A strong flow of magic surrounded Rogue as she sat up against the wall of a dirty hut. It was made almost entirely of lamann hair, the material that prevented the use of magic. She knew the Lumis was close, most likely in the outcasts village, even if they had no idea of it. She could feel its power pulling at her arms, wanting to be found. Greg sat against the opposite wall, wondering what was going to happen to them and their weapons. He was eager to know what this Derrell was like. For people who are rumoured to hate magic, they did not actually seem that bad... So far.

"Are you sure it's definitely here?" Asked Greg.

"Yes, I'm positive. Even with all this lamann hair, I can feel its presence."

"Ok, so how do we get it and ourselves out of here?"

"Let's just see what they want with us first," replied Rogue.

Shortly after, the door swung open and three men came into the hut. Falch stood on the right and a tall, skinny man with mushroom shaped hair stood on the left. Rogue assumed the one in the middle was Derrell. He had short, neatly brushed brown hair and dark eyes. His teeth needed dental work although they were very clean. His clothes were ripped but he wore a long brown woolly coat over the usual lamann hair which appeared to be compulsory in this group.

"Good afternoon, young spellcasters," he spoke politely but his tone suggested he did not talk politely very often.

"What do you want with us? Where are our weapons?" Asked Greg.

"Silence when Derrell is talking," said Falch harshly.

"Easy Falch," replied Derrell, "It's been a long time since we have had your kind around here. What is your business, spellcasters?"

"There is an item somewhere in these woods. An artefact that will see the end of this war," said Rogue. There seemed no point in hiding the truth.

"There is no such thing in my woods. We would know if some magical rubbish was here," replied Derrell.

"You would not know if you saw it. There are few that can. To you it would look like an old piece of junk. Something possibly not worth keeping," replied Rogue.

Derrell paused before answering, "I doubt very much that you will find what you are looking for," he turned on his heels and left.

"What are you going to do with us?" Asked Greg.

"Derrell will decide that," smiled Falch, he left with the tall man.

"That was brief, he doesn't like to hang around," said Greg calmly.

"We have somehow got to find it ourselves," said Rogue.

"You will. I don't know what I am looking for. A ball could be anything around here," replied Greg. He found a deflated rubber ball on the floor and picked it up.

"Help me find a way out of here then. Are there guards by the door?"

"I think so," Greg dropped the ball and punched the floor, "There is a bloody war going on out there and we're stuck in here."

"Calm yourself. That will not help anybody. If we can just get out of here, I might be able to see exactly where it is."

"Ok, but they've practically wrapped everything up with this hair stuff, so magic is out of the question," Greg scanned the walls. He considered ripping the hair down and blasting the wall, but he knew they would not destroy every bit of Lamann hair before reaching their weapons.

The door opened and Derrell walked back into the room. He carried Greg's sword and a look of appreciation covered his face, "This is a good sword. It's not Souvana made is it?"

"No," replied Greg surprised, "The blade was forged in Taldon, a dark elven tribe far across the northern sea. Non-magic folk who created the best magic tools."

Derrell held it up, "My mother had one similar to this before she passed away. It was that sword that saved us from annihilation. There were three times the number of beasts then to what we have now."

"We're sorry to hear that," said Rogue sympathetically.

"Can I have my weapon back please?" Asked Greg.

"I have a proposal for you, spellcaster. I know you city dwellers are strong on your word," said Derrell smiling.

"What is it you want from me?" Asked Greg.

Derrell swung the sword down, "A duel."

"What kind of duel?"

"Three rounds of sparring with my son. He's about your age so that makes it even enough. No magic involved."

"What's in it for the victor?" This seemed to be almost perfect for Greg. An easy way out for them both.

"When my son wins, I get this sword and you two will stay as guests to humour us and entertain our children."

"For how long? We're not the best choice when it comes to children," said Rogue.

"For as long as it takes. Lucky for you we're not murderers, there's only who's blood we're after and it's not yours," smiled Derrell.

Rogue laughed nervously in return.

"What do we get if I win?" Asked Greg impatiently.

"If... If you win, we will let you go free, maybe help guide you to this Lumis thing of yours," said Derrell, he rolled his eyes and cursed to himself.

"Lumis?" Asked Rogue, "We never once said its name. Do you know where it is?"

"I... Err... That's not important. You will not win anyway."

"Do you have any idea what's going on in the world?" Greg raised his voice, "There is a big battle happening right now outside as we speak! If Souvanence falls, who do you think they will come for next? We need that Lumis to keep the war away from yours and our doorsteps! You may not like us very much but we are the ones keeping you safe from the real dangers of the world! Give us the Lumis."

"My mother wanted to be a part of that war. We supported her as she applied for citizenship inside the so-called safe haven. They turned her down without a second glance. Said she was too old and lacked enough special powers. Some old witch called a lady half her age too old. My mother could have been down there right now fighting for the good of others. Now she's dead, killed by a monster preying on the emotionally weak. Her sword died with her," a tear came to Derrell's eye.

"I'm sorry," replied Greg.

"Derrell, how do you know about the Lumis?" Asked Rogue.

"That's a strange mystery. Shortly after my mother died, an old lady approached my father and gave him some dusty old thing. It was in the shape of a ball and extremely light," he indicated the size with his hands, "The lady told him to keep it safe and don't throw it out, no matter how strange it felt to keep such a useless thing. She said that one day someone might come looking for it and it was vital that it must not fall into the hands of one of your leaders. I'm told that some fresh faced mages who were open to some prophecy must claim it. My father did not think much of it at the time and now, many years later, it lies at the back of my house collecting more dust. My father told me it was called a Lumis, some ridiculous spellcaster nonsense. He kept it out of respect for his wife, my mother. He also said that if they wanted it, they would have to work for it," Derrell paused and took a deep breath, "The offer is still open."

"Someone told you we were coming? I wonder who that could have been," said Rogue.

"She never gave a name. Hurry and answer my proposal, the evening sky is ready to come in," replied Derrell.

"I'll accept your challenge, sir. Show us the way," said Greg.

"Promise no magic when I open this door. Things can turn nasty for both parties," said Derrell.

"You have both our words. We swear an oath to not commit an act of magic in offence," replied Rogue.

Greg was glad Rogue swore the oath because his own mind went blank. Swearing an oath was serious and even an outcast had to accept that.

"Ok then, come with me," said Derrell opening the door cautiously.

"May we see the object?" Asked Rogue politely.

"Not until after the duel," replied Derrell.

As they left the hut, Falch and the tall man were quickly standing behind. They carried two large nets made of lamann hair just in case the young sorcerers did not keep to their word.

Derrell's home looked very much like a woodland village. The small houses were made of a mixture of wood and lamann hair. Most were perched up against many different types of trees. There was a large pen housing at least eight lamanns. They had camel-like features with strong horse built bones. Their hair was thick and shaggy and in need of a serious cut.

Children stopped and stared at the two spellcasters walking past, not really knowing who or what they were. Rogue was surprised to see a whole society living undisturbed so close to the city. In a place that was turned into fairytales to keep people out. The woodland dwellers did not appear to be as bad as the teachers made them believe. She wondered what other things they kept secret about the outside world.

Rogue felt the pull of the Lumis on her arms again. There was no doubt it was in the village. Derrell's father did keep it safe for them as the old lady asked.

Derrell led Greg and Rogue into the centre of the village. There was a large open area covered in sand, and what looked to be the whole village stood around it. All wearing the standard set of lamann hair. Nobody took chances in this village.

"Does this village have a name?" Asked Rogue curiously.

Derrell turned to her, he found it odd that a spellcaster would show a remote bit of interest, "Trellis, named after my great grandfather."

Rogue smiled, showing she was interested in the history. She was always eager to learn, even when being held captive.

"Father! I'm really not in the mood to do this!" Shouted a voice coming from the crowd.

A young man came into view carrying a sword. Greg could not believe he was Derrell's son. His hair was long and spiky; it was a very dark red crossing into shades of black, but he had a peculiar short blond spiky quiff for a fringe. His eyes were a deep dark brown colour and he carried a small scar under his mouth, above his chin. He had a stone rebellious look on his face, which showed he was very different from his father. What was really strange about him was that he did not wear a single thread of lamann hair unlike everybody else. His clothes were black with red stripes down the sides, matching his hair. He wore black metal bracelets and a metal chain with a strange symbol around his neck. The boy really did not look like he fitted in with the other villagers there.

"Nonsense, Todd, of course you do. You love that sword," replied Derrell. He felt embarrassed with Greg staring at him.

"No I don't," said Todd angrily. He then turned to Greg and Rogue and nodded, "Hi."

"Hello," the two spellcasters replied. Rogue felt an unusual essence surrounding Todd but could not think what it was. For a split second she thought she saw a halo spin round his head, like she saw on Chad once.

"What's wrong with you, boy? We've talked about this childish behaviour. You're eighteen. Start acting like it!" Shouted Derrell.

Todd looked at Greg, then down at Greg's sword, which Derrell still held, "Is that yours?" He asked.

Greg nodded, "I've had it for a long time."

"It's nice, you should try and keep hold of it for a long time still," replied Todd.

"Thank you. I will," responded Greg.

Derrell grabbed Todd's sword and threw both swords into the sandpit arena.

"Hey!" Shouted Todd.

"It's just a duel," said Derrell, "Get on with it."

This was a nasty side of Derrell that Rogue was not hoping to see.

"Sorry, my father is very persistent," said Todd. He ran into the ring and grabbed his sword.

He's scared of his father, thought Greg. He followed Todd into the ring and picked up his own weapon.

"Good luck!" Called Rogue.

The crowd cheered and clapped hysterically as the two combatants faced each other, swords ready for the attack.

"Why don't you wear that hair stuff like your father?" Asked Greg.

"I am nothing like my father. I have never seen your kind in my life. I'm not going to live in fear that the first spellcaster I see wants to kill me," replied Todd.

"That's good, but what do you fear?" Asked Greg.

"I fear nothing," responded Todd. He launched himself at Greg with his sword swinging from the right.

Greg dodged easily. He knew that Todd had been practising a lot and by his stance was capable of much better swings. Greg swung in low but Todd blocked it with force and Greg stumbled backwards awkwardly.

Greg picked himself up and swung his sword high, Todd blocked again and pushed his sword against Greg's, forcing him back. Todd attacked again, Greg tried to block but Todd forced him to the ground.

"My son wins the first round!" Shouted Derrell excitedly. The crowd cheered louder, ecstatic over Todd's achievement, although the look on Todd's face did not show it as much of an achievement.

"I don't think you're being very fair on your son," said Rogue.

"Why not? Do you think I was any different at his age? You've got to be strong living in these woods and look out for each other. That's the key to our survival," replied Derrell.

"But using Greg as a battle partner is wrong."

"Hey, do you want that Lumis thing or not? This battle will prove his strength and that will lead to some discipline. Consider yourselves lucky this ain't a battle to the death like those damn goblenites keep proposing."

"I still don't agree with this," responded Rogue.

"Then it's a good job you'll be locked up behind those walls again tomorrow with the rest of your spellcaster friends. The second round is about to begin, so please hush."

Rogue pretended to ignore him and watched Greg and Todd touch swords ready to attack again.

"You're pretty strong," said Greg, "And your technique is very good."

"Thanks, I work out a lot," replied Todd.

Greg held his sword inwards ready to defend. He had a plan but it required Todd to attack first.

Todd fell for it and swung his sword in hard. Greg blocked it and stumbled backwards at the same time. He managed to recover his footing quickly and threw his whole weight into Todd. Their swords clashed and Todd fell back a few inches.

"You're no stranger to that weapon, are you?" Complimented Todd, "I wish some of father's men were as good as you."

Rogue watched the two warriors spar with each other. Their swords clashed with equal skill. Her mind suddenly became distracted by something else, although she could not work out what it was. After a short while her mind clicked, something very big and very angry was approaching the village at tremendous speed. She did not know how she knew, but something was out there. She put a hand to her head.

"What's wrong with you this time?" Asked Derrell.

"There's something out there, and it's heading this way," said Rogue pointing to the nearest set of trees.

"What are you talking about? We have lookouts. If anything comes too close to the village we'll know about it."

"I swear to you, something is coming. Take me to the trees," said Rogue anxiously.

"Oh no, I'm not falling for any of your spell casting tricks," replied Derrell shaking his head.

"Please!" Begged Rogue.

"Ok fine. Falch, Beanz. Take her over there and prove there is nothing scary heading towards us," said Derrell clicking his fingers.

"Right, Boss," replied Falch and the tall man from the hut.

Falch mumbled something about not being able to watch the fight.

"Thank you," said Rogue to Derrell. She hoped she was wrong.

"What's up missy? Not afraid of the dark are you?" Laughed Falch. They left the sandy arena and walked towards the trees.

Greg saw them leave and wondered where they were going. He lost his focus and Todd threw more heavy swings at him. Greg blocked every one. The last one brought him down on his knees.

Time to claim my point back, thought Greg. He pushed upwards into Todd, making him stumble backwards. Greg pounced into the air and struck Todd's sword as hard as he could, forcing it out of his hands. Greg landed behind him and kicked the back of his legs. Todd fell, stunned at the quick movements by his opponent.

"The spellcaster wins!" Shouted Derrell. There was no enthusiasm in his voice.

"Well played," said Todd. He climbed to his feet while watching Greg.

"Thanks," replied Greg, "Do you mind if I ask you a question?"

"Go ahead, I'm open about anything."

"You are very different from everyone else here. Why is that?" Asked Greg curiously.

"It's true, I am different. It's just the way we are. I feel uncomfortable about my father's ways, but we are family. As annoying as he is, I still love him."

Love was a word that Greg could not get his head around. Since he was a baby, he had never once thought to tell his own father he loved him. Nor his mother and especially not his sister. He shook his head and stared at Todd, Hang on a minute, he said that as if he knew all about me and my relationship with Luci. No he couldn't have. You're just being stupid Greg Thornton, he shut the thought from his mind.

"Are you ok, buddy?" Asked Todd.

"Yeah, sorry, I'm fine," replied Greg, "Let's duel."

The two warriors touched swords again. Greg positioned his feet further away in the hope that he would not get knocked back again.

If I loose this, then I could lose my sword, thought Greg, Got to do this for Rogue, he braced himself for Todd's first strike. Todd raised his sword ready to attack. Both were oblivious to the commotion happening by the trees that Rogue had headed for.

"Halstron!" Shouted Falch. He ran down a small hill and straight in between Greg and Todd, "The halstron is here!"

Greg spun around, searching frantically to see what was happening. The crowds started to scream and evacuate the sandy arena.

Rogue grabbed Greg by the arm and pulled him, "Run!" She shouted.

Greg heard a loud roar and turned to the trees. Todd moved next to him, sword raised.

"We can take it," said Todd, "My strength and your technique."

"Don't be stupid," shouted Rogue, "That thing is huge!"

Derrell and a few other villagers came up behind them carrying swords and bows, "Get out of here you three," he shouted trying to pull Rogue back.

There was a house sat on top of the hill just before the trees where the halstron was going to appear. The house collapsed and a loud monstrous roar deafened their ears. Once the dusty smoke clouds had cleared, Greg saw a large, pale blue skinned creature standing before them. It was at least twenty feet in height. Arms the size of tree trunks and legs made of pure thick muscle. It had the face of a disfigured cat with red eyes, and a bright ginger mane covered its head and back like wild fire. Each of its claws was the size of a man's leg. It roared again to plant fear into their hearts.

"It must know what you are," said Derrell keeping his eyes on the gigantic beast, "Your presence brought him here."

"Don't blame us for that," said Rogue pushing his loose hand off her shoulder, "Where is my staff?"

Before Derrell could answer, the halstron dropped down to all fours and took one big step towards them.

"Now's not the time for blame, Father," said Todd. He raised his sword and charged at the halstron. Todd swung to the right and struck the creature's palm. He pushed the sword as hard as he could, trying to draw blood. The halstron pushed downwards with its arm trying desperately to crush the human. To Greg, both appeared to be equal in strength. He was amazed that the mass of the creature could not break Todd's back.

The halstron used its free hand and hit Todd in the side. Todd was thrown into the sandpit but he did not look hurt. He picked himself up and faced the creature again. It was Greg's turn to attack. He ran towards the creature and ducked under a swinging arm. Greg found himself under the beast and used his sword to swipe at its legs, leaving two clean, painful cuts.

The halstron screamed and turned around. It clenched its fist and brought it down on Greg who rolled out of the way just in time.

"Forgive me for this," said Rogue. She grabbed her gem with her left hand and pointed to the creature with her right. Both hands began to glow and a white light shone from her finger. Beams of light shot at the beast with lightning speed. Rogue struck it in the back of the head. The halstron ignored her as it continued to try and crush Greg. More beams hit it across the back and it finally turned around. She saw Greg appear in between the creature's legs, she could not see his sword anywhere.

Todd ran back into the fray but was knocked back again effortlessly by its monstrous arms. He did not move that time and lay on the sand unconscious.

Derrell screamed something that Rogue could not make out and charged towards the halstron with the other villagers. They hacked at its sides and legs, producing only small cuts through its thick hide. Arrows flew from behind Rogue, but most bounced right off its chest. Others dug into its skin but it did not appear to notice.

Rogue watched its movements closely and realised what it was trying to do. With its left hand it attacked the villagers, but Rogue knew it was only distracting them while it tried to grab Derrell with its right, "It's after him." She said to herself.

Derrell quickly realised he was on his own while swiping at the incoming arm. He could not get an attack in as he tried desperately to defend himself, "You hurt my boy!" He screamed while looking for an opening. White beams struck the arm that was trying to attack him. The halstron pulled its arm away in pain, giving Derrell a chance to see Rogue running towards him.

"Get out of here you stupid girl!" He shouted, waving his arm. He fell backwards, tripping over bodies. There were no more standing villagers. Many had fled, the rest were lying unconscious or dead.

"It's after you!" Called Rogue.

Derrell could not answer. The halstron grabbed him with its now free left arm and picked him up into the air. It turned around to face the woods. Greg stood in its way with his sword raised, blood dripped down his face. The halstron struck him with its free hand. Greg flew through the air and landed awkwardly in the collapsed house.

There was a loud shout of "Father!" Followed by a large red transparent bubble striking the creature's head. It burst into hundreds of little sparks on impact. The halstron collapsed to the floor and did not get up again.

Rogue reached the beast first and helped loosen its grip on Derrell.

"Thank you spellcaster," said Derrell. He paused and his face turned pale as he looked over to his son. Todd was kneeling down with his arms outstretched. A frozen look of horror covered his face. Derrell walked over to his son, unsure what to say. Some of the villagers moved closer to the halstron and pierced it with spears to make sure it was dead.

"I... I..." Was all Todd could say as he stared at the dead creature.

"You're one of them," said his father horrifically.

"He saved your life, don't disown him for that," said Rogue quickly.

"I'm sorry, Father," said Todd quietly, "I didn't know I could do that."

"It's ok, Son," there was the sound of disbelief in Derrell's voice, "I'm not going to disown him, spellcaster. We will sort this out."

Rogue smiled for a second then her faced dropped, "Shoot, I forgot about Greg," she ran over to the collapsed house. Greg was sat up just inside the wall holding up his sword.

"It's ok, I had a soft landing," he laughed pointing to the layers of lamann hair underneath him.

"You better come with me," said Rogue. She turned around and ran back to Todd and Derrell.

Derrell faced her and put a hand up before she could speak. "I've sent Robbie to get your Lumis. Please just take it and go," anguish filled his voice.

"Thank you so much," replied Rogue.

Greg had to limp his way down the hill. By the time he got there a young boy with dark spiky hair was handing Rogue a dirty old brown ball. Rogue's eyes sparkled with delight. She was obviously seeing something different to the rest of the confused faces. He stood next to her staring down at the ball, praying it was worth every minute.

"You guys earned it," said Todd. Derrell helped him to his feet. Both examined the ball closely, waiting for something to happen. After a long while, nothing did, "Come on, I'll show you the way out," Todd sheathed his sword on his back.

Derrell said nothing as the crowd of spectators spread open wide enough for them to walk through.

No one spoke until they were far away from the village. Greg and Todd carried fire-lit torches so they could see the way. Rogue appeared not to need one. She held a tight grip on the ball. No one realised how dark it was until they had left Todd's home.

"Me and father are probably going to have a long, long talk later," said Todd, "I'm not a spellcaster, no one in my village is."

"Yes you are, Todd. It just took a long time to surface. It's a gene that could run in a family for generations before one sees the gift. It can happen to anyone, anywhere," said Rogue.

"Didn't you ever notice how unnaturally strong you were when you fought?" Asked Greg.

"This is too much for me. What was that bubble thing I did?"

"That's the first spell all sorcerers do. In the city it usually happens within the first year from birth. Most call it the bubble of life. It opens the magic in your blood and bursts into tremendous energy and as we just saw, it can kill," said Rogue.

"That's weird," replied Todd.

"Come back to the city with us. You can learn a lot," said Greg enthusiastically.

"I can't, I'm sorry. My place is here," replied Todd, "I will be accepted for what I do. Who knows, maybe our paths will cross again someday. Good luck with your war. I hope that thing brings you fortune."

Rogue and Greg did not realise that they were already at the edge of the woods.

"Goodbye, Todd," said Rogue softly. She held the Lumis tightly.

"See you, mate," said Greg, "I hope we meet again."

Todd left them and walked slowly back. Rogue and Greg watched him leave until his torch was out of sight.

"I have a feeling we haven't seen the last of him," said Rogue examining the Lumis.

"What can you see from that?" Asked Greg curiously.

"Sorry, I did not want to say much back there and scare those people further," replied Rogue, "I thought you might have been able to see it better than they could. I can see a glass ball filled with lots of light. It's very bright. I can see it reflecting off the walls to the city in the distance. I was able to use this as a torch back in the woods."

"That's pretty amazing. At least we know it's the right thing," replied Greg.

"I wonder how it works. Does it react around the Guardian or something?" Asked Rogue.

"I'm not sure, let's just get it back home. We'll worry about that tomorrow. I hope Chad will make it back ok," said Greg.

"The city is peaceful. I do not think the battle has or will make it this far. We won," replied Rogue.

The two sorcerers walked back to the city slowly, proud of their achievements. The Guardian was now waiting to be found.

* * *