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The capital city of Harrowgate, a fortress of stone and sloped angles to deflect cannon fire thanks to the star formation of brick and mortar while these massive cannons can be clearly seen as the banners of the Bisclavret of fresh knit hang proudly. Even from this distance there is clear evidence of furnaces and smelters for ore and metals, off to the side we can see a convoy hauling cut down tress on land and in front of this bastion is a massive port with trade ships and even some small ships of the line as a drawbridge connects the mighty structure to across the river to the east.

We eventually make port and we are greeted by a squad of heavily armed and armored wolves that look to be more Phalen stock, most are armed with a melee weapon of some form while two are armed with blunderbuss's, the officer leading the squad instructs that we are to meet with Castellan and Mausein at once as they have been expecting us, I decide to bring my circle and also I have Elie come with us as the full scale of this need to be apparent, he knows the stakes and what we've been after sure, but it's best if he knows the full extent of it like the rest of us. We are escorted through Harrowgate and it is kind of a mess, the building structures seem to be overly complex for what they are suppose to be with some bizarre aesthetic choices, but I can hear the sound of a large mill and constant sounds of metal work and tools, just out of the corner of my eye I see a rack of muskets full on both sides being loaded onto a wagon, with another next to it loaded with sidearms while both also have some examples of blunderbuss on their sides. From another workshop there are swords, axes, shields, armor plates and more being made in a mass produced fashion, another baring door hinges, candle holders and nails... the amount of industry here is just impressive to say the least with even the sound of sawmills being heard across the river.

Everyone's eyes come over to us as we step through, I can hear some of their words as they whisper and their chatter is mostly about me, I have to resist the urge to just roll my eyes at the gossip sharing as I try to keep myself presentable, though a glance to my right shows some women dressed in a similar way to those at the docks back in Triskellian but the dressings for their clothes are bright and rich to where it is actually blinding in a way, with a few of the wolves even adding some emphasis to their curves as we pass by... I dare not to even glance in Lalaine's direction.

Maeve flashes me a smirk "Maybe before we leave ya can have ah little fun." which causes Lalaine to cross her arms as I can hear them shuffling.

I sigh "Maeve..."

The bat giggles "Ya do need ah positive way ta relief stress at some point... an ya do know that experience. Far better then swinging ah sword in the thick of it."

I can practically feel the skunks glare burning into the back of my head... what the heck I'm already in the fire might as well go all the way "It is indeed." trying my best not smirk.

I can hear Lalaine quietly mumbling as most of the other ladies of our group roll their eyes or giving a soft giggle with some snickers from the crowd. Looking around I do see the slaves and indentured servants performing their duties, their clothing a little more dirty or dull compared to those in the other lands but by the looks of it they are treated fairly, heck one of them is even acting as escort for what looks like a low ranking noble in chainmail and his lion claws more then a match for any opponent given his size. Passing through the market is breath taking given sheer amount of wares and goods, only rivaling Triskellian in overall scale and it's just impressive as we can even see some medieval cranes moving some wagons and crates around.

We eventually get to where the head of the Bisclavret lives, the Chateau du Bisclavret... and it is something else. It's construction is probably the most bizzare I have ever seen of any of the other houses as the top has a bunch of spires of varying heights, random ducts, side towers, evidence of constant additions of rooms over it's existence give the pattern of mortar and bricks that have been, put on, removed or simply replaced, even the outside decoration hardly makes sense as there are gargoyles and angels perched at various points up top, portions of gothic melding into some more primitive stone work and vice versa... I seriously don't even know what to make of it. I glance and see our escorts are smiling at it though I look to my friends and they glance to me in pure confusion... sums up the whole thing marvelously I suppose?

I rub my chin for a sec 'Well... it's way better then the palace used by the Doloreaux, it looks solid so that's a start.'

We are brought in and the inside is far more uniform compared to the outside, with some statues of past leaders, torches and amazing stone work, we eventually make it to the throne room where a massive banner hangs overhead and two wolves are present on the far side, both wolves adorned in royal stitch-work. The first one is far older and wearing some kind of plate armor that only covers his torso and shoulders, his features sharp and his gaze is that of analyzing, the second is far younger as in maybe a just a few years younger then me, his chest baring the symbol of the house and he has this determined by straight look as his eyes in particular lock onto me. These two are Castellan and Mausein respectively, the former leading the house until the latter is of proper age to assume command, while I haven't even seen paintings of them I have learned of their position in my studies. The squad escorting us splits up and take of either side of the throne as we stop a standard distance away given a hand signal from Castellan, other then some pen writing from a nearby scribe the room dies down as the wolves look right at us.

Castellan steps forward "Pheonix, I am Lord Castellan, on behalf of the heir and the Bisclavret we welcome you."

'Here goes nothing I suppose.', I advance a little "It is an honor to be here, it's a shame I could not arrive to Harrowgate sooner."

The wolf gives a slight smirk "Aye, but given the circumstance I think we can look past it." giving a chuckle mixed in "You and your chosen advisor may step up."

I make a gesture to Maeve and we approach the two wolves, we stop just in front of the two, the younger canine raising an eyebrow while the older one looks amused.

Castellan looks to the bat "You are his advisor?"

Maeve bows her head "I am lord, I am Maeve."

Mausein blinks for a moment "Your accent is that of our land, a sellsword perhaps?"

The bat gives a smirk "I was ah ranger turned slave after ah fight, mi lord Adam reinstated mah freedom an gave me what I needed ta reasert my role.", she looks to Castellan "Surprised to see me?"

Castellan gives a friendly laugh "Somewhat! You beat most of my guard after you fought to try to defend your duke who went renegade, a very valiant fight indeed." earning a laugh from the bat.

The banter is quite fascinating, I remember learning that when the enslavement does happen it is from military action and how fair it actually is, though this kind of chat is something I wasn't expecting.

Castellan looks to me "A fair lord and from I have also heard a fierce fighter, quite a combination actually."

Eventually the meeting turns into us discussing why we are here along with a summery of the critical events we have gone through up to now, I even decide to bring up the tomb we discovered and that it gave us the location of the last part of the sword... the room falls silent as the two before us look to each other. Maeve puts forth that the last part is crucial for what is occurring given what has been uncovered and that Vaslov is active in this island spanning hunt while also having been trying to conquer the Great Houses while also trying to get the weapon in it's entirety. The two wolves simply stare at us for a moment, but Mausein leaves his throne and steps towards me, his gaze stoic and projecting order.

The canine sighs "We know of what you are talking about, you see just before harrowgate was founded we had located a tomb with instructions on what to do with the artifact buried with it and the best procedure should this situation arrive. There was no map when we looked it over, but it did say that the one who brought the two other parts with them was to be presented with it to keep the sword safe and use it as their own. Please come with us, we'll get what you came to acquire."

We begin to follow Mausein and Castellan, the deeper we go into the structure the more we start to see more elite-looking soldiers that seem to rival knights in their appearance as we begin to go through even some hidden passage ways, it kind of stinks because it's just Maeve and I following them so the others won't get to see this but at the very least after this we can head back to Triskellian, though I do want to explore Harrowgate and experience it for a little while. This hidden door opens from the heir using an old looking key, the opening revealing a tomb with lit torches as two knights in full armor holding halberds stand on either side of this stone coffin, we approach it and open it, revealing the skeletal remains of a horse in bronze armor with decayed leather backing it and in his hands is the last piece.

I give a salute to dead horse "Centurion Cnaeus Fundanus Fabillus, we have followed your trail. I hope you have found peace after all this time." earning looks from everyone though the knights put one of their hands over their hearts as they bow their heads.

I gently take the last part in my hands... at long last we have all three parts, all we have to do now is put all three of them together, I extend that I would be honored if they attended the assembly of the sword, to which they agree as they are curious as well just how it all goes together, especially after being in talks with the Don.

"I was also wondering, if it would be feasible to forge an alliance between the Bisclavret and the Rinaldi?"

Castellan and the heir look to each other with the latter giving a nod "Given recent events and that the Rinaldi are turning a new leaf, we are open to the idea of our houses working together like we once did, though we would have to wait and perform proper diplomacy."

Seeing the others faces when I come out with the last part puts a gleam in their eyes, we had done it, we made it all the way and there was merely one last thing to do, we begin to make our way out of the palace and drawing a crowd in the process. Suddenly a loud bang occurs and a hole is blown into the ground in front of me which stops us, I look up and see Vaslov on a roof top as he gets rid of the spent firearm.

The fox smirks "So, the last part was here after all.", he jumps and lands "You really are quite a pain, but this whole chase has been refreshing as I finally have found some worthy prey."

I glare at him "This time you are surrounded Vaslov, you have no escape route and entirely outnumbered!"

A smirk forms on his lips "True, but I'll still get what I came for!"

Danica readies her sword as I ready a fireball, she growls at him "In the name of the Rinaldi, your death will help pay the toll of blood your wicked mother caused!"

The fox stretches his arms out "Then come and get me!"

I raise an eyebrow 'Something is up, he would never leave himself open like this...', I look to Danica as she charges towards him "Danica wait!"

The vixen runs up to him and delivers a cleaving strike, but the grey fox fades away into green smoke, suddenly I become grappled from behind, I look to see it's Vaslov and he smashes a green orb onto the ground before getting grip on the relic... he's teleporting with me in his grip!

I look to Danica "ASH INITIATIVE!!!"

Meave quickly comes over but then everything goes green for a second and I go crashing down on a cave floor, I go to draw my sword but I quickly become retrained by a couple of skeletons with another slipping some kind of charm over my neck as Vaslov grabs the relic. A figure comes out from the dark and recognize her instantly...

"Velviea? What are you doing here?"

The vixen flashes a smile "Actually, the name is Amalsand and I am looking forward to really getting to know you...", she puts a hand against my cheek "Phoenix." showing her teeth now in that grin of hers.

........................................................

Back in Harrowgate, everyone is staring at where Adam and Vaslov were, Adam's comrades just stunned and hurt at what just happened, Adam and the last part now at the mercy of the grey fox and they have no idea where they could be, Danica puts her sword away as Adam's last words radiate in her mind, a fallback she was hoping she would have to do.

Serilda looks to Danica "We can't just leave him!"

Danica looks to her "We don't even know where Vaslov took him.", she gives a painful sigh as a tear leave her left eye "Adam's orders were clear when it comes to his emergency plans, the Ash Initiative clearly states we are to return to Triskellian and to try to destroy the relics we have."

Maeve rushes towards her "I can fly around and see ef ah can spot him, we can't risk just leaving him at the mercy of the enemy!"

The vixen looks to the bat "He'll die in vain if we don't do this, for all we know that has already taken place. Adam is a brave knight and has put everyone's well being first, if this is his last action on this path then it'll be followed through... it is what he would want after all. If we failed then we are to destroy the relics so that everyone else won't pay the price, so then there would be objective to achieve, that is why he created the fallback plans should any need arise."

The ladies and their Phalen allies put on looks of pure defeat as the situation slowly hits them, Adam Rinaldi, the knight who lead this far was now gone, the fact that they were so close and it was torn away from them, Lalaine begins to cry as Mavra holds onto her, Serilda is dead silent as she tries to process it, Relocca and her children lightly embrace each other. They can only hope for best and expect the worst now, the human had helped in bringing them all together and showed them just what they were capable of as they became a team over time, how he inspired them just they did for him. But more importantly, how they helped the human find his place, how they watched him grow and taught him how survive and fight and showed him their world as he took on the task at hand. To them, he was far more then just a friend or comrade in arms... so much more.

Danica pulls herself together "We... We must return to Triskellian, everyone back to the Normandy!" tears streaming down her cheeks.

................................................

Vaslov finishes locking chains on me and he takes my sword away, I glance to my armor off to the side as a few skeletons guard it.

Amalsand comes over to me once more "Now that we have you alone, I am curious about a few things about you. For starters, how did you get here?" with a raised eyebrow.

I look to her golden eyes "I was laying in my bed and this green energy grabbed ahold of me, next thing I know I am going through tree branches."

The vixen puts on a thinking look for a few moments, she snaps her fingers "Ah, the misfire! When I tried the teleportation spell for the first time on a skeleton, I pronounced some of the incantation wrong and we thought it didn't do anything... at first we thought the spell was a dud but after some extra research it functioned after that. I guess you being brought here was an accident."

Vaslov smirks "My newest rival could have been avoided all this time?!", he chuckles as he places my sword on a nearby table.

Amalsand shoots him a bit of an annoyed glare, she rolls her eyes back to me "There also has been something on my mind since we met. When I brought up my son and such, you practically shutdown... why is that?" earning a curious stare from her son.

I sigh "My mother abandoned me before I came here." already feeling my heart start to twitch.

The two look to each other with with some blinks, they look to me as Vaslov moves over to us, he kneels and he begins to look me over.

The male fox shakes his head "Such a strong warrior indeed, a wound that could never heal."halfway between mocking and something else.

Amalsand puts her hand on my cheek "I have a proposition for you, what if I told you I can take the pain away? That I can bring you into my family? I can brand you with a spell that'll clear all the memories of your world and past life, all you have to do is pledge your loyalty to me and I will call you my son and you can me mom." those eyes looking right into mine.

Vaslov folds his arms as he glances to her, he looks to me "Sounds like a good deal to me, no more pain and you'll have a strong support structure to back you up." giving me quite a grin "Besides, having my rival become my brother would make things interesting."

I glance between the two as the grey vixen gently brushes her thumb against my cheek, to be fair I actually I am starting to think of it, even though I have come to terms with those emotions for the most part with help from my friends. Amalsand is a powerful sorceress and I don't doubt she can do what she just said... but if I take her on it, I would betray everything and everyone I have done and crossed paths with.

I look to her "What you are asking me to do, is to betray everything I stand for, everything I have ever said and done, those that I care for and hold dear... I can never do such a thing. I will never become your puppet, or your slave!"

Amalsand pulls her hand away "Heroic to the end...", she sighs "Commendable, but with what I have in store, you'll be begging me for my offer."

I am not sure how much time passes as the days slowly drift into each other, most of the time the two leave me be aside from some food and water on occasion, but eventually they start to do some torture on me, using knives to cut me and driving iron nails into hands and legs, in some cases with Amalsand even using a potion on me to heal my wounds, once in a while asking if I'll take her offer, with me declining every time. But my body is really starting to feel the shock to the abuse, I soon hear talks of a new batch of the teleportation magic and while they try to be quiet I can hear how the spell and magic works... I just need to get my hands on it. If only this charm wasn't on me so I use my magic, but I'm all chained up...

Vaslov comes over to me "You've been with us for a while, but sadly it looks to be coming to an end. As we are moving to get the last two parts and Triskellian will be razed to the ground.", he pulls out this knife that has this green glow, he drives it into my chest which earns a loud gasps from me, he pulls it out and tosses the blade "The poison is slow acting but given your condition the effects will be sped up."

I look to the table that has the relic and my weapons on it... now I'm on borrowed time and it is do or die, I need to do something now!

Amalsand brings him his saber along with one of those orbs "Get the relics and slip away, if anyone gets in your way to kill them."

Vaslov gives a chuckle "Hopefully his friends try to stop me then, I imagine they'll make great trophies."

I begin to try to work my fire magic as I try to loosen the grip of the iron, I can feel the charm resisting my magic so I focus even harder, I get it to where I can feel the cuffs on me loosen but the charm is making it to where I can't breath at all, using air magic I can feel my sword, my two pistols and the relic... I only have one shot at this... I have both pistols fire which causes the two to jump, I break free as I have my sword, the relic and the orb in Vaslov's grip come to me, just before it crashes into the edge of my sword I yell "TRISKELLIAN!!!"

The orb explodes and in a flash I fall and crash onto stone, I hear gasps and whispers as I slowly get of and tear the charm off, I cough as I toss the thing to the side, a quick look around and I see I'm back in Triskellian, specifically the docks, I glance and see the Normandy in port... maybe there is still time. I begin to try to make my way to the Don and Donna, I know that's were I'll likely find the others.

Suddenly I hear "Adam?!", I look and see Lalaine running towards me with Maeve by her side.

I smile "You guys made it!", I stumble a little but the two catch me.

The skunk looks me over "Adam, what did they do to you?" with some tears starting to roll.

Maeve blinks "That's a pretty bad cut." in shock.

"There's no time to explain... we need to put the weapon together now... Vaslov is coming and I'm poisoned."

Lalaine nods, she looks to Maeve "Let the others know, I'll stay with him."

The bat nods and she takes to the sky, Lalaine stays with me but it's starting to get harder and harder to walk as my lungs feel like they are collapsing, my heart slowing only to pick back up.

Lalaine looks to me with those blue eyes "Adam, we need to get you to a doctor."

"The poison is already going through me like wild fire, there is nothing that can be done. I won't die before I cross the finish line."

The skunk blinks at me, she gives a sigh "Adam... you can't die...not from what I heard." which earns my attention, she looks to me "Before I became your confessor, Father Coniglio shared with me a prophecy... that someone will arrive to reignite the light for a new age... I was told not to tell it to you."

I gasps as I choke on some fluid "Lalaine, I am not some divine knight sent on any quest or to bring a new age, I am here because Amalsand's spell misfired."

Lalaine gets a better grip on me "Maybe so, but to us and to so many you are more then just someone who fell from the sky."

I look up and see Maeve run towards us with Danica, Serilda and Mavra following right behind her, they each give me a quick side embrace as we move along. I inform them with what is going on and that we need to get this blade formed as Mavra gets my free arm around her shoulder, we get past the gate and I just lose the feeling in my legs so I fall, but I use my sword and stab the covered blade into the road to stop me, the ladies gather around me as I cough up some tainted crimson. The paladins and Phalen come over to us and join in, the look on their faces telling me everything I needed to know, a fact I know to be true by now... I am dying and there is nothing I can do to stop it.

My body is broken and my sword reduced to being used as a cane. I can feel everyone looking at me, either in piety or silent stares, the only thing on my mind is trying to save the city, to save my friends... I no longer care what happens to me now... I cough up some more blood as my wound screams for me to just stop, but I can't. I groan as I do my best to try to stand once more as I can feel the poison breaking down my joints. I finally stop, I look to the sun and I'm almost out of time, I can feel tears leave my eyes as I know I have failed, failed to serve and failed to prove myself to the city. I can feel tears stream down my cheeks, not from the pain but by what is going to come if I don't stop the enemy hiding in the shadows, I glance at the church... I guess if there was a time to pray or ask for divine guidance this would be it, no god or saint had ever done anything for me over the course of my life... hopefully there really is a first for everything.

I stand as best I can, I close my eyes to gather my thoughts, I clear my throat as best I can as I want everyone to hear me as well as hopefully someone else will "I've never been one for saints nor any religion, because where I'm from it's all false and a crock of nonsense.", I slowly open my eyes as I look at the road, I slowly look up to the sky with my gaze passing an intrigued crowd, I continue "But I am broken and I have no other options, magic exists here and actual spirits... but none of that can help me in this moment.", I can feel my strength fading, "Helloise! The city is in danger, I can't get to Fabrizio in time and I'm the only one who knows what to look for. I'm not begging for my life, I'm begging for everyone else's! At least give me what I need to see this through and then you can take me after!", I fall to my knees as I about to just break down "You gave your life so that this city can live another day, but I fear that that day is up and I'm scared, more scared then have ever been. Please... answer me....", I close my eyes as I lower my head, "Please!" as my voice finally breaks and I finally let go of my sword which send it clattering to the ground.

That's it, I just used every last bit of strength I had left as I can feel everything fading fast... I hear gasps as a bright light suddenly comes, I open my eyes as a light is forming into shape, a vixen wearing pure white clothing, resembling a nurses outfit if of an older style, an aura of white light surrounds her as warm eyes look right at me with flowing golden hair.

I say "Helloise?!" with a hopeful gaze.

The woman smiles "Yes good Adam, I am Helloise." as she steps towards me.

"Please help me, the city is in danger! I don't want anyone here to be lost, just please tell what it is I have to do!"

The vixen puts a hand on my shoulder, I can feel my wounds start to heal completely and my strength returning, she motions me to rise and I quickly follow suite as my friends let me go.

Helloise sighs "I can feel how true your heart is, your willing to die so that all of these innocent people can live. There is no need for your life to end though, I've healed your wounds.", she has my sword fly to her and she says "And I'll provide you some aid."

Helloise once again puts her hand on my shoulder as she holds my sword with the scabbard leaving it, I can feel some kind of power enter me and my sword ignites, it's fire is changing from a typical flame to an intense blue and white, I open my hand and cast open flame with the same result. The vixen stops casting her magic so I stop casting and she hands me my sword as it's scabbard once again goes on top of it, I gently take it.

Helloise nods "I have gifted your elementalism and your sword with white magic properties and they'll burn more intensely then just ordinary flame.", she wipes the tears off my face "They call you the Phoenix, a fitting title for what has taken place.", she looks at a blacksmith "Please, get him some armor." maintaining that smile of hers.

The blacksmith scrambles, he brings me a new form of plate armor, a couple saints help him get the armor onto me along with a new holder for my sword.

Helloise says "I'll leave you to do what must be done, your life will not be taken should you survive the coming storm. Good luck paladin."

I give a warm smile of my own, I put away my sword, I have my hands cross one another, my thumbs pointing up with one thumb tucked under, my other fingers are spread from one another, forming a hand version of the aquila "Farewell Helloise."

Helloise looks at my hand sign, she returns it back "Farewell Adam, follow the light." her smile and eyes gaining a slight glow.

Helloise disappears in a flash, I sigh in relief, all hope isn't lost after all. I look around, I see everyone looking at me, the priests and priestesses giving me my aquila sign with many starting to do the same...clearly for them, not just a miracle had happened but also a true show of the divine... it's clear to me too as much as I hate to admit it.

I stop doing the aquila "The city is in danger and I can't do it on my own, I need your help." as I look at the gathered crowd.

A priestess calls out "What do you need us to do Phoenix?"

"I need to see the Don and Donna, Vaslov is on his way, I need anyone who can't fight off the streets and away from the Rinaldi residence.", I ready and raise my sword "Let's show Vaslov that this house still has it's bite!"

The crowd cheers at me as the paladins and Lalaine send their praise to the Light, a green light catches everyone's attention... we need that sword and it's now or never!

Tamel and Zekeyal ready their calender swords as they step towards where the light came from, Tamel looks to me "We'll hold here! Go do what needs to be done!"

I nod to both of them and the nine of us run towards the residence as Danica informs me that the two other parts are in the throne room, we get into the residence where the Don and Donna are present with both parts right in front of them with the chests looking like they have just been opened we bring them quickly up to speed on what happened... the part with Helloise puts on skeptical looks even with everyone's testimony but a quick hand of white and blue flame shows we are telling the truth. We hear the doors to the front of the estate open, we turn and this black haze hits us, I quickly draw my sword as I see something shine in the darkness and my sword meets something hard, the haze clears and the haze clears to reveal Vaslov, his saber and my Fireweaver locked in place.

Vaslov gives me a sinister smirk with his teeth "I remember the last time I was here, back when we nearly destroyed the Rinaldi entirely. Though you are something I wasn't expecting to see, that poison should have killed you by now!"

"Helloise answered my call and thanks to her help I can put an end to this madness! If you want a fight then you've got one!" I force him back and we both brace ourselves as my left hand becomes consumed in holy flame.

Vaslov says some kind of incantation, this black energy comes from his eyes and goes to his sword, encasing it in this vile miasma so I reply by having Fireweaver ignite.

The fox chuckles "The Phoenix and the Raven, winner takes all!"

I cry out "For the Rinaldi! For all of Calabria!"

We both charge into each other, our swords meeting once more, the white flame and dark mist screaming as they touch, I throw a fireball at him which he ducks, we comes around and our sword clash their edges, he forces me back but I deflect his follow up swing, he throws out this black ball of energy which reply with a fireball with both obliterating each other. I bring down a heavy swing which he catches. We keep going back and forth as we match ourselves move for move as I counter his tricks and he dodges my attempts of ending the fight early. I need to get the sword together as it'll give me the edge I need over him, maybe I can play a trick of my own on him...

Vaslov charges me, I send out a few fireballs but I have my air magic twist their flight paths, just as they get close I have the air explode them out to drown his eyes in light like a flashbang would, As he swings I I have the pieces come towards me while I have anything large and metal come around us, I swing and his sword knocks my blade from my hand, he sends some of that black mist into my eyes and we whip around.

I hear him laugh as I clear my sight to see he's wiping his eyes "When will you or anyone else learn, unlike you the darkness will remain while light fades... and like how I have been it will always come back. For I am the RAVEN!!!" he raises his weapon which turns out to be just a large holder for a banner, he looks to it in shock.

I raise my hands as I have the parts of the sword come together, red sparks linking the parts together in arcs, mechanical parts shift as they close in, the three changing as the inner working extend, most notably the cross-guard gaining a small lens on either side, the three join as one and the outside shifts again to form a solid blade, forming overall a powerful-looking great sword with the lens gaining a red glow along with the blade of the weapon itself, I take the handle my right hand and it feels as light as Fireweaver. This flash of light comes to my eyes and I'm now in this white space with a stallion standing across from me in the same gear as the Centurion.

The stallion speaks up "I am Cnaeus Fundanus Fabillus, I was a Centurion of the Gala Empire. I leave this message for the one who has claimed this as their own. For better or worse you are now the barer of the Trinity of Light, this sword is one of the original thirteen magical weapons we forged to create our nation and to install our power and as it becomes attuned to you and how you use it, it will unlock more of it's abilities for you to use.", a weak smile forms his lips "And I pray that this sword carves a legacy worthy of the ages. I wish you luck on your ventures and may this sword be the beacon it was meant to be."

Another flash of light comes and I'm back to standing in front of Vaslov as I still hold the Trinity of Light, the red glow changes to white as the lens goes to white at first but changes to a burning blue. Vaslov quickly finds his weapon and makes himself ready but I can see his legs shaking a bit, though his eyes are giving me an uneasy glare.

I take a step forward "And I am... the Phoenix! The Trinity of Light is now mine to use.", I grip the sword with both hands and charge him.

The ancient weapon and his meet his, the trinity strikes the edge of darkness and cleaves through the black magic shell before doing a clean cut through the saber, the tip flies away, the grey fox backs away as he looks to his weapon, those golden eyes slowly look to me as I get ready to make another attack.

I charge at him "VALOR AGAINST THE ODDS!!!"

Vaslov blocks my swing as even more black magic reinforces his sword, the great sword shredding the black magic as fast as it's being produced, he growls and manages to force me back, he goes to swing but I deflect him easily, I put magic through the magical weapon and send a wave of air through a swing which sends Vaslov down the hall and bounces to the outside as the doors break from the impact. I quickly follow him, he gets up just in time to block my swing, I have the sword ignite in glorious blue flame which actually burns him a little, so he recoils back, I quickly conjure some water and send a wave of water against him, he goes back a little and with another swing I cleave what's left of his weapon in half as he loses his grip on it, with another swing I send out a wave of flame which he dodges backwards to avoid it. I feel a pulse come from the magical sword, I suddenly know one of it's abilities... or rather....

I raise the sword as he finds a new weapon, my sword glows a powerful white "Solar... STRIKE!!!", I swing the sword and this sharp, white energy razor flies, he goes to block the attack but it slices through his picked up weapon and into the grey fox, vaporizing the fur on contact as energy explodes out across his chest, he was able to get a little clear so he's still alive but I can tell he is now way worse for ware.

Vaslov takes a breath as he goes down on his knees, the shock in his features drowning every emotion, a crowd comes out and glancing behind me everyone follows me, I approach the downed fox with my sword ready.... one last swing and this will all be over. Thinking about it though... I have beaten him, now the roles were reversed, now I was the one standing above him while he was down dying, I had foiled both his and his mother's plans and above all I had gained their prize... I want to just deliver the killing blow, to just send the ultimate message to his mother that a debt had been repaid.... so why haven't I done so yet? If I kill him like this,then I'll be no different then him but I can't just leave him mortally wounded either...

I reach a choice, I sigh as I slowly lower the sword to my side and look to Lalaine "Can you heal him from there?"

Everyone puts on shocked and curious looks, but Lalaine nods and uses her white magic to heal the grey foxes wounds, he looks himself over in surprise as he slowly gets up.

"Tell your mother of your failure and that the house you two tried to destroy still stands!" as I have the sword relax it's power.

Vaslov becomes confused "After everything I have done, after trying to kill your friends and you none the less.... you are just going to walk away?"

I raise an eyebrow "You have nothing I want and you have no bargaining power, besides maybe if I spare you this once it may convey something to the both of you. Don't make me regret this choice, because if you do I will hunt the both of you down and as you can see I can be very thorough.", I look over to a couple of armed guards "Escort him out of Triskellian and send him on his way." earning nods from the two and they begin to walk towards him.

Vaslov blinks, he gives a nod, he slowly comes over to me a little "My mother will send her thanks... not in a harmful way I will make sure of it. But I want you and everyone else to know that you have my respect... along with your house and your allies."

The two guards begin to escort him out of the city as we watch on, the other Rinaldi joining my side as we look on.

Fabrizio looks to me "Are you sure you made the right choice? For what he has done, he deserves to be hung."

I sigh "Maybe so, but in my opinion I think there has been more then enough blood spilled on this venture... besides maybe if we show a little mercy it'll go a long way.'

Danica looks to me, her gaze softens a little as she crosses her arms with a heavy sigh "I see your point, killing Vaslov won't bring dad or our brother back, no matter how much we hope it would. The same is true for Amalsand."

Alcalee closes her eyes for a moment, she gives a nod "So, what happens now?"

I look to the Trinity of Light, this ancient weapon had just shown a city it's power and I have likely only scratched the surface of what it can do plus I reflect on my own situation, since I have interacted with Helloise and granted me some form of white magic it seems... it is likely I'll be seen as a figure myself of the faith. Maybe I can use both to do some good, I mean no one will ever look at me the same way ever again, to my friends and those who know me before this "transcendence" I know I'll likely remain just me, but to the masses weather I like it or not I'll be seen as something far more, especially the church... as much as that does kind of annoy me.

I look to the crowd and see the preists giving prayers with some even giving the aquila I did earlier while the two paladins stand with them with their armor baring extensive damage, I look to the Old Tower and I begin to get a few ideas of my own.

................................................

Eight months later...

It's night time for Triskellian, the Don and Donna are milling about with Castellan and Mausein walking with them.

Fabrizio looks to Castellan "I never thought our ancient alliance would ever be re-sparked again between our houses."

The wolf smirks "Nor did we, yet here are."

The younger wolf makes his voice heard "This alliance will benefit us greatly, the other powers will think twice before getting any ideas."

Alcalee smirks "We must hurry, Adam is doing his unveiling soon."

The group makes it to the outer area of a crow, their gazes going towards what was the Old Tower. It's surface is now that of fresh brick and mortar, painted in a glorious blue, gold phoenix's are spread across it's surface, one of which is a large one at the very top. Torches light up the outside, one by one, Danica, Serilda, Mavra, Maeve, Lalaine, Elie, Tamel and Zekeyal step out onto the platforms, adorned in blue and the phoenix as well, save for Maeve who merely wears a pin, Adam steps out last at the high-most platform, he raises the Trinity of light and his fiery wings ignite in glorious holy light, the ends being a powerful blue. With this he announces the formation of a new Order in the lands of the island... the Phoenix Order. The crowd cheers as many display the aquila with their hands in response...

What happens now, no one knows for sure, many don't even dare to make predictions as those of S'Allumer praise that the prophecy has come full circle despite their skepticism about the human. But even more noteworthy is that a new Rinaldi-Bisclavret alliance has been forged, one that'll shift the power balance across the island as a new age starts... the Age of Resurgence!

The End