Sage placed Saira in the care of Olivier Guards and sneaked out of the room. She had to help fight the Dark Elves.  She wasn’t going to stand back and watch them take what belongs to her.  Sage ran down the passage with the dagger Rioghnan gave her in her clammy hands.  She could hear the stampede outside.    

If Rioghnan knew what she was planning on doing, he would kill her.  She had no other choice.  She couldn’t let them fight alone. Even if she died, she needed to defend her Kingdom.  Sage ran up to her room and opened the secret passage behind her chimney.  Her father built one in each room to protect his daughters. 

The damp passage was dark and unbearable. She hated being confined. On the right side she moved a wooden box and found what she was looking for. Armour and her Mother’s sword. The exquisite blade was made by Wenslin Mosener, a prominent blacksmith, ages ago.  Her mother left her the sword as a heirloom, never intending for Sage to actually use it.  The handle was made of the finest gold.  Two lions were hand carved into it. Resembling strength and grace. 

Sage quickly changed into the armour and grabbed the sword. She ran to the end of the hallway and kicked open the wooden door.  She stepped onto the roof of the castle.  The sea of flames was close to them.  Her heart started beating in her chest and she knew this was it. Perspiration formed on her silk forehead and her knees were weak. 

Sage expertly slid the sword in it’s cover and swung it over her shoulder.  She grabbed a bow and collected enough arrows.  It was better to blend in.  She didn’t want the guards to notice her with the sword.  She ran to the wall and took her position. 

Rioghnan stepped forward and started speaking:

“Olivier! Today we fight. Not to win. Not to be the best. But to save what is precious to us.  Our wives, children and Ikriam! Fight with all your heart and keep your family close.  Do it for them.  Some may perish and some may keep on standing but in the end, one thing is for certain! Ikriam will not fall!”

War cries rose up and Sage couldn’t help but feel excited.  The adrenalin rushed through her body.  She looked at Rioghnan and felt a sense of pride.  His heart belonged to her.  He was her Hero.

The Elves started stomping their feet on the ground and humming.  The Ikriam war cry!

Sage joined in and vowed that their Kingdom would be spared.