As the sun began its descent towards the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple, Edgar and his uncle approached the castle. It loomed in the distance, its silhouette etched against the twilight sky, a grand monument to architectural marvel and historical might. Edgar's eyes widened in awe. ?

  The castle, majestic and imposing, stood proudly upon a rise, its towering walls and turrets reaching towards the heavens. Its vastness was like nothing Edgar had ever seen, with ramparts that stretched into the distance, encircling the stronghold in a protective embrace. The walls, massive and formidable, were adorned with intricate carvings and banners that fluttered in the evening breeze, each telling tales of victories and valor. ?

  As they drew nearer, the details of the castle's grandeur became more apparent. The stonework was a masterful display of craftsmanship, with each block perfectly cut and placed, creating an imposing yet elegant facade. The main gate, guarded by soldiers in gleaming armor, was an artwork in itself, wrought with iron and embellished with symbols of the kingdom's heraldry. ?

  Edgar, usually not one to be easily impressed, found himself utterly captivated. The sheer size of the castle was overwhelming, its spires stretching into the sky as if to touch the stars themselves. The setting sun cast a golden glow upon the stone, making it appear as if the castle itself was alight with an ethereal flame. ?

  Stepping through the gates, Edgar felt as though he was walking into a different world, one where history whispered from every stone and corridor. The air was thick with the scent of old battles and ancient secrets, and Edgar knew that this castle held stories and mysteries that he could spend a lifetime unraveling. The sense of stepping into a living piece of history was exhilarating, and Edgar knew that his time here would be nothing short of extraordinary. ?

  A spearman approached them and asked what business they had at the castle. Uncle Falo told him they were expected for the tournament of the ten knights. The two spearmen guarding the gate signaled for it to be opened, allowing them to enter.

  ?After the huge gate opened before them, Edgar and his uncle proceeded. There were many merchants around, each trying to prove that their goods were of better quality than what the others were selling. ?

  Edgar and Uncle Falo got out of the cart, and one of the king's men took the horse to the stables. Edgar had no idea where they would sleep, and he quickly became fearful that he would receive a cold bed in a forgotten smithy.

  However, Edgar's concern was soon addressed, as a servant of King Ludrol invited them to enter the castle. As he stepped inside, the boy was awestruck. It was so large that an entire army could fit inside. ?

  The king's servant led the two through a huge hallway until they reached their destination, a vast room. Here, there was a large table filled with delicious foods, and at the head of the table sat the king, waiting for them. ?

  "Over here, my dears," the king invited them. "Falo, old friend! How long has it been? Twenty years? I can't believe how time flies." ?

  "Neither can I, Your Majesty. I can't believe you still remember me." ?

  "How could I forget the man who made my childhood more interesting? Drop these formalities, to you I'm just Ludrol, understand? That's an order, my old friend," the king smiled.

  ?The two took their seats at the table next to the king. He seemed to be in a good mood, probably because he had just reunited with his old childhood friend. ?

  King Ludrol was short in stature, plump, with white hair long to his shoulders. He had a gentle look, and his large green eyes sized up Edgar from head to toe.

  ?"And who is this young man? Don't tell me, a charming face with penetrating eyes, traits inherited from his mother. Strong and fearless, traits from his father. You must be Edgar Argyle. I'm very pleased to meet you, young man." ?

  "You know who I am because you knew my parents, didn't you?" Edgar asked excitedly.

  "Of course. I knew your parents very well. Your parents were honored members of..."

  ?"Ahem," Falo coughed, interrupting the king. ?

  Edgar understood that something important was being avoided and couldn't believe his uncle was hiding certain things from him. He looked down, not touching the food, deliberately showing his upset.

  ?Falo immediately noticed Edgar's change in mood but didn't want to discuss the sensitive topic, trying to avoid his nephew's gaze. He brought up the topic of the tournament of the ten, wanting to know how many blacksmiths were still needed, how much time they had for armor repairs, and who the best knights coming to Tuzmad to demonstrate their skills were.

  ?"I'm very tired," said Edgar. "Where can I sleep?"

  ?"A servant will lead you to your room," King Ludrol replied.

  ?After wishing the king and his uncle a good evening, Edgar headed to his room, led by the servant. King Ludrol and Falo continued eating in the dining hall, without speaking another word. Finally, Falo broke the silence. ?

  "Edgar doesn't know many things. He's too young to understand." ?

  "There's no need to tell him everything at once, just certain things, gradually. You've protected and secretly prepared him to become a skilled swordsman, away from prying eyes. However, the battle his parents fought must continue in one way or another, and he is one of the few descendants who can make a difference."

  King Ludrol stood up from the table, approached Falo, and looked at him intently, trying to tell him something. He took a deep breath and whispered softly:

  "The Triangle returns..." ?

  These words were enough to frighten blacksmith Falo, who turned as pale as chalk. "How is that possible?" he wondered to himself.

  ?In his room, Edgar had been asleep for some time. He had reconciled himself with the thought that he could not know everything that happens in this world, easily slipping into his terrifying dream. ?

  He was on a vast plain, with the two armies on either side. This time, the dream was slightly different, as a white pigeon landed in front of him. The pigeon was surrounded by grey smoke, then transformed into a man. It was a tall old man with white hair and a gentle gaze. ?

  Edgar woke up. He looked around, examining more closely the room he was in. It was so large that it could house his home in Dornaran. He knew he was in one of the finest rooms in the castle. The bed was large and very comfortable, and the paintings in the room caught his attention, chasing away his sleep. ?

  A painting depicted the land of Tuzmad, another the Giant Mountains, and in yet another was a large, sparkling diamond. Edgar thought that if he had such a diamond, he would never have to work again.

  ?"Beautiful diamond, isn't it?" ?

  The boy turned to see who it was and saw his Uncle Falo. It seemed he had been standing there for a while, waiting for him to wake up. Falo thought about how to start the conversation and then said in a hoarse voice: ?

  "I'm sorry I couldn't tell you this until now. You're old enough to understand, but I don't like talking to you about these things."

  ?"Uncle, if you don't want to talk about it, I won't be upset." ?

  "You need to know the truth. I told you that the village and the house where your parents lived were attacked and looted. The truth is that those who attacked your parents' home were determined to kill them." ?

  Edgar couldn't believe what he heard. What did his parents do wrong? He asked Uncle Falo what the reason might be. ?

  "There are several rumors. As you know, your father was a great knight, who fought valiantly for noble causes and for the good of the Tuzmad kingdom. Your mother was a healer in the truest sense of the word, as she carefully studied the preparation of remedies and potions. The concoctions she made could heal wounds and physical illnesses." ?

  Uncle Falo told Edgar that a few days before his parents were killed, the king was caught in an ambush. Damyen managed to save Ludrol, but the king was gravely injured. At that point, Luna, Edgar's mother, intervened with one of her potions, successfully saving the king's life, which otherwise would have been lost. ?

  "Are those who killed my parents the same people who tried to assassinate the king?" ?

  "It's possible. There are also rumors that your parents were part of a secret order that fought against terrible people, and these enemies eventually took their revenge. Edgar, the real reason I trained you in swordsmanship is that these people have a malevolent belief system. When they seek revenge on someone, they ensure that no one in the victim's family remains alive. They don’t forget, and fourteen years is not a barrier to finishing what they started."

  ?King Ludrol entered the room confidently, bringing news. He apologized, saying he had overheard their conversation and that there was no need to panic. Those assassins had been captured and executed a long time ago, as they were tracked to the ends of the earth. The king assured that Edgar was safe and that no one would attempt to attack the boy. ?

  Relieved at this news, uncle Falo embraced Edgar tightly and then thanked King Ludrol. The king added that today was Prince Sormain's birthday, and he would be hosting a party where all the residents of Tuzmad were welcome. The party would begin at dusk, and they were the guests of honor.

  ?Ludrol eventually left them alone. Falo had something wrapped in an old blanket. He unwrapped it to reveal the Phoenix sword, telling Edgar he almost forgot it. The Phoenix sword was the strongest and best sword Uncle Falo had ever seen. He never imagined that he would see the day when his nephew would forge such an exceptional sword. ?

  "Take care of it, boy! A sword like this can't be found just anywhere, and one day it might save your life." ?

  "A sword forged by me cannot be defeated, and in my hands, it will become an unstoppable force," Edgar said with a smile.

  Blacksmith Falo began to laugh. It was clear that no matter how much he tried to make his nephew a skilled blacksmith, the boy shared his father's interest: to prove that he had no equal in combat.

  ?"When you grow older and gain more experience as a blacksmith, I will teach you how to make the finest swords that exist. Few blacksmiths know how to forge them, and many have begged me to pass on the secret."

  ?"What do you mean, I'm not a skilled blacksmith? Look at the sword I've made, even you were amazed," Edgar smiled. ?

  "Your forged sword is so good and durable because of that metal. It's an unknown, very old, and resilient material. However, there are other ores in the world from which swords so powerful can be made, that they offer life, instead of taking it." ?

  Edgar didn't fully understand what his uncle meant, but he knew he would realize it in time. Falo then told him that starting tomorrow, they would begin forging a hundred swords for King Ludrol's army. A hundred swords weren't produced in the blink of an eye, so he and Edgar had a lot of work ahead. As today was Prince Sormain's birthday, the young man was given the day off to attend the party in the prince's honor, where he would meet his friends, Tenzim and Turalon.

  ?Falo left the room and headed towards the castle's smithy. Edgar changed into his evening clothes and went outside. Once outside the castle, he began to look at it again with more attention and admiration. It was immense. The door he had exited from was guarded by two knights with sharp gazes. Around the castle were many large buildings and beautiful houses, likely owned by nobles.

  Looking at the knights, Edgar couldn't shake off the idea of becoming a knight himself, like his father. It was a long road to becoming one. He needed to enlist in the king's army, and to enlist, he had to be nineteen years old. Acts of bravery, obedience, and faith would make him the knight he wished to be. He was still young and had to wait, and the only thing he could do was dream about that day. ?

  The clock in the castle's large tower struck twelve. It was still early, and there was quite some time until the party started. Suddenly, someone covered his eyes, and someone else jumped on his back. When he turned around, he saw the two brothers. They were so playful and happy that nothing could dampen their joy.

  ?"What's got you so cheerful?"

  "Praise Xal'Nagus!" exclaimed Tenzim. "How can we not be cheerful? Tonight Prince Sormain turns sixteen, which means there'll be lots of free food and drink, and as a bonus, many drunkards waiting to be pickpocketed." ?

  "Stop it! We're here to have fun, not to rob those who are intoxicated," Turalon admonished. ?

  "Who is Xal'Nagus? Is he also coming to the party?" Edgar asked, puzzled. ?

  The two brothers looked at each other. From what world did he come? They almost questioned his intelligence but then remembered that Edgar had grown up in the mountains, far from people and their beliefs.

  ?"Has your uncle never told you about Him?" asked Turalon. "In traditional belief, Xal'Nagus is the god of light, the protector of people and the earth. When someone is sad or happy, they pray to this god for help to face life's challenges or to thank him for the joys brought. In modern belief, he is a wizard who dedicated his life to doing good, eventually finding the path to supreme enlightenment and transforming into something much greater than human beings." ?

  "My uncle isn't very religious. He considers gods to be fabrications of decaying minds, later used by influential people with the aim of keeping the population under control."

  ?"Your uncle will never walk the eternal fields of light if he doesn't return to the right faith. You are still young, and if this belief has not been made known to you, it's not your fault. Eternal life can be saved if you accept this god's blessing by worshipping Him." ?

  "The fact that I wasn't aware of this belief made me a person worthy of stepping onto those fields, right?" Edgar asked. ?

  "Yes, you are considered innocent since you didn't know..." ?

  "Now, if I mess up in venerating your god, I won't have this eternal life?" ?

  "Of course not!" said Tenzim.

  The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

  ?"Then why the heck did you tell me?" ?

  "Because everyone should know about the goodness of Xal'Nagus. Let me tell you more about the right faith, the traditional one." ?

  Tenzim shared with Edgar an ancient tale, a legacy that had been passed down through generations. He spoke of the dawn of humanity, of a time when the first humans emerged from the very essence of the earth, their lives intertwined with the rhythms of nature. Among them, according to the legend, was born a man unlike any other, his very being a product of the sun's brilliant rays. This man, imbued with powers that defied understanding, was known as Xal'Nagus, a name that echoed 'Divine Power' in the forgotten tongue of their ancestors. ?

  Xal'Nagus, Tenzim recounted with a sense of awe, was a guardian of humanity, using his extraordinary gifts for the betterment of those around him. With a mere touch, he could mend the gravest of wounds, his hands weaving the very threads of life. His voice could quell the fiercest storms, bringing calm to the tumultuous seas. Most miraculously, he held the power to reverse the shroud of death, summoning souls back from the eternal void. People revered him, their adoration stemming from a mix of reverence and gratitude. Xal'Nagus was more than a man; he was a beacon of hope in a world rife with uncertainty.

  ?But as time marched on, an unsettling truth emerged. Xal'Nagus, the man kissed by the sun, remained untouched by the passage of time. His eternal youth, a stark contrast to the natural order of life and death, began to kindle fear in the hearts of those he had sworn to protect. Whispers of unease turned into roars of distrust, and the once-beloved savior became an outcast, viewed not as a protector but as an anomaly that disrupted the balance of nature. ?

  Despite the growing fear and eventual rejection, Xal'Nagus's love for humanity never wavered. Realizing that his presence only brought fear to those he cherished, he made a heartrending decision. With one last sorrowful glance upon the world he so dearly loved, Xal'Nagus ascended towards the heavens, his figure becoming one with the celestial tapestry. Yet, even from his lofty abode, he continued to watch over humanity, his gaze filled with an undying hope that one day, they would understand and accept the gift of his eternal guardianship.

  "It's a beautiful story. No wonder my uncle never told me about this god. He's too kind to be real," Edgar smiled.

  ?"Let him finish, you unbeliever!" Turalon snapped.

  ?In the shadows of history, a century after the ascent of Xal'Nagus to the heavens, a new force emerged from the amalgam of night's darkness and the corrupt hearts of men. This force took the form of Xal'Nagus's brother, known in the ancient tongue as Xal'Adunoss, or 'Divine Darkness'. His power was unrivaled and fearsome; he could single-handedly combat a hundred warriors, his might far surpassing the limits of mortal strength. With a mere gesture of his hands, he conjured demons, fiends of unparalleled malevolence, each possessing strength tenfold that of any man.

  ?Under the reign of Xal'Adunoss, humanity was reduced to servitude. Those who dared to defy him were met with a cruel fate, executed in public displays of power to instill fear and submission. His rule was absolute, and his darkness spread like a plague across the land, leaving despair in its wake.

  ?It was during these dark times that Xal'Nagus, witnessing the terror wrought by his brother, descended once again to the earth. Time had only fortified his power, and he returned clad in armor so luminous it turned the darkest night into day. His sword was a force of nature, capable of cleaving the earth itself, and his shield was an impenetrable fortress. Rallying a small but determined army of humans, Xal'Nagus led the charge against the demonic hordes spawned by his brother. ?

  The ensuing battle was nothing short of epic. Xal'Nagus's army, bolstered by his divine might, eradicated the demonic scourge in a single day of fierce combat. The climax of this celestial struggle saw the two brothers, Xal'Nagus and Xal'Adunoss, clash in a battle that spanned land, sky, fire, and water. Their powers were so evenly matched that neither could gain the upper hand, their conflict raging from dawn until dusk. ?

  Realizing the futility of their battle, Xal'Adunoss, in a moment of clarity, relinquished his grip on the world. Before vanishing into the annals of time, he uttered a chilling prophecy: "In a thousand years, my acolytes shall awaken ancient forces, bringing about my second coming to subjugate this world." With these ominous words, Xal'Adunoss disappeared, leaving behind a legacy that would inspire generations of followers, who worshipped him in secret, awaiting his prophesied return. ?

  Xal'Nagus, ever the guardian of humanity, countered his brother's dark prophecy with one of hope: "In a thousand years, the roots of evil shall be severed forever." And with that, he too vanished, his words echoing through the ages, a beacon of hope amidst the darkness of his brother's curse. The world, scarred yet resilient, began its long journey towards healing, with the prophecies of the divine brothers etched into its very soul. ?

  "And so, about ten thousand years have passed, and we haven't seen a bit of action," Turalon said. "Sometimes, I have doubts about the existence of the two, but I have never ceased to worship Xal'Nagus." ?

  "To me, the foundation of your faith sounds like a fairy tale. I could never worship a deity whose existence can only be proven through stories," Edgar said. ?

  "Story or not, imagine the chaos in this world if the two were to measure their powers against each other again," Turalon said.

  "Yes, it is said that the two have always fought for supremacy," a voice said behind them.

  ?It was an old man of about seventy years, a monk from the monastery near the castle. The monk wore a white cloak, had a long beard down to his waist, and a staff strapped to his back. ?

  He held a thick prayer book in his arm, making Tenzim look at it strangely. He wouldn't waste his time reading such a dense book. One more reason for him not to become a monk. ?

  "Without a doubt, Xal'Nagus won, Mr. Monk."

  ?"What makes you think I am a monk?" the old man asked Tenzim. "I was one in my youth, but I took a few tests and became a magician in the service of Xal'Nagus." ?

  The three boys were momentarily stunned. They had never seen a magician before. Many considered magicians to be crackpots who wasted their time performing cheap tricks and losing themselves in libraries.

  ?"A magician? Like a kind of wizard, right?" Edgar asked. ?

  The old magician frowned upon hearing this word. He explained that there's a world of difference between a magician and a wizard. To call someone a wizard meant referring to someone diabolical, who used natural forces for destructive purposes. ?

  "I apologize, I didn't know that," Edgar said. "So, magicians have magical powers, right?" ?

  "It depends on what you understand by magical powers. Magic is about knowledge and using it to amplify positive thoughts. Magic is in everything that surrounds us, especially in beautiful things that uplift our spirits. I know you're thinking of someone who shoots lightning from their fingers or breathes fire," the old man smiled. ?

  The three boys chuckled at the magician's words. They didn't know magicians also had the gift of being comical. The old magician was pleased to see the boys in good spirits. ?

  "Do all magicians have such powers?" Edgar asked, unable to contain his curiosity.

  ?The two brothers tried their best not to burst into laughter. They didn't know Edgar had a sense of humor. Edgar tried to stay as serious as possible, as he didn't like being taken for a jester.

  ?"Everyone has magical powers," said the old man. "Due to the fact that few believe in the power of magic and more doubt it, this profession is slowly fading." ?

  "What could I do to become a magician?" Turalon asked.

  ?Edgar and Tenzim looked at him strangely. Even his brother hadn't suspected that Turalon might ever want to be something like that. However, the young man had long dreamed of becoming a magician because he wanted to know the secrets of magic and magical potions. Someone who knew the magical art of potion making could create love potions, potions of immortality, potions of fame, and other powerful concoctions. Moreover, with magical powers, he could turn his brother into a mouse and lock him in a cage, so he wouldn't nag him all day.

  ?"To become a magician, you first have to be accepted as a monk in the monastery, and to become a monk, you must be at least sixteen years old," the old man said.

  "I am sixteen," Turalon said delightedly. "Will I be accepted?" ?

  "I would accept you right away, but you need to talk to the head of the monastery," said the old man." His name is Laryus, and he will only accept you if he receives a letter from your parents stating their agreement."

  ?Turalon couldn't believe what was happening. His parents would never allow him to become a monk. They considered magicians and monks to be eccentrics. They would be mortified if one of their sons got involved with such oddities. ?

  "I will talk to my parents and get the letter," Turalon said. ?

  "Very well, you know where the monastery is. It's in the castle courtyard, about a hundred meters from the library," the old man informed them, noticing the boys had no idea where the place of worship was located.

  ?Shortly after the old man walked away, Turalon fell deep in thought. ?

  "You'll never get that letter in a million years," Tenzim laughed mockingly.

  ?"Shut up, you fool! I bet as soon as I get home, I'll get that letter."

  ?"Keep dreaming, magician," Tenzim taunted. ?

  The three wandered around the vicinity, admiring the locations and goods the merchants had for sale. They didn't dare to venture outside the castle, as bandits eagerly awaited new prey. Even though they didn't have money on them, they didn't want to risk their lives by venturing outside the kingdom.

  Crime in Tuzmad was punished with death, either by hanging or beheading. In the best case, a criminal was sentenced to life-long daily labor, but no one lasted more than a year. ?

  This did not intimidate thieves, however; many were fearless of the kingdom's laws or even the punishment. They made their own law, demanding protection money from the defenseless, robbing merchants who didn't share their goods, and occasionally, a daring bandit would stand in the way of a knight, challenging them to a fight. ?

  No thief ever emerged victorious from such a fight, as the knights were hardened by the fires of war, battling in the fiercest of battles, never admitting defeat. They were the embodiment of justice, protectors of the weak, and heroes of their realms. ?

  Thus, the boys spent the entire day discussing all sorts of things, ranging from knights to kings and their kingdoms.

  ?Evening fell over Tuzmad, and the party in honor of Prince Sormain finally began. Almost the entire town came, including four mysterious knights, and the king invited them to sit with him at the table. ?

  The three boys chose a more secluded table, as they didn't want to be disturbed by those who overindulged in drink. In front of the castle, tables were laden with food and drink, and music and merriment echoed through the air. ?

  The guest of honor, Prince Sormain, also arrived and took his seat next to his father. Edgar's gaze fixed on the king. He had an odd feeling about him but couldn't explain why. The two brothers, Turalon and Tenzim, didn't even notice Edgar anymore. They were too busy tearing into a pork roast.

  When Edgar decided to eat something, he saw King Ludrol entering the castle, followed by the four knights. "Is he leaving his son's party?" Edgar wondered, confused. A sudden urge to know more took hold of him, and he couldn't resist it.

  ?"Come with me," he said to the two brothers, getting up from the table.

  ?Turalon and Tenzim looked at each other, puzzled, then followed Edgar, who was heading determinedly towards the castle entrance. There, the three boys were stopped by two lancers who crossed their spears in front of them, telling them they weren't allowed inside. ?

  "What do you mean I'm not allowed?" Edgar asked. "His Majesty, King Ludrol, provided me with a guest room where I can sleep." ?

  "Sorry," one of the lancers said. "The king has ordered us not to let anyone in at this moment."

  ?The boys turned back, having no other choice. The two brothers demanded an explanation from Edgar, who only said that something was happening that piqued his curiosity. Tenzim, always inclined to get into trouble, suddenly had an idea and his face lit up. He revealed that he knew about a secret passage in the stables, rumored to lead into the castle. ?

  "By all the demons! Where did you learn about this?" Turalon asked.

  ?"From some drunken soldiers at the Ogre's Inn." ?

  The three headed towards the stables, but they encountered the same problem: the stables were guarded by two more lancers. Tenzim complained about their bad luck. Having already been seen by the lancers heading towards the stables, they couldn't turn back. They needed a convincing excuse to enter, but they had no idea what to come up with. ?

  "The prince gave us permission to choose the horses for tomorrow's hunt," Edgar said, his voice uncertain. ?

  "No one informed us of any hunt tomorrow," the lancers said. "We can't let you in." ?

  They were at a loss. They risked being thrown into a cold, dark dungeon if they didn't come up with something better, Turalon thought. This time they were all in trouble, and Tenzim regretted not staying at his table. ?

  "How dare you disregard the prince's orders? When he hears about this, he'll probably be furious. Do you know who we are?" Edgar asked. "We come from three different kingdoms and have never been treated like this in our lives. We are princes, can't you see?" ?

  The lancers were at a loss for words, but then they noticed their clothes. The boys were dressed like peasants. They realized it wasn't a very bright idea to lie to them. They were asked why they were dressed like common folk. ?

  "We've just been around Tuzmad town. Did you expect us to wear our fine clothes and become prey for thieves?" Edgar retorted. "Let's go, boys. I can't wait to see the prince's and the king's expression when they find out what kind of troops they have." ?

  To their surprise, they were believed, and the lancers apologized, opening the door to the stables. The building was large, housing over a hundred horses. Our nighttime heroes had no idea where to start looking for the secret passage. ?

  The horses were separated by wooden bars and were well-tied so as not to escape from the stable. They noticed nothing that looked like a secret passage, so they turned their gaze to the floor.

  ?"I can't believe we got in," Turalon said. "Edgar, you're much craftier than I thought."

  ?"Thank you, Turalon. I must admit I was about to lose my words in front of those two lancers. The passage, if it exists, should it be some kind of tunnel?"

  ?"Like looking for a trap door?" Tenzim asked.

  The three began to search through the hay but found nothing. They seriously doubted that such a passage existed in these stables. Finally, they decided to give up, having sifted through all the hay and examined each plank without result. ?

  Turalon, tired and bored, started admiring the horses. They were all purebred, fat, beautiful, and strong. These were the horses with which the king went hunting, accompanied by nobles and his men. He came across a black horse standing still and looking straight at him. The horse didn't move or blink, as if it were a statue. On closer inspection, Turalon realized that it was indeed a statue, a wooden horse sculpture. It looked so real that it was hard to tell it was made of wood. ?

  "Come see this marvel," Turalon called out. ?

  Tenzim and Edgar also saw the sculpture. One question was in their minds: why was a carved horse kept in the stables? Tenzim touched it. It was very smooth and slippery. It seemed the sculptor had managed to create a real masterpiece from that wood.

  ?Edgar closely examined the horse's eyes and noticed that the right eye was slightly stained. He pressed his index finger on the right eye. A noise sounded beneath them, as if something was opening. The wooden horse began to lower. The boys realized this was the passage they had been searching for, so they jumped behind the horse. They descended about ten meters and then stopped. ?

  Behind them was a wall, so they could only go forward. It was quite dark, but their eyes quickly adjusted to the lack of light, and they moved on, hoping to eavesdrop on what the king would say. Reaching a set of stairs, which they hurriedly climbed, they found themselves in a huge corridor, unsure of which direction to take. Fortunately, a noise like someone pounding a table guided them, indicating they were near the mysterious meeting. ?

  The boys tried to step very lightly to avoid making any noise. Proceeding this way, they eventually reached the slightly open door of the throne room. Inside, the king and the four knights seemed to be having an important conversation, and the uninvited guests could hear everything from behind the door.

  ?"Lockdar, understand me! I need you. The Triangle of Death wasn't destroyed back then, and now it has returned, gaining more power with each passing day."

  ?"What do you want us to do, Ludrol? Since Damyen and Luna are no longer with us, the Circle's power has diminished."

  Edgar was astonished to hear his parents mentioned. What could the Triangle of Death mean? He only knew that such a name couldn't signify anything good.

  ?"Prince Lockdar, do I need to remind you who the king here is? Watch your tone with me. Indeed, our order's powers have significantly weakened since the two of them are gone." ?

  "We need a well-devised plan if we want to defeat them once and for all. Last time they managed to cause quite chaos among our kingdoms. I don’t even want to imagine what those cursed ones are plotting this time," said Prince Lockdar. ?

  Prince Lockdar Menums was an enigmatic figure, renowned as much for his physical presence as for his indomitable spirit. With flowing blond hair cascading to his shoulders, he cut a striking figure amidst the aristocracy. Standing tall, his stature was imposing, hinting at the strength and agility honed through years of rigorous training. Though not more than thirty-five, his piercing black eyes held a depth of wisdom and resolve that belied his years, reflecting an unyielding spirit that had often brought him into quiet contention with King Ludrol. ?

  Lockdar's attire was as distinctive as his personality. Clad in shining black armor, meticulously crafted and polished to an almost otherworldly gleam, he embodied the dual nature of his life - both prince and warrior. The black cloak he wore over his armor served more than aesthetic purposes; it rendered him nearly invisible in the shadows, a strategic advantage that he employed with a masterful precision. ?

  His presence in the room was often met with a mix of admiration and unease. The other nobles respected his prowess and his lineage, yet his quiet, often solitary demeanor and the rumors of his clandestine endeavors as part of the secret order added an aura of mystery around him. In the dead of night, under the cloak of darkness, Lockdar's true skills would come to the fore, as he navigated the intricate web of political intrigue and hidden battles that shaped the destiny of the kingdom. His loyalty, though unwavering to the crown, was guided by a moral compass that did not always align with King Ludrol's decrees, making him a complex and pivotal figure in the unfolding saga of the realm.

  ?"Did you know the two had a child?" the king asked. ?

  At that moment, a profound silence fell in the throne room. Edgar tensed up, becoming even more attentive to their gestures and words.

  ?"It's impossible!" Lockdar responded. "Damyen and Luna were my best friends. They would surely have mentioned something so important."

  ?Just then, Turalon noticed something that could give them away. His younger brother was about to sneeze. He managed to cover his mouth in time, preventing them from being discovered. Tenzim signaled that the urge had passed, so Turalon removed his hand. But within two seconds, a loud sneeze echoed throughout the hall. Tenzim sneezed so forcefully that Turalon and Edgar froze.