Hero III

By Ben Smith

War has come to Havaen. After thousands of years, the return of Peresus’ evil to the world has brought with it chaos and destruction, as he seeks to finally complete his quest to conquer the realm. Already, the Aquaron Kingdom has fallen to his seemingly unstoppable might, and it appears only a matter of time before the rest of Havaen follows suit. As Peresus’ vast army begins to sweep across the land, obliterating all in their path, it is clear that even the power of Saberen, the Hero, will not be enough to defeat them.

Only by fulfilling the ancient prophecy of the Hero – by uniting the three Sacred Keys and retrieving the Supremos from the Golden Realm – will Saberen have sufficient strength to overcome Peresus and the malevolent forces he commands. But one of the Sacred Keys is currently missing, its location unknown, and Peresus seeks to gain access to the Golden Realm too – to seize the Supremos for himself and use its limitless divine power to at last finish what he started all those millennia ago.

To save Havaen, there can only be one outcome. Saberen must succeed, or the world will be plunged into darkness forever…

• Language: English
• Publisher: Troubador Publishing Ltd
• Release date: Oct 28, 2023
• ISBN: 9781805147053

Ben Smith

Ben Smith has been writing stories from a young age. His passion for video games and anime inspired him to create the Hero books. Hero is the first book in the Hero trilogy.

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Copyright © 2023 Ben Smith

The moral right of the author has been asserted.

Apart from any fair dealing for the purposes of research or private study, or criticism or review, as permitted under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, this publication may only be reproduced, stored or transmitted, in any form or by any means, with the prior permission in writing of the publishers, or in the case of reprographic reproduction in accordance with the terms of licences issued by the Copyright Licensing Agency. Enquiries concerning reproduction outside those terms should be sent to the publishers.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

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Contents

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Prologue

Several months have passed since Peresus, the man who according to legend was imprisoned in the Golden Realm by the gods for his theft of the Supremos many thousands of years ago, returned to Havaen again, intent on reclaiming the divine relic and conquering the world once more. With the full might of his old army behind him, he had travelled north to Kingdom Falls and attacked the Aquarons, one of the three races that had stood up to him in the original War of the Supremos. Despite a valiant effort, the Aquaron forces were no match for Peresus and his legions, and the kingdom fell to his rule.

Meanwhile, Saberen, the Hero prophesised to fight and defeat this evil, had returned to Black Peak, the former home of the sorcerer Sarnav, searching for information that might aid their attempts to repel Peresus. It was here that he had discovered an ancient text that revealed what had truly happened at the end of the first war – that Peresus and his army had not been trapped in the Golden Realm with the Supremos after all, but instead sealed in a separate dimension in what had become the Frozen Wastes. But without the Supremos in the world to maintain it, after millennia the seal holding his prison had finally failed, and thus Peresus and his army had been able to escape.

Saberen had then come to Kingdom Falls to try to aid the Aquarons, but found himself outmatched by Peresus’ Thunderbird, a mighty creature with the power of thunderstorms at its command. At the end of their battle, in a last-ditch effort to defeat the legendary bird, Saberen had attempted one huge, final attack on the creature, but the power of the assault had proven too much for his blade, the Qudo Sword, to withstand, and the weapon had shattered before the attack could be properly unleashed.

Thanks to the swift actions of the Galenda Key Protector Kárit though, Saberen, his fellow Qudo Malia and several other Aquaron warriors had been able to escape through a warp portal to seek refuge in Galenda City, thus preventing their capture. Sadly, although this guaranteed the safety of Saberen and Kárit’s Sacred Keys, the Aquaron Key Protector Niena was taken prisoner by Peresus, the whereabouts of both her and her Sacred Key now unknown. Princess Taria of the Aquaron royal family was also seized at the end of the battle.

Against such might, even Saberen’s magical strength will not be enough. As the Galendas prepare themselves for war, he must now find a way to unite the three Sacred Keys once again and find the Supremos, or the world will forever be plunged into darkness…

Chapter One

Dawn broke over the eastern region of Havaen, the very top of the brilliant burning disc of the sun rising gradually over the horizon. The first true rays of light struck the snow-capped top of the immense volcano that dominated this part of this world, working their way downwards until they would wash over the entire mountain.

High above the limits of Galenda City, on the other side of the volcano, a young elf crouched down, trying to prepare himself for the challenge that had been laid on for him.

Saberen knelt down on one knee, his nerves on edge ever so slightly. His breathing was faster than normal, the air out of his mouth misting in front of him from the cold, his heart starting to pound in his chest in anticipation. He placed his hands on the hard, rocky earth, his eyes closed in concentration as he focussed all his attention on the task at hand.

Somewhere, a horn sounded.

Instantly, Saberen opened his eyes and leapt forward, sprinting off along a roughly-made dirt track. After fifty yards or so, the track curved round and down into a small ravine. As he entered the narrow gouge in the mountainside, his magic alerted him to an incoming threat, and he looked up to see a number of heavy rock boulders, roughly the same size as his head, tumbling over both sides of the ravine above him. Without breaking stride, he pushed a number of energy blasts out of his hands, using his magical intuition to help him aim. With a barrage of small explosions that echoed around him, the boulders were obliterated to dust in seconds.

Saberen ran up the slope out of the ravine and continued on, his breathing settling into a steady rhythm as the cold air burned the back of his throat. Another twenty yards or so along from the ravine, he spotted a beautiful metal bow propped against a large rock with a quiver of arrows placed next to it, the silver glinting in the early morning light as though the weapon had just been finely polished. He picked both up and slid them over his shoulder, before continuing to run on along the dirt track.

A short while later, the track turned downwards, bringing him eventually onto a small, flat plateau that jutted out from the volcano’s usual smooth slope. Saberen ran onto it, skidding to a halt in roughly the middle. As he did so, he took the bow off his shoulder and pulled three arrows from the quiver, pushing a tiny amount of magic into each of them in the process. The shafts of the arrows glowed blue as they absorbed the energy, and Saberen then loaded one into the bow, drawing the string back and raising it up to his eye level to aim.

Three targets were painted on separate rocks high above the plateau, each around fifteen yards apart. Saberen aimed for the middle target, again tapping into his magic to perfect his aim, then released the string. The arrow soared into the air, a silent and oddly majestic sight, before landing just left of the centre of the target. Saberen didn’t wait to admire his shot, though. Without any hesitation, he fired the remaining two arrows one after the other, before putting the bow and quiver down on the ground and sprinting off once more.

The track now curved upwards, and soon his breath came harder as it started to climb. His legs quickly began to burn from the effort, but he pushed on relentlessly, rising higher and higher. A few moments later, the track curved once more so that it now flattened out, continuing its progress along the side of the volcano rather than up it. A large boulder next to the beginning of this flatter section had a sword resting against it, a beautiful, shiny, curved scimitar with a bright blue and gold design on the hilt and a faint golden tinge to the metal blade. Saberen picked it up and ran on, the weight of the sword in his hand throwing his balance off ever so slightly at first before he adjusted to it.

After another fifty yards or so, he heard a rumbling above him, and he turned to see several more boulders, considerably larger than those he had encountered in the ravine, tumbling down the mountainside towards him. Instantly, he pushed his magic into the scimitar, far more than he had for the arrows, its blade glowing sky blue. Saberen squinted his eyes against the brilliant glare from the sword, then with a cry made a slashing motion with it through the air, releasing the magic contained within it as he did so.

A bright arc of energy burst out, spraying out in a perfect crescent shape. It flew up the mountainside and smashed into the rock boulders that were rolling towards him, detonating on impact and smashing them to pieces with another ear-pounding cacophony. Saberen turned and pushed on, taking care to dodge the tiny landslide of pebbles and stones as the remains of the boulders trickled onto the dirt pathway.

The track meandered on for another hundred yards or so, snaking its way back round the volcano, until finally it plunged into a large tunnel that burrowed into the mountainside. His breath now coming harder than ever from the fierce running pace he had set himself, Saberen dashed into the darkness without a second’s hesitation. The tunnel dropped down for perhaps twenty yards, far enough to ensure there was virtually no natural light, before opening into a large cavern. Saberen pushed some more magic into his sword, using the glowing blade to illuminate his new surroundings. The cavern was roughly dome shaped, around thirty yards across with a relatively flat floor. He ran into the middle of the cavern, then stopped sharply as his magical intuition called a warning to him from his left. Before he had even looked, he swung his sword in the direction that his magic had perceived a threat to be coming from, just as a ball of energy shot towards him from that exact position.

The sword intercepted the energy ball perfectly, swatting it back the way it had come towards the person who had released it. Fortunately for them, they had already ignited a bright blue Guard, the shimmering blue magic immediately enveloping and protecting them. The energy ball exploded against it, one last detonation that in the confines of the cavern sounded even louder and more powerful than usual.

No further attacks were forthcoming, and the crashing noise of the explosion gradually died away. Saberen lowered his sword, still breathing very heavily.

How was that? he asked.

Not bad, replied Kárit steadily. The Key Protector stepped forward from where he had been hiding in the shadows, walking calmly over to where Saberen stood. Your archery skills are certainly improving considerably now that you have learned to use your magic to assist you, and even when having physically exerted yourself it seems your reflexes and magical intuition remain as sharp as ever.

He paused.

Though perhaps attacking your teacher at the end was a little bit much.

Sorry, said Saberen, giving a slightly embarrassed smile. I didn’t have time to Guard when I sensed your attack coming towards me.

Indeed, said Kárit calmly. You were a little too hasty in your desire to reach the end of this training run, and thus did not have the time to properly assess the potential dangers that lay within the cavern. You were fortunate that it was only I that lay in wait for you. Next time I may arrange for multiple enemies to confront you, at which point a similar approach may result in your failure.

Saberen nodded.

I understand, he said. I’ll be more cautious next time.

Good, said Kárit. Then let us go back outside.

Together, the two of them walked back up the tunnel and out into the growing daylight. Thanks to his exertions, Saberen now found that the chilly winter air no longer felt biting and cold, but quite pleasantly cool. As they did so, several Galendas approached them, walking along the dirt track.

Will you be requiring us later today to assist you with another training run? one of them asked. Kárit had recruited a number of Galendas to help with Saberen’s training, which in today’s case had involved attacking him with the various rocks and boulders along the dirt track. Kárit shook his head.

No, thank you, he said calmly. That will do for the training runs today.

The Galendas bowed, then began to make their way back along the dirt track, which eventually would lead them down to Galenda City. Once they had disappeared from view, Saberen looked at Kárit in surprise.

We’re not doing another training run today? he enquired.

No, replied Kárit. I have something else in mind – a new magical technique that I will attempt to teach you. If I am successful, it may well prove most valuable to you.

Okay, said Saberen, at the same time both intrigued and a little excited. That sounds even better.

The two of them made their way back along the dirt track, winding along the mountainside, only stopping to collect the Aquaron bow Saberen had used earlier on. Now that he wasn’t running along it at full pace, Saberen had time to admire the stunning views that were provided at this altitude. He could fully understand why the ancient Galendas had chosen to build their city halfway up the volcano’s flank, rather than at the foot of the mountain. The Great Plain of Havaen was laid out before him, seeming to stretch endlessly off to the horizon, its every detail tiny and yet still beautiful even from a great distance.

Eventually, they arrived back at the city’s limits. Kárit turned to Saberen.

This is where we part ways for the time being, he said. Get some rest, and meet me at the city’s main entrance in a few hours from now.

The main entrance? repeated Saberen, a little taken aback.

Yes, replied Kárit. I intend for us to travel down the mountain to the Great Plain below before I begin teaching you this new technique. It is quite likely that even with your prodigious magical capabilities you will struggle to master it at first, and given the amount of power you possess, I do not wish for you to accidentally set off a landslide if we attempted this above the city in our usual training area.

Will I need my weapons? Saberen asked, indicating the scimitar in his hand.

Kárit shook his head.

It will require only your magic, he said.

Saberen nodded.

Okay, he said. See you in a few hours.

Then he turned and set off into Galenda City, heading for the outcrop of accommodation buildings where he, Malia and the Aquaron survivors had been put.

It had been a little over three months since Peresus’ attack on the Aquaron Kingdom. The Galendas had already done a fine job of fortifying the city against any enemy attack, although they were greatly assisted by its location on the mountainside. Having travelled up the path to it from the Great Plain below, Saberen could vouch for the fact that whatever numerical advantage Peresus’ army had would be completely neutralised on the slender, exposed track. There was, of course, the threat of the Thunderbird to take into consideration, but the solid rock buildings provided ample cover from any aerial attacks, and they still had Bradak to keep the Thunderbird occupied. Saberen was sure that taking the city without sustaining heavy losses would prove highly challenging for Peresus’ forces.

Kárit, meanwhile, had used the warp portal technique in order to help spread news of Peresus all around Havaen. The Galenda leader Jiorje had volunteered to go to the port of Kallur in order to warn them of the impending threat, and to then travel east to Chiellii and Ilsuntire to do likewise. An old standing alliance still existed between the three, known as the Southern Cities, and whatever army they could raise would almost certainly be needed to help defeat Peresus’ forces. An envoy had also been sent to the Qudo Forest to try and gain what help they could muster, though it would be limited as nowadays the Qudos possessed no military force.

Kárit had also made sure to post spies from the Galenda army in a number of prominent towns and cities, including in Avongard where Peresus was originally from. The castle that had once been his home still stood, and Kárit thought there was a distinct possibility that Peresus would want to retake his former fortress. Having as many eyes on their side as possible throughout Havaen would not only allow them to keep track of Peresus’ movements, but also allowed for an increased chance, however, slim, that they might discover where Niena and Princess Taria were being held captive. The only place they had been unable to place any scouts was, of course, the Aquaron Kingdom, as getting anyone inside the cavern undetected now that it was controlled by Peresus’ forces was almost impossible.

The remaining Aquarons that had made the journey from Kingdom Falls with himself, Malia and Bradak had immediately volunteered to join the Galendas’ army. Aquarons were renowned for their archery skills, a fact that Saberen could verify personally as it had been Hana and Hayzil who had helped teach him the basics prior to it being incorporated into his training with Kárit. It was actually one of Hayzil’s own Aquaron bows that he had used on his training run a little earlier on. Aside from their help joining the Galenda forces, Hana and Hayzil were also helping to give Malia some basic combat skills so that she could better defend herself if she were to get caught up in a battle.

Saberen’s days were spent mostly training, either with Kárit or alone. The Key Protector and he had agreed it was best to keep most of their work together outside and as far from the city as was feasible, which was why the training course Kárit had set up was a considerable distance further up the volcano’s slope. The Qudo Sword remained broken for the time being, with Kárit and several of the Galendas who worked in the weapons forge still remaking the blade. The problem, as Kárit had explained to Saberen, was that forging weaponry that could be used to channel magic took both a great deal of time and skill. The blade’s capacity to store magic had to be built up gradually, the sword being reforged over and over again, with more magic being used each time as the blade’s strength grew. If too much magic was infused too early, the sword would simply shatter and the process would need to begin all over again. For the time being, Saberen had been lent a Royal Scimitar – a weapon that Kárit had told him was bequeathed only to the Royal Guard, the most elite fighters in the Galendas’ army.

Saberen made his way to the building where he and Malia had been housed, but quickly discovered she wasn’t there. After wolfing down some breakfast, he left, and made his way across the city to the military training centre – a large, circular structure with a wide, flat courtyard behind it. Having been here many times himself already, he was able to walk past the guards that stood at its entrance without being stopped, and made his way through to the courtyard area.

As he had suspected, Malia was here, sparring with one of the Galenda trainers. They used wooden swords, rather than metallic ones, so that neither could be accidentally dealt any serious injury in the course of their fights. Saberen hung back in the shadows of one of the doorways, leaning against the frame as he watched. From the moment they had arrived, Malia had thrown herself into her combat training, often spending entire days at the centre with either the Galendas or one of Hana and Hayzil. Saberen couldn’t help but be impressed by her dedication, and it was paying off – her improvement had been quite remarkable. At times like this, he could scarcely recognise her as she moved almost balletically around the courtyard, her wooden blade clashing furiously with her opponent’s.

Eventually, they came to a halt, and after a brief conversation, the Galenda walked away. Malia took a moment to compose herself and get her breath back, unaware that Saberen was watching. Unlike him, she was not wearing her usual Qudo clothes, but instead a light blue and silver outfit that one of the Aquaron girls had lent her, her hair tied back in a single plait. Not for the first time in his life, it occurred to Saberen how pretty she looked despite being flushed and sweaty from her exertions.

Before the thought could go anywhere, though, Malia spotted him in the doorway and made her way over.

What did you think? she asked brightly, still breathing heavily but smiling nonetheless.

I can’t believe how much you’ve improved, Saberen replied. That was actually quite impressive.

Malia laughed.

High praise from the Hero of Havaen, she joked. Maybe you and I should spar sometime and we can see how you cope against me.

Saberen raised his eyebrows, pretending be surprised.

Is that a challenge? he said.

What’s the matter? Malia asked, smiling mischievously. Afraid I’d damage your reputation?

Saberen looked down at the wooden sword still in her hand, and an idea suddenly popped into his head.

Okay, he said. You’re on. How about we do this now, since we’re both here?

Malia looked a little taken aback for a second, then she grinned.

Let’s do it, she said.

She walked over and picked up another wooden sword that had been left to one side, handing it over to Saberen. Together, they walked into the centre of the courtyard.

Just remember, you asked for this, Saberen said.

Malia smiled.

Yes, she replied. And you just remember that if I win, you will never hear the end of it.

To be honest, that’s what really worries me, Saberen said.

They stopped walking as they reached the centre of the courtyard, then turned to face each other, swords raised.

Okay, Malia said. Are you ready?

Saberen nodded, concentrating on the idea he had formulated a moment ago. He would only get one chance to get it right, and it would take a reasonable amount of skill on his part to execute it correctly.

Let’s go! Malia said. She lunged forward, thrusting her wooden sword towards Saberen.

Quick as a flash, Saberen twisted his free hand, firing a tiny spark of magic out and using his intuition to help him aim it. It flew towards Malia almost faster than he could blink, perfectly striking her sword and detonating. The impact was not huge, but it was sufficiently powerful that it knocked the weapon out of Malia’s grip, sending it spinning away. Before Malia could do anything more than gasp in surprise, Saberen had thrust his own sword forward, stopping it just in front of her chest.

I win, he said.

There was a brief pause while Malia looked down at the sword, a stunned expression on her face, then she glanced up at him, half-amused, half-exasperated.

I believe that’s called ‘cheating’, she said.

Saberen laughed.

You never said I couldn’t use magic, he replied. And like you said, I have my reputation to consider.

Malia shook her head.

I thought something was up when you agreed to spar with me so readily, she said. I should have known, shouldn’t I?

Yes, agreed Saberen. You should.

Together, they walked back off the courtyard and into the main building.

So are you going to be training here for the rest of the day? Malia asked, putting the wooden swords back in their rack.

No, replied Saberen. I came to tell you that Kárit and I are going to be travelling down the mountain in a short while. He said there’s a new magical technique he’d like to teach me, and he wants to do it down on the Great Plain where I can’t accidentally do any damage.

Like setting off some kind of giant landslide, you mean? Malia said.

Something like that, Saberen said. I assume we will be back late tonight. From what I remember, it takes a good few hours to travel along the path back down to the bottom of the volcano. I guess that’s why Kárit wants to leave at midday, so that we can get some practice in while it is still daylight.

They left the training centre and started to walk back to their accommodation.

How’s your training with Kárit going, anyway? asked Malia, as they meandered through the streets.

Pretty well, I think, Saberen replied. I had a good run on the course Kárit had set up this morning.

Your magic must be stronger than ever right now, Malia commented.

Saberen hesitated. Malia looked at him in surprise.

Surely it is? she said. I’ve never seen you train this hard before.

Actually…I’m not so sure, Saberen said.

Really? Malia said.

Yes, Saberen said. He paused, trying to find the right words to explain. It’s something I’ve been wondering about for a while, actually. Don’t get me wrong, I can tell it’s still powerful, but…there’s something missing, somehow.

Like what? Malia asked. I’ve watched a few of your training runs – it doesn’t seem to matter what Kárit and the others throw at you, you never seem to get hit.

I’m not quite sure, Saberen said. I can sense incoming attacks and things, but there have been moments, like when I fought Sarnav, for instance, where I was able to do even more than that. Seeing Malia’s slightly confused expression, he added, So for example, at one point in that battle, I somehow moved faster than I could normally. He fired a magic blast at me, but I didn’t just dodge it or deflect it – it was like everything suddenly slowed down, and I could just walk around it. The trouble is, I don’t know how I did it.

Maybe Kárit can explain it, Malia reasoned. It could be that the reason he’s teaching you a new technique is to try and unlock that higher level of magic you have.

Perhaps, said Saberen. I’ll ask him about it later.

They arrived back at the building where they were staying, and Malia ate some breakfast while they speculated further on what Kárit might have in mind. Malia had also recently started to learn the ancient language of Havaen, which it seemed she was picking up reasonably well, though she assured Saberen she was far from fluent yet. Not long after that, she bade him farewell to head back to the training centre. Since Kárit had assured Saberen that he wouldn’t need his weapons, Malia took the Aquaron bow with her, with the intention of further practicing her archery skills with Hana or Hayzil if they were around. Saberen waited a little while longer, trying to ensure his body was as rested and prepared as possible, until he judged that it was time to head to the city’s main entrance, down at its lowest point.

He made his way swiftly through the streets, heading downhill all the time, until eventually he arrived at the magnificent stone pillars that marked the city’s entrance. Kárit was already there, waiting patiently.

Hi Kárit, Saberen said. Sorry if I kept you waiting?

Not at all, replied Kárit calmly. Your timing was perfect – I had only just arrived myself.

Saberen wasn’t sure quite how true that was, but he didn’t question it.

Let us go, Kárit continued. Since we are travelling downhill, I estimate that it will only take us a few hours to reach the bottom, which will allow us plenty of time for what I have planned.

They set off, and quickly made swift progress down the mountain. They were helped by the fact that it was a rare cloudless day, the winds, although cold now that it was mid-winter, not strong enough to cause them any undue concern. Saberen still kept a watchful eye out in case they encountered any Scorpios – the large, red, scorpion-like creatures that also inhabited the volcano’s slopes – but they did not come across any on their journey. In fairness, Kárit had always assured Saberen that his presence would be enough to keep the Scorpios away, and in that regard he was yet to be proven wrong, but Saberen had had enough bad experiences with the carnivorous monsters that he wasn’t taking any chances.

It was mid-afternoon by the time they arrived at the foot of the volcano, a bank of clouds now obscuring the sun as it sank slowly towards the horizon. It might have just been his imagination, but Saberen thought it was noticeably warmer down here than it was up in Galenda City. He and Kárit continued to walk for another fifty yards or so away from the mountain, then Kárit came to a halt.

This will do, he said, looking around.

Saberen stopped walking, a sudden feeling of excitement appearing in the pit of his stomach.

So what do you plan to teach me? he asked.

Kárit turned back to face him.

I want to refine your magic blast technique, he said. "But first, allow me to explain further.

I have given the matter some considerable thought, ever since you showed me what your power had done to the Qudo Sword. As I explained at the time, whilst your strategy of channelling your magic through the weapon in order to focus it was mostly successful, there is not a blade in this world with the capacity to handle a blast of the magnitude that you attempted. The Galendas at the weapons forge and I will of course mend it for you as best we can, but there is every chance that, should you attempt the equivalent attack again, the end result would be exactly the same.

What if I helped with remaking the Qudo Sword? Saberen asked. If I were to use as much of my magic as I could, wouldn’t that make it strong enough?

Kárit shook his head.

Even if I ask you to assist with the final stages of the reforging, it is impossible to make the Qudo Sword an unbreakable weapon, he replied. Whilst it is possible that your assistance would allow the blade to withstand unleashing such an attack, what if your enemy fires an assault at you as you are charging it? If you were to face the Thunderbird once more, and attempt a magic blast as powerful as the one which broke the Qudo Sword in the first place, it is likely that the creature will defend itself. If it were to fire a strong attack at you, and if you had almost fully charged the sword with your own magic, then the combination of having to deal with both attacks at the same time would only result in the blade’s inevitable destruction once more.

Saberen nodded to show he understood.

From watching you at close quarters, it is clear that you have no issue creating magic blasts, continued Kárit. However, you are yet to learn to fully control them. It is that which I intend to try and begin correcting today.

He raised his hand up, igniting a small ball of energy in his palm.

At the moment, when you conjure a magic blast, if you elect to increase its strength, you are pushing more power into it, continued Kárit. The shimmering blue sphere in his hand swelled until it was approximately a foot across, its brightness increasing as it did so. However, because you are not properly controlling them, the size of your magic blasts alters depending on their strength. In other words, the more powerful the magic blast, the larger your energy ball becomes.

The magic blast in his hand grew again, now doubling in size.

There are two major downsides to this. Firstly, if you were to fight an opponent experienced with magic, you are unable to conceal the nature and strength of your attack, thus handing them a strategic advantage. More importantly though, as you have no doubt come to discover for yourself in your various battles, it limits the power you can put into a single blast. The larger the energy ball becomes, the harder it is to control.

Saberen nodded again.

I think the largest one I’ve ever managed to create was almost as big as I was, he said. Back when I fought Sarnav. But you’re right – I couldn’t have made it much bigger or I would have lost control of it.

Indeed, said Kárit calmly. And yet even though this was the largest magic blast you could hold, it still only contained a tiny fraction of the power of the attack you attempted when you broke the Qudo Sword.

So if I learn to control my magic blasts properly, I’ll be able to launch even more powerful attacks without needing to resort to charging magic into my sword? Saberen said.

Correct, replied Kárit. If you manage to truly master the magic blast technique, you will only be limited by your own magical abilities. The problem with relying on using a weapon, as I mentioned earlier, is that you will always be constrained by its durability.

Or if I accidentally drop it, Saberen said.

Indeed, said Kárit with a hint of a smile. But I must warn you, it will not be easy. I do not think it will be beyond you to accomplish the basics today, but to create and control a magic blast of the size you attempted against the Thunderbird at Kingdom Falls will take far longer.

Okay, Saberen replied. I’m ready to begin when you are.

Very well, said Kárit. Let me first demonstrate what I wish for you to attempt. Can you sense the energy of the magic blast in my hand?

Saberen nodded, concentrating on his magical intuition.

Now observe, Kárit said. The magic blast seemed to shiver, then slowly contracted until it was only the size of the Key Protector’s palm again. However, Saberen could sense it was still just as powerful as before. It was simply condensed into a much smaller form.

The greater your control over the magic blast, the more power you will be able to contain within it, Kárit continued. His brow furrowed ever so slightly as he exerted more force now, and Saberen felt the power radiating from the magic blast grow, though its size did not change at all.

Unchecked and uncontrolled, your magic blasts will grow in size as you add power to them, Kárit said. But if you master this technique, you can create attacks as powerful as you desire without compromising your ability to properly wield them.

He relaxed, and the energy ball gradually disappeared from his palm until it was gone completely. Kárit dropped his hand to his side.

Now it is your turn, he said.

Saberen nodded. He raised his hand, pushing out a magic blast of his own, and the familiar bright blue energy ball appeared.

Now I want you to add a little more power to it, continued Kárit, but as you do so, focus your concentration on condensing the magic blast so that it does not grow. It should feel as though the force of your willpower is suppressing the blast from increasing in size.

Saberen nodded. Concentrating hard, he pushed some more magic into the energy ball in his palm, his fingers involuntarily flexing a little as he tried to force it to remain the same diameter. Despite his effort, though, the magic blast grew larger, expanding by an inch or so.

Keep your concentration, instructed Kárit.

His brow furrowed, Saberen focussed with all his might on trying to reduce the magic blast. The surface of the ball shivered ever so slightly, as Kárit’s had, but it did not alter in size. Saberen pushed harder, his fingers flexing again as though he was trying to squash the ball with his grip. The magic blast still remained resolutely the same, though. After several moments, Kárit raised a hand.

That will do for this attempt, he said calmly. Rest yourself, and we shall try again in a short while.

Saberen absorbed the magic blast back into himself, only now realising that he had been mostly holding his breath from his exertions. Panting hard, he wiped a drop of sweat from his forehead.

Do not be concerned, Kárit added. Even for someone as strong as you, it would have been quite remarkable to accomplish this at the first attempt. It will probably take a few more tries yet before you succeed.

Aware that he was perhaps thinking with his pride, Saberen nevertheless resolved himself to challenge and exceed the Key Protector’s expectations, but although he gave it everything, the next few attempts were as unsuccessful as the first had been. There were one or two very fleeting moments when he thought he saw the energy ball shrink ever so slightly, but he was unable to accomplish anything further than that.

After continuing fruitlessly for a while longer, Kárit once more held his hand up to indicate to Saberen to stop. Saberen lay down on his back on the ground, breathing heavily and sweating profusely now.

I think the problem is that you are trying too hard, Kárit said, after a moment’s contemplation. Your concentration and focus must be absolute, but at present you are also tensing your whole body, as though trying to crush the magic blast with your physical strength.

Saberen propped himself up on his elbows, looking up at the Key Protector.

Okay, he said. What do I need to do differently?

Try to relax, and remember to breathe, Kárit instructed. Control the blast with the strength of your willpower, not your muscles.

Saberen nodded to show he understood. He slowly picked himself up from the ground, taking a few deep breaths to compose himself. Then he raised his palm once more, igniting the blue energy ball.

He pushed a little more magic into it, and then tried to focus once more on condensing it. As per Kárit’s instructions, he kept his body as relaxed as he could, making sure to keep his breathing as regular as possible.

But the magic blast stubbornly refused to change.

Saberen held his position, trying his level best not to tense up. It was very difficult to focus his willpower whilst simultaneously not contracting any of his muscles. He stared at the magic blast, as though the force of his gaze alone would be sufficient, but still nothing further happened.

It suddenly occurred to him that it reminded him very much of the first few times he had attempted Guarding. That technique too had initially relied on him staying relaxed, until he had mastered it sufficiently that he could produce it no matter what his muscles were doing. Saberen wondered if this was the same, that he was effectively teaching his body to exert control over his magic independently of whether his muscles were tensed or relaxed. Maybe the problem here was that he was overthinking it too much.

Saberen closed his eyes, dropping his hand to his side with his palm facing up, but kept the magic blast in his hand. Instead of focussing on relaxing, or his breathing, or indeed any of the instructions he had been given, he instead chose to imagine that he was producing a Guard. An odd sense of calm came over him as he pictured the magic flowing into his hand.

His fingers twitched suddenly, and a tingling sensation appeared in his palm.

Kárit gave a cry.

You have done it! he said, a note of delight in his voice.

Saberen opened his eyes and looked down. Sure enough, the magic blast had reduced to its original size. It felt different to before, though, as if the magic somehow connected into him and flowed up his arm, rather than just sitting in the palm of his hand. Saberen still felt that curious sense of calm flowing through him, and closed his eyes once more.

This time, he turned up the palm of the other hand as well, igniting a second magic blast in it as he did so. Then he pushed his magic out of both hands at the same time, fuelling both energy balls simultaneously.

His palms tingled as the power they held ramped up. Saberen could still sense that same connection to them, as though the magic came from the very centre of his being. A voice inside him suddenly wondered how far he could now go with this technique, and so he decided to find out exactly where his limits were. With a forceful exertion that made him gasp, he pushed his magic out again, hard this time.

The power surged into his magic blasts. He could sense their strength skyrocket, far beyond the levels of any blasts he had produced before. His whole body was starting to tense with the effort, but it didn’t seem to matter now, as though his magic was being regulated by a brand new muscle group he had never known how to utilise before. He gave another huge effort, and the power of his magic blasts surged still further.

Saberen! came Kárit’s voice suddenly. For once, it didn’t sound calm and steady – on the contrary, there was a clear note of agitation in the Key Protector’s tones.

Saberen opened his eyes. The first thing he saw were the two magic blasts he had produced, but they no longer looked like the magic blasts he was used to. Instead of the usual serene, shimmering balls of sky blue energy, these were a brilliant white, and they sparked furiously, flashes of electrical energy being constantly spat out angrily like tiny lightning bolts in all directions.

Saberen looked up at the Key Protector. Kárit had an expression on his face that was as close to alarmed as Saberen had ever seen. Saberen looked back down at the magic blasts, then closed his eyes again and concentrated on slowly withdrawing the magic back into his body. A moment or so later, the tingling in his palms faded away, and the strange sensation of magic flowing from within himself disappeared. Saberen opened his eyes and dropped his hands fully to his sides.

Sorry, he said apologetically.

Kárit’s expression had now changed to being half-stern, half-impressed.

Once again, I shall counsel you to exercise more caution in future, he said steadily. This was your very first time correctly using that technique. Had you lost control and the two magic blasts you created been detonated, the consequences could have been catastrophic.

Saberen nodded, feeling contrite.

I didn’t mean to endanger us, he explained. I just wanted to see how far I could take it and still be in control.

Kárit sighed.

I understand you want to test your own limits, he replied. But I think sometimes you are not fully aware of your own strength. You could have easily killed me with either of those blasts.

Saberen’s eyes widened in shock.

Really? he said.

Yes, said Kárit. That was why I chose to intervene – in case you inadvertently took it too far and lost control, not realising the power of what you had created.

Okay, Saberen said. I’ll make sure to be more careful next time.

Very well, Kárit said.

The Key Protector paused, then gave a hint of a smile.

Nonetheless, he continued. I am pleased that you have managed to successfully accomplish properly controlling your magic blasts on this occasion. We will continue training here for a while longer, then leave at dusk, so that we do not arrive back in the city at too late an hour.

Saberen nodded, and raised his hand once more.

I’ll make sure just to practice controlling them, he said. I promise I won’t try making them as powerful as I can any more.

That would be appreciated, Kárit replied.

They spent another hour or so training, until the sun was just about to meet the horizon. It took Saberen a few more attempts to successfully perform the technique again, but by the end, he was able to do so repeatedly without issue. He was quite glad when Kárit called their work for the day to a halt though – perhaps because this form of magical technique was new to him, he had found it to be very demanding work after a period of time. Kárit seemed satisfied with his progress, though.

You should be happy with your efforts today, he said to Saberen as they began the long climb back up to Galenda City. You did very well. Based on your abilities, I had allowed myself to think that you might successfully master the basics of controlling a magic blast by the end of today’s training session, but it is still an uncommon feat to have actually done so. Not many could have picked it up so quickly.

Thanks, Saberen replied, a little taken aback by how effusive the praise was, but grateful for it nonetheless. It helped that it reminded me of when I was learning how to Guard. The way I was taught to produce it was very similar to this – having to relax, but also concentrate really hard at the same time.

It is the most common way to teach someone, Kárit explained. By keeping your body relaxed, you have a better chance of learning how to exert force over only your magic, and then how to harness and control it. Otherwise, you simply exert force into your muscles and you do not learn how it feels to access just your magic alone.

When I properly controlled the magic blast for the first time, I just imagined I was Guarding, Saberen said. I was focussing on that, and it just sort of happened. Once I knew how it felt to do it, it became easier and easier.

The next step for you is to master this technique when you are in action, rather than just when you are standing calmly alone, Kárit said. I would like for you to continue to practice this technique as much as you can from now on. I intend to soon begin incorporating this into your training runs, once I feel that you are ready to do so.

When you’re sure me doing it isn’t a threat to everyone living in Galenda City, you mean? Saberen said.

Something like that, Kárit replied with a slight smile.

They continued on for a while longer as the night drew in, rising higher and higher up the mountain, until Saberen suddenly remembered his conversation earlier with Malia.

Kárit, he said. Can I ask your opinion on something?

Of course, Kárit replied. What is it that you wish to know?

I’ll try and explain as best as I can, Saberen said, thinking hard in order to choose his words wisely. Kárit waited patiently as Saberen marshalled his thoughts, the pair of them walking in silence.

This is the longest period of time where I have trained my magic since I was first taught during my journeys with Aváiriy, said Saberen finally. I kind of assumed that my magic would be stronger than ever by now, but for some reason, it isn’t. There is still a level above what I can currently access, but I don’t know how to get to it. Do you know why? Am I doing something wrong?

Kárit considered the matter for a while.

What were the circumstances in which you previously reached this higher level? he asked eventually.

Saberen frowned as he thought.

When I fought Sarnav, he said. That was the first time. Then it happened again when Malia and I were attacked by Scorpios on our way to find you the last time we were here. Other than that, no matter what I do, I can’t seem to reach it. I did things in those first two situations that I’ve never been able to replicate, no matter how hard I try.

What kind of act did you perform? asked Kárit.

So, for instance, when I was fighting Sarnav, there was a moment when he launched a magic blast at me, and I dodged it, Saberen replied, using the same example he had given Malia earlier. But I didn’t just sense it coming and move out of the way – it was as though time slowed down around me. I could just walk around it, and then everything went back to its normal speed.

Kárit was silent for a while longer, clearly lost in thought.

Your friend Malia was there when you fought Sarnav, was she not? he asked.

Yes, Saberen said. He tortured her in front of me, right before Aváiriy did his magical transference.

They walked on in silence for a few minutes more, then Kárit spoke again.

Please understand, this is only my best guess, he said eventually. But based on what you have told me, I think the reason that you are struggling to find this higher level of magical ability that you seek is because it is not something that you can summon willingly. I believe it is possible that your true, ultimate power is driven by a need, not by a desire – it is only brought out in you when those you care strongly about are in grave danger.

Saberen contemplated the Key Protector’s words for a moment.

Sarnav was about to kill Malia when it happened the first time, he said slowly. I don’t even remember thinking about what I was doing – everything just sort of happened involuntarily. And the second time, a Scorpio was about to attack her while I was pinned down by another one. But it was the same thing, like my body acted of its own accord. I didn’t decide to do it, it just happened.

Kárit nodded.

Then perhaps this is indeed the explanation you are seeking, he said. You are called the Hero after all – it is possible that this name also reflects the nature of your power, as well as the role you are meant to play in saving this world.

You once told me that my greatest strength and greatest flaw was my loyalty to my friends, Saberen said, recalling their first ever meeting. As did Niena, now that I think about it.

Indeed, Kárit replied. Perhaps what Niena and I both sensed actually goes far deeper than either of us initially thought – that it isn’t just tied to your personality, but to your power as well.

They travelled on up the path to Galenda City, darkness now completely enveloping them, and it was late that evening as they finally arrived back at the tall stone pillars that marked the entrance to the city. Flaming torches had been lit all through the streets for illumination, bathing the buildings in orange light. Kárit turned to Saberen.

This is where I leave you, he said. Be sure to keep practicing your magic blast control technique.

He held out his hand. There was a sudden flash of light, and in his palm, his Sacred Key appeared.

What are you doing? Saberen said, startled.

Tomorrow I will be departing with Bradak to visit my scouts around Havaen, Kárit replied calmly. Hopefully they will be able to provide vital information on Peresus’ movements. But I cannot be certain of where he or the Thunderbird currently are. If I were to be captured, that would mean he would potentially possess two of the three Sacred Keys. That cannot be allowed to happen. It will be far safer here with you.

How long do you think you will be gone? asked Saberen as he took Kárit’s Sacred Key and slipped it around his neck next to his own. He was mindful of any possible attack on Galenda City.

I hope no longer than ten days, Kárit replied. Then, as if reading Saberen’s mind, he added, Even if Peresus intends to come to Galenda City next, he will still be several weeks away at this moment. If an assault is indeed imminent, Bradak and I shall back in ample time to assist in the defensive effort.

Saberen nodded.

Good luck, Kárit, he said.

Then he turned, and walked off into the city.

Chapter Two

Saberen got up a little later than usual the next day. Since there was no sign of Bradak or Kárit anywhere, he assumed that they had departed in the early hours of the morning. After locating Malia back in the sword fighting courtyard, he then wasted little time in explaining everything that he had discussed with the Key Protector to her, including Kárit’s hypothesis about Saberen’s magic.

So you can only access your full power when someone you care about is in grave danger? she asked when he had finished.

That was his theory, yes, Saberen said. He also thought it might be linked to why I am called the Hero.

I suppose that does make sense as well, Malia mused. She paused. I’m very flattered to know that you reach your full potential when I’m in danger.

She blushed a little as she said it, and a slightly awkward silence now fell between them as they gazed at each other. Saberen suddenly found he wasn’t quite sure what to say next.

When it’s put that way, he’s probably wrong, Malia added quickly, and they both laughed a little embarrassedly.

The next few days passed largely without incident. Saberen’s time was spent either at the training centre, or outside the city’s limits practicing his magic blast control. By the end of the third day, he had mastered the ability sufficiently to be able to do it virtually every time, but as Saberen could attest from his Guard training, doing it whilst he was alone and in no danger was very different from doing it in the heat of battle.

Nearly a week after Kárit had departed, Saberen was on the archery range having another competition with Malia (he had promised not to use magic to perfect his aim) when he was approached by Manoli, one of the Galenda Weapon-Masters involved in the process of mending the Qudo Sword.

Saberen! he called as he strolled over. May I have a word?

Of course, said Saberen. He took off his arrow quiver and picked up his Aquaron bow in preparation to leave.

Doesn’t this mean I win by forfeit? Malia asked mischievously.

I think you’ll find I was in the lead, Saberen said. I’ll be fair, and call it a draw.

If you say so, Malia replied with a smile.

Saberen followed Manoli out into the hallway. The Galenda was heavy set and had a lined, weather-beaten face.

What can I do for you? Saberen enquired, once they were away from the noise and commotion of the archery range.

I came to tell you that your sword is nearly completed, Manoli replied. But the other Weapon-Masters and I have been discussing the matter, and we feel it would help greatly if you could assist with the final stages of the forging.

Okay, Saberen replied, nodding. I’m no expert or anything, but I’ll do what I can.

Excellent, Manoli said. Not only that, but we have been working on a surprise that we think you will very much appreciate. I shall not divulge the details, but I look forward to your reaction when you see it.

Thanks, said Saberen, feeling a little surprised but grateful nonetheless. I’ll take my bow back to my living quarters, and then I’ll join you at the weapons forge.

Perfect, Manoli replied. I shall see you shortly, then.

He walked off. Saberen turned and strode off down the hallway, exiting the training centre. He quickly made his way back to the apartment in the building where he was staying and put his bow down next to the Royal Scimitar, then headed back outside onto the streets, now wending his way to the outskirts where the weapons forge lay. Unlike many of the other buildings in Galenda City, most of the forge was underground, the structure on the volcano’s surface merely the tip of a much larger iceberg hidden below the mountain’s slopes. Saberen walked swiftly through the city until he finally arrived at his destination, where he was greeted by another Galenda, Aiyoss.

I’m here to see Manoli, Saberen said, as he entered the building’s atrium.

Of course, Aiyoss said. Please, follow me.

She led Saberen through a number of tunnels that burrowed into the mountainside. It was remarkably hot and airless in the weapons forge, and Saberen found himself feeling pleased that he didn’t have to work here himself. Eventually, they turned off from the main tunnel, and entered a large, rectangular chamber, with a raging fire built into the wall at one end. Manoli was there already.

Excellent, he said at the sight of Saberen’s arrival. Your timing is good – I am about ready for your assistance.

He turned to Aiyoss.

That will be all, he said. I shall bring Saberen back up myself.

Aiyoss nodded, then departed, leaving the two of them alone.

So what do you need me to do? asked Saberen, looking around at the rows of swords, halberds and other weapons that lined the walls of the chamber.

It is your magic that I require, said Manoli briskly. Kárit informed me before he departed that there was not much more he could contribute to strengthen the Qudo Sword. However, your power far exceeds his, and so we thought it would be beneficial if you were to be the one involved in this final stage. He indicated a hilt that was sticking out of the fire in the wall, and Saberen recognised the familiar design of the Qudo Sword – the actual blade itself was clearly being heated in preparation for this last step.

In a moment, I will remove the sword from the flames, Manoli continued, nodding towards what looked like a large, heavy pair of metal tongs to one side. What I require you to do, once I have set it in place, is take hold of the tongs and use them to channel your magic into the blade. When I deem that it has absorbed enough, lift the sword and douse it in the water over there (Manoli now pointed to a large, open barrel to one side), and withdraw your magic. This will build resistance into the weapon. In theory, it will combine its resistance to both your magic and Kárit’s – if anything, it should prove to be stronger than before you broke it.

Saberen nodded.

Okay, he said. I should be able to do that. Then he pointed to another shape that he had noticed in the fire alongside the Qudo Sword. What else have you got in there, by the way?

Manoli smiled.

That would be the surprise which I alluded to earlier, he said. Consider it a gift from all of us. It will also require your magic to complete, but I hope you will be more than happy with it.

His interest piqued, Saberen nodded again.

"Then I’m ready when you