The Call

Prologue

The Demand

"I want him!" Lord Nejillian pointed a gloved finger at the image displayed on the massive dome-shaped eyes before him. The images disappeared from the dragon's eyes as it roared, shaking the cavern with soundwaves. The warlord bolted from his grisly throne.

"Silence!" he ordered, shouting over the thunderous rumble. Instantly, the entire cavern was engulfed in deafening silence, and every figure in the room froze. The warrior exhaled sharply as he glared about the room. Finally, he turned and returned to his throne.

"Thusius, come forward," he ordered.

A burly warrior stepped forward from the ranks of many evil knights and bowed before his master. "Yes, my lord?"

"You reported you are in need of more warriors, did you not?"

The captain bowed again. "I did, my lord."

"Then I present to you my selection, your new recruit."

Nejillian motioned to the massive hulk to his left, and the yellow-green dragon began to move. A giant head rose up from where it had cowered below its master and came to a stop right before the warlord. Huge yellow eyes flickered open in the scaly head and slowly faded to become two screens of images.

A sandy training arena and a mighty duel came into view. Two knights faced off in the center of the arena, swords drawn. Both wore minimal armor with no helmets, allowing their faces to be easily seen. One was at least ten years older and seemed to be instructing his sparring partner as they dueled. The focus centered on the other knight.

His thick dark hair was pulled behind his neck, and his blue eyes sparkled with ambition. He lunged toward his opponent with his sword swinging. He was young, but the typical look of recklessness was absent from his eyes. The evil warriors observing the scene could sense the power of the young knight as he skillfully pushed his instructor into retreat before finally disarming him. The man's sword flew from his grip, and the young knight pointed his sword at the man's chest.

The scene froze, and Nejillian waved his hand for his beast to return to its lair. The dragon closed its shining eyes and turned away from its master. Once the beast was gone, the lord again addressed his men.

"That man you saw is mine. Thusius, I am putting him in your charge. Time means nothing to me. I must have him!"

Thusius cowered in fear at the rising voice of his master. "Y-yes, my lord." He paused a moment before bowing. "Actually, I may know a way to obtain him already."

The lord nodded with a look of interest. "Continue."

Thusius took a deep breath before beginning. "I know a man in his life who is on our side. With your direction, my lord, I can summon him and have him begin the process."

"You have my full permission. Proceed, captain."

"But, sir, if I may." At a nod from his superior, he spoke. "Currently, the knight you want is near the epicenter of the country. If he should simply disappear, it would raise suspicion, especially among the Conquest knights." His master nodded for him to continue. "It will most likely require drastic measures to remove him and to persuade him to our side."

"Very well. You may utilize your legion to complete your duties. Do what you must, but I want him."

"It may be another year or two, my lord," Thusius cautioned.

"I don't care how long it takes!" the warlord screamed, leaning down from his rocky platform. "Get me the boy, and I will be satisfied! Do you understand me?"

Thusius bowed once more. "Perfectly, my lord."

His master nodded. "Very well, you are dismissed."

He turned his back on his men as they filed from his cavern. He approached his throne and sat down. "I will wait, my son, but in time, you will be mine!" His deep laughter echoed off the walls of the broad cavern. "All mine!"