The Anugon Legend

Salutations!

2020-12-31T23:59:00.000-08:00

Welcome to The Anugon Legends. Chances are that if you're here, you know the Author (me!). If you don't, you've probably started to realize you haven't run across the blog of someone's day to day life, but a chapterbook, fantasy even! However, you should not fear, because you can simply read it now. The first chapter begins here! Tell me what you think as well. Go ahead, be scathing, I won't mind.

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If you haven't read the constructive criticism bit yet, let me just tell you now. I love comments! The sad part is, at the moment, I have none. I would love people to tell me the truth about my writing, and whats good/bad/otherwise. If you think my writing is the best thing ever (which I doubt), let me know. If you think its complete and utter trash, once again, let me know. I just want some knowledge of what others think.

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Anyway, Read, Respond, and I'll love you forever. Or at least respect your opinion, if you'd prefer that. If you'd prefer to email me, do it! If you want to let me know over myspace, do it! Just let me know.

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On another note, if your blog is something similar to this, and you want me to put it in my links section at the bottom of this page, message me with the link. I'll take a look at it.
~R. Zilm

Busy Times

2008-09-29T13:45:00.001-07:00

I'm in the middle of a news post here, I just wanted to throw it in while I did some organizing of the page.

Alright, so I haven't kept my word when it comes to writing this story. I've been busy, but that's not really why I haven't been writing. I read this lastsection I wrote, and it feels rough. This part of the story, I don't quite have hashed out. I know how it starts, why its important to the storyline, and even how this subplot ends, but exactly how it unfolds is still a bit blurry to me.

I want to finish this story. The little pieces and bits of if are so amazing. The characters (partly because they're based on personalities I have met); are so... real to me I love the magic, and the life involved. As I grow older, and my own experiences change, this story Still fits my perceptions. I think that, in itself is due reason for me to finish this story. So yes, I WILL finish the book. Please, bear with me.

On a final note, I want to go back and fix my first few chapter sections again, so look out for that (I've already started playing with some of the previous dialogues to foot the writing style and characters better).

Thanks to the few that do bear with me.

~ Richard Zilm

Trapped!

2008-06-25T04:27:00.000-07:00

The trail was beginning to fade.

The group had taken this trail off the main road about an hour previous, under the direction of Arlon.

After a prolonged, sullen silence the entire trip, Xavier spoke, "Any chance that you know where we're going?" No care was taken to hide the contempt in his voice.

Arlon smiled patiently, "I know exactly where we are, and exactly where we are headed. You may not be able to see the disguised path before us, but I have an affinity for deceptive magic. Besides, I've been here before."

Xavier muttered, "That doesn't really assure me," and shot a glance at Miashgon.

Miashgon knew exactly what Xavier meant by that, and that he was possibly correct in thinking that they were walking directly into the very trap he had warned against from the beginning.

Miashgon was about to ask the assassin why he had been there before, when a rather large gust of wind tore through the trees, nearly knocking the travellers from their mounts.

An older looking man, wearing simple robes, colored the light brown of the forest around them, stepped out from the trees into the path that had appeared in front of them. If Miashgon had to guess, he would say this man was some kind of hermit monk. Nevertheless, the horses reared, looks of terror creeping into their normally docile eyes.

The man began to speak, "Travelers, you have entered into a land forbidden to strangers. Turn back now, and spare yourselves the terrible consequences that would ensue."

"Tero, you always were the charmer," Arlon said snidely, chuckling as a shocked look crossed the face of the man blocking their path, "and I would love leave you pests far, far behind me, but first," he edged his horse right up to the man, "I'll need my sword."

The man, whose name was apparently Tero, stared dumbly at the man looming over him for a moment. Finally, after surveying the ominous figure, he spoke in a slightly less authorative tone, "Arlon Sistra! You have made a grave mistake following us into our home. We allowed you to live out on the path, but-"

Arlon snarled, "ALLOWED me to live? You LET me live?" He stepped quickly off his horse, and stared the shrinking man down, "Last I checked, you cowards turned tail and ran before my creature destroyed you all," He spat in Tero's face, and rasped in his ear, "and you took MY property with you."

The man's demeanor changed suddenly, and he stood up straight, wiping spittle from his eyes, "As I stated earlier," he said with a hint of malice, "you made a mistake in coming here."

At that moment, rustling erupted from the forest around them, and before the travelers could react, there was a torrent of wind, knocking the other two off their horses.

As Miashgon fell, he saw a man approach them, mutter a spell of sorts. Before Miashgon could react, his head connected with the ground. Very rapidly, all went dark.

---

Sorry Guys!

2008-06-24T23:17:00.001-07:00

I've been busy with work and life lately.

Another two months has flown by with no posting.

I have about half to three quarters of it written in a notebook, the other part in my head, so hopefully I'll get it up soon.

Hang in there with me please!

~Richard

Drive-by Writing

2008-04-15T17:17:00.000-07:00

I was very, very restless last night.

I wanted to write, because I was over a week behind on my self-imposed deadline. The problem was that at 1 in the morning, my house is not conducive at all to creative inspiration.

I thought to myself, 'what better idea than to drive around until I find some good place to park and write?'

So I did.

Unfortunately, there's not very much lighting for writing at 1 in the morning either. So I ended up at a Denny's. I have a pretty good friend that works there, and we talked for a bit, and I got chapter 3 finished. So I'm only a week late on my deadline, and I found a good place to write on Monday late nights/early mornings.

It's great stuff.

~Richard

Traveling Decisions

2008-04-15T16:59:00.001-07:00

As the man disappeared into the trees, Xavier turned to Miashgon. "What are you thinking? We're on the brink of war with Orna, and you pick up a random vagobond off the side of the road?"

Miashgon looked at Xavier, "The brink of war? I really don't think so. Besides, this man is obviously in need-"

"Or perhaps just looking to cash in on a couple of gullible travelers."

Miashgon shook his head, not knowing whether to laugh at Xavier's paranoia, or to fear the grain of truth in Xavier's statement, "Well then, you can keep an eye on him if you're so afraid."

Xavier just shook his head, and the stranger approached, riding a tall grey horse. The men began their ride down the path, and Xavier slowly fell back a few paces.

Miashgon attempted to strike up a conversation with the stranger, "So. If we're going to be riding with you, I suppose we'll need something to call you."

The man smiled bemusedly, "Arlon is what I go by. Arlon Sistra."

Miashgon nodded, "Arlon. Interesting name. It comes from Enur right? I think it means 'quick?'"

Arlon shrugged, "Something to that extent. I'm afraid I'm quite rusty with Enur. I haven't had it come up for quite a while. How well do you speak it?"

It was Miashgon's turn to shrug, "I know a bit. Enough to do some older magic, but I can't actually speak it."

Arlon nodded, "Still, its not very common for anyone to know the elder language any more. Even if they are royalty."

Miashgon shrugged again, "I learned it from my tutor. He knows a lot of obscure stuff. How did you come to know the language?"

Arlon frowned, looking a bit worried. After a moment, he sighed, "My parents were both fluent, and they tried to teach me. That was a long time ago though. Since then I've picked up pieces here and there. It has been a long time since I've run into anyone that knows any of it."

Miashgon nodded, smiling, "I know what you mean. Aside from Xavier, my brother, and my Tutor, I don't know anyone that knows it."

Arlon nodded.

The ride continued for a while in silence, and Xavier continued to ride in the rear of the group, occasionally making noises to remind them he was there, and unhappy with the companion.

Finally, curiosity caused Miashgon to break the quiet, "So these men that attacked you. Do you know why they did so?"

Arlon sighed, "Yes. As a matter of fact, I do. They are followers of a faction that does not get along with my friends and I. You could say its a bit of a difference of belief."

Miashgon pondered on this for a moment. "That's quite vague. I gather it must be quite a difference if they were willing to attack you in such a way."

Arlon shrugged slightly, "I suppose so. They would not have been so successful if I hadn't been stupid enough to travel alone."

Miashgon nodded, "Yes. It's much safer to travel in numbers. Especially if you're involved in a dispute, I'd guess."

Arlon grimaced, "You have no idea."

After another few minutes, Miashgon spoke again, "So. Do you have any idea where they might have gone?"

Arlon gave Miashgon a strange look, "As a matter of fact, I have a very good idea where they've headed. They'll be there for a few days while they wait for other members of their group to join them."

Miashgon thought for a moment, "How far from here is this place?"

Xavier cut in at this point, "Miashgon, you can't be thinking to attack these people? This is not our battle. We already have a job to do."

Miashgon turned to Arlon, "Excuse me for a moment." He rode back to Xavier, and they pulled out of earshot of the stranger.

Xavier cut off Miashgon before he had a chance to start, "I know we've gotten into a lot of trouble in the past, but this is different Miashgon. This is dangerous. Those men will have no trouble stealing from us if we help him."

Miashgon nodded, "I know this Xavier. However, this man is in trouble, and I can see that something that was stolen from him was very important to him. Besides, we're days ahead of schedule, and this may give us something important to bring back to our fathers."

Xavier shook his head, "We're not out here to play vigilantes. We're princes, not rogues."

Miashgon smiled, "Why can't we both? I know you have a sense of adventure, and this could be fun." He put a hand on Xavier's shoulder, "If worst comes to worst, we run."

Xavier still frowned, "I don't like this at all Miashgon. We don't even know this man. He still could be leading us into a trap."

Miashgon shook his head, "He's not. I saw a tattoo on his arm when he was getting onto his horse. He's an assassin. No assassin would dishonor himself by using a ruse to steal from others."

Xavier's eyes widened, "An assassin? He doesn't look old enough to be an assassin. It takes years to get to that point. In fact, he looks barely old enough to be tested for the royal guard."

Miashgon shrugged, "I saw what I saw. I know a real from a fake. So I say we help him."

Xavier sighed, "I suppose we can see what we can do. However, if it even looks to dangerous, we get right out of there."

Miashgon grinned, "I knew you couldn't resist a good spar," he then rode forward, calling out to Arlon, "So, how far is it?"

Arlon smiled wearily, "Not far. I thank you very much for this. You are truly helping me out."

Miashgon clapped his hands together, "It's not a problem, my friend. Lead the way!"

---

The Stranger

2008-04-07T14:26:00.000-07:00

The figure stood on the side of the road. For the past ten minutes or so, the two princes had been watching it, and it had yet to move.

As they got near enough, the figure materialized into a man. He looked to be slightly older than both princes. As they drew even with him, they noticed his clothes were slightly torn, and his arms were covered with scratches and bruises in the first stages of healing.

Miashgon reined in his horse, "Hey there. What brings you to the side of this road in such a state?"

The stranger groaned, "I was ambushed two days ago. I managed to escape with my horse and my clothes, but they took everything else."

Miashgon frowned, "Ambushed? By whom?"

The stranger remained silent for a few moments, seemingly collecting his thoughts, "Some enemies of mine. Thieves and vagrants, all of them. They must have known I was coming, and set a trap. I was lucky to escape at all."

Xavier cut in at this point, "How can we know that you're not the thief, making this story up to ambush us?" He spurred his horse, "Come on Miashgon, we need to keep going."

The man looked at bit startled, but stopped Xavier, and replied, "You have a point, friend. I wish there was some way to reassure you-"

Xavier started moving again, and the stranger stopped them once more, "-but I cannot. However, answer me this: Did you say his name was Miashgon? As in Miashgon the prince?"

Xavier sighed, "Yes, Miashgon Jiponte. If you were wondering further, I am Xavier Lxotu. Is there anything else you need to know before we continue on our merry way?"

Miashgon shook his head, "Calm down Xavier, there is no harm in curiosity. Besides, we're not in any rush."

The stranger smiled, "Well then, I do have another question. Do you mind if I ride with you for a while? I know that's a strange request, but we seem to be going along the same path, and I've no food or weapons until I get to Kelt. I have friends there waiting for me."

Xavier began to object, "We really don't have the time, or the-"

Miashgon cut his friend off, "Come on Xavier, we're headed to Kelt as well, and its not a problem to feed and protect him for a few days."

Xavier grumble, "Your kindheartedness will be your downfall. However, if you think this is a good idea, we probably have a few extra supplies."

The man smiled, "Thank you! I'll just go get my horse then," and he pointed to a grove of trees a few hundred feet behind the road.

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News Posts

2008-02-05T23:27:00.000-08:00

I've decided to add a news section here.

Why? For a number of reasons, which I shall list:

Who doesn't like to read news sections?
It will keep me updating, just because I know it will.
It will give me something to do when I can't quite figure out how to write a chapter.
It sounded like fun.
When I become famous (hehe, joke there), people will come back and read this, and say, "wow, he had a news section!"

So yes, we have a news section.

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So now to write some news.

Writing today, I realize that I've been writing this book like solving a mystery. I know the beginning, and I know the end, and I've got some clear points in the middle. However, the rest is all clues that I have to give myself. Every section I write, I clarify things for myself, and solve a little more of the mystery.

It's fantastic.

~R. Zilm

A Brief History

2008-02-05T23:18:00.001-08:00

First thing the next morning, Miashgon and Xavier went to the stables to prepare their horses for the long journey. Both had a number of horses they enjoyed riding, all of which would be able to make the journey, so the first thing they had to do was choose their steeds.

Miashgon chose a beatiful black horse, with a white stripe on its face. The name of this horse was Anz, and Miashgon had used him many times to travel to the capital of Ashgor, a much longer distance than would be between any of the ports.

Xavier chose a smaller grey horse, with no markings whatsoever. This horse was named Zado. Although he had never traveled any long distances, he was a strong, obedient horse, and difficult to spook.

The young men spent the next few hours making sure everything was well prepared for their trip. They were set to leave right after noon, so after the stablemen had been told which horses to saddle, and had been given the packed material, the princes set back towards the castle for a quick meal.

At the table with their fathers, Miashgon and Xavier talked about their plans with their fathers:

"Shelk will be your first stop, I assume?" said Miashgon's father.

"Yes. Better to start from the North, and work our way south. No need to waste time backtracking," answered Miashgon.

"Plus," interjected Xavier, "if we get it done in a month and a half as we're attempting, we should be able to check in on Swun around Aldor."

"Not that he'll need checking up on," commented the elder Japonte, "That man is the most resourceful man I've met in a long time. On top of that, he's as strong as a bear."

Miashgon nodded, "He looks it. You said he was of noble descent?"

"Yes. It turns out his lineage can be traced back almost as far as ours. It is possible that his ancestors came across from Orna with our ancestors." the King smiled, "Extremely possible in fact."

Xavier's father cut in, "I haven't heard the name Eduerj before."

"Well, if you're only thinking on the history of the last seventy years or so, you wouldn't," replied the other King, "the Eduerj family has been very out of the politics of the continent for the last few generations, simply serving as dukes in southern Rijero. Swun is the first to be in the army since his great-grandfather."

"Really? Previous to the past generations then?" said Xavier, suddenly interested.

"Well, as I said, Swun's great-grandfather served in the Rijero army. A general in fact. His father was a close man to my great-grandfather. In fact, he was granted his little piece of land after my great-grandfather abdicated the throne. All the ancestors before that were with the royal families, living in this very castle. One of the last to leave the castle before it became completely the Japonte's."

Xavier nodded, and a thoughtful look crossed his face, "It's too bad I don't have the time to read the history. His family could be quite interesting. Not to mention pertinent to Anugo's Power."

Miashgon's father gave Xavier a stern look, "As far as Rijero's people are concerned, the legend of Anugo's Power is nothing more than that. A legend."

Xavier grinned, "That may be so, but as far as this prince is concerned, there is more to it than that."

Miashgon shook his head, "Don't tell me that you're going to turn this into a search for the blades?"

A laugh came from Xavier, "No. No intention whatsoever, but you can't tell me that if you could have a blade, you wouldn't take it."

"I would. However, I don't have that opportunity. I think its time we turn our minds back to the trip at hand."

Xavier shrugged, "I suppose. So it will be about ten days between each port, so that gives us two to three to inspect each port, and to rest. Then we'll have about a month or so to ride back from Jotola. We should get back with about a week to spare before the coronation."

The conversation continued through the meal, discussion on problems that could happen, and what needed to be inspected in each port.

---

Sword and Shield

2008-02-04T01:22:00.002-08:00

Twenty minutes later, Miashgon sat in his room, holding the new blade at his lap. He let the light of sunset shine on it. The blade shone bright gold, and the jewels in the hilt sparkled. It was like fire and lighting before his eyes, or that's how he imagined it. A hard knock sounded on his door.

"Come in." He said, wondering who it was.

The door opened, and Zerona entered, a frown in her eyes. "Xavier just told me the news." She sighed, "He was quite excited about it to tell you the truth."

Miashgon shook his head. "I can't say that I won't enjoy myself, Zerona."

Zerona laughed in a manner that was completely different from her usual light-heartedness, "Of course you'll enjoy yourself! Three months out in the country, just you and Xavier. You've always talked about doing it. I just wish you hadn't chosen the three months before your coronation to carry it out."

Miashgon sighed, "I didn't choose this Zerona, you know that." He stood up, "Though I don't see how the timing of this expedition changes its impact."

Zerona frowned at him, looking him in the eyes, "Miashgon, when you return, you'll be crowned King. Then you'll start gaining responsibilities, load by load." She sighed, "I love you, and I was hoping to spend the last three months of our freedom with you."

Miashgon took Zerona's arm, and held her close, "Don't be worried about a simple thing like a Coronation. No matter what I do, I'll aslways make time for you. Now, I have to do this for my father. If I had any other choice, I wouldn't go."

Tears welled up in Zerona's eyes, "I want to believe you're right, and that nothing is going to change, but-"

Miashgon stopped her, "Shh.. No buts. I love you, and nothing is going to change that." He paused for a moment, then held out a hand, "I have an idea. Give me that necklace I made for you."

Zerona looked puzzled, but shrugged as she took off the necklace, and placed it in Miashgon's hand.

"Now, I never told you, but I saved all the shards that were cut off this sapphire when it was cut, and had them set into a gold ring," Miashgon said, smiling, "and because of this, I can do some binding magic with them."

He reached into a drawer in the table next to him, and pulled out a gold ring with sparkling blue veins. He touched the gemstones from the two pieces of jewellry together, and whispered a spell, "{Let these two brothers speak to one another}" The sapphire glowed for a moment, after which Miashgon returned Zerona's necklace, and put the ring on his right hand.

"Now, I have to leave for a few months. However, if you ever want to talk to me, all you have to do is touch the sapphire-" as he spoke, he reached for the ring with his left fingertips, "-and think of what you want me to hear-" Miashgon stopped speaking, but the words entered Zerona's mind all the same, '-and I'll hear you, clear as a bell.'

Zerona gasped, then reached for her necklace, 'Really? That's all I have to do?'

Miashgon laughed, "Yes, that's all you have to do. I'll always be right there with you."

Zerona kissed Miashgon, "Thank you! You have no idea what this means, Miashgon."

Miashgon smiled again, "I think I do. Having you able to talk to me will be my protection from loneliness and depression while I am away."

Zerona smiled, and kissed him again, holding him close, "I should probably leave, you have a lot of preparation ahead of you."

Miashgon smiled wearily, "That I do. That I do. I'll see you before I leave tomorrow I hope."

Zerona smiled one more time, happiness shining from her beautiful brown eyes, "I'll be there, I promise."

The door shut, and Miashgon continued to pack. As he reached for the next item, he heard Zerona's voice, 'Goodnight Miashgon, I love you,' and smiled.

Dreams and Counsel

2007-10-18T15:26:00.000-07:00

The room was completely black. Miashgon looked around blindly, looking for some sort of light. Finally he saw a sliver of light to his left, it appeared to be the bottom of a door. He groped in the darkness towards the light, and after an eternity felt his hand brush against a knob.

The knob turned, and the door opened soundlessly inward. The room he was looking into was oddly blurred. However, in the center of the room, in sharp definition, were six swords. Power emanated from these swords. This power was as old as the land itself, and each radiated a different element. As he watched, the swords raised, all pointed inward to the circle they created. Each blade began to glow, and a single voice said an unintelligable word. The swords' glowing became more fierce, and the light from each touched the ones next to it. Soon the blades began to fuse together, creating a bright disc. The disc reformed, creating the most beautifully designed sword Miashgon had ever seen-

Suddenly the curtains in Miashgon's room were drawn open, letting the light in. Miashgon blinked, looking around at the books scattered across his desk. Fuldon stood in front of him, grimacing. "I sincerely hope you were able to get some reading done before your little nap?"

Miashgon cleared his throat; how had he fallen asleep? The material he was reading had him completely captured. He had been eating it up, then suddenly the dream. "Yeah, I read. I must have been more tired than I thought though."

Miashgon picked at his food during supper. The dream had been so real, and the swords... they must have been the six swords of the protectors! The question was, was he seeing the future, or the past in that dream? He puzzled a bit, then came to his senses and dismissed the dream as more of an enthusiastic imagination than premonition.

After supper, Miashgon headed for the council room, a little earlier than the rest of the men that had been there this afternoon. He sat in the seat he had occupied earlier and contemplated the implications of a total war with Orna. It would change everything, especially with the fact that Rijero was changing its crown in three months. Without even knowing, he fell asleep again.

He was speaking with Trivor about something important, but Trivor wasn't listening. In fact, Trivor wasn't even looking at him, he was looking past Miashgon, grinning at something behind him. Miashgon tried to make Trivor listen, but it was a fruitless endeavor. Finally, he turned to see what Trivor was smiling at. He gasped because what he saw behind him was Xavier, in a vortex of fire. He reached out to help Xavier-

"Miashgon! Wake up." His father's voice jarred him out of his dream. "The others will be in here soon, and its not the most endearing thing to see your future king napping in the council room."

Miashgon wiped his eyes, "My apologies father, apparently I didn't sleep well enough last night."

His father smiled at him. "You'll have many more sleepless nights in the years to come, I'm afraid. However, you get used to it."

Miashgon nodded, and the other men started entering, one by one. The last two to come in were Fuldon and the mountain of a man.

The King noticed Miashgon looking at the man, and bent over to whisper to him, "Swun Eduerj, very noble descent. I'm told he's an excellent swordsman."

Miashgon nodded and the King stood to begin his address. "Well, now that we've had time to think and to eat, I want to hear the opinion of every single member of this council on what action should be taken. We'll start with my son."

Miashgon was surprised, but nodded and stood. "Orna amassing an army is a threat, no matter what the reason," a few of the generals nodded in assent, "however, just attacking the continent will provoke a war that I would hope we could avoid." He cleared his throat, "Now, I don't have much experience in actual politics, as many of you would point out, but I think the best idea in this situation would be to prepare a small force to hold off the army if they attempt to invade, and prepare the rest of the standing army in case of full-on war." Miashgon looked around at each pair of eyes, some showing agreement, others dissent. He then sat down, and watched the rest.

The King nodded toward the general to the left of Miashgon, "Andel?"

The older man stood up, "I've served as a general of Rijero for a long time. I was appointed by your father in his last counci. In all the twenty-nine years you have ruled, Rijero has never seen a full war. Yes, there has been Jeman conflicts on the ports, but those have been occuring for the last century. I think we need to avoid this war at all costs. I suggest trying to contact Gwamar, and ending this before it begins." A general across the table muttered something under his breath, "I know Milzen, I am a pacifist," Ander quickly retorted, "and I do not suggest we just allow ourselves to be unguarded. I support Miashgon's plan in that respect."

The next General, a thirty-year old named Jomerek, merely said, "War cannot be avoided. We need to make the first move. I suggest an attack on Orna's main port."

Swun stood tall, "I know little of the workings of strategy. Until now, I have been merely a soldier. However, if you ask my opinion, morale is stronger when we are the attackers, not the attacked. I agree with Jomerek."

Lufo was next, "I support Miashgon in his strategy."

The brown-haired, mouse of a man remained seated, "I am not a part of this council, merely an informant."

Jarel's counsellor spoke to Jarel quietly, then the Ashgor King stood, "My counsellor and I are in agreement. Ashgor will support Rijero in whatever it does, but no Ashgor soldier will set foot on Orna until provoked."

Xavier stood next, "I am with my father on this, and I believe the best strategy here is to follow the plan that Miashgon has set forth. Though I would establish two or three forces, protecting different ports. I suggest we do the same in Ashgor, Father."

The next two generals, Xin and Milzen, both expressed their belief that Rijero would be destroyed in weeks if no action were taken.

After these were the two dukes, Jiken and Zet. Jiken mentioned that he had no concept of the art of war, and his belief was in peace. Zet stood.

"I think that today has shown us a great thing, no matter what the decision made today. Any of those that believe that our Prince is not ready to rule this country would be proved wrong by his action today. He is concise and clear in his opinion, and has created a plan that is supported by a large portion of this council. I stand by my King in whatever he decides, but I sincerely hope he stands by his son."

Miashgon looked across at Zet, who smiled at him. Miashgon nodded respectfully and whispered his gratitude. Zet's eyes showed respect and loyalty that Miashgon had never expected from one of his father's oldest counsellors.

Fuldon spoke next, "I think that we need to take into perspective the fact that he is searching for Anugo's Power. You know my thoughts on the subject, King. I think we need to start a full-scale search for the relics ourselves, along with the holders. If Gwamar were to get ahold of them, I shudder to think of the consequences."

The King nodded. "I appreciate your opinion in this matter. I think that it is too early to declare war on Orna, but I think we should prepare by bringing the full standing army into service. My six generals, get your forces together. Milzen, I want you to protect Xalif, the port closest to our border with Ashgor. Xin, your force will be stationed in Kelt. Jomerek, you will be in Taln. Lufo, I want you in our northernmost port, Shelk. Andel, you will protect Rijero itself, while preparing the full army and organizing the ranks. Swun, I want you to organize a search for the relics, using Fuldon's knowledge as a guide. You all are dismissed. Zet and Jiken, you may leave as well."

The eight men filed out of the room. Jarel turned to the brown haired man, "Dali, you're excused, thank you for your service."

Dali nodded and exited as well. The six men left faced eachother quietly. Jarel Lxotu finally spoke, "Hirvo, your son did very well today, you should be proud."

The Rijero King nodded, "I thought so as well. Which is why I hope you'll agree with my belief that Xavier and Miashgon should be sent together to patrol this six ports down the Enureli coast."

Jarel nodded. "That is a good idea, it will be a constant mission, both you men will be away from home and family probably until Miashgon's coronation."

Xavier looked at Miashgon, laughter in his eyes, "I'll do it."

Miashgon smiled, "Yes, I shall as well."

Hirvo Jiponte stood, "I was hoping it would be that way. Now, before we leave, I have a gift for you, my son." Everyone but Fuldon looked puzzled. "I encountered a beautiful sword while traveling near the forests two weeks ago. I was going to wait until your birthday to give it to you, but I think that now is the time." He took a sword and sheath from Fuldon's hands, "Here you are."

Miashgon unsheathed it slowly. The blade was a beautiful golden color, and the sword was light as a feather. The hilt was black as night, with a diamond set on each side. "It's great, Father. I appreciate it very much."

The King of Ashgor cleared his throat, "I'm not to be outdone here, Hirvo," he chuckled, "Xavier, the Lxotu Sword is yours as well. You will be King soon enough, and you'll need a good blade by your side."

Xavier accepted his gift with a nod, and then spoke, "Well, we had better prepare for our mission then, shouldn't we?"

Both Kings nodded, and the two Princes walked out together, as they exited, Xavier said to Miashgon, "This shall be a great adventure I think."

---

Books

2007-07-10T19:50:00.000-07:00

Fuldon opened the door to the small room, and motioned for Miashgon to enter.

Miashgon crossed the threshold cautiously, "Your library? No one is allowed to be in here."

"None but the King and I. However, seeing as you are to be the king in the near future, I think that it is only fitting that you be allowed access finally." Fuldon smiled warmly.

Miashgon looked around. Shelves covered the entirety of the walls. Each shelf was filled completely with books, and the size of the books varied from small pamphlets on the top shelves to vast leatherbound thomes ranging in color from pale yellow to black.

Fuldon pushed on the end of one bookshelf, and Miashgon was astounded to see it rotate, revealing another full shelf. As Fuldon quickly perused the shelf, pulling two or three of the books down, Miashgon surveyed the rest of the room.

There were two three legged tables, and two small chairs. One of the tables was piled with books that looked to have been recently perused. On top of the other table was a stack of papers, neatly organized. Miashgon wandered towards it in order to read the top sheet.

'An Organized Account of the Basis-' was all Miashgon managed to see before Fuldon got his attention, "Miashgon, come here, I have what we need."

Miashgon stepped over to the first table, where most of the books had been closed and placed underneath. Only two were on the table now. One boasted the title "The Anugon Legend: A Consolidated History." The second was opened to a chapter called 'Anugo.'

Fuldon cleared his throat. "Anugo's Power is not talked about often these days. It has been a thousand years since Mijo made his predictions, and many forget their history in this time. However, not all forget, and recently, some scholars have found that the time is drawing near on some of his predictions. I myself began studying it about twenty years ago."

Miashgon tried to keep his focus, but Fuldon seemed to be rambling, "My apologies Fuldon, but could you please just tell me the legend?"

Fuldon grimaced, "Very well, I shall tell you the story," he flipped through the chapter in the open book, then closed it, opening 'The Anugon Legend' and flipping through it quickly. When he found the right page, he handed the book over to Miashgon. "This should help with any questions you have while I am telling, so you don't have to interrupt."

"Anugo's power begins when Enureli itself came together. Over a millenium ago, The six races all had been fighting amongst eachother for resources. Some of the wiser of the races sought other wise men and formed a council.

"The men wasted no time in deciding that they needed to form a bond between the races. If all were led by men from each race, the emnity between them would quickly be destroyed.

"Immediately this council started looking for two things; wise people from each race that could make good decisions, and warriors that could protect and maintain order among the races. At this same time, two dwarven smiths, Etol and Tej, forged a sword of incredible strength, which they named the Normalblade, because of its plainness and power. The smiths immediately offered the broadsword as a sign of power for the new leaders.

"Soon craftsmen from each race were vying to bring a sword of power to the council. Soon each race had forged, and enchanted one sword of their own. These six swords were the most powerful weapons this world has ever seen. When all the swords were in the same area, it was said that they became pure essence, and that they linked this world to the second world that the Gahel had discovered.

"The council chose six men, one from each race, to rule, and then each was given a sword from another race, to symbolize the bond that they had, and their charge to protect all races. Under these 'Protectors', the Continent of Enureli was formed, and it covered all of this day's Enureli, Ashgor, and Orna.

"While that group of men led, all was right in Enureli. However, when the original Protectors began to die, the change began to draw on them. Nearly a century after their formation, the third member to die was the Human protector, Erek. While the two before him had been replace very easily, it was difficult for the Human Race to find a person wise and good enough to replace Erek. A teenager named Zakeri was finally found. Tragically, before he could be given the title, he was murdered.

"Anugo took his place. Anugo was a crafty man, but also was seen as wise and strong. He was given the title, and befriended most of the other Protectors quickly. The only Protector who vocally challenged Anugo was Elarz, the Gahel.

"Soon after being chosen, he was sent with two other Protectors to take care of a conflict in the southeast of the main continent. Two of the Protectors were slain by Anugo during this mission, and Anugo began to form an army against the Protectors, questing to get all the swords.

"Anugo figured that if all six swords wre brought together, the essences could be magically bound together to create a 'Universe Sword' with more power than one man should ever have.

"A war ensued. After long months of fighting, the Gahel sealed themselves into the second world, where all but a few still remain. All of the Protectors were killed, including Anugo, and Mijo, with the help of a young smithmage, seperated all six swords into twelve essences and spread them across Enureli.

"Mijo then predicted that someone else would search for Anugo's Power. As for whether they would be successful, that depended on the other Eleven of the Twelve holders that would come about in that time."

Fuldon settled back, and looked Miashgon in the eyes. "Take that book you have with you and peruse. Be ready for the council after supper."

Miashgon nodded, and left the room, the Legend on his mind.

The Prince

2007-03-14T22:43:00.001-07:00

"I am the Prince of Rijero, and the only two around here that can tell me what to do are my father and Fuldon. If I do not want to do the spell practice, you cannot force me to do so," a haughty, sixteen-year-old boy calmly told the tutor in front of him.

The tutor looked a little offset, "Now young man, your normal tutor may not be here, but that does not mean total sloth and anarchy."

The boy looked the tutor dead in the eyes, "Don't force me to do magic," his voice was cold, and his hands began to softly glow, "The consequences may not be happy for you."

The tutor had more than a little fear showing in his eyes, "Miashgon, is that a threat? I do not think that Fuldon would be glad to hear that in my report. Or that you refused to do the work."

Miashgon's hands immediately stopped their glow. His test of the tutor's will had ended. After a few moments, he raised a hand and knocked out a few chosen targets. "I hate spell practice. I only have to do it when Fuldon's not around. It's completely useless." After a few minutes, he had hit every one the tutor had placed, "There. Are you happy?"

The tutor smiled, "I truly am Miashgon. However, this is not for the reason you'd think. I'm pleased because-" As he spoke, his hair and skin became grayer, older. The skin melted and formed the familiar face of his old tutor, holding a crystal wand, "-you respect me more than you disrespect others."

Miashgon grimaced, "That was dishonest Fuldon. Isn't honesty the heart and core of magic?"

"True. Magic is more powerful with honesty. However, you needn't have it, even for the strongest forms of magic, especially water-based spells, such as shapeshifting." He smiled knowingly, "Besides, I believe you know better than I do that you can make a fireball whilst lying. That should be enough for today, I believe you have a banquet this evening?"

"Yeah, Trivor's 'coming of age' banquet. It was ludicrous when I had to do it, and it's ludicrous now."

"Yes, but becoming a man is a great thing. We've been having banquets for it for ages. Besides, he's not going to be the king in the future, let him have all the banquets he can get."

"He can have the crown for all I care. All it is is boring politics and diplomacy, like this foolish banquet. I'd rather be a captain in the guard. In fact, I'd rather be a guard this evening."

"Well Miashgon, that sounds like a fine idea."

Miashgon gave Fuldon an odd look, "A fine idea? What do you mean?"

"Well, obviously not the giving up of the crown bit, but you do have some skill with the bow and sword, I'm sure can convince your father to let you get some leather fromthe armory, and take the first banquet guard shift. That way, you won't even miss the majority of the banquet."

"Are you serious?"

"Quite. In fact, I'll makeit your training for tonight. Now, let's find the King, shall we?"

"All right! Let's go!" With that, Miashgon walked out the door, followed by Fuldon, to his father's work chamber.

---

Moonlight and Announcement

2007-03-10T12:21:00.001-08:00

As they entered the room, they noticed the dinner seemed to be about to begin. Whispers flooded the hall, and a hundred different conversations echoed across the walls. As they walked to the head of table, they heard pieces of those conversations.

"Yes, the Ashgor are here, see look up there-"

"I heard myself that the King is tired of-"

"The nerve of that servant, I said-"

As they reached the Ashgor group, the conversations were mostly comparisons:

"Well, I guess the decorations in this hall are nearly as nice-"

"The cooks here use an odd flavoring. We should find out what it is, and-"

The Princes ignored the conversations and were busy discussing the Lxotu family.

"-my mom's not that interesting though. I'm sure you'd rather hear about my sister. She's got six suitors in Ashgor, and she's only fifteen."

Miashgon felt an odd disappointment, "Official?"

"Four of them yes. The other two aren't eighteen yet. One of the four is twenty-five."

Miashgon stopped walking, "Twenty-five? Thats a decade older than her!"

A female voice broke into the conversation, "Yeah," a musical laugh, "I don't think Dad'll let me have that one. Though its closer to nine years, I am almost sixteen, after all."

Miashgon spun to his left, and everything stopped for a moment. She was right there, an enchanting smile on her lips, brown hair and hazel eyes shining and bright. She wore a dark blue dress, delicately crafted with beautiful designs and even some runes sewn into the outside seam.

"Oh! I didn't-"

"My brother has been talking about me again, eh? He likes to pretend that bragging about my looks makes him seem more handsome."

Xavier smiled back at her, "Well, I needed to warn him. You are a frightening girl with an ominous group of suitors."

"I may be frightening, but you are positively terrifying. If he can survive two hours with you, he can surely put up with my 'suitors.'" This was obviously commonplace banter for the brother and sister, and he watched the conversation. The two faced eachother casually and argued for almost five minutes. Both moved proudly, and both were quickwitted.

After the banter slowed down, Zerona turned back to Miashgon, "We seem to have forgotten to you, apologies." A light, ensnaring laugh accompanied the statement.

Miashgon found himself smiling, "Think nothing of it, I enjoyed it."

Xavier tapped Miashgon on the shoulder, "I think," he said, pointing, "that our fathers would like us to have a seat."

The two Kings were indeed looking at the princes with almost impatient looks. They hurried down the rest of the table and took their seats. Xavier began his lineage, "Now my grandfather, he was a powerful king. He-"

Miashgon was not listening. He was too busy trying not to stare at Zerona. She was beautiful. He tried to shake himself, Four official suitors, she most definitely wouldn't be availabe when Miashgon turned eighteen.

Miashgon and Xavier had missed the first course, but there was still much more food before the dinner was through, and soon many people, both Rijero and Ashgor, began to relax and show their true personality. Miashgon was pleased to see so many people enjoying themselves; and Zerona never stopped smiling.

Nearly an hour later, the dessert was removed from the table. King Rawel stood, "Thank you all for coming out tonight to celebrate Trivor's day of birth. Special thanks goes to those that have traveled a great distance to be here." He took a sip of water, "I invite all to stay here tonight."

King Jarel smiled, and remained seated. "You offer is very generous, but we still have time to travel tonight, and our caravan is equipped to stay wherever we would like."

Rawel nodded, "I have no control over your actions; however, I admonish you to stay at least through tomorrow evening. I have an announcement to the public, and I believe it would be better for you to hear it in person than by messenger."

The Ashgor King raised an eyebrow, and motioned some men to confer with him. After a few seconds he stood, "You have piqued our interest. We shall stay until morning after tomorrow."

Rawel smiled warmly, "Great! I had rooms prepared on the third floor in hopes you would accept my proposition. They should be ready within the hour. In the meantime, you are free to move throughout the castle," as if an afterthought, he added, "That goes for all here tonight."

A surprised murmur ran through the crowd. The bottom floor and the throne room were the only places in the castle that those not living in the castle had been allowed into. Many headed up the two main staircases in curiosity.

Miashgon and Xavier walked towards a large hall with many chairs in it, and took a seat. They laughed quietly as they heard some people's predictions of what the announcement would be.

"Well obviously, Rijero is going to write a new constitution-"

"Ashgor will be annexed-"

"Orna is going to attack. They've got this twenty-two year old-"

"Spies on the border-"

Every single theory pointed to war of some sort or another. Xavier had another idea, "Your father is going to suggest some sort of trade change on the border, that's what I think."

"Why would he do that in a general announcement, that seems like a within chambers sort of thing to me."

"Nah, this way, my father will have to make a public response. Great way to get things done, in my opinion."

Miashgon nodded, but was busy looking for Zerona. Xavier, noticing Miashgon's sudden indifference, began to propose his idea to other, more attentive listeners.

Zerona walked in the room. Immediately they locked eyes, and Miashgon walked up to her.

"Why hello there." She was again smiling.

"Hello to you. I have two questions for you: First, do you ever stop smiling, and second, are you doing anything important at the moment, and to both, I hope the answer is no."

She laughed. "To the first yes, but usually not in the presence of strangers, and the second, no and a question of my own, why?"

"Well," he had had a phenomenal idea during dinner, "I wanted to show you something."

"Humm- and what would that something be?"

Miashgon's smiled didn't fail, "You'll have to come to find out."

Xavier appeared at that moment, "There you went Miashgon," he noticed his sister, "ah, I warned you she had that effect."

Miashgon's smile faltered for a moment, then he took Xavier's presence in stride, "So..?"

Zerona's eyes shone, "Alright, lead the way."

Xavier followed the two, looking rather puzzled.

Miashgon led the two Lxotu siblings through the castle halls and staircases, until they reached a dark corridor that ended in a tapestry. Miashgon lifted the tapestry to reveal a door.

Xavier raised an eyebrow, "A little cliché, is it not?"

Miashgon laughed, "Yeah, but its effective." A short hall to the right followed the doorway, and then another door. As he pushed open the door, a small courtyard was revealed, with a large stepped boulder in the far corner, and a small, crystal-clear pond to the side. Moonlight bathed the entire place, and everything seemed to shine with magic.

Zerona looked around, "Wow... its beautiful."

Miashgon's smile broadened, "I had hoped you'd like it. It's the best with a full moon, but you won't be here at that time."

Xavier had wandered to the boulder, "So what's it for?"

Miashgon shrugged. "Fuldon, my father, and I are the only ones that know of it. Fuldon said my grandfather had it put in as a teenager, I find it a good place for practice and thought."

Zerona gazed at the boulder in the far corner. "What's that for? It looks like a normal stone, except for the leveled out parts on the top and side."

Miashgon grabbed her hand and led her up the leveled staircase on the side to the top, "Well, it serves an excellent dual purpose. Its the only place to sit in here," he sad as he sat on the edge, "and its great for practicing magic on."

Xavier instantly looked confused, "You've got to be joking, not a mark on that boulder from magic. Except maybe the stairs."

"Exactly," he said as he helped Zerona seat herself, "watch." He pointed at the rock below his feet, "Jixite!"

Lightning lanced from his fingertip straight to the rock. The spot it hit glowed for a moment, then returned to normal, not a mark on it, "Impervious to magic."

Xavier looked interestedly around the rest of the courtyard, wandering towards the pond.

Zerona and Miashgon looked at eachother, but neither spoke a word. Miashgon looked in her eyes, and lost track of everything. He was brought back to earth by her voice.

"Why did you want to bring me here?"

"I don't know. I guess this is my secret courtyard. I wanted you to know where to find me if you ever wanted to."

Zerona gave him a strange look, "Do you get a lot of girls by being this transparent?"

Miashgon paused, "No. I've never had a reason to be transparent. You're the first girl I've ever been interested in."

She laughed, "Now if that isn't sweet." She leaned against the courtyard wall next to her. They sat in silence for a quarter- hour, watching the moon in the sky.

Zerona stood up, "I should probably get going, I need to find my room."

Miashgon jumped down off the boulder as Zerona climbed down the stairs. They found Xavier sleeping next to the pond.

"Ah, you two are finally ready to leave then?" He looked up at the sky, and moon, "Its a little late."

Miashgon nodded, "Follow me, I know where your rooms are."

They quickly walked down a hall, left Zerona at her door, and headed down another hall, talking.

"So, you like her, huh?"

"Definitely. She's beautiful, pensieve, her smile-"

"Yeah well, you've got lots of competition, so be careful."

Miashgon stopped talking, but his eyes were distant, "So you'll be leaving tomorrow."

"Yes, but I highly doubt it will be long before Ashgor throws a retaliation celebration to get you down there. Especially because of this 'stay the night' business. So I'll see you within the month."

"Yeah, probably. This is your room. I'll see you tomorrow." He headed down to the second floor, his mind on the Lxotus.

---

The next morning, Miashgon was up early. He soon found Xavier wandering down to the second floor. "What are you up to?"

Xavier grinned, "I'm hungry."

Miashgon led him to the kitchens, where one of the cooks got them some breakfast.

While they ate, Miashgon showed Xavier around the castle some more, revealing all the shortcuts and passageways that he hadn't shown him the night before. After a couple of hours, they ended up in the courtyard.

Xavier stood in the center of the courtyard, and looked around. "This place is about big enough to spar in. How good are you with the sword?"

Miashgon pulled a steel longsword from his hip, "Well, I'm no master..."

Xavier unsheathed a similar sword, and moved himself into a defensive position, an evil smirk on his lips.

Miashgon sprung into an attack, swinging quickly at Xavier's torso. Xavier stepped backwards, and parried Miashgon's next swing, which was aimed slightly higher. Miashgon attacked violently time after time, each one blocked elegantly, but accompanied with a step backwards. After a few minutes, Xavier was pressed against the wall, with the stones to his left, and the pond to his right.

Xavier suddenly attacked, lashing out at Miashgon with a swipe. Miashgon blocked it, but it allowed Xavier to turn, and give himself more room to manuever.

Miashgon went back to offensive, pushing Xavier back towards the boulder. After a specifically hard parry, Xavier shouted "Ope!" sending a burst of wind straight towards Miashgon.

Miashgon fell onto the grass, face up. He quickly rolled to the right to avoid the steel blade coming for him. Then he cast a spell of his own, "Michatra!" The grass around Xavier's feet grew quickly, and soon ensnared his ankles like vines.

Xavier's sword, no matter how hard it was thrust, was unable to cut through the grass. Finally he waved a hand at it, "Tuerchem." The grass caught fire and shriveled, giving him just enough time to leap onto the first step of the boulder.

He had been to distracted by the grass to notice Miashgon climbing the steps before him. A point tapped Xavier's back.

"Checkmate."

Xavier turned, and gave an exaggerated bow, "You beat me, this time. I shall have to practice more."

"Yes you will," Miashgon laughed. He sat down where he was, "Whew! What a way to start the day."

"Yes, well-" At that moment, the door opened. An elegant figure came in, the smile seeming even more radiant and enchanting in the morning than it had been the night before.

"Zerona!" Both boys said at once, one sounding slightly more excited than the other.

"I figured you'd be here," She said with a smile, "Father wants you in the assembly hall at noon, some sort of noble entertainment, so you better change out of training clothes."

Xavier nodded, walking towards the door. Suddenly he turned around, "Hey, shouldn't you two be going as well?"

Zerona nodded, "Yes, Miashgon ought to change as well." She took his arm, "I'll make sure he doesn't get in trouble on the way."

Xavier raised an eyebrow, then briskly walked away.

They walked down the stairwell, chatting about the weather and the announcement. All to soon, they were at his door.

"Well, I guess I'll see you around noon."

"Yes, you will. Look for me."

Miashgon went into his room. He found a dark green velvet shirt, and a pair of pants to match it. He combed his hair, put on a pair of dress boots. Quickly, he walked through the hallway, and found his father in the meeting hall, sitting next to the Lxotus.

He sat on his father's left side, and looked towards the Lxotus on the right. Zerona looked back at him, and smiled. A comical play began, but Miashgon had already seen it. He spent most of the time quietly watching Zerona, who laughed beautifully at every quirk or gimmick in the production.

After the play was over, lunch was served, and Miashgon sat next to Xavier and Zerona. They talked and laughed about the play, and sat for a while, even after all the others had left.

Eventually, the time came for the announcement. Miashgon's father had asked him to accompany him on the stage for the announcement. As Xavier and Zerona retreated to the meeting hall to sit, Miashgon head out another door to get to the stage.

"Dad," Miashgon said as soon as he got on stage, "what is this all about?"

His father put a finger to his lips. "You will find out very soon. I like your outfit, green is a very good color. Plus it complements mine perfectly."

Miashgon rolled his eyes, and followed his father to the front, standing slightly behind him, and to the right, respectfully.

The room was filled to capacity, and everyone was whispering excitedly. The King raised his hand, bringing silence to the room. "Good afternoon. I am glad you could be here to hear this very important announcement. I promise that you have not wasted your day in coming here, and of course, you have my permission to spread the gossip firsthand afterward." A twinkle flashed in his eye, and a chuckle rose up in the crowd.

"Now, I have not made many royal announcements in my time as King. It has been a long time too, nigh unto thirty years. In fact, I'm sure there have been those of you keeping track that could tell me that I have been king for exactly twenty-eight years and five months, and you just can't wait until it is over." Another laugh came from the crowd. His father had always been known to make things lighter by joking.

"Now, all laughter aside, this is a serious matter. My announcement today is that I have decided to relinquish the throne." The crowd gasped, and whispering started again. The king silenced the crowd with another hand, "Yes, in one year and seven months, the day after Miashgon's eighteenth birthday, I shall abdicate, and the crown will be given to him."

He smiled, turned, and walked off the stage, Miashgon right at his heels. The volume in the room rose quickly, as people talked excitedly.

As Miashgon reentered the meeting room, a cheer rose up from the crowd. He ignored it, looking for the Ashgor group. Xavier wore a blank expression, as did his father, but Zerona was smiling at Miashgon once again.

Miashgon's stomach felt as if it had disappeared. He had always known that he would have to be king sometime, but he had expected years to come. The nobility was excited, and began to come towards Miashgon, eager to congratulate him, and begin forming alliances and bonds.

Miashgon was saved by Zerona, who grabbed his hand and pulled him out of the room. They both went up the flight of stairs and stopped.

"Well, what a surprise, huh?" muttered Miashgon.

"Yes. You'll do a fine job though, I'm sure. You're a prince!"

"Right. There is quite a difference from a King and a prince though."

Just then a shout came up the stairs, soon followed by the shouter, Xavier, "Your-soon-to-be-highness! How does it feel?"

Miashgon smiled. "I guess it feels good. I'm sure it won't by the time I get there though. I have so much to do until then."

"Yeah, a couple minutes after you left, a great debate was sparked by a noble that said you wouldn't be able to handle this country, you being a boy and all."

"Maybe he's right. We'll find out won't we?"

"You'll do fine. Besides, with your father doing this, it probably won't be that long until I'm given a throne. Then we'll have some good times." The same evil smirk from the morning crossed his face again.

At that moment, a messenger came up the stairs. "Prince Xavier, your father has changed his plans, he is needed at the capitol. We leave in ten minutes. Your things are already ready to go."

Xavier nodded. "I guess this is goodbye then." He shook Miashgon's hand, and ran down the stairs.

Zerona and Miashgon made eye contact for the final time that day, and spent a moment in silence. Zerona spoke quietly, "I hope it won't be too long before we meet again."

Miashgon nodded, "I hope the same. Farewell, and make sure your brother doesn't get himself into trouble." They both smiled, and embraced. Zerona kissed Miashgon on the cheek, and then hurried down the stairs.

Miashgon watched her leave, then turned towards the third floor. He had training to prepare for.

---

Throne Room

2007-03-10T10:57:00.000-08:00

Miashgon quietly entered the banquet hall half an hour later. He had quickly gone upstairs and changed from the leather armor to a nice set of black silk clothes. He looked around at the guests, both familiar and unfamiliar. Apparently Miashgon's father had anticipated the extra hundred guests, because more food and tables had been prepared. Jarel Lxotu and Rawel Jiponte were talking and laughing together at the head of the table.

Right inside the doors, Xavier was waitng. "You ready to go?" he muttered, as he stepped out into the hallway.

"Yeah," and within a minute the two boys were headed down the hall. "Where did you want to go?"

"You're the one that lives in this castle, what is there to do?"

"Out back there's an archery and sword grounds. We've got two libraries, one on the first and second levels. The third level is mostly chambers, plus a few little rooms. The council room is on the first floor, just down this hall. The throne room is on the second floor, facing the west wall-"

"The throne room. Let's go there."

"Why? It's just a boring old room with a throne in it. It's only used for regal goings on. Official decrees, political meetings, and coronations."

"Right. That's what makes it interesting. No one goes in there, its the perfect place to hide something."

"I'm sure there's nothing in there."

"Probably not, but it will be fun to check."

They walked up a flight of stairs and down a long hallway. When they got to an ornate set of doors, Miashgon pulled on them. They didn't move. "Locked."

Xavier stepped up to them. His hand pressed up against the lock and he quietly said '.' The doors slid open, and Xavier smiled, "I love magic."

They stepped inside, and Miashgon whispered 'ja.' The lights in the room suddenly came to life, and they were facing the throne.

Although the chair was large, it looked as if it would be comfortable for any sized man. There were ornate decorations all over it, including the head of a falcon on the left armrest, and a panther on the right one. They walked to the back of it, and runes were inscribed there.

"Woah. I never realized how many protections were put on this throne!" Miashgon said, "I haven't been in here since the last official royal decree, about three years ago."

"Yeah. Our throne has runes on the back, but not nearly this many." He ran his fingers over them, "Look at this, protection over the King from coronation to resignation. This is amazing, all six elements are used. Someone powerful must have created this. I wonder who it was."

Miashgon looked at the runes as well, With a spell this powerful,they probably bound their name to it somewhere."

"Right, and the best place is where it can be seen, but no one would look," Xavier looked underneath the seat, "Mijo Ja Pounte!"

"Woah. That means this seat was created by the first King of Enur."

"Yeah, Rijero kept it when Ashgor split off I guess. This is cool. Very cool."

Miashgon nodded, "Yeah, amazing."

Xavier stood, "Well, I think the throne room has been thoroughly explored. Not much in here besides this chair. Where shall we head next?"

Miashgon thought, "Follow me, first floor."

They spent an hour traversing the castle, and then reentered the banquet. Not one person had noticed their absence.

---

Lxotu

2007-03-10T10:19:00.000-08:00

Two hours later, Miashgon was thinking to himself that this was not such a fine idea after all. He was cold, and he couldn't even take out a bow and sword because he was at the front gate instead of one of the towers. Besides, this was just a stupid political function; all the guests were stuffy nobles and their boring children, and most of the crowd was local nobility, noone wanted to travel these days. Miashgon was hoping to see someone he didn't recognize, maybe someone from Ashgor, but he'd seen everyone before. A peace had recently been established on the Rijero/Ashgor border, and though noone had mentioned it, this function was to test the Kingdom of Ashgor to see if they would accept the Rijero hospitality.

Another half-hour passed by. The banquet was about to get started, and thankfully, Miashgon was only a half-hour from the end of his duty. Suddenly, a huge mass appeared on the horizon. it moved very quickly, and within five minutes, the group of people had reached the castle doors.

The man in the front of the group wore a plain silver band on his head. "I am Jarel Lxotu, King of Ashgor," he boomed, "and this is the court of my capitol. I believe we have a standing invitation?"

Miashgon simply stared at the group for a few moments, then blinked as one of the men around the King cleared his throat, "Oh! Of course. I am Miashgon Jiponte, Prince of Rijero, and I welcome you on behalf of my father, though I'm sure you will be welcomed many times over tonight."

"The Prince? Guarding the gates?" The King laughed, "Has Rijero no end to its oddity?"

Miashgon began to explain, "Well-"

"I think that its a grand idea!" A proud-looking, blond teenager shouted from the crowd, "A very noble thing to do, protect your own father's castle during important events. I believe I should guard the gates at our next banquet, Father."

The King chuckled at the boy's words, "Very well then. Let us go in."

Miashgon motioned to the doorman, and the gates opened. Miashgon watched the crowd as it walked in. There were perhaps a hundred people here, maybe more. Most of them were older, fifty or sixty years perhaps, but near the back of the group, there was some children, and a group of teenagers. Miashgon looked at each youth's face, each as unrecognizable as the one before. The group seemed fairer than the nobility of Rijero, possibly an effect of living so close to the elves.

As he scanned the faces, one came clearly into focus. She was gorgeous, probably sixteen or seventeen. They made eye contact. Her eyes were hazel, beautiful and smiling, as though she had never felt sorrow in her life. He wanted to keep looking, but she quickly passed over the threshold.

A voice scared him out of his reverie, the words frightened him even more, "Yeah, my sister can have that effect on noble teenage boys; seriously though, you should not be distracted like that on guard duty. After I stuck up for you and everything."

Miashgon looked back to see the blond prince standing next to him. The boy was about six feet tall, about an inch shorter than Miashgon himself, and he wore a thin, gold chain around his neck. He had hazel eyes, very similar to his sister's, but not nearly as carefree. He had an aura of nobility, and the devil-may-care feeling that came with it.

"I know you can speak, I heard you earlier." His grin widened, "Perhaps it always takes you five minutes to come up with a response?"

Miashgon looked him dead in the eyes, "Perhaps it does, but then again, why would I need to respond. You spoke nothing but the truth, and I am much to proud to apologize for my act."

"Ah, you do speak, and with humor. I was afraid for a moment that you would be boring. So, I know your name, Miashgon, but you don't have mine: Xavier Lxotu, Prince of Ashgor. That girl, the one you were staring at, that was my sister, Zerona."

"A pleasure to meet you Xavier. You shouldn't be late getting into the banquet though."

"Oh, forget the banquet. I have a brand new castle to explore. You wouldn't be up to the challenge of tour guide now, would you?"

"I must finish this shift, and make an appearance for the last half of the banquet. I'm afraid I would be missed. However, that does leave about an hour and a half if you're game."

"I'm game. I'll be at the doors to the banquet."

"Sounds good, see you there."

Xavier passed through the gates, and disappeared down the hall. Miashgon turned back to the horizon, and mused on the Lxotu family for the last quarterhour of his watch.

---

Anugo's Power

2007-03-10T09:19:00.001-08:00

"Three months, thats all I have." Miashgon said as he sat with Zerona on the rock. The sun was in full shine, brightening the entire courtyard, and the grass had not yet begun to brown with fall.

"Relax, and enjoy yourself Miashgon! It's a beautiful day, and I don't want you spoiling it with your 'regal worries.'" She leaned into his chest, her beautiful brown hair right under his chin, and Miashgon wrapped an arm around her.

"I'm sorry, I can't help but be worried. How am I supposed to rule an entire Kingdom? How can I fill my father's position?"

"You'll do fine. You are a born leader, and your father will counsel you. He was three months from being a king once as well."

He sighed, and looked up into the sky. "I don't know. I think-"

She interrupted him abruptly, "Let's go for a walk outside." She slid off the rock and headed towards the door.

Miashgon followed after her, grasping her hand as they entered the castle hallway. Halfway down the stairs, a servant stopped them.

"Prince, the King wishes to have you come the council." He cleared his throat, "He said it was to be done immediately."

Miashgon frowned, and looked at Zerona, "I'm sorry, I wanted-"

"No worries! Our walk has been postponed. Go counsel."

Miashgon smiled, kissed her on the cheek, and followed the servant to the council chambers on the first level.

As he entered the room, he was surprised to see that fourteen out of the fifteen chairs were full. Every chair but the one directly to the left of the King.

Miashgon silently sat down and looked around. Next to his father sat Fuldon, his wise eyes closed. The four seats across from the Miashgon and his father were filled with The King of Ashgor, Xavier, one of the King's best advisors, and a small, brown-haired, mouselike man. On either side of the table sat various nobility from Rijero, what looked like the military council. Miashgon recognized all of the except a young man, built like a mountain, on the left side of the table.

"Well, Miashgon," The king said with a smile, "now that you're here, I think Jarel should give the rest of you his news."

The King across the table had been frowning when Miashgon entered, and that frown now deepened. "You may not know this, but a human has come to power in Orna for the first time in fifty years. His name is Gwamar Thwargas, and he is very young to be in control, only twenty-four."

An old Duke named Zet broke in, "Apologies, your highness, but what does the political goings-on of Orna have to do with the military leaders of Rijero?"

Jarel Lxotu looked Zet directly in the eyes. Miashgon himself had received this stare, when he had asked the King of Ashgor to pursue his daughter for marriage. It was an intense, soul-searching stare, and it made you pay immediate attention to the man. "It wouldn't," The stare continued, "except the fact that Dali here just came from Orna with information that Gwamar is amassing an army to attack the continent." He frowned darkly, "He's looking for Anugo's power."

A silence settled over the entire room, and Zet sat back in his chair, looking stunned. Miashgon looked at Fuldon, who's shining, grey eyes had come alive, and were directed at Dali, the messenger.

Miashgon's father broke the silence, "Now that you're informed, I wat you to think of the consequences for the next few hours. After dinner, return here."

Slowly, and silently, everyone rose to their feet and exited the room. Miashgon, his father, and Fuldon were the only ones left in the room. Miashgon asked Fuldon, "What is Anugo's Power?"

Fuldon looked Miashgon in the eyes, another individual who could penetrate the very soul on command. "Come with me, I'll show you."

---

Eighteen Years

2007-03-07T22:14:00.000-08:00

An elderly, grey wizard opened a door into a tiny room. After stepping inside the cramped area, he looked around. Books lined every wall, floor to ceiling, and were piled in threes on both tables that resided inside the room. along with all those books, small stacks stood in the corners of each room, looking odd within the sea of shelved books.

The wizard ran his hand along one shelf, and pushed on the right side. The shelf rotated, revealing yet another shelf of books. He pulled one off, and opened it.

The title page announced in bold, black lettering "Anugo's Legend". A script underneath read, "The very signs Mijo predicted would come to signal the beginning of the Legend..." The wizard flipped quickly through it, going to marked pages and reading excerpts quickly. As he got to the last page of the book, he muttered the words under his breath, and his eyes shown in affirmation. He read out loud:

"The swords shall begin to show themselves not one generation after the birth of the eleventh of twelve holders. This child shall be born during the month of change, and this birth will be known to all kingdoms of humans, and kingdoms of other races as well."

The sage closed the book, and picked up the proclamation he had laid on the table next to him. Miashgon, the son of Rawel, would be born this ninth month, around the time when the days would change from being the majority of the time, to being dominated by night. Both Human kingdoms, Rijero and Ashgor, were awaiting this new generation's first Prince. The Jeman on Orna, and the Elves in the forest had been given news, and even some dwarves had surfaced, and shown themselves in the Rijero countryside, in order to witness this child.

"Eighteen years.. thats all we have," mused the man, "We must prepare!"

And with that, he picked up a wand, seemingly made of pure diamond, off the shelf, replaced the book, and hurried out of the room.

---

The Anugon Legend

2007-03-07T21:50:00.001-08:00

Over a millennium ago, the six races decided to unite for the good of all. The best method of doing this was decided to be the creation of leaders and protectors, one from each race. To further this, each would use a weapon created by another race, to be a symbol of the bonds and covenants created.

Each race had a different level of oneness with magic force, the strongest of these the Gahel. The Gahel were creatures of the ethereal, and were fond of lightning. They created the Blade of Shadows, a two-and-a-half handed sword that was not only powerful, but gave the user enhanced speed and the ability to control the weather. This sword was given to the Human Protector, named Erek.

The next race, the Dragons, created a sword to reflect their dominance of the sky by basing it on the most powerful object in the heavens. It was called the SunBlade. This longsword was of very intricate design, and gave the holder a strength great enough to overpower any opponent. Also, rumour spread that the holder, with diligence, could through flames. SunBlade was given to the Jeman Protector, Galezon.

The Elves made a golden shortsword. This gleaming blade was by far the most beautiful of all the swords. Symbols and magic writings ran down the blade, and black leather strips were laced down the handle. Enchanted to make it light enough to carry and fight with, the weapon gave the user the ability to surprise any enemy, and not be ambushed. If the user had enough focus, they also were able to fly. This sword was given to the Dragon, Fawutol.

The Jeman strove to outdo all the others with beauty and viciousness in the creation of their sword. By doing this, they created the first Scimitar, which they modeled all of their footsoldiers weapons on from then on. This scimitar contained the power of water, and was called the MoonBlade. Contained in this sword was the enhancement of stealth, allowing the holder to pass through scenes unnoticed by anyone. Power over temperature was also bestowed on the holder of this sword. The first holder was Elarz, a noble Gahel.

The Humans, always awed by the Gahel's creations, created a two-and-a half handed sword, completely ivory-white, with a blade that was pure and unscathed, but runes were imprinted in the golden tanned leather wrapped around the handle. Within this weapon was the power of Nature. The Blade of Light, as it was titled, also imbued the carrier with the power to heal, and to poison. This sword was entrusted with the first Dwarven Protector, Rayen.

The Dwarves forged a broadsword that was strengthened by the power of their bones, the Earth. This NormalBlade was supposed to give the holder wisdom and strength to defend his or herself against foe. This was given to the Elvish protector, Stajev.

These six protectors took a magical oath to protect the six races under one banner. They swore to keep the peace, and not let their power be their downfall; and for a time, it was so...

Moonlight and Announcement

2006-10-05T23:31:00.000-07:00

Miashgon and Xavier entered the banquet hall quietly.

The dinner seemed to be at hand, and many people along the table were talking, mostly in whispers, and did not notice them as they sidled down the table. As they walked down the length of the table to their seats, they caught pieces of the conversations.

"Yeah! The Ashgor are here, see look up there-"

"Well, I heard that the King is tired of-"

"The nerve of that servant, I told him-"

"Well, the decorations are nearly as fine as in Ashgor-"

The boys ignored the conversations, and were busy discussing their families. "My sister," said Xavier, "has six suitors in Ashgor, and she's only fifteen."

"Official suitors?" Miashgon asked, almost disappointedly.

"Yep. Five of them just turned eighteen, but one is twenty-five."

Miashgon stopped, nearly at the end of the table, "Twenty-five? That's a decade older than her!"

A new voice piped up, "Yeah, I don't think Dad'll let me marry that one. Though I am almost sixteen."

Miashgon turned towards the voice on his left. The girl was right there, with a silly grin on her face. It was enchanting. "Oh! I didn't-"

"So... my brother has been talkiung about me again, eh?"

Xavier grinned back at her, "Well, I just wanted to warn him, I mean, you are one frightening gal."

"Oh! I'm the frightening one, am I? At least I can look into a mirror without shattering it."

Xavier looked quite embarassed, "I only did that once, and it was a stupid windspell."

Zerona rolled her eyes, "Right. Windspell."

Miashgon laughed at Xavier's face, "I believe you Xavier."

Zerona winked at him, "I don't think you should believe anything he says. If you do, you'll start to think he is heir to the most powerful family that ever existed." She finished her statement with a light, ensnaring laugh.

Xavier looked a bit impatient, "C'mon Miashgon, our fathers will get angry if we take much longer."

Miashgon finally looked away from Zerona, "Oh! Right. I guess we must."

Zerona nodded, smiled once more at him, and sat down. Miashgon started back down the table while Xavier continued talking.

"Now my father, he's one of the most loved kings Ashgor has..."

Miashgon was not paying attention. He was struggling not to look back at that girl. Zerona... She was amazing. Maybe after the dinner.

The dinner was long, and full of many delectable courses. The Ashgor began to loosen up during it, and Miashgon found that had personalities, just as interesting as those from Rijero. Xavier and Miashgon discussed some of the mischief they had gotten into apart, and formulated plans of havoc for the future.

After the dinner was finished, the King of Rijero stood. "Thank you all for coming this night to celebrate Trivor's day of birth. Our thanks goes especially with you that have traveled a great distance." He then paused to take a drink, and continued, "I invite those of you with long distances to travel to stay tonight."

The King of Ashgor stood, a smile playing on his lips, "Your offer is very gratuitous, but we still have time to travel tonight, and we can stay wherever we need to stop."

Miashgon's father smiled back at the King. "Well, I have no control over what you do; however, I admonish you to stay until at least tomorrow afternoon. I have an announcement to the public, that may have a minor impact on the people of Ashgor."

The King of Ashgor looked interested. He had a few men come and confer with him, then turned back to face the table and the King. "I suppose we can spare one day."

Miashgon's father smiled, "Great! I will have all your rooms prepared within the hour. In the meantime, you have free roam throughout the castle," as an afterthought, he added, "That goes for all here tonight."

This was a pleasant surprise for many of the people at the banquet. There were many large rooms in the castle that none but the royal family were allowed into. Many headed in directions they had been curious to go. Miashgon and Xavier walked with the group from Ashgor, towards a large meeting hall near the dining room.

Whispers floated around the room, speculating on what the announcement mght be. Miashgon quickly found Zerona, and headed towards the group of women near which she was standing She, as if sensing him, immediately turned to look him in the eyes as he got near. Whe he was within the range of her voice, she said, "Why hello there."

Miashgon grinned, "Hello to you. Are you doing anything important?"

She kept his eyes locked to hers, "No. Why?"

"Well," he had had a phenomenal idea during the dinner, "I wanted to show you something."

"Oh really? Pray tell, what would that be?"

Miashgon's grin continued, "If you'll come, I'll show you."

At that moment, Xavier came up. "There you are Miashgon, you disappeared." He saw his sister, "Ah, I see why. I warned you she had that effect."

Miashgon grimaced at these words, still looking at Zerona, "So..?"

Zerona flashed a grin, "Alright, lead the way."

Xavier followed the two, looking rather puzzled.

Miashgon led the two siblings through the castle halls, and then into a secret doorway behind a tapestry. "Cliché, I know, but it's effective," he said, hearing chuckles from Xavier behind him. After passing through a short hall, he pushed open another door to reveal a small, hidden courtyard; there were boulders in the corners, and a pond near the middle.

Zerona looked around, "Wow... its beautiful."

Miashgon's smile broadened, "I'd hoped you'd like it. You should see it when the moon comes out."

Xavier looked around, "Nice place. What's it for?"

Miashgon shrugged, "Fuldon said that my grandfather had it put in while he was a teenager, I like it for thought and practice."

Zerona looked at the boulders, "What're those here for? I mean, they're natural-looking, but they take up a lot of space."

"Well, they served a dual purpose. They make good chairs," he said as he climbed up on one. Plus, they're good for practicing magic."

Xavier raised an eyebrow, "They don't have any marks or scars on them..."

"Exactly." He said as he helped Zerona up on the boulder, "Watch." He raised a palm to the boulder across the courtyard from him, "Tuerchem!"

Fire lanced across the yard and smashed into the boulder, but not a mark was left. "They're impervious to magic."

Xavier looked surprised, and went over to scrutinize the attacked boulder. "Wow. Very interesting..."

While Xavier walked over to examine the boulder, Miashgon turned to Zerona, but couldn't think of a single word to say.

Zerona turned and smiled at him, but didn't say anything to him either.

Finally Miashgon managed to say something, "Well, this is my secret courtyard."

"Yes." She said, then after a pause, "Why did you want to bring me here?"

Miashgon shrugged, "I don't know, I've never shown anyone this place. But I thought you might like it. Besides, if you ever want to find me, I'm usually here."

Zerona gave him a strange look, "Is being this transparent some sort of attack pattern you use to get girls?"

"Well, no. I've never been transparent to anyone else..."

She simply laughed and then leaned back against the courtyard wall. They sat in silence for nearly an hour and a half, just watching the brilliant full moon rise.

Zerona slid off the boulder eventually, "I should probably get going. I need to find my room."

Xavier woke up from the ground next to the boulder he had been examining. "Ah, are you two finally done? He checked the sky, and moon, "Wow, its a bit late."

Miashgon jumped off the boulder and opened the door, "Come on, I know where your rooms are, follow me."

After another brief walk through the halls, they left Zerona at a chamber door, and Miashgon and Xavier headed up the stairs, talking.

"So, you like my sister, do you?"

"Yes, why wouldn't I? She's beautiful, amazing, just absolutely-"

"Yeah well, you've got some serious competition in Ashgor, so watch it."

Miashgon stopped, but the grin didn't leave his face, "So, you'll be leaving tomorrow."

"Yeah, but Ashgor is bound to have a retaliation celebration to invite your father there, especially due to this 'stay the night' business. So, I'll see you within the month, probably."

"Yeah, probably. Well, this is your chamber. I'll get those books to you tomorrow, see you then." Miashgon walked away, his mind on the Lxotus.

---

The next morning, he was up early, an soon found Xavier meandering around, "What're you up to?"

Xavier smiled, looking a little tired, "I'm hungry."

Miashgon took Xavier to the kitchens, where they scrounged up a breakfast from the cooks.

Then Miashgon began to show Xavier all the castle secrets, starting with the shortcuts and passageways. Evenutally, they ended up in the courtyard.

Xavier looked around, then reached to his side, "How good are you with sword?"

Miashgon pulled the steel longsword from his side, "Well, I' m no master..."

Xavier pulled out a similar longsword, and got into a battle position, with an evil smirk.

Miashgon attacked first, swinging quickly at Xavier's midsection. Xavier stepped backwards, and brought his longsword up to block Miashgon's next swing. Miashgon remained offensive, swinging quickly and strategically. Every swing was elegantly blocked by the blonde prince. Suddenly, Xavier parried a blow, and then muttered a quiet, "Ope!"

A burst of wind blew Miashgon onto his back. He quickly rolled to the side in order to avoid the sword that Xavier swung at him. "Michatra!" The grass around Xavier's feet grew long, and began to wrap around his ankles.

Xavier swung his sword down, but the grass managed to avoid it. Then he pointed an index finger at it, and whispered "Tuerchem!" The grass caught fire, and withered around his ankles.

By the time he could wrench himself free of it, Miashgon had stood back up, and had the point of his sword at Xavier's chest.

"Checkmate."

Xavier gave an exaggerated bow, smirking. "I guess you beat me, this time. I'll have to practice a bit."

Miashgon laughed, "Yeah, you will. Wind eh? That your favorite attack?"

Xavier looked blank, "Nah, I don't have a favorite. I haven't shown my true element yet. You?"

Miashgon shook his head, "No. My dad thinks I'll be a hydramage, but then, thats what he is."

At that moment, the secret door opened. A slim, elegant figure slipped in, wearing an elegant dress. The face was even more radiant and enchanting than the night before.

"Arya!" The boys both said at once, though one sounded a bit more excited than the other.

"I thought I might find you two here," She said with a smile, "Dad wants you in the assembly hall early, so you have to go change out of training clothes."

Xavier nodded, and then walked out of the room. As the door began to shut he turned around, a wicked smirk on his face, "Perhaps I shouldn't leave you two alone in here." A laughing shine glowed in his eyes.

Zerona shook her head at him, then took Miashgon's arm, "Miashgon had ought to change as well, I'm already ready, so I'll just walk him to his room."

Xavier raised an eyebrow, and then walked away briskly.

The two walked up to Miashgon's chamber, chatting lightly about her dress, and the announcement that was coming up. Too quickly, they were at his door.

"Well," he said, "I guess I'll see you at the announcement."

Zerona winked, "I'm sure you will. Look for me."

Miashgon went into his room. He looked through his nice clothes, and finally picked a dark green velvet shirt, with matching pants. He combed his hair, and put on a pair of boots. He quickly walked down the now empty hallway, and soon joined his father in the room behind the small stage.

"Dad," Miashgon asked, "what is this all about?"

His father put a finger to his lips, "You will find out very soon. I like your choice in outfit by the way. It compliments mine very well."

Miashgon rolled his eyes, and then folowed his father onto the stage, and stood behind his right shoulder respectfully.

The King raised his hand to bring silence upon the crowd. "Good afternoon. I am glad you could be here to hear this very important announcement. I promise that you have not wasted your time in coming here. You will be able to spread the gossip afterward firsthand." A twinkle flashed in his eye, and a chuckle resonated among the crowd.

"Now... I have been King of Rijero nigh unto thirty years. In fact, for those of you keeping track, it has been about twenty-eight years, and five months." Under his breath, he added, "Twelve days, six hours..." Another laugh came from the crowd. This was his father's way of managing the populus. If you could make them laugh, they would be pleased. That was his creed.

"Now, all joking aside. This is a serious matter. I have brought you all here today to announce that I am nigh unto abdicating my throne." The crowd looked confused. "Yes, In one year and seven months, the day after Miashgon's eighteenth birthday, I will bestow my crown upon him."

Whispering broke out among the crowd. Many of those from Ashgor gave a glance to their own King and Prince. Xavier had a blank expression, and Zerona smiled brightly at Miashgon.

Miashgon himself felt as if his stomach had fallen out. He had always know that he would someday take the throne, but he was expecting at least five years. His father had just thrown this on the country, and if the crowd was any tell, the country was very confused.

The king raised his hand again. "Now, I know this is quite a surprise, but I assure you, Miashgon is very capable, and has been trained well. To show you, I will now have him talk to you."

Miashgon looked extremely shocked, but soon forced a peaceful expression onto his face. He stepped forward, his father retreating behind his left shoulder. "Thank you Father." He said, bowing. "People of Rijero, and Ashgor, I let you know that..." he broke off, unable to think of anything to say.

He glanced quickly across the crowd, grabbing for something in his mind. His eyes fell upon Xavier and Zerona. "I let you know that I accept my father's announcement, though it comes as much a surprise to me as to all of you. "

He continued on, "I hope that when my father says that I am well-trained, he means that I will be by the time he abdicates." A weak laugh wavered in the crowd, "I do however say that I feel that I am up to this challenge, and I love this country as much as my father does..."

His speech continued for a few more minutes, and by the time he was done, the whispers had started again, but they were not as harsh as they had been before. He stepped back, and his father finished by thanking those who had come, and asking the King of Ashgor to stay for a few more minutes in order for a short conversation. The King agreed, and they walked into a small room for conversation.

Miashgon walked toward Xavier and Zerona. He felt odd inside, with this date of power upon him. They both looked at him as he walked down the steps.

"Congratulations," Xavier said, "Soon, I'll have to call you 'Sire' or 'Your Highness.' Just when I was getting used to Miashgon too." The air of joking was all around him, and Miashgon couldn't help but grin.

"So the Prince is given a deadline to finish being a prince," Zerona added, "Well, I must say, this isn't quite what I expected the day after I met you."

Miashgon frowned, "I'm no different than I was five minutes ago, nor two days ago. I still act and feel the same way I did before that announcement."

Xavier countered, "Yes, but for how much longer? You're going to have to show maturity now that you're going to be King."

Miashgon's frown turned into a scowl, "I will not have to change the way I act."

At that moment, the Kings reemerged from the room. Xavier's father said loudly, "Ashgor, it is time to leave. Be prepared to start in five minutes."

The Kings shook eachother's hands, and then went in different directions. Miashgon, Xavier, and Zerona looked at eachother.

"I guess this is goodbye for a while..." Xavier muttered.

"Yeah, take care of those books for me." Miashgon said, and they shook hands. Xavier went off to help pack the last of the things.

Zerona and Miashgon looked at eachother for a few moments, then she said quietly, "I'm glad to have met you, and seen your secret courtyard. I hope it won't be too long before we meet again."

Miashgon nodded, "I hope that as well. Farewell to you. Make sure your brother doesn't get into too much trouble, and remind him for me that he's to be the next King of Ashgor, so he better watch his actions too." They both smiled, and embraced. Zerona kissed Miashgon on the cheek, and then ran away to change into traveling clothes.

Miashgon watched her leave, then turned toward the castle. He had training with Fuldon to prepare for.

---

Books

2006-08-12T00:26:00.000-07:00

Miashgon entered the banquet hall. He had quickly run upstairs and changed from the leather armor to a nice set of black clothes. He looked around at the guests, both familiar and unfamiliar. Apparently Miashgon's father had anticipated the extra hundred guests and had more food and rooms prepared. Jarol Lxotu and Miashgon's father were talking together, and laughing as well.

Right inside the doors, Xavier was standing in a corner. "You ready to go?" he muttered at Miashgon, then quickly stepped back out into the hallway.

Miashgon was out in the hall two seconds later, and they quickly set off up a set of stairs nearby.

"So... where're we headed?"

"I don't know, what do you want to see?"

"Hmm... you got a library?"

"Three; but one sucks, and another is only for Fuldon and my father, but-"

"So, to the third one it is."

"Right." They climbed another set of stairs, went through a few hallways, and within minutes were inside a gigantic room full of books. "Why'd you want to get to a library anyway?"

"Because, I heard that this library has some books on Anugo's Legend."

"Yeah, so?"

"Well, my dad doesn't believe the stuff, so he tossed all the books out before I was born. I've done some minor research though, and I think we're less than a decade from the revealment of the swords!"

"Well yeah, cool, but the legend says that another decade will pass before anyone other than the holders see anything about it. Besides, most of what they will see is war and fighting."

"But what if one of us was a holder! Wouldn't that be awesome?"

"If one of us was the holder, than I'd think we still have a few years to wait before all twelve are born."

"Not if one of us was the eleventh or twelfth..." Xavier had a gleam in his eye, "that would mean less than two years before the revelation."

Miashgon rolled his eyes, "Yeah, but what are the chances of that?"

Xavier frowned, "Whatever. Do you have any books on the Legend or not?"

"Yeah," Miashgon walked through the shelves, and pulled out six or seven books, "here's all the ones from here. But that restricted library, I know it has about a dozen, loaded with Anugon Legend stuff."

Xavier looked at all the titles, and flipped through a few. "Mind if I borrow these?"

"Nah, go ahead."

"Do you know where my stuff is at?"

"Hmm... not exactly, but we can stick these in my room. You can get them later."

They put the books in Miashgon's quarters, and then Xavier looked around the room a little. "Quite boring isn't it?"

"I don't spend a lot of time in here, so yeah, I guess its a tad boring. I think we better get down to the banquet, I don't want Fuldon reprimanding me tomorrow."

"Who is this Fuldon guy you keep talking about?"

"Fuldon? He's my 'tutor' of sorts. He trains me in attack, defense, mindset, and the rules of politics. He started working for my father as an advisor about five years before I was born. I heard one of the first things he did was build that restricted library, and put all sorts of odd legends and things into it. He's a legendary fanatic, especially Anugo's."

"Hmmm... sound's like an odd guy. Well, lets head back."

Within ten minutes, they had made their way back to the banquet, and noone had noticed they were gone.

---

Lxotu

2006-08-10T20:58:00.000-07:00

Two hours later, Miashgon was thinking to himself that this was not such a fine idea. He was cold, and he couldn't even take his bow and sword out because he was watching the front gate. Besides, it was a stupid political function. All the guests were stuffy nobles and their boring children. Miashgon was hoping to see someone from Ashgor, but he had yet to see anyone. A peace had recently been established on the Rijero/Ashgor border, and though noone said it, this function was to test the Kingdom of Ashgor to see if they would accept Rijero Hospitality.

Another half an hour passed by. The banquet wwas about to get started, and thankfully, Miashgon only had another half an hour of duty left. Suddenly, a huge mass appeared on the horizon. it moved very quickly, and within five minutes, a humongous group of people had reached the castle doors.

The man in the front wore a silver band on his head. "I am Jarol Lxotu, the king of Ashgor," he boomed, "and this is the court of my capitol. I believe we have a standing invitation?"

Miashgon simply stared at the group for a few moments, then blinked. "Oh! Of course. I am Miashgon Jiponte, Prince of Rijero, and I welcome you on behalf of my father, though I'm sure he'll welcome you as well."

"The Prince? Guarding the castle gates?" The king laughed, "That is truly the oddity of Rijero!"

"Well-" Miashgon began.

"I think its a grand idea," A proud-looking, blonde teenager shouted from the crowd, "Perhaps I should guard the gates at our next banquet, Father."

The king chuckled, "Very well then. Let us go in."

Miashgon signaled the gates to open, and watched the crowd as it walked in. There were perhaps a hundred people here, maybe more. Most of them were older, fifty or sixty years, but near the back there was a group of teenagers, and even some children. Miashgon looked at each youth's face, and none were familiar. It was an odd feeling for Miashgon to be strangers with nobility.

Two faces caught his eye: one was the boy who had shouted out, obviously the Prince, and the other was a girl, absolutely beautiful, and probably about sixteen or seventeen. They made eye contact, but soon the girl was beyond the threshold, and Miashgon was staring after her.

"Yep, my sister has that effect on teenage boys," a voice startled Miashgon from behind, "but really, you shouldn't be distracted like that on guard duty, please."

Miashgon turned to see the Ashgor prince. The boy stood about half an inch shorter than Miashgon, and he wore a thin, gold chain around his neck. He had blonde hair, and grey eyes. He wore a devil-may-care expression, and he had an aura of nobility.

"Well, I know you can speak, I heard you earlier. Perhaps you just don't have a quick enough wit to respond in a timely manner?" The boy said.

"Oh I have the wit, I just don't know if a little princey like you could take the cutting edge of my sarcasm. I wouldn't want to start a war because some little boy went crying to his King father." Miashgon said all this with a smile on his face.

"Ah, so you do speak; and you know humor. I was afraid for a moment. So, I got your name, but I don't believe you caught mine. Xavier Lxotu, Prince of Ashgor. That girl, that was my sister, Zerona."

"Well, it was nice to meet you Xavier, but you shouldn't be late getting into that banquet."

"Ah, forget the banquet, I have a new castle to explore. You wouldn't be up for helping me in that would you?"

"Well... I have to finish this shift. Plus, I do have to be there for the last half of the banquet, because I will be missed, but that leaves about an hour and a half if you're game."

"Oh, I'm game. I'll be at the doors to the banquet."

"Sounds good, see you there."

Xavier walked into the gates, and down the hall. Miashgon turned back to the horizon, and waited for the last fifteen minutes of his watch to be over.

---

The Prince

2006-08-10T20:30:00.000-07:00

"I am the Prince of Rijero, and I will not do the spell practice if I don't want to!" a haughty, sixteen-year-old boy shouted at the tutor in front of him.

"Now young man, you normal tutor may not be here, but that does not mean total sloth and anarchy!"

The boy looked the tutor dead in the eyes. "Don't force me to do magic. The consequences may not be happy for you." A fire seemed to light up in his eyes, and his hands cast an odd glow.

The tutor stared the boy down, only a slight bit of fear showing in his eyes, "Are you threatening me, Miashgon? Fuldon would not be happy to hear of that."

Miashgon's hands ceased their glow, and his eyes dimmed. After a few moments of defiant muttering whilst pondering, he murmured, "Fine. I'll do the spell practice." He raised a hand towards a few placed targets, and muttered the spells to cast fire and float objects, one by one. After a few minutes of this, he stopped, "There, are you happy?"

The tutor smiled. "I truly am pleased. However, not for the reason you'd think. I'm pleased because-" he said, as his hair and skin changed, melting into an old, grey wizard who held a crystal wand, "you respect me more than you are stubborn."

Miashgon grimaced, "Fuldon, you were dishonest. I thought you said honesty was the heart and core of magic."

"Well, it is true that the most powerful magic cannot be used without some honesty. However, hoinesty is not even necessary for most water-based spells, such as shapeshifting. Besides, you know as well, if not better, than I do that you can still throw a fireball whilst lying." Fuldon smiled warmly, "That should be enough for today, I believe you have a banquet this evening?"

Yeah, Trivor turns 15, and we have to have a banquet. I didn't get a banquet for my fifteenth."

"Yes, but you were not the last son to become a man. He will have to live out a life as a lesser noble, waiting until you die, and once you have a son, he's out of the running. He deserves a banquet or two."

"He can have the stupid crown for all I care. All it is is boring politics and diplomacy, like this foolish banquet. I'd rather be a captain in the guard. In fact, I'd rather be out guarding the door this evening."

"Well Miashgon, I think that's a fine idea."

Miashgon gave Fuldon an odd look, "A fine idea? What do you mean by that?"

"Well, not the giving up the crown bit, but you have a good bow and sword, I sure I can convince your father to let you get some leather from the armory and take the first shift. That way you can even get back for most of the banquet."

"Are you serious?"

"Quite. In fact, I'll make it your training for tonight. Now, lets go find your father."

"All right! Lets go!" And Miashgon walked with Fuldon to his father's work chamber.

---

Eighteen Years

2006-08-09T14:35:00.000-07:00

An old, grey wizard opened the door to a tiny room. After stepping inside the cramped area, he looked around. Books lined every wall, and were piled on both the tables in the room. In fact, there was even a shelf of books floating on the cieling.

The wizard walked to a shelf and pushed on the right side. The shelf spun around, revealing another row of books. He pulled one book off the shelf, and opened it.

"Anugo's Legend" was what the title page announced. A script underneath said "The very signs that Mijo said would signal the start of the Legend..." The wizard flipped through it, making small, excited noises as he passed through each excerpt. As he got to the last pages, he started muttering after every excerpt, mostly affirmative mutters. He finally reached the last page, and read the statement:

"The swords will begin to show themselves eighteen years after the birth of the eleventh of the twelve holders. This child will be noble, and born during the month of change. This birth will be known to all kindgoms of the Humans, and many of the other races."

The man closed the book, and picked up a proclamation off the table next to him. The prince would be born this sixth month, when the days changed from lengthening to shortening. All three human kingdoms, along with the Jeman and even some of the Dwarf and Elf kingdoms were awaiting this birth.

"Eighteen years... thats all we have," the wizard mused, "I must prepare!"

With that he picked a crystal wand up off the shelf, replaced the book, and hurried out of the room.

---

Split!

2006-07-25T08:35:00.000-07:00

Four Swords were in the posession of Elarz. Rayen had the fifth sword. It would only be a matter of time before Anugo fell. It was this belief alone that kept Elarz sending men to be slaughtered in battles they could never win. Many of his own Gahel were threatening to desert, and he promised suffering to the Gahel that would desert in his time of need.

Meanwhile, Elarz had a group of Gahel begin experimenting with portal magic. Elarz wanted to be able to move his armies right into the heart of Anugo's camp without being detected, his opinion of the perfect surprise attack. This group stumbled upon a second dimension, which they called 'the Second World.'

Elarz found this dimension to be extremely useful, though not as a transportation as he had planned. Space and matter did not exist the same way in this dimension, in fact objects were indistinguishable from eachother, and flowed freely and ubiquitously. Therefore, one could not control where they came out once they had entered. However, items could be put into this dimension, and recalled by magic at any other open portal, if one knew the word it was sealed in with.

About this time, Rayen was overthrown as the leader over the dwarves, and the new leader, Kael, told the dwarves that they had the choice to stay or leave. A vast portion of the Dwarf army deserted the cause and headed North to the large mountain ranges there, leaving about a score of men loyal to Rayen.

Mijo's group of men were down to three humans, Mijo himself, Alen Eduerj, and Arken Arjo. They chose to remain until Elarz and Rayen called off the battle, but they still told Elarz that they believed the war was unwinnable.

The elves began to have their doubts on the battle as well, especially after their most powerful mage was slain by Anugo himself. However, this body was mounted on a pole in front of Anugo's camp, which was an outrage to the elves, and they stayed to avenge this disgrace.

Anugo's camp had long since split into two factions: those that wanted to slaughter the other three races and become rulers of Enureli, and those that believed that the six races were necessary to the balance of the land and the magics. Most of the Dragons left to islands off the western coast of Enureli, the largest of which was Odunaj.

Anugo, furious with the Dragons' desertion made an oath to destroy the other races of Enureli, saying that only the Humans were the pure and powerful race that should survive. The Jeman soon left the armies of Anugo as well, but continued to fight Humans, Elves, and Gahel.

Three months after the war had become a war of races, Rayen died of an infection from a poisoned sword blade. The Jeman had discovered a way of magically manufacturing poisoned weapons that had no known antidote.

Rayen gave the Blade of Light to Mijo, who swore to make sure that it never fell into the wrong hands.

Elarz was infuriated by the passing of this sword to a non-protector, and cursed both Mijo and the spirit of Rayen. The three humans fled the camp, and the dozen dwarves that were left were slaughtered overnight.

Within another month, the Gahel had sealed themselves into the Second World with an ancient word. The only other two people that knew how to open the Second World did not know the word that was used to seal the Gahel in. Elarz became the only Gahel on Enureli.

Elarz met with Mijo in a hidden cave and demanded that Mijo give over the Blade of Light. Mijo refused, and they fought. Elarz was slain, and Mijo gathered the five Swords he had, and sealed them into the second realm under the word Ja.

A fortnight later, Anugo was dead. His body had been coated with water and then frozen. The Blade of Shadows had disappeared.

A decade of war between the Humans and the Jeman ensued, and the Dwarves and Elves moved into the depths of the mountains and forests, not willing to make contact with any other races. The dragons murdered any other race that entered their islands. The six races had become seperated within a century of their unification.

At the end of the wars, the Jeman were forced onto the continent of Orna to the southwest of Enureli.

Mijo then retrieved the six Swords and removed the magic essences from them. Alen created twelve new weapons, six swords; a wand; a dagger; an axe; a scythe; a staff; and a bow, to house the six essences, all split into two. Arjo then hid all eighteen weapons on Orna and Enureli.

After Arjo returned, Arjo asked Mijo: "So, are the protectors and their swords gone forever then?"

Mijo smiled, "The protectors shall never grace this Earth again. However, the story of the Swords has not finished yet. It will be many centuries before they appear again, but they will appear..."

The First War

2006-07-11T22:53:00.000-07:00

Almost a century had passed since the first protectors had been chosen. When Fawutol passed on, it was a difficult process to replace him. It was not just the fact that they needed to be secure in their protector, but they needed to establish a process that would always succeed in allowing the power of the protectors to fall into the correct hands.

After an extensive process, Jezal, the first and last female protector, was selected. She swore the same oath the original protectors had taken, and began her life as a protector.

Within the next ten years, Stajev and Erek passed on as well. Stajev was replaced with an elf named Welan, who also became an oathsworn protector.

Finding a human replacement proved to be a difficult job. After the process of selection was completed, a man named Zakeri was chosen. However, before Zakeri could be given his oath, he was killed by a group of men of whom only one was caught, a dark man named Jaku, who refused to betray his fellow men, and killed himself during an interrogation.

After this event, a man named Anugo was chosen to become the Human Protector. Anugo was mistrusted by Elarz, but the rest of the protectors found no fault in him, and he was sworn in. Soon after his oath, Anugo was sent with Jezal and Galezon to solve a problem in the eastern part of Enureli.

A few days after this trip had begun, Galezon returned to the Protectors. Viciously wounded, he only was able to say a few words before he fell into a sleep he never awoke from, "Jezal is dead, Anugo betrayed us."

It was noticed that Galezon did not bring his Sword with him. Elarz immediately prepared for war. He gathered a large group of Gahel to join under his leadership, and swore to destroy Anugo and reclaim the Swords lost. Welan joined Elarz soon after with a small army of his own race. The armies set off towards the West to battle Anugo.

Anugo had gathered the Dragons and the Jeman to his cause, as well as a vast amount of Humans. After choosing a dragon lieutenant, Lazo, and a Jeman Lieutenant, Herogal, he gave them a Sword and prepared for a war he knew was coming.

Rayen had collected his own army of Dwarves, who were not allied with Elarz and Welan, but were set on defeating Anugo as well. This army delved under the earth in the same westward direction.

As all of this was occuring, a smaller group of Humans had joined the ranks of the Gahel and the Elves. They were led by the brother of Zakeri, a man named Mijo. Mijo was a wizard, fairly strong in his craft, who was said to have the power to see far into the future.

In the center of Enureli, the two large armies met, the dwarves still being far behind and under the ground. A long, enduring battle ensued, and soon the numbers of the Humans, Dragons, and Jeman overpowered the other army, and the Elves and the Gahel were forced to retreat. However, each side had their gains and losses. Herogal had been killed, and a human footsoldier had managed to retrieve the SunBlade and bring in back to Mijo. However, Welan had been assassinated in the dark of night, but his sword was not lost.

While Elarz was attempting to find new Protectors, Mijo had come up with a different solution, which he thought would probably be the best. One night, he met with Elarz, and a long debate began:
"Elarz, I have come up with a solution to the problem of the Protectors."
"What problem do you speak of? I see no problem."
"Well, obviously people do not trust them anymore, they shall never have the prowess and respect they used to have, and finding good protectors is difficult."
"It must be done though, or else how will the races survive?"
"The races lasted long before the protectors, and-"
"Are you suggesting we get rid of the protectors? The Blades can not be trusted in a world without the protectors... it's crazy to believe otherwise."
"I do not believe otherwise, Ithink we should get rid of the Blades."
"We cannot destroy them! The magic released alone would decimate at least half of this continent."
"I am not suggesting that we destroy them, I suggest we simply break them down into smaller powers and hide them..."
The arguments went on through the night, and in the end the plan was rejected by Elarz, but it was decided that the SunBlade and the NormalBlade would simply be hidden away for a time.

The next day, the armies of Anugo found the smaller army and struck swiftly and forcefully. Many more Elves, Humans, and Gahel were slaughtered, and only one Dragon was killed. Elarz's army was now retreating northward, into the large mountain range that existed there.

On this same day, the Dwarves came out of the ground, and saw the battle occuring from a distance. Rayen saw that Elarz was in trouble, and sent a large amount of dwarves to attack Anugo's army. These dwarves managed to allow Elarz's army to escape, but most perished quickly in the battle.

The next few weeks were fairly peaceful. Anugo's armies were right in between the two armies, keeping them small and away from eachother. However, a dwarven messenger was sent by tunnel to Elarz's encampment.

After three weeks, Kaven, the messenger, got to the encampment, and met with Mijo and Elarz. Through the use of magic, Rayen was allowed to talk to Mijo, and through Mijo, Elarz. The armies formed an attack strategy, and carried it out the next morning.

The ambush on both sides managed to catch Anugo offguard. After a fortnight of battle, Anugo's armies overcame the other armies again, but Lazo perished, and his Blade was reclaimed as well.

Now Elarz had four of the Blades, and one Blade was possessed by an ally. Perhaps they had not been winning the battles, but Elarz felt they were winning the war...

The Anugon Legends

2006-07-10T23:47:00.000-07:00

Over a millenium ago, six swords were created by creatures from different races. These swords were created to join these species together under six protectors, one from each. All the races had come from a united background many, many millenia ago, and now all wanted to become one again.

The Gahel, the most magical of the creatures, fond of lightning, created the Blade of Shadows, a large two-and-a-half handed sword that gave the one holding the power of speed, and the ability to affect the weather. The Sword was given to the first Human Protector, Erek.

The Dragons created a sword to reflect their power over the skies, the SunBlade. This sword was of intricate design, and gave the user the strength to overpower all opponents. It was also said that the carrier of the sword, with practice, could throw flames. The SunBlade was given to the first Jeman Protector, Galezon.

The Elves made a shortsword. This golden sword contained the power of fire, and was called the Mystic Blade. This sword gave the carrier the ability to surprise their opponents, and with enough focus, fly. This was given to the first Dragon Protector, Fawutol.

The Jeman created a vicious Scimitar. This sword, which contained the power of water, was dubbed the MoonBlade. Water is the power of stealth, and this is exactly what the MoonBlade gave to its holder. The controller of the MoonBlade could also change temperatures around him or her. This sword was given to the first Gahel Protector, Elarz.

The Humans created a beautiful two-and-a-half-handed sword as well. An exact replica of the Blade of Shadows, except it was diamond white instead of black, it contained the power of Nature. This Blade of Light gave the user the power to heal and the power to poison. This sword was given to the first Dwarven Protector, Rayen.

The Dwarves forged a broadsword, infused with the powers of the Earth. The NormalBlade was supposéd to give the holder wisdom and strength to defend his or herself. It was given to the first Elvish Protector, Stajev.

These six protectors took a magical oath to protect the six races under one banner. They swore to keep the peace, and not let their power be their downfall; and for a time, it was so...