//------------------------------// // Chapter 11 Fortress Fight // Story: Falconers and the Tomb of Aminus // by MadDonut //------------------------------// Chapter 12: Part 1 The halls clicked with the steps of trotting hoof steps as three Falconers made their way up the granite stairs Hilliph had said would lead out of the keep of the White Magic of Aminus. It was just like what Kara had said, it being just on the other side of the final obstacle. Both Igneous and Mace found it a bit odd how it was just on display in a room filled nothing but three separate podiums, one of which held the white magic of Aminus. “So what are we going to do with this magic Hilliph?” Mace asked as they ascended up the stairs. Hilliph eyed the crystal’s white fluorescent glow once more before he stored it away in his bag. “That remains to be seen Mace. For now we should just keep it safe until we get back.” Igneous asked, “Won't we run into the Gekies on our way back?” “We just might Igneous,” he answered. “We just might.” “Aw, I'm sure it's nothing we can’t handle Igneous.” Mace said with a confident grin. “We’ve dealt with numerous bandits just the three of us. With Hilliph and Mace topping out five we’ll be nearly unstoppable as we creep through the forest steady in our pace and deadly with our weaponry.” “There's always the risk,” Igneous reminded. When they reached the top, it took the three of them to push open a monolithic stone door decorated in symbols and stone carved designs. They paid no attention it once it opened as once they found themselves on the other side they each held on question in mind. “What happened here?” The room was massive with four pillars that held the roof aloft. Only one remained, badly damaged and cracked as the rest seemed to be blown to rubble as only the wide bases of their stoney presents was all that remained. On the far end of the great hall was single door in the center that could only be reached by two separate stairways that led to it. There were also two balconies on either side with a spiraling staircase leading down from them as well as a door that also opened up to the balcony. Parts of that particular end of the hall was also destroyed. For one the balcony on the far left was half blown away and one set of stairs leading to the centered door was completely destroyed. There was a chandelier that hung, broken as one might imagine, in the precise centre of the hall. It was golden, lopsided and mangled about with sparkling gems still held within the indents of the metal hulk. The wall directly across from the falconers was blown away leading down to another flight of stairs blocked off by rubble that blocked the way. The floor of the great hall was cracked in numerous places. Parts of it sagged into the ground while others jutted slightly out of the ground. Gravel and stone laid everywhere and if one were to guess one would say, “It looks like a battle took place here.” A theory Igneous was the first to propose. “A battle?” Mace questioned. “Who would fight a Hexer and what would do this much damage?” he asked as he ventured into the center of the carnage. In one particular section of the wall stone had been blown inwards from a rather small hole in the wall that seemed to lead outwards. “Could they have come from their?” Hilliph gave it a glance then shook his head. “I wouldn’t know I’m just a simple pony.” “Something had to happen though,” Mace said as he wandered around the hall gawking in all directions as he marveled at its shear size and complex design. “Was it a monster?” “Majin more like,” Hilliph offered. “Or perhaps the Hexers had a falling out amongst themselves.” “Maybe,” Igneous half caringly commented. He wanted to find both Kara and Joel before worrying about some bygone pony ruins. However looking to the left of the great hall he found nothing but an ending. What stuck out to this ending however was the way the wall was designed and the way it just stuck out to him. It seemed familiar to say the least but he could quite understand why but then it hit him. “This is the door to the Condoon Desert.” “The thieves entrance?” Hilliph asked as he walked past Igneous and to a particular piece of stone that jutted out from below the ground. It was round and off to the side by another particular podium with writing Igneous could only guess was in Hexer’s language. “Well good,” Hilliph said with relief as he too recognised it as the wall they faced before falling through the floor. “We found our way out.” “Let's find Kara and Joel first,” Igneous said as he turned around leading ahead to the back of the hall. “I wouldn’t want to lose them here. Let's go.” “Right here with you Igneous,” Mace said as he reluctantly followed him. “Lets just open the door first,” Hilliph said as he once again took his place over the particular stone tile. They could easily guess that was somewhat of a switch to open the door by some unseen mechanics. “Why would we do that now?” Igneous asked. “Kara and Joel should be our first priority.” Hilliph causally shook his head, “it's good to have an immediate exit Igneous. Just incase anything terrible happens the door will be well open.” “We know our way out,” Mace argued. “Opening that door would give the Gekis and opportunity to catch us here.” Hilliph rested his hoof atop the tile. “I does not matter if we find them now or later. The Gekis will still be just outside this door.” Igneous eyed Hilliph suspiciously, “It does matter? We have greater chances to fend them off if Kara and Joel are with us Hilliph.” “How do you know that the Gekies are outside?” Mace asked. “Did we not cover ourselves as we traveled?” There was a generous moment of silence as both Igneous and Mace awaited an answer from Hilliph. Only that answer never came and only continued to stare at the tile threatening to push down. Igneous’ instincts kicked in “Step away from the lever Hilliph.” He took his hoof off of the lever and said, “Pointing your sword at Falconer again Igneous? You seem to make it a habit.” “I do what's necessary for the mission.” “Igneous what are you doing?” Mace asked. “No pony will endanger my team. Now, this is your last warning,” Igneous growled. “Step away from the lever.” Hilliph didn’t move. This wasn’t like him. “Deploy yourself Mace,” Igneous commanded. “What are you doing Igneous?” Mace worriedly questioned unsure as how to act properly. Either he obeys his leader and friend or give his father's friend and long time acquaintance the benefit of the doubt. Hilliph lowered his head and removed his hoof from atop the tile. “I’m sorry,” he said. Igneous eased up and his stance soften while his magical grip upon the sword loosened. “You should really listen to your superiors Mace.” Just then there was a sudden flash followed up by the familiar metal on metal clash that range out. Igneous had no time to react as his blade grounded itself behind him. Hilliph leaped back and with his weight, pushed down on the stone tile. Instantly the door roared to life as it fell into the ground, smashing into place below the floor with a thunderous clap. Dust erupted from the cracks completely enveloping the three, obscuring the entrance and blocking out the light that flooded in. “Deploy yourself,” Igneous ordered as both he and Mace jumped back and away from the dust cloud. Igneous withdrew a second blade from his scabbard and with it he snapped the hilt of it and the grounded blade together making them one. With a metallic sleek he pulled the first from the earth and held the double bladed sword over his head. “Igneous whats going on?” he said as his crossbows sprung up at his side. “Stand back,” he ordered. With his double bladed sword held above his head he withdrew a third and held it at his side. “Hilliph!” he shouted. “Hilliph Explain Yourself!” There was no answer, only the scuttle of numerous hooves as silhouette of many ponies shadowed over the dust. “Explain Yourself Hilliph!” he shouted again wanting to doubt what ever was happening but Igneous was easily becoming convinced. They waited patiently waited while the dust began to settle: Igneous with his swords at the ready and Mace who lead with his right crossbow. They steadied themselves breathing easily. They’ve been in some what similar situations disregarding the betrayal and the Hexer fortress. Through the smoke Hilliph finally emerged however he wasn’t alone. On both sides of him were dozens of Gekies who donned their signature black masks and decorated fixed weaponry. Some were unicorns and they had their own uniquely designed and sophisticated swords. They stood in formation before the exit blocking the only means of escape. Hilliph stood at the forefront of the group and after they had all marched in he took his place just a few steps away from Igneous and Mace. Hilliph donned the black mask that was given to him by a Geki. He withdrew his second long sword and with both held loosely at his side he announced, “My name is Hilliph Verex! Direct descendent of the first invader, conqueror and king, Kordan Verex.” Igneous held his ground as anger began to sear up in him. Mace took his place as he backed away so that he could get the range advantage on any attack, however Mace saw that even with his own and Igneous’ exceptional skill if a battle were to occur it wouldn’t be easily won. “It would be nice if you could summon a shield now Igneous,” he muttered as he eyed the Gekies tauntingly held their ground. “Why Hilliph,” he yelled disregarding Mace’s generous request. “Why are you doing this? Your team! Nimbus, Kohligan, Mace’s father! You betrayed them all!” “No!” he snapped. “They betrayed me! I thought I knew them Igneous. I thought I did, but what Kohligan did, the things Nimbus had said, the things Mace’s insipid, sickening Father performed… they are things I cannot look past.” “What!?” Igneous challenged. “Killing? It's what Falconers do to protect the ponies. Its how we keep Noriphmy safe, we have to kill, Hilliph!” Hilliph shook his head. “You don’t understand Igneous. This isn’t about falconers, this isn’t about Noriphmy. Its about Kohligan.” “What do you mean!” Igneous shouted. “Kordan Verex?” Mace confusingly muttered as he tried his very best to piece together exactly what was going on only to come up short all together. “Lets just focus on the task at hand shall we.” He turned toward Gekie warriors and said, “the extermination of team Vendetta.” “Trader Hilliph. You're a trader you hear me?” Igneous took a few steps forward and in doing so the whole first row of warriors deployed there fixed blades outward and took one step forward ready for attack. Igneous refused to be intimidated and said, “Look at me. I want to see the eyes of the trader of team Coehin.” He stopped where he stood and retorted, “Don’t ever say that! I was never apart of team Coehin.” He turned and revealing his angered face, “I killed team Coehin.” He raised his sword toward Igneous, ”Besides Igneous, you hated your father. You loathed him and it's what you’ve wanted.” He levitated one longsword outwards toward Igneous while resting the other over his back. Igneous knew this fighting style. Hilliph would use the outstretched sword for quick attacks and defence and the one laid across his back for heavy attacks when there was an opening. This was much like Igneous’ style but slower and more precise with most attacks landing lethal blows. “The kingdom is yours now Igneous,” Hilliph continued. “It's a shame, honestly, I always hoped you'd come around and reclaim the royal position Kohligan abandoned. You could have rid Noriphmy of this poisonous council, you could have secured a better future for Noriphmy Igneous. I even considered your very life in the grand scheme of things.” If anything Hilliph seemed more pained in his actions then anything else but as he looked Igneous over one thing was clear... “from the expression on your face I can tell, there no room for reason.” “Why’d you use us like this?” Igneous asked as he kept an eye on the borders of their formation that threatened to curve around. “You used Kara to find this and for what? The light magic? To destroy the council?” “Nimbus was the book thief,” he retorted. “And the council… Noriphmy. Now they are the least of my worries Igneous,” Hilliph scoffed as he shook his head. “You’ll never find out my intentions.” “Bar up!” Igneous challenged as he widened his stance and prepared for combat. “You're outmatched Igneous,” Mace warned. “Stay back Mace,” Igneous commanded as he position one sword in front of his muzzle and pointing skywards while his other took its position above Igneous’ head pointed straight for Hilliph. Taking a few steps forward Hilliph said, “It will be an honor to kill the son of King Sirvidian.” Repositioning his swords he said, “Prince Sirvidian.” It was an act of honor between equals to give him this privilege to duel but Igneous only saw it as an insult. “Wait… Igneous is a Prince?” Joel asked as he focused on Hilliph. “There's no time. Take the shot Joel.” Kara whispered. They hid atop the balcony where the door from the stairwell opened up too. When they found out what was taking place they wisely decided to hide themselves and wait for the events to play out as Joel laid with his body parallel to the railing letting the crossbow peak out with Joels aim as he bore down on Hilliph a good skill-shot distance away. They haddn’t been spotted yet as Kara hid with Joel who had his right reticle set on target with arrow drop taken into consideration. “What are you waiting for?” She hissed again. “Take the shot Joel.” All he had to do was flick his ear back and he could have ended Hilliph then but what would happen afterwards? The Gekies wouldn’t just stand by, they would most likely attack and then what? “Kara just wait a minute,” he said trying to buy himself some time. He knew it was the right thing to do and could save Igneous and Mace. “What are you doing?” She asked “Killing him won’t solve anything,” he answered. “The rest will attack, we just need more time.” “Were out of time,” she said as she pounced on Joel’s head, pinning him to the stone floor. “Kara?” Joel grunted as he struggled beneath her. “I'm doing this for him.” Using her weight to pin his head down she lowered her head and bit down on the wire that ran up to Joel’s ear and yanked. Joel winced in pain but the crossbow let loose flinging the loaded explosive bolt into the air. Miraculously the it sailed through the air aimed for Hilliph with deadly precision. All he heard was a slight thwack but at the last moment Hilliph realized what was coming and instantly raised his longsword and deflecting the explosive bolt across the broadside of it causing it to bounce upwards into the ceiling above. With a thunderous boom the bolt collided with the structurally weak stone rooftops and for a brief moment every pony froze as pieces of rocks began to fall as the roof all together sagged. Where Igneous and Hilliph stood a decently sized boulder fell and smashed into the already badly cracked ground causing it to sag slightly between them. Igneous laid eyes back on Hilliph and once again raised his sword just as Hilliph released the origin of the explosive bolt. Looking to the railing where two figures hid he raised his sword and inhaled for a command. However before he could let loose on that command the ceiling above completely crumbled sending a single section of ceiling down upon them. It crashed down between both Hilliph and Igneous causing the already weak, cracked floor to completely give away as it opened up beneath the two swallowing up, but not before Hilliph had the time to command his Gekies to attack before disappearing below. Instantly six pegasuses took off with claws attached to their hoofs flying straight for Kara and Joel. Kara took straight to action as she lept off the railing to engage. Two of the Gekie’s pegasus immediately got shot down as Mace, shrouded by dust, took aim and fired with great precision one after the other. However before he could reload and fire twice more he heard a command from the ground shout, “Form up.” And although he wanted to help Kara he still had his own well being to look after as he was outnumbered twenty four to one. Kara could handle herself. A statement that was only proven correct as she engaged the first pegasus head on driving her claws straight through the skull of the first pegasus with unbridled aggression. However before she could disengage with the limp pegasus Kara futari swiped at another who easily avoided her attack as he headed straight for Joel standing on the balcony. Joel immediately ducked under his first attack as the pegasus overshot the earth pony. However as the pegasus landed he quickly reeled about and lounged for Joel with one fixed blade outstretched. Just as Joel thought everything was over, like he literally couldn’t do anything at all, he tensed up and awaited the end. Only he wasn’t dead as when he opened his eyes a particular dark ball of black Hexer magic held the stunned, dumbfounded pegasus's blade at bay. The surprise turned into fear and the pegasus immediately lept off the in fear of being outplayed, but as Joel began to wonder about what had happened with the black magic that had been bound to him it immediately vanished into nothing. While Kara waged aerial ware above and Joel stood there completely semi-uselessly Mace was stuck on the ground with a group of earth and unicorn ponies forming up in a tight defensive formation. The front row consisting of five earth ponies and four unicorns spread equally between each other. The unicorns held their shields forward while the earth ponies let their fixed weapons jut out from between the crags of their formation. This created a strong defense and one that Mace would not be able to penetrate. Not even Igneous could but that wasn’t a surprise since it would take an equal number of well trained warriors to break that formation. Sadly Noriphmy had no warriors. As one the unit of shields and fixed weapons advanced on Mace and retorted with two explosive arrows that had no effect. The bolts had hit them straight on but the strength of their shields insured none were harmed or even phased. Instead they kept advancing and Mace knew if he didn’t think of something fast he would seen be mercilessly slaughtered. “Nine and ten.” he muttered as he contrived a plan to break their formation. Kara by now had only three to fight. Two she had evaded and were now circling back towards her and the third was directly in her line of flight. She attempted to attack the pegasus however he ducked away just as she got close. The next had already circled around and was coming in fast from the side. She easily countered this by performing an aileron roll with one thrust of her wings. This caused her wings to slash at the pegasus face creating a decently sized gash as the pegasus came into range. He immediately dropped out of the sky coming to a rough painful landing on the stone floor below. With blood covering his face the pegasus looked up only to see Mace glance to him before jumping around and firing a single bolt into the head of the enraged charging pegasus. Mace rolled out of the way as the limp body of the pegasus charged passed coming to a sliding stop later on. Mace then refocused his efforts on breaking the formation. Having already thought of it he hammered in an explosive bolt and reared up. Looking skywards and with his body pointed in the right direction he flicked his left ear down letting loose on the damaged ceiling above. With a thunderous explosion a section of the ceiling again collapses above the formation. Quickly, and wisely, they retreated scattering in all directions as the rubble came tumbling down killing off two in the process: One unicorn, one earthpony. “Nine and nine.” he whispered again as he kept track of his explosive bolt count. As the mass of the Gekies dispersed this left a lot of the unicorns, and earthponys, undefended and wide open to standard bolt attacks. He fired dropping an earth pony on the spot. Another had already circled around and charged him hoping that Mace wouldn’t notice but this earth pony made the unwise decision to sneak up on the greatest tracker as he was immediately dropped with one spin and an ear flick. The bolt buried itself within the neck of the earthpony silencing him for good just as Mace turned his sights on two unicorns. While he scored two more kills Kara was working on getting one particular pegasus off her flight trail. With the pressure following closely behind Kara performed a maneuver by bringing herself to a hardstop, flinging her center of mass below, flipping her body around and just as the pegasus flew directly under Kara dropped down digging both her clawed gauntlets into the spine and upper back of her attacker. Kicking the pegasus off her claws the corps landed upon a group of Gekies as they were reforming breaking their ranks once again leaving Mace the opportunity to pick two more bodies off from their ranks. However before she could worry about the remaining ground threats she still had one more pegasus to worry about. Just then she realized the mistake she made after having found her target. She was hovering and in aerial combat that was the last thing a pegasus needed to do and now she was wide open with now way of escape as the pegasus quickly closed in on her. Prematurely wincing in pain Joel let loose on his crossbow piercing the pegasus’s wing causing him to fall to the floor. Kara looked to Joel with deep appreciation as he fired a second shot striking a unicorn that had been charging Mace with sword and shield raised directly in the leg causing him to trip in pain dropping his shield, leaving mace to finish the job. Now all that remained was a formation of three: One unicorn two earthponies, all hiding behind one shield that faced Mace. Joel easily picked off the leftmost earth pony. The unicorn briefly panicked and adjusted his defense only for his companion to get picked off by Mace soon afterwards. Now all that remained of the Gekies was a single unicorn armed with nothing but a sword and shield. Kara took her opportunity to attack from behind but as she bore down on him and was about to strike Mace shouted, “Kara Don’t!” Coming to an immediate stop with confusion she asked, “What are you doing Mace?” Hearing the Falconer hovering behind him the Unicorn turned and swiped at the air only to miss completely as Kara ascended to safety. “What is this now?” the unicorn spoke with nervousness but with a strong voice all the same. His black mask obscured his eyes but judging from the Gekies performance that didn’t hinder their sight too noticeably. However they did just slaughter all but one so that theory remained uncertain. Kara and Joel watched from above as Mace let his guard down. Pushing on the chest button the crossbows folded at his side and Kara again cried out, “Mace, what are you doing? Answer!” “What my father had done years ago.” he answered. Lowering his head over a sword dropped by a Gekie Mace picked it up in his teeth by the blood bounded handle of the weapon. The unicorn then faced Mace with a doubtful look in his eyes and through clenched teeth Mace said, “This is for him.” The unicorn nervously snickered and said, “an unconventional duel this is, no?” Looking over his fallen comrades the Gekie dropped his shield but held fast to his sword. “Seems I have yet to be slain, outplayed. I Jeckaluke accept this fight.” With a more angered voice he said, “I will slay you in vengeance.” “Have at it then!” Mace growled as they slowly began to circle one another, each starting with indignation at the other. “I intend to,” he said. Jeckaluke was the first to attack opening up with a quick skyward swipe followed by a jab. Both attacks with intentions to kill. Mace avoided the first attack but as the Unicorn jabbed with his sword Mace angled his head down intercepting the blade. Twisting his body Mace drove the sword into the ground and bucked the unicorn in the face with a swift hoof to the face. Jeckaluke quickly recovered and withdrew the blade from the ground. Mace ducked as the sword nearly made contact as it returned to its owner where as he advanced again swiping left; blocked, withdrew and swiped down. Mace found this one easy to avoid as the attack was projected well in advance. With on quick dash Mace spun around his enemy ending up behind Jeckaluke. While doing so Mace managed to swipe his hind leg creating a superficial cut but nothing serious. This angered the Unicorn and it was his turn to buck Mace in the face as he rounded himself delivering a heavy blow to the blade in Mace’s mouth. The force of the impact was enough to rattle Mace’s jaw and send searing pain up through his head. If the kick to the face wasn’t enough then that move really disoriented him. All Mace could do was back away but he hadn't been focusing properly and in doing so he ended up backing into a wall opposite of his falconer peers. “Mace you can’t win this,” Kara shouted as she began to fly towards him.. “Don't,” he yelled through his teeth as he dodged another attack which freed him from being cornered. “Enough!” Jeckaluke shouted. Instantly Mace defended another bone rattling, mind numbing attack, then another, and another from the same direction. Mace could hardly see at this point as each impact felt like a hammer to the jaw and face but if he were to look he would see the Unicorn fastly orbiting the blade around his body striking Mace’s defending blade again and again. “I’ll finish you now!” Jeckaluke suddenly lunged with his body striking Mace right in the chest with his own armor. Mace fell back, dropped the sword and was left completely defenseless. Disorientedly looking to his sword Mace feebly tried to reach for the handle only to have it batted away by the blade of Jeckaluke. “Pray you have a god,” the unicorn said as he pinned Mace beneath his body. “Because your life is no more.” Jeckaluke grinned knowing the fight was won. He raised his sword and just as he ws about to plunge it down into Maces chest he suddenly let out a horrifying scream dropping his sword and shield as he fell to agony. Mace looked up to see a sword protruding through the bottom of his chest. Then suddenly his body all together got lifted into the air, and Mace saw that behind him stood Kohligan Sirvidian armored and well off. He held Jeckaluke by the hilt of his sword for a moment more as blood dripped over his face and body. He then flung him off to the side as he gasping in pain. He turned his attention to Mace and said, “You thought you could fight a fully armed Unicorn Mace? Your foolishness almost got you killed.” He sheathed his sword away as he glared intently at the battle worn earthpony. Mace slowly crawled to his knees and answered, “It was for my father.” “Your father is not dead Mace,” Kohligan said flatly. He then turned to Kara as she landed nearby and said, “and neither is your sister.” Kara asked, “But then why did Hilliph say he killed you?” “Hilliph Verex went by the name Hilliph Luminick while he was apart of our team. We didn’t suspect it but it turned out he was the one working with the Gekies. He attacked us when we least expected it stealing the book and leaving your father and your sister critically injured. I did my best to heal them both but they needed real help. They couldn’t come with me although I too was injured.” He raised his head to show a scar going down the length of his chin. “He knew that you were the only other pony who could read the Hexer’s language, so he then came to your team.” “He used us,” Kara said to herself. “What was he planning?” Joel asked as he descended the stairs from the balcony. Kohligan instantly withdrew a sword pointing it at him and Joel froze afraid for his life. After seeing what he did to Jeckaluke he would rather not be on the wrong side of his blade. “Who are you?” he asked with a glare as sharp as the blade itself. “He is Joel,” Kara said, “He became apart of our team a week and a half ago.” “Has he had training?” he asked. Mace finally stood up and said, “He has been under my supervision and training this past week.” “So you're inexperienced? Why did you bring him on this mission?” he demanded. “It was Igneous who decided to bring him,” Mace answers. Kohligan finally sheathed his sword with much relief to Joel, turned to Mace and asked, “And just where is he.” “Oh no,” Kara whispered in recollection of how this whole fight began. Turning to the gaping hole in the ground she, without word or command, splayed open her wings and took flight before diving down intent on finding her team leader. They were about to run after her when they heard a faint murmur. Joel turned to see that it came from Luminick. Mace noticed and walked over to him and this time he heard him more clearly. Luminick said one word, “Home.” “What?” Mace said. Jeckaluke bleeding out had tears in his eyes and he said, “I just wanna go home. I spent years away from my family for some cause. I never wanted to come.” He was sobbing now and he kept repeating, “ I just wanna go home, I need to see my kids” “Shit,” Joel whispered as he began to slowly back away to the point where he couldn’t even hear him. Mace stood above the dying unicorn and Joel could only hear the earth pony ask the killer where he had come from. Very weakly Jeckaluke raised his head. Joel saw Jeckaluke utter something to Mace then he lowered his head again and there it stayed. His chest lowered and didn’t raise again. Mace just hearing what Jeckaluke said looked at Joel in confusion. He then ran past him and to were Kohligan was looking down the hole Igneous and Hilliph fell into. Mace ran up next to him and said, “Kohligan. Do you know where these guys are from?” “What do you mean Mace.” he asked. “Jeckaluke just said that he was from Istudious.” Kohligan didn’t reply but instead looked away. Mace said, “Istudious was destroyed during the end of the Magic Era.” Kohligan only stayed silent. “What do you know about Istudious?” For a moment Kohligan said nothing but just as he was about to speak Kara flew out from the hole in the ground and with great worry stung within her voice she said, “We need to get down there quick. Igneous is seriously hurt.” Kohligan commanded, “Get my team from outside and tell Diettetcheny to prepare aid.” “You have another team?” Kara asked with hopefulness. “Outside keeping guard,” he gestured with his head. “Now hurry!” Kara flew away to go get the others but Mace still hadn’t gotten his answer, “Kohlagin…” But was cut off. “Mace he died as soon as I stabbed him in the heart and before he could say anything more.” He of course was speaking of Jeckaluke when he delivered the sword through his chest. “What you heard was the wind and nothing more.” He turned away and repeated, “Nothing more.” Mace was about to speak when a peace of the stone roof fell away crashing to the ground. It snapped Joel out of his little shock and to where he regrouped with Mace and Kohligan. Kohligan then said, “there is no time. This place is coming down.” “What do we need to do?” Joel asked as he uneasily eyed the ceiling. “Go get my team from outside,” he ordered. Obeying Joel ran out the fortress and out of sight to where Kohligan commanded Mace, “Hitch me up Mace. We need to get Igneous before this place collapses.” Mace switched to a string shot and asked, “How did you even find us? We traveled for miles and for days.” He took the hook and strapped it to the back of his armor before answering, “You're not the only Falconer who knows how to track Mace.” Another large chunk of the roof fell and Kohligan looked over to see that the already badly damaged pillar holding the entire place up was beginning to crack beneath the weight. “Were running out of time. Now quickly, get me down there.” He jumped over the edge and into the abyss. Part 2 With a thunderous boom the bolt collided with the structurally weak stone rooftops and for a brief moment every pony froze as pieces of rocks began to fall as the roof all together sagged. Where Igneous and Hilliph stood a decently sized boulder fell and smashed into the already badly cracked ground causing it to sag slightly between them. Igneous laid eyes back on Hilliph and once again raised his sword just as Hilliph released the origin of the explosive bolt. Looking to the railing where two figures hid he raised his sword and inhaled for a command. However before he could let loose on that command the ceiling above completely crumbled sending a single section of ceiling down upon them. It crashed down between both Hilliph and Igneous causing the already weak, cracked floor to completely give away as it opened up beneath the two swallowing up, but not before Hilliph had the time to command his Gekies to attack before disappearing below. Igneous fell heavily onto stone and as he quickly picked himself up he found it was a stretch of land that arced over a river that ran far below. Looking again he spied a water mill machine that continuously spun with massive rotating gears at least four with a rod that ran upwards into the floor and another that stretched across the great expanse of this underground cave. Igneous then looked to his right to see Hilliph chasing after the white magic of Aminus as it rolled near the edge of the great fall before it. Igneous sprang into action one sword drawn and just as the orb neared the edge Hilliph dived down and grabbed it in his mouth. When he turned again he found Igneous with sword raised ready to attack the vulnerable Hilliph. Falling into action he withdrew his longsword and guided Igneous’s blade into the ground. Hilliph then lashed out with a kick causing Igneous to fall over. He then stabbed with his longsword but only managed to hit rock as Igneous swiped again only to miss. However when he crawled upward to gain the standing advantage over Hilliph, Hilliph instead pushed himself over the edge only to fall heavily upon the flat edge of the spinning gear of the water mill. The impact was great and falling on his side made it worse. Crashing down had caused the white magic to pop out of his mouth and as Igneous watched it began to slowly roll away and to the waters below. Hilliph had gotten to his hooves and as he spied the orb rolling away Igneous dropped down on top. He attempted to pick it up but Hilliph lashed out before he could with a side swipe of his longsword. Igneous defensively kicked the orb away ducked under and brought his sword upwards to plunge at his side only for it to become locked in place with the crossguard of Hilliph’s second longsword. With no other option Igneous bore down and charged the trader pitting him against his head only to then ram him against the central pillar that held the gear in place. As Hilliph slid to the floor Igneous dove for the orb just before it fell and scooped it away with his hoof. “I may have underestimated you Igneous,” Hilliph grunted as he pulled himself to his hooves. “You're very talented in the smith arts.” As he gathered himself up Igneous popped the ball into his mouth and clipped the hilt of his sword to its counterpart and withdrew the double bladed shortsword accompanied with a single shortsword. Hilliph continued, “But if there is one thing you lack and are grossly ignorant of...” A clear liquid levitated from the fold of his side bag and Igneous immediately recognised it as the bound water used for elemental blood binding. “...It's Magic!” The water then shot down striking the metal just before Igneous morphing the metal into spikes that shot up from the ground at him. Igneous rolled out of the way and ran along the outer perimeter of the gear as the spikes trailed behind. Looking for a quick escape Igneous found a bridge made of rope and wood that spanned the distance from one cliff face to the next and with one leap Igneous fell down only to land on top of the rickety but very well sturdy rope bridge. He crashed against the railing as the thing swung back and forth but as he regained his balance Hilliph landed behind him with both longswords aimed for the top of Igneous’s head. Acting on instince Igneous raised both double bladed sword and short sword bringing Hilliph’s attack to a complete stop whereas Igneous got bashed in the face by Hilliph’s black summoned shield knocking. The force of impact was great enough to send Igneous falling backwards backwards as the orb fell painfully from his mouth and onto the wooden planks of the bridge. Regaining his composure and rubbing his chin Igneous looked to see the white magic of Aminus sitting there at an even distance between the him and Hilliph who stood there with his tower shield raised and body hidden. “You never did have any type of magical prowess Igneous. The ability to only levitate two weapons, can’t do alchemy and you can’t even summon a shield for the life of you Igneous.” Positioning his short sword above his head and double bladed sword in front of his body Igneous said, “the difference between you and a bandit is that you can actually hold up a decent fight long enough for it to be enjoyable.” Looking to the white magic then back to Hilliph he carefully considered his next approach before lowering his longsword and clicking it to his fourth idle shortsword. With both double edged long swords readily drawn for combat Igneous said, “Fight me, I’m enjoying this too much.” He then poised himself ready to charge the tower-shielded, longsword-armed trader. Hilliph positioned his shield. “I’ll have it your way.” They then ran swords raised, shield set and clashed above the Light magic of Aminus. Hilliph opened by swinging down on Igneous but he blocked it with one blade and with the other he decisively smashed the lower hilt of it knocking the longsword out of Hilliphs magical grip effectively sending it to the water below. Hilliph then tried a downward swipe whereas Igneous blocked it again, and using the same disarming process, sent into the air only to land on the bridge behind Igneous’s advancement. But just as Igneous thought he had the upper hand Hilliph raised his shield and smashed the wooden bridge they stood on. The planks beneath it shattered and slowly the bridge began to fall apart as the ropes aged and weakened began to snape. Igneous dove for the light magic as it bounced about but it was too late because the bridge along with Hilliph and himself fell into the waters far below. Igneous lost control of his blades before immediately being swallowed up by the river that flowed below. In vain he tried to kick himself to the surface for breath but the weight of his armor dragged him to the very bottom. He held his breath as he hit the stoney surface below and as he gained a foothold on the very surface he opened his eyes to see the fluorescent glow of Aminus’s light magic as it sat in the rushing tides of watery Darkness. Quickly running out of air as his lungs strained to hold themselves together Igneous quickly took the orb in his mouth as he fought against the current that pulled him further down the underground river. He climbed his way up the stoney surface and when he broke over the surface he let out a strained gasp before crawling out onto dry land spitting the orb onto the ground as he took in deep breaths of air. Nearly drowned he fell on his back as he took himself easy trying to regain his strength. For a minute he just sat there in darkness but his strength, although little, did return and he rolled back onto his barrel to look out to where the river was flowing. Not far beyond where he lay was where the water fell to a pool far below. No doubt if he had dwelt within for any longer he would have taken the plummet but as he peered at what could have been his demise something caught his eye over the lip of the cliff face not to far from where he lay. Too weak to fully pull himself up Igneous dragged himself along the smooth stoney surface of the cave keeping the light magic in a close embrace as he moved. When he came to the edge he peered out and with his eyes he found a light source resonating from a crack far below that lay within the wall of the cave next to the pool of water that the waterfall fell too. Logic would deem that was the way out of this cave system but right now Igneous was more concerned with his team. He had to find them. Just then a cough rang throughout the cave and Igneous slowly turned to see Hilliph standing a distance away soaked just as Igneous was and breathing almost as heavily. His mask had fallen when he took the plummet from the bridge. “So… this is the… Prince of Noriphmy,” Hilliph tiredly spoke. Igneous couldn’t even stand to face him. “The Prince who ran away, the Prince who became a Falconer. Tell me, what exactly were you looking for Igneous?” He could barely summon the strength to look him in the eyes. Rolling his head in his directing Igneous said, “Years of coddling. Never seeing the outside world and simply just not knowing and being so grossly lied too.” Putting one hoof beneath him he slowly began to push himself up as he muttered, “When I finally did get a glimpse and wasn’t so richly ignorant I found that life wasn't as grand as I once thought. I wasn’t just going to sit idly by as the ponies of my nation suffered.” He shook his head and stomped his hoof. “But I didn’t know my father would then follow my example.” “You can follow his example,” Hilliph muttered as Igneous caught a glint of his blade. “...and fall dead before me. Never has an opponent such as yourself come so close to killing me. Years of Falconering really have taught me Igneous.” He was strained but Hilliph’s longsword pointed outwards and at Igneous but Hilliph didn’t face him directly or look him in the eye. However it wasn’t long before the blade dropped from his magical grip and fell to the floor. Hilliph sighed to himself and said, “Remember Igneous? That lesson with the black flame? If taught well you should be able to summon your shield.” He began to lower his head toward his sword and as he did he said, “Let's see if that taught you anything.” Taking the hilt by the teeth Hilliph raised his head with sword in mouth and slowly began approaching the defenseless light magic bearing Igneous as he sat there without a weapon. He focused. A black mist formed in the air around him and slowly it took the rough shape of a shield, his shield, but before it could solidify it vanished. Hilliph took another step forward, Igneous tried again but with great effort came the same results. Igneous tried once more but just when the edges seemed to take shape the mist vanished as a whole leaving Igneous without a summon. “How very disappointing Igneous,” Hilliph whispered between his teeth. He wasn’t far away and a few more steps was all it would take before he was within striking distance. The light magic of Aminus sat before Igneous. Desperately Igneous devised a plan and taking his forehoof in his mouth he began to tear away at his skin. The pain was immense but all he needed was a decent amount of blood and so he bit threw. With his hoof now bleeding Igneous waved his hoof over the magic of Aminus making sure its purity was poisoned by redness. Hilliph froze where he was. Igneous weakly stood tall and awaited the power that he binded. If done right the light magic should now belong to him. Kara had said that magic flows through the blood of the living and that magic itself binds to blood. But he couldn’t feel the magic, he didn’t feel the power. Hilliph then looked Igneous in the eyes and said, “Nice try.” With one flick of his head Hilliph struck Igneous across the chest with the blade of his sword with enough force to knock Igneous back and over the cliff face to the waters below. Hilliph dropped his sword and fell to the ground spent of energy and weakened. He looked down to the pool below and with only a whisper Hilliph said, “valiant effort Igneous, but Aminus isn’t dead.”