. He always lies."
Orion glanced back and forth between the two creatures, pondering the puzzle. After a few moments, he stepped forward to the guardian on the right and posed his question.
"If I were to ask your fellow guardian which door he'd choose, which one would it be?"
"The left."
"Well, if you're the guardian of life, you would be warning me and I would want to take the right door. And if you're the guardian of death, you would be lying to me and I would still wish to take the right door," said Orion.
Orion stepped through the right door and the ground fell away from his feet. After falling for a few minutes, Orion hit the ground. . .hard. In the small room was a solitary torch and a wall with three niches in it. Orion stepped over to the niches and examined them carefully.
"I think the orbs could fit in there."
Reaching into his pouch, Orion removed the orbs and placed them into the crannies, waiting for long moments. Suddenly the wall began to shimmer and the shimmering spread until it surrounded Orion. Orion stared in wonderment at the happenings and then the area where he had placed the orbs parted like the Red Sea. Beyond the wall sat a sword in a stone. It shined a brilliant white and had a cross embedded in its hilt. Orion walked to the sword and slowly drew it from the stone. Upon doing this, the sword left his hand and levitated in mid-air. Incredibly, the sword began to speak to Orion.
"Orion, I am the Essence of the Holy Sword and I commend you for having discovered my hiding place. Now I think you should know my history. I am the sword which Peter used to strike off the servant's ear in the Garden of Gethesmane. When the Lord Jesus grabbed me, He transferred some of His spirit into me and I became aware of what I was and I hated it. No longer would I be used to kill people. Now I would be used to show people a better way. Throughout the centuries, I have passed into the hands of holy men until I was sealed in this cave. I was never to be released until a great evil was to be fought. Your presence indicates that the time has come for me to rise again. However, even though you possess me, I cannot strike the evil directly, so you must find a different way to beat it. Remember, evil is its own enemy and will destroy itself. Now grab my hilt."
Orion grabbed the hilt and the room was filled with a dazzling, bright light. When it cleared, Orion stood at the remains of Deira's castle.
"It looks like my dream."
Orion entered the courtyard and saw the throne room was still erect.
Taking a deep breath he opened the door.
Chapter Five
Orion gawked at the altered throne room. Instead of Gothic arches and tapestries, the room was now a formless void, with energy bands warping around the room. The only item that remained unchanged was King Ashra's throne and on it sat Mordamir, his Black Knight at his side.
"Hmmm. Oh, the mighty Orion. Please come in, come in. And do shut that door, there is a draft."
Orion walked to the front of the room and the door shut and locked behind him. Mordamir and Orion stared at each other for long minutes with the Black Knight staring at Orion in stony silence. At last, Orion broke the silence.
"Mordamir. . .you know why I am here."
"No."
A baffled expression washed over Orion's face.
"OH!!. This is the point where we are supposed to have our cataclysmic encounter. Well, I should warn you that even with that puny sword, you cannot defeat me."
"Care to test that in combat?"
"Even better. I will give you one blow against me and I will not defend myself."
Mordamir stepped off the throne and bowed his head toward Orion. Orion merely watched the Black Knight. Mordamir glanced back at the Black Knight and resumed his position.
"If you're worried about my champion, it can easily be fixed. Knight, if Orion defeats me, you are to go back to Forbidden Forest and never leave. Understood?"
The Black Knight slowly nodded assent.
"Good man. Well, come on and give me your best shot. . .false knight."
The insult enraged Orion and he swung the Holy Sword with all of his might at Mordamir's exposed neck, feeling the blade make contact with something that felt hard. He looked at the Holy Sword and saw that its blade had stopped just above Mordamir's neck. Orion tried to bring the blade down again and again, but each time the blade stopped inches above Mordamir.
"What sort of magic is this?"
"HA! HA! HA! You fool. The Holy Sword cannot be used for killing. However, seeing that you want to be violent."
Mordamir waved his hands and Orion suddenly found himself seated on a horse in a jousting field. On the other end of the field on a black horse, sat the Black Knight. Mordamir sat in the king's box and began to speak.
"I haven't seen a joust in such a long time. Gentleman, this will be a battle to the death. Ready yourselves and en garde."
The Black Knight began riding with all of his might at Orion who responded in kind. The Black Knight's lance struck Orion's shield knocking him from his horse. Orion quickly got up as the Black Knight rode around for a second strike, this time aiming his lance at Orion's head. Orion dodged in the nick of time and readied himself for another strike. Gazing at the wall, Orion spied an axe and grabbed it without hesitation, as the Knight made his third strike. Orion swung the axe at the Black Knight who raised his shield, but the force knocked the Knight off of his horse. Orion raised the axe for a second blow but the Knight rose, grabbed the axe, and the two men started wrestling with the blade. The Knight flipped Orion over and gained possession of the axe. Instead of attacking, the Black Knight dropped the axe and drew his sword. Orion responded in kind, grabbing his original sword. For long minutes, the field rang with the sound of clashing swords until Orion managed to disarm the Knight. The Knight cuffed Orion, rendering him senseless, and ran for his sword. The Knight picked up his sword and turned to finish off Orion. As the Knight raised the sword, Orion plunged his sword into the Knight's chest. The Knight stood still for a moment, and finally collapsed. Approaching the dead body, Orion lifted the Knight's visor to glimpse his face. Orion staggered back, his face blanched in fear, for the lifeless face looking back at him was. . .his own!!!
"NOOOO!!! THAT'S IMPOSSIBLE!" screamed Orion.
"Not really. It just takes a little magic. The Black Knight was an amalgamation of your dark side, and I must say you held plenty of dark feelings for me to work with Orion," said Mordamir now standing by Orion.
"Can't you see? We were meant to be allies, Orion. You cannot change who you are. And you are a warrior concerned with his own welfare."
"No. I completed the quest."
"Oh, puh-lease. Orion, you've killed a dragon, two armies, and now, this thing. You sought no other ways to achieve victory. You merely did what was natural. Just join me and together we can rule this god-forsaken world," said Mordamir presenting Orion with a crystal.
"I don't know."
"Its an easy choice. Just touch this crystal to show your acceptance and I can grant all of your dreams."
From this point, I can see two paths for our friend, Orion. Being a bard,
I can only see the results of one's choices. Thus, I call upon the reader
to act as the Fates and make a choice for Orion. If you believe that Orion
has failed to redeem himself and should align with Mordamir, proceed to
ending #1. However, if you think Orion has merit and has redeemed himself,
proceed to ending #2.
Ending #1
"You're right. I am a warrior and I liked myself that way," said Orion touching the crystal.
Suddenly, Orion was riding at the head of Mordamir's army, sacking and pillaging the land and people. He gloried in the unbridled chaos and felt alive for the first time in years.
"Unfortunately, the fool is only living in a glass world," said Mordamir gazing into the crystal in which Orion was trapped.
"Only a glass world. HA! HA! HA! HA! HA!" cackled Mordamir
as he threw the crystal to the ground and watched it shatter.
The End
Ending #2
"You're wrong, Mordamir. I admit that I did like being a warrior at one point in time but I was wrong. Hate is wrong, murder is wrong, and the way I acted was wrong. People can change and I would rather be damned before I joined the likes of you!" bellowed Orion.
"Don't say that I failed to be civil to you," said Mordamir drawing a double-bladed sword.
"Now, HAVE AT YOU!" roared Mordamir, growing to a size of ten feet.
Mordamir brought the sword down but Orion deflected it with the Holy Sword and the two men struggled for an advantage. Finally, Mordamir was able to push Orion off and hunted him like a wild animal. Again, the two sword clashed in combat, but Orion used Mordamir's resistance to his advantage by moving out of the way, causing Mordamir to fall flat on his face.
"How can I defeat a man I cannot kill?" wondered Orion.
The words of the Holy Sword came back to Orion.
"Evil is its own worst enemy and cannot face itself."
"Of course."
Orion over to Mordamir who was slowly rising. Grabbing his foe's hair, Orion forced Mordamir to gaze into the Holy Sword.
"NOOOOOO!!!!!!!!! I cannot face such a sight!" cried Mordamir.
The Holy Sword sucked Mordamir into its blade, leaving nothing but his crystal. The Holy Sword left Orion's hand and shot a beam into Mordamir's crystal before falling to the ground. Orion picked up the crystal and saw Mordamir inside, a prisoner for eternity. Orion picked up the Holy Sword and the crystal and left the throne room. Standing outside, Orion should have felt happy but he only felt empty.
"I don't understand this. I thought defeating Mordamir would be enough. What am I missing?"
Suddenly, Orion was struck by a vision in his mind where he saw Jesus teaching, healing, and forgiving. The vision ended with Jesus standing by an open door, inviting Orion to enter. Then the knight knew the way. Kneeling down, he began to pray in this way:
"Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner, but I have changed my ways and want to live a better life. Lord, I beg you for forgiveness and ask you to come into my heart today."
The Holy Sword shot from Orion's hand and hovered in front of him. It emitted a warm, friendly glow and flashed that same bright light that Orion saw in the cave. When it faded, the Holy Sword was gone, the kingdom was restored, and Saint Eric stood in front of Orion.
"Saint Eric."
"Orion, I commend you for having found the path of life. God has forgiven you and now remits the harsh punishment placed upon you. Throw the crystal into the air," said Saint Eric.
Orion complied with the saint's request and watched as the crystal vanished.
"Mordamir will never plague anyone again."
"But, what happened to the Holy Sword."
"It is sleeping in its hiding place again. This time, forever. You have been given a second chance Orion, how will you use it?"
"I am going to preach the path of life to people."
"A noble cause. Farewell, Orion," said Saint Eric, fading away.
After the saint left him, Orion did something that he had not done since his punishment: he smiled.
The End