“What is the matter, Ezekiel?” Kara asked, sitting up.
“Oh, you shouldn’t be awake,” Ezekiel said admonishingly.
“You should tell that to yourself,” Kara countered.
“Perhaps, but I just could not find sleep this night. Too many things going in my head,” Ezekiel said.
“I know what you mean,” Kara responded.
“You’ve had more than that one vision depicting what is to come in this fight, haven’t you?” Ezekiel said calmly.
“More than you’d believe,” Kara said quietly.
“That is what bothers your rest, then,” Ezekiel guessed.
“You hit the mark…” Kara admitted.
“What is it that troubles you so much?” Ezekiel asked.
“Well…in this one I see one who can control the waves, Faux, and one who can control the ground, yourself. Both of you join me in a horrific fight against evil and --” Kara stopped, not sure how to continue.
“-- One of us dies in your vision,” Ezekiel finished.
“…exactly…” Kara said, a frown forming on her face.
“Do not fret. Who’s to say your vision speaks the true future?” Ezekiel asked.
“Do you doubt the powers of Kaith!?” Kara asked, suddenly offended.
“Oh no, not at all. I’m just saying; what if Kaith is showing you one of our deaths so that you will try to prevent it, thus saving our life?” Ezekiel asked.
“…I never looked at it that way. Perhaps you’re right!” Kara said, a smile returning.
“See? These old bones are still good for something,” Ezekiel said with a laugh.
“Thank you, Ezekiel. You’ve lessen my worries. But still…this adds a pressure on me. I must keep my eye on you two during the battle,” Kara said.
“Not that you wouldn’t,” Ezekiel returned, “Kaith is just showing you that your worries are well placed, and greater still should you place them?”
“Yes, that must be it. Give praise to Kaith,” Kara said with a warm smile.
“Or perhaps your god is trying to tell you that with good causes sometimes comes a price, and that he felt he should give you a warning so that when it happens it isn’t as devastating,” Thalys said grimly.
“How long have you been awake?” Kara asked, surprised.
“Ever since you two started talking. I’m a very light sleeper,” Thalys said.
“What you said…do you think it to be true?” Kara asked, worried.
“I can’t say. I don’t know your religion that well, or any for that matter,” Thalys admitted.
“That’s sad…” Kara said quietly.
“I’m sure it will hit me someday what kind of a mistake I have for not being faithful to some deity. Until then, I’ll evaluate things as I see them,” Thalys said.
“I see. Well it is your own choice. In your own opinion, however, do you think what you said is the true meaning?” Kara asked.
“I don’t want to believe so. I like Ezekiel’s answer better, but I just thought I’d throw my evaluation on the matter out there. It is never bad to have such information. Only the fool lets himself hold onto one meaning when there can be plenty,” Thalys replied honestly.
“I believe you’re wise beyond your years, Thalys,” Ezekiel said.
“Not really. I quoted most of that from my fiancée,” Thalys admitted with an embarrassed laugh.
“You are set to be married, yet you’re out on an adventure?” Kara asked incredulously.
“Well, it is kind of complicated. You see, my girlfriend asked if we could be married after I return, so I’m working my best to stay alive,” Thalys said.
“Do you want to be married to this girl?” Ezekiel asked.
“Yes of course! I love Karis with all my heart. She just got to the question faster than I could. She always wins,” Thalys said with a laugh.
“But of course. The woman always wins,” Kara boasted, joining in the laugh.
“The sad truth is, she’s probably right,” Ezekiel added.
“Ah, I feel I could go to sleep now…it is good to remember what I’ve got waiting for me back home,” Thalys said.
“And I will see to it personally that you do make it out of this battle alive,” Kara stated.
“Then I suppose the two of you will finally go back to sleep and be quiet?” Ezekiel asked.
“I better see you getting some sleep too, mister,” Kara said admonishingly.
“Now that is just not fair,” Ezekiel countered.
“Goodnight, Ezekiel,” Kara said with a grin.
“…goodnight,” the earth adept grumbled.
***********
“Sir, Jowl and his troops have just arrived,” Lyx said to Draven.
“Good. So have all of our soldiers returned now?” Draven asked, changing positions in his throne.
“Yes, sir. We are now prepared in case what our scouts say is true,” Lyx said.
“I believe what they say. It was only a matter of time before Sol City moved on our growing power. It isn’t like Cloud City to sit and watch as their domain is threatened,” Draven said.
“Do you have an plan of defense, sir?” Lyx asked.
“Set most of our troops to guard our southern borders, then get a fair sized group to guard the northern borders. The rest shall stay back in the fortress and guard it. I want you to be in charge of them. As for Jowl, he’ll be in charge of the southern forces,” Draven explained.
“What about yourself, sir?” Lyx asked.
“I’ll head the northern troops,” Draven said with a grin.
“I’m sure this isn’t going to be a big deal,” Lyx assured.
“I know that. This is just going to be fun!” Draven said eagerly. “Get the troops ready immediately. It’s killing time.”
Lyx bowed just before walking out.
“Good…things were getting boring here,” Draven said to himself when he was alone.
**********
Voyse hurried along the path, making sure he kept the distance between himself and his pursuers fairly vast. The assassin knew well enough that his goal was only two hours walk away. Eagerness filled his feet with energy, speeding him onward.
Only a mile away, Omurai and Asher moved just as quickly, thinking their pray was moving slow due to the weakening battles he went through. Little did they know they were barely keeping up with the quick assassin. They’d reach Tier Bastion an hour after their target. The time had come for the final showdown.