'NO!' William Loretell screamed, his eyes filled with anguished tears as he watched Larson Barrington stabbed Daniel from the back with his sword. He watched as Grand Crusader's body fell onto the battlements after Barrington pulled out his sword, sneering down on the corpse.
Gripping his sword tightly, William roared and charged towards the traitor. Barrington turned around and raised his sword, grunting as William's sword slammed into his. Barrington pushed William's sword away and thrust towards his head but to his surprise, the old man blocked the attack and slashed sideway towards Barrington's head. Barrington had to duck as the sword swung just above his head, slicing off a few strands of hair. Barrington straightened up and caught William's sword in a deadlock, both trying to push each other back.
'Traitor!' William growled. 'How can you betray the White Crusader and the young master? Lord Daniel was considering giving you back your lands and title!'
'He's too late for that isn't he?��� Barrington snarled. 'Lord Avencus is giving me a better deal than any of you can offer!' he sneered. 'Listen old man, you're way past your prime. Go home and smoke a pipe or I'll run you through like an old dog!'
William glared at Barrington. 'Insolent whelp! I may be old but I can still fight!'
With his hidden reserve of strength, William pushed Barrington's sword away and slashed at his belly. Barrington gasped as he felt being flung backwards and something cold running across his abdomen. He got back onto his feet but before he could do anything else, William slammed his sword on Barrington's sword hand. Barrington yelped as his sword flew from his hands and he stumbled backwards, falling onto his back. Before Barrington could retrieved his sword, he found a sword at his throat. Not daring to swallow, Barrington looked up to see a vengeful William before him: ready to push the blade into his throat.
'Please…' Barrington rasped. 'Wait…'
'Die you traitor!' William declared. 'I hope the heavens are more merciful than I am.'
Barrington closed his eyes and screamed as William pulled his blade back to ram it into the traitor's neck. All of the sudden, something slammed into William: making him drop his sword and to scream in shock. William could feel himself being lifted into the air and he was flying from Barrington. He landed painfully against the battlements, making him gasped in agony. He groaned and looked down, not believing what he was seeing. His entire body was scorched and his clothing was burnt, green flames still engulfing his body. He could feel the heat threatening to roast him alive as he watched his own body being burnt to a crisp. His horror only intensified.
As he laid there burning, he watched as Barrington picked himself up and immediately knelt before a man with black goatee and cloak. Behind this man were dozen or so Night Wolves.
'Lord Avencus.' Barrington greeted the man. 'It's an honour to be in your presence.'
Avencus nodded as he looked down at the Grand Crusader's body. 'Is this him?'
'Yes milord.' Barrington said eagerly. 'Cut him down myself… At the risk of my own life!'
'I doubt it.' Avencus muttered to himself. He frowned. 'The Grand Crusader's body may prove useful. We can use it to demoralise our enemies. You two, bring the Grand Crusader's body along…'
William struggled to listen but his vision was failing and his head was getting heavy, probably from the loss of blood. His eyes slowly closed as he rasped loudly.
'Young master…' That was all he could say before losing consciousness.
______________________________________________________________________
Doves Haven Isles was a small group of island just south of Tanelic. It was the homes of farmers, sailors and merchants. The main island was a port town where people spent their time trading or relaxing while the other smaller islands serve as small businesses or homes to the locals. The islands have ships to transport people nearby and a small navy force to keep out pirates.
On one of these islands stood a hill overlooking the sea, seagulls hovering around it in circles and the setting sun bathing it in orange light. On the hill was a tombstone made out from white marbles and candles burning at the base. Carved on the tombstone were the inscriptions:
Here Lies Aaron Wentworth
Son of Luvic and Aveena Wentworth
Archmage of Canaleodon
Friend and Adviser to Arald Tendenhaul
Bane of Demons and Evil
Father to Lia Moonweaver and Robin Bostel
Died in Service of his King
and the People of Tanelic
May his name be Remembered for Eternity
Lia Moonweaver stood before her mentor's tomb, sitting crosslegged. She was no longer crying as her eyes were dry and her mouth was fixed with a sad but determined line. Lia's eyes were closed as she recited a funeral rite performed back at Dallen Moor, her mouth moving silently. It was she who magically erected the tombstone and carved the inscription into the newly made marbled tombstone: she did the same thing with Davin Christiansen's tomb. Despite concentrating on her spells, she could sensed the senior mages gathered nodding their approval and she had heard one of them commenting that she did not need anyone of them to help erecting the Archmage's tomb. She was glad that she had live up to Aaron and the other mages' expectations.
'Rest in peace my old friend and father.' Lia whispered, her eyes threatening to be filled with tears again. 'You have done more than anyone can do in this war.'
The sun set lower, casting a darker shade of orange on the tombstone and Lia. Robin and the other mages had retreated back to the main island, having finished paying their respect to Aaron and wanted to discuss the future. Lia wanted to spend more time with the man who helped her grow up and introduce her to the wonderful world of magic. The other mages nodded in sympathy and left Lia where she was. She had been there since the beginning of the funeral.
'Lia!'
Lia turned her head over her shoulders and saw Johann approaching her, shielding his eyes from the sun's rays. Johann too attended the funeral, his head bowed in a sign of respect, and left as soon as the funeral rights were done. Lia could sense that he too wanted to stay with her but knowing that she needed some time alone, he went back to the town with the others. Now he returned with a water skin and some bread. He sat next to her, giving her the bread.
'Lia, you have been up here for too long. You're pale. You need to eat something.'
Lia smiled and took the bread from Johann. 'Thank you Johann. I'm almost done.'
She slowly stood up, her eyes on the tombstone, and took a bite: energy coursing through her body again. She realised that after casting the spells to make Aaron's tombstone cost her energy and her stomach was rumbling all this time. She did not think that she will be that hungry until the bread entered her mouth. She finished the bread and drank some water, doing it respectfully in front of the tomb. She licked her lips and handed the water skin back to Johann, thanking him. She walked towards the tombstone and placed a hand on it, smiling sadly.
'Farewell my old friend… And thank you for everything.'
She let her hand fall to her side and walked down the hill with Johann besides her. They walked down the hill and to the island's pier, in silence. Lia, sorrow still in her heart, hoped that Johann was not here just to…
'He was a great man.' Johann said, interrupting Lia's thoughts. 'Not only have Canaleodon lost a powerful mage but you lost a father. I'm sorry.'
Lia lowered her eyes. 'Thank you…'
Johann turned to look at Lia then smiled. 'Remember the first time we met him and he filled our goblets with water?'
Despite her sorrow, Lia smiled. 'How could I ever forget? It was what awakened me my interest in magic.'
'You should have heard your own gasp.' Johann smiled, happy that he managed to bring Lia out from her mourning. 'You were so easily impressed.'
Lia put her hands on her hips, indignant. 'You're the one to talk! Your mouth was gaping so wide it slammed onto the table!'
'Oh yeah? You were complimenting him like a child who just got a present on Winter's Eve!' Johann countered teasingly.
Lia tried to stay angry but burst out with laughter, Johann joining her too. They laughed so hard until Lia had to hug her ribs, Johann catching her to stop her from falling forward. Johann pulled her back onto her feet and Lia wiped a tear of mirth from her eyes.
'Thank you Johann, I needed that.'
Johann grinned. 'Anytime.'
They smiled at each other, warming to each other companies. Before they could say anymore, a portal materialised just in front of them. Two figures stepped out from the magical portal and stood in front of them. Lia recognised one of them as Robin Bostel while the other one, to her surprise, was a White Crusader messenger. Both of them looked agitated.
'Lia!' Robin gasped. 'This White Crusader just came from Canaleodon. He has urgent message for you and Battle Commander Johann.'
'What is it?' Johann asked, turning serious.
'Archmage, Battle Commander!' the White Crusader reported. 'Avencus has unleashed attacks on all four passes! The Night Wolves are pressing on the Canaleodon force and the White Crusaders!'
'What?' Lia asked in shock. Johann was starring at the messenger.
'The White Crusaders are already dispatched to the frontline! Grand Crusader Daniel had requested your presence at Davin's Stronghold immediately!'
'Of course!' Johann immediately said. 'Lia.'
Lia nodded and held her hands out as Johann grasped her hand. She quickly turned to Robin. 'Tell the other mages to come to Davin's Stronghold immediately!'
'Of course!' Robin said as Lia and Johann entered a portal Lia conjured.
As soon as they stepped into the portal, Lia and Johann found themselves surrounded in a stone wall keep with White Banners of a Golden Horse imprinted on it. They could hear the marching of soldiers and the sharpening of blades as both the White Crusaders and the Canaleodon forces prepared for war. The portal subsided as Matthias Alston, Owen Steadfast and Mora de Burg approached them.
'I'm so glad you guys made it.' Matthias greeted them with his usual grin. He then turned to Lia. 'I'm sorry I wasn't there when you were sending Aaron Wentworth off.'
'What's the situation here?' Johann asked, acting as the battle commander.
'We're still waiting for reports from all front.' Mora replied. 'Now it's too early to say.'
Then, they heard the guards on the battlements shouting, 'OPEN THE GATES!'
Soldiers nearby ran forward and pulled the great wooden gate opened, letting in four horsemen. Two of them wore the armour of the Royal Army's uniforms while the other two wore the White Crusader's uniform. The four horsemen stopped before the group, dismounting from their steads.
'What news from the Moonweaver Castle and Eagle Hold?' Mora immediately asked her surbodinates.
Both Brigadier General Rowan and Luther shook their heads. 'Nothing vice-commander, there were no Night Wolves near the vicinity of both castles.'
As Mora stared at her generals in disbelief, Kara Cavalier reported. 'Same at North Point Keep. Although… I could have sworn seeing Night Wolves fading in and out in the trees.'
Lia frowned. 'That sounds like illusion spells.'
Matthias looked at all of them in confusion. 'So what the hell is going on? Are we being attack or not?'
Before any one of them could reply, the sentries yelled for the gates to be opened again. Once before, the massive wooden gate opened wide. This time it let in four White Crusaders hauling a cart into the keep. Noticing the blood stains and smudges on their uniforms, the group hurried towards them: only to wish they had not. Lia, Johann, Argus, Kara and Matthias gasped and cried when they looked what was inside the cart.
It was a large body of a young man, the size of a giant but with a face of a boy. He wore what was a Brigadier General uniform but was burnt, especially the chest area where it was charred. Blood flowed out from his mouth and his eyes were closed. Eric Hodenc, Fourth Brigadier General of the Royal Army, laid there dead.
'No…' stunned, Matthias leaned over the cart: not believing what he was seeing. 'No… No… No… No!'
Matthias leaned over the cart, sobbing uncontrollably, while Kara gasped and hugged Argus. As Kara cried into Argus chest, the red-haired warrior just stood there: speechless. Johann went to the other side of the cart, shaking Eric's body as in hoping to wake the big warrior up. Owen and Mora bowed their head in respects, their eyes filled with sorrow. Lia's hand flew to her mouth and gasped as she took a step back, new tears filling her eyes. She cannot believe it. Eric Hodenc, a brave and friendly giant dead. Gone forever.
As she tried to digest the sight before her, one of the White Crusader who brought Eric back bowed at the group and announced. 'General Eric fought and killed Chargrine at Wolf's Claws Keep. He died when we were pursuing Avencus and have fallen in an ambush.' he gulped before continuing. 'Before he died, he wants you all to know he was happy to meet all of you and that he will watch all of you from heaven.' He then turned to Lia. 'Archmage, General Eric sent his love to you and will always love you in death.'
Tears gushed out from Lia's eyes at Eric honest words. 'Oh Eric…'
Johann stopped grieving over Eric and turned onto the White Crusader. 'Avencus? He was there himself?'
The White Crusader nodded. 'Along with six thousand soldiers along with his warlocks.'
'Six thousand!' Argus exclaimed in disbelief. 'So that's explained why there were no attacks on the other passes and the illusionary spells. They're only decoys!'
'The real attack was on the narrow path all along!' Mora added.
Kara exchanged horrified looks with Argus and Mora before turning to the White Crusader. 'Where's my brother?'
'Grand Crusader Daniel is holding the Night Wolves at Falcon's Hover with the First and Seventh Companies.' he replied.
'Were any reinforcement sent?' Lia asked, joining in the conversation.
Another White Crusader nodded. 'Yes, five hundred horsemen from the Second Company just passed us as they rode for Falcon's Hover.'
Argus gave him a puzzled look. 'But… But I didn't authorise any reinforcement to be sent to Falcon's Hover.'
Everybody looked at Argus as red flags were raised in their minds. The White Crusader frowned. 'But Commander Argus… We saw those horsemen carrying the banner of the Second Company. They were led by Captain… Larson Barrington.'
Argus shared a troubled look with Kara.' Oh no…'
'Barrington has a grudge against my brother!' Kara gasped. 'If he didn't go to my brother or your orders, he must have…' she did not dare finish her sentence.
'We must go to the Falcon's Hover!' Owen said urgently. 'Now!'
'I'm on it!' Lia wiped the tears from her face and muttered a spell. Soon a portal before them, widening slowly. Without hesitating, she, Johann, Argus, Kara, Mora, Owen and a mixture of White Crusaders and Tanelician Soldiers entered the portal…
… And found themselves surrounded by death and destruction. They walked into a keep that was still burning and the stone walls scorched. On the ground were corpses of White Crusaders and Night Wolves. The massive wooden door was smashed and the white banner with the insignia of a golden falcon was singed and torn. Crows hovered in circles, feasting on the newly dead.
'By the light…' Owen gasped as he took in the deaths of his brothers.
'So much death…' Kara said, tears flowing down her cheeks.
Lia looked around, horrified but determined to see the body of Daniel among the corpses. So far there were none.
'Up here!' Mora cried. She was on the stairs that led to the battlements.
The others followed after her, climbing up the stairs with haste and dread. Like the ground, the battlements were covered with the dead. The ramparts were torn down and rubble laid everywhere. As they looked around the carnage, they were shocked to hear rasping coughs coming from one of the bodies. Owen's eyes widened and his body threatened to shudder.
'William!'
Careful not to step on the revered dead, Own quickly made his way to his friend's side. The others joined him as Owen lifted his friend's head as gently as he could. Lia, who knew William, gasped at the sight of him. His entire body was burnt and blood flow from his mouth. He was breathing heavily and irregularly. Owen knelt beside him, muttering a prayer as his hand glowed with light. Lia wanted to offer her help but she knew that the paladin does not approve of magic and believed the light will heal his friend. Their hopes were raised as William slowly opened his eyes.
'Owen…' he rasped. 'Is that… You…?'
'It is.' Owen replied. 'Don't speak, William. The holy light will heal you and we will take you back to Canaleodon.'
William shook his head. 'It's too late… Avencus foul magic has done me in…' William looked up and saw Kara. 'Lady Kara…'
'I'm here William.' Kara knelt before the veteran, holding his withered hands. 'You're safe now.'
William, however, shook his head and cried sorrowfully. 'Forgive me my lady! I've fail you! I've fail your grandfather and brother! I've fail the White Crusaders!'
'William!' Kara said firmly but gently. 'You have fail no one! You've done more than anyone can do!' Kara reassured the veteran before asking. 'What happened?'
William gestured and Owen stopped healing him. He took in some breaths before answering. 'Grand Crusader Daniel and General Eric… Had went off to Wolf Claw's Keep to hold off the… Night Wolves. They managed to kill… Chargrine and four thousand of the Night Wolves. The… Young Master even managed to burn Goregrine and more of the enemies in a fire attack.'
'Then… As we prepared to make our stand here… The reinforcement that Larson Barrington brought… They opened the gates and allowed the Night Wolves in…' he coughed and he looked up, fire in his eyes. 'We were horrified and confused… When I went up the battlement to report it to the young master… He… I…' he spat out blood. 'I saw that traitor Barrington drove his sword into the young master! From the back! That coward slew the most honourable and brave man I have the honour of serving!'
Kara sobbed, hearing that her brother died from betrayal was too much. Argus' face turned pale and his fist clenched and unclenched. Owen looked sad while Matthias, Johann and Mora stood there: not believing what they were hearing. Lia turned away, her eyes brimming with tears. Daniel, her friend and surrogate brother who first helped them save her village and had been her confidant was now dead! Lia's heart tore into two at the thought of losing first her mentor and now two of her closest friends.
'I tried to avenge our young master…' William continued sadly. 'I managed to knock the sword out from his hand but before I can kill him, Avencus unleashed his foul magic on me!' he coughed as he weakly gestured at his own burnt body. 'I can… Still feel the flames burning in me… I watched as that traitor Barrington kneeling before Avencus and… I should have sworn… That Avencus said something… About using the young master's body…'
William coughed violently but held his hand as Owen wanted to heal him. He leaned onto the rubble and looked up at Kara. 'Lady Kara… With your brother gone… I believe you are the only one who can lead the White Crusaders…'
Kara blinked in shock. 'Me?'
William nodded wearily. 'Aye… I've served in the White Crusaders when I was a teenager and under two Grand Crusaders. I've watched you grown from a young girl to a strong woman… I know you will lead them well… And if you do…' he grasped Kara's hands tightly with what strength was left in his dying body. 'You must protect them! They're not only an army but your brothers and sisters in arms. They were everything to your grandfather and brother! Lead them well my lady!'
Kara sobbed as she clasped William's hands. 'I will William. I treat every White Crusaders as kin! I nor they will let you down and we will avenge you and those who fell here! This I swear!'
William nodded, satisfied as he let go of Kara's hands. He turned towards Owen. 'My old friend… I'm so sorry… But I think I will be leaving you soon…'
'Don't say such things!' Owen said urgently. 'Once I heal you, we will take you back and…'
William shook his head. 'Let's not kid ourselves. My time has come to meet with Iasser and our lord.' he smiled weakly. 'Remember that time when I tried to impress the late Grand Crusader with a trout?'
Despite losing a friend, Owen chuckled sadly. 'You fell into the river and me and Iasser have to fish you out. Iasser was lecturing you fiercely.'
William laughed but coughed. 'I will never forget that day and I'm proud to call you brother, Owen.' William sighed. 'I've died on the battlefield… I've no regrets… Only that… I've failed to avenge the young master and this accursed flames are still within me…'
Lia had been listening to the exchange between the veteran and to his closest friend. She did not want to intervene but she feel she needs to, to make it easier for the veteran. 'Sir William,' she started as she knelt next to him. 'If you want, I can extract the flames for you. That way, your… Passing will be easier.'
She turned to the paladin, seeing if he approve the use of magic on his friend. His eyes spoke disapproval but he turned to William, who silently nodded. Lia placed her hand on William's charred chest and whispered softly.
'Entula a' moinayamen.'
Lia's hand glowed blue and immediately green flames exited William's body, being pulled out by the blue light. As more of the green flame left William's body, the veteran sighed with relief and his eyes closed.
'So peaceful…' he said as the last flames left his body.
He leaned on the rubble and laid there, his eyes closed and he stopped breathing. Even in death, William was smiling and he looked more peaceful. Lia moved her hand away, wishing she could do more for the veteran. Then she felt a hand on her shoulder. At first she thought it was Kara or Johann's but she was surprised to see it was Owen's hand that were resting on her shoulders. She looked at his kind face.
'Thank you.' he whispered. 'You brought peace on him… Maybe I was wrong about you mages…'
Lia smiled and nodded. There was a long silent for the passing of the veteran when there was a voice behind them.
'Lady Kara.' one of the White Crusaders who followed them. 'We found something!'
They turned around or stood up as the White Crusader approached them, holding out something. Kara stepped forward to see what the crusader was holding, wishing it was not so. In the crusader's hand was a great sword made out of the strongest steel and a golden hilt shaped as a cross. In the middle of the cross was a sapphire gem. Kara's hands shook as she took Hope, Daniel's sword. Tears fell onto the blade.
'Brother…' she said brokenly. Then shaking the tears from her eyes, she looked up at the crusader. 'Are there any signs of his body?'
The crusader shook his head. 'We're still searching for the grand crusader's body outside of the keep as well as inside. Hopefully we will find something. What do you want us to do with the bodies my lady?'
Realising that he was addressing her instead of Owen, Kara hesitated. She then answered the crusader. 'These men fought and died with honour. We will not let our brother and sisters to be meat for the crows. Bury them with respect and marked their graves with their names so that others can remember their names. Have someone move Sir William Loreton's body to Heroes Light Cathedral. He will be buried with honour along with Sir Iasser and the late Grand Crusader.'
'And the Night Wolves?' the crusader asked.
Kara answered with no hesitation. 'Whether or not they are conscripted or willing mercenaries, they are still people. Bury them somewhere away from our comrades' and placed crosses above their graves.'
The crusader's eyes widened with surprise but bowed. 'As you wish my lady.'
The crusader turned and shouted orders to his comrades, carrying the fallen to be buried. Kara turned back to her friends, eyes brimming with tears and her brother's sword still in her hands. Johann, Matthias and Mora looked at her in surprise for the kindness she was showing to her enemies' corpses, Lia and Argus smiled as they approved her kindness while Owen nodded in admiration.
'You show even the enemies the same kindness as your own men.' Owen spoke. 'Even though that they attack us and cause the death of your friend and brother, you didn't let your anger overwhelm you. William was right, you will make a wise grand crusader.'
Kara smiled soberly. 'Thank you Sir Owen but we must not think about that for now.' She took a deep breath and spoke with authority. 'We must grant the fallen a final resting place and prayed to those who fell here. Then we will head back to Canaleodon to report to the king and… Say our farewell to Eric and Daniel.'
The rest nodded, sad but grim as they set up to work. Lia held up a portal so that the dead White Crusaders can be carried and buried either at Falcon's Hover or at Davin's Stronghold while the rest helped out in moving the corpses.
________________________________________________________________________________
Two weeks had passed after the battle and the whole of Canaleodon was in mourning. All those who had fallen at the battle of the Narrow Path were given a resting place along with funeral rites. While all this was happening, the generals of both the White Crusaders and the Royal Army began to theorise how did Barrington succeeded in his coup.
Attacks after attacks from the Night Wolves have allow some of the Night Wolves to trickle into Tanelic soil and into hiding in the thick forests. Not to mention that there were numbers of bandits and vagabonds who would do anything for gold. Despite losing all his properties, Barrington used his position as captain to gain access to White Crusaders' armour and weapons which he gave to his henchmen. Also, there was no doubt that Avencus would give the traitor gold to pay off the mercenaries. Once all of them were given the correct equipments to disguise themselves as White Crusaders, they waited until Avencus attack the Narrow Path.
When Avencus invaded, Barrington had sent his own men to give false reports to the Grand Crusader. Barrington only needed to sneak away from the Second Company without alerting anyone before making his way to where the disguised Night Wolves were hiding. Then he led all of them towards Falcon Hover where under the pretence of fighting against Avencus opened the gate for the Night Wolves to overtake Falcon's Hover and slaughtered the surprised defenders.
Whether or not this theory was correct, it achieved its objective.
Lia sighed and closed her as rain pelted her face. The sky was darkened with thunderous storm clouds as he unleashed torrents of rain, making the ground wet and soft. She and important commanders were outside of Canaleodon, standing at the base of Clarity Hill. They all wore their mourning attire as the coffin of Eric Hodenc was on the shoulders of mourners, even though it was a funeral for two. Despite searching high and low, they could not find the body of Daniel Cavalier so they assumed the worst; Avencus had taken his body for some evil purpose or to use it to demoralise them. Despite not having a body to bury, it was right to hold a funeral for Daniel.
Lia looked around and saw Howard Hodenc trying to comfort his wife who was crying for the loss of her son, Eric. Not wanting to see the sorrows of the parents of a lovely boy, Lia turned to see Argus placing hands on Kara's shoulders in a way of comfort. Kara was trying not to break down at the sight of the burial grounds. King Arald Tendenhaul looked sad and old as he hugged his daughter who was sobbing in his chest. The Princess Charlotte cried loudly for the loss of her two friends as she knew Daniel longer than anyone and she like Eric. Johann stood beside her, grim and silent, while Matthias just stood there, staring at the burial sites with bloodshot eyes. He had been drinking for the entire week to drown his sorrow and he just woke up to attend the funeral of his two best friends.
Eric's coffin was lowered into the hole and the mourners stood aside as Arald untangled himself from his daughter and made his way to the top of the hill, turning to face the gathered crowd. He turned sad eyes to the coffin and back to the crowd, nodding towards Howard and Isabelle.
'Canaleodon and the whole of Tanelic have lost two of our bravest and youngest heroes.' Arald spoke loudly, his voice laced with sadness. 'I can remember as if it was yesterday that I've knighted young Eric after his victory in his first game and at the battle of North Point Keep. He was a spear master who was only second to his grandfather. He was a symbol of bravery and strength. May his name echoed throughout posterity!'
Arald turned to Eric's parents. 'For the bravery and contribution Eric had done for his kingdom, I declared that his family will be provided for until the end of their days. They are allowed to remain in their manor in Canaleodon as it is no theirs.'
Howard and Isabelle bowed lowly and voiced out their thanks. Arald nodded soberly at them before continuing on. 'I've known Daniel Cavalier from the day he was born. He was as brave and honourable as his grandfather. He has always followed Davin into battle and was always the first to charge into battle. At Davin's passing, Daniel was only nineteen when he succeeded his grandfather and he won his first victory over the Black Scythes in Uberon and he continued to personally lead the White Crusaders against Avencus and his ilk. His final moments was at the battle at Narrow Path where he had stopped Avencus from coming into Tanelic at the cost of his life. May his name live in glory throughout posterity!'
Everyone bowed their head in respect for the death of the two heroes as Kara finally allowed her tears to flowed, crying loudly for her brother. Argus hugged her from behind as he tried to stop his tears from gushing out, grieving for the death of his best friend. Arald walked towards her and placed his hands on her shoulders in comfort.
'My condolences to you my girl.' he said softly. 'May the spirit of your grandfather and brother be with you in your time of need.'
Arald bowed and he stepped back as Owen walked in between the burial sites, beginning to recite the final rites and blessings. Lia listened to Owen's recitation as she silently prayed for the souls of Eric and Daniel, the boy who loved her and the boy who was her closest friend and brother. When Owen was finished, he stepped back into the crowd as Kara, Howard and Isabelle stepped forward. They looked down at Eric's coffin to say their final farewells to him and to the unburied Daniel. Finally, they stepped back to allow the mourners to bury Eric coffin. Lia quickly strode forward and placed her hands on Kara and Isabelle's shoulders, giving them looks of sympathy.
'Please, allow me to bury them.'
Kara, who witnessed Lia erecting a tombstone for her grandfather, nodded and gave Isabelle a look saying "Let Lia do it". Isabelle, who know about Lia's talent, nodded and allowed the archmage to step towards her son's graves. Lia closed her eyes and held her hands out, muttering quietly. Softly and slowly, the ground slightly rumbled as marble grew up from the ground and covered Eric's coffin. Another slab of marble appeared just opposite of Eric's tombstone. Soon, two tombstones were erected on Clarity Hill. Eric's inscription read:
Here lies Eric Hodenc the Gentle Giant
Dutiful Son of Howard and Isabelle Hodenc
Grandson of Edward Hodenc
Fourth Brigadier General of the Royal Army
Champion of Canaleodon
Killer of Chargrine the Butcher
Loyal and Gentle Friend to All
Died with Honour at the Battle of Hero's Fall
against the Avencus Tendenhaul
May his Name Live in Glory
Opposite Eric's tombstone was Daniel's with inscription which read:
Here Lies Daniel Cavalier
Son of Darren and Kiera Cavalier
Grandson of Davin Cavalier
Grand Crusader of the White Crusader
Victor over the Black Scythes and Numerous Battles
against Avencus Tendenhaul
Protector of Tanelic and Friend to All
Died with Honour at the Battle of Falcon's Hover
May his Name live in Glory for Eternity
Panting softly as the spells took so much effort from her, Lia bowed her head at the two newly erected tombstones. She can tell the others behind her were doing the same. She turned back to Isabelle, Howard and Kara who were looking in awe at Lia.
'It's so beautiful.' Isabelle gasped as tears flowed down her cheeks. 'Thank you. Thank you!'
Lia smiled and turned to Kara, embracing her. Kara embraced back, crying into her friend's shoulder. 'Thank you… You are a good friend!'
Joining in with her crying, Lia also let out her tears, the rain mixing together with the tears. The gathered mass and the mourners cried out their grief as the rain continued to poured down on them.