Legends of Belariath

Zeph

Zeph has had many Trails in his life though the most recent has changed him to be more than he though.

Right of Passage:

Zeph sat there within the Spirit Hut, he had known this day was the day for his Right of Passage to take place. The feeling had been welling up within him for the last few days, knowing that the time was close. Till this morning when he woke up and knew he must go to the hut. Nothing more was said as he walked from his Keep, to leave his new wife and that of his home for the time. He was unsure of how long it would take for him to complete his quest that would be set forth by the Spirits, but would take what was needed of him to become a member of the Redfist Clan.

He had taken within him nothing more than he thought was needed, his normal leather pants, a forest green tunic and the Great axe that he could not go to far from. The axe had its own demands upon him and there where things that he could not leave behind. The Whirlwind Dance of The Seventh Son was what the axe was called, he had told none of the name and that of the demands that it had upon him. It was his burden or blessing, whichever others might look upon the weapon as. Though to Zeph it was both, a great weapon for a warrior that had trained all his life to be just that, then the side of him that was not a warrior and that of a Master Wood crafter. The Great axe was not needed in most of his day to day life though was carried with him at all time. It was one thing that would set him apart in a crowd above all other. None would know its secrets save him, though he had brought the writings of Serath and the unnamed warrior that had trained and wrote down his trials of the axe. The writing and scrolls were brought with him incase him had grown too old or death had come to him and another could take up the axe to continue his legacy.

The morning dew had only begun to dry from the passing day as the rains settled in once more, fall was upon the lands and the storm had come more often these days. Winter would soon be upon them as the wind had already sent its cold winds to let warn of the days to come. Zeph sat there still able to tell the passing of time, though he did not move from the spot he had set his large body down within since his first entrance into the Spirit Hut. Zeph's mind was not upon the world about him as he had pushed everything to the far reaches of his mind. Only to have the task at hand be upon him. He did not know how long it was going to take as his brother was the only one that he had known of that had gone through the trial that he was about to. He had not spoken to another Redfist's as he knew none, though his spirit was not swayed to let the matter rest and go back to his life that he had. The day turned into night and all that would disrupt his meditation was that of Krom stoking the fire, making the smoke pour from the flames only to bellow out the top. The first night had passed and nothing was shown to him. His mind began to sway, the lack of food and that of rest would begin to wear on his body. Though it still did not make him leave the Spirit Hut.

The morning song birds had let him know that another day had begun, as it was his only way of telling the passing of time now. His normal ability was gone by now. There were to many things that his body needed at the time. The sweat had poured from his flesh only to raise the need to replenish his body of food and drink. Zeph. did not move, his legs crossed and drawn up close to his body, lower arms resting upon his knee, this was the way he had stayed through the night and still remained as he would take in the smoke into his body as it was the only nourishment that was given to him. Each drop of smoke upon the air coursed its was through his body only to draw what he could from it. The morning passed into day and with it the rains had continued, only the sound of the rain drops pelting the Hut was heard to remind him there was life without the Spirit Hut. The day pressed on without a word spoken between Zeph and Krom, none were needed as it was a time to be silent and let the Spirits speak, though they did not come just yet as the darkness of night was within the sky. Rain did not let up as it came to set the mood in Zeph's mind as he was unsure of how long he had been there, a day or more was known but nothing was indicated to him and the effects of no sleep and food began to wear more and more upon him.

Zeph could feel the swaying of him mind of his body then just before the morning. He was then beginning to see things within the smoke and voices in his ear. He blinked and tried to force the sounds and sights from him as he thought it was merely his mind trying to tell him what he needed. Though it was not so, the more he fought away what he was seeing and hearing the louder and more vivid the sights. He did not know the time had come till his voice was called out. “Zeph”, was the only word that he could discern at the time, his focus was then upon Krom wondering if he had called his name out, though his brother was as silent as he could be. The voice then called out to him once more,”Zeph, son of Myrin.” He fought the welling emotions to flee the Hut as few knew his fathers name and one of them was not Krom, he settled his body then as he called out himself, “Yes.” Was the sole word that he spoke out. Not even sure if he had spoken it aloud or within his mind, but it was there upon the tip of his tongue to speak.

The smoke then to flowed about the Hut only to form an image before him, it bellowed from the fire and pulled all around him, a man in full armor and a Great sword hefted upon his shoulder would be shown to him. There were things that he had recognized with such details that were given within the smoke and haze. The armor had a crest upon it, similar to one that he had upon his own flesh, that of a Dragon in its splendor, wings flailed out as if it were taking flight, to the open maw of the Dragon spitting fire from it's open mouth, to the tail that seemed to wrap around the armor. Though his own was slightly different as the wings were that of feathers, and no fire drew from it's mouth, there where things that were the same with his own. The passing of time had changed many things within his life as another was now seen, “It is I my son, Havor.”, There was a long silence in the voice as Zeph's mind wandered. He had only heard stories of the warrior Havor when he had been growing up and had never once met the man as he had died well before Zeph was born, his mind amiss then as why had Havor called him son? The question was then answered upon the winds or within his mind as he was not sure at this time, “I am Havor, the great warrior of Myrish. Though I was not from there an only took a Bride within the town that I came to call home. I defended the town from raids of all sorts as you have done as well. My blood flows through your veins and there is a great calling within your body.”

Zeph took in what was being said as the shock would begin to settle in, though the words had not been spoken completely they were there. His family line was drawn from Havor. He had read and studied what was left of the writings of the man and how he had been the sole protector of the town he had called home once. The voice then called out to him once more and his mind faltered in his thoughts only to be as focused upon the voice and the sights that he could, “The blood of a warrior and that of a protector was passed down to you. The time has come for you to fulfill that calling. The journey has only begun my son. As you have taken the first steps in becoming more than you could imagine.”

The smoke then began to shift and change, Nathalion was shown then and then the forest beyond. Only to end within a small village to the north. Days maybe less travel upon foot would be needed to travel the distance that was shown to him. Then once more the smoke shifted to close in on the village, people going about their day routines. Though within the distance there was a darkness within the smoke that only moved closer with each passing moment, till it swarmed over the village. Fires began to show through, dead bodies and that of others in chains was shown to him, as a Clan had taken there prize of destroying the town and enslaving the ones that had been spared. So much death and destruction were shown to Zeph that he had to veer his eyes from the smoke once only to hear the voice of Havor commanding him, “Look, this will befall the village of Xella. If you do not rise up and become what you were always meant to be. Days are what keep you from the village and that what keeps them safe from the Barbarian Clan from claiming your people, your family. Do what you must, what is in your heart and your body to save these people. This you must do to rise up and take your birthright.”

Zeph sat in silence as the scene of the burning town and the slaughtered began to fade, questions welled up within his mind. Though nothing was spoken as he knew what he must do. The quest had been shown to him and he must overcome what was needed of him to fulfill the Right of Passage. The smoke cleared only to show him the fire within and Krom still sitting there in silence. Zeph stood, “I must go brother.” He did not speak another word as his clenched fist rose up from beside him then only to strike his hand against his chest. He then stepped out from the Hut, only to feel the cool damp air about him. The rain had set in and did not seem to let a drop of sun from the grey clouds. He knew what was needed and it was his task alone to do, he would leave all that he loved and held close to him behind once more in his life to embrace the side of him he kept hidden from the world. The beast that lay dormant in him till it was needed to be called forth, he had learned only a few tricks to keep it at bay and knew there was time when not even his resolve could contain his ancestor’s wrath.

He returned to his Keep, still unsure of how many days had passed. Though his wife knew where he was and knew what he had to do. A note was left for her this day as he prepared for his journey. He would be home when he completed his task and not before as when he returned he would be of the Redfist Clan. What he had set out only days before to become, one part of his journey had passed and now another would begin. His armor was donned and the axe strapped to his back, those would be the only things that were needed to complete the Right. Food was taken but no more that he could carry and not weigh him down, though he had not eaten in days he did not feel the need to have more than his fill at the time. One last look at the Keep from the courtyard was taken as he climbed to the back of Theron, “We are off again old friend. I will need your aid once more.” He then patted the steed’s neck and kicked his booted feet to the sides of the horse. Theron had been there since his first days within Nathalion and had been there to save his like a time or two. Each time he had set off to battle he took the riding horse, not a Warhorse. Though Theron was in Zeph's mind more than what, he seemed to be. The horse had been there on countless battles and had not a mark upon his body, Zeph had seen to that.

His destination was already set and would follow the trail that had been shown to him within the smoke. The rain and muddy ground would make his travel slower than he had wished though there was little he could do to change things. He only rested when it seemed Theron needed rest from carrying his heavy body, though that did not stop him from continuing. He led the horse through the muck upon the ground, day turned to night as the only was to tell the passing was the darkening of the sky. The clouds covered the sun and did not seem to let up from the constant rain that poured from the sky. His mood grew weary with each day till the sight of the village was taken in, the sounds of the daily lives were heard and seen as he approached the village. There were people all about, though each one seemed to watch each motion of him upon his horse. He was an outsider here and was unsure that his words would even be heard by the Elder.

He did not slow the motions of Theron then till what he was looking for was in sight, his armored body cloaked some of him and only gave the appearance of a warrior. Nothing more was given off as he had to be sure of himself in his trial. He was an outsider that wished to become more, it had brought him to the village of Xalla to fulfill a birthright that had been unknown to him till a few days ago. The hut was in the center of the village and he knew from the size of it alone that it was the Elders. He pulled the horse to a stop outside the hut when he had seen what he believed to be the Elder standing before it. The word of him entering the village had already passed to the Elder, or did he know Zeph was coming? It was unknown to him though he would show the respect that was needed and deserved as he did know the customs of the Redfist. His brother had influenced him more than he could know as he had watched Krom with such intent and passion that would only be shown in his wants and needs to become a true brother.

The steed was then let loose as he walked only a few feet from the Elder, lifting his clenched armor-covered hand up to his chest, striking his chest, “I am Zeph Kincade. Son of Myrin of the town Myrish.” Unsure if anything he said was even of importance though he had stated it non the less, “I have come to your village under the command of my ancestors to fulfill the Right of Passage.” The hushed sounds of the villagers behind him and to his sides were heard then, only to force him to lift his chin then as the helm was pulled from atop his head to be rested under his arm against his large torso. He waited then for the Elder to speak as he knew his place in life and was not going to speak more till it was needed. The Elder then struck his hand upon his chest, the scars of his battles were seen and would give him the right to be the Elder. Zeph knew full in well the way things worked. You keep what you kill. The way of the Redfist, if you lost a battle everything you owned would be given to the victor. “I am Karas. Son of Malar, Elder of Xalla. You are not needed here child. We are aware of what is to come and will deal with the invading Clan on our own.”

Zeph figured that those words would be spoken to him as he had known that Redfist members as any other Clans were proud and stubborn at the same time, “I am here by my ancestors will and have taken a silent oath that I will defend Xalla with my life. I am sure that you all are a notable warrior and am only here to lend aid.” Zeph spoke out his words without falter as he had gone over what was needed during the days that it took to arrive. He knew he would have to argue with the Elder as it was not something to be taken lightly, the help of an outsider, someone that had only learned of his heritage but a month ago, “I am here whether you like it or not to help in what is needed. You have no say in what I do here.” He might have sounded defiant though it was for a reason and he was not going to take no for an answer.

Zeph watched the face of Karas change to that of stern to flood with emotions of anger when he spoke his words, “You will do as I say boy. You have no place here in my village and will do as I command.” A slight motion was then given as Zeph saw three men approaching him, easily as armored as he was, though he had half-expected this from them. He did not falter in his stance then as the three loomed over him. He was tall though they seemed to shut out the light that was given from the clouded sky from him. “Then I challenge you for the leadership of the Clan. If you will not listen to me now, I will take charge and do what is needed.” The murmur within the crowd around him began anew as he could only hear faint whispers, though the men that approached halted in there movements. Zeph knew none could turn down the challenge, but was unsure if he could even achieve what he had demanded. Though there was no way of taking it back now, the customs and traditions were known to him. But had not wanted to for this to happen, the invading Clan would be here in days and he had not needed this at the moment.

The Elder then laughed as it was all that was upon Zeph's ears at the time as the rest of the crowd was blocked out, “You wish to challenge me boy? None in this village had been so foolish in their word. And now a half-bred outsider wants to challenge me?” Zeph expressions did not change as he stood there taking the banter from Karas, “Yes, I challenge you from leadership of the Clan. And as you have stated I am an outsider and not from the village. By the customs and traditions I still h..” He was then cut off in his words as the Elders voice bellowed out before him, “I know the customs boy, and you challenge will be met. All of what you own and know will belong to me as does everything that others that have tried to strike me down and failed.” Zeph knew he could not turn down the challenge as it would show weakness and that would give rise to doubt in the abilities of the Elder. Karas then soon disappeared into his hut, not another word was given as Zeph stood his ground. The villagers swarmed around him then setting up the circle that the challenge would be met within.

Zeph had not slept in days and his body was weary from the loose of sleep, though he would need to push all that aside and rise up above what his body could do. Knowing he needed to call forth more power than his body would allow him to, the beast was needed to be set free in this as it would give him what was needed as it had before. He then began to work up his mind and emotions the best he could, calling forth the cage’s animal that was within, coaxing it from where it was locked away in his mind and body. The effects were then felt upon him, the haze that would coat over his eyes had begun as he would see the world differently then. He knew what was demanded upon him to give him the strength that the beast would grant him, his body was used to the demands as he fought with them each day. His resolve would be taken instead in the granting of power. He did not let his mind rest then as the Great axe was unstrapped from his back, taking a few steps backwards then as he could hear the sounds of the Elder within the Hut. Only to be seen then stepping from the Hut in full armor and clad with his own axe. The stage had been set, the rain would not let up and set the backdrop for the Challenge as well as the villagers that would watch to see what the fate of the outsider would be.

Karas then spoke out as he stepped from the Hut, “All those around will do nothing but watch. No aid will be given to either, if any is done there will be grave consequences.” With the words spoken he then stepped closer to Zeph, a slight nod was given as they were both warriors and respect was at least given even if the Elder had thought the challenge was foolish. Even with the beast that had taken control of Zeph's body there was still a nod given to respect as even the animal knew things that were needed to be given.

The two then rushed each other, the clamor of armor was heard above all till the sound of their weapons clashing was heard, each one a skill warrior as it showed in many ways, though they both fought to keep everything that they had only to be given to the other upon defeat. Zeph could feel the steel slicing into his body then as the sweat that had been building under his armor washed over the wound, a low growl was then given as the axe was lifted only thrust the spear tipped point set between the runic carved double blade would pierce into Kara's body. The clamor of metal striking metal was heard and all thoughts were focused upon the battle. Zeph had gained great strength though knew if the Elder resorted to magic he would be at a lose as one thing was given and other taken by the beast. The battle raged and only the sweat and blood would show the passing of time upon both the warriors bodies as each had struck blows that would have killed the normal man. but neither was that at all, one an Elder that had shown his power and might in battles only to be given the right to call himself and Elder. The other a man that only wished to take care of his family and be what he felt within his body. Though not a common man as his might had been forged in battle as well. But few knew of his deed as he had not let stories get out of hand and him become more than what he was.

Zeph felt one blow that then took him to his knees as the axe bit into his leg, a growl then erupted through his maw as blood trickled from his mouth, the end was near then as he could feel his body faltering. There were great reasons that Karas had been Elder and he could then feel the strength of the man as it rivaled that of his own. Though he waited, “Now you will die boy and all you own will be mind.” The words filtered through the helm and then upon Zeph's ears as he then quickly stood, rushing forward then as he set his helm to gore upon the Elders’ chest, thrusting his head upward then as he could feel the piercing of the flesh through the armor, lifting Karas up from the ground was no easy feat as he was taller and heavier than Zeph. Though with the last calling of his strength Zeph set his body to rush forward, slamming the Elder back upon his own hut. Feeling the resistance then of the wall as he pressed on. He could feel the mans life-giving way then as he threw his head back, seeing then in the eyes of Karas that his reign was over. Zeph then stepped back as he raised the axe only to lower it quickly onto the mans chest, leaving the axe there then as he loomed over Karas's body. Watching the life fade from him with each passing moment till his chest stopped moving, Zeph pulled the axe up from his body, turning to look over the villagers then as he could hear the shock and amazement upon their words.

Zeph stood there a moment watching the villagers then bow there head to him as he had become the new Elder. Thought the only way that was true to the Redfist traditions. He then felt that beast leaving him as the effects of the battle had begun to wash through his body. He turned to face the crowd then, “All that was his is mine.” Were then the only words that came from him as he went down to one knee then, the axe thrust forward to keep him from falling over completely. A sole woman then came from the hut that was the Elders, “Come sir you need your rest now.” She then motioned for others to help carry him into the Hut as it was his now, all that was within was his and all that the Elder owned was rightfully Zeph's. A man that had come to the village to do one thing but another was granted to him.

He passed out soon within the confines of the hut, though the motions of his armor begin removed would be felt and he would arise, “Do not take the axe far.” Was spoke then as he weakly could feel his body going numb from the battle, only to fall back into a sleep once more. He dreamed of another time that night, a place that seemed far form where his was. His home, and his wife was upon his mind. It had been days since he had seen her and that was not something he liked to go without. With the feud. that had brewed only days before him taking on the Right his mind was in constant worry. His dreams then were broken as the sound of a voice called out to him, “Master Zeph?” a sweet voice not a man but a woman. His body would then awaken from his slumber to feel the warmth of furs and a fire around him, he almost began to speak his wife’s name, though the flood of where he was washed through him as his eyes focused upon the Hut he was within.

A young dark hair woman was there kneeling beside the bed, he then realized where he was exactly, “Yes? Who are you?” he then set his hazel eyes upon the girl as he waited for to reply as he knew all to well things had changed within his life just in the passing day. The woman kept here eyes upon the floor as he then noticed the shining collar upon her neck, “This girl belongs to you Master.” nodding then as he took in a deep breath, “Well what is your name then?” he was not accustomed to things as such as it was not his way to take a slave and would soon remedy the situation, “Savena, Master.” He then cupped her cheek as his sore arm was reached out to her, “Savena, you are free now to do as you wish.” He then reached back too behind the girl’s neck to remove the collar, “Master does not wish me?” her eyes did not falter from the floor, “It's not my way. You may stay to serve me here while I am in Nathalion and keep my apprised of what goes on. But I will not keep a collar around your neck.” He would show a smile then as he spoke, “Yes, sir I would be honored to do such.” He then saw for the first time here eyes as she lifted them from the floor once the collar was tossed to the side, “Now tell me did Karas own any other slaves?” she then shook her head, “No Master I was the only.”

Zeph then let his eyes wander over the Hut, such a small thing was home to someone of great importance and yet he had lived in a Keep and had been nothing more than a simple Carpenter.”Good, where is my armor?” he felt the axe so close to him as the bond had not been broken as she had listened to him, “I will get them for you Sir.” Was all that she spoke before she was from his side and grabbing his armor, “This girl had the smiths in town fix and mend what was needed. I do hope that was all right?” her voice so questioning then as too not anger him in what she had done, “Yes, that is fine.” He stood only to have her begin to place his armor upon his body, “How long was I out? And has the attacking Clan slowed?” he would not fight what she had been used to, to serve as he was well aware of things that his brother had taught him. “A day Sir, that is all. And no they have not slowed. Two days or less they will be here.” He would let his body then shift within the armor and adjust it to his needs, the Great axe was then lifted and pulled across his back, he would not let the remnants of the pain be shown that was weakness. “Good, then go get me the best warriors in town and tell them I wish to speak with them here.”

Without another word Savena was through the door and gone from his sight, he took the time to look over the things within the Hut as it was all his now. He knew there would be times for challenge to come as he was still an outsider of sorts and had yet to complete his quest. A knock came to the door then, “Enter.” Was all that had been given in reply from Zeph. The sight of Savena was then seen as she moved to her place at his feet kneeling upon the floor, “They are here Master Zeph.” Was spoke by her just as ten warriors would enter through the same door, as the last one entered the door was then shut, “Good, now you all are the best that Xalla has to offer from what I am told.” It was not a question but a statement from him, “Now, we are not going to sit by and wait for the destruction of my village. We will go out and meet them.” The warriors then began to speak and voice their word of doubt, “We will not meet them head on yet as their forces will no doubt be more than we can handle at the time. We will strike at them in the night. Kill as many as we can before alarm is given then fall back.” He the looked over them making sure they were following him as their voices dwindled then, “We only have a short time to reduce there numbers till they will be here and will attack only two or three times during the night. After the first strike they will be ready. No go prepare for what is needed and meet me here.”

Zeph waited till the last warrior had left the Hut till his attention was then upon Savena, “Now you will gather the rest of the people and build a defense within the village. Nothing is to be left undefended. All will fight if needed. Do you understand me?” his voice was stern but understanding, the slight nod of her head was seen just before her words were upon the air, “Yes, sir. I understand.” He would not speak anything else as he stepped from the Hut. This was all new to him, he had only commanded a small few before and had only been in need of taking care of their needs, now he was to fend for an entire village. He was unsure if it was able to be done, as he was still young and life still needed to teach him so many things. He waited till the ten warriors were in front of him only to see them as armored and armed as he was, a grin was upon his lips as he was sure this was going to work. With no words he turned as he had already spoken what was to be done and now the time to act was upon him. To fulfill the task set down by his ancestors.

The encampment was found after two days travel, as he had hoped there was still time to do what he had set forth to do. It had been found during the day as the grey clouds and rain would give them what light it could. Forty men were seen around the camp, the sounds of there boisterous voices boomed out to the eleven of them not but a few hundred yards hiding away. Zeph had taken this many on before by himself though he had almost been killed in that, and was not planning on making the same mistakes this time. He only gave motions to the warriors at his side as there voices would give them away. Taking out at least one per man he had at his side was what he was wanting, though if any fell they would lay there as they did not have the chance to pick up their dead. The strikes would need to be swift, only to go into the camp kill all that could be taken care of and get out.

Night fell upon the skies then as it was time once Zeph had asked aid of his guardian spirit, only his motions would give the motion to move and the others followed without words or reluctance. The eleven of them rushed forward, guard set on watch would be the first to go so not to give alarm of their passing. Throats were slit as a few of the warriors moved in quicker than the rest, the guards had not even known what had hit them. Two were already dead and the night was still young, though the plan had been set and they still needed to act fast. The opposing Clan was within tents which made the task a bit easier as each man was then motioned into a tent. Two men were in each tent as each was slain in there sleep. A call then rang out into the night as someone had gotten messy. Zeph growled out the command then to fall back as all but one returned to where they were. One was lost to them as now ten would need to do what was needed. The alarm was given and voices were calling out into the dark, only names and command to find the intruders were heard.

Zeph then pushed his plan to the side, they had killed at least half of the numbers and only lost one.”Change of plans. We act now.” He then rushed forward back toward the camp, seeing that most were still now wearing armor, and others were still placing their armor upon them, he rushed forward, slicing one man in half then, only to hear the calls of his own men at his side. The sounds of battle would ring out into the night as bird would upon its flight into the sky. All were barbarian of one Clan or another and would fight to the death. As would he. Numbers on both sides dwindled till only three from the Redfist Clan remained at his side. It might have been foolish to do what was done but there would be no backing down. He could count ten maybe more surrounding them. Zeph knew what was needed, to call forth the power within the axe. Something he had only practiced with as no battle had needed for what he was about to do till now.

“Get down!” was yelled out to his men and then they did what was said with little question, though he knew they had not known what he was about to do. The enemy still pressing forward as the three of his men then went to drop to the ground before him. They flattened their bodies the best the can upon the ground. Zeph then called out, “Come at me you fools.” It was all that was said before the ones around him began to rush him. His hand came up quickly from beside him then as he let a few motions of his fingers be all that was seen till he was lifted a foot into the air. The wind whipping about his armored form and flowing over the wounds that he would push from his body at the time. His hand returned to the axe then as he began to spin in the air. Lightening crackling down over the oaken handle of the axe only to erupt forth from the runic carved blades to the ones that still poured closer to him. Thunder then clapped out from the axe as the Whirlwind Dance was beginning. The lightening lit up the sky as the thunder boomed through the air, each swing of his body only then felt the resistance of each body he was striking at till he could feel the Dance was done. His body would begin to slow then as the thunder and lightening dwindled till his feet were upon the ground, “Now!” was called out as to command the warriors that were still at his side. He needed a moment to rest from such an attack as it took so much from him.

It took a moment to let his eyes clear as the fight still was heard with the clang of weapons and armor around him. The three that remained would do their best to keep any from touching Zeph. Though he does not much else as the Elder of the Clan was all that remained, the power and skill were seen as he cut one man down with a single cleave of his sword, “He's mind.” Was all that was said till Zeph lumbered forward then, “A boy commands these fools. You should have stayed home and taken what was to be given.” Zeph paid no heed to the words that were said to him as he then lifted up the axe over his head, pushing his arms forward then as the axe was let loose upon the air then, watching the motions as it flew through the air then only to impact the taller Barbarian in the chest. The axe then freed itself from the mans chest as he still stood there, stunned from what had happened. The Great axe would then fly through the air only to return to Zeph's hand as he ran forward to then thrust the blades into the already open wound, “You die by the hands of a boy then.”

The last breath was given then the Barbarian fell to the ground. Zeph stood tall then as he looked over the camp, so much blood and death were in the air. Though it was needed to save the lives of his Village. His eyes then fell upon the two that remained of his own, only three stood there as he had now forged his name in the history of Xalla. A new Elder with a new chapter in a book was now to unfold. They all gathered horses then and collected they’re dead only to return to the Village to give them their rest. Much sorrow was there at the same time as joy as there was no invading army to try to kill or enslave the people now. But the loose of the ones in battle was still great as their families would be morning the dead.

Upon arrival Zeph went into his hut as Sevena was there ready to tend to his wound as she had before. This night he rested his body, only to wake early in the morning. He was in need of returning to his rightful place, “If you need anything send word to me in Nanthalion. I am known in town and there will be no problems finding me.” He did not wait for her to reply as it was not a question but a command. He then mounted Theron and began his trek back to his home. Still one more task was needed of him to find out if he was truly what he had set out to be. The travel to Castle Stromglad was the same as the departure, rain continued to ensue and did not let up. Zeph could feel the effects of the passing days upon his body and knew his time for rest would soon be near.

He stripped all of his armor then as Krom was within the Spirit Hut when he arrived. All that was taken with him was the axe and that of his leather pants and boots. Nothing more was needed as he would once more need to wait for the judgement of the Spirits. He knew if the fire went out he had failed, though he sat there once more for what seemed to be days and the fire did not falter. The fire then began to dwindle as the hopes within Zeph's body began to falter, though he watched then as the flames flickered once more. This time they seemed to roar up and last out at him, he then gritted his teeth as a hand seemed to be formed from the flames as it seared into his chest, the pain caused within him was so intense that he could feel his body wavering to that of passing out. He forces his body and mind to calm them as the feeling was upon him only a few moments longer then the fire and burning of his flesh would halt. He could see then the open hand print burned upon his chest as he then knew he had accomplished what was needed of him.

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