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The temple in Arocia was a long way off, but Athine’s chariot cut the traveling time in half. If she had changed sides she would never be able to catch up in time to stop me before I reached the Ser’urn’el inside. I could feel the power dripping from it in the temple. I was so close to ruling this world.
I walked through the large arch doors. The temple was not very big, but right in the middle the weapon glistened in the moonlight. I took several steps forward to claim my prize and then I heard it.
“Stop, Kinir, this is over. Did you think you were going to get away with this that easily?”
There she was in all of her old haggy glory, Essnem. Right behind her was Athine and Harmonia, each carrying their shiny Ser’urn’el weapons. One of them must have gotten Essnem to the pool and healed her so she could tell them of my plan. The how and why no longer mattered to me. In a few moments I was going to be ruler of this world. I had beauty, I was about to have significant power, and I would rule all I could see. With Is’che’aiq I would conquer Athine, Harmonia, and Essnem. I was sure it would only take one swift motion with such a weapon to stop them.
“You are too late, hag. In a few minutes, I will become ruler of all you know and love. I will become the possessor of Is’che’aiq and its power. You will bow before me or be destroyed. Take your pick.”
“You will never be ruler of this realm Kinir. You will never use anyone as a pawn in your games again. Did you think I would be so gullible as to let you steal my body and my powers?” Athine sneered at me as she raised her weapon.
“It doesn’t matter now, Athine.” I walked closer to the weapon of my dreams. I reached out to grasp my new power. “I no longer need you or anyone. I only need Is’che’aiq. With this weapon I will become whole again.” I grabbed Is’che’aiq from its resting place. I felt the magic pounding through me and I could not wait to see what kind of power I would gain from our union. Suddenly, I felt very outside of myself. Then there was a sharp pain, it was as if I were being stabbed. I looked down to see Athine with her Ser’urn’el thrust into my side. Then I saw Harmonia with her Ser’urn’el slashing at my very essence. My spirit and my body had separated from one another. I tried to fight back, but I had no strength. Is’che’aiq fell from my hand. Everything went black...