"Are we very close to Ezmar yet?" A tired Alex asked. "This is our eighth day of travelling."

"Yes. We should arrive in about an hour," Tolan responded. Karen, Alex, Tolan, Calem, Erris and Kaldor had left the Dragon Land just over week ago after obtaining the first of the four Element Crystals. They had been attacked several times by both local creatures and Aranax's forces, and as a result had had little rest on the trip. In addition, they were getting low on supplies. Everyone was looking forward to seeing civilization again when they reached Ezmar. "I know it's taken a little longer than I originally said it would, but I didn't expect to be attacked so many times."

"Don't remind me. We've had nine separate encounters with hostile animals and three more encounters with Aranax's troops."

"Look at this way, Karen. It's good practice for when we meet someone tougher. You're aim with your bow is improving. We're showing Aranax that we can't be easily defeated; especially with that surprise attack two days ago. You fight pretty well even when you're wearing a dress." Karen gave Alex an icy stare in response to the last comment. "If looks could kill..." Alex said sarcastically.

"You said you weren't going to mention that again! I hate those clothes!"

"I don't see what the problem is. You're wearing the one pair of clothes that you bought that you liked."

"Only because we stopped at that river last night so I could clean them. I'm not going to wear the other clothes unless absolutely have to."

"Maybe you can find something you like in Ezmar."

"Not with my luck."

"You might be able to," Tolan interrupted. "Ezmar is quite big. In fact, next to the capital, Yatrier; Ezmar is the largest city in Anaquaria. Ezmar is situated on the largest body of water in this world, a massive lake of the same name as the city. There are at least twenty to thirty different shops selling almost anything you could imagine, as well as over seventy houses, port facilities, its own castle and several surrounding farms. The city is always bustling with activity, and I wouldn't be surprised if there's still a lot of action there even with threat of Aranax looming over everyone."

"Did you say there was a castle? Another one?"

"Don't worry, it's not like Darigos' castle. This one is normal sized. Mayor Kamelain, the leader of Ezmar, lives in the castle and is the one we need to see about the Earth Crystal."

"Ezmar sounds promising. Civilization at last."

"What's this? Karen said something positive? Are you feeling alright?"

Karen didn't respond to the comment. "If this person can't tell us where to find the next crystal, then what do we do?"

"We ask around town and try to get more information. If that doesn't work, then we just continue on our journey until we find someone who does know."

"Hopefully he will have the information," Erris commented. "The longer it takes to get the crystal, the tougher our journey becomes."

"How close are they to Ezmar?"

"They should arrive in town in less than an hour, Master Jequin."

"Is Erris with them? She must pay for betraying us."

"Yes, all six of them are there. Erris, Tolan, Calem, the two from the other world and the gnome."

Excellent. I'll be waiting for them."

"Do you want to send out some soldiers to uh... greet them?"

"No," Jequin said arrogantly. "Have a couple of soldiers report to me instead. I have something else planned for Tolan and the others."

"Shall I send a someone to inform Aranax of their arrival and capture?"

"Not yet. That would be premature. It is best to wait until we really have them all before informing Lord Aranax. Aranax has quite a temper and would not be pleased if I said I had them when I really didn't."

"Is that all, Master?"

"Yes." The servant bowed and left the room. Jequin stood up from the throne he was sitting in. "You will find me a much more formidable opponent than Aranax's warriors, Tolan. Ezmar marks the end of your journey."

"Ezmar is just over this hill," Tolan informed the others.

"Finally," Alex and Karen said together. The two looked at each other and smiled. We're thinking alike again, Karen. I guess that means you're over your agitation from being brought to this world and are getting your friendly personality back, huh?"

"Never!" Karen responded lightly. "It means you're finally starting to think negatively of everything."

Tolan and Calem turned toward each other and shrugged. "I'll never figure these two out. One minute they can be at each other's throats, and the next minute they'll be perfectly pleasant toward each other," Calem said.

"I think it's just a sign of a good friendship," Tolan responded. "The fights are superficial and they don't let it get between them. The used to each other and know how the other thinks, anger never lasts long in a good friendship like that."

Calem smiled slightly. "You're probably right."

Alex suddenly broke out into a run and dash to the top of the hill. Karen soon followed him, leaving the other four behind to catch up at their own pace. A couple minutes later, Alex reached the summit and was quickly joined by Karen. The two looked around in awe of what the saw. In front of them was a dirt path that extended down the other side of the hill they had just climbed, though it was steeper on this side. At the bottom of the long hill was the city of Ezmar. There were at least a hundred different buildings, some with at least three or four floors to them, though most only had one. The town extended outwards for quite a distance before turning into a scattering of small farms and then finally coming to another steep hill on the other side. On the left, was more of the hill, making the city surrounded on three sides by a steep incline that would offer great protection from anything that would try to invade the town. Halfway up the hill on the left was a castle, situated on a flat area that appeared to have been dug out of the hill. The castle was large, though not near the size of Darigos'. The stone castle looked like the classic style from medieval times, complete with towers and a moat. To the right of the city was the only side not bordered by a steep hill. Here Karen and Alex could see part of the massive Lake Ezmar, a body of water that seemed to stretch endlessly and looked far too large to be called a lake. Several boats both large and small could be seen docked at wooden piers located all along the edge of the water. From where they stood, Alex and Karen could see everything about the city, from the numerous buildings and the castle to the surrounding hills and the giant lake with all the boats docked in it. There was one other thing, however that was more noticeable to the pair than anything else: The town looked deserted. There wasn't a single person or animal that could be seen anywhere. Absolutely nothing. Not a single sound or motion located anywhere among the buildings, streets or docks. None of this bustling activity that Tolan had claimed there was; it was as if the entire population and completely disappeared. Karen and Alex couldn't believe it. "Where is everyone?" Alex asked in amazement.

"I have no idea," Karen responded. "But something has to be wrong. There should be at least a few people around in a town this large."

Tolan and the others soon joined up with Karen and Alex at the top of the hill and within seconds expressions of surprise appeared on their faces, matching those of Karen and Alex. "This... this shouldn't be," Tolan stuttered. "Even with the threat of Aranax the city shouldn't look like this."

Alex thought for a moment, then turned to the others. "Well, I think we should probably investigate what's happened here."

Everyone looked at each other and nodded. "Agreed," Tolan answered, then started down the path leading into the city.

The six of them started down the steep hill and within five minutes they were at the bottom and on the edge of the city. The dirt path abruptly ended and transformed into a wide cobblestone street that extended ahead of them for quite a distance. There were buildings all around, some were houses, but in this area of the town, most were stores and shops with signs hanging above the doors indicating what they sold. Despite the variation of the buildings, they all shared the same characteristic of desertion. It was an eerie feeling, seeing all the buildings just standing there, with not a single movement around but the light cool breeze of the wind. The group walked down the street a short distance until they came to an intersection then turned left and stopped in front of a two-storey building with a wooden sign painted green and yellow above the door. On the sign was a picture of an ankh. "This is the healer's shop," Tolan stated. "I think it's best we split up and search, and meet back here in thirty minutes." Tolan pointed to the right. "Calem and I will go that way." He then pointed down the street, "Alex, Karen, you two go that way. And Erris and Kaldor, you two go that way." Tolan pointed to the left.

Calem looked at Karen and Alex. "I know you're still new to Anaquaria, but you two can manage here on your own, right?"

"Of course," Alex said confidently.

"Uh, right. No problem," Karen said, trying unsuccessfully to sound as confident as Alex.

Alex looked at Karen. "Nervous?"

"No," she responded quickly.

Tolan faced everyone. "Thirty minutes, back here, okay?"

Everyone nodded and split up and went in separate directions. Alex stopped and turned back, for a moment. "What are we looking for?"

"Anything. Some sign of life, something to help us determine what happened here," Tolan answered without turning around. Alex nodded, turned around again and caught up to Karen, who had continued walking down the street.

Alex looked around at the deserted streets and buildings, then at Karen. "This is the first time we've been alone since we've been in Anaquaria."

Karen looked up at a nearby building that appeared to have three floors to it. "Yes, it is," she responded, in a light tone, barely paying attention to the comment. She stopped looking and faced Alex. "So?"

"Just an observation."

"Oh. Whatever." Karen turned away and looked across the street.

Alex looked annoyed. "What's with you?"

Karen continued her gaze in the opposite direction. "Me? Nothing. Nothing's wrong."

"I never asked you if something's wrong. I asked what was with you."

"Nothing. There's nothing 'with me' today.

I don't just mean today. I mean ever since we got here. I've known you most of my life and you've never acted like this. At first I thought it was simply because this was so new and such a strange situation to be in. But now, after all we've been through, after all this time, it's obvious that something is wrong."

Karen still faced the other direction. "I told you already, there's nothing wrong. I'm fine. Now can we talk about something else?"

Alex grabbed Karen by the arm and turned her around. "Don't give me that! I've known you too long to not know when something is bothering you. Now tell me what it is!"

Karen broke Alex's grasp on her arm and walked away from Alex, toward a bench located in the shade against the wall of a building. "Leave me alone. I'm fine!"

Alex followed her over to the bench. "Stop it! It's very obvious that there's something really wrong. Now tell me what it is! Otherwise it's just going to get worse." Alex stood beside Karen and looked at her and suddenly noticed that she was crying. Alex stepped back, startled. In all the time he had known Karen, he had only seen her cry twice; once a long time ago while they were still at the orphanage when she had fallen down the stairs and badly injured herself, the other a few years ago when her first ever boyfriend left her for someone else. Karen was a strong individual and it was rare that something could bring her to tears.

Karen sat down on the wooden bench and buried her face in her hands. "Just... just go away."

Alex sat down beside her and put his arm around her shoulder. "You know I won't do that. Now tell me what's wrong. Please."

"I... I just want to go home. I don't want to be here. I never asked to be brought to some weird land and told I'm some sort of legendary hero destined to help stop some evil demon."

"You think I asked for it? Neither of us want to be here, but we don't have much of a choice. But I know you. That can't be the entire problem. What is it really?"

Karen paused for a moment and leaned into Alex, crying harder. "I'm... I'm..." She sniffled a little.

"It's ok. Tell me."

"I'm... I'm afraid. I'm scared of what's going to happen. I'm afraid I'll never get home again. I'm scared that I'm going to die here. I don't know how to fight with swords and magic and stuff like that. I know I've complained a lot about how much bad luck I've been having, but in reality I've been having very good luck. I'm lucky to still be alive, but I fear that it's going to run out. We're supposedly battling demons who will stop at nothing to kill us all! How can I adapt to that?"

Alex held Karen close to him. "I... I don't know how. You just do. I'm afraid too, but you have to just believe that you can win. That's what I've done. And, remember, I'm always here. And so are the others. You've even seemed to have made good friends with Erris. You don't want to lose that, do you? None of us are going to let the others die. You remember that."

Karen stopped crying. "I... I guess so. But it's so hard. I don't know if I can."

"You have to. If you believe in yourself, and in everyone else, you won't die. You can never lose hope. If you have hope, then you can't be defeated. I promise, we'll get through this. We'll get through this together."

Karen sat up and wiped the tears from her face. "Thanks. That means a lot."

"I'm always here. You know that. And I know you'll be there if I ever have a problem, right?" Karen nodded. "Anyways, I think we should get back. There isn't anything here but more desertion."

Karen nodded again and stood up. "You're right." She paused a moment. "About everything."

Alex smiled at the comment and muttered to himself. "I hope I am."

Karen and Alex walked back to the Healer's building and when they arrived, Tolan and Calem were already there. Tolan had a worried expression on his face that quickly changed to relief upon seeing them back. "You're late."

"Sorry. Lost track of the time," Alex answered.

"It's ok. Just glad you're safe. Did you find anything?"

"Nothing. Did you?"

Karen glanced around. "Where are Erris and Kaldor?"

"We didn't find anything either," Tolan responded in answer to Alex's question.

Calem looked at Karen. "Erris and Kaldor haven't returned yet. Are you ok, Karen? You're face looks red."

"Uh, yeah. I'm fine," Karen answered slowly.

Tolan's worried expression returned to his face. "Erris and Kaldor should have been back by now. Where are they?"

"Let's wait a here a little..." Calem's sentence was cut off by the door to the Healer's opening and a hand reaching out and motioning them inside. The four of them jumped back in surprise.

"Inside, quick," a soft voice came from the door.

Tolan looked around briefly and walked inside, followed closely by the others. The door was quickly shut behind them and locked. They group was in a large room lined with shelves filled with books and glass bottles containing strange liquids and herbs. Off to the left were two beds with a table between them and to the right was another, larger table with papers on it. At the far end of the room was a stairwell leading upstairs and a solid desk with an inkwell and lit candle on it. After looking at the surroundings for a moment, they all turned toward the person who had let them in. It was a young man appearing to be in his late twenties. He was of rather average height and build, and wearing a dark green shirt and matching coloured pants. His hair was dark brown and his eyes were of a similar brown shade.

Tolan looked at the man. "Who are you? And what is going on here?"

"My name is Arielis Kamelain."

"Kamelain?" Alex questioned. "The mayor?"

"No. That is Narron Kamelain, my father."

Tolan looked at Arielis. "Where is your father? We need to speak to him about something. For that matter, where is anyone? Why is the city deserted?"

"Ezmar is not deserted. Most of the people are here, just hiding in their homes. As for my father, he's being held prisoner in the castle, along with most of the other prominent citizens of Ezmar."

"Prisoner? By who?" Tolan asked.

Arielis sighed. "They are being held by Jequin, Aranax's top general. He has occupied the castle and controls the entire city. People aren't allowed to leave so they stay in their homes, in fear."

"Jequin?!" Tolan and Calem echoed in surprise.

"Yes. He came here shortly after Aranax arrived. He was sent, as far as I know, to help maintain Aranax's control over Anaquaria, since Ezmar is the second largest city."

"We must speak to your father. And it looks like we're going to have to go through Jequin to do it."

Arielis walked across the room. "There's something you need to know. You're other two friends..."

"Yes?" Tolan queried. "You know where they are?"

Arielis nodded. "They were taken to the castle by a group of guards. They tried to fight, but there were too many. I'm sorry."

Tolan cursed to himself under his breath. "This makes it more complicated, but we need to rescue them and your father. He has important information. But defeating Jequin will be no easy task."

Alex looked at Arielis, then Tolan. "Who is this Jequin? Erris mentioned him before, but we don't know anything about him."

Tolan, for the first time since Karen and Alex had met him, looked confused. "I know very little about him myself, I'm afraid. I've heard rumours about him and something to do with magic, but that's all. I don't even know what the connection is between him and magic."

Arielis spoke again. "Magic. He's immune to it. Some sort of natural ability, I believe. Magic has no effect on him, no matter what the type or how powerful it is. However, he also is unable to use magic himself. He is extremely strong physically though, which more than makes up for his inability to use it."

"How do you know all this? And why are you helping us?" Calem asked.

"I was in the castle when Jequin first came. I saw him with my own eyes. I know how he fought with the castle guards. Fortunately, I managed to escape the castle before it was too late. As for the second question, the answer is simple. I want my home back." Arielis paused and took a book off the shelf. "I want my father back."

"We understand," Tolan said, looking at the others. "We need the information on the crystals your father has to save Anaquaria, and if that means taking on Jequin to do it..."

"Then that's what we're going to do," Alex completed.

Karen paused a moment, then smiled. "Right."

"Lets go!" Alex stated confidently. The four of them left the building and started up toward the castle.

Tolan stayed behind a moment and looked at Arielis. "Thank you for your help. We'll get your father back." With that he closed the door and caught up to the others.

Arielis put down the book and smiled. "Good luck."

"So what's our plan?" Alex asked as the four of them headed toward the castle. "Just go in there and confront Jequin and rescue everyone?"

"You are so noble, Alex," Karen said sarcastically. "Rescuing the people from their evil captor."

Alex glared at Karen. "I meant do we attempt to sneak in? Or do we just walk in and confront him directly?"

"Jequin already knows we're here. He probably even knows we're coming to the castle. Trying to sneak in would be pointless," Tolan answered.

Alex nodded. "Alright then. Direct confrontation it is. I guess we should go in already prepared, right?" Alex pulled out his special blue-coloured crystal. "Knight!" In an instant, Alex's regular clothes were replaced by black knight's armour.

Karen took out her green crystal and followed suit. "Valkyrie!" Just as with Alex, her regular clothes were quickly replaced by armour, though hers was grey, not black.

"He will have several guards at his side, remember. It won't be just him we are facing," Tolan stated.

"Thanks for reminding us," Karen muttered under her breath.

After a few minutes, they reached the base of the hill leading up to the castle, and within a couple minutes after that they reached the midpoint of the incline where the castle was located. Tolan stopped at the edge of the drawbridge, which was down and turned around to face the others. "Everyone ready?"

Alex drew his sword and Karen pulled out an arrow from the quiver on her back. "Ready," they said together.

Then lets go," Tolan said, starting across the drawbridge.

They quickly crossed the drawbridge and passed through the archway marking the entrance to the castle. They entered a large courtyard that extended in a wide ring around the inner part of the castle. The walls were lined with plants and flowers and the area was filled with open market stalls of various items and there was piles of hay in some areas and even small buildings. Just like the city, however, everything was deserted. No movement, no sounds, nothing. After viewing the surroundings for a moment, everyone continued into the inner area of the castle where they were met by a large wooden door. "Why do I get the feeling we are walking into a trap?" Alex stated.

"Probably because we are," Karen answered slyly. "At least we won't be surprised when something goes wrong." Alex gave Karen a dark look. "Sorry, forgot I wasn't going to do that anymore."

Alex smiled. "At least you're trying."

Karen smiled back. "Let's get this over with." She reached up for the door handle and pulled the wooden door open that led into the main building of the castle. Alex, Tolan, and Calem stepped inside and Karen followed, letting the door go, which shut behind them.

The four of them entered a dim room with only 2 windows, and several lit torches along the walls. The room was fairly large but bare apart from the torches. Straight ahead was another set of wooden doors, and in the far left corner was a stone staircase leading up to the next floor. "The main chamber should be straight through those doors," Tolan said after scanning the room.

Alex walked up to the doors and began to open them. "You ever get the feeling you're walking into a..." Karen started

"Trap?" Alex finished the sentence as he opened the door all the way to reveal another large room. A red carpet covered the centre of the floor and at the far end of the room was a large throne. Surrounding the throne were nearly twenty guards, all fully armed and ready to fight. And sitting in the throne was someone who obviously had to be Jequin.

"Um... yeah," Karen answered.

The person in the throne stood up. "Welcome. I am Jequin." He said nonchalantly. The door slammed shut behind the four as they all entered the room. All of them stared in disbelief as to how large Jequin was. He appeared to be well over seven feet tall and was extremely muscular. Alex guessed he must have weighed at least 400 pounds. Jequin was humanoid, though his head looked like that of a bull without horns. His skin was a light blue colour and he had long sharp claws on his hands. For clothing he was only wearing some leather shorts and boots. Around his neck was a blue amulet of some kind that was almost hidden due to the colour of his skin. "So glad you arrived. Aranax will be very pleased to hear of your capture."

Tolan glared at Jequin. "We are here to rescue our friends and the others you've imprisoned in the castle. I suggest you leave now, Jequin."

"Don't make me laugh. You really think you stand a chance?"

"Aranax couldn't capture me, and there was only one other with me then. So you couldn't possibly catch me now that I have additional friends."

Alex looked at Tolan. "Quit with the talk, Tolan," he thought to himself.

"Indeed. Well, we shall see." Jequin raised his hand in the air. "Take them!"

With the motion of Jequin's hand the guards all rushed forward and utter chaos ensued. "Vis telum!" Calem shouted, striking down one of the guards with a bolt of energy.

Alex swung his sword at the first guard that approached him and dropped him like a rock before he had even drawn his weapon. Within seconds however, three more guards were on top of him.

Tolan struck one of the rushing attackers in the head with his staff. At the same time Karen fired an arrow into the crowd and took down yet another guard. "You can fight too, I see, Tolan," Karen commented.

Tolan shoved another attacker away. "When I have to," he responded.

"Flamma exuro!" Calem chanted, igniting two guards on fire. "We have to get to Jequin!"

"I will," Karen stated and forcefully shoved her way through the crowd of attackers. Before Tolan or anyone else could say anything, Karen was already halfway across the room.

Alex struck down another guard and shoved a second away with his shield. "What's she doing?" He questioned.

Tolan looked at Alex with an unknowing glance. "Don't know."

Karen swatted a guard out of the way with her bow and stepped out of the chaos and near Jequin, who was facing the other way. "Jequin!" She shouted, drawing an arrow.

"Hmm?" Jequin muttered turning around to face the direction of the voice. He smiled. And what do you think you are going to do with that?"

Tolan looked at Jequin and suddenly noticed the amulet. "Oh no! Karen!"

Karen didn't here Tolan yelling at her and let go of the bow string, sending the arrow at Jequin. The arrow struck him directly in the midsection and literally bounced off. Karen stood there, motionless and dumbfounded. "Wha... what happened?" she stuttered.

"Looks like it didn't work," Jequin mocked. "My turn!" the blue-skinned demon growled, rushing at Karen.

Alex pushed his way through the crowd, attempting to get closer to Karen and Jequin. "Karen! Karen, run!" he shouted in desperation to get her attention, but it was too late. Before Karen even knew what was happening a massive claw struck her chest hard, piercing her armour and throwing her backwards several feet.

Karen screamed and fell to the ground, hitting her head on the floor and knocking her unconscious. She transformed out of her Valkyrie form and back to her normal self. "Now you die!" Jequin lunged forward, preparing to strike her again.

"No!" Alex dove out of the crowd at Karen, pushing her and himself out of the way.

Jequin struck the stone floor with his hand. "Damn you!" he yelled, shaking his hand. "I'll kill you both!"

Alex stood up, holding the unconscious Karen in his arms. "Help!" he yelled, backing into a corner, with Jequin advancing on them.

Seeing Alex in trouble and hearing the cry for help, Calem didn't have time to think. As if almost on instinct, he raised his staff in the air and pointed it at Jequin. "Lumen!" A bright beam of light came shooting from the staff, temporarily blinding the demon.

Jequin reeled back. "My eyes!" At the same time, Alex ran out of the corner and headed for the door as fast as he could while carrying Karen.

Forcing his way through the remaining guards Alex quickly reached the other side of the room. "Tolan! Calem! We have to retreat! Now!"

Tolan and Calem didn't need any encouragement. Both of them already knew they weren't going to win this round. The two of them quickly ran for the door, opened it, and ran out, Alex following. Several of the guards started to follow but Jequin stopped them. He rubbed his eyes. "No! Do not follow. They'll be back. Of that we can count on. We'll wait for their return here." Jequin laughed. "You are such a fool, Tolan. You and your friends cannot possibly hope to win!"

Tolan, Calem, and Alex ran out of the castle and down the hill toward the city. Alex, still carrying Karen, slowed a little and looked behind him. "They're not following."

"They don't need to. They know we're not going anywhere," Tolan stated.

They hurried back to where they had met Arielis, who, upon hearing their voices already had the door open, waiting for them.

The three of them rushed in to the building and Arielis promptly shut and locked the door behind them. "What happened?!" He asked, concerned.

Alex laid Karen down on one of the beds. "We screwed up." For the first time since exiting the castle, Alex was able to look at the extent of Karen's injuries. She had a long deep wound in a claw-like pattern extending from left shoulder down across her chest all the way to her right hip. Her shirt was red with blood and she was still bleeding profusely. "And Karen's going to pay because of it."

Arielis grabbed a roll of cloth off a shelf and handed it to Alex. "Use this. It will stop the bleeding."

Alex took the roll of cloth and looked at Karen. "If you survive, you're probably going to kill me for this, but I have to do it," he said to himself. Alex raised Karen's arms above her head and carefully took her shirt off. Despite knowing Karen for 17 years and even living with her, Alex had never actually seen Karen without her shirt on, even with a bra, as Karen was usually quite modest and careful about these things. Alex didn't have time to think about it, however. He quickly wrapped the roll of cloth tightly around Karen's body, covering the wound up.

Arielis looked worriedly at Karen, then toward Alex. "Did Jequin cause this? With his claws?"

Alex looked back. "Yes, why?"

Arielis cursed under his breath. "Then you have a more serious problem than that wound."

"What do you mean?"

"Jequin's claws contain poison. I know this from some of the soldiers who died from it when that demon first arrived here."

"Died?" Alex's eyes widened. "Is there a cure?"

"Yes, but I don't know how to make it. I'm only an apprentice. Only the Chief Healer knows how to make it, but he was taken to the castle." Arielis turned away. "The poison is very fast acting. It only takes about 24 hours before it kills the infected person."

"That's it?!"

Arielis nodded. "I'm sorry. If there was any way I could help, I would."

Alex looked at Tolan. "How did this happen? I saw her shoot an arrow and directly hit Jequin, yet it didn't even scratch him." He paused, "Is it because of his magic immunity?"

Tolan shook his head. "No. Karen's arrows have magical properties, but they are still, by nature, a physical attack."

"Then what the hell hapened?!" Alex yelled.

"It was because of the amulet around his neck. It was dolzite, a special type of crystal that can hold a magical charge, most commonly a protection spell. It makes the wearer immune to physical attacks."

"What?! And you knew this?!"

"Calm down, Alex," Calem said, trying to keep things under control.

"I'm sorry. I didn't notice the amulet until it was too late. That's why I tried to stop Karen from attacking him. I should've noticed sooner."

Alex stood there in though for a moment. "If Jequin has a natural magic immunity, and with this amulet, has a physical immunity, are you saying that he's invincible? That he can't be defeated?"

"No. He's not invincible. Nothing is. If the amulet is broken or removed, he will no longer be protected and can be harmed by any normal physical attack."

"Then I'm going back."

"Don't be foolish, Alex. We don't stand a chance against him now."

"I didn't say we, Tolan. I said I was going back. I don't care whether you come or not."

Tolan grabbed Alex by the arm as he started toward the door. "You can't take on Jequin and his soldiers on your own! That would be suicide. Even the three of us would have difficulty. We couldn't defeat him when there was four of us, and now the odds are even less with only three."

"I don't care! I'm not going to just sit here and watch Karen die!"

"You're not thinking rationally, Alex. We need a better plan," Calem said, walking toward Alex.

"This isn't the time for plans!"

Tolan was beginning to get angry. "Are you willing to jeopardize everything by going alone?!" He yelled. "There are some battles you just can't win! There are other, less dangerous ways to get the information we need than trying to defeat Jequin to rescue the mayor!"

Arielis, who was in the background, looking over Karen, suddenly had a look of worry flash across his face upon hearing Tolan speak as if he was thinking of abandoning the plan. "Tolan, please..."

Alex looked Tolan directly in the eye. "I don't believe I'm hearing you say this! Are you saying we should just leave?! Let Karen die and leave Erris, Kaldor and the rest of the city's inhabitants stay imprisoned?!" Alex paused a moment, thinking. "When we first arrived here, you said that there's an ancient story that when Anaquaria is threatened by a great evil, the two legendary heroes would be brought forth to save the land, or something to that effect. If we leave, without rescuing the people from Jequin and get the cure for the poison, Karen will die. Where in that story does it say that one of the legendary heroes dies?!"

Tolan stood there without speaking for several seconds, lost in thought. "It doesn't."

Alex forcefully pulled his arm away from Tolan and reached for the door. "I didn't think so."

"But there's more to this than that. I know she's a very close friend, but is she that close that you are prepared to risk your life and the lives of others for her?"

Alex stopped. "Yes, I am."

"Why?" Calem asked.

Alex looked at Calem, then Tolan. "Because..." A moment that seemed like an eternity to him passed before he continued. "Because I love her!" he suddenly blurted out.

Tolan and Calem looked stunned for a moment, but the reaction passed quickly as they both began to understand Alex's feelings. "I see..." Tolan said quietly.

"Well now you know. I love Karen, and even though I don't think she feels the same about me, I will not sit here and let her die. I'm going back to the castle, whether you want me to or not." Alex unlocked and opened the door.

Tolan and Calem looked at each other and spoke silently, then glanced at Arielis, who smiled slightly. "Alright. We're coming too. Whatever your reasons, the ancient story doesn't call for one of the heroes dying. And we really do need that information about the next crystal. This time we have to be more careful, though." With that, the three left the building and headed back to the castle, leaving Arielis to do the best he could to care for Karen.