Book III

The Prophecy

Chapter Six

By Lady Faelyn Rose

            It was well after midnight, when Regina appeared near Torren’s small tower, in the Felucca forest west of Yew. Torren was already pulling open the heavy iron door on its, well oiled, hinges. He entered the tower ahead of Regina and lit a lantern, flooding the first floor with golden light.

            Regina closed the door, threw the bolt into place, and turned to survey Torren’s smith shop. The walls were covered with racks of beautifully crafted weapons. She slowly walked around the perimeter of the room, inspecting each weapon and listening to Torren’s heavy footsteps on the floor above her.

            “You have a very impressive collection, Torren” Regina told him, as he descended the narrow stone stairs “Were you to sell these weapons, you would be rich!”

            Torren was now dressed in thick leather armor. She heard him chuckle, at her comment of wealth, as he adjusted a gorget around his neck. He went to stand before a large golden shield, which was hanging on the wall. The shield was engraved with the image of a sea serpent, surrounded by intricate scrolling. Torren lifted the shield from the wall and brought it to Regina.

            “Use this.” he said, reaching around Regina’s back to remove the shield which she carried. Torren tossed Regina’s Ravenswood shield into the corner, with a loud crash, and then went back to collecting supplies for their journey to the isle of Fairwynds.

            “Thank you, Torren.” Regina armed herself with the golden, serpent shield and practiced blocking an imaginary attack “Your shield is much lighter than the one crafted by Ravenswood smiths.”

            Torren opened another chest and withdrew a polished, close helmet of gold. The helmet was also engraved with the sea serpent design. He tossed it to Regina, who deftly caught the helmet and immediately tried it on.

            “How do I look?” the closed face plate of the golden helmet muffled Regina’s voice and caused her to miss seeing a rare smile upon Torren’s, otherwise, stoic face.

            “Dangerous.” Torren answered; turning away, and shrugging into his grey hooded cloak, as Regina removed the close helmet. He slung his oversized pack over his back and picked up the largest double bladed axe, Regina had ever seen. A sea serpent swam in golden waves, between intricate scrolling, on both blades of the axe.

            “Is the sea serpent your totem of luck, Torren?” she asked, picking up her pack and weapons.

            “It has yet to bring me luck.” Torren said, moving to the door. “I am ready to leave, my lady. Is there anything else that you need?”

             “Nay, let us hurry before the sun rises.”

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            Regina followed close behind Torren, as they made their way northwest towards the sea. A recent snow had left patches of white, along the path which they traveled, and had turned the ground cover to brown. The wind was at their backs, pushing them along to their destination. They walked in silence; except for the creak of leather armor and the whisper of dried grasses, brushing against their boots.

            Torren had informed Regina that he planned to hire a ship, owned by someone he had known for many years. The sailor’s home was on the northern coast of the Yew forest; a journey Torren had made many times in the past.

            Several miles from Torren’s tower, they heard a shout in the trees to the west. The pounding of boots against the hard ground, coming fast in their direction, caused Regina to raise her shield and step in front of Torren. She was a warrior and would protect them both from brigands. Regina did not see the glimmer of humor in the eyes of her companion, as she took up a defensive stance.

            Three rough looking men emerged from the thicket ahead of them; each armed and ready for battle. The apparent leader of the trio was a tall, dark haired man with a beard and two long braids. He laughed when he saw Regina.

            “Who crosses our land by night?” he asked, as his two fellow murderers chuckled “A lady who has lost her way?” he took a step closer “The daughter of a rich lord, judging by your armor, my lady.”

            Regina said nothing, as she drew the Golden Skye from its sheath. The katana glowed in the darkness of the woods like a beacon; lighting the brigands’ eyes with greed.

            “You must pay a toll for your trespass. Give us the weapon and we will let you go, unmolested.” the brigand motioned to his friends “Yield, my lady, for you are out numbered.”

            “There are only three of you.” Regina scoffed “As I see it, the odds are in my favor.”

            The brigand laughed out loud “You are very brave for a woman, alone, in the woods at night.”

            Regina glanced over her shoulder and saw that Torren was gone. She hadn’t the time to wonder why the blacksmith had abandoned her, and returned her full attention to the three murderers. Her eyes narrowed, dangerously “I am not alone. I have both sword and shield as my worthy companions. Be gone, before I am forced to reduce you to a pile of bones.”

            Anger flashed across the faces of the criminals. As they advanced on Regina, one of the brigands raised his heavy crossbow and let fly a bolt. Regina lifted her shield to deflect the missile. But, before the bolt could strike her shield, she heard a grunt of pain. A wall of grey appeared between herself and her attackers.

            Torren had somehow managed to hide himself in front of Regina. His massive form, dressed in a grey hooded robe and wielding the lethal looking axe, instantly blocked her from any harm. With three powerful swings of his double bladed axe, Torren butchered two of the murderers in rapid succession. The third man turned and fled into the trees.

            Regina started to chase after the fleeing coward, until a booming voice brought her to a halt.

            “Regina!” Torren commanded, pulling the crossbow bolt from his shoulder and tossing on the ground “Let him go. We must be on our way.”

            Regina turned around; a pout of frustration on her face. But she obediently trotted after Torren. He stepped over the corpses, of those who would have robbed them, and headed through the forest to the northwest.

            “You are full of surprises, Torren” Regina said, as she hurried to keep up with his long strides “How did you move into position without my seeing you?”

            “Stealth.” he answered, with his usual simplicity, and continued to lead her towards the sea.

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            The first rays of the sun were lighting the underside of thick, grey clouds, when the pair finally reached the coast. Torren led Regina out of the forest to the door of a small, stone house. The house had been constructed near the shoreline and a large dragon ship rocked gently, at anchor. Torren knocked on the wooden door, as Regina kept watch for any who might wish them harm.

            An annoyed voice called “What do you want!” through the door.

            “It is Torren” the blacksmith answered “I have need of your ship.”

            The door swung open at once “Torren! I was not expecting you so soon!” the man laughed “But, come in, come in, out of the cold, while I ready myself for our voyage to Fairwynds.”

            Torren looked to Regina; she shook her head and returned to guarding his back. She would not enter the house of a stranger, in Felucca.

            “We will wait out here, Mulligan.” Torren told the man, who was standing just inside the door.

            “Suit yerself” Mulligan replied, and shut the door with a thud.

            Torren moved away from the house and wandered down to the shoreline. He stood inspecting the dragon ship; inhaling the sea air and listening to the birds, as they awakened.

            Following Torren to the beach, Regina continued to glance around, as if an attack were imminent. “It sounds as if you had already planned passage to your homeland. Were you so certain that I would help you to fulfill the prophecy?” she asked.

            “Nay, I had hope, but nothing more.” he said “Are you sure that you wish to make this journey, Regina?”

            She laughed “As you may recall, it was my idea that we seek your destiny.”

            “Aye, it was.” he turned to study Regina’s face. It seemed to glow in the soft morning light. Torren felt a sudden urge to return this beautiful woman to her family. There was a very good chance that Fairwynds would hold nothing for them; save death and despair. He could not, in good conscience, ask Regina to put herself at risk for his cause. But, he saw the determination in her eyes, as she gazed back at him; and there was no fear in that gaze. There would be no turning back, now, he realized. The prophecy would be fulfilled, regardless of the consequences.

            A door banged closed behind them and, glancing in that direction, Regina saw a man dressed in green leather armor. Mulligan was of average height, with wide shoulders and a head of wild, auburn hair. His beard, of the same distinctive color, was trimmed short and he carried a seaman’s bag over his shoulder. Mulligan smiled at Regina; appreciation of her beauty gleamed in his amber eyes.

            “My lady! You are a pleasant surprise on this dismal morning!” Mulligan exclaimed. He lowered the gang plank and bowed for Regina to board first “Your tall friend did not tell me that I would be sailing with such an attractive passenger.” Mulligan said, as he followed her up the gang plank. The seaman’s eyes roamed freely over Regina from head to toe. A noise, which sounded very much like a growl, rumbled in Torren’s throat.

     But the sailor ignored the warning and, dropping his bag, took Regina’s hand “Mulligan’s my name. Mad Mulligan to most people. But you, fair lady, may call me anything you choose.”

            “I am Regina of Ravenswood.” she told him, glancing over at Torren, who was depositing their packs and equipment into the cargo hold.

            “Ahh. Regina.” Mulligan continued, undaunted by her aloof reaction to his compliments “A name fit for a queen.” He drew her hand to his lips and pressed a kiss against her leather glove. Regina’s eyes narrowed, as Mulligan continued to hold onto her hand.

            “Shouldn’t we be on our way, captain?” she suggested “The day rapidly ages, as we banter.”

            “But, of course, you are right, Regina.” the sailor agreed.

     Reluctantly dropping her hand, Mulligan set about the task of raising the anchor “Together, we shall ride the waves to the isle of Fairwynds.” He unfurled the sail and smoothly turned the ship into the wind; laughing as the vessel picked up speed and the sea spray washed over them “My lady wishes to be away, and away she shall be!”

            Regina moved to the bow of the ship and gripped the railing. She braced her legs, as the vessel bucked and rolled over the rising sea. Mad Mulligan pointed his ship in the direction of a gathering thunderhead on the wide horizon. The dragon ship cut a foaming wake through the white capped waves; racing across the churning, dark water like a giant bird in flight.

            Mulligan laughed loudly, again, and began to sing a bawdy song about a tavern wench, named Molly. Regina decided that perhaps there was a reason why most people called him Mad Mulligan. But, nevertheless, the man could certainly sail a ship.

            When they had reached the open sea, and land was no longer visible, Regina turned to find Torren standing near the stern of the ship. Mad Mulligan was speaking to him with great animation. But Torren stared at Regina. The look in his eyes was unreadable, as he nodded absently to the captain.

       Had she just imagined it, or had Torren growled with jealousy at their captain’s obvious flirtation? It truly pleased Regina that this handsome, young lord might wish to claim her as his own. She flashed a smile at Torren, before turning towards the horizon, once more. The wind and sea spray, whipping against her face, was very exhilarating. And she suddenly found herself laughing loudly; not unlike their crazed captain, Mad Mulligan.

            A grey wall of rain lay dead ahead, and the mad man at the helm took his ship directly into it. Heavy drops of cold water drenched the adventurers, but did not slow their passage across the wind swept sea. Regina pulled her hood close around her face, and remained by the railing. The ever changing colors of the sky and the sea were too incredible for her to look away. Even for a moment.

            Glowing, blue water elementals appeared, frequently, on the horizon. But Mad Mulligan sail his large dragon ship around them. Once, he veered the vessel dangerously close to an elemental; purposely sending a shower of the ship’s wake upon the monster.

 
        The elemental roared with anger; casting a lightning bolt at the sailor. The mad captain merely laughed; picking up speed, as he guided the ship down the face of another towering wave.

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            Leaving the rain clouds behind, their dragon ship found calmer waters. Torren went to the cargo hold and retrieved a bag containing loaves of bread, cheese and bottles of ale, for their dinner. He took a portion of food and a bottle of ale to Mulligan, before sitting on the deck, in the bow of the ship.  Regina settled onto the deck, beside Torren, as they shared their meal.

            “Did you know that our fathers fought together in the Trinsic wars?” Regina asked, as Torren tore off a chunk of bread and placed it into her outstretched hand.

            The stunned look, on Torren’s face, was answer enough for her to continue “They were both young men then, fighting the undead invaders of Trinsic” she informed him as she chewed the bread “And my father knew your mother, as well.”

            “My mother?” Torren stopped eating and stared at Regina “Tell me about her.”

            “My father says that she is the daughter of a rich Vesper merchant, named Lord Brian; your maternal grandfather.” Regina told him “Your mother was a beautiful warrior, named Honora, when my father met her. Apparently, she is an archer, who fought beside your father, Lord Daegan. They fell in love, were married in Trinsic and then went to live in the  kingdom of Fairwynds.” She smiled, sadly, at the look of wonder on Torren’s face. “I am sorry, Torren, but that is all I know about your mother.”

            Torren stared at the deck of the ship, lost in thought.

            “How far is Fairwynds?” Regina asked, nibbling on a wedge of cheese.

            “According to our captain, we should reach the isle by night fall.” Torren answered “But Mulligan advises that we not go ashore until the sun has risen.”

            “Why is that?”

            “He says that the legend of Fairwynds tells of a daemon that haunts the island by night.” Torren told Regina, as he passed a bottle of ale to her.

            Regina sipped the ale, but said nothing more. Yesterday she had spent a long day in the ice dungeon, followed by a night of travel through the forest of Yew. Now the ale seemed to be stealing her strength. Soon the combination of ale, the rhythmic rocking of ship, and sheer exhaustion, caused Regina to lean back against the bulkhead. When Torren glanced at his beautiful companion again, she was sound asleep. Her head lolled back and forth with the movement of the waves, and her black hooded cloak had parted in the wind, to reveal the graceful curves of a body clad in red, female armor.

      Torren saw that Mulligan was also watching Regina as she slept. The way in which the captain’s eyes traveled over her long, leather covered legs, brought another growl from the heir of Fairwynds.

     Storing the food and ale in the ship’s hold, Torren returned to sit beside Regina. He carefully gathered the maiden against his side, without waking her. She nestled her cheek upon his chest, with a contented sigh. Then, Torren pulled his grey cloak around them both and settled back against the bulkhead, with Regina in his arms; effectively blocking Mulligan’s view of the sleeping woman.

     “Sorry, friend,” the captain apologized to the scowling blacksmith “I did not know that the lady belonged to you.” he laughed and saluted Torren “You’re a very lucky man, indeed.”

       Torren stared up into the evening sky, as Regina slept peacefully beside him. She murmured softly in her sleep and snuggled closer to his warmth. An emotion, which he dared not name, filled his heart. This day had brought a glimpse into a life which should have been his. Had his father not destroyed the family and his future, Torren’s life would be far different.

      He would be a normal man; a young lord searching for a wife. With a title and lands to offer his bride, Lord Torren of Fairwynds might have stood a chance of winning the hand of Lady Regina of Ravenswood. They would have been equal in rank and fortune; a match which would have, surely, been looked upon with favor by both families. Indeed, he might have been acquainted with her through their fathers.

    Watching Regina today, as she fearlessly confronted the brigands, Torren knew that a life with her would never be dull. She would have gifted him with fine children; sons and daughters, with the wit and courage of their mother. Beautiful children, who would be perfect in face and form.

If  his father had not brought this curse upon him, Torren would not be sailing to Fairwynds, to conquer an unknown evil. He would not be searching for his destiny. If fate had not dealt him this cursed life, Torren would be holding his destiny in his arms tonight.  For, Regina would be his bride.

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            Regina woke to find herself lying in Torren’s arms. She slowly lifted her head and looked into his sleeping face. He snored softly. Even with a day’s growth of dark stubble on his jaw, Torren was the most handsome man that she had ever seen.

            Regina could not explain why she felt such an attraction to Torren. But, in the past few days, the seed of an emotion had been growing within her heart; an emotion which she had not consciously begun to examine, until this moment. In the stillness of the night, her thoughts always seem to crystallize. Tonight she saw the truth with a clarity that she could not ignore.

            The Gods had brought this man to her. And though he was little more than a stranger, she was already bonded to him. A silken thread seemed to tie her soul to his. The truth was undeniable; Regina had fallen in love with Torren. And, in her woman’s heart she knew, beyond a doubt, that he cared for her, too.

            Rising carefully, so not to disturb Torren’s rest, Regina went to look out at the horizon. The ship was anchored in calm waters, beneath a huge crescent moon. A light breeze rocked the ship and brushed the dark, tendrils of hair away from her face.

            The words of Torren’s prophecy came to mind. “A maiden with the courage of a dragon and beauty which shines like the stars in the night must he discover.  She, alone, can wield the Golden Skye. And unto her must the trueborn son be bound.”

            Had Torren already taken a vow to bind himself to her?

            Loud snoring broke the quiet of the night; distracting Regina from her musing. She identified its source as a lump, beneath a blanket, near the stern of the ship. Apparently, the captain was getting some much needed rest, as well.

            Regina scanned the horizon again, searching for some sign of Fairwynds. She could barely distinguish the dark shape of a shoreline in the distance. But not a single light did she see burning there. No beacon marked the harbor; no torch burned upon a fortress ramparts. Could it be that the island was completely uninhabited by humans?

            Turning away from the deserted island, Regina saw that Torren was also awake, now. He held his grey cloak open with one arm; silently inviting her back into his embrace. She smiled and returned to the warmth of her resting place, beside him.

            “We are here, Torren” she whispered, laying her head on his chest “We have arrived at Fairwynds.”

            “Aye” Torren answered, as he wrapped his cloak snuggly around her.

            She lay quietly, listening to his heart beat beneath her ear, for several minutes. Then she whispered “The prophecy said that you must bind yourself to me, Torren.”

            He did not answer; and seemed to have stopped breathing, altogether.

            “Have you taken a vow before the Gods which binds us?” Regina asked, sitting up and looking into his eyes.

            There was a considerable pause, before he answered “Aye.”

            “Tell me, Torren, what words you spoke?” when he did not answer, she pressed him “I would know, please.”

            Surrendering to her request, Torren gathered Regina close. He could not bear her searching gaze upon his face, while he repeated his holy vow; fearing that she would see passed the iron strength of his body, into the battered and fragile depths of his heart. In the darkness he repeated the simple words “To you and no other shall I be bound.”

            Regina was silent for a moment, and then lifted her head. She encircled Torren’s neck with her arms, and slowly pulled him towards her. “To you, Torren, and no other shall I be bound.” she said, softly, before kissing his lips.

            Regina raised her head and smile at Torren. The look of shock upon his face was almost comical “According to Ravenswood law, we are now wedded to each other in the eyes of the Gods” she whispered.”And, we have our mad captain as witness to the nuptials.” her eyes danced with mischief, as she nodded towards the snoring, lump at the stern of the ship.

            Torren’s arms tightened around her “Do you mock me, Regina?” he asked; unsure that he fully understood what had just passed between them.

            “Never, my lord.” Regina drew his lips to hers, once more; sharing with Torren the love which he had longed for, all of his life.

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            The cries of sea birds woke Regina, as the sun peeked above the horizon. She opened her eyes to find herself sprawled, face down, atop Torren’s massive chest. His grey cloak covered them both like a blanket, shielding the couple from the morning chill. Regina braced her forearms, against solid muscle, and raised her head. Her long, silky hair fell like a curtain around them, as she gazed down at Torren. His eyes were open and a smile softened the chiseled angles of his face.

            “Good morrow” he said.

            “Good morrow, my husband.” she smiled back.

            “My wife.” he murmured, still amazed at his good fortune.

            “My love.” she breathed the words; brushing a kiss upon his lips.

            “Are you certain that you wish to be bound to me, Regina” he asked, running a finger along the curve of her cheek.

            Regina gave a sultry laugh “I am very certain, my husband” she studied Torren’s face, for a moment, and purred “You are truly handsome, when you smile.”

            Sliding his fingers into her long, tresses and pulling her lips close to his, Torren answered “You have given me reason to smile.”

            A loud thud, from the stern of the ship, brought reality crashing down upon the lovers. The captain was awake and preparing to set sail for their destination. Laughing like children, the couple scrambled to rise and start the day. The isle of Fairwynds lay only a mile off the ship’s starboard.   

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            The dragon ship sailed smoothly into the deep water port of Fairwynds. The golden shoreline of the island was sandwiched between a brilliant blue sky and the emerald green sea. It was hard for Regina to believe that this enchanting kingdom could be cursed. From here, the town was clearly visible; a picturesque collection of white washed buildings, scattered along a winding cobblestone road. Set high upon a hill, overlooking both harbor and hamlet, was an ancient stone tower.

            Regina and Torren stood shoulder to shoulder at the railing, as the vessel neared a long dock with a dozen berths. Not a ship was moored here; no sailor or merchant did the couple see. Upon closer inspection, it was obvious that the planks and pilings of the dock had started to decay

.

            Mad Mulligan maneuvered his ship gently into one of the berths. Climbing onto the dock, with a length of rope in his hand, the sailor quickly secured the vessel to a piling.

            “Step lively.” the captain warned “This dock may not hold much weight.” he opened the gang plank and stood aside, letting Regina and Torren disembark.

            “Wait here for us.” Torren told Mulligan, as his eyes scanned the island “If we do not return by night fall, take the ship offshore and spend the night anchored there.”

            “That I will.” Mulligan responded “I have no wish to meet the daemon of Fairwynds, my friend.” he boarded the ship and raised the gang plank, locking it behind him “I may be mad, but I’m not crazy.” he said, with a wink at Regina.

            Torren led the way along the dock, towards the town. Regina stayed behind her husband until they had reached the cobblestone road. Then, she hastened to walk by his side; armed with her shield and katana. They followed the road passed deserted shops and cottages. All showed signs of extreme neglect. Many buildings had been damaged by some sort of violence; looking as if they had been ripped open by a great force.

            As they neared the center of the town, a man appeared in the road ahead. The man was dressed in a tattered, brown robe. His stark, white hair and beard marked him as ancient. Leaning heavily upon a gnarled staff, he limped towards the couple.

            “Welcome, travelers.” the elderly man raised his hand in greeting. As he drew closer, he suddenly stopped; staring at Torren with a look of disbelieve on his face. His faded, brown eyes squinted at the shield, which Regina carried.

            “Lord Torren?” the man asked, in a shaky voice “You have returned!” he smiled and hobbled towards them “Praise be to the Gods! They have sent you back to us!”

            Torren and Regina stood in the road, as the old man approached “How is it that you know me?” Torren asked.

            “I am Samuel, my lord” he answered, tapping his staff on his chest “The high priest of Fairwynds’ temple.” He chuckled “The only priest still living here, now.”

            “And you remember me, Samuel?” Torren probed.

            “Aye, my lord. When you were just a child, I knew you well.” his grin showed several teeth missing. “Your face is unmistakable. And your lady carries the Serpent of Fairwynds upon her shield.”

            Regina tilted her shield and studied the design with a smile; proud to bear the coat of arms of her husband’s family “Are there any other people still living on Fairwynds?” she asked.

            “Aye, my lady. There are a few brave souls, who refuse to leave their homes” Samuel informed her “Come, and I will take you to them” he turned and started to limp away down the cobblestone road.

            “And what of my parents?” Torren asked, as he walked beside Samuel.

            “They are still here.” the priest answered, sadly “But not as you remember them, my lord.”

            “Are they among the people that you are taking us to see?” there was caution in Torren’s voice.

            “Nay, my lord” Samuel stopped and pointed a boney finger to the west; towards the ancient stone tower on the hill “Your parents’ souls are forever trapped in that unholy dwelling.”

            Torren gazed at his former home; the place of his birth. But the sight of it did not bring a single memory to his mind. He studied the buildings behind him, and the harbor beyond, but much to his disappointment, saw nothing familiar. He began to walk up the hill towards the tower; wanting to see his parents, regardless of their state of being.

            Regina and Samuel followed a few steps behind Torren, as the trio slowly traveled the winding road to the wide front steps of the tower. Torren’s home showed more damage to its exterior than any building they had seen, thus far. The double front doors were missing and every visible window was shattered.

            Proceeding into the ruined interior of the tower, Torren heard the shrill cry of giant spiders. Two of the huge insects darted out into the entrance hall of the building; their jaws open in warning. Torren swung his axe in a downward stoke; all of the anger, he felt in his soul, focused into the blow. The first spider was cleaved in two and fell on the floor, with a death squeal. The second spider backed away, hissing, as its long legs nimbly carried it into a room off the main hallway and up a wall.

     Torren followed with an outraged roar. Memories suddenly flooded back to him; memories of this house and his father.

     And then, Torren remembered his mother.

      He charged the retreating spider and brought his axe down upon it with such force, that the blade went through the creature and embedded itself several inches into the wall. Torren roared again; ripping the axe from the wall and storming back into the entrance hall. Blinded by rage, Torren passed his two companions and strode down the hallway, towards the back of the tower. He disappeared through a doorway, whose wooden door lay in splinters on the floor nearby.

    Regina ran to keep up with her new husband; following him through the doorway and down a flight of stairs. She found herself in the dark, foul smelling basement of the tower.

   “Where are you going?” Regina shouted her question at Torren’s retreating back. She cast night sight upon herself; revealing a dirt floor, littered with human bones. On the far side of the basement was an opening into a tunnel. Regina could hear Torren’s footsteps, moving away from her, in that tunnel. She ran to the passageway entrance and peered in. The wide corridor, which had been excavated into the rock, sloped down into the ground.

     Regina’s training had taught her never to charge into an unknown area, where danger might lie in wait. Unlike Torren, she took her time assessing the situation, before proceeding further.

   This tower was not a home. It was a battle ground.

   Evidence of a struggle, between humans and a violent monster, were present throughout the house. The blood and bones, of those who had died in battle, led to this strange opening in the wall of the basement. Perhaps this was the lair of the creature that haunted Fairwynds by night.

   Could it be the passage to the Doom Gauntlet, which Lord Daegan had created?

      From deep within the tunnel, Regina heard Torren’s voice bellow a single word, with so much anguish, that it tore at her heart.

   “Mother!”

    Fighting the urge to rush to Torren’s side, Regina called his name. Her voice echoed off the damp rock walls of the passageway, but he did not answer. Securing the serpent helmet on her head, and lifting the glowing, holy katana, Regina cautiously entered the tunnel.