Prince Thyperion was then crowned as King of Nosgrid after they returned from the war at Mag Tuired. He then strengthened his kingdom and constructed walls and towers made of stone. He doubled the height and thickness of the walls and reinforced them with iron plating. He also strengthened the military by issuing throughout the kingdom for recruits. The rough terrain of the borders does not fit for cavalry, so he employed more infantry.

Throughout the Land of Gleipnir, Thyperion and his people became renowned to other kingdoms. Many smaller kingdoms pledged allegiance to them. To Nosgrid's north is the strong kingdom of Ashtreim ruled by King Archutan. Its warriors, including many female warriors, are good at using spears and it has a great number of war chariots. They did not join in the Mag Tuired. Further north is the great kingdom of the Regardians. They are known for their strong and fierce cavalry. Their heavy cavalry was efficiently employed at the Mag Tuired under their great king, Lord Amerdun. Far to the west of Regard is the strong kingdom of Dalos. They are sharp-eyed and masters of archery. They joined in the Mag Tuired under King Siegfreus and inflicted heavy losses on Zagnius' forces. The rulers of these kingdoms visited in the crowning of Thyperion and his marriage to an Ashtreimyte princess named Themis.

Lady Themis is one of the fairest among the Ashtreimytes, and she was loved by Thyperion. They had already met even before Mag Tuired. Their love for one another bloomed and was tested when Thyperion went to Atlantica for the Ancient War. Many suitors asked for Themis' hand in marriage and even told her that Prince Thyperion will no longer return, or if he does return, will have another for his bride. She would tell them, "To him is my heart bound, and only he will have its key. If he dies a hero, then to him I will follow; to eternal peace on the other world. For in him, Love is found."

 Thyperion was of Elvish descent. Both his parents were Elves living far away north. His father, Lord Telperion, one of the Council Members to the kingdom of Florania, forbid him.

"It is forbidden to intermingle with the Mortals of the Land; you know this," his father said.

"But father, I loved her. You have loved every blade of grass, every grain of sand, every droplet of water in our Land. You loved everything in Fantasia. That's the way I loved Princess Themis."

Thyperion's words struck Telperion to the heart. He knew he can no longer dissuade his son. He looked at him with heavy heart. Sadness painted his pale-white face.

"Are you willing to surrender your immortality for this mortal woman?"

"I am more than willing, father. I would rather die a mortal together with her, rather than live throughout the Ages of the world without her."

Thus, Telperion, moved by Thyperion's bold words, yielded. He took his sword. It is long and glittering with gold. "This is Iaxlus. My father gave this to me from his father, back to the time when the Land was young. Carry this with you for you to be able to enter Fantasia. Mortals cannot access our Land; therefore, use this as your passage here."

He handed the sword to Thyperion. The young Elf accepted it. He knew he will no longer see his father, his kin, and Fantasia, ever again. Thyperion then went to Atlantica for a short while to be trained by Angelus, his mother's cousin. When he came to the right age, he went to the Land of Gleipnir and founded Nosgrid. But just in time for, he was again called to aid the war at Mag Tuired in response to the Atlanticans' call for aid, so his crowning was postponed until his return. He then married Themis and ruled Nosgrid with great reverence and wisdom.

Thyperion then looked at the high windows of his vast room. His mind is full of thoughts that none could fathom. He felt his age is ripening. His aquamarine eyes are still keen and focused. His brown hair hung at his neck with patches of white, the sign of his old age as a Mortal. He had already lived three thousand years before he became mortal. Now it is an additional year to his age. Yet, he surprisingly aged even slower.

A knock on the door snapped him up back from his deep thoughts. In came his wife, fair and young. She was carrying their baby on her arms. He looked at them. She wore a golden royal robe with a circlet on her head. She stood tall for a mortal woman, almost as tall as Thyperion; she even looked more like an elf than of a mortal woman.

"What troubled your thoughts, Milord?" she asked. She stood behind him.

He looked at her with a smile painted on his face. He replied softly, "Nothing. I am just looking at the kingdom."

She also looked at the horizon. They saw a great sea beyond with the sun setting down. Its mirage gave light to the quiet sea. The red-violet sky was filled with clouds that almost covered the bright and distant stars twinkling in the night. Looking at them, she felt relieved.

"You have founded a great kingdom, Milord. This kingdom will rise and prosper; an ever-present help and refuge to those who are in need."

 “Mag Tuired is still fresh for you, I can reckon. It has already been woven and will always be part of your life.”

Thyperion then looked at her. She knew what troubled his mind and heart. He kissed her cheek. A firm kiss. He felt her troubled as well, but to what reason, he doesn’t know. He looked at her smiling at him. His troubles finally left him. He felt eased and his breathing is steady now. He then held her hand. They are warm.

“So long have I wondered what it feels to be like among the mortals; how they spend their limited lives and what they do when their time comes,” he said.

Themis smiled, “We simply live on what Fate has woven for us, Milord. When our end has come, we are ready to face it. We are always ready; we are bred that way.”

Thyperion then walked towards their rosy bed where their child lay sleeping soundly. He kissed his forehead. Themis smiled seeing father and son together. Thyperion then stood and said with silence and full of hopes, “My son, Aquilo, you will lead in putting forth the balance of the Land, being the first of the offspring of Immortal Elves and mortal Men. Under your banner, Peace will be wholly achieved.” Themis smiled; a tear fell from her eyes.

For the whole span of the month, Nosgrid’s glory increased. Peace continued to reign and the Land of Gleipnir was ruled with a very strong alliance of the kingdoms. Not until dark clouds began to gather at the west, that some tales began to spread about the troubles that stirred out there. As time was spent, heavy winds started to blow from where darkness came. The people began to wonder what is stirring out there. But instead of pondering on it, they continued to live under the hope that Nosgrid stands as the guardian who will protect them. However, in many small ways, troubles begin to stir on the people. These trouble and danger came from the gloomy west of the Land. Travelers who happened to journey far and wide share stories of evil warriors bent on killing anybody who passes by their way.

These troubles continued throughout the year. The Council of Nosgrid then finally began to notice. At first, they just treated these troubles as caused by barbaric tribes disturbing peace. At the eve of the mid-year, when people from the west addressed the troubles to Thyperion, Thyperion finally called on for the council to discuss matters on what their actions are to be.

“Reports have reached about the tidings of the west. There is indeed some force operating on the borders,” says Hinaloet, the Chieftain of the Guards of the Kingdom. “Peoples from the West have come and brought evil tidings,” he continued.

“We have to take actions for this, Milord. The Council has decided that we will use our Army in putting this to stop,” exclaims Dyohexxor, the Minister for War.

The rest of the Council members seconded in unison. They stood In front of the King, clad in robes of white and green, and their cape was embroidered with the image of the sword Iaxlus, Thyperion’s sword used during the Mag Tuired. Only Thyperion was clad in silver armor, the same armor he wore during that battle.

Thyperion was at first silent as the council raised their concerns. He then silenced them after about an hour of deep thinking. The council members then became silent, eager to know their king’s final decision.

“We can answer to stop this trouble in the west,” Thyperion said in solemn words. “We have had peace for quite some time now. We must not let anybody from wreaking war upon us. So long have we longed for peace after the horrors of Mag Tuired had tested us. And I know that the only way to stop this ‘trouble’ is by causing yet another trouble; we will be forced to ignite another open war for this.”

Harahl, the Minister of Defense, replied, “So you meant that we will declare an open war against this foe? We do not yet know what we are facing up against. Let’s call for aid from our allegiance with the other kingdoms nearby.”

“Ambassador Eilaer, send emissaries to Ashtreim and Regard. We need their help,” Thyperion ordered. “Since they are close to us, I expect they will arrive shortly. We will discuss with them on how to deal with this.”

“How about King Siegfreus and his Dalosians, Your Highness?” asked Eilaer. “His archers are hailed as the best in the Land.”

“I, myself, will go to Dalos. We will test this enemy by attacking from there,” the King answered. “Prepare an army that I will bring with me.”

This surprised the council. They never expected Thyperion’s decision. They fell silent and undecided on how to react. Thyperion looked at them. They are also old aged on the reckoning of Mortal men. They were once Atlanticans, close friends of Thyperion when he went to Atlantica. They followed him to the Land of Gleipnir and founded Nosgrid. They gathered the minor tribes living nearby and made them part of Nosgrid.

"But, Milord, you are much more needed here," Hinaloet said. " We would prefer to defend and fight with you here in the kingdom."

"Send me instead, Your Highness," intervened Enifer, the Lieutenant of the Army of Nosgrid. "I would fight hard to destroy this foe. I also have the best warriors with me."

 Enifer is right, the council thought. It would be better to send in a feint force under one chieftain rather than Thyperion himself. Enifer had been through Mag Tuired as well, and his valour and prowess in combat earned him the rank of Lieutenant of the Army of Nosgrid. He is very strong in battle and he brought many warriors low with his spear.

"Very well," Thyperion finally concluded, "lead your best warriors, Enifer, and check this trouble for me. Find out what this force was and where this come from. As much as possible, I don't want another war, for I desire peace until my very last days here in the Land." The council understood what he meant.

"I will be leaving soon, your Highness. I will bring with me five hundred of my men and we will garrison at Ford Grondem."

"We will be sending additional troops after the Ashtreimytes and Regardians arrive here," assured Thyperion. "If the enemy is far too strong for you, please retreat back to the Kingdom. I cannot risk you in fighting off the enemy outnumbered."

Enifer understood. And by Therpeion's leave, he left the council and went directly to the barracks where his army is waiting for him. He then ordered everybody to gear themselves up for war. The ones chosen by Enifer were also warriors who had fought at Mag Tuired, and they are the best of the warriors of Nosgrid, capable of fighting against all odds and they are the most-hardy among the army.

After the council meeting, Thyperion went to his chambers. He is always getting wearier due to extreme age. He knew that mortality has finally taken over him. He find it even hard to bear his armour and sword. He had never felt this throughout his immortal years. He walked slowly to his room and when he opened the doors, he found Themis lying on the bed. She is still very fair to his eyes. He went near her and touched her hand. The touch awakened Themis. She found Thyperion smiling at her. She felt contented and smiled to him in return.

"How's your meeting with the Council?" she asked. "It seems a bit quicker right now compared to your previous meetings with the Council, which would sometimes take the entire day."

Thyperion smiled and replied, "It was short and quick; we only discussed about the news of the Land."

Themis then got up and sat on the bed. She faced Thyperion and said, "Concerning the news of the Land, I also have questions to ask of you, Milord, if that would be okay with you."

"That is okay with me. Come. Tell me what troubles my queen."

"I'm more concerned you'll again fight yet another war. I am very much worried that something might happen to you. I know you are weary of battle as much as I do."

Thyperion reached out to her and kissed her forehead. He then sat beside her and exhaled out his weariness. "You have always been there giving me strength and reason to fight. I know it's hard for you to bear seeng me fight, however, I don't want to see our kingdom troubled by dangers. As long as I am capable, I will fight to achieve peace."

Themis then laid down to him. Thyperion caressed her and asked, "You remember how we first met?" Hearing this, she smiled. The memory of their meeting is still very fresh.

It happened eleven years ago, when Thyperion first entered Gleipnir. They were exploring north when they found the Ashtreimytes gearing up for battle against the barbarian tribes to the east. The Atlanticans asked what happened, as they desired peace on the land where they will settle.

"These barbarians ravaged our livestock and burned our villages," says King Archutan, "we have finally decided to use our strength in teaching these people a lesson. So long we had treated them as allies, but they gave trouble in return."

Thyperion then intended to know more about these tribes. He, himself, went there alone. At the forest of Elgenor, he was able to find them, but they captured him and bound him. The people brought him to their chieftain, Brakkburr. Brakkburr and his tribe were very curious to see an Elven, for Thyperion was still an Elf during this time. The tribe questioned him with an unknown tongue that is difficult for Thyperion to understand. Since Thyperion was not able to answer, they tried to hurt him by stretching out his arm externally which hurt him. But at the nick of time, an unexpected rescue arrived.

Arrows hailed over the tormentors of Thyperion. The tribe was surprised and then a cavalry charge was sounded. Out of nowhere, chariots charged over the village and many warriors fell. Thyperion found out that these are the Ashtreimytes.

He never thought that women also rule the battlefields. He just watched as the village was routed by the invaders. There is slaughter everywhere. Warriors from both sides fell and war cries and clashing of weapons could be heard from everywhere. Brakkburr, however, managed to escape together with some of his men. The Ashtreimytes approached Thyperion and then released him from his chains.

Thyperion then asked, "Who is the leader of this raid? I want to thank him for the rescue."

"No Elf; the leader of the raid happens to be a woman," a female voice answered. Thyperion then looked at the one speaking. To his surprise, a maiden came out, clad in battle gear. "A woman leads this raid, Elf," she continued.

Thyperion just stared at her as if he had not seen a maiden the same as her throughout the thousand years of his existence.

"What? Never seen a woman clad in armour before?" she asked.

"Never before, honestly. I just marvelled at how women take the positions held by men," he answered.

He just stared at her throughout their return back to Ashtreim. She is much too young in his eyes, but he admired her courage and bravery in facing the enemy. She rode on the chariot of iron dragged by two horses. Other chariots were dragged by a single horse. Thyperion also noticed that there are indeed women warriors all in full armor and carrying long spears and bows. There are many of them as well.

When they arrived back at Ashtreim, King Archutan welcomed the Atlanticans and they offered them rich gifts of gold and iron. Thyperion, in return, offered them their help in dealing with the tribes of Brakkburr. They will help stop these tribes and so bring in peace to the land.

It was not long when Brakkburr has returned with a much larger army and meant to destroy Ashtreim. He has brought forth all that he could gather around the borders. Other tribes allied with Brakkburr and arrived to loot the rich kingdom of King Archutan. Others are hoping to enslave his people.

A great battle occurred. Many warriors died. The invaders keep forcing the attempt to destroy the thick and heavily defended gates of the besieged kingdom. The strength of the Ashtreimytes held out and killed many of the invaders. The chariots of Ashtreim then came from outside and attacked the enemy's rear. The enemy then scattered in many directions. But the main strength of the enemy managed to destroy the northern section of the wall. They managed to climb  the wall in great numbers.

Brakkburr managed to enter the wall and found Themis fighting off those that managed to breach the walls. "Finally my revenge will be sweet after I kill you," he said then dashed against her. Themis tried to defend herself from Brakkburr's relentless attacks. Brakkburr's warhammer managed to break the Ashtrerimyte Princess' spear. Themis then tried to escape certain death. She slipped off to any column of the upper wall. The stone-column breaks after every smash of Brakkburr's terrible weapon. Yet to his dismay, one sword managed to resist his strike. No other sword was able to withstand it's shattering power. This sword is none other than the Iaxlus, and wielded by none other than Thyperion himself.

"Why not fight a warrior you match? Why waste your strength on a lady?" Thyperion taunted.

This angered Brakkburr as he tried to kill the Elf with his warhammer. But the Elves were swift in combat that Thyperion's agility was unmatched. He managed to swerve past Brakkburr and with a clash of their weapons, Thyperion's, being more powerful and magical, broke his enemy's weapon. Brakkburr, with shock and astonishment, tried then to escape. His courage left him. But before he could flee, he was already surrounded by Thyperion's troops.

 “Give up now, Brakkburr, for you are surrounded already. One more wrong move and elvish darts will end your life”,   Thyperion declared. The Elvish troops pointed their spears around Brakkburr, and archers arrayed behind them, their bows stretched, all marked with certain death.

“There is no more point of fighting to the death when you are already defeated”, Thyperion said, still holding his sword which destroyed Brakkburr’s weapon. “And I don’t want to destroy or exterminate your race. We desire peace on the Land.”

“The very might of my tribe is already destroyed, thanks to you, Elves. Though I may be defeated on this battle, that doesn’t mean I cannot rise again and exact my revenge,” Brakkburr replied.

“We don’t mean harm on you and your people. Just live as peaceful neighbours and both of us will prosper and have a fair share of the Land. There’s no point of fighting this over, no reason for blood to be spent, no reason to risk entire people on this war. I would prefer allies than enemies on this land.”

Thyperion’s message finally calmed Brakkburr. He then sat on the ground and the Elvish troops lowered down their spears and bows. Some Elves then tried to approach Brakkburr, carrying ropes made of silver, but Thyperion bade them to set Brakkburr free. “Walk to freedom and of peace, Brakkburr. And trouble the Land no more.”

As a reward, the Ashtreimytes invited Thyperion and his people, and they feasted there and then became guests to King Archutan. They then became close friends that Archutan let them start settling at a strong fortress to the south and they named it Nosgrid. Their friendship strengthened and King Archutan gave his daughter to marry Thyperion. Their marriage united Nosgrid and Ashtreim, and altogether, strengthened both kingdoms.

And after two years of their marriage, they had a son, which they named Archel, in Elvish tongue, and Aquilo on the Mortal Men’s. The boy was wrapped in fine velvet and laid on their royal bed. Thyperion then stood after he heard a knock at the door. He and his queen looked at the door, curious of what message to be reported having the urgency to knock and to call their attention.

“Report from the front, milord,” an old man’s voice came from the other side of the door.

It is heavy on the heart of Thyperion, as Themis saw him walking warily towards their door to answer the report of the herald. She felt herself tensed knowing the urgent need to report the message. She watched closely at her husband open the door. Then a man, clad in armor of green and silver, said something to him that she couldn’t hear. There is a look of sadness on the man as she spoke to Thyperion. She also noticed the change of face of her husband. She then began to realize that it’s bad news indeed which made the report that urgent.

Thyperion then stepped back and walked towards Themis with a look of sadness on his face. The man then went away after giving a respectful courtesy to his king. The door closed behind them.

“What happened, Milord? Why the sad look upon your face?” his queen asked, eager to know the news herself.

“Bad news my men brought from their quest to check on the troubles that has been disturbing from the west, my queen. Though it’s hard for me to speak of it here, I must still daresay so you, too, will know what befell of them. Enifer, my best lieutenant, was killed.”

This shocked Themis. She was saddened by the news and wanted to know more of how this happened. But before she could say any word, Thyperion said with anger on his voice, “Demophoon still lived and attacked Fort Grondem. Five hundred of our best Nosgridian knights were either killed or captured. I cannot afford to have him reach Nosgrid He has to be stopped at all costs.”

Having said those, he took up his sword Iaxlus and went out of the room. He intended to call on the attention of the council and to decide matters on what to do. The death of Enifer and the fall of Grondem is a serious blow to the power of Nosgrid. His mind is full of things that he turned to seek out the advice of his councillors.

Themis tried to stay calm as she just caressed Archel perhaps for the last time. She let fall a tear as she stared at him sleeping soundly, unknowing the time of the world he was brought to. She then kissed his forehead and said in a very faint voice; almost a whisper, “Our time has come to an end. Your time is dawning, Aquilo, my son. Your time will follow next when you will lead the people to peace as what your father has done, though only for a short while.”

She then stood up and walked to the window facing the west and looked beyond the mountains. She then began to notice smoke rising from a distance. Another bad news is coming to their kingdom, which she still is about to know.