The Forsaken Hero

The twinkling stars of Haven greeted me as I stepped from the portal. My breathing eased, and I closed my eyes, letting the familiar aura of my realm wash over me. A faint breeze caressed my skin, the whisper of rustling grass soothing my ears. For a moment, all the worries of the world faded away, even the feel of Luke’s ring on my finger.

"My Lady, you’ve come," Haven’s voice came.

I opened my eyes, gazing at the familiar spirit. He hovered a few inches above the ground, hand pressed to his breast in a salute.

"How have things been?" I asked.

"To be frank, you should allow another demon incursion. I’ve never seen the remnants this lively before."

"Is that a good thing?"

He shrugged. "More than half of them have gone to the Arena spar in the days since the invasion, and even more once it became common knowledge you could actually call them to fight. Lord Ernyst has been overjoyed to have new sparring partners after so long."

I tapped my horn, thinking back. Ernyst should be the remnant overseeing the Arena. He’d taught me about the Oracle of Eternity and the dangers and opportunities of freezing fate.

I gave a little shake of my head. "We’re at war, now. It’s best if they’re ready for anything."

"Indeed. I almost fancied dueling a few myself, but I hardly think that’s fair," he said.

I tilted my head. "You can fight?"