“By the power of Hadrion, I, Vylorde, the rightful and complete Emperor of Hadria, pronounce you, Rehad Thogul, and invest you with power over the province of Rodan.” At these words, a dark orb shot forth from Vylorde’s outstretched arm into the chest of the Hader before him. He was enveloped by it and in a few seconds the change was complete. He had become a Rehad. “You have the power now. So take your revenge and destroy them. May Hadrion be with you.”

 Vylorde’s words replayed themselves in Thogul’s head, as he flew towards the Neb. He said to himself, “I will.”

 

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 “I thought this might be it.” said Ruxdan, rubbing his hands in glee. After landing at the ruins of Kerg, they had searched the island for anything closely resembling shelter. But after a day’s search, they had only come upon what seemed like a really large mountain. But Ruxdan knew better. “Eliya, only one of royal blood can gain entry into the fort by reciting the incantation ‘Trof snart’. So go ahead.” Suddenly, Eliya could sense the vibrations of thousands of taut bowstrings. The whole forest around them seemed to be unusually quiet. In a nervous, high-pitched voice, Eliya said the words. At once, the mountain seemed to evaporate into thin air. In its place, there remained a fort, one of monstrous proportions. And it was guarded by archers in every window and turret, who were now aiming at them. Ruxdan announced gaily, “Welcome to Fort Roxil.”

 

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 When the Resistance war was ended, the kings realised that such an occasion could arise again in the future. Hence, to provide the kingdoms with a final rallying point, a large and impenetrable fort was constructed where the original Valhen Island unity pact had been signed. It was hidden from view by magical means and kept as extremely secret, a last resort for the forces of Mesagog. Only the kings and their families were supposed to know about it. It was christened Roxil which means ‘haven.’

 

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