John Marco - The Devil's armour

‘You are right, Aric Glass, I am not well. But I must go. I’ve wasted enough time, and the sword is waiting.’

The mention of the sword tantalised Aric. Like Lukien, he was convinced it remained the only way to save his father. He nodded, distractedly toying with Lukien’s supplies, counting them for the third time.

‘That’s everything,’ Lukien declared. He had left his bronze armour with Kalla. It was damaged anyway, and far too heavy to take with him back to Grimhold.

‘The Mistress Minikin; do you think she’ll help you?’ Aric asked.

Lukien shrugged. So far, Minikin had neglected to tell him anything about the Serpent Kingdom or the sword. Perhaps like Amaraz, she simply didn’t know.

‘I’m not sure,’ said Lukien. ‘But she’s a good woman. She’ll help me if she can.’

‘It’ll take you at least a month to get to Ganjor,’ said Aric. ‘Then another week to cross the desert.’

‘At least that long,’ Lukien agreed. He smiled at his young friend. ‘But I still can’t take you with me, Aric. You need to go with the others. I’ll see you again when I have the sword. Tell the others that — tell them I will return.’

Aric nodded gravely. ‘I’ll tell them.’ His eyes flicked toward the house. ‘Look.’

Turning toward the broken homestead, Lukien saw Mirage in the doorway, staring at them. Though her magic was intact, her sad face had lost its beauty. He had tried to convince her not to go to Thorin, but he knew that she would. As soon as he rode away, she would go to him. Wondering if he would ever see her again, Lukien raised his hand in farewell.

Mirage smirked sadly, turned, and went back into the house.

The gesture chilled Lukien. For a moment he could not speak. He looked at Aric, who reddened in embarrassment. Then he mounted his horse. Still in pain from his many wounds, the effort wearied him. He recovered quickly though and grinned at Aric, one of his only friends left in the world.

‘Goodbye, Aric Glass,’ he said. ‘Take care of yourself. I will see you again when I can.’

Still kept alive by the amulet around his neck, the Bronze Knight of Liiria rode away, heading south to find the hidden Sword of Angels.