CHAPTER TWENTY THREE
*****************************************
ARIC P. O. V
The cyclop recovered from the hit and advanced towards me. I knew for once that death is imminent,my recklessness is gonna finally kill me. There's no way I can call on Vagan for help as he's battling a horde of this god damned fools.

I took the glowing ring and struggled to get on my feet but i ended up back on the ground. My head was pounding seriously, all i could do was crawl backwards until my back reached the tree I smashed in earlier. I managed a glance at the cyclop and I could see a grin etched on his face clearly.

I examined the glowing ring and it was a beautiful sight to behold. Gold in colour with a kind of gem on top of it which makes it to shine brightly.I wore the ring on my finger and raised my head to see a huge hammer coming down at me. I kissed the ring and closed my eyes as I awaited the final blow.
*****************************************
SAGE VAGAN P. O. V
"WATER STYLE:BLAZING ICE!!!!!!"

Ice splinters emerged from my hand and I began shooting the cyclops that managed to get close. Almost 15 cyclops met their doom with that one spell. I feel my body draining and fatigue has started coming in. These cyclops didn't stop coming and after two more spells, I will be down entirely.

I noticed a piece of rock tossed at me by one of the cyclops. I bent in time to parry the bone crushing rock and I pointed my staff at the direction of the cyclop that threw the rock. A ball of fire blasted him and he was dead even before the force hit him.

I turned back to continue the unending battle but I noticed that the cyclops are not attacking anymore. Their eyes was glued to something I couldn't pinpoint.

I followed the gaze of one cyclop and I saw what made them hypnotized.

At the far end of the forest behind a tree was a big shining circle rolling on its spot and I feel my veins stiffen at the amount of magical energy oozing from the circle.

I peered further and I noticed a figure in the circle. I moved forward to go get a good view and I was right with my tentative conjecture. There is someone in the circle.

The big glowing circle began shrinking and shrinking until it vanished in a pop leaving behind the figure in it.

I took a good look and the figure I thought about was Aric.

Everything seemed normal about him except for his eyes.His eyes was white and shinning brightly. I glanced at his hand and behold magical lines was whirling around it.

"Does that mean Aric has found the ring??" I asked deep in my own thoughts.

Aric advanced forward and I can see a smile creep on his face. All eyes was on him as he moved,stopping when he got to the middle.

He raised his hands and clapped them. A white blinding light coupled with a gust of wind exploded and swept away the cyclops that were close to him. Almost 9 in all.

"A single clap and 9 cyclops dead. This is gonna be amazing" I thought.

Seeing the death of their mates, the cyclops growled and charged at Aric with mad fury.They rushed at him but Aric keep sending them back with a single swipe of his swords. It was then I saw lightening and blue light of pure electricity cracking around his swords and with a single swipe,the cyclops are sent crashing their backs against the trees around.

To make matter worse, he dug his two swords in the ground and clasped his hand.

"ANCIENT ART OF CACAMETSU: LIGHT SUCRUKAN!!!!!"

The ground shook and trembled with so much force and ferocity that it splitted into two. I looked below my feet and the ground was splitting up as cracked lines began to erupt.The ground's gonna swallow me if i don't do something. I was thinking of what to do when something grabbed my shoulder and I was up in the next second.

I realised it was Arizona that picked me up with his claw.The dragon then tossed me up in his back where I held onto his horns tightly. I noticed some bruises on his backs where the cyclops had hit him but the bruises were minor. Something flew past my head and I bent in time to avoid something knocking my head. I raised my head later and I saw that it was Carina.

Being airborne, I had a very good sight to see the wonders Aric was performing. The ground had splitted up swallowing up cyclops and trees that was within. Aric raised his hand thereafter and glowing red hot molten fire erupted and blasted the remains of the cyclops.

It seemed like a dream to me watching Aric performing magic and not ordinary magic...... ANCIENT MAGIC!!!!!!!

The hot liquid melted fire blended in as he was willing and controlling them with his hands. In the next minute, everywhere was burnt and no single cyclop remained in the already devastated area.

Carina flew low and picked up the already passed out Aric before we flew to another safe place.

"Thank the gods, we've found the ring" I thought.
*****************************************
GENERAL AANG P. O. V
It was late in the night when we reached ashore. The sailor had done a good job transporting us to Nefrin town within a day. And now the soldiers are all seated with their armor and weapons on stand by waiting for me to start my exhortation.

"Here we are soldiers, the house we are visiting is located up there and I want us to strike them unexpectedly so that there won't be any form of disruption,Savvy?" I said.

"AYE Sir" the soldiers chorused.

"very well then, we will strike at the middle of the night.prepare yourselves soldiers"
*****************************************
End of chapter........... This week's question goes thus:
What is the name of the woman that claimed to be Albert/garrick's mom
Winners gets his/her reward..........

Nitescholar:
These story is dulling ...guy come and update

simmer down dude....... it's not has easy as you think... I've got other things am doing apart from this...... but all the same a mouth gaping update is coming up..........

CHAPTER TWENTY TWO
*****************************************
ARIC P. O. V
"shall we?"

"yes we shall" I replied with renewed vigour.

Vagan scrunched his face in a rather awkward manner because I have not seen him do that. He rolled his head and cracking noises sounded from his neck.I was looking at him all this while expectant of what he is to do.

Vagan stared back at me and balled his hand into a fist before stabbing his staff onto the ground.

The ground shook and it took me some amount of strength to hold my own. He clapped his hand and a ball of green energy appeared on both of his hands. I never expected what happened next.

"EARTH STYLE:ROCK OF BARCHAN!!!!!!!"

Vagan raised his hand and thousands of rock shards emerged from beneath.As if that wasn't enough, he twisted his fingers and the thousand rocks where formed into spears of different sizes sharp and pointed at the tip.

The cyclops were watching Vagan like some alien and before they knew it thousands of Rocky spears was coming their way. They had no time to dodge or take cover, the rocks slammed into them with so much force that they were shattered into pieces.

One spell and almost 50 cyclops are down.

"it's high time I learn magic too"

I scanned the area and I deduced we still have more cyclops coming our way.

"we are trapped Vagan,there are five hundred more of this creature" I said.

"never back down Aric, fight to the fullest.. We got this beast at our arms reach.......Remember you can only get a hit when you strike them behind the knee because that's where their hearts is. and the back of their necks.......... " Vagan replied.

I raised my arm and wiped the sweat forming on my forehead. And that's where I saw that the arrow that guides us to the lost ring was no more on my arm....

I looked up and the cyclops were running towards us,shouting in a language I've never heard before.

"eyes focused..... Elbows locked.... Stance low.. And we begin....... Be one with the swords and you will see yourself winning"

Sebastian words echoed in my head and I looked at Vagan. He nodded and the fight began.......

The first cyclops that came my way met his doom by my blade. The fool cyclop had attacked recklessly with his huge club which I dodged by rolling underneath the attack. He brought up his legs to trample me but I was way faster than him dodging his attack and coming face with his knee. Without wasting much time, I stabbed his knee and he went down.

"one cyclops dead"

I managed to take a few glances at Vagan and I was surprised he was doing a great job. He was just blasting them with magic and those that manage to come close received their death by his staff.

I turned in time to dodge a swipe from one of the beasts claws. The attack narrowly missed my head. The beast looked at me and was saying some words.....

"bagatunda hashidera... "

"maybe he is cursing" I thought.

The cyclop approached again bringing is balled up fist down at me.I stopped the attack with my sword penetrating into his hand. The beast growled and threw a hook which I weaved easily. The hook exposed his body and I made good use of my chance. I rolled underneath and my sword kissed his knee. With one last growl, the beast lay dead.

I looked up and more cyclops were still coming our way.i wiped the sweat in my forehead and I felt something.

I touched my head and I saw red stuffs. I took a closer look and then I deciphered the meaning.

"blood"

I touched the place again and waves of pain surged through me. That was when I remembered the fall.

I had totally zone out that I didn't see an attack coming my way.The cyclop smashed his fist to my chest and I was projected backwards by the impact the attack had on me.

I was stopped by a nearby tree and before I could recover, the beast's hands was wrapped around my neck choking the life out of me. I began struggling for my dear life, searching frantically for something to defend myself with as I had dropped my swords when the beast attacked unexpectedly.

Thank the gods, I saw a iron box which I made use of and slammed it on the creature's head spilling the content of the box.I held my head as I saw the box content but something caught my attention.

"a glowing ring lying beside me"
*********************************************

Speedstar09:


but you know,stricking a "rock boulder"with " a human head",and still be able to be concious is something else.sha u are the boss,so lets keep moving...

uchihaclassiq happy sunday bro

Am gonna get it covered the next chapter

Speedstar09:


but you know,stricking a "rock boulder"with " a human head",and still be able to be concious is something else.sha u are the boss,so lets keep moving...

uchihaclassiq happy sunday bro

you got me there........... that was a great flaw...

Speedstar09:


Thanks boss for the update,i noticed a little err.when arics head made an impact with a rock boulder,that should have knocked him out cold in reality.but any ways it still depends on the height they fell from...

[quote author=Speedstar09 post=61880273]

I was actually looking for someone to point that out and you did really, that's nice.......... shows you are following the Tori bumper to bumper........ But the fall wasn't an error....... in reality there are people that survived a 50 foot fall without injuries......there was even a man that survived a 90 foot fall with just a butt scratch...... and in the story the fall wasn't more than a 20 foot fall..... you can judge that by the time I used in describing the fall.......

All in all, nice one of you to fish that out............thanks for reading......... next episode.... 90% loading....

another update coming up today

.........

thats what I meant by cyclops....

Afz9095:
Thanks kingdavid1000,may God bless you beyond your expectations.. thank you so much,I'm grateful

your welcome my very good bro.....

Talking about last week's question, almost everyone got it right........sage Vagan is 999 years and he will be 1000 in the next five months....... but the reward goes to afz9095 because he was the first to state the answer....... a job well done to him...... thanks guys for reading the Tori....... I owe you my appreciation.....

Afz9095:
You're too much kingdavid1000, I go pm you now BTW tanks for the update

replied you already...

This chapter is dedicated to Afz9095 for being the winner of last week's question.....kindly message me for your airtime.....
CHAPTER TWENTY ONE
I was up on my feet the next second running towards the direction Arizona's loud cry came from with Vagan trailing behind. I trudged on cutting away broad leaves that was in my way with my swords. The sound of woods snapping under the impact of our boots can be heard. I suddenly felt a sharp pain at my rib cage. The pain came so sudden that I slowed down a bit but didn't stop.

I loosed my now stained white shirt and tried to check out the cause of the pain. I succeeded in loosing the shirt and I saw that there was not even a single scratch,mark,wound or whatsoever. I was still wondering what happened before my instinct made it known to me that Arizona had been hit on the rib cage.

"you feel what he feels, you see what he sees and you die when he dies"

I shook my head as I remembered Vagan's words.

"damn the gods of Nissin" I cursed.

The cry came again and it was louder this time nearly affecting my hair cells. The cry depicted pain and anguish. He is for sure under attack but who in Nissin will want the life of a dragon??

I heard a screech above and Carina was up in the horizon.She had stretched to her large size and her now huge wings was being flapped vigorously.She showed a deep concern for Arizona and also anger to whoever has attacked Arizona. Ball of flames erupts from her beak every time she glides across the sky. Looking down on us, she projected herself forward when Arizona's pained voice sounded for the umpteenth time.

I also increased my pace checking if my swords were in their respective sheaths. I ran as fast as my small legs could carry me. Vagan's laborious breaths was still at my earshot.i could hear him cursing the gods. I fueled my legs and increased the rate at which every steps was taken......... just that I had taken too many steps....

I felt myself plummeting down onto the ground below. A yelp escaped my lips and before i knew it, I was falling off a cliff. My body smashed into dirts and rocky stones but all these factors did not stop the fall.

I was tumbling and I could hear Vagan's gasps of agonizing pain.The old man must have fell too. No one anticipated the fall, we were just running blindly. I can't help but pity the old sage. Still in pitying mode, I rammed my head over a mould of rock.

At first I felt nothing but after five seconds the aftermath of the smash came. Negative electrical currents was sent to my brain causing a minute dysfunction of my body nerves.My head was pounding and vibrating that millions of waves could be detected as at that time. I squeezed my eyes shut as the pain was becoming unbearable. I was still falling but my brain couldn't get hold of anything.

I later landed on my buttocks and Vagan followed suit. I couldn't stand on my feet instead I clutched my head trying to get the pounding and vibration away.

"gods of Nissin!!!!!!!!!"

That was Vagan's voice and that voice sounded scared for the first time.

"CYCLOPES!!!!?"

His voice came again and this time I managed to get up on my feet and I opened my eyes slowly. I nearly passed out with what I saw next.

Hundreds of huge monsters called cyclaps or whatever Vagan had called them were staring at us..............

The monsters were almost ten foot tall with exceptionally strong arms and body.They have one eye which is situated at the middle of their foreheads.

Vagan tapped me on my shoulder and quickly rushed his next words.

"those giants are called cyclops,they are a wide race of monsters and they fear no god which makes them live a lawless life. if you wanna win a fight against them, you have to strike them behind the knee, and the back of their necks...understood"

"yes sirrrrrrr" I replied.

The fight had stopped momentarily when we landed but as the monster saw me twirl my swords, the fight continued........

Carina was blasting the giants with blue fire from above and Arizona was fighting a horde of the beasts. Slashing and tearing them in pieces.It took the one eyed giants no time to surround and trap Arizona.

I glanced at Vagan and he was looking at me too.i tore my eyes away and his voice sounded.

"Shall we?"

"Yes we shall" I replied with renewed vigour.......
*********************************************
end of chapter twenty one.........

Am sorry guys for not posting all this while but I need you to understand that it's not as if I had the time and I didn't post.........just last week my charger got burnt and to make matter worse, our street's transformer got blown leaving our street in utter blackout........... am sorry guy but unfailingly tomorrow, I will drop one bomb...

Speedstar09:


lol, asin ehh,but i must watch am to the end gan...

oga kingdavid abeg pardon us o,i know you might be busy,but try dropping something when you get the chance,thanks

will try and post an episode tomorrow............. action packed epi guys........ARIC'S gonna be in full power.

The results of the question will be announced next week and the winner gets a 500 naira card......... think well guys...... thanks for reading........

CHAPTER TWENTY
*****************************************
KING GREGOR P. O. V
"He is not your son Baha" I repeated.

"And how do you know my name is Baha?" the woman asked raising her head to look at me.

I stood up and began walking around the supposed sitting room of the woman with my long,golden and rich robe trailing behind. I stopped walking when I got to her back and then I bent whispering some words to her ear.

"I knew that he was brought to you by an old man, I knew that he wasn't your son, so tell me why would your name be an exception?"

"you stand before a magician my dear, a very powerful one at that who is capable of invoking demons, casting spells and also capable of reading and controlling minds. All I need from you is to tell me who the old man is" I said.

A minute passed and there was no reply from the woman. I was now standing in front of her and the only thing separating us is a wooden table.
Two minutes passed and she was still mute.

"maybe she thought I came here to joke" I whispered in my mind before raising my fist and struck the table serving as barrier between us.

The table creaked as cracks surged through it. The cracks extended round the edges of the table and the table made a crying sound as it loses it's four legs and gave way. I looked at her and smiled on seeing that I've successfully inscribed fear into her.

I gripped her neck and lifted her. Her legs was dangling in air as she tried to wrestle free from my iron grip. And then I brought her ear closer.

"The next time I ask a question without you replying will be the time your going to meet your doom. I hope am clear Mrs Baha?" I asked tightening my grip on her neck.

She nodded her head like a third grade pupil would when being scolded for misconduct.

"very well then" I said releasing her.

She gasped for breath while I went to relax my back on the sofa I sat on earlier.

"I repeat my question,who is this old man" I asked.

She rose on her feet and settled down on the couch nearest to her.

"his name is Vagan, he brought Albert to me when.................

She couldn't continue as she went into a frenzy of blood coughing.

"what did you do to her" I heard a voice from behind.

I turned to figure out who had spoken but all I saw was a small silver shade dagger pointed at me.

I was up on my feet the next second and found out it was Albert that held the dagger.

"what did you do to her!!?" the boy asked again.

"same thing I will do to you" I replied channelling my magic.

I felt my veins stiffen as the blood runs through it but not only blood is running through.......... Magic, dark magic also flows through my veins. I tapped into the already channelled magic and the white part of my eye vanished.

Albert locked eyes with my already dark eyes and without wasting time,i sapped consciousness from him as soon as our eyes met.

He collapsed to the ground dropping the dagger he held before. I released my magic and my eyes became normal. I turned and saw Baha still in the position I left her.

"perhaps we can continue our little discussion when we get to my palace" I said.
*****************************************
ARIC P. O. V
"let's stop and make camp here Aric" Vagan's voice sounded beside me.

We had stopped riding our pets not long ago because it would be difficult and tedious for them to fly in the night as they weren't night animals. I had a hard time flying on Arizona's back and the dragon did not even take it easy on me. He was just twisting, turning, rolling and diving. It got to a time he dived very low to the extent that we were inches above the ground and then he took off again rising into the sky. My heart was in my hand as at that time and I sent series of action
packed curses at him which he just laughed at.

"go get the sticks and make some fire here Aric" Vagan said bringing me back to the present.

I quickly scouted for logs of wood around and when I had gotten a good number, I assembled them and left leaving Arizona to do justice to the woods.

Carina who had shrunk back to her normal size came and sat close to the fire. Both Vagan and I sat beside each other watching how the fire devours the wood every passing second.

"I smell a gizzard nearby, I wanna go hunt it. Will be back soon" Arizona voice sounded in my head.

I nodded and he left. I just wonder where these huge reptiles get their nose from.

"where is he going?" Vagan asked.

"Said he wanna go hunt a prey" I replied.

He nodded and then he suddenly touched my shoulder and announced that he has something he wants to tell me.

"am listening Vagan" I replied.

"I don't know what you will think or how you will feel after I tell you this but I just want you to know that I did it for safety reasons" he said shaking his head.

I gazed at the old man and streaks of tears was already pouring from his lachrymal.

"I understand sage.Your the best grandpa I've ever met" I said patting his shoulder.

He sniffled in and then began his words.

"that's my boy. I just want you to know that Garrick is................

He couldn't finish the statement as Arizona's loud cry interrupted him.
*****************************************
End of chapter twenty........ Now for this week's question,it goes thus........ ....................
How old is sage Vagan........................................the answer should be in figures and the winner gets a reward..........

sometimes superstitious beliefs are not always superstitious......

wow nice start bro.........buh make sure you proof read the chapters before posting them cause I sighted some typos...........for example you are using "his" instead of "is" and that error can be found when you were describing mr Thomas...........all in all you've got a nice story here......... bring it on!!!!!

I wish to say this, there's gonna be a question at the end of tomorrow's chapter and the winner of the question will be rewarded...............The question is gonna be about the story,so stay tuned guys................... more action packed chapters are coming.....

uchihaclassiq:
[color=#990000][/color]wen should we expect nxt update?? wen should we expect nxt update??

Tomorrow night will suffice my bro. ........thanks for reading....... remain blessed dude.....

Following all the flaws and corrections my bro @Auric had made, I went on to see for myself the mistakes and I saw that I have made countless number of errors.So for this reason am currently planning on ameliorating my errors and I promise there is going to be improvements starting from next chapter so we can all have a better ANCIENT MAGIC OF NISSIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

thanks for all the support from you guys.....................

Auric:
****clears throat*****


kudos to you for being bold enough to put together a wonderful piece such as this, it's thrilling and refreshing nice to read a piece like this after all this plenty love stories on nairaland..

been away from the literature section for awhile now in Chase of the paper. just got back and was welcomed by this wonderful piece being your first story you are doing an awesome job trust me. However there are some points I would like to point out like @Epluribusunom spoke about on the first page.


You are writing a story that is about the Medieval age so words used should be strictly related to that time to give your readers a better feel of the story
Modern words like: mehn, roll with my mum, dicked, bitch,pyjama, mother dicker, bleep, stethoscope ought to be replaced. e.g. mehn is an explanatory remark and could be replaced with something like ^the gods be damned^ pyjama with ^night wear^ because it fits the setting you are writing about. Also you mentioned electricity and electricity was discovered in the 18th century.. The Medieval times talks about the 5th to 15th century so there's no way electricity would have been in existence. even though it's a work of fiction there should be some facts to back up everything, it's like the way there's a quantum theory to support teleportation in films that talk about the future.


You should also try to be more detailed in your descriptions it feels like the story is being rushed like Nigerian films, trust me nairaland readers are very patient readers as long as you don't abandon a story they could read on for years (e.g tarasha a story by oyinprince has been on for 2yrs now and readers are still following closely so no need to rush). Take for instance Aric's encounter with the Phoenix ought to be more detailed to give readers an actual experience of what went down also the fight/bonding process with the dragon should have been more. Bonding is not an ordinary event it should be more thrilling, readers should feel the hairs in their neck rising while reading about it(see memoirs of blood and steel by apollux)

But like you said it's your first story and trust me you are doing a wonderful job. thumbs up bro.



wetin go bad na say after all this talk i talk you go con visit my profile..for ur mind make I even see which story this guy don write seff. my brother nor bother o cos i neva write *sto* talkless of story.. people say na who nor dey field dey see wetin happen for the match pass..

.thanks noted..........

CHAPTER NINETEEN
******************************
KING GREGOR P. O.V
"your highness, anything the matter?"

"Your majesty sir"

"oh sorry for keeping you waiting James. Kindly excuse me" I told the already confused advicer.

James was mumbling some words but I wasn't paying attention because my focus was centered on the young boy.I fastened my pace and cross to the other side.

"Your majesty"
"your highness sir"
"His grace is coming"

Some men bowed and greeted on sighting me. I gave the men a nod and followed the boy who was now moving towards the tomatoes section of the market.

"hey boy" I called out.

The boy stopped and turned around trying to figure out who's beckoning him.

"your majesty" I heard a soft voice behind my back.

I needed no one to tell me it was James trying hard to level up with my pace.

"Look here boy" I said as soon as I got to the boy's view.

"Me sir" the boy asked.

Confusion was written on the boy's face and that was obvious because his lips was trembling. He has two big polythene bags on his left and right hand respectively.

"what's your name" I asked.

"Albert"

"show some respect lad,your talking to the king of Caruban kingdom"

James voice sounded beside me.

"am sorry sir..... My.... Name is Albert.......sir" he replied bowing his head.

I looked at the boy and I could sight so much resemblance.same green eyes, same stature but different hair.

"This can't be Garrick" I thought.

"raise your head boy" I ordered

He raised his head and my eye caught the attention of the dangling chain on his neck. I held the chain, dragging my hand down till I reached the chain's pendant. I twisted the pendant and what I saw at the back confirmed my fears..................

I looked at James who was starring at me in utter bewilderment of what has transpired between the boy and I.

"bring him along james" I said pointing at Albert.
******************************
ALBERT P. O. V
The two horses neighed as they trudged along the floor of the market pulling the cart along. I was in the cart with the so called king and he had been asking imprudent questions since we started the journey.............Journey of which am void of our destination.

"no need to fright boy, we are heading to your house" the King's voice brought me back from my thinking.

"And how do you know our house?" I inquired from the king.

"your mind is opened to me boy" the king replied.

Mind?

I keeping asking myself the question until it dawned on me what the king meant.

"Turn left James" The king shouted out to the man riding the cart.

"Your a magician" I asked.

"Yes boy,i am so how did you get that chain?.Don't give me lies boy because I will know when you do and you won't like the outcome"
******************************
Gazuga Temple 4:49pm
ARIC P. O. V
Fatigue has started wearing in as I had been walking for four hours,no food apart from the berry fruit we got from a particular tree not long ago.

I caved in as I couldn't take it much longer. The smell of grass wafted into my nostrils and Vagan came and helped me from my collapsed state.

"sorry boy, let's rest here" Vagan said.

I nodded and was about to doze off but Arizona's voice sounded in my head.

"Come climb on me Aric and let's proceed,we do not have much time" He said.

I stood up grunting and carrying my backpack,i climbed the dragon's back.

"Let's proceed Vagan" I announced.

"How?" Vagan asked.

I just pointed at his back in reply to his question. He turned and saw that Carina had stretched to her large size. The bird bent down a bit and Vagan climbed the bird still in his surprised state.

"let's continue the rest of the journey in the air" Arizona said.

"no you don't mean that boy," I said as panic surged through me.

I was waiting for Arizona's reply but he took off instead,flapping his huge wings until he gains balance in the air.

"Drop me you mother dicker!!!!!" I screamed

"what the Bleep are you doing Arizona?"

All I got was silence to all my words. My fear intensified when I looked at how far I am from the ground.My heart was beating like the ashanti drums, I bet no stethoscope could measure the rate of my heartbeat as at that time. I managed to take a glance at the sage behind.

He was calm and balanced on the Phoenix's back.He wasn't panicking like I was doing instead he was just gentle.

Carina flew to my side and Vagan asked which way to go. I checked the arrow and it pointed left.

"Left Vagan" I said.

I really wished I haven't said that because as soon as Arizona heard, he propelled himself and flew left.

"stop this bullshit!!!!!!!" I screamed

"not today Aric" Arizona said.

"I will kill you I swear!!!!!!"

As if that wasn't enough,Arizona performed a 360 roll,twisting his body and wings. I quickly held onto his horns for proper support.

"Your dead already mark my words" I threatened .

I looked at Vagan and he was flying peacefully with Carina.Vagan eye met mine and he gave me a wink which I frowned at.
*********************************************
ALBERT'S HOME, 6:48pm
KING GREGOR P. O. V
we arrived at the boy's home and I alighted from the cart with James and Albert following behind. I got to the entrance of the house and stopped. The boy named Albert came and gave the door a soft knock.

"mummy am home" He announced.

A faint voice sounded from inside followed by approaching footsteps. The footsteps got louder until the door opened and a woman in his late thirties emerged with smiles on her face. But the smiles disappeared as soon as he sighted me and James.

"A respectful bow will be polite for the King of Caruban" James quickly said.

The woman looked at me and bowed after seeing the golden crown and robe I wore.

"Your majesty,please come in" She said bowing.

I was ushered in by the woman and I stepped into the house after telling James to wait for me outside. I entered and settled down on a soft sofa closest to me.

"What would you like to eat your highness" the woman asked.

"I appreciate your kind gestures but what am here for is far more than that of eating. so can you please tell your son to excuse us? I said.

The woman was taken aback by my statement and he gave his son a nod. The boy left but I can still sense him around.

"stay away from that door Albert" I shouted.

He came out from the door and went upstairs.

"so who is he?" I asked pointing at the staircase Albert climbed.

"who is who?. you mean my son?" the woman asked.

I nodded at the woman now taking her seat opposite of mine.

"he is my son and his name is Albert,but why are you asking me this??" the woman said.

"Well am asking because he is not your son and his name not Albert. so I will like to know the old man that brought him to you when he was a lad" I replied studying the woman.
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end of chapter nineteen.........

another update coming up......

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
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CARUBAN KINGDOM 11:25AM
UKNOWN P. O. V
"Albert!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

"Albert!!!!!!!"

The sound of my name being called by someone made me jerk out of the soft and comfy large bed. I quickly slipped into a white pyjama and a pair of slippers. Moving steadily,i found my way to the door of my room and opened it.

"Albert!!!!!!!!!"

The voice sounded. I recognized the voice instantly as my mum's own. I quickly descended the stairs skipping some steps. I was in the sitting room in less than a minute.

"Yes mum" i answered speeding into the direction her voice came from which was the kitchen.

I got there and the sweet aroma of what she's cooking wafted into my nostrils. Her voice was all around the kitchen as she was swaying her large hips to a song she was humming.The flowing blue gown she wore didn't help matters as it was just moving left and right as she was rocking to the beat of the imaginary song.

"Good morning mum" I greeted.

"Morning Albert" she replied.

"I thought you were calling me" I asked.

"Yay I was, I need you to go get me some things from the market.We are out of meats, tomatoes and fruits.So ypu should help with that, won't you?" she said.

"of course I will but I've got to freshen up"
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KING GREGOR P. O. V
"Mi King, the market is now undergoing a tremendous change. The local shops has been demolished and they are being rebuilt.We've already settled the victims of the demolished shops and once the shops are done being rebuilded,they will move in."

"That's a good news James.There can be no advicer who's gonna be better than you" I replied leaning my back on my lavished golden throne.

We were in the court room and James who is my public advicer was giving me information about the rehabilitation of local shops going on in Caruban's large market.

"Thank you,your highness" James replied bowing.

James is a very short man of over thirty years but he has brains for someone even more than his age. He
has been my advicer for the past two years and I must say complement his wonderful works. He has a wild beard that is 6 inches long and a bushy brown hair, a perfect figure for someone of his kind as he was once a pirate.

"Prepare the horses and arrange a cart for me. I have to go oversee the works of the men" I ordered.
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GENERAL AANG P. O. V
The ship rocked left and right swaying it's body gently over Lake Shiloh.I watched as the waves erupt from afar coming straight at our ship named "INTERCEPTOR". The waves dissipates as they meet with our large ship sending up torrents of water.A splash of water managed it's way to my face. I took my handkerchief and wiped my face clean.

"Captain!!!" I called out.

"OI sir"

The captain named Varga stepped forward upon hearing my call.

"How long will it take us to get to Nefrin town?" I asked.

"not long sir. If we keep on moving with this pace,we will get to Nefrin town by evening" The captain replied.

"WE STRIKE BY EVENING THEN"
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Sage Vagan P.O.V

The arrow led us to a forest filled with many tall trees whose leaves has almost withered completely.I gazed around and there was no unusual stuff apart from the trees. I looked at Aric and he was also staring around the forest.

"Which way next Garrick?" I asked him.

"Did you just call me Garrick?" Aric responded.

"oh! Sorry that was a mistake" I said realizing my foolish mistake.

Aric sat down and just nodded playing with the hilt of his sword.I moved closer to him,needed no one to tell me I had spoil his day.

"arrrrrrrrrrrrrghhhh"

I looked at the direction of the sound and it was the dragon.i had learnt his name was Arizona from Aric earlier.
The dragon blared it's teeth erupting flames from his mouth.Carina can be seen jumping on the dragon's back. She screeched and squeaked loudly on Arizona's scales.

I moved towards Aric who was still in the same position staring into the horizon and lost in thought.

"hey Aric, I didn't mean th.............

"it's ok.so tell me what did Garrick looked like then before he died" Aric asked.

I shook my head left and right not knowing how he will take the news if I tell him.

"how I wish he's aware of Garrick being alive"
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Caruban kingdom 2:39pm
King Gregor P. O.V
The market was buzzling and popping with different activities. Noises was just everywhere as the carriage passes. I was seated with James inside the cart and he was filling me in about the structures and the architectural design of the shops.

I looked through the cart's window and traders both men and women were displaying their goods and wares on their respective counters.

The cart stopped a minute later and I alighted.

"This way your highness" James said.

I followed his lead but in a slow pace as people was just bowing and greeting me.we got to the place in no time and saw the men at work.

"Your highness here we are.The shops will be through in less than a week except that one over there because it was just started today" James said pointing to the shop he meant.

"which one" I asked.

"that very one your Grace"

I looked at where he pointed and something caught my attention.

" a boy wearing a white pyjama having fluffy brown hair with a chain dangling around his neck.................... "
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END OF CHAPTER EIGHTEEN....................

Hollysaint:
thanks brother king David1000

I should be thanking you for reading and commenting....... some just read and off they are gone........ no comment or whatsoever.......

sorry for the late post... another one coming up tomorrow

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
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ARIC P. O. V
Steel rang against Steel, sparks danced momentarily in the air, there was not a second that wasn't punctuated with occasional heavy breathing or the clangs of swords beating each other.

Unexpectedly, Sebastian trusted his sword forward and the attack bit my shoulder. Growling, I took a step back and parried another blow from the same sword now dripping with my blood.

"damn this man is pretty fast" I cursed over my breath.

The duel went on for hours with me unable to create a opening and am goddamnly sure this man is holding back.

"What if he is now at his full power?" I asked myself as if being stupefied.

I feinted a sharp turn but Sebastian saw it coming and deflected easily. Nothing ever escapes his attention. I was beginning to wear out and am sure he is too but rather than stop the duel, his frown just gets deeper. My attacks are now getting slow and weak leaving me in a state of vulnerability.

He attacked and I dodged sluggishly. He noticed this and struck harder the force of the blow made me stumble backwards. I ducked as the second blow came. Rolling over, I slammed my iron-booted leg to the back of his knee aiming to bring him down but all to no avail, he still stood his ground.

"just too strong"

His leg kicked my chest and i was flying across the room. I crashed into the door nearly breaking it but thankfully it was of good quality.

I groaned as I stood up to face my mentor, master and guardian.

Sebastian took a step forward, twirling his swords deftly and so he started.

"Knowledge is a better weapon than the sharpest sword, you must not wield the blade...... You must be the blade......... Move like the snake, dance like the deer, bite like the dragon, strike like the beast, defend like the prey ...................................********************************************************
"You can even Bleep like a dog"
"hahahahahahahahahahah" An alien voice said.

I groaned and tossed around on bed.

Bed?

Nah...... I tossed around on Arizona's smooth scales trying to go back to sleep but the laughter still persist which got me infuriated.I popped my eye open and found Vagan rolling on the floor in a wave of fresh laughter.

I hurried out of the dragon's back but in a careful way so as not to wake the dragon.

"Hey what caused that" I asked Vagan.

"I believe you had a dream or something of sort" He replied recovering from his laughter.

A dream?

Ohhhhhhhhh......

Realization dawn on me as I got to know that I had been dreaming about one of my sparring match with
Sebastian.

"but wait, how did you know?" I asked.

"You know it's gonna be good if you always keep shut while dreaming" He said in reply.

"You mean i was talking?"

"yay.......move like a snake, defend like a prey..... and so on" Vagan said bursting into another round of laughter.

"ohohohoho" I just hummed.

My attention was diverted to Arizona as he had just woken up. The dragon stood on its four legs and stretched ,puffing out flames from his nose and mouth.He glared at me and looked away immediately.

"Hey" the dragon voice jolted me.

"morning" I replied back in my head.

"Yippy-kay-yay HAPPY BONDING!!!!!"

Vagan's high pitched voice echoed across the hall.

"how did you know that?" I asked.

"Your arm says it all" he replied with a small smile forming on his wrinkled face.

I looked at my left arm and the mark of the small dragon was still etched there.

"What is this bonding all about" I asked.

"Your souls are now intertwined,you feels what he feels and he feels what you feels too. Anything that happens to you will happen to him too and vice versa" Vagan quickly summarized.

I just nodded but it strucked me......... Anything that happens to him happens to me too........... What??

"errrrrmm.... Vagan you mean if Arizona dies..... I errmm will die too?" I asked.

"of course you will. Now no more dwelling on that we gotta go... We've spent six days here without getting the lost ring. Pack your loads and let's begin our journey" Vagan said.

I began packing our loads into our backpack and I realised we have no more foodstuff. Vagan must be aware of this which means we have no more time to waste here. I heard a squeak while in my thoughts and i needed no one to tell me Carina had woken. I took a glance at the bird.

The bird has now shrunk back to it's normal size. I was looking at the bird and gaping in awe at how much beauty the bird has when Carina suddenly gave a loud screeching sound.


I had to cover my ear at the loud and harsh cry.Carina stretched her wings and she took off flying across the hall.

"Some sort of exercise" I thought.

I was through packing the loads and announced to Vagan's hearing of my readiness.

"Which way are we to go?" Vagan asked in reply.

I pulled up my sleeve and looked at the glowing arrow. It looks like a compass but what differs is the arrow that's glows a deep red colour. The arrow was glorifyingly pointing forward as our next direction.

"Which direction Aric?" Vagan asked again.

"FORWARD!!!" I shouted.
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two chapters coming up tomorrow...... stay tuned guys