William’s calm demeanor cracked like a whip as a malicious grin smeared his face. In one strong thrust his spear came barreling down to where Tristan and Zorn stood. Thrown off guard the two were forced to jump to either side and somehow managed to evade the attack.

“Most impressive! I thought at least one of you would have been split in two.” William joked, regaining a bit of his old gesture yet cautiously remaining aware.


“It seems he has taken a liking to you, Zorn. What do you have to do with the likes of a Templar dog?” scorned Tristan, “You know what it doesn’t really matter. Let’s just get on with this so that we can continue where we left off. You had better start thinking of a good reason why you have that demonic Ocarina.”


Zorn, now resting his sword across his shoulder armor with one arm glanced over to Tristan and began to respond but was quickly cut off by William. “Yes, yes indeed. I too would like to know more about that ocarina. You see Tristan, Zorn is the one who has been controlling the so called ‘Faery’ that have destroyed towns such as Valent. He says that he is born of a local village yet Templar have questioned many and not one will speak of him.” William turned his attention more towards Zorn at this point, leaving Tristan slightly out of focus. “You will give me that ocarina of Malta. I will have all three Art…”


Without notice a flash of steel flew from behind William and no sooner was Tristan once again standing beside Zorn, this time with his back facing the stuttering Templar knight. Tristan threw his right arm outward and swiftly sheathed his weapon. The sound of broken wood echoed through the walls of the prison.


“You savage! Attacking a man from behind! What honor do you have!?” roared William who completely lost his cool. He stood holding two pieces of his once strong spear, rendering it useless.


“If that were the case I would have struck you dead where you stand. You may be of some use to me yet so hold your tongue. I am getting an odd feeling that Zorn may have been set up. Why else would you know so much and greedily want the ocarina?”


“I was about to tell you that.” Zorn said while looking up at the sky. “There are many things to discuss. I too have questions for you, Tristan and your interesting sword. Let’s go back to Dyne and discuss matters further.”


The two slowly tread out of the water and onto soil again. Zorn let out a stretch and a groan from being trapped inside the isolated prison cell. “I know where to find him if we need him again. Not even worth a look back…”


“I heard that! This won’t be the last time you hear from me. You two have made one giant mistake. Unfortunately many more will suffer for your actions.” Cackled William while shuffling up a dirt hill and darting off toward the main chambers of his castle.

“Tristan, you’re safe! I knew you would be but you could have at least sent a messenger to tell me you were!” cried Amiya while hugging her son tightly, causing him to lose his breath.


“Mother, t-this is Zorn. We need to use the house for a bit to discuss a few things.” He replied and made his way toward the entrance of his house but stopped short after peering in. “What the hell…? Forget about it.”


Zorn quirked a brow while folding his arms impatiently. He followed Tristan as he stormed down the path away from his house. Giving himself a look as well, he saw a man sitting down at Tristan’s table with a mug of beer looking impatient himself. It didn’t take a genius to figure out what was going on and so Zorn left the situation alone. The sun was setting slowly as shadows grew larger and the world around them settled down. The two said not a word until Tristan stopped in front of his dusty blacksmith shop.


“Here is as good a place as any.” Sighed Tristan, stressed from the day’s events. The door creaked open and out jumped an overgrown cat. Tristan saw through the corner of his eye Zorn jump and grab the hilt of his sword which made him chuckle. “You know, that cat has been appearing a lot lately. Guess he has no family.”


“Is that so? I know too many people like that.” Zorn replied and took a step inside the doorway.


“Yes, we finally have it. It belongs to us now and master will like us!” whispered a scratchy voice. Both Tristan and Zorn looked at each other and shook it off but the voice continued. “We have artifact! Now we need blacksmith and knight artifact!” Instantly the two scrambled back outside with weapons drawn. A large leathery winged faery stood from atop of a lantern pole piercing them with glowing red eyes.


A soft yet evil melody fogged the area, engulfing the two into an almost mesmerizing trance. Tristan immediately spun around to Zorn who gave him a justifying grin, still having his ocarina intact at his side. Thunder struck from above and slowly the heavens cracked open to let its tears fall upon the land.


“Where is it coming from…? It must be a diversion…” Zorn thought to himself before everything turned red.