willy levant and the vampire elf

8/8/2019 Willy Levant and the Vampire Elf

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Anthony A. Castro about 16,300 words

1D Oak Crest Court

Novato, CA 94947(415)897-0305

[email protected]

Willy Levant and the Vampire Elf

By A. A. Castro

I - Breakfast

Willy, breakfast is ready! Better get up and come down before it gets cold!

The words were barely out of his mothers mouth when she saw Willy come

flying down the stairs. Hi, Mom! Hi, Dad! Imgoingexploringintheforestagain,OK?

Seeyouguyslater! The words tumbled out of Willy in an unbroken stream as his hand

reached for the front door.

He felt his fathers hand on his shoulder. Not before you eat your breakfast,

buddy! Whats the rush, anyway?


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NothingI just think the forest is really neat, is all, Dad. Whats for breakfast,

Mom? Willy stood at the kitchen door, trying not to shake from the excitement. His

Dad looked at him and smiled. Sit down, buddythe forest isnt going anywhere!

Willy tried to not roll his eyes as he sat at the kitchen counter. Hed overheard his

parents arguing the night before he didnt quite get all of it, but hed heard his name a

lot. He didnt get it. First his parents had been all worried about him growing up in a big

city with all its dangers, and now they were all worried about him wanting to spend his

summer exploring the forest in their backyard. Jeez, he thought to himself, dont they

ever stop worrying about stuff and junk?

He gulped down his breakfast and raced out the back door, making his mother

smile. All that energy and not a single drop of coffee, she thought, to be eleven years old

again. His dad yelled out for him to be careful out there as he grabbed his third cup of

the morning.

Willy was long gone from the path when they both heard the newscast on the

radio about the disappearances of two young boys over the last few weeks in the forest

and the fruitless searches for them.

II The Forest

Willy had his backpack slung over one shoulder as he ran down the garden path to

the fence door that led to the forest. It was a big forest, and a little scary. Being a city

kid, Willy had never really seen a forest. There were a lot of places to see and explore,


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trees and creeks, animals and birds. But that wasnt why Willy was so eager to get out

there that morning.

He wanted to find out if what hed seen the day before was real. It looked real

enoughWilly checked one of the side pockets. The camera was still there. He took a

deep breath and went deeper into the forest.

Hed seen it by the big creek, where one of the really old trees had fallen and

made a natural bridge to cross it. Willy had frozen when he saw it, a small thing that

looked like a little man with wings. The little man with wings was slender, the sunlight

shining thru his wings and making them shimmer like oil over water; it was beautiful.

The wings, the face, the bodyslender and beautiful.

Thats a weird idea, thought Willy. Hed never thought of any other male as

beautiful before and this thing was definitely male. It wasnt wearing pants, he thought

to himself as he giggled. Maybe he forgot them, his mind continued, or maybe he didnt

have any. That last thought made Willy a little sad. Poor little guy must get really cold.

The little man had turned then and smiled at Willy. Willy smiled back. The little

man, who had been hovering about a foot off the ground, stopped moving his wings and

dropped softly to the ground.

Hello it said in a voice that was high-pitched but still pleasant, the wings on its

back moving slowly.

Willy knelt down. Hello he said, not knowing what to say next.


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The little man stared at Willy. Its eyes were a dark purple, like a grape. Are

youare you the Levantine?

Willy was sitting on the forest floor. Nowhats a Levantine?

The little man turned away and sighed. He looked sad, his little shoulders

sagging. Strangethe prophecy was very clear on both time and placestill, it might

be possible He looked sharply at Willy. But youre a human, arent you?

Willy laughed. Of course Im human! My whole family is humanexcept for

my dog Max. He leaned forward. Are you human? Youre awful little to be one!

The little man stood a little straighter and lifted his head. Of course Im not a

human! Im an elf!

Whoa! No kidding? Waityoure not supposed to exist!

Typical humanam I not standing here before you? Do you not trust your own

eyes? I am an elf and my name is Terzon, son of King Tergaen II. What is your name?

Willy thought for a moment. Remember the rule, he thought, dont talk to

strangers. But it would be impolite if he didnt answer the question. Besides Im a lot

bigger than him, Willy said to himself.

My name is Willy Levant, pleased to meet you. Willy stuck out his right hand

and smiled. Terzon looked at the hand, up at Willys face, and back at the hand. Willys

smile got a little forcedwhy wasnt the elf shaking his hand?

Levant? Your family name is Levant?


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Uh, yeahthats my dads name.

And yet you say youre not the Levantineinteresting. The prophecy could still

be correcttell me, Willy Levant, do you have strange dreams?

This whole thing was starting to feel like a strange dream to Willy. Strange, and

more than a little scary. He got up quickly, almost banging his head on a low branch.

Im not supposed to talk to strangers His head felt weird, empty, like a balloon; his

voice didnt even sound like him. II gotta go

The little elf stared at him, not saying a word. Willy got up and ran back home,

stumbling over branches. He heard Terzons voice, calling him to come back but Willy

kept running.

He didnt stop running until he was back in his room with the door closed. It had

to be a dream, he thought, I mustve hit my head or something. Willy felt the top of his

head with his fingertips, gingerly running them over his blonde hairno bumps, nothing

sore at all.

It took him a long time to go to sleep that night. Willy tossed and turned for

hours, trying to make sense of what hed seen in the forest. There was just no such thing

as an elfthey were stuff from the movies and the books his dad gave him for Christmas.

So, what had he seen in the forest, who had he been talking to? Only one way to

find out, Willy thought, gotta go back to the forest tomorrow and see if hes still there.

He drifted off to sleep thinking that he really ought to bring a camera also.


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III Encounter by the Creek

But that was all yesterday. Today, he was running by the banks of the creek

towards the spot where the old tree formed a bridge. Willys backpack bounced on his

back as he raced along, hair flying and glasses threatening to fly off the bridge of his

nose. Maybe it really was just a dream, he thought

His foot got caught on an upturned root, sending Willy sprawling to the ground.

The backpack hit the back of his head and his glasses fell off as he fell heavily to the

ground. He fell right on top of another root, knocking the wind out of him and making

him cough and gasp helplessly for a few minutes.

Slowly, he got to his knees. He looked at his elbow, squintinghed skinned it,

not too badly, but there was blood. It didnt even hurt. He started to feel the ground

around him, searching for his glasses. Willy hated wearing them, mostly because the

other kids at school teased him so hard about them. Problem was, he couldnt see too

well without them.

His fingertips hit something hard, thin and smooth. Willy let out a big sigh of

relief as he put his glasses back on his dad would have really been mad if hed lost

them.

He blinked twice. He still felt a little woozy, but he could breathe now. He

looked around for any more of his stuff but discovered that everything was snug and safe

in his backpack.


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Willy got up slowly, brushing off the dirt and leaves that had stuck to him. He

saw the big green grass stain on his knees Moms gonna kill me, he thought. He turned

around and stepped on another root, almost losing his balance and falling into the creek.

Arms windmilling like crazy, Willy managed to almost keep his balancehe didnt fall

into the creek but landed instead on his butt.

At least he landed on soft green grass. It still knocked the wind out of him again,

but at least he wasnt all wet. Wincing and rubbing his backside, Willy got back up

again. Thats when he heard something that sounded like laughter.

Willy looked around, trying to figure out where the sound was coming from.

There didnt seem to be anyone around him. He heard that high, tinkling laugh again,

somewhere close by. Willy started to get a little mad.

Whoever it was, they were laughing at him and Willy didnt like it one bit. It was

also a little scary that he couldnt see who was laughing. I dont know whos laughing

but you better cut it out! He tried to make his voice sound strong and deep but the last

word came out in a high-pitched squeak that made the laughter even louder.

Finally, it occurred to Willy to look down. Sure enough, there was TerTer

Terzon, he suddenly remembered. The elf prince, as hed called himself, was standing on

a rock and looking up at him. Terzon bent at the waist, one hand on his chest and the

other sweeping behind him. Welcome, Willy Levant, welcome to the forest. I see that

some of my more playful brethren have been having a bit of fun at your expense


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Willy stared at the little manlike form there, the deep purple eyes of Terzon

almost hypnotizing him. He tore his eyes away with some effort. I I wanted to find

out if yesterday was just a dream or not

Thank you for returning to the forest, Willy Levant. Yesterday was not a

dreamif it is your wish, I can take you to my fathers kingdom. He is a very wise king,

and can explain things to you much better than I ever could.

Explainwhat?

Why, the prophecy, of course! I asked you yesterday if you were the

Levantinethere is a prophecy that a human child will come from the East and aid the

House of Ter in their hour of need. My father and I both believe that you are that one,

but there is a test. If it is your wish to know more, follow me because I can say no more.

Terzons voice was very soothing. Willy was feeling pretty relaxedhe stifled a

yawn, not because Terzon was boring him but just because he was feeling sleepy. How

far is it?

Child, the journey to reach my fathers kingdom follows no road except the road

of dreams. Do not be afraid, young Willy, there is nothing in the forest that will harm

you. Close your eyes, young Willy, and let the forest cradle you in its branches. As your

body sleeps, we shall make our way to the hall of my father

Willy closed his eyes. His eyelids felt so heavy, like the weights in his Uncle

Dannys garage. It was weird because he hadnt been feeling tired until he ran into

Terzon


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Willys knees buckled, but he didnt collapse. Terzon made a sweeping motion

towards him with both hands and hundreds of winged forms emerged from the forest.

They gathered around Willy and slowly lowered his sleeping form to the forest floor.

Willys eyes shot open. He sat up and looked around. He was surrounded by

hundreds of elves, winged men and women who hovered all around him, all looking at

him

He let out a surprised yelp when he stood up and saw his body lying on the

ground. Willy extended his right hand and tried to poke the form on the ground. His

finger went through the arm as if he didnt even exist.

Willy was getting scared now. He turned and saw Terzon still looking at him.

Wha-whatcha do to me? Youd better stop it before I get mad!

Terzons wings began beating rhythmically as he ascended. He stopped when he

was eye-level with Willy. Young Willy, I have done nothing to you. I told you we

would have to travel the road of dreams to reach my fathers kingdom. You sleep,

nothing more. Youve taken the first step in the journey, young Willyyou are

dreaming, and we dream with you. Is it your wish to continue?

There was something in Terzons voice that soothed and calmed Willy. He

wasnt feeling scared anymore, not really. Instead, he started to feel restless, like he

couldnt wait to get going. Funny, he thought, a second ago I was really scared and now

it feels like the coolest adventure ever

Im dreaming? Really? But this feels soreal!


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Look at your feet, child

Willy looked down. His eyes bulged out as he saw that his feet werent touching

the ground and he was floating about six inches off it. He bent his knees and lifted his

feethe was still floating. It was cool and weird and exciting and scary but Willy knew

in that moment he never wanted this to end.

Terzons voice cut through his reverie. You must now decide, young Willy,

whether or not you truly wish to go to my fathers kingdom. Tell me, do you wish to

go?

Willys smile was so broad he thought his teeth would fly out of his mouth.

Yeah, sure I do! Lets gobut how do we get there?

His question was answered by hundreds of elves laughing. Terzon smiled.

Simply step forward, young Willy, and say it is your wish to go to my fathers

kingdom

It is my wish

Willy saw Terzon and the rest of the elves still hovering all around him, but they

werent little anymore. They all started to grow, like seeing someone from far away get

bigger as they get near you. They grew and grew until they surrounded him, beautiful

and slender men and women with skin so fair it was almost transparent, their almond-

shaped eyes all a dark purple, their wings reflecting the sunlight that drifted down from

the heavens in a riotous kaleidoscope of colors.


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A beautiful female elf stepped forward. Terzon held her hand. This, young

Willy, is the Princess Terana, my sister. Take our hands and we will begin our journey.

Terana spoke, her voice cascading into Willys ears like the sweetest honey hed

ever tasted. Welcome, child, to our world. We are grateful for your presence, you

whose coming to our deliverance was foretold so long ago. Willy couldnt believe she

was actually kneeling before him as she spoke.

Pleaseplease get up, princess. Dont kneel to me

Willy had instinctively reached out to Terana, to stop her from kneeling. He was

surprised that he could touch her as his hands found hers. Look, Im glad youre all so

happy that Im here but whats this prophecy stuff all about?

Terzon interrupted. An excellent question, young Willy. It is high time we

answered it. Let us make haste to our father, King Tergaen II, for he is the only one who

can tell you this saddest and most terrible of stories

IV Journey to a New World

Willy found his right hand being held by Terana while Terzon took his left. They

drifted up into the air, but it wasnt the blue sky Willy saw every day. Hed never seen

anything like this the entire sky above him was divided into light and dark sections

slowly revolving around a central point, like a giant wheel. There was a word for it that

his mom used, and Willy thought hard to remembermandala, that was it. He didnt

know what the word meant, but hed heard his mom use that word when she was looking

at a yoga book with a picture that looked really similar.


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It didnt seem to affect the light, though. There was still sunlight, or something

like sunlight, that illuminated them all. They all began to ascend into the sky, aiming

directly at the center point where the sky was revolving. Willy felt the wind buffeting

him as they went higher and higher, the cold starting to bite through his clothes and

making his teeth chatter.

The center point got bigger as they got nearer. It was a round black spot that

looked deep and scary to Willy. He felt Terana squeeze his hand. Willy looked at her

and she smiled at him as they entered the black spot in the sky.

Willy felt himself stretching, getting longer and thinner, like a piece of taffy being

pulled. He was still moving, but everything got slower and slower. The black spot

turned into a tunnel, a long stretch of blackness that sucked Willy into it, pulling and

stretching his body until it felt like his head was a million miles from his feet

And suddenly, their feet were on the ground. Willy yelped, stumbled and fell

forward. But he didnt hit the ground because Terzon and Terana were still holding his

hands. Instead, he simply floated, his feet hovering a few inches from the soft green

grass that stretched all around them to the limits of the horizon.

Thanksthat couldve hurt!

Terzon responsed, his dark purple eyes boring into his. You are under my

protection, young Willy. Nothing in my fathers kingdom will hurt you.

Terana, a smile illuminating her face, squeezed Willys hand. Come, Willy, this

is the way to our fathers hall. He smiled back it felt nice to hold her hand. There was


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a road that stretched ahead from where they stood. It led to a castle that looked big, even

if it was far away.

Willy started to walk but stopped when he heard Teranas tinkling laughter. We

do not have to walk theresee, here is our transportation! She clapped her hands and

gestured towards the ground. Willy heard a deep rumbling sound as a crack appeared on

the road, a crack that got progressively wider until it was big enough to swallow all three

of them whole. From deep underground came the sound of thundering hooves, getting

closer and closer until a carriage exploded out of the ground. Willy could only stare in

wonder at the orange, pumpkin-shaped carriage and the six winged white horses that

pulled it. Wowhow did you do that?

We have the ability to manipulate matter at the molecular level and reshape it

into any form we desire with subcutaneous limbic implants that enhance our natural

telekinetic abilities. Terzon opened the door of the carriage and extended his hand to

help his sister climb in.

Willy stared at him. Huh?

Terana laughed again as she took Willys hand and helped him into the carriage.

Just call it magic then, little one, and banish all doubts from your mind!

Terzon leaped to the drivers seat and took the reins of the carriage. He leaned

down as he continued to talk. It is very close to magic, young Willy, and not all elves

can do it. The power has always run strongest and deepest in the House of Terbut

there have been others with the same abilities.


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Willy leaned his head out the window so he could hear Terzon better. The elf

prince was holding the reins lightly as the winged horses galloped down the road, their

hooves barely touching the ground as they sped on towards the Castle of Ter. To Willy it

seemed as if they were galloping in slow motion, their legs moving up and down at a

stately pace, their wings methodically and rhythmically moving while the landscape

around them streamed by the window in a smudged blur.

Willy heard Terana gasp. She leaned out the other side. Terzon, you must

stop!

The elf prince pulled gently on the reins and the horses stopped almost

immediately. Willy could see Terzons eyes becoming darker. I felt it also, my sister.

We must find the cause!

This didnt sound good. Terana looks scared, thought Willy and that made him

feel scared also. The carriage had stopped where the prairie ended and a forest began.

Willy could see that the trees were tall and straight, with no branches until almost the

very top. They reminded him of telephone poles.

Terana, whats going on?

My brother and I sense an evil presence in the forestcan you not feel it, young

Willy?

He could. There was a sense of tension in the air, like it was charged with

electricity, and it was quiet. Willy had never been in a place that was so quieteven

breathing or blinking seemed unnaturally loud.


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The princess stood still and stretched her arms in front of her, eyes closed. She

began to slowly sway back and forth, and a low humming chant came from her lips.

Sister, can you sense a direction? Can you?

She dropped her arms to her sides. Her eyes opened and she answered in a weary

voice. Yes, Terzonevil has been close by but it is gone now. It is recentwe must

walk to the east She pointed the way.

Terzon reached into his tunic and pulled out a small object. Willy could see that

it looked like a small golden cross with a loop at the top. The prince put his hand on

Willys shoulder. It was not my wish for you to see this, but perhaps it is for the best.

Follow me.

Willy was feeling nervous about this. He didnt want to follow Terzon into the

forest, but the elf prince was looking at him and clearly expecting Willy to go with him.

He felt a hand on his shoulder. Go, child...I also do not wish you to see this but it is part

of your destiny

Teranas voice sounded distant and a little sad to Willy. He turned to look at the

elf princess. Are you coming with us?

No, Willy, she cannot. Teranas visions are very draining to her. She will stay

and rest until we return.

Terzon then turned around and walked into the forest. Willy could hear his

footsteps crunching the fallen leaves as the elf prince advanced deeper into the woods.

Hey, wait upIm coming, Terzon! He had to run to catch up with the elf prince.


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The forest made Willy nervous. It was more than just the tall trees that threw a

shade so deep that it almost seemed like nighttime. It was the complete silence that

followed them as they went deeper into the woods. Other than the sound of their

footsteps on the dry leaves and their breathing, the forest was as soundless as the vacuum

of space.

Willy stepped on a twig. It snapped, reverberating like a rifle shot in the silence.

Terzon turned and crouched, his hand flying to the looped cross he was carrying. He

sighed and stood up when he saw that it was only Willy behind him. The young boy was

left wonderingwho or what had Terzon expected to see?

They walked for a few more minutes until Terzon put his left fist up. His voice

came out in a slight whisper. Stoptheres something ahead.

Willy looked ahead. He didnt see anything at first, not until he looked beyond

the first few trees in front of them. Then he saw them, a pair of bare feet attached to

stockinged legs on the ground. Terzon turned to Willy and placed his open hand on

Willys chest. Stay here while I examine it.

Terzon walked towards the body and knelt down. Willy saw him pull a small rod

from his jacket and use it to lift something from the ground a handkerchief, Willy

thought. It was stained red. Suddenly, Willys chest constricted and he was

overwhelmed with the feeling that he should never have followed the elves

Young Willy, do not come any further. We must leave this place!


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The elf prince stood up and placed the handkerchief in a small wooden box. He

lifted his right hand and swept back the lock of hair that had fallen over his eyes. Willy

could see the tenseness in Terzons movements and it reminded him of how he felt right

before the bullies in school came after him. Something bad was coming and they had to

get out of there.

The wind started to pick up. It was getting stronger by the second. Willy looked

up and saw the treetops swaying crazily as the wind picked up more speed. But he also

saw one solitary dark cloud against the electric-blue sky that seemed to move with a will

of its owna will that was moving the cloud directly towards him and Terzon.

Terzon had seen it also. Swiftly, he grabbed Willys hand, turned him around and

pushed him back towards the carriage where Terana waited for them. Quickly, Willy,

run to the carriage! We must flee from here!

They ran through the silent forest back to the carriage. Terzon jumped and

grabbed the reins while Willy hastily climbed in. With a mighty yell, the elf prince sent

the winged horses down the road and away from the corpse in the forest. Terana hugged

Willy, whispering something in her language that relaxed him and allayed his fears.

Even though the castle had seemed distant, the carriage was crossing the

drawbridge and entering the courtyard after what seemed like only a few minutes.

Terzon jumped down from the top of carriage, yelling Mystics to the battlements!

Defensive incantations now!


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The guardsmen who had approached the carriage took up Terzons cry

immediately. Willy could see from the inside of the carriage that a group of robed and

hooded men were running up the stairs to the battlements and spreading themselves out.

The robes were white with red trim and they all had wands in their hands.

Willy tried to get out of the carriage but found a restraining hand on his shoulder.

Wait, young Willy. We must first prepare our defenses. My brother and I sense the evil

that is approaching

You mean the cloud?

Yes, Willy, it is the black cloud I speak of. Rather, what is contained inside the

black cloudyes, it is He, the Lord of Blood himself! Terana brought out her wand and

started to chant in a low voice as she moved the wand in small circles around her and

Willy.

Up in the battlements, the mystics were chanting the same protective spell that

Terana was using in the carriage, her psychic power joining with theirs. The black cloud

was closer now, and the elves in the courtyard were pointing at it and speaking in loud

and frightened voices.

The main doors of the courtyard opened, and a tall elf who looked like an older

Terzon stepped out into the courtyard. He wore a slender crown of gold on his head and

carried a wand in his hands. Behind him came a procession of elves, one of them

carrying a massive leather-bound book that he placed at the feet of the elf that Willy

realized was King Tergaen II.


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While the mystics raised their wands and continued their chant, the King raised

his wand with his right hand and started to make gestures with his left. The book opened

and floated upwards until it was at chest-level. King Tergaen began to read from the

book, his words coming out as a smoky mist that rose in a column towards the sky.

Willy could see that the mystics had spread themselves all around the main

battlement wall of the castle. They were all standing with their arms outstretched and

their heads hanging back. What was really weird for Willy was seeing the smoky mist

that came from their mouths and combined with the mist coming from the King. All the

streams of mist joined high above the center of the castle and were forming a kind of

opalescent, almost translucent dome that stretched all the way to the grounds outside the

castle.

Everyone could now see the black cloud. It had finally reached the castle and it

hovered over the pearly dome like a malignant raven eying a meal. Willy could see little

lightning strikes that played all over the cloudthen they combined into a single,

monstrous bolt of lightning that smashed into the top of the dome. King Tergaen

staggered for a second while some of the mystics fell to the ground, groaning in pain.

The top of the dome was bending down.

Willy and Terana were still inside the carriage. He wanted to help the princess,

who was still chanting the defensive spell started by her father, but he didnt know how.

The black cloud was sending down more and more bolts of lightning. The top of the

dome began to crack. It was a loud, splintering groan that was echoed by the screams of

fear in the courtyard as elves started to flee into the castle.


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Terzon ran to his fathers side. He placed his right hand on the Kings shoulder,

steadying him. Tergaen seemed to get renewed strength and stood up straighter, his voice

loudly chanting the spell of protection and filling the courtyard with a booming echo.

Willy couldnt tear his eyes away from the top of the dome. He felt Teranas grip

on his arm grow tighterthe top of the dome was bending back out again. The lightning

strikes from the black cloud kept coming, their fury and strength increasing as the dome

inexorably regained its shape. It almost looked like there was a giant hand outlined under

the dome, holding it up and pushing it back against the black cloud that continued to

attack.

After a few seconds, the dome was back to its normal shape and the black cloud

was hovering over the castle. It stopped sending down lightning strikes but it didnt leave

or dissipate either. The black cloud simply hung there in threatening silence.

Suddenly a wind started to pick up inside the courtyard. Within seconds, it had

formed a small cyclone in front of Tergaen and Terzon. The black cyclone started to

grow taller, reaching almost to the top of the dome when it collapsed to the ground with a

loud bang

Willy could see a tall elf, dressed in black from head to toe and standing where

the cyclone had been just an instant before. Through a misty, flame-colored fog he saw a

face with a long, rat-like nose and ragged pointed ears. He stood ramrod straight with his

arms held straight and stiff at his sides, holding his hands with palms facing the ground.

He was thin and pale but his eyes were red and they blazedit was as if there was a


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beam of scarlet light that came from them. He looked at the King and smiled, his lips

drawing back and exposing serrated teeth.

Hello, brotherhas your childrens quest succeeded or have they failed you yet

again?

Begone, foul thing! You are no brother of mine, murderer!

The cadaverously thin elf chuckled. It was a dusty croak, with no mirth behind it.

Sticks and stones, brother, sticks and stones. I couldnt help but notice that you havent

answered my questionhave my arrogant nephew and incompetent niece found your

savior?

Mortus, you shall learn that soon enough! Now I command you to leave this

place!

Mortus laugh was louder this time. You command me? Tergaen, my brother,

youve become even more foolish in your old age! Have you forgotten that you have no

power over me and that none here do? I come and go as I please, and none of your

tedious spells can stop me!

He wrapped his dark cloak imperiously around his emaciated body and seemed to

stand even taller as he addressed the King. I am Baron Mortus, Lord of Blood. You can

do nothing against me and it shall remain that way for all eternity because none of you

dare even touch me! As I feasted on your Queen, so shall I feast on your children and

your childrens children! I shall continue as the eternal nightmare of your people long

after youre dead and buried!


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The Barons shadow seemed to grow, tendrils reaching out towards the King.

Willy felt helpless, out of his depth, as the shadow advanced like an oil slick and tried to

wrap itself around Tergaen. Eyes wide, he looked at Terana who was staring at Mortus

with her fists clenched. Princess, weve gotta do something!

Take my hand, Willy, quickly! There is still a way! Willy grabbed the

Princess right hand as she bowed her head and began chanting in a low, musical

language. The white amulet on her chest began to shine, brighter and brighter

A shaft of white light sprang from inside the carriage and smote Mortus in the

chest, forcing a grunt from him. Willy and Princess Terana emerged from the carriage,

her hair billowing around her head, framing it in a blonde halo. You are nothing,

Mortus! You think you can frighten us by simply projecting your image here and

spouting your threats? By the Sacred Light of Amarna, leave this place now!

The light sprang, pure and strong, from the amulet on Teranas chest. Mortus

seemed to turn into himself and diminish, the very color of him fading into nothingness.

He was fading away, but not before pointing at Terana. Such a profligate use of power,

dear niece, just to destroy an illusion? Have a care, my dearyou may need it in the

future!

Willy could see the almost unchained fury in Teranas eyes. She stood tall and

proud, facing down the greatest enemy of her people. The light that came from the

amulet became a blinding incandescence and Willy had to shield his eyes. Be silent,

worm! Your words and your presence hold no fear for us! BEGONE! Terana raised


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her arms and clapped her hands over head, generating a loud booming sound that

reminded Willy of old jets breaking the sound barrier.

The shock wave blew Willy to the ground, and he saw the figure of Baron Mortus

wither away and wail in frustrated anger as he become almost like a flat picture and

disappeared. The black cloud over the castle sped away, east towards the mountains.

Terana was lying on the ground, a small trickle of blood coming from her nose.

Terzon cried out her name as he knelt beside her and cradled her head. King Tergaen

turned and called out for a healer as he dropped to his knees next to his daughter and held

her hand. What have you done, my daughter, what have you done

Willy stood there, not knowing what to do or even where to start. He knelt next

to Terzon and placed a hand on his arm. Terana was even paler, her other-worldly beauty

stained by her own blood. Willy felt his eyes water. His heart felt like it was getting

smaller and tighter, his breath caught in his throat as he watched the unconscious elf

princess. Then, like a flashlight suddenly illuminating the darkness, Willys resolve

hardened and he faced the King.

Excuse meYour Highness, I want to helptell me what I can do, please

King Tergaen IIs eyes fell on Willy. It was like the King hadnt even noticed his

being there. He looked in wonder at this blonde-haired and bespectacled human child

who held his daughters hand. Terzon, my son, is he the one?

I am convinced of that, father. Willy Levant, allow me to present you to his

Royal Majesty King Tergaen II of the House of Ter, Lord of the Elven Tribes and Holder


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of the Divine Seal. Father, this child is Willy Levant, descendant of Gaius Ambrosius

Levantinus. He is The Levantine!

Tergaen stared into Willys eyes, frowning, trying to read the childs mind.

Welcome, Willy Levant, to my kingdom. I hope my son is correct in his assessment of

you

An elf dressed in a blue robe stepped forward at that moment. He bore a staff

tipped with a blazing blue crystal. He stamped it into the ground. My Lord Tergaen, the

test has not been given!

Tergaen turned and nodded at the elderly mystic. Youre correct as usual,

Dalglish. The test must be administered immediately. Are you ready, old friend?

Dalglish nodded at the King. I always stand ready to serve my King. I will

speak with the boy now. He turned to Terzon then. Three of you left on this quest,

Terzon. Tell me, where is my son? Where is Dalveer?

Willy could see Terzons eyes watering as he lowered his head before replying to

Dalglish. We were separated when we crossed the Sighing Desert, before we could

cross over to the human world. Terana and I searched for him, but we could find no trace

of Dalveer

The blue crystal on Dalglishs staff blazed and sent a shaft of blue light to the sky.

Terzon, tell me what has happened to my son!


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Terzon placed his right hand on Dalglishs shoulder as he stood in front of the

mystic. With his left hand, he reached into his pocket and pulled out the blood-stained

handkerchief hed found next to the nameless body in the woods. He gave it to Dalglish

who stared at it. We, Willy and I, found him in the forestMortus took him!

No! No, it cannot be! Not my son, not my son! The mystics shoulders shook

as his voice broke, sobbing. Terzon placed his arms around him and held Dalglish as he

cried.

Willy and the King were still kneeling at Teranas side. Your Highness, you

need to call a doctor for her.

The King turned and looked at Willy. Yes, but not Dalglish. His grief is too

deep right now. He stood up and looked at the battlements where the rest of the mystics

had battled Baron Mortus. The Princess needs a healer! You and you, there, take her to

the Medical Centerquickly, now!

Two mystics ran to the side of the Princess. Willy could finally see their faces

under their hoods. They were young elves, and they looked scared. One of them pulled

out a small boxlike object that beeped as he ran it along the Princess forehead while the

other placed his right hand over her chest and chanted in a low voice. A low moan came

from her mouth as her eyelids fluttered.

Willy smiled in relief when he saw that Terana was awake and trying to get up.

The two mystics stopped her and called out for a levichair to take her to the Medical


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Center. A floating chair, shaped like an open egg, was brought out and the mystics

helped Terana get inside.

Willy started to follow them when he heard Terzon. Young Willy, we have

duties to attend to. My sister is in good hands we will see her later. We must go with

Dalglish now.

The elder mystic had left the courtyard already, accompanied by King Tergaen.

The large portal that led to the interior of the castle stood wide open, but it was all still

shrouded in darkness. Willy swallowed once and followed Terzon inside.

The air felt cooler inside. Terzon and Willy were in a long hallway with tall

ceilings and thin windows that sent shafts of sunlight stabbing into the gloom. Their

footsteps echoed loudly as they walked. There was a tall and wide set of double doors at

the end of the hallway, but it seemed impossibly far to Willy they looked so small to his

eyes that he thought it would take hours to reach them.

Suddenly, like a snapping rubber band, Willy found himself in front of the doors.

He blinked once and turned to look behind him. The hallway stretched out behind him,

looking just as long and gloomy as before. He looked at Terzon who smiled at him.

I know this is hard for you to understand, Willy. The physics of our world are

different from yours. Your experiences way seem a bitstrange at first, but you will get

used to it.

You mean like stuff that looks far but isnt, or something that looks slow but is

really moving fast?


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That is part of it. Perspective is distorted, compared to your world, but it can

also be manipulated.

Wait a minute, you mean tha-

Later, young Willy. Dalglish must first administer the test.

Terzon opened the double doors and walked in, with Willy following. The room

they were in was enormousit was so large that Willy could barely see the gray stone

walls and the ceiling seemed to be miles above his head. There was a carpet that ran

from the doors to the foot of a small dais that held a throne. Willy could see King

Tergaen was seated on the throne with Dalglish at his side.

It should have taken hours to walk so far, thought Willy as he once again

experienced the strange perspectives of this strange dimension. He and Terzon were

standing in front of the throne after a scant half-dozen steps.

The King looked at him with his deep purple eyes, small lines forming on their

sides as he narrowed them. Willy felt a weird sensation in his headit reminded him of

when he was little and his dog Max would scratch the door of his bedroom. It felt like

something scratching at his mind, trying to enter it and failing. It was something between

a brain tickle and a headache, making him smile and frown at the same time.

He has the giftI cannot see his thoughts!


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Father, you know only a direct blood descendant of Gaius Ambrosius Levantinus

could have the gift! It was given only to him and his children! This child is the

Levantine!

Dalglish had been standing silently, leaning on his staff, listening and watching.

His purple eyes, deep and sad, studied Willys face intently. It was a hard stare and Willy

could feel his cheeks getting hot. The old mystics eyes kept studying him, almost as if

he was trying to read beyond Willys skin all the way down to his genes.

With a sigh, Dalglish lowered his head. He has the face of Gaius and the gift of

Gaius. Your Highness, I must administer the test so we may end all doubts.

Then let us have no more delays! Tergaen pressed a button on the thrones

arm-rest. A small metal cylinder with a slender cable at the end came out of the arm-rest

and the King spoke into it. Bring in the Levantines chair!

A pair of servants came from behind the curtains around the throne. They carried

a very old wooden armchair that was upholstered by strips of leather made threadbare by

the weight of centuries. There were strips with buckles on both armrests and on the two

front legs of the chair it reminded Willy of the old-fashioned electric chair hed seen in

those old horror movies his dad loved so much. It also smelled bad, like someone had

done their business there.

Dalglish struck the floor three times with his staff. Young Willy, you must sit on

the chair. Willy gulped and stood there, looking at the chair. His hand reached out

tentatively for it and his fingertips lightly caressed the armrest before he pulled back. He


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could feel an attraction towards the chair, looking at the metal rivets that held the leather

strips in place against the ancient wood and the curving back that looked like giant bat

wings stretching behind the chairbut he could also see rust-colored markings under

newer stains that looked too red to be simple rust.

Willys eyes turned glassy, and he seemed to be staring far off into the distance.

His mouth opened and he heard himself speak. Youve tested others beforeand none

of them passed He ground his knuckles into his temples and looked up at the elven

king with a pained expression in his eyes. Mortus took them, didnt he?

Terzon started to speak but stopped at a gesture from his father. But even though

the princes lips didnt move, Willy could clearly hear Terzons question in his

mindHow could he know?

Willy stared at the king on his throne. Tergaen looked at him with a deep sadness

in his eyes. Thats when Willy decided that enough was enough. He remembered what

his dad had told him about meeting problems and challenges head on and not running

away, about how he should never be afraid of asking questions. He squared his shoulders

and spoke.

I wont do anything more until you answer my questions and tell me whats

going on! Why am I here? What do you want me to do? Who is the Levantine and who

is Mortus?


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Terzon and Dalglish looked apprehensively at Tergaen on his throne. The king

nodded his head. Dalglish started to speak but fell silent when Tergaen waved his hand.

You are brave, young Willy. You deserve to know. Come and walk with me.

Tergaen stood up and offered his right hand to Willy. The young boy walked up

to the king and took his hand. Tergaen turned to his son and the elderly mystic. Willy

and I have many things to discuss before the test can be administered. Look for us in the

South Tower if necessary I will call for you when we are finished.

V. The Well of Sorrows

Tergaen and Willy left the throne room and entered a small alcove behind it.

There was only one door, both entrance and exit, and the alcove was round. Tergaen

smiled at Willy. You may find this form of travel a bitdisconcerting. Take my hand

if you feel the need there is no shame in experiencing fear, only in denying it is there.

Ill be fine, sirI want to know.

Tergaen smiled at him and slowly nodded. He bent his head down and chanted

aroukh balarium est as he pressed three buttons by the door. A low hum started to

build, a vibration in the floor that Willy could feel all the way to his teeth. The floor

remained where it was, but the walls started to rotate around them, faster and faster. In

less than ten seconds it was all over, though. The walls stopped moving and the vibration

in the floor disappeared.

The king opened the door and ushered Willy out. We are now at the South

Tower, Willy. Come, let us go in for there is much to show you and much to discuss.


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Willy stepped out of the alcove and into the South Tower. It was a medium-sized

round room with open windows all around and a circle of stones in the middle of the

floor. Two large armchairs faced each other across the stone circle. He could feel a cool

breeze on his cheeks as he approached the windows and looked out and then he

immediately pulled back as he realized the room was a few hundred feet above the

ground. He stumbled and almost fell as he felt a dizzying sensation looking down at the

courtyard so far below them

He felt Tergaens hands on his shoulders. Have a seat, young Willy, and look

within the Well of Sorrows Willy sat in one of the armchairs, his feet dangling an

inch from the ground. He was surprised that it didnt make him feel like a little kid

instead, he felt like laughing as the soles of his shoes barely skimmed the floor.

Tergaen sat on the armchair facing Willy and folded his hands on his lap. He

stared intently at the loose circle of stones on the floor as he murmured something.

Suddenly, Willy saw a small stream of water bubble forth from the center of the circle.

Weird, thought Willy as he saw that the water filled the circle and was contained within it

even though the stone circle was not sealed.

Willy heard Tergaens voice. Look into the water, Willy, and see the story of

Baron Mortus The kings voice was deep and soothing. Willy felt his head wobble

and his eyelids became heavy but he didnt fall asleep.

Instead, the water in the circle began to boil and darken. It looked almost like

molten metal until the water cleared and Willy saw a tall elf, handsome and dark-haired,

striding across what looked like the parapets of the Castle of Ter.


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Tergaens voice reached Willys ears faintly, as if he were speaking across an

immense gulf. His name was Terdano. He was my twin brother, although I was born

first. We grew up together in this castle, and we loved each other as only twin brothers

can. I was happy, we were all happy, when he announced that the Lady Morella of the

House of Mor had consented to marry him. He changed his name to Mordano and

became a great warrior and general who led our armies time and again to repel invaders

and attackers. He led the decisive charge against the Moonriders of Ghanesh and broke

them on the Plains of Tingol. Singlehandedly he held the northern mountain pass against

the Ice Hordes while I gathered our forces to defend our kingdom. He was brave and

noble but he carried within him the seeds of his own destruction

Willy listened to the king in silence, his eyes never wavering from the small pool

of water. The images changed; he saw Mordano galloping into battle with a beautiful elf

woman beside him

Lady Morella was also a brave and fearless warrior. They fought together many

times, emerging always victorious and always in love. But they had no children. She fell

in the Plains of Tingol and died in his arms. Thats when he changed

Tergaens head was lowered, his chin almost touching his breast. Willy thought

for a moment that the king had fallen asleep but the deep voice rumbled on and the story

continued. In the water, he saw Mordano cradling his wifes body in his arms and

screaming wordlessly towards the heavens

He became reckless and headstrong, forcing battles and confrontations where

none was needed, like one who courts death. We argued over everything and anything


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it was as if he blamed me for Morellas death. He was discovered plotting with Osorix,

the King of the Ice Hordes, to attack the Castle of Ter and take the throne.

It was Queen Shandu, my wife, who overheard his plans. Mordano had tried to

become close to the Queen after Morella died, but she and I could sense the depth and

darkness of his feelings. It was a lust, a passion for Shandu that festered unfulfilled

within him. When he found her in the alcove where shed overheard him and Osorix,

he

Willy heard a deep sigh come from Tergaen. His voice carried on

He broke the oldest and most sacred of our laws. An elf cannot kill another elf

there is absolutely nothing that can justify or excuse such an act. Breaking that law

comes with the most terrible of penalties. He plunged his dagger into her heart and in

that momenthe changed.

An elf that kills another elf is transformed into a monstrous creature that can

only live by night, casts no reflection and can only subsist by drinking the blood of other

elves. The instant that his dagger bit into her flesh and took her life he was damned to

this half-life for all eternity. No elf can touch him because the elf that kills him is

doomed to become like him.

Once, many centuries ago when I was a younger elf, my father faced a similar

problem. The Blood Lord, he called himself, a monster who almost destroyed our

kingdom. There were none who could help until he appeared among us. He was Gaius

Ambrosius Levantinus, a Roman centurion who became the greatest hero of our people.


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But I can tell you no more of this to learn the rest, you will have to take and pass the

test, young Willy.

Willys expression was serious, his brow furrowed as he digested what Tergaen

had told him. Your Highness, I want to ask youwhat does this all have to do with

me?

Tergaen nodded to himself. I must parse my words carefully but I can tell you

this: Mortus can only be killed by impaling him in the chest with cold iron. No elf can

touch cold iron its nothing mystical, but a severe physical allergy that can even result

in death. That is why Gaius was so important to us, because only men can use cold iron.

If you are truly the direct blood descendant of The Levantine, then you are the only being

who can help us, Willy.

Willy sat in silence for a few minutes. There was another question gnawing at his

mind, but he wasnt sure he really wanted to ask it. He cleared his throat. Your

Highness, I have to ask you thiswhat happens when a person who isnt The Levantine

sits in the chair? I know Im not the first youve tested even if I cant figure out how I

know this. Its like I can smell them on the chairwhat happened to them?

Tergaen pursed his lips and looked away. He debated with himself for a few

silent minutes while Willy waited for his answer. He sighed and looked back at the boy

sitting across from him. WillyI wish you had not asked me that. I am, however,

bound by my oath as King to answer your questions truthfully. Look once more into the

Well of Sorrows, Willy, and learn their fate


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For the next few minutes Willy sat frozen in the armchair as he looked into the

stone circle, wishing he had never asked that last question. A single tear coursed down

the Kings cheek as he saw the mounting fear in the boys eyes. The scene that was

playing itself out in the waters of the Well of Sorrows was a cavalcade of horrors, a blur

of blood-smeared faces screaming and eight-legged monstrosities tearing someone

apartand Tergaen wondered once again if they truly had the right to put this childs life

in such mortal danger.

Willy and Tergaen sat in silence for a long time, each alone in his thoughts,

before the King stood up and led Willy back down to the throne room.

VI. The Levantines Chair

The sun had set during the time theyd spent looking into the Well of Sorrows.

Terzon was pacing impatiently when Willy and Tergaen returned. Dalglish turned to the

King. Sire, the hour is late! We must proceed with the test before it is too late!

Tergaen looked at Willy. I have shown you all I can, young Willy. The decision

is yoursdo you want to take the test?

Willy looked up at the King, his eyes wide but clouded with a mix of doubt and

fear. He could still see in his mind the images from the Well of Sorrows, but there was

one in particular he just couldnt shakea small hand, trembling and smeared with

blood, reaching out for help one last time and finding none.

They were all staring at him, waiting for his decision. Part of Willy wanted to

take off and run, to escape the suffocating miasma of danger he could feel all around him


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and bury himself in the safety and security of his own worldbut Willy could also hear

his dad, reminding him that being brave wasnt about being fearless but about not giving

in to the fear that everyone carried inside.

Willy blinked once, twice, as he stood there. His guts were roiling inside him and

he could barely keep his legs from shaking uncontrollably. The thought of sitting on that

chair was frightening enough to freeze him where he stood. He could feel the sweat on

his upper lip, in his armpits, a drop running down the side of his face from his forehead.

The three elves were still staring at him, waiting for his move. Willy could feel

the pressure of their combined wills bearing down on his, pushing him to decide and

decide now. He ground his knuckles against his temples, almost as if he were fighting

against something within him. He opened his mouth to speak, then snapped it shut.

With a determined frown on his face, Willy jumped on to the chair. Immediately

the straps wound themselves around his wrists and ankles, holding him tightly against the

leather seat and back. His eyes screwed tightly shut, Willy fought against the temptation

to bolt from the chair he didnt know how he knew but he suddenly had the certainty

that trying to get up would mean an instant death.

He felt the rustle of small things moving around and over him, their almost

feathery touch as they covered his arms, legs and parts of his face. The urge to get out

and run was almost overwhelming until he remembered what hed seen in the Well of

Sorrows. Willy gritted his teeth and hung on as the spiders covered him.


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Willy heard the voice of Dalglish, faint and distant. Willy Levant, open your

mind to me. You have passed the first part of the test, now we come to the crucial part of

it. Open your mind, Willy, open your mind

He could feel it again, that faint scrabbling feeling inside his head. This time he

relaxed and imagined a small door in his head opening slowly, slowly

Tell me what you see, Willy

It was the same weird dream hed been having for weeks now. His mouth didnt

open but he could hear himself answering. I seea white horse running along the top

of a cliff

What is the horse doing now?

Im raising my handIm calling the horse over. Hes beautifulhes lowering

his head as I pet him Willy shifted in the chair. Hes kneelingIm getting on the

horse and were galloping away

Where are you galloping, Willy?

Willy frowned for an instant. Eastwere galloping east along the top of the

cliff

Terzon leaned and whispered into his fathers ear. Hes survived the spiders and

hes seen two of the signs! He is the one!

Tergaen waved him into silence. Patience, Terzon. Remember the last

candidatehe also saw the first two signs but failed the third.


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Dalglish leaned forward, his fingers brushing off a spider on his sleeve. Where

is the horse taking you, Willy?

Willys eyelids fluttered but didnt open. Were in a forestits a clearing and

theres a giant oak tree in the middletheres stuff hanging from the branches

Dalglish could see Willys fingers clenching and unclenching, as if he were trying to

reach for something.

What is hanging from the branches of the oak tree, Willy? Can you reach

them?

In his dream, Willy could see the oak tree stretching far away into the sky. There

were three things hanging from the lowest branch. They were a sword-belt, a helmet, and

a shield. Im getting off the horsetheres a belt with a sword, a big helmet and a

shieldthe shield is shiny like a mirror

Dalglishs voice grew insistent. Take the shield, Willy, and tell me what you

see!

Willys legs began to move, as if he were walking. In the dream, he reached up

and took the heavy shield from the branch. As he brought it down, he saw his reflection

on it.

His voice sounded surprised. Its me, but its notits like an older version of

me!


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Terzon and Tergaen looked on, their eyes widening. Dalglish continued. Tell

me the name of the one you see, Willy! Tell me now!

Unbelievably, Willy responded in the deep voice of a grown man. Meum nomen

Gaius Ambrosius Levantinus est

The king and his son started to speak excitedly, but Dalglish waved them back.

The dream has to be completed!

Willy, in his dream, looked at the reflection on the shield with wide eyes. It really

was him, but older. He looked about his cousins age, nineteen or twenty. He was big

and muscularhe took down the sword-belt and the helmet.

Willy Levant who was Gaius Ambrosius Levantinus, the Levantine, stood by his

white horse and put on the sword-belt around his waist. His right hand went to the

pommel of the sword and drew it out. It was a broadsword made of iron, big and heavy,

but he lifted it and swung it easily. He grabbed the helmet and put it over his head the

fit was perfect, with the nose guard coming down to protect his face.

From somewhere far away, he heard the voice of Dalglish. Tell me what you

see, Willy

Im getting back on the horseIm wearing the belt and the helmet, the shield is

slung over my backtwo riders are approaching

What do you feel, Willy?

II feel the wind begin to howlI feel afraid


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Who are the riders, Willy?

Willy frowned again. It couldnt be, it just couldnt bethe riders were Tergaen

and Dalglish, but much younger. They stopped in front of him, both of them lifting their

right hand in greeting.

Theyre youyou and the King, but youre both a lot youngertheyre telling

me the time is now and we must ride against the Blood Lord

In the dream, they set off galloping down a narrow road that led out of the forest

and towards dark and distant mountains. The greenery of the forest soon disappeared and

was replaced by bare, black rock. Willy felt hot the mountains, now closer, were

wreathed in smoke and flame just like the pictures of volcanoes hed seen in a geology

book his Dad had.

Where are you now, Willy?

Wewere entering a pass in the mountainsits long and narrow and we have

to go in single filethe pass is going upwewe

What do you see, Willy?

The pass came out to a narrow stone bridge that spanned a river of molten lava

and led to a castle made of the same black rock as the mountains. There was no sunlight

here; there was only the ruddy light that came from below.

Willy took the lead as they crossed the bridge. It felt right to do that, and that was

strange to him he was always the kid who hung back when the teacher asked for


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volunteers. But here, it was different. He felt strong and capable, and he laughed as they

galloped across.

They stopped before the huge gate of the castle, Willys horse rearing up and

neighing furiously. In his dream, Dalglish and Tergaen drew their swords along with

him. All three called out to the Blood Lord to come out and meet justice for his evil

deeds.

Willy could still hear Dalglishs voice calling to him. Tell me what is

happening, Willywhat is happening to you, what do you see?

I see Willy stopped short. The gate of the castle had swung open, disgorging

a vast multitude of the vilest and most disgusting beings hed ever seen. The things,

diseased and deformed, were the servants of the Blood Lord they crawled, hopped and

dragged themselves forward towards them. They carried swords, lances and maces in

their misshapen limbs as they roared their defiance.

Above their braying and bleating, all three could hear a deep and menacing laugh.

Willy looked up towards the battlements of the castle and saw him. The Blood Lord

stood there, dressed in his scarlet armor and looking down on them with contempt.

Willy saw the dream-Tergaen yell something at their enemy it sounded like one

last opportunity to surrender. The Blood Lord threw his head back and his whole body

shook with laughter. Willy didnt know the language, but somehow he still understood

the Blood Lords replyLeave this place or die!


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The servants of the Blood Lord attacked. Their bloodthirsty roars were stopped

when the dream-Dalglish yelled something and a shaft of bright light erupted from the

amulet on his chest. The light burned and blinded the things that were coming at them

and they fell back in fear.

Willy heard himself yelling something in Latin. For a second he thought how

weird that was because hed never studied Latin, ever. He lifted his sword, pointed it at

the Blood Lord and yelled it again. Ex fortitudine victoria!

His dream-companions repeated it as all three charged the mass of monsters

barring their way into the castle. But even though they were hideous things, they did not

lack in courage. They formed a battle line and held the gate as the three riders fell on

them.

Willy could only see a wild series of flashes: swords cutting and hacking, limbs

flying, green body fluids splashing in the air, screams of death and pain as the three

warriors fought their way into the courtyard.

A bolt of light from Dalglishs amulet sent a number of the things flying in every

direction as Tergaen jumped from his horse. With sword flashing and battle-mace

swinging, he held the monstrosities at bay as he turned to Willy. Get to the battlements,

Gaius! Only you can stop him!

In the throne room, the three elves listened intently as Willy described the battle

against the original Blood Lord. Terzon had read the accounts in the Royal Library but

neither his father or Dalglish had ever spoken about it this was the first time hed ever


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heard the story from one who was there. He was proud when he heard Willy talk about

how his father fought on against impossible odds and, with Dalglish, destroyed the

monsters created by the Blood Lord.

In the dream, Willy kicked in his heels and spurred his horse up the stairs that led

to the battlements where their enemy waited for him. His iron broadsword sliced and cut

his way through the Blood Lords bodyguards until both finally faced each other.

Willy stood there panting heavily as the Blood Lord drew his sword. The two

opponents stared at each other for a few seconds, and the sounds of the battle in the

courtyard faded and stopped as everyone turned to look up at the battlements.

The Blood Lords voice was a harsh whisper. Mortal man, you shall die by my

hand

If that is so, then use your sword for words are a poor weaponmonster!

Willy brought his sword up and back down in one powerful move. The Blood

Lords sword met his, and a fountain of sparks shot up into the air as they clashed. The

undead monster pivoted and turned, his sword slashing towards Willys stomach. The

Levantine parried and deflected the blow; his sword came up and across in a decapitating

stroke that was barely stopped by the scarlet-armored being.

The Blood Lord laughed. You are weak and feeble, Levantine

Gaius who was also Willy bared his teeth and snarled. I am no child to fear your

voicebest me not with words!


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The Levantines sword flew towards the Blood Lord, batting aside his desperate

parry. Willy who was also Gaius saw the tip of it find a space and slice into his enemys

chest.

For a second, the Blood Lord stood motionless. His eyes looked down in

disbelief at the sword that was slicing deeper and deeper into him, piercing his heart with

cold iron. Realizing his fate, he roared in defiance at the Levantine. His left hand shot

forward and grasped the blade.

With one last gasp, the Blood Lord impaled himself on the Levantines sword.

With his right hand, however, he brought his sword-tip up and plunged it into the

stomach of Gaius Ambrosius Levantinus

Both stood there in the battlements, their life-blood spilling out and staining the

black stone, as the monsters roared in unison and began to disappear. Their bodies turned

into a dark mist that rose to the heavens and was blown away by the western wind.

His companions ran up the stairs toward them. Tergaen and Dalglish saw them

both collapse, still impaled on each others swords. Tergaen cradled the Levantines

head as Dalglish stood and looked down at the Blood Lord. He reached into his robe and

pulled a golden looped cross, making a small gesture with his hands. Ex victoria

ignoscentia... He pulled a small white handkerchief from a pocket and laid it across the

dead face of the Blood Lord.


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In the throne room, Tergaen and Terzon embraced each other. The Levantine had

at last been found again. Dalglish spoke to Willy, still seated in the Levantines chair

with his eyes closed. What do you see now, Willy?

There was a strange sense of separation that Willy felt at that moment. He felt

like an observer now, and he could see the entire tableau spread before him. It almost felt

like watching the biggest 3-D movie ever made.

He saw Gaius Ambrosius Levantinus laying there, his head in Tergaens lap. The

Levantine raised his right hand and beckoned to someoneWilly realized it was himself,

even as Tergaen and Dalglish looked around in bewilderment as the Levantine said his

last words to Willy. May is mucro plumbum vos ut a melior fortuna quam mei

In the throne room, Tergaen and Dalglish looked at each other in astonishment.

May this sword lead you to a better fate than mine. All these years and we never

understood what he meanthe was speaking thru the gulf of time itself to the one who

would take up his mantle!

Tergaen placed a hand on the mystics shoulder. Wake him, Dalglish. He is the

one weve waited for. His fate, and ours, are bound together until Mortus is destroyed!

######

VII. The Levantine Prepares


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It felt like days had passed but it had been barely a couple of hours. Willy was

walking through the Royal Cemetery towards the Shrine of the Levantine. It was cold

now, and he wished he had a jacket.

Terzon walked with him, the elf prince consciously slowing down his pace to stay

abreast of Willy. He looked at the young boy. The hour grows chillywould you like

a cloak, Willy? You look cold.

Willy gritted his teeth and tried not to shiver. Thanks, Terzonyeah, its pretty

cold.

They were outside the castle grounds. A light snowfall covered everything in a

shining mantle of white. The prince took his woolen cloak off and draped it over Willys

shoulders. Willy wrapped it close to him.

The young boys mind was still filled with images from his dream that wasnt

really a dream. It was weird, how hed felt like he was a part of it even while he felt like

an observer. He still didnt understand it all.

Terzon looked at him. Youre troubled, my friend.

Willy frowned. I dont understand everything thats going on. I mean, I know

that Im this Levantine guy but I dont know how. I guess what still bothers me is that I

dont get why it has to be me.

Terzon sighed and was silent for a few seconds. The only sound was their

footsteps crunching the fresh snow. Fate is a strange thing, Willy. We can spend a


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lifetime fighting against it or we can surrender ourselves to it; neither choice seems to

make things any easier. I do not know why this is your fate anymore than I know why it

was your ancestors fate.

What I do know is that nobody can avoid fate. You have been chosen by a

higher power than you or I to do this thing, just as your ancestor was. The control we

think we have over our lives is nothing but an illusion, Willy. But that does not mean

that we are simply leaves blown hither and yon by the wind.

There is one thing that every thinking being has complete control over, even if

many refuse to see it. That one thing we can truly control is our own reaction to lifes

circumstances. It is the reason why some sink under the storms of chance while others

swim and even thrive. Remember that always, Willy.

Willy pondered Terzons words then, as he would ponder them for years after.

They were cold comfort at best, but they were also a source of strength. They sounded

like something his Dad would say.

They walked silently for a few more minutes until they reached a massive stone

monument. It took a few seconds for Willy to realize that the monument was actually a

mausoleum. It had a door.

Terzon took a large metal key out of his pocket and unlocked the door. He turned

to Willy. The door is heavyhelp me push it open.

The two applied their muscles to the task. After straining for a few minutes, the

door was open widely enough for both to enter.


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Willys eyes widened as he saw the interior of the Shrine of the Levantine. It was

a large circular chamber with alcoves at the four cardinal points. In each alcove was a

statue of a Roman centurion in full armor. The figures were kneeling and had their

swords in their hands, offering them towards the large raised catafalque in the center of

the room.

On the catafalque was a carved stone statue of Gaius Ambrosius Levantinus. He

was laying there in his complete regalia he was wearing his helmet on his head, his

waist was girdled by the sword belt with his hands resting on the pommel of his

broadsword. The shield lay at his feet.

Ive been in this room many times, Willy, wondering if we would ever find his

equal again

The chamber was dark. The domed leaded-glass ceiling was covered with snow.

In the twilight of that mausoleum, Willy stepped towards the tomb of his ancestor. His

legs trembled a bit. This is the man I descend from, he thought, this is the man they need

me to be.

You must take the weapons of the Levantine, Willy. They are yours now by

right.

Terzons words seemed to come from far away. Willy stood by the tomb and

looked down on the stony form laying there. His palms felt hot and damp; he wiped them

on his pants. His eyes swam and his vision doubled; he tried to lift his hands and take the


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weapons but they felt like lead weights at the end of his arms. He couldnt do it; the

strange thing was that most of him wanted to do what had to be done. He felt

Willy, whats wrong?

His answer came thru gritted teeth. Icant move. I feelrestrained. Help

me!

Terzons voice had that weird distant feeling hed noticed before. II cannot,

Willy. You must find the strength within you to do this; I cannot give it to you. IIm

sorry, my friend

Willys innate stubbornness, the source of such frustration for his mother, surged

at that moment. He gritted his teeth; a vein was faintly starting to pop on his forehead.

Damp patches appeared on his back and underarms.

Slowly, slowly his arms came up. He was panting; to Terzons eyes it looked as

if the boy physically struggled against an invisible opponent. Terzons fists balled in

frustration as he saw Willys struggle.

Remember what I told you as we walked here, Willy! Remember!

Terzons voice reached him from what seemed a million miles away. Willy

realized at that moment what he was in the grip of: he was in the grip of fear, fear that

took his own uncertainty as its fuel, a blind and unreasoning force that would control him

forever after unless he took control of it.

Terzon he cried out, Im afraidbut Im not going to let it control me!


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His hands came up. He placed them on the sword belt and it suddenly felt as if a

gigantic dam had given way within him; yes, he was afraid but the fear did not, and

would never, control him.

Willy felt Terzons hand on his shoulder. Well done, my friend. You are as

brave as Gaius ever was. Come now; take the weapons as they belong to you now. We

ride to face Mortus at dawn.

VIII. Confrontations

The sun was beginning to peek out over the far mountains, struggling to banish

the darkness of the night. The light dusting of snow that had fallen during the night was

beginning to fade and melt, even as the new day clung to the chill.

Three riders sat in their saddles in the courtyard. One was a tall elf, clad in

golden mail armor; Prince Terzon was ready to ride towards his destiny.

The second was a slender and beautiful elf, dressed in a gown of blue crushed

velvet; Princess Terana was ready to ride towards her fate.

The third was a human boy, dressed in steel-gray armor. He carried the helmet,

the sword, and the shield of the Levantine; Willy Levant was ready to ride towards his

place in history.

King Tergaen II and Dalglish stood at the main entrance to the Castle of Ter. The

King raised his right hand. May deae lux lucis vestri viamay the goddess light your

way. My son, my daughter, it is your duty to accompany and assist the Levantine in his


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holy mission to the bitterest end if need be. William Levant, also known as the

Levantine, you have a great weight to bear but know that the hopes and hearts of our

people ride with you

He seemed to choke for a second, then composed himself. I look upon all three

of you as my children. Go, ride now and save our people! But remember this: do not go

with vengeance and bitterness within you. You do not ride to avenge the death of

anyone; you go to liberate a soul that is trapped in torment and lashes out towards all who

come near!

Dalglish, dressed in white, stepped forward at that point. He raised his right hand,

which contained a larger version of the amulet that Terana wore. It began to shine,

brighter and brighter, until a shaft of white light emerged and bathed all three riders.

May the Sacred Light of Amarna guide and protect you, today and for all the tomorrows

that may come!

Something stirred in Willys chest. Something in him compelled him to speak.

His horse reared as he drew his sword. Ex fortitudine victoria!

It wasnt until then that Willy realized their audience was much larger than he

realized. The sides of the courtyard were lined with elvesmystics, soldiers, courtiers

and others. The very stones of the castle seemed to shake as they all kneeled and

repeated the battle cry of the Levantine.

From outside the walls, the cry was taken up. Louder and louder, the sound

rained down on their ears and lifted their spirits. With a loud cry, the three riders turned


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their mounts and galloped over the drawbridge. The streets of the city were lined with

elves, all chanting in unison. Willy smiled; he didnt know what would happen but

getting all that support sure felt nice.

The three riders galloped out of the city until they hit a crossroads. Terzon called

out We must head east! and turned to his right, heading towards a far-off mountain

range. Terana and Willy followed him, the hooves of their horses tapping a symphony of

speed.

They rode for what seemed like hours. To Willy, it seemed the mountains were

impossibly far but he knew the tricks that perspective could play in this strange world

he found himself in. Still, at the end of the first day they didnt seem any closer.

Willy and Terzon gathered wood for a campfire. The night was cold and the heat

from the fire was a welcome companion. They dined on dried meat and tubers roasted

over the fire. All three ate silently, intent on their own thoughts. There were three moons

in the sky, but their light was weak. Beyond their campfire, darkness reigned over the

entire world.

Terzon

Yes, Willy?

How long will it take us to get to the mountains?

We should be there my mid-morning.


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Willy chewed thoughtfully. An idea had sprung in his mind, and it made him

worry. Hed gone into the woods two days agowhat were his parents feeling right

now? Were they worried, frantically organizing search parties to scour the forest? In his

mind he saw his mother, sitting on the edge of his bed, crying as his father tried to

console her. Then a darker thought intruded; what if they were so busy with their lives

that they hadnt noticed hed disappeared? What if they just didnt care?

He bowed his head. Willy fought to hold back his tears he suddenly felt

incredibly depressed, that nothing mattered because he didnt matternot even to his

parents.

Terana got up, walked around the campfire and sat next to Willy. She put her arm

around his shoulders. Without thinking, he rested his head on her shoulder. He took a

deep breath, trying not to cry. Terana sighed and stroked his hair.

Do not let your thoughts become such heavy burdens, Willy. Share your mind

with me and I will show you that a burden shared is easier to bear.

PrincessI miss my mom and dad, my dogI came here two days agoare

they all right, are they worried about me, is my little Max OK?

Terzon threw another log in the campfire. I told you before, Willy, that this

dimension is different from yours. Just like perspectives and distances are different, so is

the passage of time. What you have experienced as two days here is only a few scant

hours in your world.


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Terana tilted Willys head up so she could look into his eyes. It is barely the

noon hour of the day you left in your world, Willy. If the Goddess is willing, you will be

home before night falls in your world.

Willy smiled up at the Princess. Her voice soothed him and made him feel

sleepyuntil he heard a twig snap and saw Terzons hand leap to his sword.

Brother! Its-

I know. I hear them also. Willy! Grab your sword, quickly!

Thats when Willy saw them, great long-legged shadows circling just beyond the

light. His right hand reached for the sword at his side. The things paced in the darkness,

growling and making strange gurgling noises that sounded like laughter.

Theyre blood hyenas!

I know, sister. Arm yourself!

Suddenly, a flaming object like a star came streaking thru the heavens from the

east. It hit the ground with a deafening explosion and a pillar of flame that seemed to

tower for miles in the airthen they heard him.

Incredibly, there was no crater or sign of impact where the flaming star had fallen.

The monstrous shapes moving thru the shadows were still there. A tall, manlike form

stepped out from the flame. It shook itself and laughed at them.

What prattle have you been filling your heros ears with, niece?


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Mortus stood at the edge of the campfire, surrounded by strange hairless beasts

whose fangs drooled in anticipation of the feast that awaited them.

Terzon had his sword in his hand, the tip at the chest of the Blood Lord. He

started to say something, but was stopped by the laughter of the Baron.

Spare me your mock heroics, boy, and put that metal stick away! We all know

you dont dare touch me

Terana held a slim dagger as her other hand stroked the amulet on her chest.

State your business then, monster, but do it quickly. You will not live to see another

night!

He laughed again. My business? Very wellI weary of this game. Frankly, I

find it most boring to have to wait for you three to reach my castle. Ive come to dispose

of you all right now!

As soon as the words had left his fanged mouth, the creatures around him leaped

to the attack. Terzons sword leaped up and around, decapitating two of the beasts.

Terana threw her dagger and skewered another thru the throat as Willy impaled one of

them with his sword.

More came. It seemed that Mortus had summoned every one of the foul things.

Willy could feel his food coming up when he got a good look at them. Hairless, sexless

and huge, the beasts had no skin, the red rawness of their flesh shining in the light of the

campfirethe Levantine wielded his sword with a deadly efficiency that astonished the

Willy part of him.


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Fighting for his life, Willy saw Terzon fall to one knee. The elf prince was

bleeding from the side. The blood hyenas circled him, licking their lips, but they stepped

aside at a word from their master.

Look, Levantine! Look and see how your hopes die!

It was all happening in slow motion. Willy saw Mortus lift his sword above his

head, ready to bring it down on Terzon. He heard Terana yell something, a shaft of

bright light flying like an arrow towards Mortus. The light hit Mortus and his killing

stroke went wide, but not wide enough. The sword bit into Terzons side

With a wild yell, Willy ran to the aid of his friend. His sword, the Sword of the

Levantine, was the only weapon that could stop the Blood Lord. He swept it in a vicious

arc and caught the Blood Lord in the stomach.

The monster screamed and staggered back. Black blood stained the ground and

Willys sword. Mortus stumbled and almost fell. He looked at the Levantine with

savage hatred and fear in his bloodshot eyes. Youyou was all he said, one hand

clutching his stomach while another drew a sigil in the air. With a loud bang, a cloud of

green smoke and a hideous stench, the Blood Lord was gone.

Terzon! With that single cry, Terana ran to her brothers side. Gingerly, she

pulled aside his shirt and saw his wound. It was a deep, wide gash on his side. His blood

oozed from it.

Dontdont cry, sister. Willy, come here, quickly Terzons eyes started to

close but he fought to remain conscious. II cannot help you anymore, my friend


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Willy knelt by Terzons side. Terzon grabbed his hand and squeezed it tight. I

thinkI think I will stay here and rest for a time. Youboth of youmust continue

No! I wont leave you here!

willy levant and the vampire elf

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