The Protectors

Now the arm did relax and was gone, allowing the Mage to turn and look into the warrior’s eyes.

" No one has snuck up on me for a long time, as a matter of fact the last time it was also a master from the Island of Mists. You people do have magnificent abilities." Dukemis admitted remembering a different time and place.

Shen Kuei looked at him and recognized the robes of an Arch Mage. For some reason he could not understand they looked very familiar.

Then it came to him. " You were at the plains of Taldor the day I returned with the Hellsword. When the dragon followed me from the mountain and proclaimed me the winner of the blade." He said.

Dukemis nodded. " Yes I was there and I did watch you, the crowning accomplishment for a great warrior." He said giving praise to the moment.

Shen Kuei only shrugged. " I am not great, Wizard, but some day I will be." He exclaimed as the Mage smiled.

" You are far too hard on yourself Dark One. You see I have followed your life from birth and I know there is not a better warrior alive. That is why you will be his champion." He paused to let the words sink in and watched the look on the warrior’s face as it twisted in puzzlement.

" What are you babbling about Wizard, champion of whom?" He asked.

" Why Prince Julian of course. Soon to be King Julian and you Dark Warrior will be his champion."

The look on the face of Shen Kuei told the Mage he was not impressed.

" What makes you think I want to be?" He asked.

The Mage smiled as he answered. " You really do not have a choice, it has already been written."

Dukemis then walked towards the camp where the others sat at the fire. Suddenly he turned and asked. " You coming?"

An amazed Shen Kuei followed.

The Mage trailed by the Dark Warrior walked into the camp where Samir leaped to his feet, the wicked curved blade in his hand.

" Who?" He began as he saw Shen Kuei walking behind the Mage.

" Samir and Torsvold this is the Mage called Dukemis." The Dark One explained and Samir relaxed the blade of his sword dropping.

" Excuse me Arch Mage I didn’t know who you were at first." The plainsman apologized as the Mage waved a hand.

" No need to worry tall one even though I know you all well none of us have ever been formally introduced before tonight."

This comment caught Torsvold’s attention. " How do you know us so well Wizard?" He asked.

The Mage smiled as he sat down near the fire and produced an ice-covered mug of beer in his right hand. " Well that is a long story, you all had better sit down while I explain." And relaxing he settled back.

" You see I am in charge of the future of the young Prince Julian." The Arch Mage began as he sipped beer from the mug.

" Every king must have a Mage as an advisor and somewhere along the line someone chose me. Like it or not I have to follow my destiny and so do you." He sighed into the mug.

" What are you talking about Wizard?" Shen Kuei asked standing only feet away, wrapped in his black cloak, eyes boring holes into the Arch Mage.

Dukemis snapped his fingers and three more of the mugs appeared as he waved his hand to the men offering them.

" Take a mug and relax. I will tell you as much as I can." He offered as Torsvold and Samir each took the ice-cold glasses. Torsvold took a mighty swig amazed as the mug refilled itself.

" I think I like you already Wizard." He exclaimed.

Dukemis smiled and tipped his head. " Well it may be hard to explain, but the night I became Arch Mage I had the first dream. I saw three young boys, each with a different set of skills and abilities. They came from places far from each other. I was told in my dream that these three, when they became men, would combine to become the bonding force of a new era. With a new King they would make the most powerful monarch in recent times." He stopped a moment to let this sink in.

Samir, looking over the rim of his mug voiced the thoughts of the other two warriors. " The legend, are you saying we are the three men talked about around campfires for over a thousand years?"

There was a gleam in his eye as he asked the question. Torsvold and Samir locked eyes and for a minute could see their dreams of glory coming true for them.