A few moments of silence passed, and finally Alak returned, a surprised smile on her face.
“I have some great news!” she declared.
“Well, what is it?” Ezekiel pressed.
“The king was already making plans to take down the uprising Bladenheart army, and this news of the Adept’s Stone being in their possession gave him the final reason to call on the attack! Cloud City is sending in two entire sanctions of their army to take down Tier Bastion,” Alak said excitedly.
Kara jumped out of her seat, a beaming smile on her face.
Faux, startled by the sudden noise in the room, leaped to his feet as well, but with a look of horror on his face. “Where are they?!” he demanded.
Everyone looked at the water adept with puzzled looks until finally he looked around the room and excused himself back to his seat.
“I was surprised myself that he would agree to such a thing. You lucked out Guardian of Light,” Alak said, coming up and hugging Kara.
“Indeed, this is good news. When shall they arrive?” Ezekiel asked.
“They should be right outside the northern gates anytime now. I’d get there fast if you don’t want to be left behind,” Alak said.
“Wow…they move fast,” Kara said, astonished.
“They move with the wind, what can I say?” Alak responded with a grin. “Run along now, you don’t want to keep them waiting.”
“This is wonderful! Come on Faux, we’re heading to Tier Bastion!” Kara said with a determined smile.
Faux sprung to his feet, this time with an eager grin and rushed towards the doors saying, “About time…faking sleep is hard!”
Ezekiel and Kara exchanged surprised glances and followed after the rogue, waving goodbye and thanking Alak as they went.
**********
Captain Garis Cord stood at the head of his troops, watching as the last of them were teleported to the waiting area outside of Sol City. He would have a total of 120,000 well trained soldiers at his disposal, all skilled with the use of a blade and of wind magic.
“Listen up, soldiers! We have been ordered to take on an enemy known as the Bladenheart army. From what we know, they specialize in void magic, a rare and dangerous force. Use your own magic sparingly, for they can use it against you. Remember, we are the elite, an unstoppable force! Fight with courage and valor! Most of all, fight to win,” Garis said inspiringly, waving a hand in the air.
The soldiers before him all let out a cheer in unison, which brought a smirk to Garis’ face.
His lieutenant came up to stand beside him.
“Are we almost ready to go, Lieutenant Halzezem?” Garis asked.
“That we are, sir. We were told to wait for the Guardian of Light, however,” Rowe Halzezem said with an unsure frown.
“The Guardian of Light from Rullenfay, you mean? She will be joining us?” Garis asked incredulously.
“That is what I heard. She is the reason we are out here, actually. She managed to convince the king to give the order of attack,” Rowe explained.
“Amazing…” Garis gasped, rubbing his chin.
“There, sir! I think that young woman riding that war horse is the Guardian of Light!” Rowe shouted excitedly, pointing to three people walking up to them, one of them riding a horse.
“Who are those two coming up with her? Guardians of a guardian?” Garis asked with a laugh.
“It would seem so, actually,” Rowe responded.
Kara, Ezekiel, and Faux stopped as they reached the captain.
“It is good to see you, captain. My name is Kara Kitsurui, and these are my friends Ezekiel Ravenlocke and Faux Fo. We will be assisting you on the attack,” Kara said in a formal manner.
“Well met Kara Kitsurui. You may call me Captain Garis Cord, and this is Lieutenant Rowe Halzezem,” Garis responded with a quick bow.
“It will be a pleasure working with you three,” Rowe added in.
“Indeed it will be,” Ezekiel said with a grin, “now, to finish this adventure.”