SCREAMS OF PAIN and death rose like winding tendrils of smoke on the wind that early morning on the borders of Blade Shield.

Aarius shot a look at Riagon as Neris trembled on the ground on his hands and knees. The sounds erupting from him were worse than Medgar's howls of anger, the type of sound that haunts man and beast alike.

Riagon tore into action leaving Aarius little time to reflect. He grabbed him by the arm and together they ran, stopping only long enough to scoop Neris up and guide him to safety.

Riagon yelled out to Magne. "GET NERIS INSIDE THE GATES!" Then looking at Aarius with an expression of pure fury he pulled his sword and was into the fray before Aarius could blink an eye.

The clatter of sword against sword mingled with the grunts and cries and the smell of bloodshed tore into the shattered peace, a calm that had only been upheld by a thin cord of rationality, and only in the minds of those who had fought so hard to keep it all these years.

Aarius turned to face the raging slaughter, not knowing what part he would be to play, and blinked, feeling the hatred of years of isolation and captivity. A surge of desperation took hold of him and he felt his body burn from the inside out.

The runic tattoos across his forehead pulsated, glowing with heat and Aarius bent over at the waist clenching his hair in his hands as the unfamiliar energy coursed through his bones and a frenzied hollow scream erupted from his lips.

Agony enveloped his mind and he thrust himself forward to the ground but felt himself jerked upward. With eyes as wide as saucers he looked down and saw that he was floating above the massacre below. His fingertips, glowing red on his hands emitted a wavering spiral of light that burst forth travelling outward, each licking flame finding it's linked sword and, making contact.

Riagon and the Armiger's who had been with him in the meeting hall earlier were lifted from their feet to hover just above the furious battle below, their swords held in two handed grip in front of them.

Terthil's men were awe-struck and shrank back in terror but it would not suffice them to run for in the moment before they could come to their wits Aarius brought his arms around in front of him and the swords he now summoned, each with it's emblazoned mark of the runes identical to the ones on his forehead quickened, loosing a fiery strike that struck five men where they stood burning them to a crisp.

Aarius screamed a battle cry and the remaining men from Terthil's war party fled like the village rats disappearing over the misted fields and into the burgeoning sunrise behind them.

Riagon's soldiers all turned to see their foes no more, and as they stared into the distant landscape Aarius gently descended to the ground bringing Riagon and his Armiger's with him.

Cheers went up among them and they vaulted their swords high in the air chanting as they surrounded Aarius and each one laying his sword on Aarius' shoulders for the glory of the moment.

Riagon edged in close to Aarius placing a hand there and the two of them locked eyes.

"Who you are or what, I don't know but this day has proven you worthy, Aarius of the Grail. Today before the men gathered here I bestow to ye Guild Oath, and bequeath you as one able to sit on the Council of Blade-Forged from this day forward."

Riagon's men went wild with exaltation, kneeling at Aarius' feet and pledging their fealty of kinship to him. In turn and in humility Aarius knelt before Riagon then and pledged himself to their cause.

Riagon Nor nodded his approval and brought Aarius to his feet holding their arms high in sign of valor.

"Men! We arise anew! We must gather our forces on the now! Prepare each one, your formal units and raise the House Of Blade-Forged Standards! Make it known everywhere Riagon Nor embarks on a formal crusade to find the Daughter of King Neris!"

"And bring the imposter king, Terthil to justice!"

The shout came from Neris who had rejoined them in the fields.

Riagon's men rose their swords high in agreement.

"Aye! Aye!"

Aarius walked over to Neris and faced him opening his mouth to speak but Neris held up a finger of silence.

"Terthil has been a thorn in our sides far longer than necessary and far too long for any good to come of our turning the other cheek. Now he has shown his truest of colors my son. We will find my daughter and bring him to his end, and at which time I shall choose for her a husband," Neris trailed off giving Aarius a long look of consideration. "Yes, Fynna has run amok far to long for her own good, and I confess I have spoiled her! But I will make my intentions known later. For now we must find her and deal harshly with Terthil in the Marvelous Kingdoms!"

A shout went forth that echoed across hill and dell as all Riagon's men now hoisted Aarius high upon their shoulders, marching forward to ready their units.

Pulled along by the excitement Kitra stumbled and a pair of strong arms steadied her. She looked around in surprise of the gesture and into the piercing dark eyes of a young soldier.

He bowed briefly as he held her arm.

"My lady, pardon the intrusion," he said with a disarming smile. "I am known as Korian Grald," son of Odric and the keeper of Blade Shield. Shall I escort you?"

Kitra held her breath at his brazen display but timidly offered her arm.

He took it commandingly and led her forth giving her a slight nod. Unaccustomed to such frivolousness Kitra kept her eyes cast on the ground in front of her hoping to avoid another stumble and missed the look of jealous contempt her new benefactor shot at Neris behind her back.

Neris however, smiled back, almost laughing out loud at Korians obvious dismay at his impromptu announcement. He cared little for Korians feelings. The days to come would prove it.