Legends of Amacia Rise of the Caverias

A makeshift cafeteria had been set up in the same building, feeding the people in shifts. Nathanael entered the cafeteria carrying Hanna, who had her arm around him as he carried her. A hundred people filled the cafeteria, including Nicodemus, the Arionath Elders, Hannibal’s team, Xavier, Corso, Joel, and Liu. When Nathanael and Hanna entered, their presence was immediately noticed and a hush fell over the crowd. Nathanael stood still for a moment as they noticed where Nicodemus and Hannibal’s team were sitting. Nicodemus saw Nathanael and Hanna, rising to greet them. Once Nicodemus stood, Hanna nodded towards Nicodemus and Nathanael started walking. As Nathanael carried Hanna toward Nicodemus, Nicodemus began to clap. Seconds later, jubilant applause and cheers erupted from the crowd as Nathanael carried Hanna to the table where Nicodemus stood. Upon reaching Nicodemus’s table, the applause died down as Hanna asked, “Is there room for one more?”

“Absolutely, little sister!” Nicodemus said happily.

Two seats were provided between Xavier and Corso. Nathanael sat Hanna down next to Xavier, and then took the seat next to Corso. Xavier touched Hanna on the shoulder after she settled into the seat. “I see the clothes suit you,” Xavier complimented.

“That they do,” Hanna admitted, “Seems everyone had the same idea at the same time because Nathanael found Amelia in the hall coming to my room with these clothes in hand.”

“So true,” Nathanael said with a chuckle. “I figured Amelia would know where to find something functional for Hanna to wear since she doesn’t have any clothes at all because of what the Emperor did.”

“Indeed,” Hanna returned softly, “I’m still in wonder at how everyone has gone out of their way to help me during this crisis. I am eternally grateful for your help and friendship, especially Amelia. She has become a beloved sister to me.”

“I know,” Xavier stated, “You and she share a strange bond that I still have to grasp, especially now since your mutation. She truly sees you as the sister she lost long ago.”

As Hanna spoke, Amelia walked up with Hanna’s weapons in hand. Having overheard Xavier’s last comment, Amelia declared, “It’s more than that, dear husband. Hanna and I share a bond forged in the Emperor’s infernal fires. She knows and understands the terrors I endured at the hands of the Emperor first-hand because she experienced them herself in that hell. Here are your weapons, Hanna. I’ll sling them over the back of your chair.”

“Thank you, Amelia,” Hanna said gratefully as Amelia hung the sword and dagger over the corner of Hanna’s chair.

“You’re welcome,” Amelia replied as Hanna suddenly cringed, grasping her chest as her rib pain flared. A groan escaped Hanna’s lips from the pain. “Oh, are those ribs bothering you again?” Amelia asked.

“Yeah,” Hanna moaned, tears starting to drip. “I guess getting dressed must have really aggravated them.”

“Do you want a touch?” Amelia asked, sitting in Nathanael’s chair after he got up.

“Are you sure you want to do that?” Hanna asked, “I know how badly you drained yourself when Magnus took that little beast out of me. Do you think you can handle it?”

“I’m still a little drained from it,” Amelia admitted, “...but I think I can handle it since you seem to be well on your way to healing up now.”

Hanna nodded and said, “Go ahead, then. Just don’t risk injuring yourself.”

Amelia rubbed her hands together and concentrated as she slid one hand down inside Hanna’s leather dress, getting skin-to-skin contact with Hanna’s chest. She did the same on Hanna’s back. Fortunately, the clothes Hanna wore were loose enough to allow this touch. Hanna flinched visibly and moaned with pain as the bones and flesh in her chest burned like a blowtorch. Amelia held on for a few moments, and then released Hanna, slumping a bit with a heavy sighed. “There, that should help,” Amelia murmured, dropping heavily into Nathanael’s chair as he took the chair beside Xavier. “It’s not as long as I would have like to but I believe that it’ll help.”

Hanna’s chest and back burned for a few moments after Amelia let go, and then the pain ebbed away, giving Hanna some relief. Instead of the terrible pain she was suffering with, the pain was a moderately dull ache that was tolerable. “Thank you,” Hanna said gratefully to Amelia as Naomi brought some meat, beans, and bread to Hanna along with a glass of water.

“I’m glad I was able to help,” Amelia replied wearily.

“It’s good to see you on the mend, Hanna,” Corso called out, looking over to her. “You definitely must have the luck of the gods to have survived.”

“You might say that,” Hanna replied, eyeing the food before her, “Though I could have done without this mutation. It still feels so strange, but I’m not complaining. I’m just happy to be alive.”

“Amen to that,” Nathanael chimed.

When Naomi placed the food before Hanna, she thanked Naomi, said a short prayer over the food, and then began to eat slowly. Nicodemus and Joshua watched as Hanna took great care in handling her utensils so she wouldn’t drop them. Hanna suddenly looked around and asked, “Where is Magnus?”

“Magnus is on guard duty with Bruce on the perimeter inside the city,” Joshua replied.

“You haven’t let anyone near the citadel, have you?” Hanna asked after nibbling on a piece of the roasted meat.

“No one is allowed outside of the perimeter inside the city, Hanna,” Nicodemus said authoritatively. “We remember the problems Harry had in the citadel.”

Hanna washed down her food with some water and replied, “Good. There are things in there that are very dangerous. I just know it.”

Hanna ate some more and Corso noticed her puzzled expression, so he asked, “What’s wrong, little sister? You have a look of someone that is greatly troubled by something.” Hanna leaned back in her chair carefully and looked around at everyone. Her face was long and full of concern. A brief chuckle escaped her lips.

“What’s so funny?” Amelia asked.

“I just thought it briefly amusing that I’ve now become everyone’s little sister,” Hanna said softly, “Though I guess from their perspective, I am just a little sister because of my size and age compared to them.”

“We mean no offense,” Nicodemus called out, “It’s just how we’ve come to see you since your return.”

“I know,” Hanna replied with a sigh, “...and I’m not offended at all by the little sister title. I actually find it kind of appropriate since most of you are much older than I am by a long shot.”

“But something still troubles you, little sister,” Corso insisted, emphasizing ‘little sister’ as he spoke. “It’s okay to share with us. We’re here to help you carry this burden. You don’t have to carry it alone. It’s the least I can do after you put your neck on the line to save my people.”

“Well said, my Cushite friend,” Nicodemus congratulated. “Hanna must understand that we are here to help her as much as she’s here to help us.”

“That’s so true, Nicodemus,” Hanna agreed after swallowing some beans, and washing it down with some water. “I’m still learning to accept help after many cycles of being a lone wolf who’s relied on no one but me. It’s hard for me to do that, but I am learning.” Hanna then glanced at Corso. “Still,” she said, “Corso is right and very perceptive. Something is troubling me; something serious.” Then looking directly at Nicodemus, Hanna announced, “We’re compromised here. The bug I picked up in Amacia was tracked. The Emperor knows where I am. He’ll send scouts to make sure, and then come to annihilate us.”

Nicodemus sighed and leaned back in his chair as the group at the table murmured at the news. “We figured as much,” Nicodemus said grimly. “How did you figure it was tracked?”

Without hesitation, Hanna replied, “Enoch and Kida told me in the dream I had just before I woke up. They also warned me not to underestimate Ahriaman.”

“That’s very good advice, Hanna,” Amelia commented. “Ahriaman is a demon and capable of all kinds of evil. I should know.”

Hanna nodded and said, “That’s what they said. Nicodemus, time is running out for all of us. As much as I hate to do it, I must leave you for a short time and go to Antilla to find out whether Enoch and Kida are truly real. It’s something there that’s vital to our cause and to me personally. I must find out what it is.”

Nicodemus’ gaze narrowed as he saw the steel in Hanna’s eyes and her determination to go. He then smiled and said, “You said you were going to have to go. Very well, little sister; go, find your answers, but don’t forget us in your search.”

Hanna shook her head, replying, “I could no more forget you than I could Selina or breathing. I will come back. That’s a promise, but while I’m gone, you should definitely fortify our position here and be ready for anything. We still have a little time. It will take some time for the Emperor to martial his forces. Be wary though. He will send scouts and they may be dangerous.”

Joshua nodded and said, “We will be alert and ready.”

“How and with whom will you be going?” Joel asked.

Hanna looked at Nathanael and said, “Nathanael will be coming with me, and Argus will show us the way. Surely, he knows the way to Antilla and will not refuse this request, knowing what’s bearing down on us.”

“Don’t be presumptuous of Argus, Hanna,” Nicodemus cautioned. “He may or may not know the way, nor may he want to take you if he does. But I do hope that he will for your sake.”

Hanna scratched her head and said confidently, “Argus will help. I know it. He said I could ask anything of him, and with his great age, he must surely know where that fabled land is.”

Nicodemus looked deep into Hanna’s eyes and smiled. “Yes,” he agreed. “You are right. Argus will help. When will you be leaving?”

“As soon as we gather some supplies,” Hanna replied. “I must go today and as quickly as possible. But before I go, I want you to gather the people so that I can be seen. I have the distinct feeling that I need to be seen of the people.”

“Are you sure it’s a good idea to go on such a perilous quest in your present condition?” Joshua asked bluntly. “You’re still very weak and can’t walk. That’s not the optimum condition to be going on a quest to the most dangerous corner of the caverns.”

“Joshua, you should not question Hanna in that way,” Nicodemus scolded. “She knows what she’s doing.”

“It’s okay, Nicodemus,” Hanna intruded. “Joshua has a legitimate point in what he’s said. Under normal circumstances, I would have never even considered doing this in my present state. However, these are not normal circumstances by any stretch of the imagination. The Emperor knows our location, and is coming. Furthermore, this Enoch keeps reappearing in my dreams, insisting I come right away. I do not have the luxury of being at full strength to do this. This is as much a quest of faith as it a quest for answers. The Lord himself told me to go this very day, so I must go. He promised to protect and hold me up in the journey to show me that even now He can take care of me. I must go if we are to have any chance against the Emperor. Nathanael and I must go to this Red Tower on Antilla to meet Enoch. All the arrows are pointing in one direction now: to Antilla and Enoch.”

“Forgive me, Hanna,” Joshua apologized, “I didn’t know how passionate you were about this. And if Nathanael is going with you, then it makes me feel much better knowing you’ll have adequate protection in the wilds.”

“Don’t worry about it, Joshua,” Hanna replied pleasantly. “You’ve been watching over me ever since I came here. I’d think something was wrong if you didn’t question me like that. Besides, you’re right. Nathanael is going for the very purpose of being my bodyguard. The Ancient of Days Himself decreed it. But before I go, the people need to see me.”

Nicodemus and Joshua smiled at each other and Nicodemus declared, “Then seen you will be. How soon do you want to be seen of the people?”

Hanna thought for a moment then replied, “A couple of hours outside the main gate. I want them to know where I’m going and why. They have a right to know.”

“Very well; two hours then. But first, we shall gather your supplies and arm you appropriately, though Amelia seems to have already taken care of your armaments,” Nicodemus said plainly. “I don’t like the idea of you going away like this, but I know it is what the Ancient of Days wants you to do.”

Hanna’s face became very serious as she said, “I will come back. I swear by the Ancient of Days I will.”

Nicodemus smiled, saying, “I know you will. You came back from the clutches of the Emperor and survived those lethal wounds. You’ll come back from Antilla. Now, if you are done eating, let’s get you moving.”

“Any time you are,” Hanna replied. Everyone rose from the table except for Hanna, whom Nathanael quickly scooped up.

“I’ll carry your weapons, little sister,” Xavier chimed, picking up Hanna’s sword and dagger from the back of the chair.

“Thanks big brother,” Hanna crowed in a slightly teasing tone. Xavier smiled and everyone followed Nicodemus out of the cafeteria.

Within an hour, the supplies were gathered with Hanna and Nathanael being adequately armed. Nathanael cradled her in his arms, waiting outside the city on the spot where the portal from Arionath had opened with Amelia and Xavier standing right beside them. They watched Argus come in for a landing, shaking the ground as he touched down and lumber up to them.

Argus looked intensely at Hanna for a moment, and then raised what would have been his eyebrow had he been human. “Hannibal?” Argus asked carefully.

“Yes,” Hanna answered, “But it’s now Hanna because of this mutation the Emperor subjected me to. Please, let me touch you so you can see what happened.”

“By all means,” Argus replied, lowering his head as Nathanael stepped close so Hanna could touch Argus’ head. When she touched Argus, he saw everything that had happened to Hannibal since his capture, including his mutation and transformation into Hanna. What Argus saw appalled his sense of justice. “What a diabolically heinous thing to do to you,” the dragon spat with disgust, “The Emperor will pay for this outrage. I promise.”

“That he will,” Hanna agreed, “...but that’s for another day. Right now, we have more pressing matters to discuss.”

“You’re on a critical mission, aren’t you, Hanna?” Argus queried with a serious look on his huge face.

Hanna’s face steeled as she said, “Yes, my great draken friend, and we desperately need your help to accomplish it.”

Argus snorted as he telepathically sensed what Hanna was fixing to ask. His expression fell a bit as he asked, “You want to go to Antilla, don’t you?”

Hanna looked the great draken square in the eye and said, “I must. Enoch and Kida have called to me multiple times. They bid me to come. I have to go, even though I don’t know the way. Please, can you help us?” Hanna reached out and touched Argus on the side of his face again, humbly begging, “Please, help me, great Argus. We are kin and Enoch is apparently my blood. Please help us.”

Argus looked down at Hanna, saying, “You ask a hard thing, my friend. It’s a perilous journey. Antilla is far into the Sea of Calui. The weather on that sea is very unpredictable and many great creatures guard the island. Moreover, you’re still very weak from your encounter with the Emperor.” Argus invaded Hanna’s mind again and saw the dreams of Antilla with Enoch and Kida bidding him to come. He grunted and backed out of Hanna’s mind, saying, “They call to you, do they?”

Hanna nodded and added, “They said I could bring only one companion with me so I’m bringing Nathanael. Besides, in my present condition, I could not make such a journey alone. Nathanael comes along to be my legs and my bodyguard.”

Argus looked at Nathanael and his expression became telling as he began to smile slightly, saying, “You have chosen well for your companion. Yes, I can take you there, but I warn you now, you may not get a warm welcome. The inhabitants of Antilla are very xenophobic and tend to be very hostile to outsiders who manage to reach their shores. But there’s one thing I must ask of both of you before I take you.”

“What is it?” Hanna replied instantly, “Name it.”

Argus moved in even closer and whispered, “I was sworn to secrecy as to where Antilla is and what is on the island. I am but one of three living beings in this whole realm who know exactly where it is. You must swear not to tell anyone where it is or what you find there. Now swear it!”

Hanna raised his hand and swore by the Almighty Ancient of Days not to divulge where the island was or what they found there. Nathanael did the same thing. After swearing the oath, Hanna asked, “Not to be a killjoy, but is there any way I could tell?”

Argus looked at her crossly, and said, “I’ll tell you what. The only way you can tell what you find is only as a last resort to save the lives of these people. Its location, however, must remain a secret.”

Hanna sighed, saying, “Very well, my friend. Let’s pray that we never need to tell what we find there.”

As she spoke, the crowds were gathering at the base of the hill outside of the wall and Nicodemus and Joshua were spotted walking up the hill with all of Hannibal’s team, Corso, Joel, and Liu. “Good, the supplies are here,” Nathanael said in a pleased tone.

Nathanael, Hanna, Xavier, Amelia, and Argus turned, and walked over to greet them. Harry brought a pack with all the items Hanna requested, including the Relic, and Artifact. Harry also bore the scepter with him. He came forward and Hanna asked, “Did you get everything I asked for?”

Harry nodded, saying, “Yes. We got everything you asked for. In fact, I took the liberty to just put everything in Nathanael’s pack since you’re not capable of handling a pack yet.”

“I appreciate that,” Hanna replied with a smile.

Ned stepped up and asked, “Are you sure this is necessary?”

“I’m afraid so. This is something I’ve got to do,” Hanna replied.

Morrison stepped forward and handed Hanna a pair of gauntlets, saying, “You’ll need these to handle that staff.”

Hanna put them on while looking at Harry. “Watch over them until I return, Harry. You think you can do that?” she ordered.

Harry nodded, saying, “Sure can. How long do you think it will take?”

Hanna shook her head and said, “I don’t know. But I’ll try to be as quick as I can.” She then said her farewells to the rest of her team, giving each a little word of wisdom. When she got to Arabella, Hanna took Arabella by the hand and smiled. “Thank you, Doctor Bishop. Take care of these people until I get back.”

Arabella held on to Hanna’s hands and looked into her eyes, saying, “You come back to us. I forbid you to get yourself killed or worse.”

Hanna chuckled softly, saying, “Still trying to be the doctor, aren’t you?”

Arabella managed to smile a little but Hanna could see her sadness and concern about her leaving. “Someone has to keep you from doing stupid things,” Arabella murmured, “Don’t you get into any fights now. Little good it did me to tell you stay put until your ribs and back healed up.”

Hanna shook her head and said sincerely, “I wish I could, but the Emperor knows where we are and our time is running out. There are answers in Antilla that may be crucial to our survival. I have to go while there’s still time. Besides, that’s why Nathanael is coming with me: to keep me from doing stupid shit.”

Arabella looked down and said, “I know. It doesn’t mean that I have to like it though.”

Hanna raised Arabella’s chin with her hand and said with all confidence, “I will return. Have I ever welched on a promise yet?” Arabella shook her head. “I’m coming back,” Hanna declared, “Take care of John and the rest of them. You’re a great asset to us. Your skills could not have been done without.” Hanna looked into Arabella’s eyes and saw tears. It grieved her that she had to go under such circumstances. Hanna kissed Arabella gently on the knuckles and called to Morrison, saying, “Take good care of her, John.” Morrison came and put an arm around Arabella, trying to comfort her as Hanna moved on in his farewells.

Hanna turned to Amelia as she stood with her arms folded across her chest. Hanna held out her hand to Amelia. She looked at Hanna silently with the love of a twin sister and leaned down, kissing her gently on the cheek as Nathanael held her. “Thank you, Amelia, for all you’ve done,” Hanna said softly after the kiss, her gratitude shining on her face. “Your gift and knowledge have been most valuable to us. I wish I could take you but....”

Amelia put her finger to Hanna’s mouth and said, “Don’t say another word, sister. I am needed here and you need to fly. Go, my sister. Find your answers. Fly.”

Turning to Xavier as he held Hanna’s weapons, Hanna said, “I hope you’re not jealous. I don’t want to make an enemy of you.”

Xavier chuckled heartily, saying, “Me jealous of you for the way Amelia treats you; not in the least, my friend. She sees you as the sister she lost long ago and treats you as such. I have no problem with it. Besides, you made it perfectly clear where your affection really lies. If I’m jealous of anything, it’s of your relationship with your wife. It’s so pure and loving. Even in the face of temptations, you stay loyal to her. Such loyalty is a rare sight. I sincerely pray to the gods that you find a way to return to your original form so you can be the true husband she deserves.”

“Me too,” Hanna agreed, “I’m glad you are on our team, Xavier. Amelia surely is a remarkable woman. You’re extremely fortunate to have such a precious treasure as a wife. I want you to watch out for these people, Xavier. This is your savage land. You know it better than anyone else here does. Can you do that?”

Xavier stretched out his hand and said, “Absolutely, little sister.”

Hanna took Xavier’s hand and shook it firmly before going on to the others. Corso, Joel, and Liu, especially Corso expressed their gratitude for the sacrifice she made in the rescue of the people in Cush. Hanna made Nicodemus her last personal farewell, saying, “Wish me luck, Nicodemus.”

Nicodemus patted Hanna on the head in a fatherly manner, replying, “Luck has nothing to do with your life, my friend. You’re a walking, talking miracle and have been so all your life. Only a fool cannot see that the Almighty literally drives you down your path. It just so happens that you path for the time being is separate from ours. I’ll pray for your swift and safe return.”

Hanna was moved by the faith Nicodemus demonstrated and grasped his hand. “Thank you,” she replied. “I know that prayers are our power these days. Pray always.”

Nicodemus smiled and replied, “Well said, little sister. Well said.”

“Take me to the brow of the hill, Nathanael,” Hanna ordered and Nathanael took her to where she could look over the people. Gazing over the crowd, Hanna called out, “Brothers, sisters. Our time is short. I must leave you for a short time and go on a quest. But I’ll return; that’s a promise and by the grace and mercy of the Almighty, I’ll return with the wisdom on how to deal with the Emperor.” To her amazement, her voice rang out strong and clear over the hillside.

A voice rang out of the crowd, asking, “Where are you going on your quest?”

Hanna glanced at Argus as if you ask for permission to tell them. Argus nodded and Hanna announced, “I go to the fabled Isle of Antilla in the farthest reaches of this great realm. I have questions that need answers and I believe those answers lie in Antilla.” The crowd began to rumble and mill about upon the revelation. “I’m leaving my entire team with you except for Nathanael. He must come with me to be my legs and guard, but the rest of my team will be here for you as I have been. I’m going, but I will return. Mind those over you and do what they tell you. We are far from safe, even in this remote place. The Emperor’s vision is wide and his reach far. I pray that we may remain hidden from him as long as possible. Farewell, people of Arionath.” A roar rose from the crowd as Hanna motioned to Nathanael to go back to Nicodemus. Nathanael stopped in front of Nicodemus, Xavier, Amelia, Joshua, Corso, Joel, Liu, and the rest of his team. “One last warning,” Hanna told them. “I don’t know whether it means anything, but the last thing Enoch told me in the dream was the Rakshasar are coming. I have no idea who or what they are, but I got the distinct impression that they were bad news. Be on your guard while we’re gone.”

Nicodemus’ face fell dramatically as did everyone around him except for Hanna’s team. Hanna noticed it and asked, “I’m right to think they are not benign.”

Amelia looked at Hanna with a grim, serious look on her face, saying, “That’s an understatement. The Rakshasar are Ahriaman’s own creation and are the Emperor’s most elite squad. They’re virtually indestructible and are as ruthless and brutal as the Emperor himself. Some legends say the Rakshasar are not even alive, but the undead corpses of previous Emperors and cannot be killed by normal means. Regardless of whether they’re undead or not, if they have been unleashed, then we all are in serious trouble.”

“How many are in this squad?” Nathanael asked bluntly.

Nicodemus looked at Hanna and Nathanael, saying, “Eleven. They are known by many names. Some call them the Dark Riders, some call the Rakshasar, and some call them simply the Black Eleven. Whatever they are called makes no difference. All the names mean the same thing: Death incarnate. The Black Eleven are considered by nearly everyone to be death in the flesh. They are the most feared of all the Emperor’s minions and they answer to him alone and do his bidding exclusively. They’re usually sent out as assassins.”

This news shook Hanna’s resolve, making her hesitant as to whether she really wanted to go or not. Nicodemus saw the hesitation in her eyes and said, “We have dealt with them before. We can do it again. You need to go.”

Hanna looked at Nicodemus, asking in a concerned manner, “Are you sure?”

Nicodemus nodded and ordered her, “Get going, little sister. Don’t let this spirit stop you. You have a job to do, now do it.”

Hanna suddenly smiled and grasped the arm of Nicodemus in one final parting gesture, saying, “Be safe then, my friend. I’ll return as quickly as possible.”

Nicodemus waved his hand saying, “Get going already.”

Hanna turned to Nathanael, asking, “Well, are you ready, my Lynxian friend?”

“Whenever you are, little sister,” Nathanael returned in a slight tease as they walked back to Argus.

“Are you ready to fly?” Argus asked.

“Anytime you’re ready to lead the way, my friend,” Hanna replied and Argus laid down so they could climb on his back.

“Okay, let me get my pack on,” Nathanael said. “I’m going to sit you down for a moment, Hanna.”

“By all means,” Hanna replied as Nathanael gently sat her down on the ground.

In seconds, Nathanael strapped his pack on and slung his executioner’s blade. “Xavier, give me Hanna’s blade,” he ordered.

“Where do you want it?” Xavier asked as Amelia took the dagger and buckled it on Hanna’s belt.

“Strap it to the pack,” Nathanael answered. Within thirty seconds, Hanna’s slender katana-style sword lay secured to Nathanael’s pack.

After Amelia hooked the dagger on Hanna’s belt, she reached into her tunic and removed a draken amulet with a large emerald embedded in its center. She showed it to Hanna, who gasped at the beauty and artisanship of the amulet that hung on a golden chain. “This amulet has brought me good luck and protection. Take it and may it protect you from whatever lies in Antilla.” Amelia then hung the amulet around Hanna’s neck.

“Amelia...I can’t take this,” Hanna objected. “This is a personal totem for you, which has great meaning personally to you.”

Amelia looked Hanna in the eye. “Yes, it does,” she admitted, “...but so do you. If this amulet can protect you the way it has me since I came the highlands, then it will be worth it. Besides, you can give it back when you return.”

“Thank you,” Hanna replied softly, looking at the amulet as she held it in her hand. “I’ll give it back the moment I return. I promise.” Hanna embraced Amelia, who responded in kind.

“Just come back, little sister,” Amelia insisted, “...and I’ll be happy.”

“Deal,” Hanna declared as she saw Nathanael mount Argus with his gear.

“Okay, Amelia, Xavier; help Hanna up here,” Nathanael called out.

“Time to fly, little sister,” Xavier chimed as he and Amelia scooped up Hanna, taking her to Nathanael.

Once Hanna settled in place in front of Nathanael, she called out, “Harry, I’ll take the scepter now.”

Harry handed the scepter of Shadizar Kahn to Hanna, who promptly let it rest in her lap as Nathanael put his arms around her. “You come back, Hanna,” Harry called out, “Don’t make me come looking for you.”

“I’ll be back,” Hanna replied in a deep mocking tone, mimicking Arnold Swartzenegger’s tone in the Terminator movies.

“Get out of here,” Harry laughed, waving Hanna away. Hanna smiled warmly at Harry, waving back to him.

“Take care of them, Argus,” Amelia ordered as she stepped away from Argus.

Argus rose up on all fours and looked at her, saying, “I will, Amelia, daughter of Odin.” At that, he leapt into the air as Hanna sat in front with Nathanael behind him. In seconds, they were airborne and flying to the southwest with great speed, heading once more into the great unknown with Hanna’s destiny hanging in the balance.