The chronicles of the Leyendario: Heraldo, the legend of the Chosen One

By Alejandro M ledesma Herrera

Max, a young Erudite, has the task of restoring his world after freeing Lord Andalexus, an evil and powerful being who caused a great war and now, free again, will try to resume his plans to conquer the world of Diano. Max's task will be to capture the "attributes" -small vessels with singular powers that will help him to stop him- and that in turn will help him to confront the "Arcane", the powerful and ancient beings that will be in charge of judging him to determine if he is Leyendario the authentic Chosen One. He will face powerful enemies who will try to stop him and he will count on allies who will join him in his journey to reestablish freedom, hope and peace in all of Diano.
Will Max manage to stop Lord Andalexus' plans and warn the other regions of his return?

• Language: English
• Publisher: XinXii
• Release date: Jul 21, 2023
• ISBN: 9783989114210

Book preview

Preface

«Boom!»

An explosion shook a thundering cloudy sky, announcing the beginning of the battle.

Ships crossed the sky in the middle of the clouds and fired at each other with their powerful side cannons that thundered with force, attacking each other, while their pieces flew through the air and fell to the ground like a rain of fire.

The milites marched on the battlefield with heavy black armor and sharp swords, while their footsteps echoed with a dry, drowned echo.

Two armies were in the middle of the field and as soon as the horns of war rumbled on both sides, the battle began with a howl where they faced each other starting the bloodshed. The carnage began in a matter of seconds, with no winner seeming to emerge from the battle. Those who could employ the mystic arts called upon spells that they would brag about as they burst into the air, falling like projectiles with vibrant, eye-catching colors.

Let the second group get ready!, Andalexus exclaimed, and ordered his zafer to hold the formation of his milites. It's time to get up and change the compass of fate! Let the vimanas in reserve prepare to attack!

Andalexus in front saw ships appear behind the mountains and glide through the air, preparing to attack other ships with their side cannons. He saw one vimana fall and another seize the moment to ambush, while it burned in the air like a meteor moving slowly as its direction changed.

Attack! Andalexus ordered by raising his arm and, on the spot, his milites prepared to attack the nearby enemy, causing the earth to move again. The dust rose to his side when he saw them passing to meet the enemy crossing their swords.

My Lord, we are not enough to defeat them, cried Vespasiano at his side, who watched the battle and looked at the horror of war, while the wounded and dead were piling up by the second.

Ha! Andalexus exclaimed dryly, seeing the battle and noticing that his army was beginning to decimate, while the enemy troops were beginning to gain ground. Great success requires greater sacrifice, and that is why I will  join this battle. I will not allow a defeat when I have just returned to this world.

My Lordinterrupted Vespasiano, interposing and looking him straight in the face. As soon as he realized his mistake, he was submissive, lowering his face to speak to him. You have not yet fully regained your power If you go right now, you will surely get killed.

Andalexus continued and saw him step aside opening space for him to advance.

A leader motivates the troops if he is on the battlefield, my duty is to go there and confront the enemy, that one who has forgotten that I was once the one who ruled this region he declared in a stern voice.

But, my Lord....

Don't worry,Andalexus replied, taking a couple of steps and then taking a leap that allowed him to fly for a brief moment. His garments fluttered as he descended into the real battleground, where his troops and the enemies were fighting to the death to achieve the victory. Its fall caused the earth to open up and leave a crater in its place. The troops that had been dueling before were now scattered and unconscious by the powerful impact he caused.

Andalexus focused and from his right hand appeared a black sphere that glowed with a white aura, as well as small lightning bolts moving through his hand. He extended his arm and the sphere responded by launching a powerful lightning bolt that crossed the entire sky until it hit the nearest vimana, destroying it the instant he touched it, breaking it in half. It fell close to the enemy army and then crashed down to the ground, causing an earthquake that shook those closest to it. The multiple explosions scattered the army, while its milites advanced animated by the battle.

He fired a second shot with his left arm and an equal sphere formed. The lightning struck another vimana that was on its way to meet him with its cannons already aimed at him, intended to shake the ground Andalexus walked on. Up ahead, he saw the enemy waving their swords and marching briskly straight toward his position.

Fools! he exclaimed into the air, seeing that the distance separating them was getting shorter. He waved his arm back and forth and caused a draft that hit whoever was in front. The milites flew and were stripped of weapons and armor. He realized that something was coming towards him when he looked up. Unable to react, the only thing he could do was cover himself from the explosion that hit him.

Lord Andalexus! Vespasiano exclaimed from a distance, seeing the fire rise like a volcano just born from the earth itself. He felt defeated like his zafer and milites when he saw their main leader die in the explosion.

What are we going to do, Zifer Vespasiano?, inquired a milite at his side, when he saw him kneel.

Vespasiano struck the ground with his arm. Resigned, he began to get up and, when he was about to inform the Zafers about the death of his lord, he noticed that the fire where the explosion occurred began to move. The flames began to dance and form arms that branched faster and faster, as if it were a creature eager to be released.

What's going on? Vespasiano inquired, seeing the fire grow in size and form a large sphere about to explode.

«Boom!»

The sphere crashed and created a fiery blast that drove both milites groups back.

Vespasiano looked and saw his commander, Lord Andalexus, standing in the center of the explosion unharmed and unburned, as if the explosion had never happened. He noticed that he was very relaxed and even had his eyes closed, just as if he were planning his next move.

My Lord? Vespasiano said in awe, not waiting for an answer from afar.

Lord Andalexus opened his eyes and saw before him a stunned and disorganized army as if they had just seen a specter. He took a deep breath and smiled, as if pleased by the intimidating response he provoked in them.

Who's next? he exclaimed satisfied, instantly assuming a battle position.

♦♦♦

Somewhere else in the world.

Ah! said Max, waking up abruptly.

He looked around on that cold, starry night. Only a few logs crackled in their improvised campfire. Orion has fallen asleep, again, he thought in an instant, seeing that he was snoring next to him. The sounds of the beast seemed to him like screams, as it waved it tail and turned around, covering itself with his wings. It snuggled up again calmly.

I have to get up and light the fire, again he muttered, still with the sheet around his body, getting to his feet.

He felt a deep pain in his arm. He adjusted the bandages and touched his head, he was still feeling the bump that had formed that afternoon. He took several branches among a pile, fixed the base and removed the ashes. He raised his right hand and pointed with his bare palm. Slowly, tiny flames appeared between his fingertips, which soon merged into a sphere of fire. He made it levitate until it touched the branches and revived the campfire.

That'll do for now. I will have to stand guard he said to himself quietly, so as not to wake up his companions.

He touched his head again, he was still feeling discomfort. The bandage made him uncomfortable. He wanted to take it off and tugged a little, but stopped cold when he saw Morgana lying on his arms. He approached carefully so as not to wake her up. He stared at her for a moment. The fire was casting shadows on her delicate face, making her look enchanted as if she were a princess asleep by some sorcerer's charm. He ended up covering her up to her shoulders. He saw her move subtly to take another position. He thought he had awakened her, however, he was mistaken. He saw her pink lips and played with her long white hair for a moment.

I feel guilty... guilty of involving her he said to himself. He clenched his fist tightly. I shouldn't have brought her with me," he added, raising his voice a little.

He looked at Morgana again, noticing that she was waking up. He stood up covering his mouth. He got far enough for her to rest and tried not to interrupt her anymore. He moved slightly away from the campfire and into the darkness of the forest. He listened to the sound of insects: crickets, cicadas and all kinds of bugs, the croaking of frogs and the tinkling of fireflies. The cold air hit his face, shook his hair and produced a sad melody among the leaves of the trees, for a moment he wondered if there were more animals in that place.

If it weren't for Orion, perhaps we would be attacked by some beast, he commented in a clearer and more natural voice.

He adjusted the bandage on his hand and saw the gem in his palm. The cold didn't bother him, not anymore since he got those objects. It shone in the moonlight. He moved it several times and thought that at some point they would fall off, but they didn't. Nothing happened as he expected. He had always thought that they were fragile and that he could take them off without a problem. He wanted to wake up from such a vivid dream. Yes, that's right, he wanted to wake up in his bed imagining that he fell asleep reading a book, although that didn't happen. He pulled the gem and took the tool. He looked at it for a moment. He expected a weapon, a sword or something like that, but he couldn't even have that pleasure. He saw the sharp blade on the side. Although it was sharp, it was not suitable for fighting.

It's not in the place where it would be useful for striking. The handle is too long, even being light it is not a sword. It's not good for fighting. It's just a tool. It's not even a spear. He told me that from the moment I confronted him. I never imagined that this venture would be so difficult, so risky, so dangerous. Fighting and surviving one of them is hard enough, surviving others who may even be more powerful than him is even worse. Why do they have to judge me? Why do I have to fight them? They should help me. They should support me if they really want me to stand up to someone who can end the world, he said altered. He was trying to convince himself, to motivate himself without even knowing if what he was saying was the right thing to do or was even more wrong than before.

He had only one idea in his head, a desire that could not be quenched with anything, it burned so hard in his heart that nothing would make him turn back. He wished with all his might to protect her. Protect her from every danger. Of those who would dare to hurt her. He raised the object in his hands and then realized that it was something that he could not fulfill. He felt chills and put the object back inside the gem in his hand. He lay down on the lawn and plucked a few weeds until he was annoyed. He opened his palm and they flew out aimlessly seeing them disappear into the distance. He remembered for an instant the fields and the ripe harvest of his lands; everything seemed to him a distant memory. Everything seemed so unreal to him that he thought he was still dreaming…

Chapter 1

The young Erudite

One... two... one... two, Max said as he moved the wooden sword back and forth just as his father had taught him since he was four years old.

Every morning he went to the forest, his secret place to train.

More... More! he said to himself when he reached the limit of his strength, until he felt that his arms cramped from the effort and the sweat fell all over his face.

It's not enough yet. I can still do more he said to himself cheerfully as he held the sword with both hands. He approached a tree and started hitting it. The marks of his training had left the crust white and peeled.

It's about time. I'm going to try he said to himself cheerfully, flashing a smile, pleased with what he expected to do at the end of his hard training.

He took his gourd and drank the water until he was refreshed. His strength returned and he felt it in his arms, his heart pounding nonstop. He stood among the trees with his guard up. He looked over to a corner where a thin thread was tied to the ground. He pulled it and an object approached at high speed towards his direction, Max was waiting for it with the wooden sword beating it with both hands until he saw it fall and give a battle cry. He tore one side and the entire contents fell over the edge, giving him a few small splashes. He turned around getting ready again and a second object attacked him with a sword. He disarmed it and put an end to it like the first. Then, a third object approached surprising him from the front, this was the one that finally broke his sword and he had no choice but to throw it and run forward. He picked up a sword embedded in the ground and in one swift motion thrust it into the heart of his adversary and let out a war cry until he saw him fall. He got up and saw his enemies become what they really were: sacks fastened with threads. Practicing in this way made him feel like a knight, but a fourth blow to his back brought him out of his state of mind and made him roll on the ground. It was a sack he had not noticed. He got rid of it and looked at his sword.

Another one that breaks, he said disappointed and threw the piece of wood into the undergrowth. It's not enough yet. I have not yet improved to become a true knight.

He adjusted his mittens and removed the twigs in his brown hair as he stood up. He shook off his clothes and watched the dust fall from his hoses. He saw his torn shirt and looked surprised and a little concerned.

If Nephthys sees it, she will be angry with me, he exclaimed and tried not to make a big deal out of it. He began to collect his things and put them away among the trees. He drank the last of the water from the gourd and turned it upside down, realizing that there was none left.

He heard a sound in the distance, beyond the forest. It always helped him to warn him that he was running late.

The weathervanes have been put to work. The old Alfer is probably up by now. I must go now or I will be late for my tasks he said pleasantly to himself and remembered all the activities he had to do. I must check the hives, the bees may have given good honey this year," he said to himself again when he saw a small bee fly and lay on a flower.

Nearby the handle of a broken and rusty sword was lying, and when he saw it, reminded him of how his father, a Heraldo knight, taught him to handle it with grace and elegance. He had promised him that when he turned sixteen he would give him his first sword. A real one. Formed and forged with his own hands. He used to daydream every time he could. He used to imagine he was a sworn knight and fighting hundreds of enemies, rescuing princesses in distress as he had read in many stories, but always his daily reality pulled him out of that dream. His father had died several years ago and it hurt him to remember it. He threw down the piece of the sword and left the forest at once.

♦♦♦

Master Alfer! Are you there? he said outside the mills shouting at the fence and banging on the metal door.

He watched the tulips grow and adorn the entire side of the property. He sniffed one of them and moments later the door opened. A thin old man with a long beard and prominent hair wearing a green robe received him. His eyes were so blue that they seemed white. He opened his arms and walked up to Max flashing him a big smile as if it had been a long time since he had seen him.

Max! It's good to see you again he said in a warm and pleasant voice. I'm glad you came. It's good to see you again.

Master Alfer! It's so good to see that you’re still feeling well, he said, hugging him.

Boy, what have you brought me this time? he said with a serious tone in his voice as he adjusted his robe.

I have brought you the wheat, Master Alfer,. I have already collected part of the harvest and I need to sell it to find someone to help me.

Fine, Max, but I'm afraid to tell you that the machine has been damaged. I can't work until it is fixed, said Master Alfer dispiritedly, as he walked over to look at the bags. He opened a bag and took a handful. He checked its quality.

It's been a good harvest, Max. The best. This time you will have good runes. Maybe to be able to go to the Academy.

I hope so, Master Alfer, but there is still a lot to do on the farm, he said and played with his hair. What's the problem? Maybe I can fix it.

"I really wish you would, Max. I could use a hand. Come in, boy, come in. Where are my manners after so long?

Max passed the house wiping his shoes before entering. He saw that they were full of dust and that they had lost the dark color they originally had. He wiped them with his trousers and tried to remove the dirt. Master Alfer welcomed him and directed him to a room. He crossed the property where he saw the hundreds of gears that made up the machinery and the metallic sound they made annoyed him for a moment, then he felt the smell of oil mixed all over the place.

It's an old machine, Max said with surprise when he saw how big it was. The new models do not have so many parts.

Yeah, I know. Sometimes I wish your brother was here. He was good at this. I always wanted to learn. That's the interesting thing about Erudites, they are curious by nature. I remember one time he came to repair it and just by listening to the sound he could detect what the problem was. Just like that. I've never seen a Erudite with that ability.

I know, he said apologetically, his face darkening.

I'm sorry,Alfer apologized, turning around to see him. It was not my intention to remember the past. It's just that sometimes I miss those times when…

A sudden cough interrupted Alfer, making him put a hand to his chest to try to contain the congestion.

Master Alfer! Are you all right?

Yeah, Max... I'm fine. Sorry about that, he cleared his throat and then inhaled sharply as he straightened up.

Where's Clarys? Is she here with you?

She's not here. She left before you arrived. She should be back by now. He went to run some errands, don't worry about it.

I'll see what I can do. I'll try to repair it.

Don't worry, Max. Take as much time as you need, he said at the end, leaving the place.

Max approached the machinery. He took a few tools from a shelf and got to work, although he could not find the problem. He checked and made some calculations. For an hour he was changing the pieces and was about to give up, but he always encouraged himself to continue.

Never give up, he thought and took another tool to try something new.

He looked further behind the gears and saw a small piece that seemed insignificant to him. He took it and looked at it for a moment. It was no bigger than a fist and it didn't have as many teeth as the ones he had seen. He saw a similar one in the drawer where Alfer kept the spare parts. He found an equal one, although a little rusty, that fit perfectly. As soon as he placed it, the machinery began to move with a more harmonious sound.

I think that's it he said cheerfully. Master Alfer, I've finished.

It was not long before Master Alfer returned to the room and saw that everything was moving as in his old days.

Perfect, Max. Come, you deserve a break.

Max went to wash his hands and remove the stains left by the machine. He felt something strange on his hands and saw a small cut. He did not remember the moment he got the cut. He tried to stop the blood and quickly bandaged it. Just as I was about to enter, a slightly hunched old woman with long black hair appeared, wearing a blue and yellow dress with a small white shawl around her shoulders.

Mistress Clarys. Good afternoon, Max said as he saw her and hugged her. As soon as she approached him, the green-eyed, wrinkled-skinned old woman greeted Max warmly.

Max, it's good to see you, boy. I see you're well. Have you brought the wheat?

Yes, he answered instantly and without hesitation. How did you know?" He asked as he did not know how she already knew the reason for his visit.

I saw your sister. She told me you were coming. Come, join me to have a drink.

Max entered the place and she guided him to the kitchen table. He took a seat next to Master Alfer while he watched Clarys serve him an apple punch.

What happened to your hand, Max? Master Alfer inquired when he saw that his hand was bandaged and with red dots.

Nothing happened. I've cut myself, but I'm fine. Don't worry.

Max unwrapped the wound and they both looked at it open and bleeding.

No, that's not right, the master stated and made a hand signal to him, Allow me he said as he put his hand on Max's.

He saw a light sprout from the edges of the master's hand, at first he felt a discomfort, but then it turned into a pleasant feeling. When the light went out he saw his hand and the wound was gone.

Thank you master, Max thanked as he saw and touched his hand.

Alfer, you know very well that you shouldn't use your powers, Clarys gently claimed as she put the glasses on the table.

An old Gaian custom, my fair lady. Returning a favor.

Max became serious and remembered that Alfer was not only from Gaia, but he was also old and wise.

Master, there is something I would like to know. Maybe you can give me an answer.

Alfer turned his attention and his face got serious as he picked up the glass and drank the content.

How can I help you, Max? What can I know that a Erudite does not know?

Maybe you know about something I saw in the forest…

Forest? he interrupted in amazement. You know very well that you must not enter the forest, it is enchanted, he said with a certain seriousness in his words.

I know, master, he said guiltily. I know well that I shouldn't get close, but it's hard not to when you live a step away from it.

I understand, but remember that you should never go into the forest, have you ever gone there?

Max did not answer the question and decided to ignore it.

You respond with silence. I know you can't lie and I can't tell you not to either. I'm not Maximilian and he also had problems preventing you from going, he said in a more relaxed tone.

I remember it well, it's just that I found something just outside, a sword.

Sword? he inquired suspiciously.

Good. The truth is that I have found several things. Knight's armor and a pair of rusty swords. I wanted to know if you remember if there was any battle in that place. I've looked in several books and none mention Telao.

Master Alfer looked earnestly at Max and then turned his gaze to Clarys. He felt the moment got awkward as he drank his drink to the bottom.

I'm sorry to tell you that I don't have an answer to your question. I haven't lived in this place for a long time and I haven't done any research. It's way past my time to do that kind of thing and the only strength I have left is for sleeping, he cackled as Clarys got up to pour more apple punch into his glass.

I'm sorry to hear that he replied dispiritedly. He hoped that someone would tell him, but he knew that if he asked the philosophers, they would reprimand him for even entering the forest. Alfer was the one he could trust the most and not even he could give him the answer he wanted.

Tell me, Max, interrupted Clarys. I saw you with the new girl. The one with the white hair. I think her name is Morgana if I'm not mistaken.

Max choked on his drink. He coughed for a moment and became flustered, which showed all over his face. He fixed his shirt while he wiped his sweat with the other long"sleeved white shirt he was wearing.

Oh, look, your shirt is torn.

Yes, he replied hoarsely and tried to hide the damage. When I get home I'll patch it up. I don't want Nephthys to see it like that. This is the third one I have torn and she has told me that she is tired of having to repair them.

Don't worry, give it to me, and I'll fix it for you. I'll leave it as good as new in a minute, she said in a pleasant voice, grabbing it as soon as Max had taken it off.

Thank you he thanked handing it to her. His hair was messy, but with a puff, his locks arranged themselves in the usual way, leaving the one in the center in an upright position, like a large feather sprouting from his moll.

She's a friend. She's been here for several months now and I've been looking for an opportunity to ask her out, but her uncle is too uptight and doesn't leave her unattended for a moment.

I heard there's a festival tomorrow, you should invite her. I don't think she'll refuse and if she does tell her she'll have to talk to me, Clarys said in a pleasant voice as she sewed Max's shirt.

Max smiled gratefully and Alfer drank his beverage to the bottom. For a while more they chatted until dusk came and then Max unloaded the Kalar wagon placing it all at the back of the mills.

You've done a good job, Max. Well done, Alfer thanked him as he kindly placed all the sacks in front of him. I'll have it ready and let you know.

Yes, Master Alfer. I have to go now.

Wait, he interrupted him with a serious tone to his words. There's something I still have to tell you.

Max paid attention. He got out of the car and deduced that Master did not like something. When he used to talk to him in that tone of voice he knew it was because of something serious.

Max, you must not enter the forest for any reason. If you hear something, walk away. Many of those who have ventured inland have not returned and those who have come back, come back out of their minds. I don't want to see you in a position like that. I would not allow that. For your father, who was a friend of mine, and for your sister, stay away from that place.

Max looked at him seriously and wordlessly nodded his head and left with those thoughts. For the long time it took him to return home, he could not get it out of his head that there was something in that place that they did not want him to find out about.

♦♦♦

The next morning, Max got up early. He already had a list of activities to do, but he wanted to start with what he was most passionate about. He left his house and crossed the fields. As soon as he started walking through it, he remembered that Master Alfer told him not to enter the forest for any reason. He remembered it numerous times as he approached the forest step by step. He got halfway through and stopped to settle the scarecrow, shifting its arms into position and instructed it to keep the crows away.

Keep a good watch, Sam, he said to the scarecrow. He saw its face made up of buttons and a goofy grin, then he arranged its clothes.

On his way, he saw his house from the right and then looked to the left. He now had doubts that he had never asked himself. He had doubts he had never questioned about before.

I'm halfway there, what should I do? Go back or keep going? he said to himself. He scratched his head and took a deep breath. He continued regardless of what Alfer told him. He thought Alfer was exaggerating, that those were simply rumors that had grown over the years.

He took the first step into the forest and heard the birds and small rodents walking among the thickets. He looked from side to side and saw nothing strange. He approached a nearby log and picked up some silver greaves that he had a special affection for, they had previously belonged to his brother and he opted to wear them for every training session. He approached the log where he kept his swords and took one that he looked at for a moment, getting ready to start. As soon as he started practicing, he felt his heart racing and lost all awareness of what was happening around him. Instead of feeling warm, he began to feel cold, then he stopped listening to the noise of rodents and only when he no longer saw their shadow, he noticed that something was happening.

He turned around to get a better view He turned around to get a better view the urge to go into the forest grew stronger and stronger. He could hear the crickets chirping at night and see the fireflies shining like stars. In the mornings, when he usually practices, he listened to the rodents moving among the branches and the wind singing among the leaves. It was strange to him that he did not hear a single noise at that moment. It was too quiet. He did not see the squirrel on the sloping log like every morning, nor the birds in their nest on the old oak tree. Everything seemed too quiet, as sepulchral as a cemetery and as cold as a cavern.

The temperature has changed too quickly and the sun has suddenly set he said to himself as a gigantic claw" shaped cloud covered him. He focused as hard as he could. He tried to listen to the song of the wind, the sound of rodents or even insects. Nothing. I couldn't hear anything.

This is weird he said. He looked and listened as hard as he could. He heard a branch breaking in the distance and sharpened his eyes trying to locate the place where the one who did it was, but it was useless.

Max thought for a moment that his friends might be playing a bad joke on him, but he couldn't see anyone. He searched for smells in his upturned nose and did not discover anything unusual. Then he heard another sound again, a different one. I couldn't tell if it was words or just noises. It was as if the forest spoke to him in a new language. The voice was hoarse and seemed to whisper in agony. He heard it louder through some trees and took a defensive stance with the sword and as he changed direction he moved always keeping the tip of the wooden sword in front. He moved to the left and then to the right. He tried to look through the branches unable to see beyond where the weak light reached. Sweat ran down his forehead. He was nervous, and the sword was waving in his hands. He realized that his only defense was the wooden sword and it would be of no use to him in any way to defend himself against any real attack.

What am I doing? It's a wooden sword. How will I deal with this? he said quietly, so without wasting any more time, he marched to the outskirts of the forest. He stopped as he felt safe and saw in the distance his house and the crop whipping in the morning wind. He looked at nothing for an instant. He turned around and took a deep breath. He looked at the wooden sword again imagining what could have happened.

Whoever is there, I will face you, he exclaimed confidently and closed his hand. It won't set me back. If I am to become a Heraldo knight, I must be brave and face any danger. I will not let a superstition overpower me.

He returned again to the forest, certain that he would find the one who made such a dark voice. He crossed his entrails and lurked among the trees trying to surprise whoever was hidden, but all that was fruitless. No one was there, not even the small animals that are usually found in underground caves and old logs.

He walked further in, guided by the sound, until he realized he had lost his bearings. I could not differentiate north from south. The trees were so thick that the sun could not get through their branches and the road had disappeared into the undergrowth.

Where am I? he said to himself. He thought about it for a moment, not knowing which way to turn.

He felt shivering realizing that the temperature had dropped again, exhaled some icy air and warmed his hands by rubbing them together. He looked straight ahead and saw a thick fog approaching him covering everything in his path, leaving the ground like a white canvas.

How strange he said, being surprised for a moment. Fog? Now? At this moment?

He stepped through the mist and placed the wooden sword in front of him, taking care of his steps. I was afraid he might have a surprise attack by whoever was whispering.

How long has it been already? he wondered and felt that he had already been in the place for hours.

A while more went by unnoticed. He came out of the forest and distinguished a path among the trees. He looked to the right, as well as to the left side, and on both sides he zigzagged. He shook the leaves off the ground. He tried to distinguish if someone else had passed through there before, he realized that it was a stone road with engravings and decorations but he did not understand what they meant.

He sat up and closed his eyes. He tried to listen for any sound, but as when he entered he heard nothing. The silence still seemed sepulchral to him. As if nothing had ever grown in the forest. At night, he always heard the sounds of animals in the distance, even birds, so he found it very strange and constantly wondered if he was really enchanted.

It's hot, he said to himself, wiping the sweat from his forehead. He tried to feel some breeze realizing that there was no wind. Everything was still and that was disturbing to him. I must be brave and not be afraid. I must behave as a knight." Knights are not afraid. I must find some way out.

He looked one way and then the other. Without a sun with which he could guide himself, any path would be the same for him.

As Nephthys said: if any doubt, take the road to the right he quoted his sister and pointed to the right of the road. He sighed for a moment as he thought it was the right one. His hand trembled even with the wooden sword.

The road seemed too long to him, not noticing much change in his journey. He looked at the trees, and their branches looked to him like arms with sharp claws. Other trees looked as if they had frozen as they tried to escape and still others seemed to be afraid.

I must be daydreaming, he said to himself and tried to get himself to snap out of it.  Perhaps it is enchanted as old Alfer said, but if it is, shouldn't there be some creature protecting this place?

Up ahead, he saw something different that caught his attention. He noticed the fog clearing and discovering the sun from among the clouds. It blinded him for a moment and then he saw with surprise an old castle.

Wow!  he exclaimed aloud at the sight of it. He had read hundreds of ancient stories of castles and kings who inhabited them. What is this castle doing in the middle of the forest and why have I never seen it before?

It looks abandoned, he thought when he noticed the damage to the front door and the collapsed columns. The decorations and appearance should correspond to the end of the Semjase era.

He remembered for a moment an old book he had read.

It looks Gaian. The columns are Gaian. They're not Heraldo's. Why is there a Gaian castle in this place? he asked himself several times not knowing the answer clearly.

If only Master Alfer were here, he could help me understand this. Seeing the castle, he remembered an old bedtime story his father had once told him before falling asleep. He started humming and tried to remember the most important fragment of the story and when he succeeded he said it out loud:

«In a castle not far from here, there is a beast that guards an object of great value, but be careful, as only a Chosen One can pass through... and if your heart has no doubts you will be able to reach it»

The brief moment really affected him, and a tear rolled down his cheeks. He rubbed it at once.

I must go on. If I've made it this far, at least I should know more.

He came closer to get a better look at it. He passed through the merciless undergrowth that had already taken over most of the place. He watched his steps and held the wooden sword with both hands. He was excited; he had no idea what he would find. The thought tingled in his ears. He crossed the bridge taking care of not falling off.

He took a first step to the entrance and felt a strange sensation. He sensed like he was being watched. He looked to one side and then to the other with his sword held high. He looked at every part of the castle until he let his guard down, but when he looked towards a window of the nearest tower, he noticed two crimson eyes staring at him. His eyes, like those of those who looked at him, crossed for a moment. His legs were shaking and the sword slipped from his hands. He was shocked and his heart raced as soon as he saw it. He felt very cold. Fear seized him and he retreated until he escaped. He ran through the forest again as fast as he could, not looking back at any time, bumping between branches and leaves.

What was that? he said to himself over and over again. He tried to forget what he saw, but he couldn't forget the creature's eyes. He ran so fast that he fell and rolled to a stop. He got up in pain, checked his body and saw small scrapes. He shook off the dust and sat up with difficulty trying to keep his balance.

The pain was intense. He lay down among some trees cooling off in the shade and looked back wondering if this had been real. He thought about what had happened, tried to calm down and analyzed all the details of his trip. He thought for a moment that it was all a dream, a victim of sunstroke, but that did not explain why his clothes were torn. He watched people pass by and noticed that they were not paying attention to him. He felt relief as he imagined it would be difficult to explain.

He remembered those red, sharp eyes of the beast again; it was hard for him to forget. Every time he closed his eyes he saw it clearly. He imagined the beast for a moment and the large fangs that could chew him up. The large and imposing body surrounded by thick fur. His powerful claws that could tear him apart. He imagined it and felt its claw on his shoulder. He reacted on the spot. He took the animal's claw and tried to get it off him with a movement that his father taught him. He threw it to the ground and a miscalculation brought him down. He opened his eyes and saw no beast, but a girl with long white hair who was watching him in surprise from the ground.

Morgana! he exclaimed at the sight of her.

Hey Max, what's going on? Why are you so shaken up? Morgana said in a sweet voice, showing him a pleasant smile.

They both shook off the dust on top of them. Instantly Max apologized feeling embarrassed by what had happened, blushing for a moment. He looked her up and down and saw that there was no wound on her white skin.

Sorry, Morgana, I was daydreaming. Let me help you with that, he said removing the small leaves that stuck to her purple dress with white edges.

You don't have to worry so much about me, Max, she replied, shaking off the sarong that touched the ground. She adjusted the sleeves and brooches on the chest. She spun around in her place adjusting the golden turtle-shaped girdle resting on her waist.

Max smiled at her and saw that she was fine and without a scratch. He watched her arrange her long, soft, delicate and beautiful hair.

I am relieved that you're well. I'm sorry about what happened Max said apologizing for the misunderstanding.

What happened to you, Max? Are you hurt? Do you have any scratches? Morgana asked as she saw the wounds on his face and the rips in his clothes. Let me guess. You've been practicing in the woods again. Right?

Max tried to ignore the question, but it was hard for him to be able to. Telling the truth is part of his nature.

Not today, Morgana, he said and sounded like he was guilty.

You know well that you should not go into the forest. Even I know that.

I know it well. But it doesn't matter now.

Max heard some music in the distance. He saw the city and the small fireworks go off in the dusk.

Will you come with me? He asked politely offering her his hand.  Morgana smiled sweetly at him and saw him straight in the eyes. She gave him her hand and Max felt her soft touch.

Of course, she replied in the affirmative. He forgot the mischief that had happened.

♦♦♦

They arrived at the fair in the city center. They walked through the streets invaded by colorful tents adorned by flags that waved in the wind. He felt the soft, refreshing breeze, which, strangely, made him remember that the forest was totally different. His ears were humming with the different languages that blended together in a joyful chant and he heard the common language among them all. He noticed that some merchants were trading with their own goods in the darkest corners of the tents.

Max, passing the view, saw a tent with Atlantean decorations offering crystals for sale. He had heard that these possessed healing or magical properties when wielded by the bearer. When he wanted to get closer to see them, Morgana pulled his arm and they abruptly changed the way they were going.

What's going on? he asked, but did not receive a direct answer. He shook his head from side to side without another word. He did not consider it important and they continued.

They saw other stalls and Max saw the d'shide elves offering their swords and bows. He saw two or three swords that he liked, but they were too expensive for him. If he bought them, he would end up with all the runes he had been saving up to be able to go to the Academy in Blazon for a mere whim. He saw another stall selling words. He saw the blacksmiths of Avalon create them. At once he could hear the blows of their hammers on the metal sheet. Although the idea of buying a sword wasn't a bad one, he wouldn't be earning it as a knight. He hoped at some point to be able to hold one in his hands and wield it with honor.

Come on, Max, we still have a lot to see, Morgana said and saw other flags in the distance and heard the music in the air.

They visited two or three stalls and tried their products as the evening wore on. They laughed for moments and danced among the crowd with joy letting themselves be carried away by the melodies. Max seemed to have forgotten the crimson eyes and the forest.

They kept walking between the streets and the crowd, apologizing at every step they took. They listened to the conversations in the languages they could understand. He arrived at a stall and heard the Gaians offering potions and enchanted items.

How much for the potions? he heard the voice of a distracted shopper.

Three silver runes, the seller said kindly.

Do you have any that make your hair grow back? he exclaimed taking off the wig he was wearing.

Sorry, I ran out of them a while ago, he replied to his hesitant bald friend.

He noticed a lot of people swirling around a tent. They approached and saw a Human d' Akator take a small box.

What do you think he'll do? Morgana inquired when she saw that he was doing nothing.

I have no idea" he said whispering in her ear.

They saw him put his hand to a small button on the side. The box opened like a flower, unfolding like paper to reveal several instruments that no one recognized. Each piece they saw was smaller and thinner than the previous one like branches of a tiny tree. They saw the human take one and pull a small spark out of the tip. Then they saw him moving towards a log cutting it down without any difficulty. He approached the box again and took another piece by lifting the wood without touching it. They saw him approaching the box and two long arms appeared carving the wood into a decorative figure almost instantly.

The human yelled to the audience and said: it is so easy that even the smallest member of the family could do this job effortlessly.

They moved away from the audience and visited other stalls and he saw more swords. The temptation was increasing, but, although he wanted to buy some, he did not have enough runes in his pockets. He forgot the idea and concentrated on the present. He enjoyed every moment while he was with Morgana and he didn't want to ruin it with those ideas.

He heard a scuffle in the background. Akator's blacksmith was seen getting angry with his assistant when he dropped the hammer on his toe. He let out a wail and then he hit him. They walked away far enough so as not to see what would happen next.

They quickly got out of there and continued to look at the stalls. They stopped at a vendor's stall and admired his interesting merchandise as they looked at the luminous fruits. Morgana took two and put them in front of her eyes giving the impression that they were larger and more resplendent. Max laughed, looking amused. He saw a woman approaching who began to engage in a conversation with the seller.

Four silver runes for five Muppa apples, get your money's worth, they're delicious.

It's very expensive! exclaimed the woman, while her five children desperately craved that sweet fruit.

He looked to the side and saw that several children were running in the streets showing off their kites that changed color and shape. He looked at the sky and saw how at some point they took on the form of birds or butterflies, then dragons and then some kind of magical creature that he did not distinguish.

Max and Morgana ate bright apples and caramel, as they continued their journey, until they reached a curved street where some vendors made their own crafts. From wands tailored to the buyer, to pieces of armor made in great detail.

They heard the sound of some animals. As they turned around they saw vendors trading in birds. Max, seeing them, deduced that they were from distant lands. He heard the hooting of the black owls of Echoes, the trilling of the red sparrows and the multicolored birds Qzal of Akator.

Are you hungry, Morgana? Max inquired when he noticed a strong and pleasant smell in the air.

They looked in one direction and saw some vendors offering various dishes that seemed exotic to him. He watched a maiden with insect wings offer a varied menu at the entrance of her tent.

«Try our amalius dishes in roses. For five bronze runes we offer you a glass of plutta or, if you prefer, we have amalup in printta sauce juice for two silver runes.»

I decline your offer, Max. But thank you she expressed offering a gentle praise at the sight of such strange dishes while guiding him on another direction.

You still haven't told me why you were in the middle of the road, she said and saw that the wounds on his face were barely noticeable after washing his face.

Don't worry about that, we still have a lot to see. I was just daydreaming. Nothing to worry about. What about your uncle? I can see he lets you go out more often.

He worries too much. It took me such a long time to convince him. Oh, I forgot, I didn't tell her I was coming to the fair. He must be worried. I should... give me a moment" she said apologetically to Max as she walked away from the tents.

Have you heard? one guard said to another. He's disappeared.

Don't tell me, since when? The other answered.

For a few months now. They are looking for them, but so far they have not appeared.

The conversation got lost. It was the only thing Max could hear before being surprised by Morgana.

I'm back she said in a submissive voice.

Morgana saw Max and then made a strange face.

What's going on?

Nothing. I was just listening to a conversation. Apparently someone disappeared.

Ah, replied Morgana discouraged.

I really would like to tell you why I was there.

Really? He flashed a smile.

It's just... I don't even remember well what I saw. I remember the forest. I remember a road and I remember some…

Max's attention focused on a tent on the other corner of the street. Many times he had already passed by, but he hadn't noticed it before. It was dark as a jet stone, full of cobwebs around the entrance, the lighting was poor compared to the others he had seen. He crossed the street bumping between people as he passed. He offered several apologies until he reached the small shelf exposed at the entrance. He saw the books, each as dusty as the last. He climbed the small staircase and heard the wood creak. As he passed by he saw several tables full of old books of different sizes and shapes, some with engravings on their backs, others with leather covers and metallic decorations until he saw one that caught his interest. When he picked it up it turned to dust in his fingers.

It's a shame. It looked interesting, he said to himself and shook his hand.

He saw other books and realized that they were of low quality. The mice ate its leaves and stained the covers with their waste.

Apparently the place doesn't sell much, Max thought as he looked at the countless volumes. Maybe I'll find good material at a low price, he said to himself, flashing a wide smile as he entered the place. As long as I find something good among all this, he kept repeating to himself when he saw the place and the brown spots on the leaves of the books.

He noticed that some were in terrible condition, eaten by worms and moths. He also saw ancient artifacts, crystal and precious metal gadgets. He cleaned a little dust of some titles to try to read their contents better, but this made him sneeze several times, causing him to accidentally hit a table which ended up knocking some texts to the floor.

I'm so sorry, he said apologetically to the owner.

In a corner of the room, he noticed that a strange creature was sleeping whom he distinguished as a Beholder. He noticed that he was fast asleep without seeming to mind. He hadn't noticed his presence as he kept subtly levitating from his place.

Max lifted the books off the floor and distinguished several titles he had already read, but one in particular caught his attention for a moment. I had not seen it among the books that fell. He dusted off the cover with the sleeve revealing its brown cover. Distinguished a very elegant castle with a golden title: The Old Wars.

He grabbed the book and walked over to the Beholder and interrupted the nap he was comfortably taking, while Morgana absentmindedly looked at the other books on a bookcase.

How much is this book worth? He asked first in a low voice without receiving an answer. He asked again, but the creature did not wake up, he was still asleep and now snoring. He asked the same question again, but this time in a louder voice. Beholder! How much is this book worth?

The Beholder shook himself for a moment by turning in his own place. He got up, looked at him, and with a strong and somewhat gloomy voice answered him reluctantly.

Take it with you! he yelled. A foreigner brought it to me a long time ago and until now no one had been interested in it. You are the first to ask for it, you will find precious and important things in it,he said, looking at it with his many eyes, although some of them could no longer open fully.

I can't just accept it, at least let me give you something, he replied, handing him some runes.

I just want you to come closer, boy, so I can see you because I can't see as well as I used to, he said, floating laboriously, causing several books to fall to the floor.

Morgana was looking at some books for a while. She was curious about some of these, but as soon as she saw the Beholder staring at Max, she waved them away by shaking her head insistently, without getting the result she expected. Max saw how the creature looked at him with a tired eye, noticing at the moment the strong smell that emanated, seeming unpleasant to him.

"I've been waiting for you for several years, Chosen One… Leyendario.. It's you the one we've been waiting for. You have salvation in your hands and the hope of the world…

Even without having hands, Max felt that somehow he managed to touch him. He felt at that moment the weight of something resting on his shoulders. After a short time he saw it let out a shriek and then fell to the ground. He watched his eyelids close, taking one last breath of life.

Such a sudden death impressed him. He stepped back awkwardly and grabbed Morgana. As soon as they left, the place began to fade, leaving the road free through transit in it.

"What's the