Dark Kingdom: Haven Series, #3

By Christopher Paniccia

Banished to a long forgotten dark planet Peter Sullivan finds himself thrust in the middle of a magical war. The evil mage who calls himself the Emperor, has plans for the Dark Kingdom and planet Earth. The leader of the Dark Elves, Empress Chiara joins forces with the Emperor creating a duo of destruction for Peter and company to contend. With the fate of two worlds in his hands the young king must find a way to save the dark world and return to his beloved Queen Rebecca on Earth before it is too late. Follow Peter as he races against time to defeat both evil mages and their secret weapon about to be unleashed upon Earth. Will the Kingdom be saved and destiny revealed?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christopher Paniccia
• Release date: May 1, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201396886

Book preview

Chapter One

Spinning out of control with swirling lights causing his eyes to twitch with pain, Peter felt nausea build in him. A feeling of weightlessness took hold of him as he spun out of control. This feeling of helplessness gripped him with fear while he sped toward the unknown. His skin felt as though it would be sucked from his body like he was in a huge vacuum. With his body being thrown this way and that way, he now knew what a pinball felt like at the arcade. The time of his journey remained a mystery to him, and because of the nature of his travel, he could see very little around him and could not move his head to look around.

Without warning, he was shot out into a blank space with his hands extended forward to minimize the blow of landing. Crashing to the ground, he skidded on a rough surface feeling the skin on his hands torn open by a gravel floor. Hitting a rock, Peter now tumbled to the side and found himself flipping around on his side feeling every bump and small rock that met his body. When he did finally stop, he reached out to steady himself only to feel nothing and his body now being sucked into nothingness. He could feel his stomach fall as he himself dropped in the blackness. With a great thud, his body’s full weight came to an immediate stop and his breath left him.

He sat on the ground trying to suck in air with very little success. For what seemed like hours, he lay there attempting to breathe and get his wind back. When he finally could get some oxygen into his lungs, he tried desperately to roll over only to find a stinging sharp pain in his side stopping him from turning his body. Peter took a few more struggled breaths, and this time used his hands to help him roll himself over. The pain was unbearable and nausea now gripped his body. With all his strength, he managed to get to his hands and knees just barely able to hold himself up.

Retching on hands and knees, Peter spewed the contents of whatever else lay in his stomach. He could feel lisps of spit falling from his lips and tried to clear his head as it felt ready to explode in pain. His head felt almost too heavy to lift, and he struggled to bring it up just enough to determine his location. Bringing himself slowly to his knees, he blinked his eyes rapidly in the hopes of clearing his vision. Though he could feel his eyes wide open, either something was seriously wrong with his eyesight or it was simply pitch black. Peter reached up with the back of his hands and tried to rub his eyes hoping there might be something in them causing his vision problems. Still the darkness remained, and he was no closer to finding out where he now resided.

With his bottom securely on the gravel ground on which he now sat, Peter painfully turned his head in both directions in hopes of seeing any light whatsoever. To his dismay, only the cold blackness reached out to touch him where he sat. Head still spinning, he scrambled with his thoughts to piece together the events leading up to this moment. Pain shot through his head like a bolt of lightning, and he fell to the ground once more, writhing in pain clutching his head. Small flashes of white light came into his mind and could still be seen when the pain subsided despite the blackness surrounding him.

Grit, dirt, and spit now filled his mouth as his throat felt so dry it scratched inside. The side of his face was still on the ground where he could feel stones biting into his skin. One more time, he felt as though he would relieve his stomach of its contents, but luckily the feeling passed with a more regular breathing pattern. Peter once more returned to a seated position, gripping his injured side as he tried to clear his head. Between the pain, nausea, and thirst, there seemed to be little strength left in his body. He could feel himself leaning to one side as his hand reached the dirt floor to brace himself.

Sitting on the ground for the first time, he realized how cold the area around him was and he tried to huddle with his arms for warmth. This did not last long as moving his arms this way caused a new wave of pain to his injured right side. His mind now somewhat clear, he now realized one or more ribs might be broken from his fall. Breathing also remained labored as he once more tried to discern where he may be. The blackness surrounding him showed little signs of letting up. This brought a quick feel to his shoulder to see if he still wore his backpack. To his great relief, the backpack was still strapped to his back. Carefully using his non-injured side, he peeled off the backpack while placing it in his lap so as not to lose it in the dark.

Rummaging through the pack, he found what he was searching for and switched on the flashlight. The beam immediately cut across the blackness, and at first, Peter could still see nothing at all. Turning carefully, he looked in another direction and noticed a cave-like wall before him. Painfully he managed to get to his feet while holding the beam still on the wall. With flashlight in one hand and backpack in the other, he began to search for an exit. At first, it looked as though he may have found his way into some pocket of stone without an exit.

It was not until he saw a small opening above him that he stopped panicking. He would have to climb a few feet, but the opening looked as though he could fit through to exit. Gripping the rocks before him, he tried to use as much of his legs as possible in order to not hurt his already injured side more. Each stride up the wall felt as though his side would tear off, but he managed to pull himself up to the hole in the wall. Cautiously, he peered into the hole with the flashlight. He could still hear nothing, and he seemed utterly alone. Though not far, Peter could clearly see a tunnel of some sort going away from him into the wall.

The tunnel itself was a natural tunnel and turned and twisted before him as he strode forward. In many places, he needed to duck and carefully negotiate tight corners, but otherwise he made good headway forward. Keeping track of time in this darkness seemed impossible, but Peter estimated he walked for a good hour until he came to another cavern. This time he did not need to climb. The tunnel itself led him straight into the next cavern’s floor. Just as he was about to step out, he flashed the light quickly before him to make sure he was indeed still alone.

To his deep surprise, he was anything but alone and nearly ran back up the path from where he had just come. The sight before him made even more terrifying due to the lack of light was something out of one of his fantasy novels at home. The cavern itself was filled with treasure, but what made the scene terrifying was what looked to be sleeping dragons lying all over the cavern floor. From his position, he could make out what seemed to be ten or more dragons littering the cave. All at once, the events leading up to his being pulled into the vortex flooded back into his brain; the dragon grabbing him and pulling him into the gate.

He could not help but wonder where that dragon along with his apparent army were at this very moment and why he alone landed in that cavern. Barely breathing, he stayed just inside the tunnel exit and shut the flashlight off even though he knew someone or something surely already knew he was in the tunnel. For a moment, he allowed his eyes to try and gain their night vision. To his surprise though, the whole cavern had a strange yellow glow emanating from the treasure, casting an eerie light on the already terrifying looking dragons everywhere.

Still peering into the cave, he now stood in awe of the majestic creatures that littered the floor. The more time that went by however, the more he wondered if the beasts were even alive. He listened carefully for any sign of life but could not hear anything except the occasional drip of water from the cavern’s ceiling. No, the cavern seemed devoid of life, but he held fast staying in his safe location. After some time, he ventured out into the cavern itself moving toward one of the smallest dragons.

The dragon seemed to have a white sheen to it, and Peter confirmed that as he approached. The scales themselves were white, and the wings themselves seemed to glitter in the yellowish light. Though small in comparison to the others in the chamber, this dragon was still a good ten feet in length. Careful at first, he crept up to the beast and admired its beauty. He could not help but feel drawn to this living being but dared not touch it. Looking at the whole length of its body, Peter’s eyes came to rest at the head of the noble creature. With the white scales and what seemed to be a glittering head, the dragon seemed quite magical.

Continuing to admire the quiet beast, Peter dared to move in even closer to within touching distance, but yet, he still could not bring himself to touch the dragon. Instead, he circled around the dragon taking in every side, still trying to decide if the creature lived or not. Every step he made, he looked around him thinking that at any moment, any one of the dragons could wake. To his great pleasure, still nothing moved. His curiosity took over, and he moved even closer to one of the dragon’s wings. All he could do at first was look at the beauty of the skin attached to the bones. Peter could not believe this flesh allowed these creatures to take flight.

Inching forward, he let his hand move ever closer to the wing of the dragon. Sweat began to bead on his forehead with excitement. Anticipation along with nervousness made his hand shake slightly, but his mind was made up and he continued to move it forward. Just before touching the skin of the wing, he jerked back his hand as if burnt by something and held his hand to his chest as if scalded. Though nothing happened, he could not help but wonder if he were to wake the beast, if it would take too kindly to him disturbing its slumber. Still Peter could not help himself. It was as if his hand was being guided as he placed his warm hand on the dragon’s snout.

The dragon’s skin felt cold to the touch, and he could feel no life in the creature at all. Feeling brave, Peter let his hand run along the side of the dragon’s head until he came to the top of the head and let his hand stop. The texture of the skin felt odd to Peter as he recalled legends of the dragon referring to dragon scales being hard as diamonds and coarse like sandpaper. Here his hand rested upon the brow of one of these magnificent creatures, and all he felt like doing is petting the dragon. The living flesh felt somewhat soft with a slight coarseness to it. Still there were no signs of life in the dormant dragon but neither did it feel dead. His hand stayed on top of the dragon’s head, and out of nowhere a flash of light entered his mind causing him to lose connection with the dragon and back up.

Peter did not feel as though he was in danger, but the surprise did cause him to back up a few paces looking cautiously at the dragon. Peering around the cavern hoping his commotion did not disturb any of the other dragons, he noticed no movement whatsoever. He turned back to the dragon and again he could feel the magnetism of the creature pulling him forward. Reaching forward once more, he placed his palm on the head of the slumbering monster. His hand found its way again right to the top, near the brain of the creature.

At first, nothing happened but after a few moments he could feel an electrical charge enter his body. He tried to retract his hand without success as he now felt glued to the head of the dragon. The charge continued to build in his body, and he now began to feel a warmth building in his body. Fright took a hold of his mind thinking this was some type of trap; he once again tried to pry his hand away to no avail. Electricity built around him, and now he could see his body emitting small bolts of charges. Peter thought he should feel pain shooting through him as the electricity riddled his body, but all he could feel was euphoria.

When the charge stopped entering his body, he looked back down to the head of the dragon and still he could see nothing moving. As he was about to try and release his hand, images began to enter his brain. At first, he could not make out any of the images as they flew by his sight at great speed. He could not understand why this was happening, when all at once an image of his mother came into view. The image struck him as odd because his mother looked like a queen, but she wore the garb of a knight. Peter could see his mother, glowing with a power of her own, turn to face an army of darkness by herself.

White glowing light surrounded his mother as she faced the oncoming dark army. As the army approached, she brought both hands from her sides to about her waist with palms pointed outward.

Power built around her hands and Peter could hear her voice rumble, I, Knight of the Cosmos and heir to the Zarillion throne, rebuke you and send you back to the abyss! You will not have him! This I vow!

Peter watched as his mother unleashed the fullness of her own power into the oncoming army only to see the entirety of the army go up in a blaze of white light. When the light vanished, so did the army, and he could see nothing left of the huge army that had stood before Peter’s mother. She let her hands fall to her sides and turned swiftly to attend to a person lying balled up on the ground. Peter could see her face was a mixture of wrath and sadness, as she fell to her knees, leaning over the body on the ground. Tears came to her eyes as she reached down and cradled the head of the fallen person.

A teardrop fell onto the face of the person on the ground, and for the first time, Peter got a glimpse of the person lying before him. The face of the fallen shocked him as it was his very own; seeing himself lying there seemingly dead as his face looked white as a ghost, showing no signs of life. One more time, the view returned to his mother’s grief-stricken face looking down at her fallen son. Peter could see in her eyes she was ready to break down but then her face tightened and she stood once more looking to where the army once stood.

Peter’s mother pointed a finger toward the space and growled, I will avenge him! That is my oath as a Knight of the Cosmos! Take my king will you! I will take all your lives!

Peter could not help but feel so proud seeing his mother in this way, but also quite concerned with seeing himself laid out on the ground seemingly dead. The image started to waver, and then a new image filled his mind. Now he saw his beloved, sitting on her knees screaming at the gate from which he was sucked into this cavern. He watched as her own power seemed ready to consume her. The sight hurt his heart because he knew if this power stayed unchecked it would utterly destroy her.

Without thinking, he reached out with his mind, My love, I am here! I will find my way back to you!

He could see the image of Rebecca sit up straight, Peter, my love! Is that you? Where are you?

Peter blurted out, I have no clue, but I am unharmed and in some kind of cavern.

Rebecca started to cry uncontrollably, Peter, I will find you! I will not rest until I do! I cannot believe this! I have searched for you my entire life, and now you are once again beyond my reach! I love you and will never stop looking for you!

Peter could feel his own heart breaking, Rebecca, we will be together soon. I promise!

Rebecca was about to respond and then the image went dark. Peter shouted, No! Not yet! I did not tell her I love her!

Now the images whirred in front of him and then stopped on a tall man who looked to be rags. Though Peter could not see the man’s face, he felt as though he should know the man. Peter could feel himself walking up to the man. He could not believe how tall the man seemed as he himself was about six feet. Walking the short distance of a few feet, he stopped within inches of the man’s backside. He could feel himself reach up to put his hand on the man’s shoulder only to have the man turn and grab his hand. Peter felt the steel grip and pain shot through his arm. The man’s face hidden by the hood of his ragged robe, he held Peter fast in front of him. The pain lessened as the man released his arm and then reached up to pull his hood off for Peter to see his face. Peter nearly shouted as the face looking back at him was that of his father. The image immediately phased out.

Peter began to feel furious at all these little frames and wanted an explanation. As if on cue, one last image appeared, that of a huge battle raging. Peter could see the battle from above and the devastation before him made his heart hurt. He could feel the wind rushing by his head, and he instinctively looked to his right to see an enormous white dragon looking back at him. He turned to his left to see other dragons in formation starting to dive toward the battle below. As they sped toward the ground, Peter could see Holly and General Giles leading troops at the front. Then he could see a black army before them and immediately Peter could only think of the dark elves.

As the dragons were about to attack, the image again changed and Peter found himself on the field of battle surrounded by flames and smoke. Out of the smoke strode Holly and General Giles, each with bloody cuts all over them.

They went to one knee in front of Peter, My liege, the dark ones are vanquished. What is thy bidding for those captured?

Peter found himself responding, All are to be set free! They, however, cannot stay here. We will send them to one of our outposts and close the gate so they cannot return.

Holly stood, My king, are you sure we should allow them to live?

My dear Holly, all deserve to live! They were fighting for what they believe. I believe they were in error but all people should fight for their right to live the way they wish. No, they should live, but it is plain to see they cannot live amongst us here. We will send them away along with all the other legendary creatures making way for the safety of man!

Once again, the image changed, and Peter now stood looking at a different part of the battlefield only to see the carcass of the huge white dragon half buried in the ground as if it crash-landed. Peter’s heart broke as he saw a smaller white dragon now nuzzling up to the dead dragon.

In Peter’s head, he could hear a voice, My liege, I have waited eons to serve you! Thank you for setting me free!

Chapter Two

Rebecca, still on her knees screaming, could feel the power rushing through her body. Every part of her body felt on fire as the rage continued to build in her while she watched the love she searched for her entire life just get sucked into oblivion. All the training Holly and her Aunt Grace tried to pass on to Rebecca went out the window, as the power just flowed into her. If the power went unchecked, Rebecca could destroy herself and all surrounding her without prejudice. She could feel nothing but rage building in her and the wish for revenge. Nothing else could she feel as her eyes filled with tears and her screams threatened to destroy the cavern itself.

When the power reached its apex, she looked up at the closed gate ready to unleash her wrath, only to hear a voice in her head. As if in a dream, she looked quickly around the room but then the voice came to her again. It could not be, there was no way even Peter could connect with her through this gate. This was the gate of banishment, and the world was completely blocked to this world, but yet it was Peter’s voice. Peter told her he was safe and in some cavern. She could not help herself declaring her love for him, and she would find him. Peter also vowed to find her, but the voice went away just as quickly.

Rebecca let the energy dissipate and stood tall before the gate whispering, You cannot have him! He is mine!

She turned to walk away with hands palm up and fingers crackling with energy. Her stern and rage-filled face warned those around her not to stand in her way making a clear path for her to leave. As she was about to leave the cavern, a slightly singed person kneeled in her path. Rebecca moved toward the person immediately knowing who knelt before her. She could not help but rush to Peter’s mother’s side, tears already forming in her own eyes. Rebecca could smell burnt hair as The Knight of Cosmos looked into Rebecca’s eyes.

Rebecca almost looked away in shame as she allowed the beast to take her love; here before her, not only the mother of her love but one of their most revered knights. Michelle, with eyes red with her own tears, reached for Rebecca’s shoulder for support as she broke down. The two distraught women held one another in a cocoon of grief. Both women knew the gate could not be opened again being the Gate of Banishment. Rebecca, clinging to Michelle, still could not understand how Peter closed the gate as they needed to close it together.

Rebecca held Michelle at arm’s length, I will find him and the universe is put on notice now to those who keep him from me!!

Michelle stopped sobbing, My son! I trained my whole life to protect you both, but when it came to my ultimate test, I failed you!

Rebecca grinned, There is no failure here, only lessons. Our enemy is more powerful than anticipated, and they knew how to reverse the effects of the gate. My lady, you and I will scour the universe for him!

Michelle went back to one knee tilting her head slightly, Your Highness, this will be the last time I fail you! If you will have me, I will be your personal knight!

Rebecca stood tall looking to Holly who, still weak from the poison, leaned heavily on General Giles for support. Holly looked at Rebecca in an unspoken language and just nodded. She then moved her head quickly to find Jake, who happened to be right by her side now, present his still glowing sword, without a word, to the new queen. Rebecca reached forth letting her hand grasp the handle with her own energy being added to the magic sword. The bright white blade began to slowly turn a blazing blue, and she now held it directly in front of her face for all to see.

Turning to Michelle, Let all here and all in the universe bear witness! Through the Knight of the Cosmos, this brave soul enters into my service willingly and for all time! Mother to an unbroken line and Knight to this very universe, now a Magi to the Queen!

Rebecca stood over Michelle, who despite her disheveled appearance, looked every part the honored knight. She brought the still blazing blue sword letting it ever so lightly touch first Michelle’s left shoulder and then carefully lifting it over her head, to the right shoulder. When the blade touched her right shoulder, Michelle could feel a jolt of energy enter her body. A welcome warmth took over her body and a vision entered her mind. At first, she almost jumped up grabbing her own sword only to stay her hand at the last moment.

A large white dragon came screaming out of the sky toward her and veered to the right so she could see a strange sight. Behind the dragon’s head sat a figure and as they came into view, Michelle could clearly see the figure to be her son Peter. The two, dragon and rider, seemed to be as one as they rocketed down toward an awaiting battle. The dragon breathed fire onto the field of battle dispersing the army. As the two came back into the air, other dragons could be seen with riders behind Peter in a clear formation. The dragon army led by Peter could be seen making their way toward another army this time as one in the air.

The vision wavered and Michelle could still feel the sword on her shoulder. When Rebecca lifted the sword, the coldness of the cavern once again filled her bones and she shuddered. Rebecca handed the now glowing white blade back to Jake and watched him sheath the sword as she now turned to Michelle. Reaching forth she grabbed Michelle’s hand but held it for a moment before saying anything.

Rebecca looked at Holly, Ryan, Jake, and the dwarf army surrounding her, Stand now my Magi, my Knight, my sister, and mother of my love! You and I are linked by more than magic as we are linked by love! Let no one stand in the way of that link or that love!

Michelle rose still holding Rebecca’s hand, It shall be until the end of time, my queen!

The two noble women turned to face their friends and all who lived to remember such a vision could not help but be in awe of them. Years later, the scene of the Queen’s Magi would find its way into the lore of Rebecca’s descendants as the turning point in her family’s fortunes. Their friends could not help but feel the power of the moment and an aura of energy surrounded both women as if the universe herself consecrated the union. When the aura subsided, the darkness of the cave returned as well as the feelings of dread at the loss of Peter.

As the coldness touched their bones once more, they all turned to each other for guidance and questions. They all watched as Jake, a knight by his own right now, stood leaning on the rock gate. Michelle and Rebecca looked with great pity on the stricken figure. Jake and Peter were not just close friends who grew up together; they were like brothers. At first Michelle thought Jake would rip the gate from the wall as she could see his white knuckles gripping the outside of the gate. Rebecca made a move to go to Jake, but she felt a soft touch on her arm and she saw Michelle already moving toward Jake.

Michelle walked to Jake and reached up to put a hand on the young man’s shoulder. It was at this point that she noticed his extremely muscled shoulder and his mature face as he turned to her. Looking at her near son, she could not help but feel his breaking heart mirror her own. The two reached for one another clasping each other tight. Their solitude was broken slightly when they felt another strong pair of arms join their hug. They both lifted their heads slightly to see Derek now bear-hugging them both. Michelle could not help but smile and return the hug along with a quick peck on the cheek.

When the embrace ended, Jake looked once more to the gate, I will find you, my friend, my brother! This I swear!

Rebecca led the group to the edge of the cavern and looked up at the dragon, Gemini, I am sorry you were hurt! I will do my best to see that does not happen again.

The dragon looked at Rebecca bowing its head, My queen, it is I who should apologize as it is my duty to protect you and the king! I will make it my life’s quest to return him to you!

Rebecca looking much the queen looked to the dragon, Gemini, I will hold you to that!

The dragon bowed once more and Rebecca led the group back into the huge tunnel outside the cavern. She turned slightly with an inquisitive look at the dwarf army and then to Jake who seemed to be leading them. Everyone formed a protective circle around Rebecca while Michelle stood on her right and Jake to her left. All who saw her in this moment would not dare lift a blade to her, and she looked into each person’s eyes surrounding her with genuine thankfulness in her heart.

In determining the course of action now paramount, Rebecca would have to lean heavily on Holly for counsel. As if by instinct, Holly now stood next to Michelle walking side by side with them. Turning to find her way out back to her own city, she discovered the way was blocked by the dragon. Rebecca looked just past the dragon to see other people standing behind Gemini. At first, Rebecca only stood not knowing what to say to the remarkable creature that risked its life for her and those she loved.

Turning to the dragon she spoke, Gemini, what is it?

With a large throaty voice, the dragon responded, My queen, this room cannot remain unguarded. They will try again to open this gate!

Rebecca smiled, My dear Gemini, I am pretty sure that was the only way they could open the gate, and we have the medallion. But you are right; this room must be guarded. For now, my friend, would you keep an eye on the gate for me? You are welcome in my city whenever you are comfortable but something tells me it will take some time for me to get my people used to the idea.

It would be my distinct honor to guard the gate, my lady. Trust me. It will be quite the surprise for anyone coming to open the gate only to find me!

The queen smiled, Gemini, you are truly a wonderful being, and I am glad to call you my friend. I will be back to speak to you soon. Be safe until then, my friend.

It shall be as you wish, my queen!

Gemini moved to the side to reveal an even larger army of dwarves and Zarillions awaiting her orders. The sight made her smile as she climbed a series of smaller rocks, until she was a good distance from the standing army. As any king or queen would do, she spent a moment admiring the mass of people in front of her anticipating her next command. The tunnel now remained deathly silent waiting for the queen to speak. A mixture of pride and sadness welled up inside her before she spoke. Here all these people stood ready to fight for freedom and justice; many of them to their deaths. The queen straightened herself thinking of the most appropriate words to convey to her people.

Rebecca released a small amount of energy into her eyes for effect. Her eyes crackling with energy, she addressed the army, All those who would live free thank you for standing with us this day! Though this is but a small battle for freedom and justice, it is no less important than our endgame, to rid this universe of those who would be our masters!

She let the statement sink in for a few seconds and watched the eyes of those before her harden even more, You all stand here today free peoples and without shackles! If our enemies win the day, we all will be turned into slaves or worse! For me, I will never allow that to happen and with my dying breath, I will fight for freedom!

The army could no longer stay silent and let out a huge roar of approval. Rebecca looked to her new Magi as Michelle still stood to her right. She could see Michelle’s eyes dancing with the same crackle of energy. Michelle just nodded and clasped Derek’s hand who now stood next to her. Holly stood holding Ryan’s hand and watched as everyone before her clasped hands. Though odd, Rebecca could not help but smile at this display of unity. Once more she felt pride swell but still waited to speak.

Once more silence took the tunnel, We are history here today! Our ancestors are watching us this day and expect us to finish what they started. The steps of our destiny are set through many generations. Let us together fulfill our destiny and rid the universe of injustice!

A roar went above the crowd. Out of the mass of people strode forward a smaller looking but stocky person. As the man walked into the light, Rebecca could see he was well dressed in chain mail with a gleaming sword on one hip and a golden battle axe in his hands. The man walked to the bottom of the rocks before the queen and went to one knee. All in attendance looked on with great curiosity as the dwarf lord on one knee need not bow to anyone, being of royal blood himself.

The army took a moment but followed suit and went to one knee as the dwarf lord in a booming voice spoke, My lady, I am here at the request of your knight, Jake. He explained our plight and we too would fight for freedom and justice. Our peoples have long been at odds and have become estranged. Today, in front of you all, I honor old oaths and my army is your army. My people are your people!

A strange new light filled the tunnel and settled upon Rebecca making her look even more angelic than she already would to most. The light now grew in intensity and Rebecca now seemed almost translucent. To all those in attendance, the queen appeared as if she grew two sizes in height. Now looking to be huge, glowing, and still high above the army, she peered down. For a few moments nothing happened and Rebecca just took in the army. Holding up her hands, she let loose a ball of energy sending it to the ceiling.

The ball crashed into the ceiling in a blob of glowing molten rock. The globe grew in size until it covered most of the ceiling.

A booming voice threatened to shake the entire tunnel apart, My children, we stand in the edge of ruin! As we speak, our enemies amass to destroy us all. While we are defending one gate many others are opening allowing evil to infect our universe, we are all that stand in the way of supreme evil. Destiny has come to us none too soon as my son and daughter have now come forth to deliver us victory! Rebecca and Peter are no ordinary beings and are of my essence. They will lead you in the struggle to come. Listen to them and protect them as they are our road to victory!

The army still on one knee snapped their arms to their chest in response. Mother in Rebecca’s body continued, By natural law, I am not allowed to intervene myself, but I send my beloved son and daughter to you in your time of need! Heed them as you would me. Know that I watch over you always and love all that you fight for!

The ceiling now began to show an image. At first, only a shadow could be seen, but slowly the image gained clarity to reveal another army. The image showed the army larger than anything seen in memory and reached the horizon. This army stood all in black and seemed to suck up any light around it. Then the image panned to the opposite army who seemed bathed in light. Shining mail, swords, helms, and shields showed as extremely impressive. At the head of the light army stood a tall man in glowing armor with his helmet held under his shoulder.

Initially the man looked to be a ghost of some sort and they could not make out his face. Slowly the man turned to reveal his face. Michelle gasped as the face beheld her own son. Peter stood proud and tall before this living army of light. Grim faces stared back at Peter waiting for orders from their king. Peter slowly pulled a glowing sword from his side and held it high in the air. As the sword reached its apex, fire spread across the blade making the army look even more lit than before. The fire so brilliant it appeared as though it might consume the black army.

The flames brightened even more and the light continued to spread toward the dark army. Darkness now receded and the darkness surrounding the other army no longer cloaked them. A mixture of reptilian and what looked to be tall, thin muscular elf-like figures filled the dark army. Without their darkness, the reptilians and elves looked uncertain until an enormous reptilian figure moved to the front of the army. Well over seven feet tall, the figure purposefully strode toward Peter. When the figure was within fifty feet, a large shadow appeared from above. The shadow came closer and then a large beast landed in between Peter and the reptilian leader.

The large beast roared sending enough force from its roar to cause the reptilian leader to go sailing backwards onto his back. Dusting himself off, the reptilian rose to his feet once more only smiling an evil grin. He touched an amulet on his neck and almost instantly another shadow appeared above. The new shadow landed just in front of the white beast. Two huge dragon forms now faced one another; one so white it looked as brilliant as a star and the other pitch-black threatening to suck all light into it.

The black dragon stood ten feet taller than the white and angrily roared at the smaller beast. Standing its ground, the white dragon’s eyes sparkled with magic and returned the roar causing the larger dragon’s head to snap back behind the force of the roar. Both creatures stood now staring each other down. Peter now walked to meet his nemesis and although quite tall himself, the reptile stood a head above him. The young king never faltered and just looked his adversary in the eyes, and with a flick of his wrist, he sent the large reptilian flying through the air crashing into the first line of his men.

The image now faltered and the light lost its potency leaving once again a stone ceiling. The tunnel returned to its dark wet natural state. Mother in Rebecca’s body once more looked at her army raising her hands. It took a moment for all the army to gather itself once more after taking in the images of the two armies ready to square off. In a moment, the tunnel stood quiet once more and everyone waited for their instructions from Mother.

Rebecca still glowing beautifully raised one hand, Even though our enemies think they have Peter in their grubby hands, they miscalculated quite a bit and I was able to send Peter to someplace our enemies did not suspect. Be comforted in the notion that your king, love, friend, and son will return to you but his training is only beginning. I know your love for him is causing you great pain but this is something he must do in order to fulfill his destiny.

Michelle’s eyes watered but she held her bearing as Rebecca continued, The images you saw are things to come but in order for this to come to pass Peter must remake himself. He cannot lose himself but yet he needs to learn what it is to become a leader. He met someone he never thought possible that has been preordained by the universe. When he comes back to you, he and Rebecca will lead you into a new age, one of great prosperity.

Rebecca once more returned to normal size and bent slightly trying to regain herself after having housed a deity. She watched along with everyone else as Mother’s light withered away. Now in its natural state the tunnel once more stood silent. Rebecca stood tall again and moved to the edge of the outcropping she was standing on to get a little closer to the army. She could see the once kneeling dwarf standing out front waiting for her to speak.

Rebecca responded, Yes, oaths we all have given and we all need to look past wrongs we have done to each other in the name of freedom! I vow this here and now; all peoples need to be free and live the way they wish. I will do all in my power to make this a reality!

The dwarf bowed low and returned to formation with his people. The entirety of the army stood at attention awaiting orders. All those standing there looked straight ahead with great pride and purpose. Though this army did not rival Peter’s in scope, it certainly equaled that army in purpose.

Rebecca now stood holding Michelle’s hand who in turn held Derek’s with Holly and Ryan holding theirs as well as Jake’s. They all raised their hands at once while Rebecca shouted, On to Victory!

Chapter Three

Mathious, king of the dark elves, sat in a cavernous hall surrounded by nothing but stone and silence. Though he boasted a huge force to his arch enemy Commander Zosa, his actual force ready to serve him stood at a much lower number of soldiers. True he and Ramious survived to begin anew but rebuilding a society proved much more trying than initially anticipated. Zosa as a soldier knew his business and for him, business was always good. For all his bravado, the Commander did his job and nearly ended the elves’ existence.

Ramious searched for remnants of his people upon his escape only to find small pockets of old, sick, and dying. Most surviving members of his people were too weak to fight. Since the men and women of his species fought side by side, there remained very few women to ensure newborns. Living a meager existence for over a century almost wiped the elves out once more. Skilled craftsmen, laborers, healers, and farmers now in short supply, the remaining people struggled to feed one another. Once strong enough to find other shelter, they moved to an ancient dwarf city that stood abandoned long ago.

Looking around the skillfully carved stone structures of the magnificent halls filled him full of more rage. The dwarves seemed to spit out gorgeous works of stone and here Mathious sat surrounded by luxury laced with decadence. The finely polished pillars holding up a glittering ceiling of rock reflected the dancing flames of the large fire pit sitting in the center of the room. His eyes danced with the flames and threatened to put him in a trance. Looking more deeply into the flames though all he could see was the final battle his people fought against the reptilians.

Commander Zosa himself led the last charge as victory seemed assured. In his full armor, he threw subordinates out of the way to make it to the front line. With his chest puffed out, he ran at Ramious who at the time could barely stand having fought gallantly to protect his people. Ramious deflected the commander’s first strike only to have another soldier pierce his side with a blade. Ignoring the pain, he turned to face his enemy, who stood chuckling at his adversary’s plight. Once more, the commander swung a death blow towards the leader of the elven forces.

Gaining a second wind or just the fact that he wanted to vanquish the commander so badly, Ramious launched into an attack of his own. This newfound energy took the reptilian by surprise and he received a few new battle scars himself in that moment. Ducking swiftly to avoid another blade to his side, he skidded to one side thrusting his own blade nicking the commander’s arm. The commander turned looking at his bleeding arm and grinned as if this wound were a trophy. He launched into a series of moves and thrusts bludgeoning Ramious until the elf could barely get to one knee.

Commander Zosa glared down upon his vanquished foe, I expected much more from the great Ramious!

Ramious croaked, There will come a day when the odds will be matched, and you and I will finish this!

Cackling the commander howled, You are finished! There will be no other battle for you. Farewell Ramious. Before you go, just know I wiped your people from existence!

Ramious watched as the commander still howling with laughter walked back into the fray of battle. He looked up to see himself now surrounded by Zosa’s soldiers looking to finish the commander’s work. Still on one knee, he rammed his sword into the stomach of his first attacker only to get another slice to his arm for his trouble. The wound was not bad enough to have an effect on him but in his weakened state, he could not sustain many more wounds. He fell onto his back and used his legs to fend off a few blows and swept the feet of a few oncoming attackers.

Once back on his feet fighting for his very life, he plunged his exhaustion deep inside himself calling on all his strength to continue. Another soldier flailed at him and Ramious ran him through. Blood sprayed in his eyes and he nearly fell once more. Stumbling forward he just barely saw the next attacker and swung to meet the oncoming blade. Hastily wiping blood from his eyes, he spun to dispatch another reptilian soldier. Wave after wave of soldiers kept coming and before long his strength left him.

He was about to carve up another soldier when he received a pommel to the head. Pain and sparkling white light rang before his eyes as he felt himself falling forward onto the ground. His body felt heavy and he could barely move. Turning his head slightly, he could see out of the corner of his eye a laughing soldier looking down at him with his sword point ready to finish off the elf. Blood, dirt, and pain caused his eyes to barely work. He spotted another soldier coming as everything started to go black.

The last thing he remembered, Death is too good for this one! Take him. He will wish for death a thousand times over before I am done with him!

Ramious found himself again surrounded by stone and silence, not all that different from his prison at the hands of the reptilians. He never thought he would see freedom but after years of capture and torture, he found a way to escape. Commander Zosa would occasionally bring him to his court in order to mock him in front of various dignitaries. It was during one session that after being embarrassed, his guards were not watching him as closely and he slipped out undetected. Being a dark elf, he knew darkness and could easily find his way through the dark tunnels using his sense of smell to guide him.

After nearly a week and just barely able to walk from near starvation, Ramious came upon a group of traders. These gypsy people known as ‘raiders’ were a mixture of people from all races that refused to live amongst the political ramblings of their governments. Though labeled as outlaws, many of these people were very important in their own right to their various peoples at one time or another. The raiders took in the nearly dead elf and nursed him back to life. It took many months for the elf to feel himself but still many nights were difficult for him to sleep. He eventually became an important member of the raider culture and his skills as a soldier came in very handy during raids.

It was years later, when on a trade mission with a group of dark elves did one of the elves recognize Ramious. The trading elf had served under Ramious and alerted him to the notion that Mathious, their king, still lived. Ramious asked for leave to speak to the king and the raiders granted his leave. His meeting with the king opened his eyes once more to his people’s plight as he walked through the king’s camp to see the suffering first hand.

Joining forces once more with his king, he still traded with his friends, the raiders, who helped him rebuild his own civilization. The raiders were able to assist Ramious track down other remaining dark elves helping them add to their numbers. Those early years were a great struggle but the elves were able to put together a patchwork society. Now many years later, the elves were a bit stronger but numbers still remained an issue. They were in no position to fight any battles but the reptilians did not know that. In Ramious’ mind however, if they were able to cut the head off the snake in Zosa, the reptilians would be greatly diminished.

His intelligence reported that the reptilian people were in much the same situation with their defeat at the hands of the Zarillions. Ramious cringed at the thought of the Zarillions winning yet another battle. His people were in this very position because they were persecuted by the Zarillions for eons. They were forced to align with the evil reptilian people in order to survive, only to have the reptilian people betray them to their deaths.

He heard a door crack open and a set of footsteps approaching his location. Ramious watched as a large man dressed in only a weather-stained cloak approach. The man’s face lay hidden behind the darkness of the hood which he still wore. He could see his two guards at the door moving to follow close behind the man. Once the man stood a few feet in front of the elf leader, he waited for the elf to address him. The dark elf straightened himself in his stone throne. The large man waited patiently but did not remove his hood.

Ramious blurted, Orion, what is it now?

From behind the dark hood, a deep voice rumbled, The boy has vanished!

Ramious grinned, This is good news. One less all powerful being to contend with!

Grumbling the cloaked man responded, The boy is important to all people! If you truly want your people back, then you must help me get him back.

Get him back? I have been trying to get rid of him! Now you want him back! Sometimes Orion, I really do not understand you. You, of all people, know how devious the Zarillions are.

The man paused before responding, I know all too well. The Zarillions destroyed my life. The boy, however, is the key to bringing peace to everyone.

Peace! There can be no peace as long as the Zarillions are allowed to prance around with their elitist attitude. No, my friend, they all must be wiped from this universe, starting with this planet.

Laughter roared from behind the hood, You forget yourself Ramious! Did not the reptilian people say the same about you and your people? Did they not hunt you to extinction? And yet, you would do the same to another society?

Ramious turned red in the face, Do not presume to lecture me about harming others Orion! You yourself are named as the ultimate outlaw and are a wanted man by all peoples as far I know!

That may be true but that does not change the fact that you would do the same to the Zarillions as was done to you. Ramious, it is time for a different path. Rebecca and Peter are here to restore order and peace. They will lead the universe into a new era, one of freedom and prosperity.

The elf stood and glared at the hooded man, There will be no peace with the Zarillions or anyone else for that matter! I hired you for one thing and one thing only, and that is to find the rest of my people. Are you telling me your services are no longer required?

The man in the hood moved closer, I serve at no one’s bidding! I helped you because no people deserve to be scattered and leaderless. If you choose to wallow in pity and guilt, so be it, but don’t blame me if history repeats itself. Know this, Ramious, you think you know me but I am much more than you know and you will not attack the Zarillions!

The power of the last statement made the elf take a step back as he cleared his thoughts and sat once more. He looked up at the large man with awe as no one ever spoke to him in this manner and lived. Ramious knew nearly nothing about the man except he did much for the elven people and found many pockets of roving elves to bring back into the fold. The elf leader sat truly in the man’s debt and the man asked for little in return. There were times when he would ask the near impossible of the cloaked man only to have him come a mere day later with a solution.

Ramious put his hand on his chin, Orion, what is it you need from me?

My friend, I need you to stand down right now. If my current expedition is unsuccessful then we may need to come up with an alternate plan, but I need time to see this through.

The elf thought, You ask much, my friend. The reptilians are ripe for the picking as well as the Zarillions right now. Each is so weak after trying once again to destroy one another. We have sat back long enough, but I will honor your request for a time. Do not take too long or I will alter my judgement!

The hooded man laughed, Thank you my friend. I feel this decision will benefit all peoples in the end. All I ask is you stay your hand until I return. Our very existence depends on this mission.

The elf looked at the man in awe, Orion, you surprise me. One minute you are ready to destroy everyone and the next, ready to save the universe. How odd for a man of your talents. Good luck.

Orion bowed slightly, Thank you, Ramious. I am sure you will not regret this!

The hooded man turned and whisked out of the room without a sound. A strange feeling seeped into the elf’s spine as the man opened the door. The once dark cloak seemed to transform from shabby to gleaming white with an aura of sparkling energy. He looked to his guards as should this be danger, they would jump to protect their master, but they moved not. Curious but Ramious stood where he was and could not move as the man opened the door himself. When the door opened, the man turned to look once more at the elf and still, he could not see the man’s face. Eyes blazing with white energy beamed back at him and he then