6/ Allyn's Tower

The clash of swords rang out sharply in the air.

A twenty meter wide training field lay next to the wall, where Rollen watched the two men dive into an attack with amused interest, arms folded against his chest. Both fighters were clad in leather armor, tough enough to block attacks but allowed them to enact fluid nimble movements with ease. Tyford was one of the opponents, matched against a guard with red-brown hair. He stood still, feet apart, clutching his sword as he waited for his opponent to make the next move. The guard lunged at Tyford, who swerved swiftly to the side, a small smile playing at his lips. Missing his target, the redhead stumbled before catching himself. 

He ran back to his smirking opponent and slashed at him. Steel met steel as both swords collided. The guard quickly drove the blade to Tyford's stomach but he shifted away. After a few strikes and blocks, Rollen understood Tyford's tactic. He was letting the guard wear himself out before making his final blow. It was rather amusing to witness, especially when the redhead's face darkened to the shade of his hair. He gritted his teeth in anger and tried for Tyford again. He swung his blade to Tyford's neck. Arching his back, Tyford missed the killing slice then quickly straightened.

Eyeing his competitor, he swung his sword in a flurry of movements. The guard's eyes widened as he tried to deflect the oncoming assaults as quick as possible. Tyford's blade was but a glint in the falling sun, slashing and thrusting in rapid unpredictable strokes. Shifting his footing, he forced the guard into a defensive position. 

Unable to strike, the guard retreated as he parried desperately against the hurtling raid of steel. But he wasn't fast enough. Tyford curved his sword upwards, slicing his opponent's chin. Caught by surprise, he cried out in pain. His defense wavered. Tyford took advantage of his confusion and kicked his chest. The guard stumbled to the ground. Instantly, Tyford hovered over him, placing the tip of his sword at his throat.

"Dead," he grinned. After seeing the guard's face, he burst out laughing and moved off the raging man. Rollen chuckled himself, knowing all too well how aggravating Tyford could be. Luckily he wasn't at the receiving end of his vexation this time. Apparently, Tyford thought this was the best time to imbue the guard with wisdom. "You fight with too much anger," he started. "That makes you unable to fight well. You should learn to control your temper or you'll get yourself killed." 

He extended his arm to help the redhead to his feet. Huffing, the redhead swatted away his hand and clambered to his feet before stalking off, muttering curses under his breath. Striding over to Rollen, he asked, "Why is he so mad? I was bettering his skills."

At that, Rollen burst out laughing. "Maybe because you threw him to the ground and then criticized his swordsmanship."

"It was a learning experience, though."  He gave a chuckle. "I better go wash off. I'll see you at supper." He sauntered away, whistling merrily. Rollen shook his head, unable to wipe the smirk off his face.

"Hello, Captain."

Turning, he saw Colonel Brazen march to him. "Good evening, Colonel."

Once they stood side by side, they watched the next two competitors take their places in the field. At a bell's clang, they charged at each other.

"Do you enjoy this?"

He smiled. "Yes, sir. It's entertaining."

"Have you sparred against anyone yet?"

"No, not yet."

"Good." Rollen glanced at him quizzically and the Colonel continued, "I would want to watch the spectacle when you do."

Rollen chuckled despite himself. The Colonel had a comfortable air about him that was easily likable, as if he were a relaxed father rather than an army official. He felt his guard lower with each passing second around the man.

"Where is Colonel Fresier?" Rollen inquired. "I haven't seen him all day."

"He had a few errands to take care of. He is currently in his office." Rollen nodded.

They watched the commencing fight in a few heartbeats of mutual silence before the Colonel spoke once more. "You have something on your mind."

It was more a statement than a question. Glancing at him, Rollen noted that though his eyes were trained on the attacking competitors, he was observing Rollen at his periphery. Not bothering to conceal his thoughts, he nodded. The Colonel stared at the fight a while longer before he turned. "Follow me."

Rollen conceded, leaving the clanging sounds behind. He quickly realized where they were headed. The Colonel bounded up the steps carved into the stone wall with Rollen close behind him. Soon they emerged at the top of the defensive wall. Two armed guards passed them, spears in hand. Colonel Brazen strode ahead before stopping a few feet away. When Rollen joined him, he spoke. "Ask what you want to know."

Rollen was silent for a while, searching for the right words. "What is the purpose of this tower?"

The Colonel smiled. "It has many purposes. One might say it is a marvel to behold, among other things."

An evasive answer. Well, Rollen knew how to play this game. "Yes, it is quite a sight. Though I doubt the King would build it as a tourist attraction."

"Who is to say?" he shrugged. "It might earn the kingdom revenue."

"Yet, besides the fact that I see no one willing to pay to see the structure, I doubt the money earned would be enough to pay for all this protection." Rollen gestured to the numerous guards patrolling the vicinity.

Colonel Brazen smiled. "Too true."

"And judging by how heavily guarded the Tower is, I would assume it holds a greater significance than earning money."

The Colonel glanced at him, his eyes sparkling. "Quite an eye you have there. And a way with words as well."

"Thank you, Sir." Rollen paused. "So what is the real purpose of Allyn's Tower?"

Colonel Brazen fell silent, as if evaluating whether or not to reply. He turned to Rollen with a scrutinizing look. Rollen met his stare smoothly. Seconds passed. The wind played with Rollen's hair, reminding Rollen that it had been a while since he'd had his hair trimmed. 

Finally, the Colonel looked away. He nodded slowly, eyes clouded in thought. "I can see why he trusts you," he muttered under his breath. Rollen didn't know if the statement was addressed to him or if he was talking aloud so he remained silent.

Colonel leaned against the merlon, gazing at the landscape ahead. They had less than an hour of daylight left before the sun dipped beneath the land. Many miles ahead, rose the capital city of the Norlain Kingdom, Dothan. Even farther were the mountains, little more than smudges of gray doting the horizon. 

"What do you know of the Primeval Relics?"

Rollen frowned. He had not been expecting that question. "They are said to be remnants of the Ancient World, but no one has seen them in hundreds of years."

The Colonel shook his head. "There have been reports of the artifacts' sightings."

"All but a hoax." He waved it off. "No true evidence has been revealed of their existence. They are probably the objects drawn from an old wives' tale."

He glanced at Rollen. "You seem sure of it."

"I believe what I can see for myself, or what people I trust say."

"Do you trust me?"

Without hesitation or doubt, he replied, "Of course I do, Sir."

He smiled, satisfied. "What if I told you that I have seen these Relics? Or at least, one of them."

A dumbfounded look etched itself onto Rollen's features.

The Colonel swiveled to face the tower. "Inside Allyn's Tower, hidden deep within, lies an extraordinarily powerful stone last of its kind. Tales of its existence have been whispered to many. I believe you know the name."

It didn't take long to recall the name of the mythical stone. "Xiordite."

"Yes." He nodded. "The King found it and had this place built to store it. Keep it safe from danger."

Lost for words, questions tripped over themselves in Rollen's mind as incredulity burst to life.  His throat was suddenly leached of moisture, leaving it as arid as the Ransian desert. "But they haven't been seen in ages. Where did he get it?"

"No one knows but our Majesty."

"Why keep it here when it would be safer with him in the Shadow Keep?"

"Because it is safer here." At Rollen's questioning glance, he proceeded, "When you were approaching the Tower, how did you spot it?"

Rollen thought back to his earlier venture. "I- I'm not sure, exactly." He narrowed his eyes in concentration. "We were riding North," he began slowly, "We were not exactly sure where the Tower was but we knew the direction to follow. Then suddenly it appeared in the blink of an eye." Looking back, Rollen wondered why he hadn't thought much about its sudden appearance. "I told my men that we had arrived and... they too saw the Tower, as if they hadn't seen it before."

The Colonel nodded sagely. "The Tower is shielded by ancient magic. A barrier surrounds it at a two-mile radius. If you do not know what to look for -"

"- you cannot see the Tower." Realization dawned through his mind, leaving awe in its wake. However, the mention of magic stirred dark memories buried deep in his mind. His hand clenched unconsciously, and he shook himself.

"Exactly," the Colonel continued, oblivious to Rollen's inner thoughts. "And for those who do not know what lies ahead, the magic filters their mind and makes them unconsciously go around the whole site as to avoid them stumbling into the wall."

Rollen processed this information in silence. The details of how guarded the Tower was amazed him but did not satisfy him completely. "But who cast the spell to protect the Tower?"

"Rumors say it was the King. I am not certain; it is not my position to ask, and neither is it yours."

"Yes, of course, Sir." He paused. "I suppose there is enough security to ward off anyone who seeks the Stone."

"Yes, and there are still more defenses put up." 

When Rollen arched his brow, the Colonel gestured at him to follow.

They went down the stairs and headed for the tower. Even in the light of the sun, it appeared dark as night. As they approached it, its imposing structure rose higher with each step. The looming form unnerved Rollen, as though he were approaching a dangerous being, but he fought down his uneasiness. 

At the Colonel's command, the sentries posted at the doors granted them entry. His first sight was of a dark hallway, barely lit by the sun's dying rays. To his left rose a spiraling staircase, its smooth marble steps as black as ink. They started up them in silence. The higher they went, Rollen felt the presence of magic pressing down on his shoulders. It breathed down his neck, making his fingers twitch with discomfort. They rose four stories above the ground before the Colonel stopped. They stood on a small marble platform that extended into the steps. Rollen noticed that the staircase kept rising, curving against the dark walls to the top. 

He briefly wondered why the Colonel had paused there. He was gazing intently at the smooth stone, prompting Rollen to stare at it as well. Seconds passed. Then something shifted. As though an enchantment had dissipated, his eyes focused sharply on the wall and saw the faint outlines of a doorway reinforce before eventually solidifying. Rollen blinked in surprise, mouth slightly ajar. Before them stood huge double doors dominating almost half the wall. Rollen sucked in air in shock. They were as dark as the wall itself, therefore blending in perfectly.

"Glamour," the Colonel answered the unspoken question.

 Rollen stared at the door. There were no latches on the hardwood. In fact, it looked as though one could push them open - though it would require help - and get in.

"Why isn't it locked?" Surely such an important relic from the Ancient World should be well-secured.

"It is." He stepped forward. "By magic." His fingers trailed over the ebony doors. "No one can open this door, no matter what. You can blast a cannon ball at it but it wouldn't break apart. Only the power of the King himself can open this. And beyond these doors lies the Xiordite."

Rollen nodded in understanding. "Then the Stone is well fortified."

The Colonel faced him. "Rollen, I need you to vow that whatever I have told and shown you will not be uttered to a soul. This is highly classified information and very few know of the truth."

Rollen furrowed his brow. "Then why did you tell me?"

He smiled. "His Majesty wanted you informed of its importance. In this area, the only people who know about it are Colonel Fresier, the Guard Master, you and I. I'd like to keep it that way."

He nearly gawked at the Colonel's words. The King himself wanted Rollen to know of this. The King. Pride and gratitude swelled inside him, forcing a smile out of his lips. "Of course, Sir. I swear it on my life." He brought his right hand over his chest, the three middle fingers touching his heart in salute.

Colonel Brazen nodded, satisfied. "Good." He pat his shoulder fondly. "Let's get going before the men finish all of the food."

Together they went down the stairs and into the bailey. Few guards patrolled the compound as they headed to the dining hall. The food had already been served; roasted venison, smoked fish, herb-basted potatoes, baked leaven and ale. Others had already began eating as the two men joined them. After sharing a short conversation with Tyford, Rollen finished his meal and decided to turn in early for the night. 

He made his way to the building they temporarily stayed in and reached his room. Changing out of his garments, he crept into his bed and lay there, sleep slowly dragging him into a dreamless slumber.

Later that night, he woke up in a cold sweat. He sat up in his bed and rubbed his hands over his face. He didn't know why he had awoken. Staying still, he focused on his breathing and the silent night. It was peaceful, as if the land itself had fallen into slumber. Clouds drifted lazily over the sky. The moon shone out a hazy light onto the earth that dimly illuminated the land. Nevertheless, something felt amiss to Rollen. Knowing he couldn't go back to sleep, he put on his leather pants and shrugged on his jacket before pulling on his shoes.

The barracks were silent; everyone but the night guards were asleep. He left the building and started for an aimless walk, mind blank. As he neared the Tower, he realized something was wrong. The silence suddenly became heavy, as if the world was holding its breath.  He strode a little faster to the entrance of the Tower before he saw the night guards.

Three men lay on the ground in a growing pool of crimson, as still as the night air, with the doors to the Tower wide open.