Age of Darkness

Chapter 9: Even More Fireside Secrets

We built a fire and gathered around it. I didn't know what I was about to hear from Zelda. Who's side was she on? And how did Elizabeth seem to recognize her as well? We sat by the fire for a while, and finally Zelda spoke.

''I'm on your side, you know.'' I nodded.

''I know,'' said Elizabeth.

''You remember me... Well, I must explain, as I said.'' She paused for a little bit, as if figuring out how she was going to put it.

''I should probably start at the beginning.'' She smiled. ''I umm... I met your grandfather many years ago, long before you were born.'' I was amazed how she looked so young.

''You are surprised?'' She asked, as if reading my mind. ''Indeed, I do look younger than I am. Anyway, I met him during the First Altarian Dark War. We both served in the war. We fought against the armies of the Dark Lord of the time, Damus.'' I had heard that name before.

''We quickly became close friends. Would I say more than friends? Perhaps... I'm getting off topic, aren't I? We left the army and I became his apprentice. He taught me how to fight, and how to use magic. We lived happily for years. Then Damus returned. The Second Altarian Dark War broke out. We entered the army once again, and the fight went on for many months. Then all seemed well. The Great War seemed to have died down. Damus disappeared. But our celebration was to soon, for that was when Zirkon came. He was worse than Damus. And all seemed lost. Zirkon, or Michael, that is, was your Grandfather's adopted son, you know?''

''I know.''

''Good! I helped raise him with Alex. He was always a troubled person. He succeeded at all he put his mind to, but he wanted more. That was what drove him to darkness. Again, getting off topic... Your grandfather managed to stop him. He banished his soul to the Dark Realm... but I should not speak that name... especially not after dusk...'' I had no idea what she was talking about.

''That still doesn't explain how I recognize you','' I said.

''Nor I,'' said Elizabeth.

''I'm getting there. You were a baby at the time. I used to sing to you, Nicholas. It was the only way you'd sleep.'' That voice... That smile... That's why I recognized her!

''I took care of you with Alex for a year... but I had to go. I cannot explain it, I just had to. I regret it now... I guess you grew up with Alex, your grandfather. I meanwhile, travelled the land. I helped those in danger and fought back the darkness. Then, one day, about seven years ago, I happened to be passing through a village.'' A look of realization formed on Elizabeth's face.

''The village was being attacked by a Shadow. Terrible creatures, they are. I had not seen one since... Anyway, I destroyed the Shadow. I found nobody alive, except for a young girl. I took care of her for years, taught her everything I knew.''

''It's you!'' Screamed Elizabeth, a smile of joy on her face. She gave Zelda a big hug. ''I missed you so much,'' she said. ''Why'd you leave me?'' Zelda smiled too.

''I missed you too, my dear. I felt the darkness growing stronger. I had to leave, for your safety.''

''And what'd you do after that?'' Asked Elizabeth.

''I did what I had done for the seven years before that. I travelled the land, helping people. Anything to keep His bonds strong...'' I assumed she was speaking of Zirkon.

''Then, earlier, I felt something... something I had not felt in years. It made me feel ill. I felt the life force of your grandfather dimming. How? I guess, after spending so much time together, having such a strong relationship, we formed a link of sorts. I teleported myself to his presence, and what I saw amazed me. It's a pity I did not arrive sooner, or Zirkon would have had to face my wrath.'' She said it with such bitterness, even the calmness of her voice seemed to disappear.

''It was more than luck that brought you two together. It was destiny.'' She said to Elizabeth and I.

''You are destined for great things, if you make the right choices, but let us not worry any further tonight! Let us celebrate, for we are all together again!''

She was on our side, alright. And it was one of the best nights I'd had in a while.

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