The sun was higher now. The sky held streaks of pale blues and fading pinks. In the distance, Will saw the dark forms of storm clouds retreating. Fleeing from the carnage that they knew was about to unfold on the earth below them.

‘Who are you?’

The voice clawed Will’s attention to the source of the words. He looked down, to the hulking figure that stood only a few paces away. His hard eyes observed Will with disgust, his strong, jagged features speaking only of a power that Will dared not deny.

The armour covered his body, feet to shoulders. Only his head was exposed. The dark steel, like his features, was hard, jagged, menacing. Each piece of the intricate design seemed to roll back on itself, leaving not one break, not one weakness. It was methodical in its structure, and mechanical in its appearance.

‘General Val’kez,’ Will said, his voice shaking. ‘I am Will…’ he faltered. He had no surname. Like Rajhu, he was an orphan, yet he knew nothing of his parents, beyond where they had lived. He had no name to call his own. Besides Rajhu, all he could call his own was his freedom.

He lifted his head a little higher. ‘I am Will Freeman; master of the Taintless Blade.’

Beside him, Will could feel Rajhu wincing. A boast, Rajhu always said, was no more than an axe hanging over your neck, unless you were positive you could back it up.

‘Master?’ The General spat, looking Will over with his iron gaze. ‘You are no more master than I am slave, boy… Now hand over that sword, before I am forced to pry it from your dead corpse.’

Rajhu stepped forward, pointing at the General. ‘A challenge!’ he shouted.

A silence separated them for a moment, before the hulking form of armour turned, his eyes falling on Rajhu.

‘What are you prattling on about?’

Rajhu took another step forward, reaching the very edge of the buildings deck. ‘I issue a challenge to you, General Val’kez! You against us! If we win, you leave here… And if you win…’

‘You die.’ Val’kez growled.

‘Then it is an agreement?’ Rajhu asked, swallowing his fear. He stepped back, glancing to Will.

‘The General grimaced. ‘There is no deal… If you are the first who wish to die by my hands, then by all means, step forward… But know that I will not leave here without that which I came for… I swear this.’

Rajhu took in a sharp breath.

‘If that’s what you want…’ Will growled, ‘then come at me!’ With the sound of glass scraping stone, Will drew free the glimmering form of the Taintless Blade. The diamond sword shone in the morning light. Will drew the sword down to his side, holding it lightly in his hand as he descended the steps of the porch to the soft grassy yard. Rajhu drew another deep breath and followed Will down.

General Val’kez cracked his neck, glancing behind him to the mass of soldiers. ‘Got, Yemet… Take the shivering fool. Leave the Freeman, and the sword, to me.’

From the ranks of soldiers, Rajhu saw two massive men break free. They were clad in simple armour, each with a battle-axe hanging at his hip. They looked dirty, stained with mud from their travels. Their eyes were dark and empty, and as they charged, Rajhu cursed himself for ever leaving the city of sand.

Will leapt forward, colliding with the General. They tumbled back out of sight as the two burly men reached Rajhu. Axes in hand, they swung wildly, screams ripping through them as they hacked. Rajhu threw his arms out, unable to think of what to do. He ducked, a wish springing to his mind. A wish to survive.

How had he been so effective against the Magi, back in Dwel? He had stood against him, with great strength. If he were a Wishcharmer, as he’d been told, then how did it profit him anything, without knowing how to use such power?

He surged upward, magic bursting from his chest. Blue mist coiled, forming into arms, and grabbing the throats of the two attacking men. Rajhu let out a shout as he pushed forward with all his might. The ethereal arms acted as he commanded, bringing his attackers up off their feet, before plunging down, smashing them both into the ground. Air rushed from them as the power of the attack displaced in the ground around them, rupturing the surface of the soft earth.

As his foes lay motionless at his feet, Rajhu straightened, looking across the sea of warriors. Their faces contorted in confusion, fear, and rage. It didn’t take long for several dozen men to break ranks, pulling free jagged weapons as they rushed at Rajhu.

He took in a sharp breath. ‘Oh, Koliba…’